It is a strange thing that a man such as Fergus Honeymouth could be so blind. Yet had he ever believed in the kinglihood of Concobar, and it was not till he reached the house of the son of Cainte that he knew in truth how the high king meant to play him false, and mayhap to deal treacherously with the sons of Usna. For after Borrach had greeted them all with affection and heartsome pleasure, he told them that word had come from Concobar that they were to press forward without delay, so great was the king’s longing to see them again, and so deep was his love for three of the noblest of the knights of the Red Branch. “But upon thee, Fergus MacRossa, I have a feast made ready, a festival of weeks, and thou knowest it is _geas_ upon thee not to refuse any feast made for thee: and so as thou wouldst avoid putting shame upon me and deep disgrace upon thyself, thou must abide here with me.” At that, Fergus flushed a deep red,[23] and was filled with anger. Yet could he not refuse, for his _geas_ was sacred: and no man of that age dared break that bond. So he turned to those with him, and asked what was now to be done. “Let this be done,” said Darthool: “either forsake the sons of Usna, or keep to thy feast-bond.” “My feast-bond I must keep, Darthool, yet will I not forsake the sons of Usna. My guaranty is known for sure: but over and above that I will send with them, and with thee, my two sons, Illann the Fair and Buine the Fiery, as further warranty.” But at these words Nathos turned away with a scornful smile. “It is not at thee or thy feast-bond I smile, O Fergus,” he said, “but at thy protection, good though thy sons be. For, by the Sun and Wind, I have never yet had need of any man to protect me, and go now, as ever before, confident in my own valour and might: and this I say not boastingly, but openly, so that Concobar and all Uladh may know it.” Thereafter Darthool and the sons of Usna left the house of Borrach, and fared southward, with Illann the Fair and Buine in their company. As for Fergus, he cursed his bond, but nevertheless assured himself, for, as he said over and over, if the whole five provinces of Erin were assembled on one spot, they would not be able to break the solemn pledge of his guaranty. But on the way Darthool urged advice upon Nathos and his brothers. “Let us go,” she said, “to the isle of Cullen, between Erin and Alba, and there await the day when Fergus will fulfil his bond. In that way he shall still keep the obligation of his _geas_, and yet we shall escape the evil that I know well awaiteth us.” “That we cannot do,” answered the sons of Usna, “for we are in honour bound now to the king. Moreover, we have the guaranty of Fergus MacRossa.” “It was an ill day when we came here trusting to that word,” Darthool replied: but said no more then.