Page:Celtic Stories by Edward Thomas.djvu/111

 that such a man as thou should be without a companion.'

'I have a companion, noble sir,' said Kay, 'though he is not skilled in this art.'

'Who may he be?'

'Let the porter go out. He will recognize the man whose lance will draw blood from the wind.'

The gate opened and Bedwyr entered, and while they were in the hall the last son of Custennin contrived an entrance for himself and all his companions, so that they scattered themselves through the castle, and slew all the Giant's men in secret.

The sword was now polished, and Kay gave it unto the hand of Gwrnach the Giant, to see if he were pleased with his work. And the Giant said, 'The work is good, I am content therewith.' Said Kay, 'It is thy scabbard that hath rusted thy sword, give it to me that I may take out the wooden sides of it and put in new ones.' And he took the scabbard from him, and the sword in the other hand. And he came and stood over against the Giant, as if he would have put the sword into the scabbard; and with it he struck at the Giant, and cut off his head at one blow. Then they despoiled the castle, and took from it what goods and jewels they would. And again on the same day, at the beginning of the year, they came to Arthur's Court, bearing with them the sword of Gwrnach the Giant.

Arthur now summoned the warriors of the three islands of Britain, of France, of Armorica, and of the Summer Country. With this host he entered Ireland, and men sought his protection against Turk Truith and his seven swine. First he sent Gwrhyr to the boar to ask him to come and speak to the King. But the boar refused and said: