The ships sailed on, following the vessel wherein Galvanes and Madasima led the way, with clarions and trumpets. The wind was fair, and in seven days they came before day-light to the Castle of the Boiling-Lake, which was near the Port. Forthwith they armed themselves, and prepared the boats to land, and bridges and planks and mats of reed to land the horses. All this did they as secretly as they could, because Count Latine and Galdar de Rascuil were in the town with three hundred Knights. The watchman saw them, and cried out that they were there, but he knew not how many, for it was yet dark. The Count and Galdar went up to the Castle, and they heard the noise and stir, and it seemed as of a great company, and when it was dawn many ships appeared, and Galdar exclaimed, surely this is Don Galvanes and his friends who are come against us; God
never save me if they land so lightly as they think! He then armed his people, and went out to the haven by the town with one part of the force, and Count Latine went with the others to the Castle port, where Galvanes and Agrayes were and their company. Gavarte of the Perilous Valley went in the front, and Orlandin, and Osinan of Burgundy, and Madansil of the Silver Bridge. And at the other port Galdar found Florestan and Quadragante and Brian of Monjaste and Angriote and their companions. Then began a cruel and perilous battle, with lances and arrows and stones; so that many were wounded and slain, and they of the land defended the ports till the hour of tierce. But in the bark with Don Florestan there was Enil, the good Knight of whom you have heard heretofore, and his cousin Amorantes of Salvatierra, and Coman and Nicoran, were with Don Brian, and with Quadragante, Landin, and Orlan the Brave, and with Angriote his brother Gradovoy and Sarquiles his nephew. Florestan cried out, lower the bridge, that we may ride out among them! Angriote answered, why would you venture so rashly? if the bridge were down, the water is so deep that the horses could not reach land without swimming. Quadragante said the same, but Brian was of
Florestan's opinion, and the bridge was lowered, and they both rode out, and reaching the end of the bridge, they made their horses leap into the water; it was up to the pummel of the saddle; and there the enemies attacked them, laying on heavy and mortal blows. Quadragante and Angriote came out to them, and so did their comrades; but the shore was so steep, and they who defended it so many, that they knew not how to help themselves, and the clamour was so great, and the shout and cries so loud as if the whole world were in an uproar. Dragonis and Palomir were up to their necks in water, catching at the planks of the galleys, and their horses struggling under them; but they prest on till it was only to their middle, and altho' they of the Island were many and well armed and fought bravely, yet could they not prevent Florestan and his comrades from landing, and presently Dragonis and Palomir and the other Knights also. When Galdar saw that the ground was lost, he made his people retreat as well as they could, for he was sore wounded by Florestan and by Don Brian, who had unhorsed him, and so bruised was he that he scarce could sit on the horse whereon his friends had placed him. As he retired toward the town, he saw Count Latine and his troops
come flying with all speed, for Don Galvanes and Agrayes had won the landing, having played their part like men who fought in their own cause.
Now you should know that the Count had imprisoned Dandasido, son of the old Giant, and twenty other men of the town whom he suspected to be against him, and they were in a prison in the highest part of the Castle-tower, and men to guard them. But their keepers when the Knights were engaged went out to see the battle. When Dandasido observed that they were thus left, he said to his comrades, help me, and we will escape. How can that be? said they.—Break the bolt of this chain which fetters us all. They then took a strong rush rope, with which their hands and feet were tied every night, and put it through the bolt, and with the great strength of Dandasido and his companions they plucked the bolt out, and loosed themselves, and caught up their keepers weapons, and went upon the tower and slew them who expected no such danger, and then they shouted out to arms—to arms—for our Lady Madasima! When the townsmen heard them they rose, and seized the strong towers, and slew all
they could lay hand on. Count Latine seeing this, took shelter in a house by the gate, and Galdar of Rascuil with him, not daring to venture farther, and expecting death; and they of the town taking courage, ran through the streets and called to the assailants, and bade them bring their Lady Madasima, that they might give her possession of the place. Quadragante and Angriote rode up to the gate to learn the truth, and having spoken with Dandasido, they took the tidings to Don Galvanes; presently they all took horse, and brought out Madasima on a white palfrey, she having her fair face uncovered, and wearing a chaplet of gold. As she approached the town the gates were thrown open, and a hundred of the most honourable men came out to meet her, and kissed her hand; and she said to them, kiss ye the hand of my Lord and Husband, Don Galvanes, who next to God hath delivered me from death, and hath now recovered for me my natural subjects. If ye love me, take him for your Lord! Then they knelt before Don Galvanes, and kissed his hand right humbly, and he courteously received them and thanked them for their loyalty and love to their good Lady Madasima. Dandasido met them at the town, and much was he honoured for what he had done. This done
Ymosil of Burgundy said, now then let us rid the town of our enemies. Agrayes, whose wrath was kindled, answered, I have sent to scour the streets; the way to rid the town of them, is not to leave one of them alive. Sir, quoth Florestan, give not way to anger, which would make you commit that which you would afterwards rather die than have done. You say well, said Quadragante, let them be put in prison; it is better to have the conquered prisoners than dead, considering the turns of fortune. Then Angriote and Gavarte went to take charge of them, and coming to the gate they found Count Latine and Galdar and their people in sad plight, so that they were glad to yield themselves to the gentle mercy of Don Galvanes. Thus was Madasima put in possession of the Town and Castle to the great joy of her people.
But on the following day came tidings that King Arban, of North Wales, and King Gasquilan had landed with three thousand Knights, and sent back their fleet to bring them supplies. Then were they somewhat cast down, knowing the number of their enemies, and seeing how they themselves had been handled. However they
remembered the advice of Amadis, and although some among them would have issued out to battle, they determined to remain till their wounds were healed, and their horses and arms made fit for service.