So he journeyed many a day until at last he reached the valley of which Sir Kynon had told, and presently he came to the strong castle and, at the gate, met the lord thereof, even as Sir Kynon had done.  And the lord of the castle gave him a hearty welcome and made him good cheer, asking nothing of his errand till they were seated about the board.  Then, when questioned, Sir Owain declared his quest, that he sought the knight who guarded the fountain.  So the lord of the castle, failing to dissuade Sir Owain from the adventure, directed him how he might find the forest glade wherein was the wondrous fountain.

With the dawn, Sir Owain rose, mounted his horse, and rode forward until he had found the fountain.  Then he dashed water on the marble slab and instantly there burst over him the fearful hailstorm, and through it there came pricking towards him the Black Knight on the black steed.  In the first onset, they broke their lances and then, drawing sword, they fought blade to blade.  Sore was the contest, but at the last Owain dealt the Black Knight so fierce a blow that the sword cut through helmet and bone to the very brain.  Then the Black Knight knew that he had got his death-wound, and turning his horse’s head, fled as fast as he might, Sir Owain following close behind.  So they came, fast galloping, to the gate of a mighty castle, and instantly the portcullis was raised and the Black Knight dashed through the gateway.  But Sir Owain, following close behind, found himself a prisoner, fast caught between two gates; for as the Black Knight passed through the inner of the two gates, it was closed before Sir Owain could follow.  For the moment none noticed Sir Owain, for all were busied about the Black Knight, who drew not rein till he was come to the castle hall; then as he strove to dismount, he fell from his saddle, dead.

All this Sir Owain saw through the bars of the gate that held him prisoner; and he judged that his time was come, for he doubted not but that the people of the castle would hold his life forfeit for the death of their lord.  So as he waited, suddenly there stood at his side a fair damsel, who, laying finger on lip, motioned to him to follow her.  Much wondering, he obeyed, and climbed after her up a dark winding staircase, that led from the gateway into a tiny chamber high in the tower.  There she set food and wine before him, bidding him eat; then when he was refreshed, she asked him his name and whence he came.  “Truly,” answered he, “I am Owain of Rheged, knight of King Arthur’s Round Table, who, in fair fight, have wounded, I doubt not to the death, the Black Knight that guards the fountain and, as I suppose, the lord of this castle.  Wherefore, maiden, if ye intend me evil, lead me where I may answer for my deed, boldly, man to man.”  “Nay,” answered the damsel eagerly, “in a good hour ye are come.  Well I know your name, for even here have we heard of your mighty deeds; and by good fortune it may be that ye shall release my lady.”