Thereupon, whilst Messire Gawain was thus speaking to the Vavasour,
behold you the Knight of the Golden Shield, that draweth rein in the
midst of a launde that was betwixt the castle and the forest. The
Vavasour seeth him from the windows of the hall, and pointeth him out
to Messire Gawain. Messire Gawain goeth and mounteth on his destrier,
his shield at his neck and his spear in his fist, all armed, and
issueth forth of the door when it had been unfastened, and cometh
toward the knight, that awaited him on his horse. He seeth Messire
Gawain coming, but moveth not, and Messire Gawain marvelleth much that
the knight cometh not toward him, for him thinketh well that the
Vavasour had told him true. But he had not, for never had the knight
come thither to do the Vavasour any hurt, but on account of the knights
that passed by that way that went to seek adventure, for right glad was
he to see them albeit he was not minded to make himself known unto any.
Messire Gawain looketh before him and behind him and seeth that the
door was made fast and the bridge drawn up so soon as he was departed
thence, whereof he marvelled much and saith to the knight, "Sir, is
your intent nought but good only?"
"By my head," saith he, "Nought at all, and readily will I tell it you."
Thereupon, behold you a damsel that cometh a great pace, and held a
whip wherewith she hurrieth her mule onward, and she draweth rein there
where the two knights were.
"Ha, God!" saith she, "shall I ever find one to wreak me vengeance of
the traitor Vavasour that dwelleth in this castle?"
"Is he then traitor?" saith Messire Gawain.
"Yea, Sir, the most traitor you saw ever! He lodged my brother the day
before yesterday, and bore him on hand at night that a certain knight
was warring upon him for that the way whereby the knights pass is here
in front of this place, and lied to him so much as that my brother held
him in covenant that he would assault a certain knight that he should
point out to him, for love of him. This knight came passing hereby,
that had no thought to do hurt neither to the Vavasour nor to my
brother. The knight was right strong and hardy, and was born at the
castle of Escavalon. My brother issued forth of the castle filled with
fool-hardiness for the leasing of the Vavasour, and ran upon the knight
without a word. The knight could do no less than avenge himself. They
hurtled together so sore that their horses fell under them and their
spears passed either through other's heart. Thus were both twain killed
on this very piece of ground."