Kay, who was among the prisoners, "as I am a true
knight."

Then the released knights sought their armor and horses, and as they did
so a forester rode into the court, with four horses laden with fat
venison.

"Here is for us," said Kay. "We have not had such a repast as this
promises for many a long day. That rogue Turquine owes us a dinner at
least."

Then the manor-kitchens were set in a blaze, and the venison was
roasted, baked, and sodden, the half-starved knights enjoying such a
hearty meal as they had long been without. Some of them afterwards
stayed in the manor-house for the night, though in more agreeable
quarters than they had of late occupied. But Lionel, Hector, and Kay
rode in quest of Lancelot, resolved to find him if it were possible,
and to lose no time in the search.

As for the victorious knight, he had many strange adventures, of which
we can tell only those of most interest. First of all, he performed the
task which the damsel required of him, for he met and killed that false
knight against whom she prayed for redress.

"You have done this day a double service to mankind," said the damsel,
gratefully. "As Turquine destroyed knights, so did this villain, whose
name was Peris de Forest Savage, destroy and distress ladies and
gentlewomen, and he is well repaid for his villany."

"Do you want any more service of me?" asked Lancelot.

"Not at this time. But may heaven preserve you wherever you go, for you
deserve the prayers of all who are in distress. But one thing, it seems
to me, you lack: you are a wifeless knight. The world says that you will
love no maiden, but that your heart is turned only to Queen Guenever,
who has ordained by enchantment that you shall love none but her. This I
hold to be a great pity, and many in the land are sorry to see so noble
a knight so enchained."

"I cannot stop people from thinking what they will," said Lancelot, "but
as for marrying, I shall not soon consent to be a stay-at-home knight.
And as for Guenever's enchantment, it is only that of beauty and womanly
graciousness. What time may bring me I know not, but as yet it has not
brought me a fancy for wedded life. I thank you for your good wishes,
fair damsel, and courteously bid you farewell."

With these words Lancelot and she parted, she seeking her home, and the
knight riding in quest of new adventures. For two days his journey
continued, through a country strange to him. On the morning of the third
d