“Be welcome to our cheer, stranger. Such as we have we give freely,” said Williswind.
“Thanks, fair lady, for your kindness,” replied the stranger, glancing about the room.
The pilgrim was clad in worn garments, yet did not seem like a beggar. At times cruelty and cunning appeared in his face. Secretly he looked about as if to examine every part of the castle. His strange manner caused Williswind great uneasiness. The thought came to her that he might possibly be a robber knight in disguise.
In the morning, however, the pilgrim departed peaceably, and the young princess felt calm once more. The days passed quietly by and Williswind began to look forward to her brother’s return. One morning the pilgrim suddenly returned, but not this time in pilgrims garments. He was clad in full armor, and came with a large number of followers.
“I come,” he said, “to demand the hand of the Princess Williswind in marriage, and if she denies me I will take her by force.”
“I beseech you,” replied Williswind, “depart and leave me in peace. I have love for none but my brother, and desire only to be left here with my servants to await quietly his return.”
But the evil knight only repeated his demand, saying that he would return in three days for an answer. If at the end of that time Williswind did not consent freely, he would take the Castle by force and carry her away.
What was to be done? Her brother was too far away to come to her aid. She decided, however, to send a message to him, asking him to come at once.
Knowing that it would be unsafe for the princess to remain in the Castle the old Warder persuaded Williswind to set out for a Convent, which was not many miles away.
