“Because that is the most dangerous task the king could possibly think of. The quest will lead you into the land of enchantment. No one has ever heard the story, and few have ever reached the castle.”
“Nevertheless I must go,” said Dermot. “All I need is some one to show me the way.”
“I can do that easily,” answered the little fellow.
Dermot looked at him in admiration. “I shall never cease to be thankful that I spared your life,” he said. “We shall start immediately, and on the way we shall leave with the Red Giant his hound and golden chain.”
VII.
The Red Giant greeted them warmly. Never before had he met a man who was stronger than he, so that made him respect Dermot; but he respected him still more for his honesty, when he found that the hound was to be returned to him.
“Are you on another quest, or have you rescued your chief?” asked the giant.
“I am on a most difficult errand,” explained Dermot. “I must get the story of the Sorrowful Knight before I may see Finn MacCool.”
The Red Giant slapped his knee a resounding whack.
“You are right,” he said. “It is difficult! It would be impossible but for the fact that you have been fair with me. I once did a service for the Sorrowful Knight. He swore that nothing I should ever ask him would be refused. Tomorrow I shall go with you, and my request shall be in your interest.”