Would that I could put an end to him and his murdering and his slaying . ' ` That were a great pity , ' answered Iarlaid . ` And it is not I that will do it . ' ` If you will not do it I will , ' said she . And she called the twelve foster brothers and made them vow fealty to herself . So Manus was left with no man , and sorrowful was he when he returned alone to Old Bergen . It was late when his foot touched the shore , and took the path towards the forest . On his way there met him a man in a red tunic . ` Is it you , Manus , come back again ? ' asked he . ` It is I , ' answered Manus ; ` alone have I returned from the land of Lochlann . ' The man eyed him silently for a moment , and then he said : ' I dreamed that you were girt with a sword and became king of Lochlann . ' But Manus answered : ' I have no sword and my bow is broken . ' ' I will give you a new sword if you will make me a promise , ' said the man once more . ` To be sure I will make it , if ever I am king , ' answered Manus . ` But speak , and tell me what promise I am to make . ' ' I was your grandfather 's armourer , ' replied the man , ` and I wish to be your armourer also . ' ` That I will promise readily , ' said Manus ; and followed the man into his house , which was at a little distance . But the house was not like other houses , for the walls of every room were hung so thick with arms that you could not see the boards . ` Choose what you will , ' said the man ; and Manus unhooked a sword and tried it across his knee , and it broke , and so did the next , and the next .
` Leave off breaking the swords , ' cried the man , ` and look at this old sword and helmet and tunic that I wore in the wars XXXXX your grandfather .
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