But when Ardan went, Nathos saw that Deirdre's lips grew pale and a great
fear looked out from her eyes.

'What terror is it that hath hold of thee?' he asked.

'Hath it not been revealed to me in a dream, O Nathos, that this Fergus
who should come with honey-sweet words hath in his mind the shedding of
our blood?'

Even as she spake Ardan led Fergus to where the two sat on either side of
the chess-board.

Eagerly did the exiled sons of Usna beg for tidings of their friends in
the Green Isle.

'I come to you,' said Fergus, 'with greetings from Concobar the King. Fain
would he see once more in Erin the fairest and bravest heroes of his
realm. Peace he would pledge with you, and great shall be your welcome, if
ye will come back with me.'

But before the brothers could answer, Deirdre spake. 'Here in Alba is
Nathos now lord over lands wider than the realm of Concobar. Wherefore
then should he seek forgiveness of the King?'

'Yet,' replied Fergus, 'Erin is the land of his adoption. Since his
boyhood's days Nathos has been a hero in the Green Isle, and it were well
that he should yet rejoice in the land, and, if need be, defend it still.'

'We have two lands,' said Ardan, 'and both are dear unto us. Yet, if
Nathos will go with thee to Erin, so also will Ailne and I, myself.'