." 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 and
Peredur were equipped, they set forth to follow him, by reason of their
fellowship, and of the great friendship that was between them. And they
did not go after him in company together, but each went his own way.

At the dawn of day, Gwalchmai came to a valley, and in the valley he saw
a fortress, and within the fortress a vast palace, and lofty towers
around it. And he beheld a knight coming out to hunt from the other
side, mounted on a spirited black snorting palfrey, that advanced at a
prancing pace, proudly stepping, and nimbly bounding, and sure of foot;
and this was the man to whom the palace belonged. And Gwalchmai saluted
him, "Heaven prosper thee, chieftain," said he, "and whence comest thou?"
"I come," answered he, "from the Court of Arthur." "And art thou
Arthur's vassal?" "Yes, by my faith," said Gwalchmai. "I will give thee
good counsel," said the knight. "I see that thou art tired and weary, go
unto my palace, if it may please thee, and tarry there to-night."
"Willingly, lord," said he, "and Heaven reward thee." "Take this ring as
a token to the porter, and go forward to yonder tower, and therein thou
wilt find my sister." And Gwalchmai went to the gate, and shewed the
ring, and proceeded to the tower. And on entering, he beheld a large
blazing fire, burning without smoke, and with a bright and lofty flame,
and a beauteous and stately maiden was sitting on a chair by the fire.
And the maiden was glad at his coming, and welcomed him, and advanced to
meet him. And he went and sat beside the maiden, and they took their
repast. And when their repast was over, they discoursed pleasantly
together. And while they were thus, behold there entered a venerable
hoary-headed man. "Ah! base girl," said he, "if thou didst think that it
was right for thee to entertain and to sit by yonder man; thou wouldest
not do so." And he withdrew his head, and went forth, "Ha! chieftain,"
said the maiden, "if thou wilt do as I counsel thee, thou wilt shut the
door, lest the man should have a plot against thee." Upon that Gwalchmai
arose, and when he came near unto the door, the man, with sixty others,
fully armed, were ascending the tower. And Gwalchmai defended the door
with a chessboard, that none might enter until the man should return from
th