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 and I hear that he has set forth with a great number of warriors to conquer my small army."

Just then a messenger came hastily to the king, saying:

"O King, the sea is covered with ships as thickly as the grass is flecked with blown apple blossoms in spring-time, and armed men are ravaging the country-side and plundering the people."

The King of Sorcha sighed, and said despondently:

"How can I hope to withstand this invader? Almost every country in the world is under tribute to him, and I fear that my small kingdom too must fall."

Fionn laughed in a cheerful manner, and said:

"Have no fear, king. When I was a boy I vowed that wherever I found an oppressed people, or one unjustly treated, I would fight for them, and never yet have I broken my word. I will hold your country for you as long as I am here." Then he turned to his little band of Fians: "Are you willing to fight on behalf of this king?"