Watching all this from a high tower not far away was King Bademagu of Gorre. The King was always very careful to do what was right and to behave with honour and loyalty. Beside him stood Meleagant, his son, who always did exactly the opposite.
King Bademagu knew that he who had crossed the Sword-bridge must be the best knight in the world, so he said to his son:
'If you were looking out the window just now, you would have seen one of the greatest deeds a man ever did. This knight has certainly come to take back the Queen. Make peace with him now, and hand over the lady to him. It is best to avoid fighting with such a man, since no good will come of it.'
'Avoid it?' screeched Meleagant. 'By Saint Peter, I feel pale and sick because
I cannot be at him this very moment.
I shall not be well until I am fighting him - and you needn't worry about
me.'
'Very well,' said his father, ' but none of my men shall harm him. I intend to welcome him and take care of him until his wounds are healed, and provide him with a horse and lance to fight with.'
'What do I care?' Meleagant cried. 'You can be as kind and saintly as you like. Leave it to me to be cruel!' And he stormed from the room.
