[Illustration: Thence ofttimes in the young summer would they sail
southward]

* * * * *

In his dazzling palace in the Green Isle of Erin, Concobar dwelt with
gloomy thoughts of vengeance. This Nathos who had stolen Deirdre from the
forest beyond the Moor of Loneliness should no longer be suffered to live
in peace. He should surely die, and Deirdre the Star-eyed should yet be
Concobar's Queen.

And the King made a feast so magnificent that such had never been seen in
the Green Isle. And to it were called all the princes and nobles of the
land over which Concobar held sway.

It was in the midst of the feast, as they sat around the board, that a
hush fell upon the great company, while Concobar spoke to them of his
discontent. 'It is not meet that these three heroes of the realm, Nathos,
Ardan and Ailne, should be exiled from our isle for the sake of a woman,
be she fair as May. Should dark days befall, sore would be our need,
therefore let the sons of Usna be brought hither from their northern
mountain home.'

At these words great was the joy of all, for there was not one but knew
that it was for fear of the pitiless anger of Concobar that Nathos had
fled from the Green Isle.

'Go forth,' said Concobar, when he saw the gladness of the people, 'go
hence to Alba and come not again until ye bring with you the three sons of
Usna.'