And all these[13] did Kilhwch, son of Kilydd, adjure to obtain his boon.

Then said Arthur, "O chieftain! I have never heard of the maiden of whom thou speakest, nor of her kindred; but I will gladly send messengers in search of her. Give me time to seek her."

And the youth said, "I will willingly grant from this night to that at the end of the year to do so."

Then Arthur sent messengers to every land within his dominions to seek for the maiden; and at the end of the year Arthur's messengers returned without having gained any knowledge or intelligence concerning Olwen, more than on the first day. Then said Kilhwch, "Every one has received his boon, and I yet lack mine. I will depart, and bear away thy honor with me."

Then said Kai, "Rash chieftain! dost thou reproach Arthur? Go with us, and we will not part until thou dost confess that the maiden exists not in the world, or until we obtain her."

Thereupon Kai rose up. Kai had this peculiarity, that his breath lasted nine nights and nine days under water, and he could exist nine nights and nine days without sleep. A wound from Kai's sword no physician could heal. Very subtle was Kai. When it pleased him, he could render himself as tall as the highest tree in the forest. And he had another peculiarity: so great was the heat of his nature that, when it rained hardest, whatever he carried remained dry for a handbreadth above, and a handbreadth below, his hand; and, when his companions were coldest, it was to them as fuel with which to light their fire.

And Arthur called Bedwyr, who never shrank from any enterprise upon which Kai was bound. None was equal to him in swiftness throughout this island, except Arthur and Drych Ail Kibddar. And, although he was one-handed, three warriors could not shed blood faster than he on the field of battle. Another property he had: his lance would produce a wound equal to those of nine opposing lances.

And Arthur called to Kynddelig the guide, "Go thou upon this expedition with the chieftain."

For as good a guide was he in a land which he had never seen as he was in his own.

He called Gwrhyr Gwalstawt Ieithoedd, because he knew all tongues.