He closed in battle. Before the smith realized that it was a real contest, he had received several small wounds. He began to fight in earnest. But he had met his match at last. They fought until their shields were torn to shreds, and their swords were broken off at the hilts. Then they threw away the weapons and struggled with their bare hands. Over the shore they fought, and finally out into the sea, where they sank from sight.
The men of both sides waited anxiously to see which one would come up. But neither appeared that night. Next morning the two bodies, still locked in a tight embrace, were washed upon the sands. The body of the king’s son was on top, his hands still clasping the throat of his opponent, proving that he had won the fight.
III.
The great battle went on for a year and a day. Sometimes there were single combats, sometimes many men were engaged, but neither side could gain a complete victory. When the year was up the High King resolved to challenge Finn to single combat. He saw that he was losing more men then the Fenians, and that Finn’s plan of campaign would win for him in the end.
If he could kill Finn, all the advantage would be on his side. Also, the death of the Fenian chief would make complete his revenge for the loss of his daughter. Donn was not showing such wonderful bravery in offering to meet the Fenian chief. Finn was an old man, without the great strength of his youth. Donn reasoned that he could fight him day after day until Finn was vanquished through weakness. He did not fear for himself. He was protected by enchantment and could not be killed except with one sword. That weapon was locked up in his castle at home, guarded by his father.
Finn knew that he could not kill the High King without this sword. Yet he accepted the challenge. He had lost so many of his men that he was sick at heart. He welcomed the idea of getting into the fight himself. Even if he were killed, he could still set an example of his unflinching courage. Gaul, Ossian and Oscar were now almost recovered. Even were he killed, he was sure Gaul would carry on the fight.
On the night before the battle between the two leaders, an enchanter from the side of the High King entered the Fenian camp and went straight to Finn.
“I have left the camp of the High King because he has been unjust to me,” said the enchanter. “I am here to help you in your fight against him.”
Finn thanked him and asked him what he could do.
“Perhaps you do not know that you can only kill him with one sword,” said the man.