to sort out the matter. First the two chiefs met in hand-to-hand combat, then their supporters joined in the battle. Blood flowed and over 1,000 men were killed. Fergus drew out his magic sword, but it was only the wooden replica placed there by Ailill, the consort of Queen Maedbh, and his sword failed to give him the special powers Fergus expected it to. Oilill's troops emerged triumphant. Fergus was captured by the Gamhanraidh and kept at the cells in Dún Flidhais fort, his remaining troops returned to the royal rath at Cruachan, filthy and exhausted. Back at Cruachan, troops were mustered and Queen Maedbh, angry at the thought of losing her young lover to Flidhais, mustered an army consisting of her tribe and all its supporters and family. Maedbh's army set out on the predatory incursion to Erris which became known as the Táin Bó Flidhais. They approached from the south defeating all the tribes who challenged them along the way and leaving a trail of blood in their wake. Queen Maedbh's daughter, Red Cainner, was killed by a spear when Maedbh herself ducked to avoid being struck, and this gave her great sadness and remorse. Her lamentation: Dig ye the grave of Cainner lying here on the mound, slain Fermenn, son of Dara Dearg, threw the spear, which caused her death. Red Cainner, daughter of Ailill and Maedbh. She is the victim at the mound of the shade. The darling of the warriors of Enian. The spouse of Lughaid Mac Conroc. During seven short days of delight and valour. Raise her pillar above her grave stone. Dig ye her grave After the burial the army continued on their way and eventually reached Carrowmore Lake and the fort at Rathmorgan. Oilill and Flidhais were both there at the fort waiting for the arrival of Queen Maedbh's army. Fergus MacRoigh was being held as a prisoner and had been trussed up and put on display in sight of the exasperated lovelorn Queen Maedbh. Oilill found himself surrounded by the troops of Queen Maedbh and called on all his support of the Gamhanraidh tribes to defy the oncoming army. Treachery Dressed in regal splendour and presenting a magnificent sight, Queen Maedbh offered the leaders of Oilill's army the kingship of the Gamhanraidh and permanent quarters at her royal rath at Cruachan if they fought on her side. To a man, they