This request did not please the king. He did not wish to grant Finn any favors, but he was afraid Dermot would not go to the Red Giant if he did not agree. He gave a grudging consent.
Poor Dermot! He went to the long house in despair. How was he to bring back something when he did not know where to look for it, and when there was no one in the country to give him directions? Yet, if he did not complete the task, he would lose his head and Finn would have to die. He sat down in the long house and buried his face in his hands.
“What is troubling you, master?” asked the small chief.
Dermot sighed. “Nothing that you can help me with,” he said.
“I’ll wager that you have been sent to bring the hound and the golden chain,” said the chief.
Dermot sat up in surprise. “How did you know that?” he demanded.
“Because the hound is kept by the Red Giant, and the king has rid himself of many a good man by sending him after that hound,” said the little fellow.
“Do you know where I can find him?” asked Dermot.
“I can lead you to the place and show you how to get the hound,” declared the chief.
The two set out immediately and traveled all day through a heavy forest. In the evening they came to the gate of an immense stone castle. There the chief stopped Dermot.