The fighting paused while the two were conversing, and at last Salisbury gave the order for cessation of battle. But where were those young knights who had followed Arthur? Scattered, wounded, or captured, they were forced to declare themselves defeated, like their Duke.
Turning to Arthur, Salisbury asked, “What are your wishes with regard to your followers?”
“I hope, noble Salisbury, you will arrange matters so that at the close of the war they may be ransomed and return to their homes. Above all, care for the Knight Mordant. He fell at the very outset—”
“What!” interposed Salisbury, with the utmost emotion. “My old companion in arms fallen!”
“And this is his son,” said Arthur, taking Alan by the hand. “Permit him to attend his father or bury his body.”
Without hesitation Salisbury replied: “He shall go free, and keep his steed and weapons, if he will give his promise not to fight against England for a year.”
A stir among those standing near them diverted the attention of the speakers. Six soldiers came in sight bearing the body of Knight Höel Mordant prone upon their lances. With a despairing cry Alan bent over the body, the warriors also showing signs of sorrow at the loss of the hero. At last Alan rose and said with trembling voice: “I no longer desire my liberty. Let me remain with my Duke.”
But Arthur answered: “For my sake, Alan, accept the Earl’s offer. Hasten to my wife and mother and urge my friends to send a ransom to John, that I may be released. Take this ring. You know who gave it to me. He has the power to help me.” Arthur took Abraham’s ring from his finger and placed it upon Alan’s. When Alan would have offered objection, Arthur said for the first time in a tone of command, “I wish it.” As his loyal friend sorrowfully bowed in submission, Arthur stretched out his arms and embraced him. They remained thus until Alan looked upon Arthur with sad eyes and tore himself away.
At Salisbury’s signal his men escorted him and the Duke to the gate of the tower, in front of which guards were stationed with crossed halberds. As they approached, the guards lowered their weapons and admitted them. Out of the brilliant glow of the evening sky Arthur entered the gloom of the vaulted passage. Salisbury quickly followed him, and the Duke of Brittany was a prisoner.
Alan remained immovable upon his steed as long as he could see a trace of Arthur’s retreating figure, but when it disappeared behind the dark walls, he gave spurs to his horse and galloped at full speed through the city and out into the country toward Paris.