Now it was revealed to Angus of Bruga that Dermat was in sore plight, and on the wings of the wind he came to his aid, unseen of Finn or his chiefs. So when the avenger climbed into the tree, Angus was there. And when Dermat with a stroke of his foot flung his enemy to the ground, Angus caused him to take the shape of Dermat, and for this reason Finn’s men fell upon him and slew him.
But no sooner was he slain than he again took his own shape, and Finn knew that Dermat was still alive in the quicken-tree. Then nine times did a man of Finn’s army climb the tree, and nine times was he thrown to earth and killed by his own friends. For each time did Angus cause the warrior to take Dermat’s shape.
When Finn saw nine of his men lie dead before him his heart failed him, and his soul was filled with bitterness.
At this time Angus said that he would take Grania away with him. And Dermat was content and said, ‘If it be that I live until evening I will follow thee, but if Finn killeth me, I pray thee send the Princess to her father at Tara.’
So Angus flung his magic mantle around Grania, and on the wings of the wind they were carried to Bruga, unknown to Finn or his men.
Then Dermat spake from the tree: ‘Thou surely shalt not escape my vengeance, O Finn, nor shalt thou easily compass my death. Oft have I cleared the way for thee when thou didst go forth to battle, and oft have I sheltered thy retreat when thou didst quit the field. Yet art thou unmindful of mine help, and I swear that I will be avenged.’
When the hero ceased from speaking, one of Finn’s nobles said, ‘Dermat speaketh truth, now therefore grant him thy forgiveness.’
But Finn answered, ‘I will not to the end of my life grant him forgiveness, nor shall he know rest or peace until he yieldeth to me his head.’
Again the noble spake: ‘Now pledge I thee the word of a true warrior that, unless the skies fall upon me or the earth open and swallow me up, no harm shall come nigh Dermat, for under my care I take his body and his life.’ And looking up, the noble cried, ‘O Dermat, I pledge thee my body and my life that no ill shall befall thee this day, therefore come down out of the tree.’
Then Dermat rose and stood upon a high bough. With an airy, bird-like bound he sprang forward and alighted outside the circle formed by the men who had joined hands, and was soon far beyond the reach of Finn.