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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/6582-h.zip b/6582-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..e82c2ce --- /dev/null +++ b/6582-h.zip diff --git a/6582-h/6582-h.htm b/6582-h/6582-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..c9b6068 --- /dev/null +++ b/6582-h/6582-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,5654 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html> +<head> +<title>In The Court Of King Arthur</title> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> +</head> +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of In the Court of King Arthur, by Samuel Lowe + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: In the Court of King Arthur + +Author: Samuel Lowe + +Posting Date: March 21, 2013 [EBook #6582] +Release Date: September, 2004 +First Posted: December 29, 2002 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN THE COURT OF KING ARTHUR *** + + + + +Produced by Alan Millar and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + +</pre> + + + +<table summary="King Arthur" align="center"><tr><td align="center"> +<img WIDTH=500 HEIGHT=728 src="images/illus-cover.jpg" alt="Cover picture"> +</td></tr> +</table> + +<p align="center">In The Court of King Arthur</p> + +<p align="center">by Samuel E. Lowe</p> + +<p align="center">Illustrations by Neil O'Keeffe</p> + + +<p align="center">1918</p> + +<hr> +<h2 align="center">TABLE OF CONTENTS</h2> + +<pre> +Chapter + +I. <a href="#chap01">Allan Finds A Champion</a> +II. <a href="#chap02">Allan Goes Forth</a> +III. <a href="#chap03">A Combat</a> +IV. <a href="#chap04">Allan Meets The Knights</a> +V. <a href="#chap05">Merlin's Message</a> +VI. <a href="#chap06">Yosalinde</a> +VII. <a href="#chap07">The Tournament</a> +VIII. <a href="#chap08">Sir Tristram's Prowess</a> +IX. <a href="#chap09">The Kitchen Boy</a> +X. <a href="#chap10">Pentecost</a> +XI. <a href="#chap11">Allan Meets A Stranger</a> +XII. <a href="#chap12">The Stranger And Sir Launcelot</a> +XIII. <a href="#chap13">The Party Divides</a> +XIV. <a href="#chap14">King Mark's Foul Plan</a> +XV. <a href="#chap15">The Weasel's Nest</a> +XVI. <a href="#chap16">To The Rescue</a> +XVII. <a href="#chap17">In King Mark's Castle</a> +XVIII. <a href="#chap18">The Kitchen Boy Again</a> +XIX. <a href="#chap19">On Adventure's Way</a> +XX. <a href="#chap20">Gareth Battles Sir Brian</a> +XXI. <a href="#chap21">Knight Of The Red Lawns</a> +XXII. <a href="#chap22">Sir Galahad</a> +XXIII. <a href="#chap23">The Beginning Of The Quest</a> +XXIV. <a href="#chap24">In Normandy</a> +XXV. <a href="#chap25">Sir Galahad Offers Help</a> +XXVI. <a href="#chap26">Lady Jeanne's Story</a> +XXVII. <a href="#chap27">Sir Launcelot Arrives</a> +XXVIII. <a href="#chap28">A Rescue</a> +XXIX. <a href="#chap29">Facing The East</a> +XXX. <a href="#chap30">Homeward</a> +XXXI. <a href="#chap31">The Beggar And The Grail</a> +</pre> + +<hr> +<table summary="arthur2" align="center"><tr><td align="center"> +<img WIDTH=699 HEIGHT=100 src="images/illus-header2.png" alt="IN THE COURT OF KING ARTHUR"> +</td></tr> +</table> + +<h2>WHO WAS KING ARTHUR?</h2> + +<p>King Arthur, who held sway in Camelot with his Knights of the +Round Table, was supposedly a king of Britain hundreds of years +ago. Most of the stories about him are probably not historically +true, but there was perhaps a real king named Arthur, or with a +name very much like Arthur, who ruled somewhere in the island of +Britain about the sixth century.</p> + +<p>Among the romantic spires and towers of Camelot, King Arthur +held court with his queen, Guinevere. According to tradition, he +received mortal wounds in battling with the invading Saxons, and +was carried magically to fairyland to be brought back to health and +life. Excalibur was the name of King Arthur's sword--in fact, it +was the name of two of his swords. One of these tremendous weapons +Arthur pulled from the stone in which it was imbedded, after all +other knights had failed. This showed that Arthur was the proper +king. The other Excalibur was given to Arthur by the Lady of the +Lake--she reached her hand above the water, as told in the story, +and gave the sword to the king. When Arthur was dying, he sent one +of his Knights of the Round Table, Sir Bedivere, to throw the sword +back into the lake from which he had received it.</p> + +<p>The Knights of the Round Table were so called because they +customarily sat about a huge marble table, circular in shape. Some +say that thirteen knights could sit around that table; others say +that as many as a hundred and fifty could find places there. There +sat Sir Galahad, who would one day see the Holy Grail. Sir Gawain +was there, nephew of King Arthur. Sir Percivale, too, was to see +the Holy Grail. Sir Lancelot--Lancelot of the Lake, who was raised +by that same Lady of the Lake who gave Arthur his sword--was the +most famous of the Knights of the Round Table. He loved Queen +Guinevere.</p> + +<p>All the knights were sworn to uphold the laws of chivalry--to go +to the aid of anyone in distress, to protect women and children, to +fight honorably, to be pious and loyal to their king.</p> + +<HR> + +<table summary="arthur3" align="center"><tr><td align="center"> +<img WIDTH=600 HEIGHT=277 src="images/illus-header1.png" alt="Illustration"> +</td></tr> +</table> + +<h2><a name="chap01">CHAPTER ONE</a></h2> + +<h3>Allan Finds A Champion</h3> + +<p>"I cannot carry your message, Sir Knight."</p> + +<p>Quiet-spoken was the lad, though his heart held a moment's fear +as, scowling and menacing, the knight who sat so easily the large +horse, flamed fury at his refusal.</p> + +<p>"And why can you not? It is no idle play, boy, to flaunt Sir +Pellimore. Brave knights have found the truth of this at bitter +cost."</p> + +<p>"Nevertheless, Sir Knight, you must needs find another message +bearer. I am page to Sir Percival and he would deem it no service +to him should I bear a strange knights message."</p> + +<p>"Then, by my faith, you shall learn your lesson. Since you are +but a youth it would prove but poor sport to thrust my sword +through your worthless body. Yet shall I find Sir Percival and make +him pay for the boorishness of his page. In the meantime, take you +this."</p> + +<p>With a sweep the speaker brought the flat side of his sword +down. But, if perchance, he thought that the boy would await the +blow he found surprise for that worthy skillfully evaded the +weapon's downward thrust.</p> + +<p>Now then was Sir Pellimore doubly wroth.</p> + +<p>"Od's zounds, and you need a trouncing. And so shall I give it +you, else my dignity would not hold its place." Suiting action to +word the knight reared his horse, prepared to bring the boy to +earth.</p> + +<p>It might hare gone ill with Allan but for the appearance at the +turn of the road of another figure--also on horseback. The new +knight perceiving trouble, rode forward.</p> + +<p>"What do we see here?" he questioned. "Sir Knight, whose name I +do not know, it seems to me that you are in poor business to +quarrel with so youthful a foe. What say you?"</p> + +<p>"As to with whom I quarrel is no concern of anyone but myself. I +can, however, to suit the purpose, change my foe. Such trouncing as +I wish to give this lad I can easily give to you, Sir Knight, and +you wish it?"</p> + +<p>"You can do no more than try. It may not be so easy as your +boasting would seeming indicate. Lad," and the newcomer turned to +the boy, "why does this arrogant knight wish you harm?"</p> + +<p>"He would have me carry a message, a challenge to Sir Kay, and +that I cannot do, for even now I bear a message from Sir Percival, +whose page I am but yesterday become. And I must hold true to my +own lord and liege."</p> + +<p>"True words and well spoken. And so for you, Sir Knight of the +arrogant tongue, I hope your weapon speaks equally well. Prepare +you, sir."</p> + +<p>Sir Pellimore laughed loudly and disdainfully.</p> + +<p>"I call this great fortune which brings me battle with you, sir, +who are unknown but who I hope, none the less, are a true and brave +knight."</p> + +<p>The next second the two horses crashed together. Sir Pellimore +soon proved his skill. The Unknown, equally at ease, contented +himself with meeting onslaught after onslaught, parrying clever +thrusts and wicked blows. So they battled for many an hour.</p> + +<p>Allan, the boy, with eyes glistening, waited to see the outcome +of the brave fight. The Unknown, his champion, perhaps would need +his aid through some dire misfortune and he was prepared.</p> + +<p>Now the Unknown changed his method from one of defense to one of +offense. But Sir Pellimore was none the less skillful. The third +charge of his foe he met so skillfully that both horses crashed to +the ground. On foot, the two men then fought--well and long. Until, +through inadvertence, the Unknown's foot slipped and the next +moment found his shield splintered and sword broken.</p> + +<p>"Now then, by my guardian saint, you are truly vanquished," Sir +Pellimore exclaimed exultantly. "Say you so?"</p> + +<p>But the Unknown had already hurled himself, weaponless, upon the +seeming victor and seizing him about the waist with mighty +strength, hurled him to the ground. And even as the fallen knight, +much shaken, prepared to arise, lo, Merlin the Wizard appeared and +cast him into a deep sleep.</p> + +<p>"Sire," the Wizard declared, "do you indeed run many dangers +that thy station should not warrant. And yet, I know not whether +we, your loyal subjects, would have it otherwise."</p> + +<p>Now Allan, the boy, realized he was in the presence of the great +King. He threw himself upon his knees.</p> + +<p>"Rise lad," said King Arthur kindly. "Sir Percival is indeed +fortunate to have a page, who while so young, yet is so loyal. So +shall we see you again. Kind Merlin," and the King turned to the +Wizard, "awaken you this sleeping knight whose only sin seems an +undue amount of surliness and arrogance, which his bravery and +strength more than offset."</p> + +<p>Now Sir Pellimore rubbed his eyes. "Where am I?" he muttered +drowsily. Then as realization came, he sprang to his feet.</p> + +<p>"Know you then, Sir Pellimore," said Merlin, "he with whom you +fought is none other than Arthur, the King."</p> + +<p>The knight stood motionless, dumbfounded. But only for a +moment.</p> + +<p>"If so, then am I prepared for such punishment as may come. But +be it what it may, I can say this, that none with whom I fought has +had more skill or has shown greater bravery and chivalry. And more +than that none can say."</p> + +<p>And the knight bowed low his head, humbly and yet with a touch +of pride.</p> + +<p>"Thou art a brave knight, Sir Pellimore. And to us it seems, +that aside from a hasty temper, thou couldst well honor us by +joining the Knights of the Round Table. What saith thou?"</p> + +<p>"That shall I gladly do. And here and now I pledge my loyalty to +none other than Arthur, King of Britain, and to my fellow knights. +And as for you, boy, I say it now--that my harsh tongue and temper +ill became the true knight I claim to be."</p> + +<p>"Brave words, Sir Pellimore," said the King. "So let us back to +the castle. We see that Merlin is already ill at ease."</p> + +<h2><a name="chap02">CHAPTER TWO</a></h2> + +<h3>Allan Goes Forth</h3> + +<p>So then the four, the good King, Sir Pellimore, Merlin the +Wizard, and Allan, page to Sir Percival, came to the great castle +of Britain's king.</p> + +<p>Arthur led them into the great hall in which were placed many +small tables and in the center of them all was one of exceeding +size and round. Here was to be found a place for Sir Pellimore but +though the King searched long, few seats did he find which were not +bespoken. Yet finally he found one which did well for the new +arrival.</p> + +<p>"Here then shall you find your place at the Round Table, good +knight," said the King. "And we trust that you will bring renown +and honor to your fellowship, succor to those who are in need and +that always will you show true chivalry. And we doubt not but you +will do all of these."</p> + +<p>Sir Pellimore bowed low his head nor did he make reply because +within him surged a great feeling of gratitude.</p> + +<p>The King turned away and Merlin followed him to the upraised +dais. So now the two seated themselves and joined in earnest +talk.</p> + +<p>At the door, Allan had waited, for he would not depart until His +Majesty had seated himself. A strange gladness was in the boy's +heart, for had not his King fought for him? Here in this court, he +too would find adventure. Sir Percival mayhap, some day, would dub +him knight, should he prove faithful and worthy. What greater glory +could there be than to fight for such a King and with such brave +men?</p> + +<p>"But I must be off," he suddenly bethought himself, "else Sir +Percival will not be pleased." And therewith, he made great haste +to depart.</p> + +<p>"Aye, sire," Merlin was now speaking, "my dream is indeed +weighted with importance. But by the same taken, it cannot be known +until you call your court together so that it may be heard by +all."</p> + +<p>"Then mean you, kind Merlin, that we must call not only those of +the Round Table but all other knights and even pages and +squires?"</p> + +<p>"Even so, sire. And yet, since Whitsunday is but a few days +away, that should be no hard matter. For the knights of your court, +except Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine are here, prepared for such +tourneys and feasts fit to celebrate that day."</p> + +<p>"So then shall it be. Even now our heralds shall announce that +we crave the attendance of all those who pledge loyalty to our +court. For I know well that they must be of no mean import, these +things we shall hear. We pray only that they shall be for our good +fortune."</p> + +<p>The Wizard, making no reply, bent low and kissed his King's +hand. Then he departed.</p> + +<p>Came now his herald whom the King had summoned.</p> + +<p>"See to it that our court assembles this time tomorrow. Make far +and distant outcry so that all who are within ear may hear and so +hurry to our call. And mark you this well. We would hare Sir +Launcelot and our own nephew, Sir Gawaine, present even though they +departed this early morn for Cornwall. See you to it."</p> + +<p>Swiftly the herald made for the door to carry out the commands +of his King. But even as he reached it, Arthur called again to +him.</p> + +<p>"We have a fancy, good herald, we fain would have you follow. +Ask then Sir Percival to let us have the services of his page who +seems a likely youth and bid this youth go hence after the two +absent knights, Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot and give to them our +message, beseeching their return. Tell not the boy it is we who +have asked that he go."</p> + +<p>"It shall be done as you will, sire," replied the herald. No +surprise did he show at the strangeness of the King's command for +long had he been in his service and well he knew the King's strange +fancies.</p> + +<p>Sir Percival gave ready consent, when found. So when the boy had +returned from the errand forespoken, the herald announced that he +must hasten after the two knights and bid them return.</p> + +<p>"And by my faith, lad, you have but little time and you must +speed well. For tomorrow at this time is this conclave called, and +the two knights are already many miles on their journey. Take you +this horse and hasten."</p> + +<p>Then, as the eager youth, quick pulsed, made haste to obey, the +herald added in kindly voice: "It would be well could you succeed, +lad. For it is often true that through such missions, newcomers +prove future worthiness for knighthood."</p> + +<p>"I thank you greatly for your kindness," replied the boy. "I can +but try to the uttermost. No rest shall I have until I meet with +the two knights."</p> + +<p>So now Allan sought out and bespoke his own lord.</p> + +<p>"I wish you well, Allan," said Sir Percival. "And say you to my +friends Launcelot and Gawaine should they prove reluctant that they +will favor their comrade, Sir Percival, if they would make haste +and hurry their return. Stop not to pick quarrel nor to heed any +call, urgent though it may seem. Prove my true page and +worthy."</p> + +<p>"I shall do my very best, my lord. And, this my first +commission, shall prove successful even though to make it so, I +perish."</p> + +<p>Swiftly now rode forth the boyish figure. Well, too, had Arthur +chosen. Came a day when, than Allan, no braver, truer knight there +was. But of that anon.</p> + +<h2><a name="chap03">CHAPTER THREE</a></h2> + +<h3>A Combat</h3> + +<p>"Good Launcelot, I trust that good fortune shall be with us and +that our adventures be many and the knights we meet bold and +brave."</p> + +<p>"Of that, Gawaine, we need have no fear. For adventure ever +follows where one seeks and often enough overtakes the seeker. Let +us rather hope that we shall find Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadian, +both of Cornwall. For myself I would joust with Sir Tristram than +whom braver and bolder knight does not live."</p> + +<p>"And as for me," spoke Gawaine, "my anxiety is to see Mark, the +king of Cornwall, and tell him to his face that I deem him a scurvy +hound since he promised protection to Beatrice of Banisar as she +passed through his lands and yet broke his promise and so holds her +for ransom."</p> + +<p>"And there shall I help you, dear Gawaine. For bitterly shall +Mark rue his unknightly act. Shall I even wait for my event with +Sir Tristram until your business is done."</p> + +<p>"Aye, and gladly will Sir Tristram wait, I wot, if he deems it +honor to meet with Sir Launcelot du Lake. For no knight there is +who doth not know of your prowess and repute, Sir Tristram least of +all."</p> + +<p>"Kind words, Gawaine, for which I thank you. Yet, if I mistake +not, yonder, adventure seems to wait. And we but a little more than +two score miles from our gates."</p> + +<p>Ahead of them and barring their way were ten knights. Launcelot +and Gawaine stopped not a moment their pace but rode boldly +forward.</p> + +<p>"And wherefor do you, strange Knights, dispute our passage?" +asked Sir Gawaine.</p> + +<p>"Safely may you both pass unless you be gentlemen of King +Arthur's court," quote the leader who stepped forward to +answer.</p> + +<p>"And what if we be, Sir Knight?" replied Sir Launcelot +mildly.</p> + +<p>"And if you be then must you battle to the uttermost. For we owe +loyalty to King Ryence who is enemy of King Arthur. Therefore, are +we his enemies too, and enemies also of all of King Arthur's +subjects. And thus, we flaunt our enmity. We here and now call King +Arthur an upstart and if you be of his court you cannot do aught +else but fight with us."</p> + +<p>"Keep you your words," said Sir Gawaine, "until we have ceased +our quarrel. Then if you will you may call Arthur any names. +Prepare you."</p> + +<p>Boldly Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine charged upon the foe. Nor +did the knights who met them know who these two were, else milder +were their tone. Such was the valor of the two and such their +strength that four men were thrown from their horses in that first +attack and of these two were grievously wounded.</p> + +<p>Together and well they fought. Easily did they withstand the men +of King Ryence. Four men were slain by their might, through +wondrous and fearful strokes, and four were sorely wounded. There +lay the four against an oaken tree where they had been placed in a +moment's lull. But two knights were left to oppose Launcelot and +Gawaine but these two were gallant men and worthy, the very best of +all the ten.</p> + +<p>So they fought again each with a single foe. Hard pressed were +the two men of King Ryence, yet stubbornly they would not give way. +And as each side gave blow for blow, so each called "for Arthur" or +"for Ryence," whichever the case might be. Many hours they fought +until at last Sir Launcelot by a powerful blow crashed both foe and +foe's horse to the ground.</p> + +<p>And as the other would further combat, though exceedingly weak, +Sir Launcelot, upraised lance in hand by a swift stroke smote sword +from out of his weakened grasp.</p> + +<p>"Thou art a brave knight, friend. And having fought so well, I +ask no further penance but this, that you do now declare King +Arthur no upstart. I care not for your enmity but I will abide no +slander."</p> + +<p>"So must I then declare, since you have proven better man than +I," declared the conquered knight. "And for your leniency I owe you +thanks. Wherefore then to whom am I grateful? I pray your +name?"</p> + +<p>"That I shall not tell until I hear your own," replied +Launcelot.</p> + +<p>"I am known as Ronald de Lile," the other replied in subdued +tone.</p> + +<p>"Truly and well have I heard of you as a brave knight," was the +reply, "and now I know it to be so. I am Sir Launcelot du +Lake."</p> + +<p>"Then indeed is honor mine and glory, too. For honor it is to +succumb to Sir Launcelot."</p> + +<p>But now both heard the voice of Gawaine. Weak had he grown, but +weaker still his foe. Gawaine had brought the other to earth at +last with swift and mighty blow and such was the force of his +stroke the fallen man could not rise although he made great ado so +to do.</p> + +<p>"So must I yield," this knight declared. "Now will I admit +Arthur no upstart, but though I die for it I do declare no greater +king than Ryence ever lived."</p> + +<p>"By my faith, your words are but such as any knight must hold of +his own sovereign prince. I cannot take offense at brave words, Sir +Knight. Now, give me your name, for you are strong and worthy."</p> + +<p>"I am Marvin, brother of him who fought with your comrade. And +never have we met bolder and greater knights."</p> + +<p>"I am Gawaine and he who fought your brother is none other than +Launcelot."</p> + +<p>"Then truly have we met no mean foes," replied the other.</p> + +<p>Conquered and conquerers now turned to make the wounded as +comfortable as they well could be. After which, our two knights +debated going on their journey or tarrying where they were until +the morn.</p> + +<p>"Let us wend our way until we find fit place for food and rest. +There can we tarry." So spoke Launcelot and the other agreed.</p> + +<p>Then they took leave of Sir Marvin and Sir Ronald and so on +their way. Not many miles did they go however before they found +suitable place. Late was the hour and weary and much in need of +rest were the two knights. So they slept while, half his journey +covered, Allan sped onward, making fast time because he was but +light of weight and his horse exceeding swift.</p> + +<h2><a name="chap04">CHAPTER FOUR</a></h2> + +<h3>Allan Meets the Knights</h3> + +<p>From the first day when Allan began to understand the tales of +chivalry and knightly deeds, he fancied and longed for the day when +he would grow into manhood and by the same token into knighthood. +Then would he go unto King Arthur on some Pentecost and crave the +boon of serving him. Mayhap, too, he would through brave and worthy +deeds gain seat among those of the Round Table. So he would dream, +this youth with eager eyes, and his father, Sir Gaunt, soon came to +know of his son's fancies and was overly proud and pleased with +them. For he himself had, in his days, been a great and worthy +knight, of many adventures and victor of many an onslaught. It +pleased him that son of his would follow in his footsteps.</p> + +<p>When Allan was fourteen, Sir Gaunt proceeded to Sir Percival who +was great friend of his and bespoke for his son the place of page. +And so to please Sir Gaunt and for friendship's sake, Sir Percival +gave ready consent. Therewith, he found the youth pleasing to the +eye and of a great willingness to serve.</p> + +<p>So must we return to Allan who is now on his way for many an +hour. As he made his way, he marveled that he should have had +notice brought upon himself, for he was young and diffident and +should by every token have escaped attention in these his first +days at court. How would his heart have grown tumultuous had he +known that none other than Arthur himself had made him choice. But +that he was not to know for many a year.</p> + +<p>Night came on and the boy traveled far. Yet gave he no thought +to rest for he knew that he could ill afford to tarry and that only +with the best of fortune could he overtake the two knights in time +to make early return. About him the woods were dark and mysterious. +Owls hooted now and then and other sounds of the night there were, +yet was the boy so filled with urge of his mission that he found +not time to think of ghosts nor black magic.</p> + +<p>Then, as he turned the road he saw the dim shadow of a horse. +Ghostly it seemed, until through closer view it proved flesh and +blood. Lying close by was a knight who seemed exceeding weak and +sorely wounded.</p> + +<p>Quick from his horse came Allan and so made the strange knight +be of greater comfort.</p> + +<p>Now the knight spoke weakly.</p> + +<p>"Grievously have I been dealt with by an outlaw band. This day +was I to meet my two brothers Sir Ronald and Sir Marvin yet cannot +proceed for very weakness. Which way do you go, lad?"</p> + +<p>"I keep on my way to Cornwall," replied Allan.</p> + +<p>"From yonder do my brothers journey and should you meet with +them bid them hasten here so that together we can go forth to find +this outlaw band and it chastise."</p> + +<p>"That shall I do. Sir Knight. It grieves me that I may not stay +and give you such aid as I may but so must I hasten that I cannot. +Yet shall I stop at first abode and commission them to hurry here +to you."</p> + +<p>"For that I thank you, lad. And should time ever come when you +my aid require, know then to call on Philip of Gile."</p> + +<p>So Allan pressed forward. At early dawn he came upon Sir Ronald +and Sir Marvin who had found rest along the wayside. And when he +found that these were the two knights he gave them their brother's +message.</p> + +<p>"Then must we hasten thence, Ronald. And thank you, lad, for +bringing us this message. Choose you and you can rest awhile and +partake of such food that we have."</p> + +<p>"Of food I will have, Sir Knights, for hunger calls most +urgently. But tarry I cannot for I must find Sir Launcelot and Sir +Gawaine. Mayhap you have met with them?"</p> + +<p>"Of a truth can we say that we have met with them and suffered +thereby. Yet do we hold proof as to their knightly valor and skill. +They have gone but a little way, for it was their purpose to find +rest nearby. We doubt not you will find them at the first fair +abode. In the meantime must we hasten to our brother's aid and +leave our wounded comrades to such care as they may get."</p> + +<p>The knights spoke truly, for Allan found upon inquiry that the +two he sought were lodged close by. Boldly the boy called, now for +Sir Launcelot, now for Sir Gawaine, but both were overtired and of +a great weariness and it took many minutes before at last Sir +Launcelot opened wide his eyes.</p> + +<p>"And who are you, boy?" for he knew him not.</p> + +<p>"My name is Allan and I am page to Sir Percival."</p> + +<p>"Come you with a message from Sir Percival? Does he need our +help?"</p> + +<p>"Nay, sir. Rather do I come with a message from the court--the +herald of which sent me urging you and Sir Gawaine to return before +sundown for a great conclave is to gather which the King himself +has called."</p> + +<p>"Awaken then, thou sleepy knight," Sir Launcelot called to his +comrade who had not stirred. "It were pity that all this must be +told to you again."</p> + +<p>Sir Gawaine now arose rubbing eyes still filled with sleep. To +him Allan repeated his message.</p> + +<p>"What say you, Gawaine? Shall we return?"</p> + +<p>"As for me," replied Sir Gawaine, "I would say no. What matter +if we are or are not present. Already we are late for our present +journey's purpose. So say I, let us not return but rather ask this +youth to bespeak for us the king's clemency."</p> + +<p>"And I, too, am of the same mind, Gawaine. So lad," Sir +Launcelot turned to the boy and spoke kindly, "return you to court +and give them our message. This errand on which we are at present +bound holds urgent need, else would we return at our King's +behest."</p> + +<p>Rueful and with a great gloom Allan saw his errand fail.</p> + +<p>"Kind sirs, Sir Percival bid me bespeak for him as well, and ask +you, as true comrades, to make certain to return. Furthermore, my +knights, this, my first mission would be unfortunate if it did not +terminate successfully. So I pray you that you return."