The gruagach took out dice; they played. Art won. “What is your wish?” asked the gruagach.
“Get for me in one moment the finest woman on earth, with twelve attendant maidens and thirteen horses.”
The Red Gruagach ran to his ship, and brought the woman with her maidens; the horses came bridled and saddled. When Art saw the woman, he fell in love, took her by the hand, and went to the castle. They were married that day. The Red Gruagach would not sail away; he stayed near the castle and watched. Art’s young wife knew this, and would not let her husband leave the castle without her.
Two or three months later she fell ill, and sent for the old king. “You must guard Art, and keep him safe,” said she, “till I recover.”
Next morning the king was called aside for some reason, and Art went out of the castle that moment. At the gate he met the gruagach, who asked him to play. They played with the gruagach’s dice, and Art lost.
“Give your sentence,” said he to the gruagach.
“You will hear it too soon for your comfort. You are to bring me the sword of light, and the story of the man who has it.”
Art’s wife saw the king coming back. “Where is Art?” asked she.
“Outside at the gate.”
She sprang through the door, though sick, but too late.