Summary Rohalt goes on quest for the 'red man' in the valley, entering the cave where fire scares the peasants from. The creature hides, attacks but is beaten by sword versus pitchfork and torch. His foxy companion Mora convincing the knight it's not a monster, he even nurses his burns with Karanog's ointment. Having heard its hurling and seen his dog Karbal leaving alone, the tax thugs return to tell Morholt he must be dead, but are sent back to retrieve him dead or alive, only to find his abandoned shield and spear, which Morgolt considers sufficient proof. Having learned the red man is Brandal, a "grif", member of an alien species that lives in a hot, rich world nearer the earth's core, but the access was blocked by a cave-in, Rohalt gets Karanog to come blow it open with an explosive from Cathay. Gratefully, he's shown the way to the strange subterranean world and given a splendid sword and a lump of gold. Even shown those, Belinda calls him a wretched rustic compared to future lord Gawijn, whom she is nursing lovingly. Orm refuses the gold so it's changed into silver coins to distribute among the destitute valley farmers.

• Adventure
• Family
• Fantasy