And they answered, ‘We will first do battle with thee.’
So they made ready, and it was agreed that they should use nought save their hands in the combat. And if Dermat were overcome then should his head be taken by the chiefs to Finn; if they were overpowered then should their heads be forfeit to Dermat.
But the fight was short, for the chiefs were as children in the hands of the hero, and he bound them sore in bitter bonds.
Now when Grania heard of the quicken-berries she longed with a great longing to taste them. At first she said nought for she knew how they were guarded by the surly giant Sharvan; but when she could hide her desire no longer, she said to Dermat, ‘So great is my longing for the berries of the quicken-tree that if I may not eat of them I shall surely die.’
And Dermat, who would see no ill befall his dear wife, said he would bring her the berries.
When the two chiefs heard this, they prayed Dermat to loose their bonds that they also might fight the giant.
But Dermat answered, ‘At the mere sight of Sharvan ye would flee, and even were it not so I wish the aid of none.’
Then the chiefs begged that they might see the fight, and Dermat gave them leave.
When the champion came to the foot of the quicken-tree he found Sharvan there, asleep. And he struck the giant a mighty blow to awake him.
Then Sharvan raised his head, and, glaring at Dermat with his one red eye, said, ‘There hath been peace betwixt us heretofore, wherefore should we now depart from it?’