</p> + +<p>Loud and long Sir Launcelot laughed and yet not unkindly while +Sir Gawaine placed hand upon the boy's shoulder approvingly.</p> + +<p>"By my faith, Launcelot, we can do no more than return. That +Percival speaks counts for much, but this youth's honor is also at +stake." The light of laughter played in the speaker's eyes.</p> + +<p>"Yes," said Sir Launcelot, "let us return. It would be pity to +send this lad back after his long journey, without success. So then +to our horses and let us make haste. The hours are few and the +miles many."</p> + +<h2><a name="chap05">CHAPTER FIVE</a></h2> + +<h3>Merlin's Message</h3> + +<p>Now as the sun, a flaming golden ball about which played the +wondrous softer colors of filmy clouds, began sinking in the +western horizon, the heralds announced everywhere that the time for +assemblage had come. Of those few who were not present, chiefest +were Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine. And for these two the herald of +King Arthur was searching the road in vain.</p> + +<p>"Think you, Sir Percival, these two will come?" the herald, +anxious of tone, inquired. "Our King would have them present and I +fancy not the making of excuse for their not appearing."</p> + +<p>"It is hard telling, Sir Herald. Far had the page to go and he +is young. Then too, it is a question whether should he meet with +them, these two have a mind to appear. For I know that their +journey to Cornwall is urgent."</p> + +<p>Now the knights entered and found place. Then followed the +pages, squires and after them such yeoman and varlets as could find +room. After each had found his place, came King Arthur leading his +queen. And as they entered, up rose the knights, their vassals, all +that were within the hall and raised a mighty shout.</p> + +<p>"St. George and Merrie England. Long live King Arthur. Long live +Queen Guenever."</p> + +<p>Then turned the King toward his loyal subjects and though his +lips were seen to move, none heard him for the clamor. So King +Arthur turned to seat his queen and then he himself sat down upon +his throne, high on the dais.</p> + +<p>Then soon after even as bell tolled the hour, Arthur arose. No +sign had yet come of Launcelot and Gawaine. So now the herald +slipped to the door to cast again a hurried glance for perchance +that they might be within vision. And as he went noiselessly, so, +too, a quiet fell that the King's words might be heard. But now +disturbing this quiet came a great clattering. Arthur turned his +eyes, frowning, at the sudden noise. Yet came a greater turmoil, +approaching horse's hoofs were heard and then into the great hall +thundered the steeds carrying the noble figures of Launcelot and +Gawaine, followed but a pace behind by Allan the page.</p> + +<p>Straight to the dais they came, the two knights. Allan, however, +turned, made hasty exit because he felt himself abashed to be +observed by so many eyes. On foot he entered once again and found +place far in the rear where few could observe him.</p> + +<p>The two knights now dismounted and knelt before their King.</p> + +<p>"We pray your pardon for the lateness of our coming. Yet did we +hasten and could not have come the sooner."</p> + +<p>"That we feel is so, Sir Knights, for we know you well enough. +Nor are we wroth, since come you did. But where, pray, is the +message bearer? Truly his speed was great to have reached you in +time for your return. And if I mistake not," added the King with +great shrewdness, "neither you, Gawaine, nor you Launcelot, were +any too ready to return. How then, did the lad urge you?"</p> + +<p>"You speak truly, sire," replied Gawaine. "For our errand had +need of urgent haste and we were both to give it up. Yet did the +boy urge us and chiefest urge of all to us was where he claimed his +own honor demanded the success of his mission. Those were fine +words, so did we therefore return."</p> + +<p>"Fine words, indeed. Where then is this page? Will you, Sir +Herald, bring him forth?"</p> + +<p>So Allan came forward, red of face and hating such womanness +that would let him blush before all these great men. Knelt he +before his King.</p> + +<p>"Thou art a good lad and will bear watching. Go thy way and +remember that the road ahead for those who wish to be knights of +high nobility is steep and arduous but well worth the trials. +Remember too, that this day, Britain's King, said that some day +thou wilt prove a worthy and brave knight."</p> + +<p>And as Allan with flaming cheeks and glorious pride went to his +place far in the rear of the hall the King turned to the +assemblage.</p> + +<p>"Merlin is here but departs from us tomorrow for many a day. He +has had a great dream which affects this court and us and which +must be told to all of you. So he has asked us to call you and this +we have done. Stand up now Merlin, wisest of men and truest of +counselors. Speak."</p> + +<p>Up rose Merlin and for wonder as to what his dream might be all +held their breath.</p> + +<p>"But the other night came Joseph of Armathea to me while I +slept. And he chided me that in all Britain so few of all the true +and brave knights had thought to seek the wondrous Holy Grail which +once was pride of all England.</p> + +<p>"And me thought I heard him say, 'Truly do I misdoubt the valor +of these knights who seek adventure and glory.'</p> + +<p>"'Yet.' said I, 'doubt not their valor for can I give surety for +it. For Holy Grail, every varlet, let alone those of true blood, +would give his life and count it more than worthy.'</p> + +<p>"'So shall it be!' replied Sir Joseph. 'For the Holy Grail will +be found. Whether knight or varlet shall the finder be, I will not +say. But this I tell you now. He who finds it shall be pure of +heart and noble beyond all men. From whence he cometh, who he is, I +will not say. Remember this, Merlin, brave and noble knights there +are now in England, brave knights shall come, and some shall come +as strangely as shall the Grail. Many deeds will be done that will +bring truest of glory to England's name. And never again shall more +noble or more worthy knights hold Britain's banner so high. For +they who seek the Holy Grail must be worthy even of the search.'</p> + +<p>"'Let your King beware that he listens well to all who come to +his court on every Pentecost. And though they who search may not be +overstrong, yet while they seek it they will find in themselves +many men's strength.'</p> + +<p>"And then he left me. But even after he was gone I dreamt on. +And I say to you, oh men of England, go you forth and seek this +Holy Grail, if within you, you know that you are pure of heart and +noble. If you are not, go then and seek to be purified for that is +possible. Only one of you will find the Holy Grail, yet is there +great glory in the search. May he who finds it and all the rest who +search for it bring greater fame and worthiness to this our land +and to him who is our King."</p> + +<p>Now Merlin turned to seat himself. But yet before he found his +place every man within the hall stood up prepared to make oath then +and there to begin the search. Only two kept still, nor did they +move. One was Sir Launcelot, the other the youth Allan.</p> + +<p>But quick as they who upstood, Merlin spoke again. And though +his voice was low, yet was it heard throughout the hall.</p> + +<p>"Pledge not yourself today, nor yet tomorrow. Go you hence, +first. In your innermost heart find answer to this question. Am I +pure, am I worthy for the search? For that you must be before any +pledge suffices."</p> + +<p>Silent and thoughtful the men found each his seat. And when all +had been seated, Arthur, King, arose.</p> + +<p>"Wouldst that I felt myself worthy. Yet from this day shall I +strive to the uttermost for the time when I shall feel that I +am."</p> + +<p>And throughout the hall came answering vows: "So shall we all." +Within his heart, Allan, the youth, felt a strange radiancy, as he +too made this vow, "So shall I."</p> + +<h2><a name="chap06">CHAPTER SIX</a></h2> + +<h3>Yosalinde</h3> + +<p>Now came Pentecost and brought with it to King Arthur's +Tournament brave knights from everywhere. Distant Normandy, the far +shores of Ireland, sent each the flower of its knighthood. +Scotland's king was there, the brave Cadoris, to answer the +challenge of the King of Northgalis who was also present. Ban, King +of Northumberland, had come. Sir Palomides came too, and it was he +who was declared, by many to be the bravest and the most skillful +of all of Britain's knights. Yet there were equal number and more +who held the same for both Sir Launcelot and for Sir Tristram. Sir +Lauvecor, leading a hundred knights, came late, with the blessing +of his father, who was none other than King of Ireland.</p> + +<p>A brave show they all made, these many knights seeking +adventure, and each, as he so easily bestrode his steed, found it +hard matter to find comrade and friend, for the many who were +there. Gay were the colors each knight wore and on some fortune had +smiled, for these carried token of some fair lady. Of fair ladies +there were many to watch the deeds of skill and bravery and most +beautiful of them all, was Arthur's queen, Guenever.</p> + +<p>Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine had found no need to journey to +Cornwall. For word had come that Sir Tristram had had a bitter +quarrel with King Mark and had left his court carrying that wicked +King's curse. Tristram had made final demand on the traitorous King +to release the maiden Beatrice whom he was holding for ransom and +this the King had had no mind to do. Then had the bold knight +himself made for the door of the great dungeon and with hilt of +sword knocked long and loud to summon the keeper. And when the door +was opened this same keeper could not withstay him, nor would he. +Then had Tristram carried the maiden to point of safety and so +earned her gratitude. Nor would any knight of King Mark take issue +with him for none felt the King's deed to be knightly. And though +the King made pretense of bearing no ill will, yet did Sir Tristram +leave Cornwall that same day.</p> + +<p>And Sir Gawaine knew not whether to be pleased or otherwise at +the news.</p> + +<p>"I would have fancied making rescue of the Lady Beatrice myself. +And fancied even more to have told King Mark the scurvy knave I +deem him; yet I doubt not Sir Tristram did the deed well and since +it leaves me free to stay and have part in the jousting, I am not +displeased."</p> + +<p>"And methinks," added Sir Launcelot, "Sir Tristram will make his +way hither, for tournament such as this holds all alluring +call."</p> + +<p>King Arthur, together with Ban of Northumberland, and Sir +Percival were declared the judges for all but the last of the three +days.</p> + +<p>Now then Sir Percival, finding a moment's brief respite, +followed by his page rode to the palace where sat his mother and +two sisters. There he found Sir Uwaine already in deep converse +with Helene, who was the older of the two maidens and whose knight +he was.</p> + +<p>"See you, son, there do be knights who find time to pay respect +to us, even though our own are slower footed." So spoke the Lady +Olande yet did it jestingly and with no intent to hurt for she had +great love for her son.</p> + +<p>"And I doubt not, Uwaine does make up for any seeming lack of +mine," replied Sir Percival. "If, mother mine, I were not made a +judge, my time would be more my own.</p> + +<p>"But here, I must have lost what manners I have been taught. +Mother, this is Allan who is my page, and these, Allan, are my +sisters Helene and Yosalinde. Allan is son of Sir Gaunt, whom you +all know. Forgive my not making you known before this, lad."</p> + +<p>Pleasantly did the ladies greet him and so well that he found no +embarrassment therewith. And so now Sir Percival turned and spoke +in low tones to his mother. Sir Uwaine and his lady walked away, +claiming that they must give greeting to certain high ladies. And +therewith left Allan, the boy, and Yosalinde, who was even younger +than he, to themselves.</p> + +<p>Allan strove to speak but found he could not and so sat on horse +waiting. The girl calmly watched him from her place, yet was there +mischief in her eyes.</p> + +<p>"If you would, you may dismount from your horse and find place +hither. There is room, as you see," she suggested.</p> + +<p>The lad looked uncertain. Yet Sir Percival had already found +place next to his mother and was now in earnest converse. So he +found he could not do otherwise.</p> + +<p>Now Yosalinde laughed at what showed so plainly his +unwillingness to sit beside her.</p> + +<p>"I shall not bite you. See how harmless I am? No witch, I hope, +you think I am. For shame that youth, who would be brave knight, +should fear a lady and in especial one so young as I."</p> + +<p>"I fear you not," replied Allan hotly.</p> + +<p>"Then perhaps you dislike me?" the minx questioned +innocently.</p> + +<p>"Certes, no. How could I?" the guileless youth replied.</p> + +<p>"Then you do like me? Although I doubt I find any pride in that +since I must need force the words from you."</p> + +<p>At a loss now the lad could not answer. For the girl had better +of him because of her quick tongue and he found she twisted his +words and meaning to suit her taste. Yet finally, she turned the +talk and so Allan found himself telling her of his high hopes. So +simply too, without boasting, he told her of the fine words of +Arthur to him. And last, because it had made its deep impress upon +him, he spoke of Merlin's dream. And of this Yosalinde, now serious +and wide eyed, questioned him closely, and soon knew all that he +did.</p> + +<p>So now Percival uprose and made ready to return to his duties. +So therefore, too, did Allan, and found he now felt more at ease +and without constraint of the girl.</p> + +<p>"I <i>like</i> you, Allan, and I say it though I +should make it harder for you to know, than it was for me. I give +you my friendship and if it help you, take this ring and wear it. +May it serve you in time of stress. And at all times consider it +token of your lady."</p> + +<p>And then once again the laughing, teasing minx, she, added:</p> + +<p>"Yet, after all, you are but a boy and I am no less a girl. Yet, +let us make-believe, you a bold knight and I your lady. Mayhap it +may be true some day."</p> + +<p>So she was gone now to her mother leaving Allan with stirred +feelings and somewhat in a dream, too. For Sir Percival had to call +twice to him before he mounted his own horse. And even as they both +made their way, he turned his head back to see if he could perceive +aught of this strange girl. And thought he saw a waving hand but +was not sure.</p> + +<h2><a name="chap07">CHAPTER SEVEN</a></h2> + +<h3>The Tournament</h3> + +<p>On the first of the three days of the tournament there were +great feats of wrestling and trials of archery. So too did yeomen +prove their skill with mace and clubs. Foot races were many. And +constant flow of ale and food so that none among the yeomen and +even of the varlets found aught to want. Many fools there were too +and these pleased all mightily.</p> + +<p>But as the day advanced of all the yeomen but a half dozen +remained for the wrestling. And for each of these but one, there +was high acclaim from those other yeomen who were there and from +such knights as owed fealty to selfsame banner. And of the archers +too, but very few remained for last tests of skill.</p> + +<p>For the one yeoman, who wore green tunic and red cap, there was +none to cheer. A stranger, he kept silent and yet was equally +skillful with the best. He had entered himself for the archery +prize and for the wrestling.</p> + +<p>"Dost know this knave?" asked King Arthur of Sir Percival.</p> + +<p>"Only that he belongs not to any of us of the Round Table," +replied Percival.</p> + +<p>"Is he forsooth one of your men, worthy Ban?"</p> + +<p>"I would he were, Arthur, yet is he not."</p> + +<p>Now Sir Percival rode forward and divided these last six +wrestlers into teams. Yet did this man prove victor for he had a +wondrous hold which none of the others knew. And when he had won, +so turned he to watch and join in the archery. And as he watched +came there knaves to him and mocked him.</p> + +<p>"Faith though you wrestle well," one spoke, "it doth not make +you an archer. For here you find true archery than which none can +do better."</p> + +<p>"And I carry a club I would fain try on your thick skull," said +another who was even less gentle spoken.</p> + +<p>"Of a good time, my friend, and you may," replied the lone +knave.</p> + +<p>"No such time befits the same as now," replied the first +knave.</p> + +<p>"If they will wait for my trial with bow and arrow I would be +the last to keep you waiting." So spoke the stranger.</p> + +<p>So then one of the knaves hurried away and received +permission.</p> + +<p>"Then furnish me a club," said the stranger.</p> + +<p>"Here then is mine," offered the third knave.</p> + +<p>Yet, forsooth, the club was but a sorry one and so the unknown +would not use it.</p> + +<p>"Then show you a coward's heart," replied he who would strive +with him. And then the three rushed upon the stranger and would do +him hurt.</p> + +<p>So now came bearing down on the three none other than Allan who +had overheard the parley.</p> + +<p>"For shame, knaves. No true men would treat stranger so. He asks +nothing more than is fair. Give him a club of his choosing."</p> + +<p>"Of a faith, young master, this quarrel is none of yours, and +warrants no interference. Leave this fellow to us, and we shall +give him clubbing of his choosing." And the man who addressed the +boy, though he looked not straight at him, growled surlily.</p> + +<p>"I shall give you a thrashing, fool, unless you do my bidding," +replied the boy, hotly.</p> + +<p>But the three surly brutes moved uneasily. And then came Sir +Percival forward.</p> + +<p>"What have we here?" he asked.</p> + +<p>So Allan waited for the men to say. But they, now frightened, +made no spoken word.</p> + +<p>"These knaves would play foul tricks on this strange fellow. +This one, would strive with him and yet would not offer other club +than this. And when the stranger asked to have one of his choice +they called him coward and would beat him."</p> + +<p>"And I doubt not, fools, this club you offer will not stand one +blow." So Sir Percival brought it down on the first knave's head, +and, lo, though the blow was not a hard one, yet did the club break +in two.</p> + +<p>"So methought. Now go you Allan and get club that will do. And +then will you, stranger, give this villain a sound trouncing." And +Sir Percival stayed so that the troublemakers did not depart.</p> + +<p>So Allan brought a club which suited the stranger.</p> + +<p>Now did the two battle long and well. Both the stranger and he +who fought with him were of great strength and each was exceeding +quick.</p> + +<p>As wood struck wood and each tried to get full blow upon the +other, so turned all eyes upon the two. And except for glancing +blows neither could bring the other down. And though the sparks +flew, yet each held his club and was hardly hurt. So now they +rested for a few moments.</p> + +<p>And while they waited, the stranger turned to Allan and +spoke.</p> + +<p>"I thank you for your brave upstanding of me, young master. And +I hope some day I may serve you equally well."</p> + +<p>"You are a worthy man. Serve me now by trouncing the knave who +battles with you."</p> + +<p>"I can but try, yet right skillful is the fellow."</p> + +<p>So they turned to again. Yet this time the stranger fought the +better. Soon the other was forced back, foot by foot. And even as +the stranger seemed to have all the best of it, his foot seeming +slipped, and he went to his knees.</p> + +<p>Fiercely the other came upon him. Yet as he came closer the +stranger's club moved swiftly. From out the seeming victor's hand +flew his mighty club and next second found him clubbed to the +ground, senseless.</p> + +<p>Now the stranger sat himself down for he needed rest sorely. But +only for a little while and thereafter he turned to try his skill +with bow and arrow. And though he had shown skill in all of the +other feats he proved his mastery here. For he was wondrous expert +in his archery.</p> + +<p>"Here you, is fair target," he finally suggested after many +trials. And went to distant tree and removed from bough upon it, +all its leaves but one.</p> + +<p>"Shoot you all at this. And if you bring it down I will call you +skillful."</p> + +<p>But only one would try for it. And he came close but missed.</p> + +<p>Now did the stranger raise his own bow. Nor did he seem to take +aim but let the arrow fly. And the arrow carried the twig and leaf +with it to the ground.</p> + +<p>"Of a truth," said King Arthur, "a right worthy knave is that +and I would speak to him."</p> + +<p>So they brought the stranger before the king.</p> + +<p>"Thou hast done exceeding well, this day, fellow. Tell us then +the banner that you serve."</p> + +<p>"That I cannot do. For, sire, such are my master's commands. Yet +may I say no knight is more true and worthy."</p> + +<p>"Then must we wait for your master's coming. Go thou hence and +tell your master he can be proud of thee. And take you this bag of +gold besides such other prizes as are yours." So as the knave stood +there, the King turned to Sir Dagonet, his jester, who was making +himself heard.</p> + +<p>"A fool speaks, sire. Yet claim I, like master like man. So then +must this fellow's master be right skillful to hold him. And since +this master is not you, nor Sir Launcelot, then I pick him to be +Sir Tristram."</p> + +<p>"Fool's reasoning, yet hath it much sense," said the King.</p> + +<p>Now the stranger left. But ere departing, he turned to +Allan.</p> + +<p>"I trust, young master, I shall see you again. As to who I am, +know you for your own keeping--fools ofttimes reason best of +all."</p> + +<p>The yeoman rode far into the forest. Then when he came to a lone +habitation he dismounted. A knight seated near the small window at +the further wall greeted him as he entered.</p> + +<p>"How did the day turn out? No doubt they trounced you well."</p> + +<p>"No, master, no trouncing did I get. Instead, the good King +spoke pleasantly unto me, gave me this bag of gold, and commended +me to my master. Furthermore, see you these prizes that are +mine?"</p> + +<p>"Aye," the yeoman continued, not a bit grieved at the knight's +banter, "I even heard the King's fool remark that since the man was +so good, the master need must be. And then and there he hazarded a +shrewd guess that if this master were not the King, nor Sir +Launcelot, then it must need be you."</p> + +<p>"Then truly am I in good company. Now then tell me what news is +there of tomorrow?"</p> + +<p>"The King of Northgalis desires your aid. That I heard him say. +Sir Launcelot is to joust for Cadoris as is Sir Palomides, and +these two, of a truth, make it one-sided."</p> + +<p>"Worthy Gouvernail, prove again my faith in you. Procure for me +a shield, one that holds no insignia, so that I may enter the lists +unbeknownst to any. I would not have them know I am Tristram, so +that it may be my good fortune to joust with many knights who know +me not."</p> + +<p>"That, good master, is not hard. I know a place where I can +obtain a black shield, one that holds no other remembrance upon it. +It should serve your purpose well."</p> + +<p>"By my faith, did ever better knave serve master? Right proud of +you am I, Gouvernail. And would that I too had bags of gold I could +give you for your loyal service."</p> + +<p>"Nay, master, such service as I give I measure not by aught that +you can pay."</p> + +<p>"That do I know full well, else had you left me long since, for +little have I paid," Sir Tristram answered, soft spoken and with +great affection.</p> + +<h2><a name="chap08">CHAPTER EIGHT</a></h2> + +<h3>Sir Tristram's Prowess</h3> + +<p>So the next day Sir Tristram, carrying the black shield, went +forth to enter the lists. And none knew him. The great conflict had +already begun when he arrived. He found himself a place among those +knights who jousted for Northgalis. And very soon all perceived +that this knight with the black shield was skillful and strong. +Well and lustily did he battle and none could withstand him. Yet +did he not meet with Sir Launcelot nor with Sir Palomides, on this +first day. Nor did any know him, but all marveled at his worth and +bravery.</p> + +<p>So, as the day was done, this Unknown and his servant, +Gouvernail, rode back into the forest. And none followed him for he +was a brave knight and all respected him and his desire to stay +unknown. Yet did the judges declare the side of Northgalis victor +and as for single knight, the most worthy was the Unknown. And he +was called "the Knight of the Black Shield."</p> + +<p>Now as the judges' duties were done, King Arthur showed how +wroth he was that strange knight had carried off such great +honors.</p> + +<p>"Yet do we hope tomorrow shall show other reckoning than this. +For good Launcelot shall be there and so shall we."</p> + +<p>On the morn the heralds called forth the brave knights once +again. And with the call came the "Knight of the Black Shield."</p> + +<p>Sir Palomides was await for him, eager and alert, to be the +first to joust. And so they, like great hounds, went at each other. +And truly, Sir Tristram found his foe a worthy one. Long did they +joust without either besting the other until he of the black shield +by great skill and fine force brought down a mighty blow and did +smite Sir Palomides over his horse's croup. But now as the knight +fell King Arthur was there and he rode straight at the unknown +knight shouting, "Make thee ready for me!" Then the brave +sovereign, with eager heart, rode straight at him and as he came, +his horse reared high. And such was the King's strength he unhorsed +Sir Tristram.</p> + +<p>Now, while the latter was on foot, rode full tilt upon him, Sir +Palomides, and would have borne him down but that Sir Tristram was +aware of his coming, and so lightly stepping aside, he grasped the +arm of the rider and pulled him from his horse. The two dashed +against each other on foot and with their swords battled so well +that kings and queens and knights and their ladies stood and beheld +them. But finally the Unknown smote his foe three mighty blows so +that he fell upon the earth groveling. Then did they all truly +wonder at his skill for Sir Palomides was thought by many to be the +most skillful knight in Britain.</p> + +<p>A knight now brought horse for Sir Tristram, for now, all knew +that it must be he. So too was horse brought for Sir Palomides. +Great was the latter's ire and he came at Sir Tristram again. Full +force, he bore his lance at the other. And so anew they fought. Yet +Sir Tristram was the better of the two and soon with great strength +he got Sir Palomides by the neck with both hands and so pulled him +clean out of his saddle. Then in the presence of them all, and well +they marveled at his deed, he rode ten paces carrying the other in +this manner and let him fall as he might.</p> + +<p>Sir Tristram turned now again and saw King Arthur with naked +sword ready for him. The former halted not, but rode straight at +the King with his lance. But as he came, the King by wondrous blow +sent his weapon flying and for a moment Sir Tristram was stunned. +And as he sat there upon his horse the King rained blows upon him +and yet did the latter draw forth his sword and assail the King so +hard that he need must give ground. Then were these two divided by +the great throng. But Sir Tristram, lion hearted, rode here and +there and battled with all who would. And of the knights who +opposed him he was victor of eleven. And all present marveled at +him, at his strength and at his great deeds.</p> + +<p>Yet had he not met Sir Launcelot, who elsewhere was meeting with +all who would strive with him. Not many, however, would joust with +him for he was known as the very bravest and most skillful. So as +he sat there all at ease, there came the great acclaim for the +Knight of the Black Shield. Nor did Sir Launcelot know him to be +Sir Tristram. But he got his great lance and rushed toward the cry. +When he saw this strange knight he called to him, "Knight of the +Black Shield, prepare for me."</p> + +<p>And then came such jousting as had never been seen. For each +knight bowed low his head and came at the other like the wind. When +they met it was very like thunder. Flashed lance on shields and +armor so that sparks flew. And each would not give to the other one +step but by great skill with shield did avoid the best of each +other's blows.