The time came when war broke out, and Othmar was called away. His going grieved Williswind sorely. Now she would have no one but the servants with her in the great Castle.
“My dear brother,” she exclaimed, “what shall I do without you?”
“Sister mine,” replied Othmar, “I grieve to leave you thus alone, but you know it is impossible for me to do otherwise.”
Othmar took with him all the able bodied men. Only the old men, women and children were left at home to protect his sister.
In those days many lawless robber knights roamed through the forests, doing whatever pleased them. Afraid of these, Williswind ordered that the Castle gates should be kept closed all the time.
One evening as she sat in the great hall of the Castle with her servants about her, a trumpet sounded at the gate. The women stopped their spinning, and the men ceased their polishing of arms and armor. The Warder entered announcing that there was a pilgrim at the gate begging for shelter.
In a few moments the Warder returned, accompanied by the pilgrim.
“Be welcome to our cheer, stranger. Such as we have we give freely,” said Williswind.
“Thanks, fair lady, for your kindness,” replied the stranger, glancing about the room.
The pilgrim was clad in worn garments, yet did not seem like a beggar. At times cruelty and cunning appeared in his face. Secretly he looked about as if to examine every part of the castle. His strange manner caused Williswind great uneasiness. The thought came to her that he might possibly be a robber knight in disguise.
In the morning, however, the pilgrim departed peaceably, and the young princess felt calm once more. The days passed quietly by and Williswind began to look forward to her brother’s return. One morning the pilgrim suddenly returned, but not this time in pilgrims garments. He was clad in full armor, and came with a large number of followers.
“I come,” he said, “to demand the hand of the Princess Williswind in marriage, and if she denies me I will take her by force.”
“I beseech you,” replied Williswind, “depart and leave me in peace. I have love for none but my brother, and desire only to be left here with my servants to await quietly his return.”
But the evil knight only repeated his demand, saying that he would return in three days for an answer. If at the end of that time Williswind did not consent freely, he would take the Castle by force and carry her away.