h. And
so Balin made her to bleed by her good will, but her blood helped not
the lady. And so he and she rested there all night, and had there right
good cheer, and on the morn they passed on their ways. And as it telleth
after in the Sangreal, that Sir Percivale's sister helped that lady with
her blood, whereof she was dead.

CHAPTER XIV. How Balin met with that knight named Garlon at a feast, and
there he slew him, to have his blood to heal therewith the son of his
host.

THEN they rode three or four days and never met with adventure, and by
hap they were lodged with a gentle man that was a rich man and well
at ease. And as they sat at their supper Balin overheard one complain
grievously by him in a chair. What is this noise? said Balin. Forsooth,
said his host, I will tell you. I was but late at a jousting, and there
I jousted with a knight that is brother unto King Pellam, and twice
smote I him down, and then he promised to quit me on my best friend; and
so he wounded my son, that cannot be whole till I have of that knight's
blood, and he rideth alway invisible; but I know not his name. Ah! said
Balin, I know that knight, his name is Garlon, he hath slain two knights
of mine in the same manner, therefore I had liefer meet with that knight
than all the gold in this realm, for the despite he hath done me. Well,
said his host, I shall tell you, King Pellam of Listeneise hath made do
cry in all this country a great feast that shall be within these twenty
days, and no knight may come there but if he bring his wife with him,
or his paramour; and that knight, your enemy and mine, ye shall see that
day. Then I behote you, said Balin, part of his blood to heal your son
withal. We will be forward to-morn, said his host. So on the morn they
rode all three toward Pellam, and they had fifteen days' journey or
they came thither; and that same day began the great feast. And so they
alighted and stabled their horses, and went into the castle; but Balin's
host might not be let in because he had no lady. Then Balin was well
received and brought unto a chamber and unarmed him; and there were
brought him robes to his pleasure, and would have had Balin leave his
sword behind him. Nay, said Balin, that do I not, for it is the custom
of my country a knight always to keep his weapon with him, and that
custom will I keep, or else I will depart as I came. Then they gave him
leave to wear his sword, and so he went unto the castle, and wa