The Party Divides


When the morning came there was great indecision as to the further
way, for no new information had come of Sir Tristram. Sir Gawaine now
spoke for going north to Scotland. So too, was Sir Pellimore minded
and Sir Gilbert as well. But Sir Percival spoke for Wales and so did
Sir Neil.

"As for me," said Sir Dagonet, "I pick Wales, since Kinkenadon is the
nearer to Ireland. My fool's head still fancies that we shall have
need to turn there ere we shall find this errant knight."

Neither the King nor Sir Launcelot up to this time had expressed a
choice. But now the King vouchsafed a plan.

"It seems to us good plan for our party to divide. Some of us to go
north, some west. You Launcelot could well go with one party and we
with the other. What say you friends?"

That plan suited them all. So then the King went with Sir Gawaine, Sir
Pellimore, and Sir Gilbert, while Sir Launcelot accompanied Sir
Percival, Sir Neil, Sir Dagonet and Allan. With each party, too, went
three men-at-arms.

Our way shall be with Sir Percival.

At the end of the first half day they found themselves near the
crossroads of Nantwich.