And he had dates and sweetmeats brought in a box, and gave them to Cipres de Paterno.
When he had returned, the sultan asked him for news about the Christians. He replied that his friend had told him that they did not intend to leave.
"Until your lordship changes your camp site. And sir, I was given these dates and sweetmeats."
The sultan was very pleased at what he had brought, and had him go often. So he went and told Lord Malvei everything he knew, and Lord Malvei kept Tirant informed. Cipres of Paterno swore never again to serve the sultan.
When the King of Egypt had the letter of battle drawn up, he ordered a messenger to take it to Tirant, the captain of the Greek army. It said the following:
"From Abenamar, by the will of God, King of Egypt, to you, Tirant lo Blanc, captain of the Greek army.
"I challenge you to battle, man to man, on foot or on horseback whichever you desire to your own advantage, before a competent judge. We will do combat until one of us is dead, so that I may present your head to my lady. If you wish to answer this letter, give your reply to Egypt, my messenger, and that will suffice to show your agreement, and to bring our battle to the end that I desire.
"Written in our camp on the eastern shore, the first day of this moon, and signed.
"King of Egypt"
After Tirant held counsel in his tent, he answered the King of
Egypt's letter in the following way: