“I am so delighted,” Borach continued hastily, “that I have prepared a feast for you, such as is only offered to a king.”
“The king did say,” Fergus rumbled joyfully, “that you had a feast ready for him.”
“That is the feast I am offering to you,” said Borach.
“What?” cried the giant.
“The king has notified me that he cannot come to my banquet, so I am offering it to you instead.”
Fergus stared at him.
“You were present, and you heard Conachúr’s instructions that there should be no delay on this journey. I shall come and feast with you another time, my dear.”
“I insist that you stay and feast with me for one week,” Borach growled.
“You insist!” he murmured in astonishment.
“I invoke your geasa,” said the other stubbornly. “You must remain with me for a week.”