Leaving Palamides and Gareth at the pavilions with Queen Isolde, Tristram and Dinadan rode to Lonazep to learn what was afoot, Tristram riding on the Saracen knight's white horse. As they came into the castle the sound of a great bugle-blast met their ears, and many knights crowded forward.
"What means the blast?" asked Tristram.
"Sir," answered a knight, "it comes from the party who hold against King Arthur at this tournament. These are the kings of Ireland, of Surluse, of Listinoise, of Northumberland, of North Wales, and of other countries. They are calling a council to decide how they shall be governed in the lists."
Tristram thereupon followed them to their council, and listened to the debate. He then sought his horse again, and rode by where King Arthur stood surrounded by a press of knights. Among those were Galihodin and Gawaine, who said to the king: "That knight in the green harness, with the white horse, is a man of might, whoever he be. To-day he overthrew us both, with six of our fellows."
"Who can he be?" said the king, and he called Tristram to him, and requested to know his name.
"I beg pardon, my liege lord," answered Tristram, "and pray that you will hold me excused from revealing my name at this time," and he turned his horse and rode away.
"Go after him, Sir Griflet," said the king. "Tell him that I wish to speak with him apart."
Griflet rode to Tristram and told him the king's wish, and the two returned in company.
"Fair sir," said the king, "what is the cause that you withhold your name?"
"I have an excellent reason, but beg that you will not press me for it."