288 The History of the Destruction
who only yesterday was laid up by illness, and now he is here in this place ? " Goflet answered, — " I think he did it in order to hide himself so that nobody should recognize him, for such is his way." The King answered, — " So it is indeed ; cursed be the tale-bearers who slander faithful knights."
22. Lang did not know that he had been discovered by the King, but went and accepted hospitality in the house of the baron, who received him with great honour, because it was the custom of the baron of the place to honour every knight, and not because he knew him. The King ordered Goflet not to tell anyone that Lang was coming to the tournament, as he wished to keep it secret, and he might be vexed.
The book now leaves the King and speaks only of Lane, the lord of Askalot, his sons, and his daughter.
23. The lord of Askalot had two sons, shortly before knighted by the King. The name of one was Adelfot, and the name of the second Karavoc. Their armour was wholly of one colour, red, for such is the custom of a new knight, — not to wear any other armour during the first year of his knighthood. Such a knight was called the new knight. Lang saw their armour and shields, and beheld they were red. He then said to the Vavassor, — " My lord, lend me one of these suits of armour and one of these shields, to wear them at the gathering, and also a carapace for my horse." The Vavassor answered, — " Hast thou no shield . " Lane answered, — " I have not such a shield as I should like to wear at the gathering, for I do not wish to be recognized. If thou, however, wilt agree, I will take one of these suits of armour and shields, and leave instead my armour and shield here till I return." The lord of the palace answered, — " Take then the armour of Karavog, who is ill and unable to go to the tournament His brother Adelfot (or Adelfort) will go with thee, and you shall be companions to each other." Lane was very
