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 the
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." So the knight went forth, and
Gwalchmai accoutred himself, and there was offered unto him abundance
of armour, but he would take none but his own. And when Gwalchmai