Launcelot retreated to his town and castle of Joyous Gard, and gathered there a great following of knights.

The king, with a great host, went there, and there was desperate fighting during several days, and, as a result, all the plain around was paved with corpses and cast-iron.

Then the Church patched up a peace between Arthur and Launcelot and the queen and everybody--everybody but Sir Gawaine.
He was bitter about the slaying of his brothers, Gareth and Gaheris, and would not be appeased.

He notified Launcelot to get him thence, and make swift preparation, and look to be soon attacked.
So Launcelot sailed to his Duchy of Guienne with his following, and Gawaine soon followed with an army, and he beguiled Arthur to go with him.

Arthur left the kingdom in Sir Mordred's hands until you should return--" "Ah--a king's customary wisdom!" "Yes.