them nor harboured enmity against them. Thus then they rode
for two days, and at the end of the second day entered a good
cheaping-town, unfenced save by timber pales. There they abode a whole
day, yet warily, since, though there were not waged men-at-arms in the
stead, there went about many stout carles, who all bore long whittles,
and looked as if their bills and bows had not been far to seek. But no
strife betid.

Chapter XLI. They Joust with the Knight of the Fish

Thence they rode through the fields and the thorps two days, and on
the third day in the morning they saw a fair white castle on a hill,
and on the plain underneath a little plump of men-at-arms under a
banner. So the Knight arrayed his folk and went forward warily,
although that folk seemed to be not above a score; for he knew not
what might be behind them; and they were hard on the baily of the said
castle. But when they were come within half a bow-shot, and Osberne
could see the banner that it bore two silver Fish addorsed on a blue
ground, a herald pricked forth from the castle-folk, and when he drew
nigh to Sir Godrick and his he said: "If I knew which were the captain
of the riders I would give him the greeting of my lord, Sir Raynold
Fisher of the Castle of the Fish." "Here then is the captain," said
Sir Godrick; "what would Sir Raynold with him?"

"This," said the herald, "that whensoever my lord seeth the riding of
any weaponed men over a half score by tale, they must tarry and joust
with him, two of theirs against two of his, and must run with sharp
spears of war till one side is overthrown or sorely hurt. This is the
custom of the Castle of the Fish, and hath been these hundred years.
Wherefore now declare thy name, Sir Knight."

"This is an evil custom," said Sir Godrick, "and sorts but little with
mine errand, for I have overmuch bitter earnest on hand to play at
battle. But since thy lord besetteth the way I must needs defend
myself against him, as I would against any other ruffler or
strong-thief. Go tell him that the Knight of the Weary-Strife will
come presently with a good man of his and deliver him of his jousts."
And Sir Godrick was very wroth.

So when the herald was gone Sir Godrick turned to Osberne and said:
"How sayest thou, Red Lad, is this any of thy business?" "All of my
business, lord," said Osberne, "albeit I am none so wroth as thou
art." Said the Knight, looking on him kindly: "Thou art not bound to
run, Red Lad;