</p> + +<p>Then did Sir Tristram's lance break in two, and Sir Launcelot, +through further ill fortune, wounded Sir Tristram in his left side. +But notwithstanding, the wounded knight brought forth his sword and +rushed daringly at the other with a force that Sir Launcelot could +not withstand, and gave him a fearful blow. Low in his saddle +sagged Sir Launcelot, exceeding weak for many moments. Now Sir +Tristram left him so and rode into the forest. And after him +followed Gouvernail, his servant.</p> + +<p>Sore wounded was Sir Tristram yet made he light of it. Sir +Launcelot on his part recovered soon and turned back to the +tourney, and thereafter did wondrous deeds and stood off many +knights, together and singly.</p> + +<p>Now again was the day done and the tournament, too. And to Sir +Launcelot was given full honor as victor of the field. But naught +would Sir Launcelot have of this. He rode forthwith to his +King.</p> + +<p>"Sire, it is not I but this knight with the Black Shield who has +shown most marvelous skill of all. And so I will not have these +prizes for they do not belong to me."</p> + +<p>"Well spoken, Sir Launcelot and like thy true self," replied the +King. "So since this knight is gone, will you go forth with us +within the fortnight in search for him. And unless we are in great +error we shall find this Knight of the Black Shield no more, no +less, than Sir Tristram."</p> + +<h2><a name="chap09">CHAPTER NINE</a></h2> + +<h3>The Kitchen Boy</h3> + +<p>Among all those who came to the court of King Arthur at this +Pentecost seeking hospitality, were two strangers in especial, who +because of being meanly garbed and of a seeming awkwardness brought +forth the mockery and jest of Sir Kay the Seneschal. Nor did Sir +Kay mean harm thereby, for he was knight who held no villainy. Yet +was his tongue overly sharp and too oft disposed to sting and +mock.</p> + +<p>Too, the manner of their coming was strange. One was a youth of +handsome mien. Despite his ill garb, he seemed of right good +worship. Him, our young page Allan found fallen in a swoon, very +weak and near unto death, asprawl on the green about a mile from +the castle. Thinking that the man was but a villain, he would fain +have called one of the men-at-arms to give him aid, but that +something drew him to closer view. And then the boy felt certain +that this was no villain born for his face bespoke gentle breeding. +So he himself hastened for water and by much use of it the man soon +opened his eyes and found himself. So he studied the lad as he +helped him to greater ease but either through his great weakness or +no desire he did not speak.</p> + +<p>"Stranger," said Allan to the man, "if there is aught that I can +do for you or if I can help you in any way I give you offer of +service. Mayhap of the many knights who are here, there is one +whose aid you may justly claim."</p> + +<p>The stranger held answer for many moments, then he spoke.</p> + +<p>"There are those here, lad, whose service I may well accept for +they hold ties of blood to me. But I would not. Rather, if your +patience will bear with me, I would fain have your help so that I +can appear in the presence of the King this day. For so it is +ordained and by appearing there I shall find some part of my row +accomplished. On this holy day, I have boon to ask from your +King."</p> + +<p>"So shall I and right gladly lead you there. Good sir, my name +is Allan. I am page to Sir Percival, and I would bespeak your +name."</p> + +<p>"I beg of thee, Allan, think not that I am churlish and yet must +I withhold my name. For it is part of the vow I have made. Nor, +forsooth, am I therefore the less grateful."</p> + +<p>"No offense take I, friend. So when you feel disposed I shall +guide your steps for audience with our good King."</p> + +<p>The stranger, weak and spent, leaning mightily on his young +friend made his way to the great hall. And as we have recounted, +though all were struck by oddness and meanness of the stranger's +clothes, yet only Sir Kay made point to taunt him. Yet did he make +no answer to these taunts but waited with a great meekness for his +turn before the King. And that he should wait with such meekness +was strange for he seemed to be a high born knight.</p> + +<p>There were many who sought audience with the King and it was +long before the stranger's turn came. Weak he still was, but he +made no complaint, and when others would crowd before him so that +they could speak the sooner to King Arthur, he did not chide them +but permitted it. At last Sir Launcelot came forward, for he had +observed this and made each of them find the place which was first +theirs, so that the stranger's turn came as it should. Weak though +he was he walked with a great firmness to the dais, and none there +saw his poor clothes for the fineness of him. The King turned to +him and he nodded kindly.</p> + +<p>"Speak, friend. In what way can we be of service to thee?"</p> + +<p>"Sire," said the stranger, "I come to ask of thee three boons. +One I ask this day and on this day one year I shall come before you +and crave your favor for the other two."</p> + +<p>"If the boon you ask, stranger, is aught we can grant, we shall +do so cheerfully, for on this day we heed all prayers."</p> + +<p>"I ask very little, sire. This and no more do I wish--that you +give me food and drink for one year and that on this day a year +hence I shall make my other two prayers."</p> + +<p>"It is indeed little you ask. Food and drink we refuse none. It +is here. Yet while your petition might well beseem a knave, thou +seemeth of right good worship, a likely youth, too, none fairer, +and we would fain your prayer had been for horse and armor. Yet may +you have your wish. Sir Kay," and the King turned to his Seneschal, +"see you to it that this stranger finds his wish satisfied."</p> + +<p>So the King turned to others present, for of those who sought +audience there were many. And so forgot all of the fair youth for +many a day.</p> + +<p>Sir Kay laughed mockingly at the unknown.</p> + +<p>"Of a truth this is villain born. For only such would ask for +food and drink of the King. So therefore he shall find place in our +kitchen. He shall help there, he shall have fat broth to satisfy +himself and in a year no hog shall be fatter. And we shall know him +as the Kitchen Boy."</p> + +<p>"Sir Kay," frowned Sir Launcelot, "I pray you cease your +mocking. It is not seemly. This stranger, whosoever he may be, has +right to make whatsoever request he wishes."</p> + +<p>"Nay, Sir Launcelot, of a truth, as he is, so has he asked."</p> + +<p>"Yet I like not your mocking," said Sir Launcelot as he looked +frowningly at Sir Kay, while next to him stood Sir Gawaine and Sir +Percival, neither of whom could scarce contain himself.</p> + +<p>"It is well, we know you, Sir Kay. Or, by our guardian saints we +would make you answer for your bitter tongue. But that we know it +belies a heart of kindness we would long since have found quarrel +with you." So spoke Sir Percival and Sir Gawaine nodded in +assent.</p> + +<p>"Stay not any quarrel for any seeming knowledge of me, kind +friends," frowned back Sir Kay.</p> + +<p>But the two knights moved away. Sir Kay was of great shame. And +so to cover it he turned to the stranger in great fury. "Come then +to your kennel, dog," he said.</p> + +<p>Out flashed the sword of Sir Gawaine. Yet did Sir Launcelot +withhold him.</p> + +<p>"Sir, I beg you to do me honor of feasting with us this +day?"</p> + +<p>"I thank you Sir Launcelot. Yet must I go with Sir Kay and do +his bidding. There do be knights well worth their places at the +Round Table. And I note right well that they set high example to +those who are still but lads and who are to become knights in good +time. So to you all I give my thanks."</p> + +<p>Then followed the stranger after Sir Kay while the three knights +and Allan watched him go and marveled at his meekness.</p> + +<h2><a name="chap10">CHAPTER TEN</a></h2> + +<h3>Pentecost</h3> + +<p>And so in turn came the second stranger before King Arthur. +Poorly clothed, too, yet had his coat once been rich cloth of gold. +Now it sat most crookedly upon him and was cut in many places so +that it but barely hung upon his shoulders.</p> + +<p>"Sire," said the stranger, "you are known everywhere as the +noblest King in the world. And for that reason I come to you to be +made knight."</p> + +<p>"Knights, good friend," replied the King, "are not so easily +made. Such knights as we do appoint must first prove their worth. +We know thee not, stranger, and know not the meaning of thy strange +garb. For truly, thou art a strange sight."</p> + +<p>"I am Breunor le Noire and soon you will know that I am of good +kin. This coat I wear is token of vow made for vengeance. So, I +found it on my slain father and I seek his slayer. This day, oh +King, I go forth content, if you make promise that should I perform +knightly deed you will dub me knight of yours."</p> + +<p>"Go thou forth, then. We doubt not that thou wilt prove thy true +valor and be worthy of knighthood. Yet proof must be there."</p> + +<p>On this selfsame day, Breunor le Noire departed.</p> + +<p>Next morn, the King together with Sir Launcelot, Sir Percival, +Sir Gawaine, Sir Pellimore, Sir Gilbert, Sir Neil and Sir Dagonet, +indeed a right goodly party, prepared to depart. Nor did they +purpose to return until they met with Sir Tristram, for King Arthur +was of great desire to have this good knight as one of the Round +Table.</p> + +<p>Now as these, the flower of King Arthur's court, were waiting +for Sir Dagonet who was to be with them and who had delayed, Sir +Launcelot saw Allan the boy watching them from the side. Saw too, +the great wish in the lad's eyes. Nor did Allan see himself +observed for Sir Launcelot was not then with the others.</p> + +<p>A thought came to this fine spirited knight and it brought great +and smiling good humor to his lips. He rode to Sir Percival's side +and the two whispered for many moments. Then did the two speak to +the King and he laughed, but did not turn to gaze at the boy. Sir +Gawaine now joined in the whispering. Then did all four laugh with +great merriment. So Sir Pellimore and the other knights inquired +the cause for the merriment and, being told, laughed too. Kindly +was the laughter, strong men these who could yet be gentle. Sir +Launcelot now turned and rode hard at the boy.</p> + +<p>"And wherefore, lad," and dark was his frown and greatly wroth +he seemed, "do you stand here watching? Rude staring yours and no +fit homage to pay your betters. Perchance, we may all be +displeased, the King, Sir Percival, and all of us."</p> + +<p>Now the lad's eyes clouded. To have displeased these knights, +the greatest men in all the world, for so he thought them. Then and +there he wished he could die. Woe had the knight's words brought to +him.</p> + +<p>"Indeed, and I meant no disrespect, Sir Launcelot. Indeed--" and +said no more for he knew he would weep if he spoke further. So he +saw not the dancing laughter in the knight's eye, nor the wide +grins on the faces of the others.</p> + +<p>"Yet we must punish thee, lad. So then prepare you to accompany +us. Get your horse at once. Nor will we listen to any prayer you +may make for not going because of your youth."</p> + +<p>Agape, Allan turned to look at him. For he knew he could not +have heard aright. But now, as he looked, he saw that Sir Launcelot +was laughing and then as he turned wondering, he saw his own lord +and the King and the other knights watching him with great +glee.</p> + +<p>"You mean then, that I--I--may go with all of you!"</p> + +<p>And then so that there would be no chance of its being +otherwise, he rushed in mad haste to get his horse. Joy was the +wings which made his feet fly. He came back in quick time, a bit +uncertain, riding forward slowly, diffidently, and stopped a little +way from them, awaiting word. Then did Sir Launcelot ride to him +and place kindly arm about the youth and bring him among them +all.</p> + +<p>Now Sir Dagonet was with them and they rode forth.</p> + +<p>With the equipage came the hounds, for the first day of their +journey was to be given over to hunting. There came also the master +of the hounds who was to return with them at the close of the +hunt.</p> + +<p>None other than the great Launcelot rode with Allan and none sat +straighter and more at ease in his saddle than the boy as they +passed the Queen, the Lady Olande, her two daughters and many other +ladies of the realm. Nor did the boy see any other than the minx +Yosalinde. But she--she did not seem to find him among the knights, +yet he wondered how she could help but see him. He would have liked +to call to her, "See, here am I among all these brave knights." +Instead he rode past very erect. If she would not see him, what +matter, since, he was there, one of the company.</p> + +<p>Then, of a sudden, she smiled straight at him. So that for him +was the full glory of the world. And we doubt not, for that smile +he would have fought the bravest knight in all the world and found +man's strength therein.</p> + +<p>Now the company found itself in the woods and many hours journey +away. So they rode hard for they liked not to tarry on the +road.</p> + +<p>Long after midday, King Arthur and his men spread out for the +hunt. The forest in which they now found themselves held game and +wild animals in plenty. Soon thereafter did the hounds give tongue +for they had found the scent. No mean prey had they found though, +for the quarry gave them a long race. Close behind the hounds came +King Arthur and almost as close, Sir Percival and Sir +Launcelot.</p> + +<p>Now, at last, the stag, a noble animal with wondrous horns, +lithe body and beautifully shaped limbs was at bay. Straight and +true, at its throat, flew the leader of the pack, and sank its +teeth deep into it, while above the King blew loud and long the +death note of the chase. No need for other hounds nor for weapons +of the men.</p> + +<p>Dark had stolen over the forest when the men with huge appetites +came to sup. Juicy venison steak was there, so was the wild duck +and the pheasant in plenty. To the full they ate as did the few men +at arms that were with them.</p> + +<p>Yet none stayed awake long thereafter. It had been an arduous +day. Allan alone was wide-awake; his eyes would not close. And he +knew of a certainty that he was the most fortunate lad in all the +world. When he should become a man, he would be--well, he was not +certain whether he would be like unto the King, Sir Percival or Sir +Launcelot. Yes, he did know, he would be like them all. Now there +came mixed thoughts of a maid who waved her hand and smiled at him. +And he felt of a precious ring upon his finger.</p> + +<p>So now his eyes closed; he found himself seeking the Holy Grail. +And during all of the night dreamed that he had found it.</p> + +<h2><a name="chap11">CHAPTER ELEVEN</a></h2> + +<h3>Allan Meets a Stranger</h3> + +<p>The noble cortege, after the first day's hunt, continued on its +journey.</p> + +<p>It had reached Leek, in Stafford on the morn of the fifth day +ere word came of Sir Tristram. Here, was heard from some, Sir +Tristram was then on way to Scotland, and from still others, that +he was bound for Kinkenadon in Wales.</p> + +<p>"By my faith," spoke Sir Gawaine, "there are none that are more +ready to testify to Sir Tristram's greatness and ability, too. Yet +still, have I many doubts as to his being both on way to Scotland +and to Wales as well."</p> + +<p>"If it were left to me," said Sir Dagonet, "I would hie me to +Ireland. A likely spot to find him, say I. For there are none who +have said that they know of the good knight's journey +thitherward."</p> + +<p>"We, for ourselves, think it best," the king interrupted, "to +tarry here this day. Our comrade, Pellimore, expresses great desire +to have us partake of his hospitality and we are fain, so to do. +What say you?"</p> + +<p>"It were wisdom to do so, methinks," agreed Sir Percival. +"Tomorrow we may find here some further news of Sir Tristram's +way."</p> + +<p>"Aye, sir knights," added Sir Launcelot, "for we need must know +whether we continue our travel north or west from this point."</p> + +<p>So all of them were housed within the castle walls. And Sir +Pellimore spread bounteous feast before his guests at midday for he +held it high honor to be host to such as these.</p> + +<p>Now, as the repast had been completed, Allan grew restless. He +was of a mind to ride forth and so craved permission from Sir +Percival who gave ready consent.</p> + +<p>Forth he went and rode for many an hour. And then, since the day +had great heat, he found himself turn drowsy. Thereupon finding a +pleasant, shaded spot, he quickly made a couch of cedar boughs and +soon was fast asleep.</p> + +<p>It seemed to the boy he had slept but few moments when his eyes +opened wide with the certainty that other eyes were directed upon +him. Nor was this mere fancy nor dream. Near him sat a monk, and +from under the black hood the face that peered forth at him was +gaunt, cadaverous, with eyes that seemed to burn straight through +the lad. But for the eyes, this figure could well have been carven, +so still and immovable did it sit there and gaze at the youth. Nor +did the monk speak far many minutes even though he must have known +that the boy was awake and watching him.</p> + +<p>The sun now hung low in the sky. Allan knew that he must have +been asleep for at least two hours. He knew, too, that he should +rise and return to the castle, since the hour was already late and +his time overspent. Yet did the monk's eyes hold him to the spot. +Nor was the thing that held him there fear; rather could it be +described as the feeling one has before a devout, sacred and holy +presence. Despite the holy man's unworthy aspect he inspired no +fear in the lad.</p> + +<p>"Allan, boy," and the lad wondered that the monk knew him by +name, "two things I know have been chief in your thoughts these +days." Kindly was the monk's tone. "What then are these two +things?"</p> + +<p>No thought had the boy of the oddness of the monk's words, nor +of his questions. Nor of the fact that the monk seemed to be there +present. Somehow, the whole of it took on some great purport. Allan +stopped not to wonder, which the two things the monk mentioned were +uppermost in his mind but straightway made reply.</p> + +<p>"Strange monk, I think and dream of the Holy Grail. And think +too of Yosalinde, sister to my Lord Percival. And of naught else so +much. But pray you, holy father, who are you?</p> + +<p>"Truth, lad. As to who I am or as to where I come, know you +this. I come to you from that same place as do all dreams.</p> + +<p>"Aye lad. Dreaming and fancying shall ever be yours. These son, +shall bring you the visions of tomorrow and many another day.</p> + +<p>"I have come to tell you this, lad. But two years or more and +you shall start in earnest on your search for the Grail. And +whether you find the same, I shall not and cannot say, for the +finding depends on you. The way shall be hard, youth of many +dreams, though you will have help and guidance, too. But the great +inspiration for it all shall come to you from the second of these, +your two big thoughts.</p> + +<p>"I sought you many a day, lad. Merlin has sounded the message +for me to all the knights of Britain. Once before, years ago, I +came to find the likely seeker for the Grail and thought that I had +found him. Yet did the crucible's test find some alloy and so I had +need to come again.</p> + +<p>"Then," said Allan but barely comprehending, "you are none other +than Sir Joseph of Armathea."</p> + +<p>"Lad, it matters not as to who and what I am. It is of you, we +are now concerned. Dear, dear, lad, they shall name you again and +the name which shall be yours shall ever after be symbolic with the +very best that manhood holds."</p> + +<p>"Go your way, now. For I must speak with many more this day ere +I return. A knight comes but now, with whom I must hold counsel. +And I would fain speak to him, alone."</p> + +<p>"True, father, I had best go. For Sir Percival will think me +thoughtless, if not worse. As to what you have said, I can do but +that best which is in me and ever seek to make that best better. +And so, I ask your blessing."</p> + +<p>The boy knelt. The monk, lean, black cowled, eyes glowing with a +light that held the supernatural, placed hand upon the boy's head +and gave him blessing. So then the boy mounted horse and was +away.</p> + +<p>He rode hard for he held great anxiety to return quickly. And +all the time he rode he thought of the things the strange monk had +told him, Some of it, he did not altogether understand. That was +because of his youthfulness. It was to come back to him when many +months had passed. This however, he knew, he was destined to make +search for the Holy Grail. For so, the holy man had ordained.</p> + +<p>Sir Percival, a bit anxious, was waiting for the lad when he +returned.</p> + +<p>"I went far and then fell asleep," Allan explained. "Nor did I +awaken until the sun hung low." He did not speak of the meeting +with the monk.</p> + +<p>"It is well you are back, lad. For I was fast growing worried +over the lateness of your return. Turn in then. I wot not, but that +food will be found for you on which you can sup. Sir Launcelot went +forth some hours ago. I fancy he went in search of you, though he +would not admit this to be the purpose of his departure."</p> + +<h2><a name="chap12">CHAPTER TWELVE</a></h2> + +<h3>The Stranger and Sir Launcelot</h3> + +<p>Let us then turn to Sir Launcelot now making his way along the +road over which Allan had been seen to depart. Though the knight +had denied that he purposed to seek the lad, yet had his horse +taken that way. A growing fondness for the boy which he had not +made too obvious, for it was not his wont to show too easily his +feelings. Display or show of emotion ever embarrassed him. He had +noted the long absence of Allan and so had mounted his horse intent +to all appearance on a short canter.</p> + +<p>Half way to where Allan had made his couch, the road over which +he had ridden branched right and left and some miles down came +together again. Now when Allan returned he took the road to his +right having ridden the other way earlier in the day. Sir Launcelot +made for the road to the right of him and so missed the boy +returning.</p> + +<p>He found himself at the place at which the boy had slept. He +dismounted to observe more closely. Then he beheld the holy man as +he stepped from the shadows.</p> + +<p>"Good day to you, holy father," the knight greeted him.</p> + +<p>"God's blessing stay with thee, son. I have been expecting +thee."</p> + +<p>"Nay, father, not me. Other knight, mayhap. For I knew not +myself I would be here."</p> + +<p>"Yet did I know, Sir Launcelot. You came here to seek the youth +Allan and knew not that you came in obedience to greater will than +your own. And having come, you must, prithee, listen to the things +that must be told you."</p> + +<p>"Launcelot," and the monk spoke sternly and yet with great +sadness, "as measured by men thou art the bravest knight in +Christendom. Chivalrous, strong, yet gentle and ever ready to +succor the weak and distressed. Your name shall be emblazoned as +symbolic of chivalry." The strange man paused for a time.</p> + +<p>"I speak now of the Holy Grail," he resumed. "Who would be +better fitted to seek and find the Holy Grail? Are there any who +hold greater desire to find the same? And who seeks to make himself +more worthy?"</p> + +<p>"And yet, though you seek until Judgment Day you will never find +it. In the innermost soul of you, you know it to be so. The pity of +it."</p> + +<p>"Strange monk," and a dull red mantled the knight's cheeks, +"those are bold words you speak. None but Launcelot himself can +tell the things he may or may not do. And since I am not in search +of father confessor, nor since I sought not this meeting, I pray +thee offer not your counsel nor advice."</p> + +<p>"The truth, then, sears, sir knight!" Now the monk's eyes +flashed. Straight and tall he stood and his lean figure held so +much of that which was not earthly, that even the mighty Launcelot +was daunted.</p> + +<p>"Who then has more right or reason to tell you of these things. +It is I who first picked you, long since, as likely finder of the +Holy Grail. And when I found you slipping ever so little, and well +you know wherein you have failed me, I sent Merlin to all of you. +For since he on whom I had built my faith could not measure to the +test I had strong need to find someone else.</p> + +<p>"For Britain must hold the Grail. Somewhere in it, there must be +the man who measures up to the test, high though it be."</p> + +<p>"Son, son, the things you could have done. The fineness of you, +coarsened by the temptations you have met and not overcome. The joy +you have found in things that are sordid and count for so +little."</p> + +<p>Low hung the knight's head, His anger had left him now. In its +stead was a deep humility.</p> + +<p>"Father, you bare my soul. And yet have I striven. High did I +hold the ideals which first inspired me, I have overcome much, have +tried to keep to the high set purpose. Yet I am but common clay, +after all."</p> + +<p>"Nay, nay son. I would all men held half thy nobility. Only," +and now the monk's tone was again kindly, "there are some we weigh +on much finer scales than others. We ask more of them, seek more +from them. Forgive less, too. Perhaps we are wrong to desire so +much from any mortal soul. Yet have we faith,--we believe."</p> + +<p>"I find no complaint, holy father, in the measure you have set +for me. For I saw the things, I had the vision to see them. Saw +too, the things that were wrong even as I did these things."</p> + +<p>"Yet, my son, a great task shall be yours. Now of the boy +Allan." The monk paused.</p> + +<p>"What of him, father? A fine lad is he. So young, yet is he too, +to be burdened with great responsibilities? I pray thee, let him +keep his youth."</p> + +<p>"Launcelot, my son, when will you grow to thy true self? For +there lies your failure. You who took your responsibilities as +burdens, when you should have found great joy in that they were +yours. Yet, now listen to me as to this boy Allan. I have seen him +this day, have spoken to him of the Holy Grail. A dreaming youth, +yet is he fired by fine inspiration and great ideals. He is +ordained to seek it. That holds no strangeness for there are many +such. As to whether he finds it or not is dependent upon him, as it +was once upon yourself. And since you cannot find it, seek it as +you will, I charge you with helping him keep clean souled. Should +he do so, ere many years will pass, he may find it. For you, there +will be the joy, the glory of service, of having helped. Without +your help, success for him will be so much less likely. Will you +help him Launcelot? Think well before you make reply."</p> + +<p>Not at once did Sir Launcelot answer. Yet it was the best within +him that did give final utterance.</p> + +<p>"I promise you father, that such help as I can give the lad I +shall. Much have I learned. And with these things that I have +learned he shall be guided. No bitterness mine. Since I am not to +be the finder of the Holy Grail, I pledge you now my aid to +Allan."</p> + +<p>"Launcelot, so little fails you for that needed greatness. None +have I loved so much. If you have sinned you have been great and +glorious even in the sinning.</p> + +<p>"Never have you been finer than now. Allan will need your help, +your strength. There shall be a maid too, to help him. The threads +have also been woven for that now. When the time shall come, you +will call this lad Galahad, the Chaste. Treat him ever as your son, +Launcelot."</p> + +<p>"Son and comrade, too, he shall be for me. Father, I thank +you."</p> + +<p>"So then I go, son. I could not love you more were you less a +mortal sinner."</p> + +<h2><a name="chap13">CHAPTER THIRTEEN</a></h2> + +<h3>The Party Divides</h3> + +<p>When the morning came there was great indecision as to the +further way, for no new information had come of Sir Tristram. Sir +Gawaine now spoke for going north to Scotland. So too, was Sir +Pellimore minded and Sir Gilbert as well. But Sir Percival spoke +for Wales and so did Sir Neil.</p> + +<p>"As for me," said Sir Dagonet, "I pick Wales, since Kinkenadon +is the nearer to Ireland. My fool's head still fancies that we +shall have need to turn there ere we shall find this errant +knight."</p> + +<p>Neither the King nor Sir Launcelot up to this time had expressed +a choice. But now the King vouchsafed a plan.