The fighting between us has hung in the balance, yet all that time not one was closed. Loyal Isenhart’s men have given battle before eight Gates and have inflicted great losses on us. These noble princes and vassals of the King of Azagouc fight fiercely.’

A gay pennant was flying above the brave troop before each Gate, showing a knight pierced through with a lancethrust in the manner of Isenhart’s death. From this his army had chosen its device.

‘To assuage their grief our answer is this: our pennants show a woman with two fingers of one hand raised in oath, proclaiming she had never suffered so much as since that day when Isenhart was slain – his loss was torment to her heart. And so the Lady Queen Belacane’s image was raised aloft in black upon a ground of white samite, as soon as we recognized their emblem, which could only add to the loyal woman’s grief. Ours are planted high above the Gates. Before the other eight we are still hemmed in by proud Vridebrant’s army, Christian folk from over the sea. Each Gate is in the care of a prince who sallies forth to battle with his banner. We have captured one of Gaschier’s counts, and he is offering us a large ransom. He is a son of Kaylet’s sister, so that any damage Kaylet does must be paid for by this other. We rarely have such luck! Between the moat and their encampment there is a stretch of country some thirty courses broad, sand, not turf. Many jousts take place there.’

Gahmuret’s host had more to tell him. ‘There is a knight who never fails to seek a joust before the walls. If the lady who sent him here were to fail to reward him for such love-service what profit would his thirst for battle bring him then? This man is the proud Hiuteger. I must tell you further that this reckless knight has halted before the Palace Gate, equipped and ready each morning since we were first besieged here. Add to that, we have come back from jousting with the gallant man with his love-tokens thrust through our shields, precious stones valued as of high price when retrieved by the heralds! He has unseated many knights of ours. He likes to show himself, and our ladies too commend him. A man who is praised by the ladies soon acquires a reputation: fame and all his heart’s desire are there at his command.’

The weary sun had now gathered in his bright glances to himself again, and it was time to make an end of their outing. The stranger rode in with his host and found his supper waiting.

I must tell you about the viands. They were brought to the board with due form and the company were served as befitted knights. The puissant Queen came to his table in great state. (Here was heron, there was fish.) Accompanied by her young ladies she had come expressly to see for herself that Gahmuret was well cared for. She knelt – despite his protests – and with her own hand carved him a good helping. She was happy in her guest! She presented his cup and saw to all his needs. He for his part took careful note of all she said and did. His minstrels sat at the lower end of his table, his chaplain on the other side.

He looked at the lady bashfully and said with many blushes: ‘I am not accustomed to such honour as you show me, Ma’am. If I may offer you my opinion, only such hospitality was needed as I deserve. Nor would I have had you ride down here. If I may ask a favour, Ma’am, let me strike a happy mean. You do me too much honour.’

She insisted on going over to where his pages were seated and told them to fall to, thinking thus to honour her guest.