“In all the world, there is no other place you will learn the story of this Knight. Yet, if he will not tell you what you seek, it will not be told. He carries the weight of this stone around his neck, and no other can give you the truth. If your words are sincere, wait here until he returns, and above all, be calm around him.”
“No doubt you are eager to hear his name, so I will tell you. He is Tariel, rent and distracted by the tragedy he suffers. Me, you already met, though his pain struck my heart not once, but twice. The hottest of fires burn me. I am sure you have seen me sighing, for I am alone more times than you can count.”
“Unfortunately, I cannot tell you much more of him. He roams the plains in search of what only he has the right to tell you. What I eat is brought by his hand. I am well cared for, but my days are spent in solitude. Though he comes and goes as he pleases, I can tell you he must come. Like you, he bears a duty from which no true man can escape.”
“This is why you must wait. If you leave, who can say what you will find on your return? He might decide you were a brigand and bear arms against you. My soul would be rent over this, for the loss of him or you would pain me beyond words. By staying here, however many days it takes, you will give me time to plead with him.”
“Perhaps I will be able to warm him towards you. In this way, you will meet one another without coming to blows. He may understand and love you, sharing his story. Then you can return to your Tinatin and give her cause to rejoice.”
Though exhausted, he sat like a student to her words, submitting himself to what she knew, and he not. The two of them spoke until evening, discussing many things, until the sound of a rider disturbed them. Together, they looked out and saw Tariel approaching, carrying a freshly killed stag across the back of his horse.
He was magnificent on his black steed, tall and fierce, with a panther skin draped over his shoulders. They both stepped back from the mouth of the cave, as he had not seen them yet. Asmath quickly took Avtandil to a hidden place and whispered a final warning before rushing out.
“You must remain here. None are disobedient to this Knight and live. If God wills, I will soften his heart so the sight of you does not bring his wrath down on both of us.”
When she was done speaking, she went out to greet Tariel. As before, when the two met, they embraced in sorrow, sharing a bath of tears between them. Eventually, she removed his saddle and brought it in before returning and helping him out of his armor. When she finished, the two of them came inside and sat together.
Avtandil looked on from his hiding place, wondering what would happen next.