</p> + +<p>"It seems to us good plan for our party to divide. Some of us to +go north, some west. You Launcelot could well go with one party and +we with the other. What say you friends?"</p> + +<p>That plan suited them all. So then the King went with Sir +Gawaine, Sir Pellimore, and Sir Gilbert, while Sir Launcelot +accompanied Sir Percival, Sir Neil, Sir Dagonet and Allan. With +each party, too, went three men-at-arms.</p> + +<p>Our way shall be with Sir Percival.</p> + +<p>At the end of the first half day they found themselves near the +crossroads of Nantwich.</p> + +<p>"We must soon find place for food," remarked Sir Percival and +lustily they all agreed.</p> + +<p>"See you castle beyond yonder crossroads?" questioned Sir Neil, +"Sir Manstor lives there with his three brothers. Right skillful +knights are these but woe the lone stranger who passes by. For +these are villainous four."</p> + +<p>"Right bitterly do you speak of them, Neil," remarked Sir +Launcelot. "And why?"</p> + +<p>"I pray fortune to permit me to meet with this Manstor. I +stopped there for food one day. Then did this knight, his brothers +by his side, demand the bag of gold I carried with me. Nor would +single one among them battle with me. It would have fared ill with +me but for two knights who passing by, came to my aid."</p> + +<p>"Our vow," said Sir Launcelot thoughtfully, "is to find Sir +Tristram. Yet can I see no harm in straying from our way an hour or +two, can you, Percival?"</p> + +<p>"Not if there is promise of such entertainment as this," was the +reply.</p> + +<p>"These knights," interrupted Sir Neil, "have stomach for neither +joust nor other encounter when the odds are not with them. Nor will +they venture to impede our way unless we number less than +they."</p> + +<p>"If greater or equal number withholds them," said Sir Dagonet. +"I would favor them and withdraw. Then would there be one less +doughty sword."</p> + +<p>"Aye, Dagonet, we know your unselfish spirit," said Sir Neil and +laughed.</p> + +<p>"The knight does not live who has bested me, nevertheless," +replied the jester, with pretended heat.</p> + +<p>"The knight does not live who has had the chance," said Sir +Percival. "Yet we love you none the less, brother."</p> + +<p>Said now Sir Launcelot: "One of us could ride ahead. And, +perchance, these scheming knights will think that easy prey comes +and so strive to impede the way. Then when they bear down upon him +we can appear and give them such entertainment as they have not had +in many a day."</p> + +<p>Now one of the men-at-arms came forward.</p> + +<p>"And if you will, masters, yonder cruel knight is cruel master +as well. And he holds my own brother within his prison walls for +small cause. So I pray you, masters, succor him."</p> + +<p>"Of a surety, Wonkin," said Sir Percival, "we shall make every +effort to set your brother free. Neil and I shall go forward and so +find ourselves seemingly enmeshed by them. Then will you, at proper +time, Launcelot, come forward. And if Dagonet so wishes, he can +protect our rear."</p> + +<p>The two knights then hurried on. They had not far to go to the +turn of the road and there the four knights within the castle +grounds, seeing them, stood watching for a moment or so. Then each +mounted his horse and in armor, rode forth from within the +walls.</p> + +<p>"We are knights on way to Wales," said Sir Percival in mild +tone. "We seek food for our midday meal."</p> + +<p>"Food we will give you right gladly," replied the oldest of the +four. "But ask in payment such gold as you may have."</p> + +<p>"That would be poor bargain," replied Sir Percival, still mild +spoken. "We had liefer go our way to place which seeks not such +high pay."</p> + +<p>"That may you well do, strangers, yet must you still leave your +gold behind. For we have great need of it."</p> + +<p>"Yet no greater need for it than have we. Come, comrade, we must +be on our way." So spoke Sir Percival to Sir Neil. And now the +robber knights were certain that these were but timid men. So out +came their swords as they rode at the two. But they found them +ready and watchful. And though the odds were two to one, it was not +hard matter to hold the robbers off until Sir Launcelot came +charging into the melee.</p> + +<p>As the four robbers turned to the newcomer and beheld his shield +and armor, they knew that it was Launcelot. And knew too that this +was trap set for them. Thereupon did Sir Manstor withdraw for the +moment from the struggle and blow horn he carried--two long and one +short note.</p> + +<p>One of the brothers had already been unhorsed and most +grievously wounded. Sir Manstor now came back to the aid of his +brothers and of them all he was most skillful. So Sir Launcelot +turned to him and him, the robber knight found more than a +match.</p> + +<p>But from within the walls came forty and more men at arms, some +with bow and arrow and others with club and mace. And with them, +two other knights.</p> + +<p>When Sir Launcelot saw these, he called to his comrades. "Hard +at them, hard."</p> + +<p>For he had in mind to down these three before the others +came.</p> + +<p>Then did the three, that is, Launcelot, Percival and Neil with +wondrous strength of arm, each by mighty blow, bring rider to the +ground. And Sir Manstor was dead because of the fearful blow of Sir +Launcelot. The other two were asprawl on the ground and but barely +moving.</p> + +<p>"I call this right skillfully done," said Sir Dagonet who now +came toward them. He had watched but had not joined in the +struggle.</p> + +<p>Now, Wonkin and the two men at arms were there and so was +Allan.</p> + +<p>"Will you, good men, try out your bows on these hinds who are +coming thitherward?" said Sir Percival.</p> + +<p>Straightway then there flew three well aimed arrows. Then others +flew and now answering arrows from the oncomers. But these did not +harm for Wonkin and the other two stood under cover of trees and so +were not easy targets.</p> + +<p>Twice more they let their arrows fly and five men of the forty +had been stopped.</p> + +<p>Now as the others came at them with clubs and mace, Sir +Launcelot commanded Wonkin and the other two to withdraw a hundred +pace and from there continue to let their arrows fly. And this was +great wisdom for else the three could not have long withstood the +large number.</p> + +<p>So now the knights with their great lances fought off the +villains and the two knights who were with them. Very few who came +within the reach of the long weapons escaped. And from their place +the three men at arms shot arrow after arrow into the +attackers.</p> + +<p>Three of the knaves had hold of Sir Percival's horse and +thereupon others swarmed upon him and what with the blows of their +maces and clubs, he was in sorry plight. Nor could Sir Launcelot +turn to help him for he was in great conflict with the two knights +and a large number of them on foot and Sir Neil equally so. As for +Allan he had already ridden down two of the attackers and had +brought his weapon which was cross between sword and dagger down +upon their skulls. Now as he turned he saw the plight of his lord. +So did Sir Dagonet, who though timid had up to then made some ado +to help. Whereupon both sped hard to Sir Percival's aid. And so +skillful was the boy that he hewed down several of the knaves and +Sir Dagonet too, soon found that others of Sir Percival's attackers +were turning their attention to him. All of which gave needed time +for Sir Percival to escape from his difficulty, draw sword and +begin anew.</p> + +<p>Now Sir Launcelot brought down the two knights and the others +like wolves stood off snarling at him, yet out of reach. Sir Neil +too was freer.</p> + +<p>There were but ten of the attackers now. The others were either +strewn about the ground or were making their escape. And of these +ten, two even then were brought down by the arrows of Wonkin and +his two comrades.</p> + +<p>Whereupon the last of the attackers turned and made haste to +fly, the three archers in close pursuit.</p> + +<p>"These hinds would fair have overswarmed me had not the boy and +Dagonet come to my aid," remarked Sir Percival as he lifted his +helmet from his head.</p> + +<p>"How then, Allan, did you like the affray?" inquired Sir +Launcelot.</p> + +<p>"Greatly," replied the lad. "But I had wish I carried a lance +instead of this, which is neither dagger nor sword."</p> + +<p>"Right soon, shall these be yours as well, lad. Yet now we have +earned such food as we may find within the castle. And I wot not," +added Sir Percival, "many prisoners, too, who will be glad of +freedom."</p> + +<h2><a name="chap14">CHAPTER FOURTEEN</a></h2> + +<h3>King Mark's Foul Plan</h3> + +<p>Sir Neil and Sir Dagonet now loudly summoned the castle servants +before them but there were none to answer. So they prepared +kitchenward where they found the wretches in great affright not +knowing what dire fate was to befall them. Yet they, when assured +that naught was intended against them, eagerly hastened to obey the +commands of the good knights to prepare a sumptuous meal.</p> + +<p>Sir Launcelot, Sir Percival and the other knights made, their +way to the dungeon. And truly they found a sad sight there. Though +a large place, yet was it overly crowded. In one place they found +six knights, an unhappy six, three of whom had been imprisoned for +many months, two had been made captives within the fortnight and +one had joined this joyless group but two days before.</p> + +<p>"Aye," one of the first three explained to them, "it is through +God's mercy that we still live. There were three others with us, +two of whom were already here when this dire misfortune befell us +and one who came some weeks later. These three could not survive +the foulness of this hole."</p> + +<p>But now Sir Percival was seen to speak to the lone knight, the +one who had been made prisoner last of all. A melancholy figure, he +did not seem to realize that release had come with the advent of +these knights. In fact, through all the hubbub he seemed to have +been lost within himself. No doubt, they were bitter thoughts that +possessed him and at such times one is verily unmindful of things +about him. Nor did this knight seem mindful of the words spoken by +Sir Percival for he made no answer and lost none of his brooding +air.</p> + +<p>Yet, of a sudden, he seemed to awaken. For Sir Percival who had +not been able to place him at first, had at last realized who the +stranger was.</p> + +<p>"Who are you?" the other questioned in turn rubbing his eyes. +"And these other knights? But then, I know you all. How came you +here, Sir Percival?"</p> + +<p>When he was told, some of his dejection left him.</p> + +<p>"Mine was truly a great unhappiness. These four robber knights +did beset me. And when I was overcome they demanded great ransom +which I had no means wherewith to satisfy. Then, when I heard the +tale of how long these fellow prisoners had been here I was greatly +discouraged as to carrying out my intent to prove to King Arthur my +worthiness for knighthood."</p> + +<p>In the meanwhile, Sir Launcelot and Allan had made their way to +where the imprisoned yeomen and hinds had been kept. Here there +were more than fifty and a sad sight they were. It brought a great +gulp of pity into Allan's throat and unbidden tears came to his +eyes. Sir Launcelot too was moved. Some of the prisoners were so +weak they could hardly move. Wonkin had found his brother almost at +once and theirs was a happy meeting.</p> + +<p>"Go you up, good Allan, and order that food be brought for these +wretches. And see to it that there is plenty of it."</p> + +<p>Allan gladly went and repeated Sir Launcelot's orders which the +servants made great haste to obey.</p> + +<p>So that all within the castle, fared well that day. And when Sir +Launcelot and his party were ready to continue their journey the +next morning, there was with them Breunor le Noire and an added +number of yeomen picked from the men who had been prisoners.</p> + +<p>Just before departure, Sir Percival went to the two brothers of +Sir Manstor who still were living, the other had not lived an +hour.</p> + +<p>"Sir Knights, we leave you now. Take you heed from this day's +happenings that such outlawry as yours brings just punishment. +Remember, too, that King Arthur and all his knights will be ever +watchful that you conduct yourself in knightly ways. Woe betide +you, if you do not."</p> + +<p>The knights made no reply. Grievously wounded, with their +brothers dead, they were in no mood for words. Yet must the truth +of Sir Percival's words have been in their minds.</p> + +<p>Onward now went Sir Launcelot's party. Through that and the next +day they made their way and were well in Cornwall without further +untoward happening. Everywhere, the party made inquiries as to the +whereabouts of Sir Tristram and from such news as they were able to +gather they felt assured that they had taken the right way and that +King Arthur and the men with him were on a false trail.</p> + +<p>It was on this day that they met with two knights who made them +friendly greetings and finding out the purpose of their journey +pretended not to know the whereabouts of Sir Tristram. Nor would +they stay for any length of time giving as reason therefore great +need of urgency on their part. Yet when these two knights had but +gone a little way they turned, in great haste along another road. +The end of the day found them in the presence of King Mark of +Cornwall who had no great love for King Arthur nor for any of his +knights and who would do any or all of them great harm could he do +so without discovery.</p> + +<p>"Who then is this party?" inquired the King after listening.</p> + +<p>"They number but few," replied one of the knights. "Sir +Launcelot, Sir Percival, Sir Neil, and one other, and that fool who +is jester to Arthur. A boy is there too and fifteen +men-at-arms."</p> + +<p>"You speak truly," replied the king, "as to their being few in +number but I would that two of these few, were not Launcelot and +Percival. Yet even with these two we should be able to overcome +them. And in that way I shall find some recompense for the many +slights and haughty overbearingness of Arthur and his men." As he +so spoke, King Mark's face plainly showed its cruelty and +craft.</p> + +<p>"Will you, good Bruyan, call Sir Bertram and Sir Pendore to me? +And be sure to return for we must be speedy should we decide that +it is wise for us to take any step for their discomforture."</p> + +<p>Now as Bruyan returned with the two aforementioned, there also +came into the room a yeoman who served Sir Pendore. But of him +neither the king nor any of the knights took notice but instead +immediately began discussion as to the wisdom of waylaying these +knights of King Arthur who were now in Cornwall.</p> + +<p>Whether King Mark knew this to be so or not, yet of all his +court, there were no two who had more reason to hate Sir Launcelot +than Sir Bertram and Sir Pendore. For Sir Launcelot had come upon +them once when they were in the midst of tormenting two holy men +having first taken from them a paltry purse which these two monks +were carrying for worthy purpose. Then when Sir Launcelot had asked +that they desist and return the holy men's purse they had replied +with foul tongue and had made for him. Soon, however, they found +that this single knight was master of them both and would they then +have complied with his requests. However, Sir Launcelot who was +ever slow to anger was now in great rage and he had taken them to +the castle grounds of Sir Gawaine and there, before a large number +he told of what had happened. And while fair ladies laughed at them +and while men looked at them as they would at hinds, Sir Launcelot +had taken the flat of his sword and had brought it down on both. +Then he had asked two yeomen to club them from the castle grounds +since they were unfit to be in the company of knights. This the +yeomen had done right lustily.</p> + +<p>Neither Sir Pendore nor Sir Bertram had ever made mention of +this event. But there was no one in all of Britain whom they so +fully hated as Sir Launcelot. Now, there seemed likely chance for +revenge.</p> + +<p>"How many men can you muster?" asked Sir Bertram, speaking not +over anxiously yet with meaning looked at Sir Pendore.</p> + +<p>"Seven score or more" replied the king of Cornwall.</p> + +<p>"I would have more," replied Sir Pendore. "What with Percival +and Launcelot and this Neil whom I know not, one must make it more +than certain."</p> + +<p>It was at this point that the yeoman who was busily at work over +the weapons, cleaning them and putting them into perfect condition, +as none other in Cornwall could do, had become interested. Sir +Percival?</p> + +<p>It was this Sir Percival, knight of the Round Table, who had +saved the father of this yeoman from the deadly mace of one of his +men in one of many melees. It was but a small thing to the knight, +long forgotten no doubt, but to Walker, the son of the man who was +saved, it meant that he was in debt to this knight. So now he +listened, interested. Then too, he had no great love for his master +who was never kindly and he had decided long ago that he would find +a new master when the opportunity offered.</p> + +<p>"I shall find more men, if I can," Mark offered in reply to Sir +Pendore's suggestion. Nor did it seem strange to him that the +knight should think that odds of seven to one were not enough.</p> + +<p>"Where are these knights?" asked Sir Bertram.</p> + +<p>Sir Bruyan told him, the yeoman listening all the while.</p> + +<p>"Let us then be off within thrice this hour," Mark concluded. +"Get you as many men ready as you can," he said to Sir Bertram and +to Sir Pendore who were his chiefs.</p> + +<p>Walker, the yeoman, soon had completed his work. Thereupon he +made his way into the forest to find him, who was best friend of +his, to get advice as to what to do.</p> + +<p>He, whom he sought, was none other than our old friend +Gouvernail, who, of course, was not far from Sir Tristram, his +master.</p> + +<p>Though he had long since severed fealty to King Mark, Sir +Tristram had returned near unto the court because of the love he +bore one of the damsels who was in it. It was Walker who had +carried the messages Gouvernail had brought from his master to this +same lady.</p> + +<p>Walker soon came to the hiding place of his friend.</p> + +<p>"What ho?" asked Gouvernail. "What brings you here at this +unseemly hour?"</p> + +<p>"I need your advice," replied Walker. "My poor head carries too +great a muddle."</p> + +<p>"You come to one who can offer but poor solace there," replied +Gouvernail. "If it were trusty arm, good club or something belike, +you could well come to me. But speak, what troubles you?"</p> + +<p>So Walker told him. Except that at first he made no mention of +names.</p> + +<p>"Keep you from it," advised Gouvernail. "It is the business of +your betters and not of your meddling."</p> + +<p>"Yet had Sir Percival done this thing for my father, and if he +would, he could have thought the same,--that it was not his affair +but an affair of hind or yeoman."</p> + +<p>"Is this Percival, he who is of King Arthur's court?" asked +Gouvernail.</p> + +<p>"Aye," replied Walker, nodding his head. "Do you know him?"</p> + +<p>"Somewhat. Who else is there?" he further questioned, now +interested.</p> + +<p>"Sir Launcelot, Sir Neil and some others."</p> + +<p>"Did they speak of a boy being there?"</p> + +<p>"I do not remember. Yet I seem to recall that they did," replied +Walker.</p> + +<p>"I will help you. Come," and Gouvernail took his friend but a +little way to where Sir Tristram was lodging.</p> + +<p>Sir Tristram seated himself and listened to the two. He +understood at once.</p> + +<p>"When did King Mark say that he would start with his men?" he +asked Walker.</p> + +<p>"In three hours, Sir Knight," the man answered.</p> + +<p>"Good. Let us be off. Good Gouvernail, get you my mail ready for +I would don it."</p> + +<p>Within the half hour Sir Tristram with the two yeomen were on +their way to meet Sir Percival and Sir Launcelot. So, strangely, +they who sought him, were to find him come among them.</p> + +<h2><a name="chap15">CHAPTER FIFTEEN</a></h2> + +<h3>The Weasel's Nest</h3> + +<p>"Greeting, good knights," he announced. "I am Sir Tristram."</p> + +<p>Nothing could have thrown Sir Launcelot's party into greater +astonishment. And yet no news could have been pleasanter.</p> + +<p>"Right glad are we to see you, Sir Tristram, since we have +sought you for a great number of days. I am Sir Launcelot. Here is +Sir Percival." And so this knight announced them all.</p> + +<p>The two knights, Sir Tristram on the one hand, Sir Launcelot, on +the other, observed each other. Each of them found much to like in +the other. Then and there was the beginning of a friendship that +was to last until the day of Sir Tristram's death.</p> + +<p>After the first few moments, had passed, Sir Tristram came to +the reason for his coming among them.</p> + +<p>That the danger was grave, they knew at once. King Mark was +cruel and crafty. He would not venture this attempt unless he were +certain that he had great numbers behind him.</p> + +<p>"My thought seems to be to retire to the nearest castle and +there defend ourselves as best we can," said Sir Percival.</p> + +<p>"A right kindly thing, this of yours, Sir Tristram, to bring us +this news. And if we come out of this, I hope that I shall be able +to find you at any place you bespeak," Sir Launcelot remarked.</p> + +<p>"The kindness is on the part of this man here." And Sir Tristram +told them of Walker. "Need I say that I stay with you and share in +your fortune such as it is. It should offer great sport and I would +not miss it, if I could."</p> + +<p>Sir Launcelot nodded his head nor did he make any further +demur.</p> + +<p>"And you two?" he now asked of Gouvernail and Walker.</p> + +<p>"Oh, I," replied Sir Gouvernail, "I find my place where my +master is."</p> + +<p>"And I?" added Walker. "I owe something to Sir Percival and so I +too will stay."</p> + +<p>"Well then, perhaps we may keep them off, though not so easily," +said Sir Neil.</p> + +<p>"We can but try," added Sir Launcelot.</p> + +<p>But now Sir Dagonet, jester and fool, made his way forward.</p> + +<p>"Spoke you of finding castle?" he asked of Sir Percival.</p> + +<p>Sir Percival nodded his head.</p> + +<p>"Good man," Sir Dagonet spoke now to Walker. "Did this weasel +king say aught as to the number of men he would send against +us?"</p> + +<p>"Only, master, that when he mentioned that he would send one +hundred or more and with them twenty knights, one there, thought +that number not enough and advised that the king add to it. Which +the king said he would do."</p> + +<p>"The more the better," said Sir Dagonet.</p> + +<p>"A strange wish," said Sir Neil. "But then you are fool and that +wish belongs to a fool."</p> + +<p>"Yet not such a great fool after all," spoke up Sir Launcelot. +"Truly Dagonet, I often wonder at you. For here is what is in +Dagonet's mind. Since the weasel comes after us and leaves his home +empty, why not go to the home of the weasel?"</p> + +<p>Such a laugh now went up. For all of these knights saw that this +would be a deed that would ring throughout Britain and if +successful, make Mark the laughing stock of the land.</p> + +<p>But after the laughter, Sir Tristram spoke, "I ask a strange +thing, good knights, and hope it will receive favor in your eyes. +King Mark has been a strange uncle to me. He has treated me +scurvily oft enough. Yet when, if we come through this event as we +hope, I would that you hold no further ill will against him. +Understand me well. I ask for naught, if any among us are hurt at +his hand, for then he deserves all that comes to him. But if we +come through so that all can laugh at him, then I ask you to forget +the ill will for which he gives you such good cause. For after all, +he is blood kin of mine, a sorry thing, yet which I cannot forget." +And now the knight waited answer.</p> + +<p>Now all the knights turned to Sir Tristram and there was +something about him that made them nod their heads in assent.</p> + +<p>"Then do we promise this thing, you ask," said Percival. "So now +let us go to the weasel's nest."</p> + +<p>In great humor and with many jests the men made their way to the +road upon which the two knights of King Mark had made their return. +And so we find that as the crafty king was making his way forward +to the attack, believing that it would be an overpowering surprise, +and already counting the fruits of victory, his intended victims +were slipping through his clutches and making their way into the +last of all places he could imagine.</p> + +<p>Now on their way, Sir Percival called the two yeomen, Gouvernail +and Walker to him. And though he did not remember the event that +Walker narrated yet was he glad he had followed a kindly thought. +And Allan too, realized that bread cast upon the water often +returns.</p> + +<p>"Need you a good yeoman?" ventured Walker hopefully.</p> + +<p>"If you are half as good as your friend here, then indeed have I +need for you," was Sir Percival's reply.</p> + +<p>"I count him my better, Sir Knight," replied Gouvernail.</p> + +<p>"This fool would overpraise me and lead you to expect overmuch," +said Walker. "I will do my best if you will but try me."</p> + +<p>"That I shall," replied the knight. And thereupon the two, +Gouvernail and Walker, fell back a little way and came to Allan who +was glad of a chance to talk to Gouvernail. And as they rode +forward the boy listened to some of the tales and some of the +doings of Sir Tristram.</p> + +<p>Now in the front there rode, the two, Sir Tristram and Sir +Launcelot and with them Sir Dagonet.</p> + +<p>"Truly, I often wonder, good Dagonet, wherefore they call you a +fool," spoke Sir Launcelot. "Here comes this thought of yours that +could come only from the wisest man or the greatest fool. Often, I +wonder which you are."</p> + +<p>"Yet good Launcelot, since I am I, I know which of these I am. +What sooth, what matters it, which you and all of these," and Sir +Dagonet pointed to the others with them, "which you think me? If it +pleases all of you, it pleases me to be a fool. Howsoever, it is +ill wind that does not blow some good and here we have Sir Tristram +who is not in Ireland though I had reason for believing him +there."</p> + +<p>"Faith, friend, and I had but decided that I would journey +henceward within two days," replied Sir Tristram wonderingly.</p> + +<p>"See you then, Launcelot. I made but a fool's guess. Had I been +a wise man I would not have been two days ahead of Sir +Tristram."</p> + +<p>Now Sir Tristram who knew the way advised silence. For they were +nearing the great castle walls. When they came thereto they found +the gates closed and the drawbridge up.</p> + +<p>Then did Sir Tristram make call to those within. And these +mistaking this for the party that had gone therefrom hastened to +obey and lowered the drawbridge and unlocked the gates. And then +found themselves facing strange knights, a strange party. And of +all of them they only recognized Sir Tristram.</p> + +<p>Then would they have made great ado to close the gates but it +was too late.</p> + +<p>"Tell you all within these gates, that we shall treat none +harshly except those who would make trouble."</p> + +<p>So when Sir Percival's party was safely esconced, Sir Tristram +left them for a few moments. A few moments that lasted into the +half hour. For he went to see his lady love who was even then with +the queen.</p> + +<p>Nor did the queen treat him as harshly as she might have. +Perhaps this was because she felt that they were safe as long as +this nephew was with these intruders. Or perhaps she had not +favored the ill treatment by her royal spouse of so brave a +knight.</p> + +<p>And if King Mark and his men had been surprised to find the bird +flown, imagine then what must have been their thoughts when they +returned and found that they could not enter their own gates. That +the bird was there and was shouting defiance at them. And worse +yet, that in these shouts of defiance there was laughter and taunt +and jest at their expense.</p> + +<p>"What now?" asked the cruel and crafty king.</p> + +<p>Nor could one of his men tell him.</p> + +<h2><a name="chap16">CHAPTER SIXTEEN</a></h2> + +<h3>To The Rescue</h3> + +<p>"Methinks," said King Arthur on the fourth day of their journey +into Scotland "that we will not find this Sir Tristram. What say you +Gawaine?"