Pandorica, A collection of historical sources", editors: dr. Evelyn Smythe, Michael Wainwright, Barbara Chesterton; Cambridge University Press, 1985, Cambridge; page 152-155.

A tale told by sir Owen to monks, as the good brethren were tending to the wound a beast has given him, the wretched chimera.

...not having yet wandered far from dwellings of Christians, and keen on gaining my glory with some knightly deed, as Luna shone, making the night into day, I did not stop to rest but rode on, reining my steed. And the road was pure silver before me, as if I wandered into a dream, and seeing a wraith or a fay would not seem to me much wondrous.

Having then encountered a half-fallen castle, walls black as iron, at once I saw on the battlements a figure darker than the sky. And it made my heart rejoice, for I thought it the eternal guardian of the Pandorica the strange and treasure-rich.

"Sir!" I called him "whether you are of the Isle of Apples, or a mortal knight, I challenge you! Let us duel with swords or with axes, till first blood or to death, whichever you will."

When I so called, down came the man-shadow from the castle walls and he walked to me, and I saw in the moonlight the helm gleam on his head, and a cloak on his shoulders, and from underneath the cloak a golden glimmer of his armour. He spoke "You are not the first to covet the secrets of Pandorica the strange and treasure-rich. O, unwise! The jewel without price, which I guard, shall perish if unshrouded before the time comes. Go you in peace, and if it's adventure you want, follow this path, and you shall find one."

But I knew Lords and Ladies to gladden in leading Christians astray, so I spoke unto him "I cannot, for I have made a vow to my lady, the virtuous Melisandra, whose eyes are as black as the night sky, that I shall bring her the riches of Pandorica. I am a knight, and my word binds me."

A sigh escaped the Guard's mouth, and the gleam of his helm flickered like the waters of a stream. Thus he spoke "Would she not be pleased more with jewels, brave knight? In the heart of this forest there is a mighty castle, its dungeons filled with rubies and diamonds large as your fist. Upon them a cold-hearted chimera lies asleep, dreaming black thoughts, and those who lived there lie dead from its treachery. Slay the beast, and you shall do a noble and knightly deed, but leave me in peace."

Fool! Fool I was to deem this craven ways of the longaevi and to speak with irreverence, thinking the Guard frightened by my prowess "You shall not meet me in a fair duel?"

And he spoke, and his voice was serene as the great wizard Merlin's "If you make me, I will, but there is a great peril soon to befall the good king Arthur, and I do not wish to deprive him of knights."

I dismounted and called "Defend!"

And I heard his sword shash from its sheath, and I saw a glint of lunar light in the blade.

"Have you thought" he said "afore setting out, that the treasure hidden in Pandorica the strange may be fraught with peril, or of no use to your lady? And how would you bring it to the castle where this maiden dwells?"

"When I gave my knight's word, I shall find a way" I spoke and charged at him, but the Guard evaded my strike, then he spoke, as if over a chess-board on the Christmas Day "Mayst you be more prudent in your promises?"

I answered with a mighty charge, yet this one, as well, stroke nothing, and each of my strikes he parried or avoided. Not a once did the Guard of Pandorica charge at me. Deeming this an insult, I was incensed, I assaulted with might, but my blade slid on his helm and cut into his shoulder, and went into it whole. But the Guard did not wince.

"Are you satisfied?" he asked, calm as if we were at a feast together, and I retreated, for though darkness concealed the colours, I would have seen the blood, if there was any.

"I did not wish to fight you, truly."

His own blade he sheathed with a clink. After, he pulled mine out of his shoulder and held it up for a better look in the moonlight.

"Well-crafted. This blade shall cut a head off chimera with ease, save the land from a perilous beast, earn you knightly fame and baubles for your lady. This I advise, and to forget Pandorica, for it is not for you."

And he offered me his hand to pull me, speechless, from the ground.

"Who are you?" I asked, when he gave me my sword.

"I have wronged, now I am a-righting. Ask no more."

"Wronged how?" I spoke, but he hung his head, silent.

"I shall be grateful if you deal with the chimera" he said "for I dare not leave my post."

With this, he walked to the crumbled walls, and did not look back. I mounted my charger to ride further into the forest, far from this place.