Towards the manor of the dying man he took his way, and after some brief space he saw high towers and two squires well armed, who mounted guard before a raised drawbridge.
“Friends,” he exclaimed to them, “God save you both!”
“And you, my lord, from every harm,” they said.
“I have sad message for you,” added Jaufry, “and bad news. Your lord is lying yonder sorely hurt; and his two comrades are both slain. Estout de Verfeil has misused them thus. So hasten to your lord, who wants your help.”
He then commended them to God, and parted in all haste. Jaufry resumed his way, now trotting hard and now at ambling pace, until he reached a valley deep and dark. There he beheld the blaze of a great fire, round which were met a numerous company. Trusting he might get tidings there of Estout and of Taulat,—for truly counted he on fighting both,—he straightway rode to where the fire was, and found there figures that awaked surprise. Lords in rich vestments roasted a wild-boar; meanwhile, by dwarfs, stunted and out of shape, the spit was turned.
“Good sirs,” said Jaufry civilly, “could I but learn from some of you where I may meet a lord I have followed this night through?”
“Friend,” exclaimed one in answer, “it may be we can tell you when we know his name.”
“I seek,” said Jaufry, “Estout de Verfeil, and Taulat called the Lord of Rugimon.”
“Friend,” said the knight with courtesy, “from hence depart, and that with greatest speed; for should Estout but chance to meet you here thus armed, I would not give a denier for your life. He is so valiant and so stout of limb, that never yet hath he encountered foe who could make head against him. All these you see around are knights of proof, and can meet sturdy blows; natheless he hath subdued us all, and we are forced to follow him on foot wherever choice or venture leads him on. We're now engaged preparing him his food; so I advise you to depart at once.”
“Not so, indeed,” said Jaufry; “I came not here to flee. Before I turn my face, my shield shall be destroyed, my hauberk riven, and my arm so bruised it cannot wield a blade.”