Perceval departeth from the hermitage, and carrieth away the banner,
according to his uncle's counsel, and the white mule followeth after.
He goeth his way toward the land that was the land of King Fisherman,
and findeth a hermit that was issued forth of his hermitage and was
going at a great pace through the forest. He abideth so soon as he
beholdeth the cross on Perceval's shield.
"Sir," saith he, "I well perceive that you are a Christian, of whom not
a single one have I seen this long time past. For the King of Castle
Mortal is driving us forth of this forest, for he hath renounced God
and His sweet Mother, so that we durst not remain in His defence."
"By my faith," saith Perceval, "But you shall! for God shall lead you
forward, and I after. Are there more hermits in this forest?" saith
Perceval.
"Yea, Sir, there be twelve here that are waiting for me at a cross
yonder before us, and we are minded to go to the kingdom of Logres and
put our bodies to penance for God's sake, and to abandon our cells and
chapels in this forest for dread of this felon King that hath seized
the land, for he willeth that none who believeth in God should here
abide."