So the knight went forth, and Gwalchmai accoutred himself; and there was offered unto him abundance of armor, but he would take none but his own. And when Gwalchmai and Peredur were equipped, they set forth to follow him, by reason of their fellowship and of the great friendship that was between them. And they did not go after him in company together; but each went his own way.
At the dawn of day Gwalchmai came to a valley, and in the valley he saw a fortress, and within the fortress a vast palace, and lofty towers around it. And he beheld a knight coming out to hunt from the other side, mounted on a spirited black snorting palfrey, that advanced at a prancing pace, proudly stepping and nimbly bounding and sure of foot; and this was the man to whom the palace belonged. And Gwalchmai saluted him.
"Heaven prosper thee, chieftain," said he; "and whence comest thou?"
"I come," answered Gwalchmai, "from the court of Arthur."
"And art thou Arthur's vassal?"
"Yes, by my faith," said Gwalchmai.
"I will give thee good counsel," said the knight. "I see that thou art tired and weary: go unto my palace, if it may please thee, and tarry there to-night."
"Willingly, lord," said he, "and Heaven reward thee!"
"Take this ring as a token to the porter, and go forward to yonder tower, and therein thou wilt find my sister."
And Gwalchmai went to the gate, and showed the ring, and proceeded to the tower. And on entering he beheld a large blazing fire, burning without smoke and with a bright and lofty flame, and a beauteous and stately maiden was sitting on a chair by the fire. And the maiden was glad at his coming, and welcomed him, and advanced to meet him. And he went and sat beside the maiden, and they took their repast. And, when their repast was over, they discoursed pleasantly together. And while they were thus, behold, there entered a venerable hoary-headed man. "Ah, base girl!" said he, "if thou did'st think that it was right for thee to entertain and to sit by yonder man, thou would'st not do so." And he withdrew his head, and went forth.