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 Fiona took his shield from the wall, and followed by the little band of brothers and his own men, walked to the door and looked out.

"Most worthy opponents they seem to be," he said, "and much I like their appearance, with their strong, keen-pointed spears. Oscur," he called.

"Here I am, chief of the Fians," he answered.

"Fight more bravely than ever before in the coming battle; you also, Diarmuid, and the son of Lugach. And in the battle pay no heed to Caeilté or Oisin or myself, but watch over the safety of the sons of Midir, for it would be an unending reproach to our honour and loyalty were any harm to befall them, since they have sought our aid. Take your weapons and your shields now, and come with me, for the last gleam of sunset has faded away, and the hour of battle is near."

Then from the setting in of darkness to the dawning of light a very valiant fight was fought; but above all the din and noise of the ringing spears could be heard the fierce song of the demons in Fionn's magic blade, as it thrust