</p> + +<p>"Only that I cannot find it in me to do aught but agree with +you," the latter made reply. "And I advise that we return, for had +Tristram made his journey hitherward we should long ago have had +inkling of it."</p> + +<p>"So then, we return today, friends," Arthur announced to his +knights. "We have it in us to hope that Percival and Launcelot have +had better fortune than we."</p> + +<p>And none loath, the party joyously made preparations for return. +It had been an eventless search for the brave knight, Tristram, and +these men hated inactivity.</p> + +<p>"What say you, to sending someone of us to Cadoris announcing +that we shall pay him a visit of not more than a day?" So queried +the king.</p> + +<p>"If there is promise of joust and adventure there," said +Pellimore. "I for one can see no harm therein. What matters a day +more or less?"</p> + +<p>The other knights agreed with Pellimore and as Gawaine pointed +out, it was not more than but few leagues from their returnward +way.</p> + +<p>So the party having first sent Sir Gilbert before them to herald +their approach arrived at the court of Cadoris, king of Scotland. +And never was king or knights more royally received than was Arthur +and his men. Of a truth, there was warm affection for Arthur, and +Cadoris and his knights, though they held great rivalry, for the +Knights of the Round Table had ever proven honest and worthy +opponents.</p> + +<p>The stay of the day stretched into the fourth day and not one of +King Arthur's party had thought of returning. Jousts were there, +much hunting and activity, enough to suit the most exacting. +Howsoever, Arthur announced on the fifth day that they could stay +but another day.</p> + +<p>"Of a truth, am I downright sorry that you must depart. For +highly have I been honored by your visit, and as greatly have I +enjoyed it." Warm spoken was Cadoris.</p> + +<p>"And we shall remember your hospitality for many a day," replied +Arthur. "If we but make you half as much at home when you visit us, +good Cadoris, we shall feel that we have accomplished much. Is it +not so, friends?"</p> + +<p>"Truly," assented King Arthur's knights. "And I would, your +Majesty, that you make that visit right soon," added Gawaine.</p> + +<p>"That we surely will," replied Cadoris heartily.</p> + +<p>So King Arthur and his men made their preparations having been +much cheered by their stay. And they had turned to their last meal +which was a sumptuous one and were greatly enjoying it when a +servant of King Cadoris came into the great dining hall and +whispered into the ear of Sir Donald, one of the bravest knights in +the kingdom of Scotland. He in turn, whispered the news to the +king.</p> + +<p>"There are two riders without, Arthur, who want word with you," +the Scottish King announced. "Shall I ask them to wait until we +finish this meal? It were pity to disturb you now and I doubt not +their message may wait."</p> + +<p>"That may well be so, good friend. Yet, if it disturbs you not, +I shall ask Gawaine here to see these men and find out what message +they bear."</p> + +<p>Cadoris nodded his head in assent and Gawaine thereupon hastened +outside the dining hall.</p> + +<p>It was none other than Allan he saw. Allan with Breunor le +Noire. Great was his surprise at seeing them and greater still, at +their account of what had occurred. And when he heard how Launcelot +and Percival and the others, together with Sir Tristram were +holding the very castle of King Mark, he shook with a great +laughter. So loud was this that the kings and the knights at the +dining table heard it and wondering greatly, hurried out to find +the cause for it. Forgot their food for the time being in their +curiosity.</p> + +<p>The king of Britain was no less surprised to see Allan and this +stranger whom he but faintly recalled. And to him, to Cadoris, and +the assembled knights, the two had to recount again what had +occurred. And when the full gist of it came home, Arthur brought +down a heavy hand on the shoulder of Cadoris who was shaking with +laughter and himself fell into a seat nearby for very faintness at +his own mirth. While about him there was great boisterousness and +loud guffaws. A yeoman who had listened eagerly to the account +hurried without and himself recounted to the men there what had +happened at the court of King Mark. So that there were great +shouts, much merriment.</p> + +<p>"To think," said King Arthur, "a bare few took King Mark's own +castle. I marvel at their impudence and yet it is but what could +be expected from such as they."</p> + +<p>"As for me," said Gawaine, "I would give all I have to have been +there. And all I ever expect to have, to have been near Mark when +he realized what had happened."</p> + +<p>"Yet," said Arthur now grown serious, "let us hear what Allan +and this other brave youth are here for. They did not come this +great distance to tell us of their impudence. That, I'll +swear."</p> + +<p>"Nay, sire," said Allan, who was spokesman because of greater +acquaintance with those assembled. "Sir Percival and Sir Launcelot +sent Breunor le Noire to you and me with him for aid. For King +Mark, furious at the sorry figure he makes has sworn vengeance and +has laid siege to those within his castle. Sir Launcelot sent us +with this message. That while they could perhaps make their escape +yet they thought that you would wish to come to their aid so that +they need not run from King Mark. For they wish to see that king, +to look at him. Half the jest they have played lies in that."</p> + +<p>"That we will do, of course," replied Arthur. "And though we +must first return home to gather our men, yet we will do so quickly +and hurry just as quickly to the court of Cornwall. For we too, +would like to see Mark, and though we envy your party its good +fortune, yet can we share in the jest. Say you not so, friends?</p> + +<p>"Aye, sire, that we do. Yet haste is indeed necessary." So spoke +both Pellimore and Gawaine.</p> + +<p>"Methinks, it would be a right friendly act on your part, +Arthur, should you allow me and my men to accompany you. So then +there will be no need for you to first return home and thereby save +time. For I too," added Cadoris, "would like to call on Mark at +this time."</p> + +<p>"Come then," said King Arthur. "It would not be in us to refuse +you. Let us return to finish our food and both of you, we doubt not +must be right hungry by now."</p> + +<p>So all of them returned to the dining hall. And Gawaine found +room next to him for Allan and Breunor le Noire.</p> + +<p>"How long Allan, is it since you left them?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"This is our third day," was the boy's reply.</p> + +<p>"How did you escape the besiegers?" Arthur, who with the rest +was listening now inquired.</p> + +<p>"It was done at night, sire. We two climbed over the wall. Two +yeomen helped us over. One of King Mark's men saw us and at first +mistook us for men from his own camp. Him, Breunor le Noire, gave +little time for outcry. We gagged and bound him and then Walker and +Gouvernail climbed back for a long rope and lifted him over on the +castle side. For we had no wish to have King Mark's men find him +and suspect that some of those within had gone for aid."</p> + +<p>Now the meal was over. Within another hour King Cadoris had +gathered five hundred of his men. King Mark and his men would never +have stomach for affray. When the afternoon's sun was in the low +western sky, the rescuing party was well on its way.</p> + +<h2><a name="chap17">CHAPTER SEVENTEEN</a></h2> + +<h3>In King Mark's Castle</h3> + +<p>So we return to the doughty few who are behind the walls of the +great castle.</p> + +<p>"We shall wear out these impudent knaves," King Mark had said +after the first great surprise. "Surely they cannot expect to hold +out for any great length of time."</p> + +<p>"Aye," had agreed the ever present Pendore and Bertram. "And +when they are overcome," Sir Pendore had added darkly, "then shall +we find our day has come. For Launcelot shall surely suffer."</p> + +<p>But the days went and the besiegers found a far greater and more +stubborn resistance than they had expected. Their losses were many, +due to the skillful archery of the few within. King Mark's castle +was of the kind that could only be assailed at two points which was +in itself great help to the besieged.</p> + +<p>If, perchance, the men of King Mark had had greater stomach for +the attack, things might have gone ill with those within. But there +were many of the men of this king who favored but little the +quarrel with the besieged, counting it, in their own hearts, a +scurvy action on the part of Cornwall's king. And men fight poorly +who have such thoughts.</p> + +<p>Not that all was well with those within. On this, the eighth day +of their occupancy of the castle, the men were a haggard lot. +Little sleep had they. Some of them had been wounded, wonder it was +that these were so few and that none were dead. Sir Neil was lost +to them for the time, Wonkin, too had fought heroically but had +fallen, sorely wounded in an attack. Three others had been hurt, +and for every man who fell, there grew the greater burden on those +who were left. Constant watch, constant need for being present to +repel the attackers had left the mark of weariness on Sir +Launcelot, Sir Tristram and Sir Percival. Yet these three were a +host in themselves as they, with Gouvernail and Walker, set an +inspiring example to the rest.</p> + +<p>"Faith," said Sir Percival at this moment, "I cannot say that I +would not welcome the arrival of Arthur and our men."</p> + +<p>"I had never thought sleep so great a luxury," rejoined Sir +Tristram.</p> + +<p>"Nor I," added Sir Launcelot. "However, do you both take such +little of that now as those knaves who are on the outside +permit."</p> + +<p>But this neither of the two had in mind to do. Yet Sir Launcelot +insisted and only had his way when he promised that he would also +take time for sleep after them.</p> + +<p>They had, so it seemed to them, but barely fallen asleep, when +there was great outcry from both within and without the gates. The +men of King Mark had evidently decided on a determined attack with +full intention to overcome the stubborn few. In a great mass they +came and though many fell and every arrow told yet were they not to +be denied. And as they came close to the walls King Mark's men +opened wide their ranks and a score of men were seen carrying a +bridge to throw over in place of the drawbridge which they could +not reach.</p> + +<p>"Now has it grown right serious," said Sir Launcelot.</p> + +<p>"Will you Percival hold these walls while Tristram, I, +Gouvernail and Walker, make every effort to see that the bridge +does not stay."</p> + +<p>There was no time for further words. The four quickly made for +the gates. They opened and closed them quickly. Each held a stave +that seemed not unlike a young tree, of which a number were inside +the gates.</p> + +<p>"Let them place the bridge first," said Sir Launcelot.</p> + +<p>Upon them a hail of arrows fell but none were hurt. Gouvernail +and Walker were protected for the time in both coats and helmets of +steel which Sir Tristram had made them wear.</p> + +<p>Now the men of King Mark had thrown the bridge over the +embankment. But as the first of them rushed upon it the thick +staves of the four men did their work well. Mighty work it was but +it was question whether there were four men in all of England who +had greater strength than these. And so as the men came rushing +over, the bridge seemed moving with them.</p> + +<p>A great outcry came from them. The new made bridge, moving +slowly at first, now cleared its support, and fell into the depths +below carrying twenty men with it. Some managed to get back to +safety, some, almost as unfortunate as those who had fallen with +the bridge, made their way to the castleside. These Sir Tristram +and Sir Launcelot and the two yeomen easily overcame.</p> + +<p>From the walls a hail of arrows, stones and javelins were sent +on the attackers. The four outside the walls, their work +accomplished, returned within. But King Mark and his two +lieutenants, of whom one had been on the bridge, were now not the +less determined to carry the walls.</p> + +<p>The besiegers at the furthermost points were seen to clamber +over the walls. They were battering at the gates at which Sir +Tristram, Sir Launcelot and a number of the men had taken their +stand.</p> + +<p>Things indeed looked dark for those within. Sir Percival, for +one, had been grievously wounded in the last affray.</p> + +<p>But the gates made to withstand against attack held well.</p> + +<p>Yet it was now a mere question of time. This, both those within +and without fully realized.</p> + +<p>"Unless our two messengers find King Arthur," said Sir Tristram +calmly and unhurriedly, "it matters but little whether we fight our +way out now or later. Is it not so?"</p> + +<p>"I have faith in the coming of the king," said Sir Launcelot. +"For the boy Allan, I know to be tireless in the performance of +such duty. And if I mistake not the other will try his utmost too, +for he seeks to be dubbed a knight by our king."</p> + +<p>So now down at the gates, now on the walls, sending death and +destruction upon the attackers the two knights held their own, +fighting hopefully, unyieldingly, hour after hour.</p> + +<p>There was a cry of joy now, of exultation from Gouvernail. For +his eagle eye espied in the distance a horse and rider, then other +horses and other riders.</p> + +<p>The faint notes of the slughorn came to their ears. The men on +the outside ceased their attack for the moment watching +wonderingly, not guessing as yet what all this meant.</p> + +<p>From his bed of pain, not far off, Sir Percival called to the +two knights.</p> + +<p>"Is it Arthur who comes?"</p> + +<p>"Methinks so. Yet it seems I see the banners of Scotland. +Whether it is men of Cadoris or of Arthur, of what matter?"</p> + +<p>"Aye, Launcelot, Scotland is there. But yonder figure is +Arthur." So spoke Tristram.</p> + +<p>"There too, is Gawaine and Pellimore. And there the boy, Allan. +See you him?"</p> + +<p>Sir Tristram nodded assent.</p> + +<p>Now Mark and his men gathered close together. The king and Sir +Pendore and Sir Bertram were in close converse.</p> + +<p>Up to the walls came the rescuing party. King Arthur in front +frowning, mighty, a majestic figure who seemed to breathe fire and +fury.</p> + +<p>"What does this mean, Mark? What scurvy trick have you now +tried?"</p> + +<p>"I found these men within holding my own castle when I returned +from a short journey. What else could I do but try to oust +them?"</p> + +<p>"I know better. If any harm, if but one of my knights is hurt, I +shall make you pay right fully."</p> + +<p>Now the gates opened wide. There stood Sir Launcelot, and Sir +Tristram, both supporting Sir Percival. Into the castle rode King +Arthur and King Cadoris.</p> + +<p>"Have you been hurt? Who else is wounded? Are any dead?" These +were the questions of the king.</p> + +<p>So Sir Launcelot told him. And now when the king found that none +were dead and he realized how many men Mark had lost, good humor +again came to him. His eyes twinkled merrily.</p> + +<p>"Shall we hang this scurvy king?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"If you will, sire," said Sir Tristram. "I fancy he has suffered +much by now. And since he is uncle of mine I beg of you treat him +more gently than he deserves. Let us rather laugh at him. True, +there are some of us who have been wounded, but none fatally."</p> + +<p>"And after all," said Sir Percival, "see how +<i>much</i> we can laugh?"</p> + +<p>Sir Launcelot too nodded in agreement.</p> + +<p>"In truth," King Arthur agreed, "I have found no fancy to act as +hangman to him. For knave and villain though he is, yet is he still +a king. What say you Cadoris?"</p> + +<p>"It is no brew of mine, good Arthur. Yet were I he and you had +such good cause to laugh at me, I wonder if I would not rather +hang."</p> + +<p>So King Arthur turned to King Mark. Laughter was in his eye, +mocking laughter. About him the others gathered and these, too, +seemed laughing at him.</p> + +<p>"I offer you advice, Mark, which so it seems to me, you would do +well to heed. Keep not your doors so wide open hereafter. Knaves +like these are too apt to accept such hospitality. And, good Mark, +when next you go a hunting, I fancy, you had best hunt at home. It +is safer and for one thing you are sure to have it. 'Tis a sad +state for you to find these men making themselves at home while you +are away on so peaceful a mission. 'Tis a sad pity and should not +be permitted."</p> + +<p>"Tis sad,'tis sad," said the men about King Arthur.</p> + +<p>King Mark scowled in fury. And somehow, it seemed, he scowled +most at his own nephew, Tristram.</p> + +<table summary=arthur4 align="center"><tr><td align="center"> +<img WIDTH=699 HEIGHT=347 src="images/illus-chap17.png" alt="Illustration"> +</td></tr> +</table> + +<h2><a name="chap18">CHAPTER EIGHTEEN</a></h2> + +<h3>The Kitchen Boy Again</h3> + +<p>Now King Arthur, his knights and all of his men were home once +again. Here they found great good humor at their account of the +adventure at the castle of King Mark.</p> + +<p>Tristram came with them. For many years thereafter he served +under King Arthur. Honor and glory he brought to the court of the +King and Arthur held him in high esteem as well he might. Between +Launcelot and Tristram there grew a great friendship. Each of them +believed the other to be the greatest knight in Christendom.</p> + +<p>And Allan, too. Now he was a year older. The urge to go forth, +strong within him, had grown that day a year earlier, when the +strange monk had met him in the forest and told him the things he +might do. Youth though he still was, not yet sixteen, he had learnt +much. Sir Launcelot and Sir Tristram, too, had spent much time with +him--could there have been better teachers? Gouvernail and Walker, +as well, taught him to make the best use of such strength as he +had. So that by now he was the equal of many knights, better, too, +though none of his teachers would let him know that, and he, secure +in his own modesty, unknowing of his great prowess.</p> + +<p>The year, too, had brought Sir Kay's kitchen boy once again +before the King. Him, Allan had learned to know. Although his +friend had never admitted that he was better than his position +warranted, Allan was certain of it. When Pentecost had come again +he was curious as to what other boons were to be asked of the king +by this kitchen boy.</p> + +<p>But the day found him away--sent to the castle of Sir Percival, +which was a half day's journey. Yet was he not altogether +disappointed, for at that castle was Yosalinde, Sir Percival's +sister.</p> + +<p>Again there were many who sought the favor of the King on this +day. There, too, were many knights present and among these were Sir +Gawaine, Sir Percival and Sir Launcelot, the three who had been +there the year before.</p> + +<p>"And so, sire," the kitchen boy said, when the king turned to +him, "I have done my work as best I could. Now I crave my two +boons."</p> + +<p>"These shall be yours, if we have it in us to grant you item. +What are these boons you ask?"</p> + +<p>"That I be made a knight by Sir Launcelot. Him and him only do I +wish to dub me with knighthood. And that furthermore you permit me +to take up the first adventure which may need knight to carry +same."</p> + +<p>"So shall it be. We pray you, however, that you give your +name."</p> + +<p>"That will I do, sire, after Sir Launcelot had jousted with me, +if he then finds me worthy of knighthood."</p> + +<p>"Of a sooth," said Sir Kay, "you ask not much. That so brave a +knight should joust with a kitchen boy is fit cause for merriment." +Loud was that knight's laughter but none joined with him.</p> + +<p>"Mayhap," said the strange youth, "it will be your pleasure to +joust first with me."</p> + +<p>Uncertain seemed Sir Kay for a few moments.</p> + +<p>"I promise you, Sir Kay, mine is gentle blood, and you may well +combat with me," the kitchen boy added mildly.</p> + +<p>Then did the two straightway prepare, horse and armor having +been obtained for the younger man.</p> + +<p>Not long did they battle however, for the kitchen boy proved Sir +Kay's master right quickly. Whereupon, Sir Kay becoming furious, +made great ado to wound his opponent. But could not do so; instead, +the other brought him down with fearful stroke which crushed +through helmet and all.</p> + +<p>"If you please, now, Sir Launcelot, to joust with me, I shall +find it great honor." So spoke the youth to the knight.</p> + +<p>Then there was such a battle as none had seen in many months. +Neither of these two brought to play his full, strength, yet right +cleverly, each struck, counterstruck and brought his skill to play. +Much marveled the knight at the youth.</p> + +<p>Then finally, Sir Launcelot said.</p> + +<p>"Your quarrel and mine, youth, is not so sore, we may not leave +off."</p> + +<p>"Truly, that is truth," replied the lad. "But it does me good to +feel your might."</p> + +<p>"So tell me your name, that I may dub you knight. Right gladly +will I do so."</p> + +<p>"My name," said the other, "is Gareth. I am brother to Gawaine. +I made vow to prove myself worthy of knighthood by finding myself +able to undergo the mean tasks as well as the noble ones."</p> + +<p>So Sir Gawaine came forward wonderingly, to see this brother +whom he had not seen since he was a babe.</p> + +<p>He made him fond embrace. "Right proud of you am I brother. +Proud too, that it is Launcelot, whose knight you shall be."</p> + +<p>Then Sir Gareth became knight. And as they made their way again +into the great hall, the King beckoned to Sir Gareth.</p> + +<p>"Are you still of a mind to take on yourself the first adventure +that cometh. For here is one that promises a lengthy time in its +fulfillment."</p> + +<p>Before the new knight could make answer, Sir Gawaine spoke.</p> + +<p>"This sire, is Gareth, my youngest brother. Worthy of knighthood +has he proven so far as strength and skill go."</p> + +<p>"Then are we right proud to have you among us, nephew. And we +pray that you will add lustre to your honored name and to the Round +Table as well."</p> + +<p>"That, I warrant, he will," vouchsafed Sir Launcelot. +"Perchance, it seemeth a wise thing to have Sir Kay feed all our +knights in prospect the same fat broth he has furnished +Gareth."</p> + +<p>"As to the adventure," the King returned. "There came but a +little while ago a maiden, Linet, by name, who craves that we send +a knight to succor her sister, the fair Dame Lyoness who is +besieged in her castle by the Knight of the Red Lawns."</p> + +<p>"Good herald," the King continued, "bring you the lady, Linet +before us."</p> + +<p>Into the great hall came a maiden fair. To her the king +addressed himself.</p> + +<p>"My Lady Linet, and it please you, pray tell us of what manner +of siege this knight holds against your sister. If to you it seems +of avail, we shall be glad to send a goodly number of our knights +and yeomen, too, to raise this siege."</p> + +<p>"Nay sire, that I deem not necessary. Only, since I have heard +that the knights of the Round Table are the bravest and best in all +Britain, I have come to you that you send one of these to battle +with the Knight of the Red Lawns. A stout knight is he, many have +come to rescue the fair lady who is my sister but the way is +perilous and he hath seven men's strength. So that I pray you to +send the best and bravest knight who is here."</p> + +<table summary=arthur5 align="center"><tr><td align="center"> +<img WIDTH=472 HEIGHT=700 src="images/illus-chap18.png" alt="Illustration"> +</td></tr> +<tr><td align="center">"My Lady, I Am Your Loyal Knight"</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>"We would gladly heed your request, good lady. Nor do we care +what manner of knight this is, if Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram or +any one of ten or twelve more were to go to your fair sister's +rescue. But we have made promise that the next adventure, which +this is, was to be taken up by Sir Gareth and unless he forego +this, there is naught else left for us to do. What say you, +Gareth?"</p> + +<p>"I beg you, sire, that you permit me to carry out this +adventure. I shall do my utmost to bring it to successful +conclusion." So did Gareth reply.</p> + +<p>"And I for one, sire, doubt not, that if the adventure can be +carried out successfully, he will do so. For he is as brave and +stout a knight as is among us," added Sir Launcelot.</p> + +<p>"Yet is he so young," said the maiden as she sighed. "I doubt +that any of you know how powerful is the knight he must +oppose."</p> + +<p>"Yet will he go," Arthur now decided. "Make you your plans +Gareth. The way seems long and I doubt not, you will be disposed to +continue on adventure's course, if this should be carried to +successful conclusion."</p> + +<p>Now the maiden left the great hall. Sir Gareth joined Sir +Launcelot, Sir Percival and his brother. As he did so, there came +to him, Breunor le Noire.</p> + +<p>"I pray you to favor me, good Sir Gareth by permitting me to go +with you and gather for myself such adventure as I may."</p> + +<p>Sir Gareth pondered for a moment, then made reply.</p> + +<p>"I had a mind to ask a boon of Sir Percival yet I can see no +reason why it would interfere with your going."</p> + +<p>"It is this, Sir Percival. I know how much your page Allan +craves for some adventurous journey before he also becomes knight. +Be so kind, therefore, and permit him to go with me."</p> + +<p>"Truly, it will be Youth seeking adventure. For each of you is +indeed youthful." So spoke Sir Gawaine, while Sir Percival thought +before making reply.</p> + +<p>"What say you, Launcelot?" he finally asked.</p> + +<p>"It cannot harm the lad to go with others than ourselves for +then he will receive opportunity to test himself. I would say that +you permit him, if he wishes it."</p> + +<p>"Then may he go," said Sir Percival. "Except that I would wish +that one of my yeomen, whose name is Walker, go with you. You will +find him useful and a willing knave."</p> + +<p>"For that I thank you," replied Gareth. "Tomorrow, my friend," +and he turned to Breunor, "we begin our journey."</p> + +<p>"I shall be ready," replied Breunor le Noire.</p> + +<h2><a name="chap19">CHAPTER NINETEEN</a></h2> + +<h3>On Adventure's Way</h3> + +<p>Now, as the knights separated, Sir Launcelot, who had donned but +part of his armor, called Sir Gareth.</p> + +<p>"I would a word with you, Gareth. I pray you to spare me the +time."</p> + +<p>"Right gladly," said Gareth and seated himself beside the other. +Sir Percival, who had a mind to return to them, on seeing them so +seated, swerved his horse and passed by them. Nor did they see +him.</p> + +<p>"See you this sword and shield. Take you these and use them +well. They are good weapons and you will find the answering well to +urge and parry.</p> + +<p>"Yet it is something of far more urge than this that I would +speak to you about. I am right glad that you are to have Allan with +you. I hope he will find much adventure and many experiences. +Listen well to this."</p> + +<p>Then did Sir Launcelot tell of the message that had been given +both to him and the boy. Told also of the need for Allan to stay +the fine and devout lad he was.</p> + +<p>"You can help, too. I made promise to Sir Joseph of Armathea +that I would do what I can. Since you are knight dubbed by me, I +pray you to help me."</p> + +<p>"That shall I do right gladly, for I like the youth and his +kindly ways. I give you my promise to give him by such example as I +may set and in other ways the meaning of knighthood worthy of the +search for the Holy Grail."</p> + +<p>"I wish you good fortune, Gareth, and that you overcome this +knight of the Red Lawns. If you should need aid at any time, I +promise I will come if I get word, no matter how distant you may +be."</p> + +<p>"I know that," said Gareth soberly. So then they sat for many +moments each thinking of many things. Until at last it was time for +them to separate.</p> + +<p>Allan had returned a little while before. He had already heard +who the kitchen boy was and how he had been dubbed knight by Sir +Launcelot. It had been a day of events for him, too. Walker, who +had made the journey with him had talked with him of many +things.</p> + +<p>"This world is large," Walker had said.</p> + +<p>"Soon," Allan had said, "I shall go forth and find out for +myself just how large it is."