Then he turned his horse's head away, and rode far through wild and distant places, into the heart of the land. And at length he arrived at the valley which Conan had described to him, whereat he rejoiced greatly.
He descended to the path beside the river, and journeyed along it till he came to the castle of Sir Dewin, as Conan had described. And the two youths were on the green before the gate wrestling together, and the tall knight of proud mien was standing by. To Owen it seemed that he was fiercer and prouder-looking than Conan had described. Nevertheless, he returned the salute of Sir Owen courteously and led him into the castle.
Sir Owen was entertained as well as Conan had been, though the hall seemed poorer, the food coarser, and the maidens seemed careworn, and not so fair as his friend had described. After the meal Sir Dewin asked Sir Owen who he was and whither he wended, and Sir Owen replied:
'I have heard of the Knight of the Fountain, and I would fight him and overcome him, if I may.'
Whereat Sir Dewin looked at him with keen fierce eyes, and observed narrowly the build of Sir Owen's body.
'Knowest thou aught of the prize if thou slayest the Knight of the Fountain?' asked Sir Dewin.
'Naught know I of that,' answered Sir Owen; 'but I would seek the adventure, and whatever it will bring.'
At this the knight was silent, and seemed to brood for some moments, with dark and frowning brows. Then he laughed and said:
'Take thou the path thou seest through the wood behind the castle. Follow that till thou comest to a glade wherein is a great mound. There ye will see a stone slab. Knock on that three times, and the troll-man that dwells therein will tell thee thy further way.'
Sir Owen marked how evil was the smile with which Sir Dewin said these words; but Sir Owen thanked him, and then he was shown to his pallet and all retired to rest.