` Stay with me for company , ' begged Ian ; but the raven shook his head , and flew away . In the morning Ian awoke , and hastened to the cave where the old hag was sitting , and he struck her dead as she was , before she could cast spells on him . Next he sprinkled the water over the heroes , who came to life again , and together they all journeyed to the other side of the island , and there the raven met them . ` At last you have followed the counsel that was given you , ' said the raven ; ` and now , having learned wisdom , you may go home again to Grianaig . There you will find that the knight 's two eldest daughters are to be wedded this day to your two brothers , and the youngest to the chief of the men at the rock . But her gold cap you shall give to me and , if you want it , you have only to think of me and I will bring it to you . And one more warning I give you . If anyone asks you whence you came , answer that you have come from behind you ; and if anyone asks you whither you are going , say that you are going before you . ' So Ian mounted the horse and set her face to the sea and her back to the shore , and she was off , away and away till she reached the church of Grianaig , and there , in a field of grass , beside a well of water , he leaped down from his saddle . ` Now , ' the horse said to him , ` draw your sword and cut off my head . ' But Ian answered : ` Poor thanks would that be for all the help I have had from you . ' ` It is the only way that I can free myself from the spells that were laid by the giants on me and the raven ; for I was a girl and he was a youth wooing me ! So have no fears , but do as I have said . ' Then Ian drew his sword as she bade him , and cut off her head , and went on his way without looking backwards . As he walked he saw a woman standing at her house door . She asked him whence he had come , and he answered as the raven had told him , that he came from behind . Next she inquired whither he was going , and this time he made reply that he was going on before him , but that he was thirsty and would like a drink . ` You are an impudent fellow , ' said the woman ; ` but you shall have a drink . ' And she gave him some milk , which was all she had till her husband came home . ` Where is your husband ? '
asked Ian , and the woman answered him : ` He is at the knight 's castle trying to fashion gold and silver into a cap for the youngest daughter , like unto the caps that her sisters wear , such as are not to be found XXXXX all this land .
As at by for from in of over till to