The Queen said, "My reward shall be the three golden apples, the Black Steed, and the Hound of Supernatural Powers. These you must seek and bring to me within the space of a year and a day. If you fail you must leave your country forever or lose your life."
Conn-eda answered, "Then my order to you is that you sit upon the topmost spire of yonder tower until I return. If I do not return, you may come down at the end of the year and a day."
Conn-eda was troubled and went to consult with a great Druid. The poor Prince had no idea how he was to find these magical treasures.
The great Druid gave the Prince a little, shaggy pony. He bade Conn-eda obey this little horse.
After further instructions from the great Druid, Conn-eda mounted the shaggy steed and set out upon his journey.
His adventures were many. Through them all, the little shaggy horse helped and guided him. The animal had the power of speech.
After days of hardship and danger, Conn-eda reached the walls of a great city. Two huge towers stood on either side of the gate and sent forth flames of fire. The pony bade Conn-eda alight from his back and take from his ear a small knife.
"With this knife," said the steed, "kill me! Then wrap yourself in my skin, and you shall be able to pass the gates of the city unharmed. All I ask is that you return to my body and pour a drop of this powerful ointment upon my poor flesh."
With these words the pony gave Conn-eda a bottle of magic fluid.
The Prince cried, "Never, never! I would rather die than kill you, my good friend!"