'
Then Dermat, who had watched the game from among the branches overhead,
spoke aloud to himself the move that should be played.
And Grania sat by her husband ill at ease. 'It matters not, Dermat,' she
said, 'whether Oisin win or lose the game, but if thou speakest so that
they hear, it may cost thee thy life.'
Yet did Dermat pay no heed to the counsel of Grania, but plucked a berry,
and with it took aim so true that he hit the chessman that Oisin should
move.
And Oisin moved the man and won the game.
Yet again did Finn play against Oisin and his friends, and once more had
Oisin to make but one move to win the game.
Then did Dermat throw down a berry as before and it struck the right man.
And Oisin moved the piece and won the game.
A third time did Oisin, son of Finn, play against his father, and it fell
as before, for once more he won with Dermat's aid. And this time the
nobles raised a mighty cheer.
But Finn said, 'No marvel is it, Oisin, that thou hast won the game, for
of a surety thou hast had the aid of Dermat who dwelleth amid the branches
of the quicken-tree.' And looking up he said, 'Have I not, Dermat, spoken
truth?'
'I have never known thy judgment err, O King,' replied Dermat. 'In truth I
dwell here with Grania in the hut that was built by Sharvan the giant.'
And they looked up, and through an opening in the branches they beheld
Dermat kiss Grania three times, for the Princess was in great fear.
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