That the danger was grave, they knew at once. King Mark was cruel and crafty. He would not venture this attempt unless he were certain that he had great numbers behind him.
"My thought seems to be to retire to the nearest castle and there defend ourselves as best we can," said Sir Percival.
"A right kindly thing, this of yours, Sir Tristram, to bring us this news. And if we come out of this, I hope that I shall be able to find you at any place you bespeak," Sir Launcelot remarked.
"The kindness is on the part of this man here." And Sir Tristram told them of Walker. "Need I say that I stay with you and share in your fortune such as it is. It should offer great sport and I would not miss it, if I could."
Sir Launcelot nodded his head nor did he make any further demur.
"And you two?" he now asked of Gouvernail and Walker.
"Oh, I," replied Sir Gouvernail, "I find my place where my master is."
"And I?" added Walker. "I owe something to Sir Percival and so I too will stay."
"Well then, perhaps we may keep them off, though not so easily," said Sir Neil.
"We can but try," added Sir Launcelot.