s fate in
giving thee fame and favour. When thou wast in the Court of the Lame
King, and didst see there the youth bearing the streaming spear, from the
points of which were drops of blood flowing in streams, even to the hand
of the youth, and many other wonders likewise, thou didst not enquire
their meaning nor their cause. Hadst thou done so, the King would have
been restored to health, and his dominions to peace. Whereas, from
henceforth, he will have to endure battles and conflicts, and his knights
will perish, and wives will be widowed, and maidens will be left
portionless, and all this is because of thee." Then said she unto
Arthur, "May it please thee, lord, my dwelling is far hence, in the
stately castle of which thou hast heard, and therein are five hundred and
sixty-six knights of the order of Chivalry, and the lady whom best he
loves with each; and whoever would acquire fame in arms, and encounters,
and conflicts, he will gain it there, if he deserve it. And whoso would
reach the summit of fame and of honour, I know where he may find it.
There is a Castle on a lofty mountain, and there is a maiden therein, and
she is detained a prisoner there, and whoever shall set her free will
attain the summit of the fame of the world." And thereupon she rode
away.

Said Gwalchmai, "By my faith, I will not rest tranquilly until I have
proved if I can release the maiden." And many of Arthur's household
joined themselves with him. Then, likewise said Peredur, "By my faith, I
will not rest tranquilly until I know the story and meaning of the lance
whereof the black maiden spoke." And while they were equipping
themselves, behold a knight came to the gate. And he had the size and
the strength of a warrior, and was equipped with arms and habiliments.
And he went forward, and saluted Arthur and all his household, except
Gwalchmai. And the knight had upon his shoulder a shield, ingrained with
gold, with a fesse of azure blue upon it, and his whole armour was of the
same hue. And he said to Gwalchmai, "Thou didst slay my lord, by thy
treachery and deceit, and that will I prove upon thee." Then Gwalchmai
rose up. "Behold," said he, "here is my gage against thee, to maintain
either in this place, or wherever else thou wilt, that I am not a traitor
or deceiver." "Before the King whom I obey, will I that my encounter
with thee take place," said the knight. "Willingly," said Gwalchmai, "go
forward, and I will follow thee