The yeoman rode far into the forest. Then when he came to a lone
habitation he dismounted. A knight seated near the small window at the
further wall greeted him as he entered.

"How did the day turn out? No doubt they trounced you well."

"No, master, no trouncing did I get. Instead, the good King spoke
pleasantly unto me, gave me this bag of gold, and commended me to my
master. Furthermore, see you these prizes that are mine?"

"Aye," the yeoman continued, not a bit grieved at the knight's banter,
"I even heard the King's fool remark that since the man was so good,
the master need must be. And then and there he hazarded a shrewd guess
that if this master were not the King, nor Sir Launcelot, then it must
need be you."

"Then truly am I in good company. Now then tell me what news is there
of tomorrow?"

"The King of Northgalis desires your aid. That I heard him say. Sir
Launcelot is to joust for Cadoris as is Sir Palomides, and these two,
of a truth, make it one-sided."

"Worthy Gouvernail, prove again my faith in you. Procure for me a
shield, one that holds no insignia, so that I may enter the lists
unbeknownst to any. I would not have them know I am Tristram, so that
it may be my good fortune to joust with many knights who know me not."

"That, good master, is not hard. I know a place where I can obtain a
black shield, one that holds no other remembrance upon it. It should