With the first streaks of morning light, the little castle became a scene of busy preparations. Each of the thirty knights buckled on his armor, took up his shield and announced himself willing to follow Dermot’s orders. The Knight of Valor, fully armed, took his place at Dermot’s side, and the little army went forth to battle. When they approached the castle of the false king, Dermot called out:
“Come forth, false king, and fight me for your kingdom!”
This the usurper was afraid to do. He knew better than to risk his life against such a hero. For answer he sent out all his forces and only appeared when his warriors formed a protecting wall between him and his enemies. There he remained in safety. Dermot placed his men in the form of a wedge with himself in the lead and went into battle.
Now, the army of the false king was only loyal to him because he had paid them to place him upon the throne. Then, too, they feared this terrible Fenian, who had faced them the night before. On the other hand, the Knight of Valor and his men, cheered by having such a fighter on their side, fought as they had never fought before. In a short time the wedge went through the opposing forces, leaving the wicked brother unprotected.
This man did not wait any longer. He turned and ran into the palace for safety, closing the gate behind him. His forces would not keep up the struggle after their leader left them. They threw down their weapons in token that they were through.
Dermot determined to get hold of this brother. He did not stop for the gate, but used his sword as a lever and jumped over the wall just as he had gone up the cliff. He caught the pretender before he could get across the courtyard, and brought him out where his men could see him. There Dermot released him and once more asked him if he was ready to fight for the right to retain the kingdom.
The wicked fellow’s knees shook to the rapid beating of his heart. They trembled so he had to get down on them to make them support him at all.
“Spare me! Spare me!” he cried.
“Are you willing to give up the throne to your brother, the rightful king?” asked Dermot.
“I am if my men are satisfied,” answered the man, still on his knees.