Dermot thought back over the three days of wrestling and of the way the man had left him to face the guards of the castle.
“I should say that your messenger had some rather rough and unsatisfactory methods,” said Dermot. “If he was to lead me here, why did he not tell me so?”
The knight smiled. “I understand your surprise. It was necessary for him to do just as he did, for it is only possible to enter the Land Under the Sea in the manner in which you came. But sit down and eat. I shall explain as you satisfy your hunger.”
Dermot needed no second invitation. The knight sat down at the table with him while the others went back to their couches.
“I am known as the Knight of Valor,” his host began. “And I am the rightful ruler of this land. By a trick my brother has seized the kingdom and is reigning in my stead. All he has left me is this small castle and the thirty knights whom you see about you. When I heard that Dermot of the Fenians had landed on the island, I determined to enlist your help. I sent one of my men to the well to wait for you. The result you know.”
“If I was to be brought here to help you, why was I left alone to face that castle guard?” asked Dermot.
“That is a fair question,” answered the knight. “You see, I had heard great tales of your strength, but I did not know if it was greater than that of the men of our land. That castle is the stronghold of my brother, and those were his men. Your combat with them showed me that if you will help us, we can wrest the kingdom from his wicked hands. My people are suffering from my brother’s rule; will you help me to free them?”
“You have been fair with me,” answered Dermot. “I will help you. I will not hold it against you that your guide deserted me before the castle, since that combat leaves us fewer men to meet tomorrow.”
“Your willingness affords me great pleasure,” said the knight. “I am sure that tomorrow night will see me once more upon my rightful throne.”
Dermot finished his meal and then was shown a bed where he spent the night.