</p> + +<p>"Aye, lad," was Walker's reply, "if you travel all the years you +live I doubt if you could see half of it. Far to the southeast is +Rome and there are many lands one must pass before he reaches +there. And to the northeast live the Norse and the Dane and other +tribes equally wild and fierce. Then there are many seas, which I +have heard tell are bigger than the sea of Cornwall, which I know +well. And west of us, there is Ireland and beyond that the world +ends."</p> + +<p>"Yet shall I go and see what I can. For, if need be I must go to +the very ends of the world and I doubt not it will be right +soon."</p> + +<p>"Why, young master?" asked Walker, struck by the seriousness of +the boy's tone.</p> + +<p>But Allan answered not. Nor did the man press his question but +watched the lad as he rode on and dreamed.</p> + +<p>So they came to the castle. There Yosalinde was awaiting him. +Yet after the first greeting, the girl, whose usual contagion of +high and gay spirits carried the youth, who was inclined to be more +sober minded, along with her, fell into a brown study. Nor would +she listen or attend to his attempts to bring her forth into +lighter mood. So the boy, a little vexed and nettled, withdrew +feeling hurt and gloomy.</p> + +<p>But all this was soon swept aside. For Yosalinde came to him and +in her eyes was a great light.</p> + +<p>"Listen to me, Allan. I had mind made up at first that I would +not tell you but have decided otherwise. I too, have dreamed of the +Holy Grail. Does it not seem strange that I, a girl, should so +do?"</p> + +<p>The boy nodded but remained quiet waiting for her to +continue.</p> + +<p>"You and I are to soon part, Allan. I am to go to a convent +where I can bring my mind altogether to the spiritual. I dreamed +that when I became worthy I was to help you right well in the +finding of it. A spirit will come to me which will guide us both. +Think, Allan, if the dream is true, I am to help you and you are to +find the Grail."</p> + +<p>"So the strange monk told me, Yosalinde. He spoke of one who was +to help me and she of whom he spoke, I could not take to be other +than you. You and one other and unless I mistake not that other is +Sir Launcelot. But it hurts, this thought that you and I will not +see each other for the long time you are in the convent."</p> + +<p>"But, dear Allan, there is always that time beyond that. It is +wonderful to look forward to that, is it not?"</p> + +<p>The boy nodded in assent, a little slowly, as if he were +realizing that it was so. He looked at the girl now and the feeling +grew that Yosalinde was to be the one who would lead him onward. +Even now, her fine spirit was helping him to cross the first of the +pitfalls. The wish for the girl was the first rung on the high +ladder of worthiness.</p> + +<p>In the late afternoon the boy returned to the court. Of a truth +he had almost forgotten that this was the day for the kitchen boy +to come forth. Nor did he, what with thinking of Yosalinde and his +mission that must soon be, remember it until he had almost +returned.</p> + +<p>"Come Walker, let us make haste, for I would know the news."</p> + +<p>So they hurried and had not been inside the gates many moments +before Allan had found out. But it was only when he came to Sir +Launcelot that he heard the other news that he could go forth with +the other two on adventure's way.</p> + +<p>He was glad that he could go with these two who were also young +for he could himself adventure so much the more readily. He would +have been abashed to do so with knights such as his own lord or Sir +Launcelot and Sir Gawaine.</p> + +<p>Sir Launcelot found the boy soon after.</p> + +<p>"When you return, and I think it will not be for more than a +year, mayhap, two, the King will dub you knight, so I think. +Remember Allan, to be worthy for the things ahead and remember, +too, that I am at beck and call, if you need me, if so be you can +find me.</p> + +<p>"This journey will be the great test. I pray that you return and +prove what I think you will be. Sir Percival, I understand has +armor, sword, lance and spear for you. I shall furnish you with +shield. So go you your way and remember that there are few knights +who will be found stouter or more skillful than Gareth."</p> + +<p>Allan found Gareth soon thereafter and thanked him for letting +him go with him. Then did the three, Sir Gareth, Breunor le Noire +and Allan plan for many things. The blood of youth raced in their +veins even as they planned. Many things would they do. Britain +would hear of these three, so they hoped.</p> + +<p>A goodly trio, of a truth, they made as they rode forth the next +day, the maid Linet with them, and only Walker following behind. +Three most worshipful knights watched them as they made their way +down the long road and disappeared from view.</p> + +<p>Perhaps, too, it was only chance that led them again past the +castle of Sir Percival. There Allan made point to enter the same +promising to catch up with the others as they continued on their +way. Nor could he stay more than but a few moments but in those few +moments he had told all to Yosalinde. She, too, watched him, as he +hastened to join the others.</p> + +<p>Long before he returned she had entered the convent in +accordance with the plan of her mother and brother. Yet, in the +heart of each of them was only the thought of the future, their +hopes were in the far away.</p> + +<h2><a name="chap20">CHAPTER TWENTY</a></h2> + +<h3>Gareth Battles Sir Brian</h3> + +<p>Brave and adventurous were the days that followed. Many days +they journeyed to the north. Eager was Sir Gareth to reach the +castle of the fair Dame Lyoness and to take issue with the Knight +of the Red Lawns, her oppressor.</p> + +<p>"Yet, good knight," said the fair Lady Linet. "Not an easy road +will you find it. There do be many brave knights you will find on +this road who will seek to joust with you. Many brave knights who +seek adventure as do you."</p> + +<p>"If it were not so, then would the way be long indeed. May such +adventure come right soon, we shall welcome it." So spoke Gareth +and his two friends echoed his words.</p> + +<p>Yet it was not until the second day that their wish was +fulfilled. For as they rode forward there came a man in great haste +toward them. He further increased his pace and gave a glad cry of +relief.</p> + +<p>Said Allan, who was foremost, "What ails you. Why your +haste?"</p> + +<p>"I have just escaped from some thieves who have entrapped my +master. They number six and fierce and sturdy did they seem. I +beseech your aid, good masters, for my master is a brave knight who +has suffered misfortune."</p> + +<p>So then did the three, undecided for the moment, look to each +other. Until Breunor le Noire exclaimed.</p> + +<p>"Let us to this knight's aid at once." The same thought being in +the mind of the other two, they begged the Lady Linet to await them +and hurried forward to this, their first adventure.</p> + +<p>But the man who came to them, unknowingly, had misled them. For +the outlaws numbered more than six as they soon found out. So that +when they came to the dell in which the thieves were lodged, the +three of them together with Walker, there came forth to oppose them +over a dozen ruffians, each carrying either club or mace or +spear.</p> + +<p>Now did the three give proof of their mettle. Walker, too, +wielded a mighty mace that spelled sure death on any of the thieves +whom it reached.</p> + +<p>Right skillfully, as if they were veterans, did they hold their +place. Right well, they withstood the onslaught of the outlaws and +even pressed them back in defense.</p> + +<p>A number of the foe had fallen and others uncertain made as if +to flee. But they could not go far, for the conquerers, mounted, +overtook them. So that there was nothing left for them to do but to +turn with their backs to a nearby wall and make a last stand.</p> + +<p>Now there were but four of these ruffians left and these threw +their arms from them and pleaded mercy. And our youths took heed of +their plea and permitted them to escape.</p> + +<p>They made rescue of the imprisoned knight who marveled much, +after his first expression of gratitude, how so youthful a trio +could have overcome the large number of outlaws. Then did he give +further proof of his appreciation in that he begged of them that +they make his home their abode for that night and he promised them +food in plenty and goodly lodging.</p> + +<p>Though they were of mind to accept they first besought the +wishes of the Lady Linet and she, they found, was not opposed +thereto. Right well did they sup then and made themselves find +comfort before the great fire which blazed merrily. As the night +went by, they talked of many things and found their host full of +tales of days gone by.</p> + +<p>The next morn found them on their way again. Many days they +journeyed. Other adventures befell them and in each they accredited +themselves right well.</p> + +<p>On one of these days, Breunor le Noire who had speeded ahead so +that he was an hour's journey before them had a sad adventure. For +as he rode there came toward him an equipage which held many +knights and the leader of these was none other than Sir Brian de +les Isles.</p> + +<p>So as Sir Brian saw him he rode toward him.</p> + +<p>"Of what fellowship are you, youth?"</p> + +<p>"Of King Arthur's court and it is King Arthur himself who will +soon make me his own knight."</p> + +<p>"Ill will do I owe this king of yours and all who hold lealty to +him. Therefor will I imprison you."</p> + +<p>But this they found not quite so easy. Well did the youth oppose +them, and many of them suffered thereby. Until there were those +among them who were ready to believe that this was no youth in life +but fiend instead.</p> + +<p>Yet did he at last succumb because their number was so many. And +then did Sir Brian cast him into a prison where Breunor found as +many as thirty knights who were prisoners of Sir Brian, some of +these were knights of the Round Table.</p> + +<p>Soon Gareth and Allan speeded their way to overtake Breunor le +Noire of whose absence they began to wonder. Nor did they find +trace of him anywhere. Until Allan suggested that they return to +the large castle which they had passed, where trace of their +comrade might be.</p> + +<p>So then did Sir Gareth come to the castle gates; Allan with him. +To his beckoning there came forth one of Sir Brian's henchmen.</p> + +<p>"Tell your master, Sir Gareth waits outside the gates and would +bespeak him."</p> + +<p>But when Sir Brian was given the message, he did not deign to +answer in person, instead, he sent one of his knights in answer to +the call.</p> + +<p>"Sir Knight," addressed Sir Gareth, "I seek the master of this +castle. Are you he?"</p> + +<p>"Nay, but then Sir Brian deems it not fit for him to answer all +calls. Such business as you may have, I doubt not, I may quickly +dispose with and so not keep you from your journey."</p> + +<p>"I seek a youth, companion of ours, who had strayed from us and +who mayhap, has met with foul adventure. His name is Breunor le +Noire. Do you or the knight who is your master here know aught of +him?" So spoke Sir Gareth disdaining the insolence in the tone of +the other.</p> + +<p>"It may be that we do. Wait you here, while I make return to the +castle to find the answer for you."</p> + +<p>Therewith the knight left them to stand in front of the castle +gates and made his own way back to the house.</p> + +<p>"He is an ill bred knave," said Allan hotly. "To think that such +as he holds knighthood."</p> + +<p>"Knighthood," said the ex-kitchen boy, "is merely a cloak. And I +find, Allan, that it is a garment that is only seemly when he who +dons it wears it well. Yet this is no time for anger. Of what +matter that this knight is ill bred. If there is any quarrel I +shall seek it with his master."</p> + +<p>"Think you that they know of his whereabouts?" asked Allan. "I +liked not the manner in which he made answer."</p> + +<p>"Nor I. But I doubt not we shall know more surely within the +next few moments."</p> + +<p>Nor did the two have long to wait. For there came from the +castle another who seemed to be the high lord. In armor and shield, +carrying lance and riding a great black horse, he stood out from +among the knights who followed him.</p> + +<p>When he came to the gates they were opened wide for him. Then as +he saw Sir Gareth and the boy, he made them a sweeping +courtesy.</p> + +<p>"Forgive our boorishness, Sir Gareth. Pray to enter our humble +lodging. Are you then Prince of Orkney?"</p> + +<p>"I am so known," replied the young knight. "Yet I seek to be +known as Gareth, Knight of the Round Table. I know not your name, +Sir Knight, but I find your courtesy welcome."</p> + +<p>But now Allan had noted how the knight's manner had changed. No +longer did he seem kindly; instead a dark scowl frowned his +face.</p> + +<p>"I am Sir Brian de les Isles," was the answer. But the voice was +no longer a voice that welcomed, instead it was menacing and +stern.</p> + +<p>But Sir Gareth seemed to take no note of this. "I seek, Sir +Brian, to find a youth who accompanied us. His name is Breunor le +Noire, and he seemed to have met with foul adventure."</p> + +<p>"Not foul, Sir Gareth, but only such as is meet for all of King +Arthur's henchmen."</p> + +<p>"Then, I take it, you know of him and of his whereabouts," said +Sir Gareth. Still was his manner mild, yet forked lightning seemed +to flash from his eyes.</p> + +<p>"That we do," replied the other. "He is indeed in safe keeping, +such keeping being no other than ours."</p> + +<p>"I must trouble you, Sir Knight, to make return of him to +us."</p> + +<p>"And if I will not?" questioned Sir Brian. Insolence was in his +tone, a sneering smile was on his lips.</p> + +<p>"I take it, if you will not release him you will fight me as +would any honorable knight."</p> + +<p>"That will I. Right gladly and to the uttermost, Sir Gareth. For +all knights of the Round Table, I am sworn foe."</p> + +<p>Then there began a battle such as there was seldom seen. +Confidence was in Sir Brian's every move, and truly it would seem +that this young knight, still unknown in the field of chivalry, was +but a poor adversary to one of the best known of England's +knights.</p> + +<p>But if Sir Gareth was young, if he was but little known, yet the +skill at which Sir Launcelot had marveled, stood him in good stead. +This, Sir Brian soon realized. As steel met steel, the older knight +knew that his adversary was no mean one.</p> + +<p>So they battled for a time, neither of them gaining advantage +over the other. Great strength was Sir Brian's, but it was matched +by skill and quickness of thrust and parry.</p> + +<p>Allan, a lone figure, the only one of the group assembled to +stand for Sir Gareth, watched the struggle with bated breath. This +boy who had seen men like Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram, Sir Percival +and others of almost equal repute, found his friend no less able +and bold. Clenched were his hands, tense the boyish figure, as with +heart and soul afire he watched the two knights.</p> + +<p>But soon it became evident that unless untoward happening +occurred the outcome of the brave fight was but a matter of time. +Slowly, yet surely Sir Brian gave ground. Slowly but surely Sir +Gareth pressed him. All the cunning of his foe availed him naught. +To the last Sir Brian fought bitterly, silently. His heart held +bitterness over the probable outcome, over the youthfulness of the +victor to be.</p> + +<p>Now as he parried a bold stroke of the other, for each of them +had turned to swords long before, there came a flash of steel and +Sir Brian felt a great nausea overcome him. Then he knew nothing +more for a long time.</p> + +<p>He came to later. Eager hands were ministering to him. Feebly he +turned, not knowing for the moment why all of this should be. Then +his eyes beheld the victor and the boy next to him and he realized +what had taken place.</p> + +<p>"Sir Gareth," he murmured, as his knights moved aside in +response to the weak gesture of his hand, "yours are a victor's +spoils. Well have you fought and won."</p> + +<p>"Sir Brian," the other replied, "I seek but Breunor le Noire and +the release of such knights as you may hold who owe lealty to king +Arthur. You are a brave knight, would that your cause were worthy +you."</p> + +<p>Now Sir Brian called one of his knights to him. The latter +followed by Sir Gareth and Allan made their way to the dungeon of +the castle. There they found their companion, there too, they found +the other knights of the Round Table who had been made prisoners by +those within the castle. Great was their joy at release and warmly +they thanked their fellow knight.</p> + +<p>And now there came a knight to them and told of how well Breunor +had fought and what difficulty they had had to make him +prisoner.</p> + +<p>"If this youth fights but half as well as do the two we have +seen, you do indeed make a formidable trio."</p> + +<p>Then the three rejoined the Lady Linet and the next morn they +were well on their way.</p> + +<h2><a name="chap21">CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE</a></h2> + +<h3>Knight of the Red Lawns</h3> + +<p>Events followed swiftly thereafter for their journey toward the +castle of the Dame Lyoness was not made on easy road. Yet through +all these, good fortune stayed with them and so at least they were +within a day's journey of their destination.</p> + +<p>Word had come to the Red Knight of the Red Lawns of the coming +of Sir Gareth. Word too had come to him of the brave deeds of this +knight and his two companions. Yet did the Red Knight find naught +in it all but cause for great merriment.</p> + +<p>"Truly will their courage ooze from them when they behold those +many knights hanging from yonder oaks, knights who thought to +battle with me and so rescue the Dame Lyoness. Nor did I blame them +overmuch, for it is well worth hanging for, perchance to win a +smile from so fair a lady. Would that I could be so fortunate."</p> + +<p>So said the Red Knight and sighed. No crueler knight there was +in all of Christendom yet was he gentle minded in his love for his +fair lady. And though he would not free her of his presence and +though he held her closely besieged within the castle, yet had he +no desire that harm should come to her.</p> + +<p>Now he again made his way to her castle wall where his herald +did blow his slughorn and announce that the Red Knight of the Red +Lawns besought the light of the lady's countenance and also word +with her.</p> + +<p>After a due wait there came forth on a balcony within the wall a +lady who was indeed beautiful. Straight she held herself, straight +and direct her look. Soft brown hair, and her eyes shaded from a +dark to lighter brown as they flashed her moods.</p> + +<p>Fine was her face, a face of true nobility and gentleness.</p> + +<p>And as the Red Knight beheld her, his voice grew gentle, his +words strangely softspoken.</p> + +<p>"My lady, I am your loyal knight. I pray you to listen to me as +I pledge again my loyalty and homage."</p> + +<p>There was scorn in the lady's voice, as she cast a withering +look upon the knight.</p> + +<p>"Soft are your words, Sir Knight. Yet if I do not do the cat a +great injustice it is the same softness as is hers when she spies +her prey. For yonder I have proof of such knighthood as is yours." +And Dame Lyoness pointed to the dead knights hanging from the +trees.</p> + +<p>"Aye," replied the Red Knight, "and I would go further, I would +tear such as would deign to keep me from you, limb from limb. Yet, +gentle lady, have I ever shown you proper courtesy and respect as +you may well testify. What, I pray you, keeps me from entering this +castle now and taking you by force, if need be?"</p> + +<p>"My lord," answered Dame Lyoness simply, "that moment you enter +these gates I shall drink this brew. A brew that will quickly +dispose of all the misery that this earth holds for me. Then will +you be able to claim my dead body but naught else. If hope were not +mine, if I did not feel certain that some brave knight would come +here from King Arthur's court to rescue me from your unwelcome +presence, a knight sent here at the beseeching of my sister Linet, +I would long ago have drunk this poison and so rid the world of one +who has brought naught but misery to many brave knights."</p> + +<table summary="arthur6" align="center"><tr><td align="center"> +<img WIDTH=460 HEIGHT=700 src="images/illus-chap21.png" alt="Illustration"> +</td></tr> +<tr><td align="center">He Knocked With The Hilt Of His Sword</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>"Lady," the Red Knight rejoined, "I hear that such a knight is +now on his way. Yet have you overmuch faith in him or mayhap I have +given you poor proof of my own skill and strength. If he should +come, if his blood does not turn to water, think you he will win +from the Red Knight?"</p> + +<p>"Yet do I so hope. I pray that he has greater skill and strength +than yours. And I shall dare hope."</p> + +<p>Then did the lady turn and make her way within, giving the +knight no further glance. Ruefully he turned away, and so woeful a +figure that few would have known him for the brave and commanding +Red Knight of the Red Lawns.</p> + +<p>There came the Lady Linet first of all our party of five. She it +was who entered the gates of the castle of Dame Lyoness unmolested. +So had it been arranged. There she recounted of Sir Gareth and of +the others, too. She told of the knight's bravery and how he had +overcome Sir Brian de les Isles, and of all their other adventures. +Told too, of who Sir Gareth was, and how gentle and how eager he +was to take up her gauntlet. Until Dame Lyoness' eyes grew large +and their shade dark brown. For she was overly pleased at the +description of her champion.</p> + +<p>"Yet must he be of the strongest and most skillful," she said +fearfully, "to overcome this cruel knight. For the Red Knight is +far superior to even Sir Brian."</p> + +<p>"Dear Sister," replied Linet, "I have faith in this youthful +knight. Naught has he found too difficult as yet and I do not fear +the Red Knight whom he meets tomorrow."</p> + +<p>So the next morning, Sir Gareth arrived. Awaited him the Red +Knight of the Red Lawns who had been advised of his nearness.</p> + +<p>As the lady's champion turned with the road, Allan, Breunor and +Walker with him, there rode forward to meet him, the knight he was +to do battle with.</p> + +<p>"What brings you here?" asked the Red Knight, though he knew +full well.</p> + +<p>"I come to the rescue of Dame Lyoness, who, it seems, is +besieged by some unworthy knight who finds it worthy him to war on +women."</p> + +<p>"I am the Red Knight," the other replied without parley. "See +you, my fair knight, yonder trees. See you the things that hang +therefrom. They are the bodies of such other fools who have come +here to teach me what I may or may not do."</p> + +<p>"That, too," replied Sir Gareth, "makes me but doubly certain +that knighthood is not the garment you should wear. I shall do +battle with you, Sir Knight, so soon as you don armor. Meantime I +await your pleasure."</p> + +<p>Then did the three ride toward the castle. And as they neared it +there came to the open window both the Lady Linet and the Dame +Lyoness. Low did the latter courtesy to them all, but chiefest to +Sir Gareth. Long did these two gaze at each other and in that gaze +love was in the dawning.</p> + +<p>Now, the Red Knight came forward. For a few moments each watched +the other, their horses stepping now this way, now that. Then of a +sudden, they made at each other, with all their might. And well it +was that shields were there to meet the blows. For such was their +force that breast plates, horsegirths and cruppers burst. Both +knights were sent to earth, Sir Gareth holding the reins of his +bridle still in his hands. Sore stunned was each for many minutes. +Wonder it was that neck of either was not broken.</p> + +<p>Now the two left their horses and with shields in front they +battled with their swords. And they fought until midday and until +they both lacked wind. So that each was forced to take rest.</p> + +<p>From their window, the two ladies watched the affray. Both of +them prayed that harm should not come to their champion.</p> + +<p>But the Red Knight watching them and seeing how in especial Dame +Lyoness was interested, conceived a new idea.</p> + +<p>"I fancy that when I overcome this knight and prepare to hang +him, yonder good lady will give herself to me to save him. For she +seems to care overmuch for him and greatly do I wish I were in his +place. Yet must she be the lady of the Red Knight." So he +mused.</p> + +<p>They fought all of the afternoon. Now one would grovel in the +earth, the other too weak to carry the battle to successful +conclusion, now the second would grow equally weak.</p> + +<p>Then did they rest again and Breunor and Allan brought water for +Sir Gareth so that he could drink and bathe his face. They rested +for a half hour and then battled once again.</p> + +<p>Now the younger knight seemed weaker. The Red Knight pressed him +hard as he saw this. Things began to look dark for the lady's +champion.</p> + +<p>She, too, saw this. And coming far to the edge of the balcony +she called out.</p> + +<p>"Sir Gareth, I pray for your success." And as he looked toward +her there was a great, eager light on her countenance. It gave to +him renewed strength, renewed faith. As if he had ten men's +strength. And so he turned on the Red Knight and the other could +not withstay him. Fearfully he struck him, such a fearful blow that +the Red Knight never moved again. Yet even as his foe succumbed, +the victor slowly crumbled to the ground, spent and so weak that +for a few seconds Allan, Breunor le Noire and the two ladies who +had hurried to him, thought he was dead.</p> + +<p>In a few moments however the young knight opened his eyes. Then, +beholding the gentle face of Dame Lyoness, he closed them again, +well content.</p> + +<h2><a name="chap22">CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO</a></h2> + +<h3>Sir Galahad</h3> + +<p>Of the things that befell Sir Gareth, of how he wedded the good +Dame Lyoness and of how he gave right seemly proof of his worship, +this story will not detail. Nor can we go on the byway that deals +with the deeds of Breunor le Noire who was made a knight of the +Round Table by King Arthur soon thereafter and who then avenged the +cowardly slaying of his father by the unknown and false knight.</p> + +<p>For our tale must hold its course hereafter. The boy Allan had +grown with the two years that had passed since the adventure of the +Red Knight of the Red Lawns. He had not returned to the court of +King Arthur, instead he and Walker had set out on journey of +adventure. No hit and miss journey this, instead it followed a call +that the boy had had, a call which he knew meant that the time had +come for him to begin seeking the Holy Grail.</p> + +<p>The two years had been eventful ones for Allan. All over England +had he found his way, he and Walker. Adventures were many and +everywhere this youth through kindly deeds and brave actions left +good repute behind him.</p> + +<p>So at the period which our narrative now covers there had grown +from a whispering into a more or less certainty and belief that a +man had come who would find the Holy Grail again for Britain and so +add honor and fame to England. And therewith there was great +wonderment as to whether the finder would be of the court of +Northgalis, or of Northumberland, or of Cornwall, or of Arthur's +court.</p> + +<p>Pentecost was but a few days away. Now on this day the good King +Arthur with Launcelot, Percival and Merlin, the wizard, made the +round of the sieges or seats of the Round Table, each of which held +a name, for on this Pentecost to come, there were to be many new +knights made and place must be found for them.</p> + +<p>So then here and there the places were assigned. Now they came +to the last of the places.</p> + +<p>"What new knight shall be placed here?" asked the King. "It +seems to us that this place his been empty this long time."</p> + +<p>"This," answered Merlin, "is the Siege Perilous. Here no one +shall sit until four hundred and fifty four years after the passion +of the Lord."</p> + +<p>Now then Sir Launcelot make quick reckoning.</p> + +<p>"In the name of God," he made haste to say, "then should this +siege be filled on this Pentecost day that comes."</p> + +<p>"That I doubt not," replied Merlin, "And no one else but the +rightful occupant may fill it for he that is so hardy as to try it, +he will be destroyed."