The Project Gutenberg eBook of Amadis of Gaul, Vol. IV. of IV., by Vasco Lobeira.

CHAPTER 34.

Meantime King Aravigo, and Barsinan Lord of Sansuena, and Arcalaus the Enchanter, remained in the mountain; they knew by their spies of the two battles that had been fought, and how the camps were so well fortified, that they could not be forced at night; and the longer the struggle continued, the more were they rejoiced, being assured that the one party would at length be subdued, and thus they should win an easy victory, and fully effect their purpose. But now the spies brought tidings that the armies had broken up their camps, and were separating, they knew not for what cause. Aravigo presently concluded that some accord had taken place, and he determined without delay to attack King Lisuarte rather than Amadis; for if the King were slain or taken, Amadis would care little concerning Great Britain, and he might obtain possession of it. Howbeit, he said, it would be best to attack them by night, when they were utterly unprepared, and he sent his nephew Esclavor, who was a man skilful in war, with ten Knights, to observe their motions; accordingly he rode as privily as he could along the mountain, watching their march in the plain.

Now King Lisuarte had alway been suspicious of this army, though he had no certain knowledge concerning them; but he had heard from some of the country people that there were troops by the sea side, though he had no leisure to attend to the information, being too much employed. But now he was told that there were horsemen on the mountain, who seemed to conceal themselves: presently the King apprehended, that if they came upon him, he could not escape without battle, the which he greatly feared, seeing how hardly his army had been handled in the two former fights; howbeit, having so courageous a heart, he did not delay to apply the fitting remedy, and he called King Cildadan and the other chiefs, and telling them what he had heard, bade them hold their troops in readiness, that if need were, they might be found as Knights ought to be. They all replied that they were ready to lose their lives in his defence. But some there were, and in particular Don Grumedan and Brandoyuas, who secretly counselled him to advise King Perion, for this army was fresh and numerous, and so greatly were they his enemies, that if they conquered, they would show him no mercy. But the King, who ever regarded his honour more than his life, refused to ask aid of the other army, saying, that belike there was no danger, and if there were, they had only to bestir themselves as they had done in greater perils. He then sent Filispinel with twenty Knights to the mountain, to see what they could discover. Then he made his men halt and refresh themselves, for they had now marched four leagues, and he was desirous that they should not stop again before they reached Lubayna, being fearful of an attack by night; and knowing, that if the men rested a second time, they would disarm and sleep, so that a small force would put them to the rout. After they had rested a while and taken food, he gave order to mount again and proceed, the baggage and the wounded going before, though the greater part of the wounded had been sent to Lubayna during the truce.

Filispinel went straight to the mountain, and made such search, that he soon discovered Esclavor and his company; and remaining himself in sight of them, he sent to inform the King how he had seen these few Knights upon the look out, and that he believed the rest were not far distant. Lisuarte therefore quickened his march that he might be near Lubayna, if the danger overtook him; for though the town were not strongly fortified, yet he could better defend himself there than in the plain: so he was soon at a good distance from the mountain. Esclavor now found that he was discovered, and sent to say so to his uncle King Aravigo, and to tell him that he had better descend into the plain without delay, for King Lisuarte, having espied them, would not halt till he had found a place to his advantage. When the messenger brought this advice to King Aravigo, his troops were all at rest, that they might be fresh for the attack at night, so that there was a great delay while they armed; and the ground which they had chosen for security, because it was rugged and broken, contributed to embarrass them when they were thus in haste. Howbeit, they began the pursuit, but before they had got down from the mountain, King Lisuarte was so far on his way, that it was manifest they could not come up with him till he was very near the town. Arcalaus, who knew the country, told King Aravigo not to be grieved on that account, neither to hurry his army so as to heat them, for he knew the town, and that the King with his small force would be in greater danger there than in the field.

Meantime, by the will of God who would not that this evil race should put their crooked purposes into effect, it so befell that the good Hermit sent Child Esplandian and his nephew Sargil to the King to tell him, that he would be with him in Lubayna, as soon as he could, to give order for the meeting of the four Knights. When they came to the camp the army had already departed and they followed till they came to the place where the King had halted, and there they learnt that he had advanced in fear and with greater haste: upon that they quickened their pace; but before they came in sight of the King, they saw the army coming down the mountain, and immediately thought it was King Aravigo; for when they were with Queen Brisena they had heard of his arrival in the country, and knew that the Queen had sent out troops different ways to observe them: but now beholding how mighty a power was with him, and that King Lisuarte's army was few in number and sore wearied, Esplandian was greatly grieved to think of this danger, and said to Sargil, Brother follow me, and do not let us rest till the King be succoured, and with that they turned the reins and galloped all the remainder of the day and the night also, till at dawn they overtook King Perion who had retreated only four leagues, and had pitched his camp beside a brook among fruit trees, and set guard upon the side of the mountain; for he also had learnt of this army by the report of some shepherds. Esplandian went straight to the tent of Amadis, and found the good man who had just risen, and was preparing to set forth on his way. Good son, cried the Hermit, why are you in such haste? I cannot stay to tell you, replied the Child, till I have spoken with Amadis; so he alighted, and went in where Amadis was asleep, though in his armour, as he had been all night for the defence of the camp. Esplandian awoke him, and said, O good Sir, if at any time your heart hath desired great exploits, the hour is now come wherein its worth may be made manifest; for though you have atchieved many and perilous exploits, yet never was there one so signal as this. Know that the troops who we heard were in the mountains with King Aravigo, are advancing as fast as they can against my lord King Lisuarte; and they are so many and his force so little and in so ill a plight, that under God he hath no remedy but in you. Amadis at this arose instantly, and said, Good child, wait for me here, and if I can prevail your labour shall not be in vain: then he went to the tent of King Perion his father, and telling him these tidings, besought his permission to go to the succour of King Lisuarte, which would be greatly to his honour and praise wherever it was known; and he knelt down, and would not rise from his knees till the King had answered him. Son, quoth King Perion, do as you think good; take such troops as you choose and lead the way, and I will follow. If we are to have peace with King Lisuarte this will make it firmer; and if war, it is better that he should be overthrown by us than by others, who, peradventure, might be worse enemies to us than he is.

The trumpets were then sounded, and the whole army being already armed and suspicious of attack, went to horse and arranged themselves in their ranks. King Perion told them what had fallen out, and besought them, laying aside all enmity to King Lisuarte, to march with good will and succour him against that wicked race. They all approved of what he said, and declared they were ready to obey him. Amadis then took with him Don Quadragante, and his brother Don Florestan, and Angriote of Estravaus, and Gavarte of the Perilous Valley, and Gandalin, and Enil, and four thousand Knights, and also Master Helisabad, who in this war had performed miracles in his office, giving life to many who could not have lived but for the help of God and him. With this company he hastened forward, and King Perion with the rest of the host followed.