“What shall be the reward of him who slays the giant and saves the city?” asked Finn.
“If such a feat be possible, no reward that he shall ask will be refused,” answered the High King.
“Even to the return of my inheritance?” asked Finn.
“Yes, fair youth,” answered Conn. “Even if your inheritance be my crown, and my son and I must become your vassals, it shall be returned to you.”
“Is that your promise, O King, made before all these men of Erin?” insisted Finn.
“It is,” declared the king, stepping down and putting his hand in that of the boy. “My hand is my pledge that I will do as I promise.”
“Then I shall attempt the trial,” said Finn.
He waved back all offers of spears and shields from the men of Erin and went out by himself into the darkness. He sought out a place in a dark grove and waited quietly. Soon a man appeared, bearing a large cloak and a heavy spear. The spear handle was studded with nails of gold, but the point was incased in a leather covering. The man gave Finn directions for the use of the articles and disappeared.
Soon the lights in the banquet hall went out, as the champions went to their posts in the circle defending the city. No man spoke to his neighbor. That would have been useless since every man had his ears filled with wax in the hopes that he might shut out the sound of the strange, sweet music that put all to sleep.
Finn climbed a hill overlooking the city. His knowledge told him that here it was the giant would come. Soon he heard in the distance the sound of pipes. The music lulled his senses, his eyelids drooped, his head began to nod. Not till then did he take the leather covering from the spear head. It glowed like fire and little tongues of light shot out in all directions. From the spear came the sound of many voices crying out together. Finn pressed the point to his forehead. The pain of the burning was stronger than the spell of the music.