[DEIRDRE goes to the Window, and lays her hand on the bars NAISI follows her.]
NAISI—Deirdre, in your girlhood you have not known of the ways of the Red Branch. This thing you fear is unheard of in Ulla. The king may be wrathful; but the word, once passed, is inviolable. If he whispered treachery to one of the Red Branch he would not be Ardrie tomorrow. Nay, leave the window unbarred, or they will say the sons of Usna have returned timid as birds! Come, we are enough protection for thee. See, here is the chessboard of Concobar, with which he is wont to divine, playing a lonely game with fate. The pieces are set. We will finish the game, and so pass the time until the feast is ready. (He sits down) The golden pieces are yours and the silver mine.
AINLE—(looking at the board) You have given Deirdre the weaker side.
NAISI—Deirdre always plays with more cunning skill.
DEIRDRE—O fearless one, if he who set the game played with fate, the victory is already fixed, and no skill may avail.
NAISI—We will see if Concobar has favourable omens. It is geasa for him always to play with silver pieces. I will follow his game. It is your move. Dear one, will you not smile? Surely, against Concobar you will play well.
DEIRDRE—It is too late. See, everywhere my king is threatened!
ARDAN—Nay, your game is not lost. If you move your king back all will be well.
MESSENGER—(at the door) I bear a message from the Ardrie to the sons of Usna.
NAISI—Speak out thy message, man. Why does thy voice tremble? Who art thou? I do not know thee. Thou art not one of the Red Branch. Concobar is not wont to send messages to kings by such as thou.