The gold men were on the squares of silver, and the silver
on the squares of gold. The table was set under the shadowing
branches of a great tree, for it was early summer and the sun
shone in his strength. So Concobar and Fergus, lightly laughing,
affectionate and mirthful, the challenger and the challenged, came
forth through the wide doorway of the dun. Armed youths went with
them. The right arm of Fergus was cast lightly over the shoulder
of Concobar, and his ear was inclined to him as the young king
talked, for their mutual affection was very great and like that of
a great boy and a small boy when such, as often happens, become
attached to one another. So Concobar and Fergus sat down to play,
though right seldom did the Champion win any game from the King.
Concobar beckoned to him one of the young knights. It was Conall
Carna, [Footnote: Conall the Victorious. He came second to
Cuculain amongst the Red Branch Knights. He is the theme of many
heroic stories. Once in a duel he broke the right arm of his
opponent. He bade his seconds tie up his own corresponding arm.
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