They were all struck with amazement on hearing this, and the king of Erin said—
"What does this mean? For that your father has not been killed, this we all know well!"
"My father has indeed been killed," answered Luga; "and I see now here in this hall those who slew him. And furthermore, I know the manner in which they put him to death, even as they know it themselves."
The sons of Turenn, hearing all this, said nothing; but the king spoke aloud and said—
"If any man should wilfully slay my father, it is not in one hour or in one day I would have him put to death; but I would lop off one of his members each day, till I saw him die in torment under my hands!"
All the nobles said the same, and the sons of Turenn in like manner.
"The persons who slew my father are here present, and are joining with the rest in this judgment," said Luga; "and as the Dedannans are all now here to witness, I claim that the three who have done this evil deed shall pay me a fitting eric-fine for my father. Should they refuse, I shall not indeed transgress the king's law nor violate his protection; but of a certainty they shall not leave this hall of Micorta[XLI.] till the matter is settled."
And the king of Erin said, "If I had killed your father, I should be well content if you were willing to accept an eric-fine from me."
Now the sons of Turenn spoke among themselves; and Ur and Urcar said, "It is of us Luga speaks this speech. He has doubtless found out that we slew his father; and it is better that we now acknowledge the deed, for it will avail us naught to hide it."