Owain dealt the Black Knight so fierce a blow that
the sword cut through helmet and bone to the very brain. Then the
Black Knight knew that he had got his death-wound, and turning his
horse's head, fled as fast as he might, Sir Owain following close
behind. So they came, fast galloping, to the gate of a mighty
castle, and instantly the portcullis was raised and the Black
Knight dashed through the gateway. But Sir Owain, following close
behind, found himself a prisoner, fast caught between two gates;
for as the Black Knight passed through the inner of the two gates,
it was closed before Sir Owain could follow. For the moment none
noticed Sir Owain, for all were busied about the Black Knight, who
drew not rein till he was come to the castle hall; then as he
strove to dismount, he fell from his saddle, dead.

All this Sir Owain saw through the bars of the gate that held him
prisoner; and he judged that his time was come, for he doubted not
but that the people of the castle would hold his life forfeit for
the death of their lord. So as he waited, suddenly there stood at
his side a fair damsel, who, laying finger on lip, motioned to him
to follow her. Much wondering, he obeyed, and climbed after her up
a dark winding staircase, that led from the gateway into a tiny
chamber high in the tower. There she set food and wine before him,
bidding him eat; then when he was refreshed, she asked him his name
and whence he came. "Truly," answered he, "I am Owain of Rheged,
knight of King Arthur's Round Table, who, in fair fight, have
wounded, I doubt not to the death, the Black Knight that guards the
fountain and, as I suppose, the lord of this castle. Wherefore,
maiden, if ye intend me evil, lead me where I may answer for my
deed, boldly, man to man." "Nay," answered the damsel eagerly, "in
a good hour ye are come. Well I know your name, for even here have
we heard of your mighty deeds; and by good fortune it may be that
ye shall release my lady." "Who is your lady?" asked Sir Owain.
"None other than the rightful Chatelaine of this castle and
Countess of broad lands besides; but this year and more has the
Black Knight held her prisoner in her own halls because she would
not listen to his suit." "Then lead me to your lady forthwith,"
cried Sir Owain; "right gladly will I take her quarrel upon me if
there be any that will oppose me." So she led him to the Countess'
bower, and there he made him known to the fair lady and proffered
her