THE ROMANCE OF
their dented swords, till Tristan struck Riol just where the helmet buckles, and it yielded and the blow was struck so hard that the baron fell on hands and knees; but when he had risen again, Tristan struck him down once more with a blow that split the helm, and it split the headpiece too, and touched the skull; then Riol cried mercy and begged his life, and Tristan took his sword.
So he promised to enter Duke Hoël's keep and to swear homage again, and to restore what he had wasted; and by his order the battle ceased, and his host went off discomfited.
Now when the victors were returned Kaherdin said to his father:
"Sire, keep you Tristan. There is no better knight, and your land has need of such courage."
So when the Duke had taken counsel with his barons, he said to Tristan:
"Friend, I owe you my land, but I
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