The bloom of early summer made bright the earth, and Nathos and his
brothers had not yet left their father's home for the castle in the north.
But the days were hot, and they had pitched three tents on the seashore,
one for Nathos and Deirdre, one for Ailne and Ardan, and one in which to
eat and to drink. It was on a bright noon that Nathos and Deirdre sat
before the tents, playing chess.

The chess-board was of ivory, the chessmen were of wrought gold, and they
had belonged to Concobar, for on the day before the sons of Usna fled from
Alba, the King had been hunting by their castle, and there had he left the
board and men.

As Nathos and Deirdre played, of a sudden was a cry heard from adown the
shore.

'Yonder is the voice of a man of Erin,' said Nathos, as they paused in
their game.

Again a loud cry, and the sons of Usna were called by name.

'Yea, most truly is that the cry of a man of Erin.'

But Deirdre said, 'Nay, thou dreamest, Nathos. Let us play on.'

Then nearer and clearer came a third cry, and there was none but knew that
it was indeed the voice of a man of Erin.

'Go, Ardan,' said Nathos, 'go to the harbour, and there welcome Fergus
from the Green Isle, for he indeed it is and none other.'