Page:The book of wonder voyages (1919).djvu/115

 "Be that as it may," replied he, "it were better for me to know."

She told him then that he was son to Ailill Edgebattle, of the kin of the Owenaght, lord of the territory of Ninus.

So Maelduin went to his father's land, to enter into possession of the domain that was his by right. And with him went his three foster-brothers, whom he loved dearly. A right welcome was made him by his kinsfolk, and they bade him be of good cheer, now he was on his own land and among his own people.

On a day of days Maelduin and certain of his warriors were putting the stone in the graveyard of the church of Dubhcluain. Placing his foot on the scorched ruin wall of the church, Maelduin hurled the stone clear over it. Then Bricone, the poison-tongued, laughed and said, aloud:

"Better it were to avenge the man slain here than to cast stones over his bare burnt bones."

"Of whom speakest thou?" asked Maelduin.

"Of Ailill, thy father."

"Who slew him?"

"Plunderers from over sea, men of Leix, here on this spot."

Great was the sorrow of Maelduin. Putting down the stone he held ready for the cast, he girded on his armor, flung his mantle around him, and eagerly inquired by what way he might reach Leix. "By sea alone," said the guide.