Perceval departed from the castle, and gave thanks to Our Lord and
praise, that He hath allowed him to conquer a castle so cruel and to
attorn it to the Law. He went his way a great pace, all armed, until
he came into a country wherein was great grief being made, and the more
part said that he was come that should destroy their Law, for that
already had he won their strongest castle. He is come towards an
ancient castle that was at the head of a forest. He looketh and seeth
at the entrance of the gateway a full great throng of folk. He seeth a
squire come forth thence, and asketh him unto whom belongeth the castle.
"Sir," saith he, "It is Queen Jandree's, that hath made her be brought
before her gate with the folk you see yonder, for she hath heard tell
how the knights of the Raving Castle are dead, and another knight that
hath conquered the castle hath made the damsel be baptized, wherefore
much she marvelleth how this may be. She is in much dread of losing
her land, for her brother Madeglant of Oriande is dead, so that she may
no longer look to none for succour, and she hath been told how the
knight that conquered the Raving Castle is the Best Knight of the
World, and that none may endure against him. For this doubtance and
fear of him she is minded to go to one of her own castles that is
somewhat stronger."
Perceval departeth from the squire and rideth until they that were at
the entrance of the gateway espied him. They saw the Red Cross that he
bare on his shield, and said to the Queen, "Lady, a Christian knight is
coming into this castle."
"Take heed," saith she, "that it be not he that is about to overthrow
our Law!"
Perceval cometh thither and alighteth, and cometh before the Queen all
armed. The Queen asketh what he seeketh.