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 ledge that Tuirenn was not with Illan, and no one knew what had become of her. So Fionn sent a swift messenger to Illan, bidding him come to the Hill of Allen at once.

"Where is Tuirenn, your wife?" asked Fionn sternly when Illan arrived.

"She has disappeared," answered Illan, "and no man or woman of my house knows where she has gone."

"You have not guarded her as you promised to do," said Fionn. "You must search for her, and when she is found bring her immediately to me; she shall not return to your house again. If she is not discovered within a week you will lose your life."

"Give me more time," Illan pleaded. "Already my trackers have been up and down through Ireland, and have found no trace of her, but I will try other means now."

He went from Fionn and journeyed northward to the house of the Sidhe where Uchtdealb lived, on the borders of Ulster.

"Tuirenn has gone from me, and Fionn has demanded her back," Illan said to the faery woman, "and unless you can help me