</p> + +<p>So Pentecost day came. And all but Merlin wondered as to who the +newcomer, who would fill this seat could be.</p> + +<p>Early day found the new knights already seated. Early day, too, +found Allan, once again, after the many months away from the court, +returned. This was home to him--and close to three years had passed +since he had been there. He had learned much, he had searched thus +far in vain for the Holy Grail. Yet not altogether in vain, for he +felt within him that he was closer to his quest with the passing of +each day. The boy, now in young manhood, had indeed developed well. +Broad shouldered, slim-waisted, supple limbed, he gave little +indication of his strength, yet Walker riding close beside him, had +watched him, had trained him and had with great pride, noted his +skill with lance, sword and spear. Well he knew that this youth +would soon be second to none in ability to cope with foe or in +friendly jousting as might befall in tournament or elsewhere.</p> + +<table summary="arthur7" align="center"><tr><td align="center"> +<img WIDTH=470 HEIGHT=672 src="images/illus-chap22.png" alt="Illustration"> +</td></tr> +<tr><td align="center">A Solitary Horseman</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>Now on this Pentecost day, Allan had returned because it was +wont that he should do so and also because desire urged him thence. +So then he entered the great hall and because all of King Arthur's +court were within, none there were who knew him.</p> + +<p>And once he found himself within, only Merlin the Wizard knew +who he was. The others knew him not, not even Sir Percival nor Sir +Launcelot. So Merlin came forward and greeted him.</p> + +<p>"They do not yet know you lad, for greatly have you changed with +these few years. Almost grown to full manhood and of a truth full +well and ready for the further conduct of your mission. Come you +with me for your seat is saved."</p> + +<p>"Nay, sir, I hold no seat for I am as yet no knight, though +hopeful," replied the lad.</p> + +<p>"Yet is your place here, lad. So come."</p> + +<p>And herewith the lad had need to follow. While all about, the +knights and others watched them both.</p> + +<p>So now as they came to the Siege Perilous, Merlin stopped and +motioned Allan toward it. Yet the boy hesitated and turned his eyes +to his king, whose eyes searched both the Wizard and the boy.</p> + +<p>Thereupon Merlin turned to them all.</p> + +<p>"Here is Galahad, he who shall achieve the Grail. And proof of +it is in this that he shall sit in the Siege Perilous and no harm +shall come to him therewith. Sit you down, lad."</p> + +<p>So Allan sat down in the place assigned. There seemed to play +about him and the seat a strange light. Well be seemed to fit +therein.</p> + +<p>"Oh, King," went on Merlin. "Some years since, there came a +stranger to this youth and also to one other here. There and then +he declared that the finding of the Grail was made possible. That +the finder was to be known as Galahad the Chaste. Pure and upright +must the seeker be and up to now there is none other among you who +so well fills this requirement. He who left here as Allan, page to +Sir Percival, returns, fitted and grown to the task. He shall +henceward be known as Galahad. And it please you sire, make you him +a knight of the Round Table. So that if he do find the Grail, honor +and glory shall be with you, too."</p> + +<p>Wondered the boy yet, but at word from the king he came forward +and knelt.</p> + +<p>"We dub you knight, Allan. You shall be known as Sir Galahad. +Fruitful may your mission be. We know that knighthood shall not +suffer through you."</p> + +<p>A little apart, Sir Launcelot watched the boy. And though the +newly made knight knew it not, the former had watched him through +the many days he had been away from the court, had never been very +far, yet never so near that the young adventurer knew it. Most keen +and watchful had he been to see that the lad kept on the clean road +ahead. And of a truth he had noted, with a restful content, that +such was the boy's inclination and desires. Yet he kept apart even +as he watched and in all the years had not come face to face with +the boy.</p> + +<h2><a name="chap23">CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE</a></h2> + +<h3>The Beginning of the Quest</h3> + +<p>A week and a day Sir Galahad stayed at the court. Nor was he +there many hours before he found that Yosalinde was not home as yet +but would be within the month. Yet he would not stay, for after +long and serious converse with both Merlin and Sir Launcelot, he +followed the great urge to go forward. For he felt the call now +greater, more insistent. Yet did he somewhat fret since this urge, +this call seemed to lead him nowhere, seemed only to beckon that he +go.</p> + +<p>"Fret not, lad, perhaps many a year shall you wander before you +find the Grail. Many places shall you go. Yet let not your way ever +be impatient." So spoke the Wizard.</p> + +<p>"I go to Normandy soon, Merlin."</p> + +<p>"You shall find me there," now spoke Sir Launcelot, "for I too +go hither to seek adventure. I pray that we meet, Galahad and that +together we have many eventful days. Though full well do I know +your way in great part, must be alone."</p> + +<p>"That it must be," Merlin advised.</p> + +<p>And so the next day and the next he stayed. From everyone and +everywhere great favor was his. King Arthur, too, held much +converse with him and he remembered the first days the lad had come +to court and how he had ordered the herald to send him forth for +Sir Launcelot and Gawaine.</p> + +<p>But the day came at last when he and Walker adventured forth. +And the new knight carried no shield for one was awaiting him, a +shield that carried a great cross to signify his seeking. This he +was to find at the convent near Carboneck. So Merlin had advised +him.</p> + +<p>Two days of journey passed without ontoward event but on the +third day there came to him a yeoman in great woe.</p> + +<p>"What grieves you, friend?" asked Walker while Sir Galahad +waited.</p> + +<p>"Great are my troubles for my master will surely flay me until I +die. I was bringing him his best horse from the castle when a +knight stopped me. Though I told him that the horse was my master's +and how much store he set by it yet did he take the same from me. +When I protested as best I might, he brought his sword upon me and +it was fortune that I was not slain."</p> + +<p>"Know you the knight?" asked Sir Galahad kindly.</p> + +<p>"Nay, Sir, except that he told me he needed the horse at +Calomet."</p> + +<p>"I shall go hither. It is but a short journey and you may come +with me. For it does not seem a knightly act, this taking of your +master's horse and it needs explaining."</p> + +<p>"I thank you master. For little value though my life may be, I +value it nevertheless," replied the yeoman.</p> + +<p>So they went on to Calomet. And when they arrived there the +yeoman most fortunately espied his master's horse.</p> + +<p>"Yonder, Sir Knight, is the horse," and he pointed +excitedly.</p> + +<p>There stood a white horse, truly a beast well worth owning. A +beautiful head, a great body that showed strength and grace, set +well on strong, shapely limbs. A head which its owner held right +fearlessly, yet the eyes of the beast were soft and kindly and +indicated that he could be ridden by child or woman.</p> + +<p>"A good beast and well worth fighting for, if need be," said +Walker.</p> + +<p>"Yet more worthy the fight, if there is need of one, the fact +that this knight we are to meet is so unfair," replied Sir +Galahad.</p> + +<p>So now they came to the house. Walker and the yeoman dismounted +and went up to the horse, which had been tied but temporarily and +was awaiting its rider.</p> + +<p>And as they stood there, there came from within the house a +knight who had espied them.</p> + +<p>"What wish you, knaves?" he asked, scowling.</p> + +<p>"It is my master who wishes your presence," replied Walker.</p> + +<p>"He shall have his wish satisfied," the knight made reply, +turning to Galahad, who was a little further away.</p> + +<p>"Do you wish word with me, Sir Knight?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"I seek him who claims to be the owner of this horse," replied +Sir Galahad.</p> + +<p>"Then you have found him for he is no other than I," was the +answer.</p> + +<p>"Yet how can he be yours, Sir Knight, if this yeoman claims it +is his master's horse?" Sir Galahad questioned.</p> + +<p>"I have made you answer to question that should concern you but +little. What ado wish you to make of it?"</p> + +<p>"Only that the horse goes to this yeoman so that he can bring +him to his rightful owner."</p> + +<p>The other laughed aloud.</p> + +<p>"I wot, strange knight, I wonder well how you can do this thing +when I am here to say you nay. And when my sword is even more +severe in keeping you from boastful attempt."</p> + +<p>And then without further parley the knight brought his sword to +play. But sorry adventure this for him and Sir Galahad though still +without shield brought him right quickly to earth. A sorry match +was he for the young knight, so ill matched that Walker smiled in +glee at his efforts.</p> + +<p>The knight now held his peace as Sir Galahad told the yeoman to +take his master's horse and go hence. But he scowled and as Sir +Galahad turned to go he bespoke him.</p> + +<p>"Sir Knight, I shall not forget your meddling in what was of no +concern to you. And the day may come when you will regret this +deed."</p> + +<table summary="arthur8" align="center"><tr><td align="center"> +<img WIDTH=498 HEIGHT=700 src="images/illus-chap23a.png" alt="Illustration"> +</td></tr> +<tr><td align="center">Sir Galahad In The Forest</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>"True, Sir Knight," replied Sir Galahad. "I shall have need to +make assurance that my horse is secured so that he may not be +stolen." And laughing and full at ease he left the beaten knight to +his surly thoughts.</p> + +<p>Yet as he went the strange yeoman followed him. So that Sir +Galahad turned to him somewhat in amaze.</p> + +<p>"I thought that your way was opposite."</p> + +<p>"My way, Sir Knight, goes only to yonder turn. Yet before I +leave I make you gift of this horse. He is yours. That was not a +true tale as to who owned this horse. For its true owner is none +other than you and my story such as to test you and find answer to +whether you would help those who are in trouble, though the trouble +owner be lowly born. The horse is sent by friend of yours whose +name is not to be related. I wish you well, Sir Knight."</p> + +<p>Much overcome was Sir Galahad at the princely gift, for the +horse had impressed him much.</p> + +<p>"Tell you this unknown friend of mine, that I value this gift as +naught else. Tell you too, that I name him the Seeker, in full +honor of my quest."</p> + +<p>So then the strange yeoman departed whilst the knight and his +faithful man went on their way.</p> + +<table summary="arthur8" align="center"><tr><td align="center"> +<img WIDTH=400 HEIGHT=416 src="images/illus-chap23b.png" alt="Illustration"> +</td></tr> +</table> + + +<h2><a name="chap24">CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR</a></h2> + +<h3>In Normandy</h3> + +<p>Of the travels of Sir Galahad, of how he journeyed through many +lands and new scenes, there is much to be told. Ever with him, went +his faithful man, Walker, who served him well and loyally.</p> + +<p>Eager was the young knight to reach Normandy of which he had +heard much. So he sailed away and since many rumors held the Grail +to be there he hoped to find it.</p> + +<p>In Normandy, a strange land, he met with much adventure, many +knights brave and true, and some who were not. But no sign of the +Grail was there to be had.</p> + +<p>On his white horse, the Seeker, he made his way southward, +finding lodging where he could.</p> + +<p>It was so, in the first month of his travels, that he came to +the castle of one of the best of Normandy's knights. Of him, Sir +Launcelot had spoken highly; he held him in great esteem, and so +had counseled the youthful knight to make it his purpose to visit +him when there.</p> + +<p>Sir Guilbert gave him friendly greeting. Many had been his +visits to England, well he knew Sir Launcelot and Sir Percival and +the great King himself. Sir Galahad found his stay a pleasant one; +there were friendly jousts in which he met some of Normandy's +worshipful knights. In all of these he was victor.</p> + +<p>Sir Guilbert had full praise for the young knight. There was son +of his, a youth of seventeen, who also admired the newcomer, even +as Allan the boy had admired Sir Launcelot. When his visitor's stay +was drawing to a close, Sir Guilbert spoke of this.</p> + +<p>"My son Charles, Sir Galahad, has taken great fancy to you and +wishful am I that you could find it in your plans to take him as +page. He is a quiet lad, sturdy and obedient, you will find. And +following wish of his mother, he knows your English tongue well, +for she is Englishborn. He has made study of Latin too, it seemed +for a time that he would turn to priesthood. But that will not be, +and I cannot say that it finds me regretful. I would have him a +true knight, had I my way."</p> + +<p>"Your wish, Sir Guilbert, may well be served. But if I may, I +should like first to speak to the lad, before I make answer."</p> + +<p>"Faith, and you may. For we should want the lad to satisfy you +and merit your friendship. I shall see to it that you have the +chance to speak with him. It were better, that he know not the +reason for your questioning. Is it not so?"</p> + +<p>"It would be best, Sir Guilbert," Sir Galahad replied.</p> + +<p>Then the two talked of other things and the young knight +questioned his friend as to the likely whereabouts of the Holy +Grail.</p> + +<p>"Many rumors have I heard, Sir Galahad. But never actual trace. +Understand you well, my friend. Knights from every land seek this +Grail and I would wish that it were Norman who found it. But if it +cannot be one from my own land, I would it were one from your +country. I fear me, it shall not be easy search, it may lead you +far."</p> + +<p>"I am well prepared for that," replied the Seeker. "If it were +easy to find, the glory would be so much the less. I can but hope +that I shall have the vision to see it when it is near me."</p> + +<p>"I wish you well," Sir Guilbert made answer. "Now let us repair +to the dining hall for the meal waits."</p> + +<p>It was after they had eaten that Sir Galahad found the +opportunity to hold speech with the youth, Charles.</p> + +<p>He found the lad to be all that his father had said of him.</p> + +<p>"What have you wish for, Charles?" he said.</p> + +<p>"I should like to journey far and to many places," the boy +replied. "There is much to see and I envy the many who have +traveled to foreign lands."</p> + +<p>"How then, if you could, would you travel?"</p> + +<p>"As a true Norman knight serving God and the Church against all +infidels."</p> + +<p>"Well spoken, lad. But it needs many years and one must learn +much to be a good knight. It is not easy work."</p> + +<p>"I know that, Sir Galahad. But I shall not count the years for I +am still young."</p> + +<p>More questions the knight asked the lad and he made eager though +respectful answer. It was apparent that he had thought of it for +many a day. But Sir Galahad said never a word to him of the reason +for his questions and left the lad without knowledge of his +purpose.</p> + +<p>But the next day he spoke to Sir Guilbert and gave him +answer.</p> + +<p>"I should like the youth as my page. He is the kind I could well +use. And I promise you that he shall come back to you so that +neither you nor his mother shall have reason to be other than proud +of him. He will be of great help to me when I reach Rome for I +purpose to journey there, I know naught of the tongue."</p> + +<p>"Have you told the lad, as yet?" the father asked.</p> + +<p>"I thought it best that either you or your lady speak first with +him and then will I."</p> + +<p>"That is a gracious deed on your part, my knight. And if it +bears fruit or not, I shall indeed be in your debt."</p> + +<p>"Not so, Sir Guilbert. For the boy will but have such chance as +I was given by Sir Percival when I was even younger than he."</p> + +<h2><a name="chap25">CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE</a></h2> + +<h3>Sir Galahad Offers Help</h3> + +<p>It was but a week and a day later that Sir Galahad proceeded +further. With him was the faithful Walker who was overly pleased to +be on his way and also Charles, the young son of Sir Guilbert. +Eager was the lad and highly pleased to go forth with the brave +knight.</p> + +<p>Sir Galahad had had hopes of meeting Sir Launcelot who had +planned to be in Normandy, and Merlin as well. But he would wait no +longer, he was in no mood to tarry now.</p> + +<p>There came a day of storm, fierce was the rain and sleet and the +wind so strong that the knight, and his party found it arduous task +to keep the road. Sir Galahad decided to stop and seek shelter at +the first refuge that they should find.</p> + +<p>A little later they came to an old but magnificent castle and in +answer to the summons of Walker, an ancient man appeared.</p> + +<p>"What will you?" the old man quavered.</p> + +<p>"My master seeks shelter until the storm passes. He is a +worshipful knight. Go you to your master with his request."</p> + +<p>The man hobbled within the castle. Soon he returned.</p> + +<p>"There is no master here but my mistress bids me welcome the +worshipful knight and beseech his entrance."</p> + +<p>So they went within and the old man threw logs on the open fire +which blazed right merrily. Sir Galahad and the two with him made +themselves comfortable. Soon food and drink was brought to them of +which they partook with good grace.</p> + +<p>The storm did not subside and night came on.</p> + +<p>"Old man," Sir Galahad said to the ancient servitor. "Pay you my +respects to the lady whose hospitality we enjoy and ask that she +grace us with her presence. Tell her that it is Sir Galahad, Knight +of the Round Table, who seeks it."</p> + +<p>There came a long wait which left the three a wondering. Then +there came forth a lady who was followed by the ancient servitor. +Stately she was and of noble bearing. Yet it could be seen that she +was fearful and disturbed.</p> + +<p>"My lord wished my presence?" she asked and her tone was +tremulous.</p> + +<p>"I owe you apology for this disturbance," the knight said +courteously. "But we also owe you thanks for your gracious +hospitality. There seems need that we disturb you further since the +storm stays and we cannot proceed as we would. May we find lodging +within your walls?"</p> + +<p>The lady looked fearfully about.</p> + +<p>"I cannot deny you. Truly it is no night to be outdoors. Stay +then and welcome."</p> + +<p>Morning found the storm in no wise abated. The lady of the +castle did not appear at the morning meal. But the old man was +there to serve them. He too, seemed much disturbed and made as if +to have speech with Sir Galahad, once or twice.</p> + +<p>"What troubles your pate, old man?" Walker finally asked +him.</p> + +<p>"These are dark days for the house of Sanscourt," the latter +replied and crossed himself.</p> + +<p>"Perhaps, good man, it may be within us to lighten them," Sir +Galahad said kindly, "If we can, it may repay in part for your +mistress' hospitality."</p> + +<p>"Would that my lady could find it in her to confide in you. For +you seem right friendly, my lord."</p> + +<p>"Beseech you her. Tell her that Sir Galahad offers his services +if she has need of them."</p> + +<p>The man soon returned.</p> + +<p>"My lady thanks you kindly for your offer and she will see you +soon," he said.</p> + +<p>The Knight waited but a few moments when his hostess came into +the room.</p> + +<p>"You are gracious, Sir Galahad. I doubt whether there can be any +help for me. Yet I shall tell you my story for there still may be +hope for so wretched a person as myself."</p> + +<p>"My lady, it is the duty of all true knights to be of help to +those in distress. Wherefore, I hold but to my knightly vow, in my +promise of service to you."</p> + +<p>The Lady Jeanne made no answer, seemingly she had not heard him. +Sir Galahad watched her, saw her look which seemed afar, saw the +dark rims around her eyes. They spoke of many hours of weeping.</p> + +<p>Now she turned to him.</p> + +<p>"I think, my lord, this storm that seems as if it will not cease +has been sent by God. Strange though it may seem it brings me hope, +dim though that hope may be, yet I treasure it. Little reason for +hope have I had.</p> + +<p>"Think me not rude, Sir Galahad, and think not that I question +your valor or skill. But this is task for no lone knight, for my +enemy is strong and powerful. I may be selfish too, in that I draw +you into my troubles but I am like one who drowning, must need +snatch at a straw. And many knights would hesitate long to offer +service where the cause is as hopeless as mine seemingly is. Nor +will I blame you or hold you, if after my story is done, you find +no way in which you can help me.</p> + +<p>"Listen then and you will see why I count this storm as sign of +hope sent to me."</p> + +<h2><a name="chap26">CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX</a></h2> + +<h3>Lady Jeanne's Story</h3> + +<p>Two years will it be next month when the Duke of Gascony with +fifty knights went forth on a quest that would take them to far +Eastern lands. Of these fifty, Sir Vilard, my husband, was one.</p> + +<p>"He left with me, my son Ambrose, my daughter Helene and two +servitors, old men who could not go with him. It was in a good and +holy cause so I had no tears for him to see. Rather did I bid him +Godspeed and a safe and quick return.</p> + +<p>"You see me alone now. Two years, and I have neither son, nor +daughter, nor husband. Did I know they were dead, bitter would be +my woe yet would I count God's mercies many, His ways strange, but +not for any mortal to question. But I do not know that. They would +have me believe my husband dead. Ambrose went forth one day and I +have had no word of him since then. And my daughter is lodged +within prison walls waiting the whim of Sir Dolphus who holds her +in his power.</p> + +<p>"They tell me that my husband perished with the Duke and all but +three of the knights that went forth with him. And that before he +died he sent word that it was his wish that I permit Sir Dolphus to +marry our daughter. Yet do I know that Sir Dolphus is already +lawfully wedded to a wife whom he would discard. Knowing my husband +as I do, I could not believe such to be his message. So I withstood +the pleadings of this knight until his pleadings turned to bitter +threats.</p> + +<p>"He would make himself Duke of Gascony. And when I would not +listen to him, his pleadings or threats, he came here one day with +two other knights and professed to abide by such decision as I had +made. They dined with us. Ambrose, my son, was away that day.</p> + +<p>"Enough to say that they stole my daughter from me. This old man +you see and the other, Albert, were clubbed to earth, the one to +death. I tried so hard to resist them but my hand was weak.</p> + +<p>"When Ambrose returned, I could not keep him. He went forth to +rescue his sister. Poor lad, I have had no word from him since +then. Is he dead? Did they kill him? I have sent for word, have +begged that they tell me what fate has befallen him but they +profess not to know.</p> + +<p>"I have heard that the Church will not sanction his marriage to +Helene. Nor will it permit Sir Dolphus to annul the marriage with +his wife. A good priest also tells me that Sir Dolphus has set his +black heart upon marrying my poor Helene so that he can then +lawfully own all this land and estate that belongs to us. It will +be small matter to rid himself of me and I fain would not wish to +live were it not that I still have hope.</p> + +<p>"My lord, I have hoped so much. Until my very hope turned black +for never was there any one so helpless against the power of this +wicked man. I dread the coming of each day and yet mixed with my +dread there still is ever present that one small hope which will +not be killed.</p> + +<p>"I think I would have died but for this small hope," she added +wistfully. She paused now and seemed lost in the dark thoughts that +possessed her.</p> + +<p>"All of them gone. Not one of them to remain with me."</p> + +<p>"Sir Galahad," she turned to him. "It is not a pretty story. I +seem to be encompassed with tragedy. I would not include you in my +woes, you have other missions, other work ahead. And though you +have the valor and strength of ten, it would count for so +little."</p> + +<p>"My lady," the knight replied. "What use would such valor be, if +I had it, if I did not but use it for its full worth? Could I be a +true knight and not heed the call your sorrow brings? I can but try +to help you. And that, I swear, I will."</p> + +<p>A light shone in the lady's eye. "I was not wrong to hope. Even +now I feel that succor must come. Your words, dear knight, give me +strength. Surely then, the storm has brought me some ray of that +hope I speak of."</p> + +<p>"I shall devise some plan," Sir Galahad said, "wherein we can +make rescue of your daughter, and find out the fate of your +son."</p> + +<p>The Knight's thoughts were deep for many minutes. "Did this Sir +Dolphus say where your husband met his death?"</p> + +<p>"Near Lombardy," she replied.</p> + +<p>"If I succeed here, my lady, I shall continue my way to Rome. +From there I shall journey north and seek news of your husband. It +may be that he is not dead. Dead or alive, you at least will +know.</p> + +<p>"Tomorrow, if the day clears, we shall turn to the work before +us. It seems a hard task but as I have said, we can but try. In the +meantime, my Lady Jeanne, have courage and keep your patience."</p> + +<p>So Galahad left her. But Walker stayed.</p> + +<p>"Lady, I would but add my humble word of cheer. In all of +England, of all the Knights of the Round Table, there is none who +equals my master in skill and bravery. I tell you this so that you +may know how worthy your champion is. Would that he had but one +other with him and I would not care what odds were against +him."</p> + +<p>"And who, my man, is that other?"</p> + +<p>"Sir Launcelot," Walker made reply.</p> + +<p>"I thank you for telling me of Sir Galahad. It adds to the hope +I have and the courage he bids me possess."</p> + +<h2><a name="chap27">CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN</a></h2> + +<h3>Sir Launcelot Arrives</h3> + +<p>The day dawned bright and clear. But it brought to Sir Galahad +no plan for the rescue of the daughter of his hostess.</p> + +<p>My lady came down to the breakfast table greatly cheered, as was +plain to be seen. Sir Galahad had not the heart to tell her that as +yet he had found no way for the rescue of her daughter. Instead he +said.</p> + +<p>"It seems to me that there is one thing I can but do. I shall +seek this knight's castle and wait for such event there as may +befall. Luck may come my way. But I promise you this, my lady, I +shall make no rash or fruitless attempt at rescue. Rash acts may +well come after the rescue of your daughter, not before."</p> + +<p>The Lady Jeanne agreed. So then immediately after the meal +Walker, and the page Charles prepared the things they would need +for the journey.</p> + +<p>"I go forth to prepare the horses, young master. Will you see to +these things here?" So spoke Walker and when Charles agreed he +hurried outdoors.</p> + +<table summary="arthur9" align="center"><tr><td align="center"> +<img WIDTH=462 HEIGHT=700 src="images/illus-chap27.jpg" alt="Illustration"> +</td></tr> +<tr><td align="center">Suddenly They Made For Each Other</td></tr> +</table> + +<p>Hardly had he reached there, however, when he saw two horsemen +coming toward him. His trained eye easily recognized them. One +could be no other than Sir Launcelot. Only he sat his horse so. And +the rider with him was Gouvernail, he who had been squire to Sir +Tristram until that brave knight had died and who now was in the +service of Sir Launcelot.</p> + +<p>"By my faith," spoke out Walker to the empty air. He rubbed his +eyes. Yes, it was they.</p> + +<p>"A wish come true," was all he could think of. And then he +danced first on one foot, then on the other, uncertain whether to +rush to meet the advancing horsemen or to run inside and advise his +master. His uncertainty ended only when he was indoors again.</p> + +<p>"Master, master, come you here," he called. "See who comes," he +shouted gleefully.