After a while she turned from the window, and said,--“Now, brave warriors, it is time that you should refresh yourselves at the banquet, after your long journey hither.”--Thereupon, behold! the table in the middle of the chamber was already supplied with rich viands and flasks of the noblest wine.--“Be not amazed hereat,” said their hostess; “and, above all, be not afraid. Mark you!” said she, making the sign of the cross over both food and wine, “your banquet stands that proof, at which the gifts of an evil spirit or sorceress would have turned into ashes or vanished away.”--“Who would have entertained such doubts,” said the Knight of Trautwangen, “since we know that we are under your roof, kind and pious Lady Minnatrost?”--“Indeed!” said their mysterious hostess, in a mournful tone; “how, then, have you learned that name which has been so long unheard and forgotten?”--“Thank Heaven!” answered Sir Otto, “that I have found you at last; for I well know that you can be no other than the Lady Minnatrost. Of your life formerly, and your castle on the shores of East Friesland, I have already heard from Sir Heerdegen, and Bertha of Lichtenried.”--Thereupon the Druda slowly raised her arm, as if in solemn admonishment. “Young knight,” said she, “thy looks should be graver, and thy tones humbler, when thou speakest of thy cousin Bertha. I am indeed the Lady Minnatrost of whom thou hast been told; and both you, and the brave companion who is now thy companion, are welcome guests in my castle. I know very well that he is the sea-monarch Arinbiorn, and that he has been once here ere now, though then, indeed, his presence was unlooked for and uninvited.”--With these words she cast a look on Sir Arinbiorn; whereat he was forced to turn his eyes to the ground, and could not for a while recover from his confusion; till at length the lady urged both knights to partake of the banquet, and by degrees they became tranquil and cheered in heart, more even than they had ever been in their whole lives before. When their entertainment was over, and they were taking leave, then said the Lady Minnatrost,--“You may come twice every week to visit me, as you have now done; and have no fears for your troops in your absence, for I shall protect them.” CHAPTER XVIII. Of a frightful combat by night with the Finlanders.