On the following day, the High King sent forces to land, to attack the King of Sorách in his castle. These forces were under command of Borb Sinnsior na Gah, son of the High King. The greatest delight of the High King was his daughter, a beautiful maiden called Teasa Taov Geal; and the thought came to her that day to see the battle. “I will go,” said she, “with my brother, and see him take the king’s castle.”
On Fin’s side, the two young champions his guides were eager to be in the struggle; but Fin would not hear of that. “You must stay with the ship,” said he, “and take us to Erin, when the time comes.”
As soon as Fin saw the attack was led by the son of the High King, he said, “I will take command in the battle, and lead the men in action to-day. We will show the invaders what the Fenians do in battle.”
Oscar went with Fin, and so did Goll MacMorna. The battle raged grandly; the men of the High King fell in crowds until evening, what was left of them then went to the ships, and sailed back in haste to their master.
When the news reached the High King, he called his druid for advice.
“This is not the time to make war on the King of Sorách,” said the druid; “for Fin MacCool and his men are living in friendship at his castle; they will help him to the end of this struggle. Go home for the present, and come again when Fin has gone back to Erin.”
The king was inclined to do this; but his daughter had seen Fin MacCool in the battle, and fallen in love with him. She sent him a message, saying, “I will go with you. I will leave my father for your sake. I love you.”
The answer that Fin sent, was to come to him; he would take her with gladness to Erin.
The king was grieved at the loss of his daughter. “I might go home now,” said he, “and come back at another time; but how can I go, and leave my daughter behind me?”
There was a champion called Lavran MacSuain, who could steal anything while men were asleep, and make them sleep all the more, but could not do harm to them. Lavran volunteered to bring back the daughter.