“These are our sureties!” she mocked.
“They represent their father,” Naoise affirmed.
“They represent nothing but themselves,” she answered, “and if their father leaves us for a feast, they will leave us for any other prank.”
“It was his geasa,” said Naoise patiently.
“Whatever it was,” said Deirdre.
“We are utterly alone,” she continued. “We have no backing of any kind, and we will arrive in Emain Macha at the absolute mercy of Conachúr.”
She seized her husband’s arm.
“You also are under geasa not to return unless in the company of Fergus. He may be delayed for a week. Let us camp here and wait until he comes up with us.”
“Dear child,” said Naoise, “how can we insult these good youths?”
But Deirdre was in terrible agitation.