Next day Nuno Álvares went on his way, while the queen was still in Alenquer in the company of the counts her brothers and of many others, as we have indicated. When he reached Alverca, he decided to spend the night there. The queen learned that he was heading for Lisbon to join the Master and was inclined to send out some soldiers to arrest him, declaring to those present, ‘Have you noticed the stupidity of Nuno, whom I raised since he was a mere boy? Are you aware that he has abandoned the prior his brother and is now heading for Lisbon to join the Master?’

Some of those present who had a liking for Nuno Álvares answered: ‘My lady, you have no grounds to order his arrest. Though he's making for Lisbon, you don't know what his reasons are for going there. He's perhaps going with such determination and intent as will enable him to serve you even better from there than if he came directly to you here.’

Nuno Álvares found out about this situation while spending the night at Alverca. As he was greatly apprehensive that the queen would have him arrested while he was on his way, he spoke to his squires, warning them that, if that were to happen, it would nevertheless be preferable for them to let themselves be killed than to be taken prisoner. All that night they never laid down their arms nor unsaddled their mounts. Next day, Nuno Álvares reached Lisbon and went at once to speak to the Master. The latter gave him a warm welcome, adding that he was delighted at his arrival and that for some time he had looked forward to seeing him. The city folk were likewise very pleased to see him and all confirmed the Master's welcome.

Two days after Nuno Álvares arrived in Lisbon, he made his way to the Master's palace, addressing him as follows: ‘My lord, for a very long time it has been and still remains my great wish to serve you. Yet before now it has not been my good fortune to be able to do so.