"Aye, and 'twas as the Lady said. Three wonders in the hall, and the King came."
It is at about this time that a dwarf and a tall knight in full armor appears at the entry to the hall. Guards move to stop the knight, but after conferring with the dwarf, they settle for peace-tying his weapon after the custom of the hall.
The voice that announces those who enter the hall speaks. "An emissary from Prince Gwydion, for the Princess Paulette."
As the dwarf and the knight come further into the hall, everyone can see that the knight is actually not just tall, but a giant, fully nine feet tall. He is wearing a golden collar with a chain attached to it, which the dwarf holds. The dwarf leads the knight in the general direction of Paulette.
Paulette looks to her father, who responds with a vaguely disapproving shrug. As the dwarf and the knight come closer, she excuses herself from her conversation and rises to meet them. The Lords Hoyle and Bayle look on as the dwarf and the knight come to a halt before Paulette.
"Are you the Princess Paulette of Lys?" the dwarf asks.
"I am," Paulette replies, with a grave dignity for all her few years.
"Then my task is almost done, for I have followed you from your home to bring you a gift. Prince Gwydion has defeated this knight, Sir Corbon, in battle. He asks that you accept Sir Corbon's service for a year and a day, in earnest of the love and affection that Prince Gwydion bears you. Will you accept Sir Corbon's service?"
"I will," says Paulette.
The dwarf hands Paulette the end of the golden chain. "Then my service is complete. I will tell Prince Gwydion that you accept his gift, and it will gladden his heart, so that he will do more mighty deeds in your name. Is there any message I may bear from you to him, Princess? The slightest word of favor from you would hearten him greatly."
Paulette pauses for a moment, taking in the expressions of her father (annoyed), the lords nearby (delighted and wondering), and the Princess Fiona (almost certainly catlike amusement, among many other things). She says only, "There is none. But if you will speak to my knight Sir Gornevain, he will see that you are provided anything necessary for your journey back to your master."
The dwarf nods. If he is disappointed, he does not say so.
And to her new knight, Paulette says, "And if you, Sir Corbon, will
speak to Sir Gornevain, he will instruct you in your duties, which I
hope you will not find too onerous."
Sir Corbin removes his helm. He is handsome for a giant, which is to say not too deformed for company. His voice proves to be unexpectedly deep even for a giant when he speaks. "Your Highness, it will be my pleasure to serve you."
"And I am sure I will be pleased in your service," Paulette replies. She signals to one of the omnipresent pages and asks that the dwarf and the giant be led away. They follow the page and depart the hall.
Paulette turns her attention back to the Lords Hoyle and Bayle as the buzz of conversation starts up in the hall again, and returns to their light conversation so that the next marvel can occur.