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 <69>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