What he found was a beautiful woman, tall and slender. Not muscle-bound, she. Not the heavy wrestler. Nor the huge-biceped brute he had visualized.
They talked.
"Ah, young sojourner. What brings you to our land? Do you seek adventure, riches? You'll not find them here, I assure you. But, while you tary, join with me in a race." She challenged him, as she did all newcomers to the village. Race with her, and if he but win she would acquiesce to his every demand.
Demo blinked. It was going to be so easy. Amazing! He had expected to cajole, beg, lie - even, terrible thought, to carry her off against her will.
The race began unpropitiously.
She darted ahead, turned with a smile - a sarcastic, mocking one.
"My, shall I help you? Perhaps your brogans are too heavy. Or is it those huge feet?"
Quickly he tossed one of the golden apples before her, slightly off to the side. The legends proved true.
She quickly deviated from the path, picked up the apple, continued on her way.
Happily, in those moments he gained. She was now only steps ahead!