And they went forward to the gate of Custennin, the herdsman's dwelling. And, when she heard their footsteps approaching, she ran out with joy to meet them. And Kai snatched a billet out of the pile. And, when she met them, she sought to throw her arms about their necks. And Kai placed the log between her two hands, and she squeezed it so that it became a twisted coil.
"O woman!" said Kai, "if thou hadst squeezed me thus, none could ever again have set their affections on me. Evil love were this."
They entered into the house, and were served; and, soon after, they all went forth to amuse themselves. Then the woman opened a stone chest that was before the chimney-corner, and out of it arose a youth with yellow curling hair. Said Gwrhyr, "It is a pity to hide this youth. I know that it is not his own crime that is thus visited upon him."
"This is but a remnant," said the woman. "Three and twenty of my sons has Yspaddaden Penkawr slain, and I have no more hope of this one than of the others."
Then said Kai, "Let him come and be a companion with me, and he shall not be slain unless I also am slain with him."
And they ate. And the woman asked them, "Upon what errand come you here?"
"We come to seek Olwen for this youth."
Then said the woman, "In the name of Heaven, since no one from the castle hath yet seen you, return again whence you came."
"Heaven is our witness, that we will not return until we have seen the maiden."
Said Kai, "Does she ever come hither, so that she may be seen?"