"Aye, and gladly will Sir Tristram wait, I wot, if he deems it honor
to meet with Sir Launcelot du Lake. For no knight there is who doth
not know of your prowess and repute, Sir Tristram least of all."

"Kind words, Gawaine, for which I thank you. Yet, if I mistake not,
yonder, adventure seems to wait. And we but a little more than two
score miles from our gates."

Ahead of them and barring their way were ten knights. Launcelot and
Gawaine stopped not a moment their pace but rode boldly forward.

"And wherefor do you, strange Knights, dispute our passage?" asked Sir
Gawaine.

"Safely may you both pass unless you be gentlemen of King Arthur's
court," quote the leader who stepped forward to answer.

"And what if we be, Sir Knight?" replied Sir Launcelot mildly.

"And if you be then must you battle to the uttermost. For we owe
loyalty to King Ryence who is enemy of King Arthur. Therefore, are we
his enemies too, and enemies also of all of King Arthur's subjects.
And thus, we flaunt our enmity. We here and now call King Arthur an
upstart and if you be of his court you cannot do aught else but fight
with us."

"Keep you your words," said Sir Gawaine, "until we have ceased our
quarrel. Then if you will you may call Arthur any names. Prepare you."

Boldly Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine charged upon the foe. Nor did the