“I will lead you to Finn,” she said. “It is I who have been caring for him.”
She did as she promised. Dermot was so happy on seeing Finn that he wanted to embrace him. Finn pushed him away.
Dermot’s feelings were hurt. “If any man had gone through what I have to rescue me, I would not seem ungrateful,” he said.
“It is not ingratitude,” said Finn. “My thumb tells me that we have little time to lose. The king’s daughter has gone off to enchant another victim. We must get away while she is gone.”
The two friends hastened to the shore, taking what food they could on the way. Then they raised the sails and pointed the boat toward Erin. Finn placed Dermot in the stern to watch, while he managed the boat. Every few minutes he would say, “Do you see anything?” Dermot would answer, “I see nothing but waves and sky.”
They were nearing the shores of Erin when Finn asked the question again.
“I see a bird that looks like an eagle,” said Dermot.
“Then we are lost,” cried Finn. “She is following.”
“Is there no way to release you?” asked Dermot.
“There is,” answered Finn, “but I am in honor bound not to tell you of it.”