Shea’s intention was to jerk the blade loose with a twist to one side to avoid the downcoming slash. But the point stuck between his enemy’s ribs, and, in the instant it failed to yield, Nera’s blade, weakened and wavering, came down on Shea’s left shoulder. He felt the sting of steel and in the same moment the sword came loose as Nera folded up wordlessly.
«You’re hurt!» cried Belphebe. «Let me loose!»
«Just a flesh wound,» said Shea. «Do I win, King Briun?»
«Loose the woman,» said the fairy King, and tugged at his beard. «Indeed, and you do. A great liar you may be, but you are also a hero and champion, and it is our rule that you take his place. You willbe wanting his head for the pillars of the house you will have.»
«Listen, King;» said Shea. «I don’t want to be a champion, and I’m not a liar. I can prove it. And I’ve got obligations. I really come from a land as far from the land of the Gaels as it is from Tirna n-Og and, if I don’t get back there soon, I’m going to be in trouble.»
«Miach!» called the King. «Is it the truth he is telling?»
The druid stepped forward, said, «Fetch me a bowl of water,» and when it was brought, instructed Shea to dip a finger in it. Then he made a few finger-passes, murmuring to himself, and looked up. «It’s of the opinion I am,» he said, «that this Mac Shea has obligations elsewhere, and if he fails to fulfill them, a most unfavorable geas would come upon him.»
«We may as well be comfortable over a mug of beer in deciding these questions,» said the King. «We command you to follow us.»
Belphebe had been dabbing at Shea’s shoulder. Now she caught his hand and they went in together. The big sword was awkward, and they had taken his scabbard as well, but he clung to it anyway. When they were inside, and King Briun had seated himself again, he said, «This is a hard case, and requires thinking, but before we give judgment, we must know what there is to know. Now, what is this of a new magic?»
«It’s called sympathetic magic,» said Shea. «I can show Miach how to do it, but I don’t know the old tongue, so he’ll have to help me. You see — I’ve been trying to get back to my own place, and I can’t do it because of that.» He went on to explain about the court of Maev and Ailill, and the necessity of rescuing Pete and getting back with him.