Greatly did the sons of Usna rejoice, for now might they sail south to the
land upon which their father's castle had stood in their boyhood.

But for eight days they lingered by the shores of the sea-loch, and as its
salt breath touched Deirdre's cheeks, she grew yet more fair, and as her
eyes drank in the glory of Western Alba, they shone with a radiance that
dazzled the beholder.

Then when the eighth day was come, they sailed forth and settled close by
the ground on which had stood their boyhood's home. And it was with great
joy that those who dwelt on hill and shore heard of the return of the sons
of Usna, and many gathered around them, doing homage.

Then the hundred and fifty men whom Nathos had brought with him, sent he
back to their own Green Isle.

'And thou, Ailne, and thou, Ardan, will ye not also return? Here may
Deirdre and I, with a few followers, dwell alone in safety.'

But his brothers would not leave Nathos, for were they not under a bond
that they would stand each by each, even unto death?

All through the winter they dwelt in peace and content. By day they would
hunt and fish, and when night fell Deirdre let fall from her lips such
wonder-stirring sounds that their heroic bosoms swelled with dreams of
noble deeds and high endeavour.

But when Spring burst upon the land with her blossom and her
singing-birds, it was told the sons of Usna that the King of Alba had