# IV: And Now She Meets the Champions explained — The Water of the Wondrous Isles

> Chapter companion for The Water of the Wondrous Isles by William Morris.

## What happens

Birdalone encounters the three knights—Baudoin the Golden Knight, Hugh the Green Knight, and Arthur the Black Squire—on the road. She delivers tokens from their speech-friends (Aurea, Viridis, and Atra) and is warmly welcomed. After a display of horsemanship, she enters the Castle of the Quest, feeling a happiness she had never known.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Desire

The knights' intense longing for their speech-friends and their tender, passionate reactions to Birdalone's tokens highlight the theme of love and desire.

### Journey and Quest

Birdalone's arrival at the Castle of the Quest and the knights' return from a hunt mark a key stage in her journey and the ongoing quest.

## Character check-ins

### Birdalone

Birdalone meets the three champions and delivers tokens from their speech-friends, feeling a new sweetness and happiness.

### Sir Baudoin

The Golden Knight, eager for news of Aurea, touches Birdalone's gown and asks if Aurea is alive.

### Hugh the Green Knight

The Green Knight, young and beauteous, takes hold of Birdalone's wrist and shoulder, seeking news of Viridis.

### Arthur the Black Squire

The Black Squire kisses Birdalone's hands and cheeks, showing the deepest tenderness, and leads her toward the castle.

## Key lines

> But the Black Squire looked on her and saw that she was troubled, and he said: Your pardon, fair fellows, but is it not so that we have an house somewhat anigh, not ill purveyed of many things? By your leave I would entreat this kind and dear lady to honour us so much as to enter the Castle of the Quest with us, and abide there so long as she will; and therein may she tell us all her errand at her leisure; and already we may see and know, that it may not be aught save a joyous one.

Arthur the Black Squire, noticing Birdalone's discomfort, suggests they invite her to the nearby Castle of the Quest, where she can share her news at ease.

_Arthur's considerate invitation shows his kindness and sets the stage for Birdalone's welcome._

> But Birdalone deemed that this was the kindest and sweetest of the three kind warriors, and sorry she was when he let go her hands and stood up.

Birdalone felt that Arthur was the most gentle and affectionate of the three knights, and she regretted when he released her hands.

_Birdalone's growing fondness for Arthur is evident in this reflection._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters/iv-and-now-she-meets-the-champions
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_water_of_the_wondrous_isles_se/chapters