“Who is your lady?” asked Sir Owain.  “None other than the rightful Chatelaine of this castle and Countess of broad lands besides; but this year and more has the Black Knight held her prisoner in her own halls because she would not listen to his suit.”  “Then lead me to your lady forthwith,” cried Sir Owain; “right gladly will I take her quarrel upon me if there be any that will oppose me.”  So she led him to the Countess’ bower, and there he made him known to the fair lady and proffered her his services.  And she that had long deemed there was no deliverance for her, accepted them right gladly.  So taking her by the hand, he led her down to the hall, and there, standing at the door, he proclaimed her the lawful lady of that castle and all its lands, and himself ready to do battle in her cause.  But none answered his challenge, for those that had held with the Black Knight, deprived of their leader, had lost heart, whereas they that for their loyalty to their lady had been held in subjection, gathered fast about Sir Owain, ready to do battle.  So in short space, Sir Owain drove forth the lawless invaders of the Countess’ lands, and called together her vassals that they might do homage to her anew.

Thus he abode in the castle many days, seeking in all that he might to do her service, until through all her lands order was restored, and her right acknowledged.  But when all was done, Sir Owain yet tarried in the lady’s castle; for he loved her much, but doubted ever of her favour.  So one day, Luned, the damsel who had come to his aid on the day that he slew the Black Knight, said to him:  “Alas!  Sir Knight, the time must come when ye will leave us.  And who will then defend my lady’s fountain, which is the key to all her lands?  For who holds the fountain, holds the land also.”  “I will never fail your lady while there is breath in my body,” cried Sir Owain.  “Then were it well that ye stayed here ever,” answered Luned.  “Gladly would I,” answered Sir Owain, “if that I might.”  “Ye might find a way if your wits were as sharp as your sword,” she answered, and laughing, left him, but herself sought her lady.  Long he pondered her words, and he was still deep in thought, when there came to him the Countess, and said:  “Sir Knight, I hear that ye must leave us.”  “Nay, my lady,” answered Sir Owain, “I will stay as long as ye require my services.”  “There must ever be one to guard the fountain, and he who guards the fountain, is lord of these lands,” answered the lady softly.  Then Sir Owain found words at last, and bending the knee, he said:  “Lady, if ye love me, I will stay and guard you and your lands; and if ye love me not, I will go into my own country, and yet will I come again whensoever ye have need of me.  For never loved I any but you.”  Then the Countess bade him stay, and calling her vassals together, she commanded all to do homage to him, and took him for her husband in presence of them all.

Thus Sir Owain won the Lady of the Fountain.