"Yes," she replied, "but it is a misfortune for him to keep it. He shall slay with it the best friend he has in the world. It is going to prove his destruction." Sir Balin would not believe her. "I could not slay my best friend," he said. "Besides, I am willing to meet whatever happens, and I wish to keep the sword." Then the maiden departed in great sorrow, while Balin said to the king: "My lord, give me permission to leave your court." "I do not like to lose you," said the king. "Perhaps you are angry because you were in prison so long. You must know that it takes time to find out who is innocent and who is guilty." "My lord," answered Sir Balin, "I know it is not wise to make a judgment hastily, and I do not blame you for keeping me in prison. I love you, and wish to leave your court that I may do some deed worthy of the Round Table." Then Arthur said that he might go. Soon a servant brought to Balin a fine horse and good armor which were the gifts of the king. Balin at once took leave of Arthur and the knights, and rode away, singing as he rode, for he was very happy. Sometimes he stopped to lift up his shield and admire it. It had a blue emblem upon it, and to Sir Balin's eyes its beauty was that of the sky, the soft blue of heaven. Sir Balin rode until he was tired. At last, from the crest of a hill, he saw a gloomy stone castle, and galloped towards it joyfully, hoping to rest there. At a turn of the road, he saw a cross with gold letters upon it. He stopped to read the words, which were: "Let no knight go to the castle, for great danger is there." "Oh," said Sir Balin, "I am used to danger. I fear nothing," and he went on. Presently an old man started up beside the road. He had a long gray beard, and was dressed in a long gray robe that sparkled with little specks of frost. The old man said to Sir Balin: "Did you not read the letters on the cross?" "Yes," replied Sir Balin, "but I am not afraid." "Oh, Sir Balin, you of all men should fear to go to that castle," the old man said. "Why?" he asked in amazement. "Nevertheless, I shall go." "Sir Balin, Sir Balin!" cried the old man after him, "you are too self-willed. You will be very sorry for what you have done before you die." But Sir Balin rode on without fear, and soon reached the gate of the castle. A hundred beautiful ladies and many knights welcomed him. They took off his armor and put a rich crimson cloak upon his shoulders. Then they led him into a banquet hall where there was music and dancing. They set food before him, and he ate, thankfully. He was very happy, feeling sure that he could rest here for many days. Just as he was thinking this, the lady who was mistress of the castle said: "Sir knight, it is the rule of this castle that every lord who comes here as a guest must fight." "That is a hard custom," said Sir Balin. "Yet you need fight but once," answered the lady. "We have here the knight who entered just before you came."