With these words they parted, each riding his own way.
But news came to Tristram as he rode on that would have turned many a knight from that adventure. For the first day he found a dead knight and a lady weeping over him, who said that her lord had jousted with a strong champion, who had run him through. On the third day he met the good knights Gawaine and Bleoberis, both wounded, who said they had been so served by a knight with a covered shield.
"He treated me and Palamides the same way," said Tristram, "and I am on his track to repay him."
"By my faith, you had best turn back," said Gawaine.
"By my head, I will not," said Tristram, and he rode on in pursuit.
The next day he met Kay the seneschal and Dinadan in a meadow.
"What tidings have you?" he asked.
"Not good," they answered.
"Tell me what they are. I ride in search of a knight."
"What cognizance does he bear?"