Thereupon Merlin suddenly vanished away, leaving them in deep marvel at his coming and going. Soon after Balin and his brother took leave of King Mark.
"First," said the king, "tell me your name."
"You see he bears two swords," said Balan. "You may call him the knight with the two swords."
And so King Mark rode towards Camelot, and the brothers towards Terrabil. As they rode, Merlin again met them, but now in disguise.
"Whither do you ride?" he asked.
"Why should we tell you that?" said the knights.
"You need not, for I know already. And I can tell you this. You will gain no advantage over King Ryons without my counsel."
"Ah! you are Merlin," said Balin. "Then we shall be glad of your counsel."
"Come then with me. But look that you brace yourself to knightly deeds, for you will have great need to do so."
"As for that," said Balin, "we will do what we can. No knight can do more."