</p> + +<p>Sir Galahad came toward him. But not as quick as the eager, +youthful Charles. After them all, came the Lady Jeanne.</p> + +<p>"It is Launcelot, by my faith," Sir Galahad shouted gleefully. +"He was to meet me in Normandy and has followed close on my heels. +What luck!" And he waved to the approaching knight who returned the +salute and increased his speed.</p> + +<p>The Lady Jeanne turned questioning eyes to the squire, who +nodded happily.</p> + +<p>"My lady," Sir Galahad turned to her. "Now you may well have +hope and faith. And well may you give us your blessing for we shall +bring your daughter to you, have no fear."</p> + +<p>So spoke the knight whose faith in Sir Launcelot's prowess was +most profound.</p> + +<p>Now the approaching knight came up to them.</p> + +<p>"Good Allan," he said still calling his friend by the name of +his boyhood. "I have traveled through a day of storm to catch up +with you. Until I am sure that this knave here is prepared to seek +a master who would be saner and more considerate."</p> + +<p>"Not so," replied Gouvernail, "for I was no less the +anxious."</p> + +<p>"You come in good time, dear friend. For never were you more +needed. There is work ahead for us, serious work. This lady here +needs our help. She is sore distressed. But let her meet you."</p> + +<p>So the Lady Jeanne met Sir Launcelot. And once again the tale of +her plight was revealed. And even as Sir Launcelot listened, the +plan of what to do came to Sir Galahad. But he kept his tongue +until his friend was fully informed and had in turn had time to +question their hostess.</p> + +<p>Charles stood close to his master, whose arm encircled him as if +it would include him in all of it. A little in the background stood +the two squires who were close friends and old comrades. +Gouvernail's interest was keen.</p> + +<p>So when the tale was done, Sir Galahad turned to his friend and +said "Know you perchance where Merlin is?"</p> + +<p>"We left him behind us. His old bones could not risk yesterday's +storm. But he promised me that he would follow when it cleared and +so he is but a day behind. But have you a plan, Allan?"</p> + +<p>"It has but just come to me--this possible plan. It may be that +he can be emissary from Arthur to the Duke of Gascony for such +purpose as may be devised. And we go with him as knights. We +<i>know not</i>, of course, that a pretender sits where +the Duke of Gascony should. And I fancy that this Dolphus will be +right well pleased to welcome us and if we seemingly appear not too +scrupulous ourselves we can worm the story from him and act +thereon."</p> + +<p>"It can be done, if the plan is well thought out. Only dear lad, +I doubt whether thy face will not count against you in any +pretended villainy. Think you not so, madame?"</p> + +<p>The Lady Jeanne smiled. It was strange to see her smile but it +gave proof that she was lighter hearted.</p> + +<p>"I think that Sir Dolphus is not the kind to think that there +are any who hold aught but villianous thoughts," she replied.</p> + +<p>"So then, we must need delay until Merlin comes."</p> + +<p>"Think you the king will be provoked at our use of him and his +court?" Sir Galahad asked.</p> + +<p>"Aye, that I do. Provoked that he was not with us to share in +the adventure." Launcelot laughingly replied.</p> + +<p>"Lady," Sir Launcelot addressed her in a moment's pause. "You +had little need to worry when this knight became your champion. He +is overly modest. Gladly shall I help him."</p> + +<p>"God is good," the Lady Jeanne replied brokenly. "And He has +placed me and my troubles in godly hands." And then she wept. And +it seemed as if like a spring freshet, her thoughts, soul, and +heart, were cleared and cleansed.</p> + +<h2><a name="chap28">CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT</a></h2> + +<h3>A Rescue</h3> + +<p>"I seek speech with him who is Duke of Gascony. I bring him a +message from Arthur, King of England." So spoke Merlin as he stood +at the entrance of the great and splendid castle of the ruler of +Gascony.</p> + +<p>By his side were the two knights, Galahad and Launcelot. The +page Charles stood close by and somewhat behind them were the two +squires, Walker and Gouvernail.</p> + +<p>"From England's king?" the Gascon knight questioned. And made as +if he would further satisfy his curiosity. But changed his +mind.</p> + +<p>"I pray you wait, good sir, until I tell my lord, your message." +So then he went within the great hall.</p> + +<p>"A rash adventure, say I," and Merlin shook his head +dolefully.</p> + +<p>"You were ever a croaker, good Merlin," replied Sir Launcelot. +"See not the thing so dolefully, I pray you."</p> + +<p>"And think of the worth of what we accomplish," added Sir +Galahad. "Here now comes the Gascon with his answer, I see. Let us +listen to what he says."</p> + +<p>"We bid you welcome to Gascony and pray you to come within. My +master sends his greetings and awaits you."</p> + +<p>They followed then their guide and so came within the great hall +of state where Sir Dolphus awaited them.</p> + +<p>"Come you from England?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"That we do," replied Merlin, "and carry a message for the +Duke."</p> + +<p>"There is no Duke of Gascony. He is dead. But I, by the will of +all the nobles of the land, rule in place. If you have message from +England's king honor is mine to receive it."</p> + +<p>"That message will I deliver right gladly. My king has long +desired to come to Gascony and to other countries in France. So has +he sent me forth to find first, how welcome will his visit be, +second, as you may well understand, that such country as may come +within his plans may worthy be his presence. For England's king +must hold his honor and his presence at their royal worth.</p> + +<p>"So come I to this brave land the which my king has heard well +spoken and which he holds in high esteem. I find it sad news that +he who reigned is dead, yet Gascony cannot suffer if you, most +worshipful sir, rule instead."</p> + +<p>Now did the crafty Dolphus find himself quick to see the worth +to him of such a visit from the great king of England who was held +in high esteem everywhere. If Arthur were to visit him then could +none question his pretense to the throne. Too, were such visit +soon, there would be need for him to be declared Duke of Gascony at +once, so that Arthur could be met in royal state.</p> + +<p>"Gascony, good sir, would welcome your king. And count it honor +to receive him with all the honors due so great a name. When does +your master plan to come?"</p> + +<p>"Shortly, sir, after I make my return to England and make +report. For he hopes also to visit Rome and pay homage to His +Holiness, the Pope."</p> + +<p>When he heard this, Sir Dolphus urged the emissaries of +England's king to tarry awhile in Gascony.</p> + +<p>"So that, kind sirs, you find our friendship for your master, +such as may befit his visit to us. Greatly do we desire him to come +and we would wish your report to be a kindly one. So find you +welcome here. We shall eat, drink and be merry."</p> + +<p>So the party made itself at home. Sir Dolphus soon took great +fancy to Sir Launcelot who proved a merry soul and the two spent +many hours together.</p> + +<p>"I would count it fortunate, Sir Launcelot, were you knight of +this court. For I need friends such as you."</p> + +<p>"Rather, I fancy, is the need otherwise. For the Duke of +Gascony's friendship is no small thing and many there are who would +hold it high honor. Of friends, you should have many." So the +knight made flattering answer.</p> + +<p>"Aye, but you know not. There are those who would believe that +the dead duke lives and who though silent, yet are sullen over my +rightful claim to take his place. And I find the Church of little +help to me. Though I have offered it many gifts, and promised it +great riches, yet will it oppose my will."</p> + +<p>"Does the Church object to you as Duke?" Sir Launcelot +questioned. "I see not why."</p> + +<p>"Nay, 'tis not as Duke but in other matters."</p> + +<p>Caution seemed to overcome Sir Dolphus for many minutes. But he +had great desire to confide in this friendly knight whose good will +he wished.</p> + +<p>"Art thou married, Sir Launcelot?" he asked.</p> + +<p>"A strange question, my friend. Yet do I find my happiness in +the single blessedness which is at present mine."</p> + +<p>"Yet is marriage a most convenient thing sometime. 'Twould be +for me at present."</p> + +<p>"Say you, <i>'twould be?</i> Yet, if I mistake not, +have I heard that that blessed state is already yours. Though no +sign have I seen as yet, of the Lady Dolphus.</p> + +<p>"Aye, friend, married am I, worse the pity. And when I ask the +Church to annul this unhappy state, and give it many gifts, still +does it turn stubborn over such a little thing."</p> + +<p>"What harm therein, my friend? Since that the lady is not with +you?" Friendly was Sir Launcelot's tone and right sympathetic.</p> + +<p>"Aye, there I come back to what I have said--about marriage +being most convenient at times. For would they annul the marriage I +could then marry again, one who owns vast estate. And that would +make me all powerful in Gascony."</p> + +<p>Such laughter as shook the frame of Sir Launcelot. Nor was it +unkindly.</p> + +<p>"A great rogue you," he spoke pleasantly. "Off with the old and +on with the new. Is it not so? And I fancy the new is also right +young or I am greatly mistaken? Eh?"</p> + +<p>Great was Sir Launcelot's hilarity. Nor did the other take +offense thereat.</p> + +<p>"I care little as to her youth or not. But I do care for the +estate that goes with her," replied Sir Dolphus.</p> + +<p>"She must like you greatly, to be willing?"</p> + +<p>"Hardly could I say, she's that. But that would be small matter +if I could but get the Church to sanction the deed. Yet have I hope +that if I could get your king's goodwill, he could persuade the +Pope on his visit to Rome. And there, good friend, you could help +me greatly and well would I repay such kindness."</p> + +<p>Not once did Sir Launcelot permit the hot temper within him to +be unloosed. Played he so well with the wicked knight that it was +but a few days thereafter Sir Dolphus invited him to visit with him +the young damsel who was kept within prison walls. Never once did +the knight demur or permit the other to think that he did not +sympathize and agree with his plans.</p> + +<p>As they walked away from the prison door, he turned to the +other. "Strange that she should be all alone. Has she no one who +would make you trouble?"</p> + +<p>"Her father went forth with the Duke and others among us to the +land of the infidels. On our way back, in Lombardy, our small force +was overcome by disaster. But three of us escaped, I know not what +happened to the others. Then it was, I decided to possess the land +of the Sanscourt and told the Lady Jeanne that her husband wished +and commanded that her daughter Helene marry me. But she would have +none of this. So that I had to steal the damsel. And when her +brother came here to rescue her, we overcame the helpless youth. He +would not have lived had I my way, but the others would not permit +that and so we have him safely lodged in the dungeon below and I +fancy he will not abuse our hospitality for long."</p> + +<p>That night Sir Launcelot spoke to the others and told what he +had heard. Great was his rage, which he had curbed so well when in +the presence of the other.</p> + +<p>"I would," Merlin spoke in great gloom, "that we were well out +of this."</p> + +<p>"We can be well out of it when the youth and girl are also +safely out," Sir Galahad replied and there was a stern look in his +eye. "Tomorrow we shall find the dungeon place. Then will we act +quickly. But also we must see to it that this false knight receives +his just deserts. Is it not so, Launcelot?"</p> + +<p>"Tomorrow, it shall be," the other replied. "And I myself, shall +deal with this Sir Dolphus, for I have had to listen to his +foulness without demur."</p> + +<p>So they planned. And the next day, Sir Galahad professed a great +desire to see the whole of the castle. And so was shown in due +course the great dungeon and saw there, the weak and spent lad, +Ambrose.</p> + +<p>That night, Sir Dolphus and Sir Launcelot went by themselves to +the chamber of the former to make merry. And there, Sir Dolphus who +counted the other's sympathy as beyond doubt, told more of his +knavish plots. Until the listener sick with listening turned to him +in the quiet and secrecy of the great chamber and said in stern +tones.</p> + +<p>"Sir Dolphus, I would advise you to pray now. For you die in +three minutes!"</p> + +<p>Nor did the other mistake the voice, the tone. Nor even make +pretense to misunderstand. Instead he made as if to raise a great +shout. But found the other's mighty hand closed over his foul mouth +so that his call for aid was unuttered. And the hand remained +there--even as the owner forced him to his knees with no great +effort.</p> + +<p>"Pray, if you will. Your time is almost gone."</p> + +<p>But the wretch groaned and squirmed and tried to escape the hold +that held viselike over him.</p> + +<p>It was five minutes later that Sir Launcelot left the room. +There was a grim, fixed look on his face that few had ever seen +before.</p> + +<p>He joined the others. And then while [he] and Gouvernail went to +the prison chamber of the damsel, Helene, and rescued her with +little effort, Sir Galahad went down to the dungeon door and there +overcame the guard with ease and opened the door wide with the keys +obtained. And Walker carried the weak lad to the entrance door and +so they joined the others.</p> + +<p>So then Sir Galahad and Sir Launcelot with the two squires went +for and obtained their horses, without suspicion. With the two they +had rescued, the whole party rode forth from the castle. And but +for the outcry of the guards at the gate which they forced them to +open wide, they had no one to cope with.</p> + +<p>Forth they road swiftly, Merlin carrying the young girl and +Charles supporting the boy, leaving the others free to ride behind +and meet such pursuers as might come.</p> + +<p>But none pursued.</p> + +<p>"I think they will find a task on hand to care for the other +prisoners the open dungeon door unloosed," Sir Galahad said.</p> + +<p>"And with the wonder over Sir Dolphus," Sir Launcelot added and +his look was far away.</p> + +<p>A day later found them at the castle of Sanscourt. Happy was my +Lady Jeanne over the return of her dear children and grateful, too. +It did not take long for them to prepare to go forth to England +with Sir Launcelot and Merlin.</p> + +<p>So they bade each the other goodbye. And as they went forth, Sir +Galahad watching them go, said to the Lady Jeanne,</p> + +<p>"Still hope, my lady. For I shall bring or send you word of Sir +Vilard, good or bad."</p> + +<p>"I shall never cease to hope, Sir Galahad. And I shall pray for +you, each day until you return."</p> + +<table summary="arthur10" align="center"><tr><td align="center"> +<img WIDTH=300 HEIGHT=446 src="images/illus-chap28.png" alt="Illustration"> +</td></tr> +</table> + +<h2><a name="chap29">CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE</a></h2> + +<h3>Facing the East</h3> + +<p>So then the trio turned toward the East seeking but never +finding that all elusive Grail which seemed ever ahead of them. +Strange lands they passed through and it left them with wonderment +at the bigness of the world in which they lived.</p> + +<p>For Sir Galahad and for the boy Charles, each day brought the +wonder of new things to see. For Walker, the Squire, though he +would not make confession to his master, there grew the wish to see +again the pleasant green of England's shore. None of the wonders of +these strange lands held allure for him, since they but proved +England's greater worth.</p> + +<p>But when twitted by his master he would make no confession of +his home-sickness.</p> + +<p>"Nay master. I am a man and would hold it weak whimsy to let +yearning for my home land encompass me. I go where you will and +soon enough will I make return to our home shores."</p> + +<p>And the Grail, Symbol of Honor, of Faith, of Service and of +Piety! No nearer to the finding did the young knight appear to be. +Even so, the zest for it, the need for finding it stayed ever with +him.</p> + +<p>So he reached Rome and stayed in it for many days. Many +strangers were there from many lands but few who knew of the Holy +Grail. And none who could tell him where it could be found.</p> + +<p>"I would seek, were I you, in the Holy Land," said one pious +man. While still another thought so holy a thing would never be +permitted to go so far as England and that the knight's search was +fruitless.</p> + +<p>From Rome Sir Galahad went north to Lombardy in search of news +of Sir Vilard. Long was his search here but not hopeless. Nor need +we make record of how at last he found that the Gascon was not dead +but imprisoned with some of the other knights of that ill fated +group. And when ransom was agreed to, he returned to Rome and sent a +message to Sir Launcelot by a friendly English knight to find the +Lady Jeanne and have sent to him the ransom desired.</p> + +<p>Months passed. Then came Ambrose and with him the gold for the +freedom of his father and his companions. So that they were free. +Only then did Sir Galahad go on.</p> + +<p>He reached the Holy Land in company with others, men who came +there to pay reverence, men who came to repent of many sins, men +who ever restless must journey everywhere. And on the way he had +gained the friendship of an old priest whose journey he had made +somewhat the lighter by such help as youth may offer old age.</p> + +<p>The priest had been greatly interested in the mission of the +knight. Many were his questions, of where Sir Galahad had traveled, +how far he purposed to journey in his search.</p> + +<p>"My journeys shall not cease, good father, until I have found +the Grail. For so have I set my whole life that I may find it. And +time counts not. Though I wish it could be found right soon for +then may I turn my face to England." Since Sir Galahad had spoken +of Yosalinde, the priest understood.</p> + +<p>"What then, Sir Knight, makes you think you will find the Grail +in far lands?" the priest asked.</p> + +<p>"It must need be so, since were it nearer home it would have +been found long since."</p> + +<p>To which the priest made no answer.</p> + +<p>Days later, when they were gathered about again he told the +story of Elam, the son of Anner, who had a great desire to gain +wisdom and knowledge.</p> + +<p>"So then, young friends, he started out to learn from all the +founts of wisdom. Far he traveled and much he learned."</p> + +<p>And then the reverend man gave long account of the places to +which Elam had gone and the things he had learned. It was a tale of +many years and it took time in the telling.</p> + +<p>"Then when he had learned much of the wisdom of the then world +and had gained in knowledge, he returned home. And when he was +there but a few days, lo, he found that yet had his father Anner, +greater knowledge than he and wisdom more profound. And he knew +this now, returned home from all his sojournings. Nor would he have +known this unless he had traveled far, for my sons, it was in this +way that he gained the vision to see. Of a truth, it was then that +he knew that his father was wisest of men and well could he learn +from him."</p> + +<p>"I have not heard of this man Elam, before," Sir Galahad said. +"Yet had he great need to travel, if he gained this vision to +see."</p> + +<p>"True and well spoken, Sir Knight," replied the priest and +watched him keenly.</p> + +<h2><a name="chap30">CHAPTER THIRTY</a></h2> + +<h3>Homeward</h3> + +<p>Still further did Sir Galahad have a mind to travel but he found +from learned men that to go further East was to travel into +uncertainties which few had ventured before him. Nor would he have +paused even then, were it not that he realized well that little +likelihood was there for the Lost Grail to be found in the far +East.</p> + +<p>So he turned his face west again. Slowly he made his way home. +There were days now, he misdoubted the success of his search and he +questioned his own worthiness.</p> + +<p>After months and months of travel he reached France once again. +When he came to Gascony he found the rightful ruler on the throne +and the house of Sanscourt, well and happy. Great was the welcome +given the knight by the happy family and a great feast was held for +them. The Lady Jeanne was radiant with the happiness which had +returned after seeming desertion.</p> + +<p>"We owe you much, Sir Galahad," said Sir Vilard, "so very much +that it is beyond repayment."</p> + +<p>"Mine and Sir Launcelot's was the joy of service, my lord. That +you must well understand."</p> + +<p>When they reached Normandy, Charles was given a happy reception. +He had grown, and had profited well by his travels and service to +Sir Galahad whom he would not leave now. For he hoped to be made a +knight by him. In Normandy, Sir Galahad stayed for more than a +month. He had acquired great fame because of his travels and deeds +yet did he find small pleasure in this for the great purpose of his +journeys had failed.</p> + +<p>It was on a day just before he was to return to England. He had +mounted the Seeker and without companion had gone forth for the +morning. His thoughts were of the Grail, of his great wish to find +it, and ever with his thoughts the wish to prove to Yosalinde that +it was in him to find it. Well he knew that she would understand +his desire even though he could not bring to her the fulfillment of +that desire.</p> + +<p>"Yet who am I to find myself disheartened. I must not question, +keep ever seeking." So he thought to himself and gave no heed to +where the Seeker carried him.</p> + +<p>Nor did it seem strange to the knight that he found himself in a +narrow path of the woods and before him the strange monk who had +first given him urge to seek the Holy Grail.</p> + +<p>"I greet you, holy father. Nor can I say to you that I have yet +proven worthy of the finding of that which I have long sought."</p> + +<p>"Yet have you traveled far, my son. Is it not so?"</p> + +<p>"Far and to many lands, holy sir. But nowhere have I found that +which brought me nearer to it."</p> + +<p>"Too, I know how worthy of the finding you are. Well have you +kept your purpose high, knightly have your deeds been?"</p> + +<p>"Holy father, I have but tried. Ever have I kept your words +before me. And deem it all worth the while, even though it end with +my not finding the Grail. For, father, this will I always say, that +joy has there been in the seeking."</p> + +<p>"Think you then, my son, you will not find it?" the monk +asked.</p> + +<p>"I know not, father. Think me not grown tired of the search. +Think not that I complain that the search is long or arduous. I +shall go on seeking where the call may lead me. And ever seek to be +worthy of finding it. He who decides all things shall decide as to +that. Nor will He find me ever questioning. For this I have found. +God is good and His ways are ever for the best."</p> + +<p>"Glad am I to hear that the search goes on. My blessing goes +with you. Well have I kept the count of all the days of your +journeyings and great is my pride in you. So son, seek on for who +can tell what the morrow brings."</p> + +<p>Then the holy man left him. Yet Sir Galahad did not go until +long after sundown. And when he did, doubled was the strength of +his purpose.</p> + +<p>And on the morrow he was on his way to England.</p> + +<table summary="arthur11" align="center"><tr><td align="center"> +<img WIDTH=500 HEIGHT=344 src="images/illus-chap30.png" alt="Illustration"> +</td></tr> +</table> + +<h2><a name="chap31">CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE</a></h2> + +<h3>The Beggar And The Grail</h3> + +<p>England to Charles, was indeed strange but so much had Walker +spoken thereof that he looked forward to seeing it as if it were +his native land. The joy of Walker at its nearness, though he tried +to hide it under pretended calm was yet a thing quite obvious to +Sir Galahad and the boy and much did it amuse them.</p> + +<p>"Of all the fair lands we have passed through, have you yet +found none that pleased you more, good Walker?" the knight asked +him.</p> + +<p>"There is but one heaven, my master and there is but one +England," replied Walker.</p> + +<p>"Then must I confess my sorrow at keeping you this long time +from heaven," said his master with mock regret.</p> + +<p>"Nay, master, one can only know heaven when one has seen all the +other places. Too, I care not even for England when my master is +not there."</p> + +<p>"Kind words, good Walker. And spoke I ten times as kindly, yet +could I not do justice to how much you have counted and how well. +Will I say this, that I find it sweet to know that we are so near +to England's shores and that it is but a few days when we shall +again find ourselves at home. I would see all our friends, the good +king, Sir Percival, Sir Gareth, Sir Launcelot and the others. This +wind that fills these sails cannot blow too strong for me."</p> + +<p>Well did the wind hold yet did it seem as if the next days were +over long. At last they were but a half day from the great castle +of King Arthur.</p> + +<p>Now as they rode, adventure there had been none since they had +left Normandy, they were stopped by a strange beggar who sought +alms. Sick did he seem, ragged and wretched, and as if life could +hold but little for him. It was the selfsame beggar they had passed +when they started on their journey.</p> + +<p>"Good master, I starve. Charity I seek."</p> + +<p>Now though, Sir Galahad was impatient to reach the castle, yet +did he stop for the poor wretch drew his pity.</p> + +<p>"What will you, my man?"</p> + +<p>"Food, if you have it, Sir Knight. Such help as you can give so +low a thing as me."</p> + +<p>So then without further ado, he bade Walker feed the knave, +which the latter did, grumbling at the delay the same must cause. +Then, the knight spoke kindly again to the beggar and gave him some +silver.</p> + +<p>"Master," the beggar said. "The Lord will bless you, for you +found time for so wretched a soul as me. Far have you traveled, +many of high degree have found it honor to hold speech with you. So +great a knight as you and yet have you had time for the beggar on +the road.</p> + +<p>"Honor have you shown, Faith have you ever had. Service have you +rendered. This day you prove that you have Piety and Charity. So +then for your food and for your silver and your kind words and the +spirit behind it all, I pay you now. Here, then is the Grail. Long +sought in many lands, in many places, yet was it always near at +home."</p> + +<p>"The Grail? Here, where I never thought to see it. And a beggar +to possess it. Aye, even the lowliest possesses riches."</p> + +<p>Mixed were the knight's emotions nor could he voice the thoughts +and the feelings within him. While nearby the two with him watched +it all in awed silence.</p> + +<p>"Aye, Sir Galahad. Think not that your search in far lands was +fruitless. Rather was it the caldron in which your worth was +seasoned. Yet will this fact ever remain--that one need not travel +far to find Honor, Faith, Service and Piety. For these are ever +near."</p> + +<p>"I am like Elam who went everywhere and found that what he +sought was near at home."</p> + +<p>"True, good knight. This day shall be a great day for England, +for through the worth of one of its knights, the Grail stays here. +Go you then, for word will already be at the Round Table that Sir +Galahad comes with the Grail."</p> + +<p>"Strange man, I know not what to say. Dear is the possession of +this precious vessel to me. Long have I sought it. And to find it +to have been so near at home stirs mixed and wondrous feelings +within me. So I can but go and if I fail to say the thing I should, +forgive me."</p> + +<p>The knight, Charles and Walker as well, found themselves +kneeling to receive the benediction of this strange man who was +both beggar and holy man. And when they looked up again he was +gone.</p> + +<p>"Thought I," said Walker, "that that day, my master found this +Grail there would be great doings, that there would be great +combats. Instead of which a seeming beggar has it to give us. +Verily, it is far beyond me."</p> + +<p>And the good squire scratched his head in great puzzlement.</p> + +<h2><a name="chap32">CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO</a></h2> + +<h3>Conclusion</h3> + +<p>We find our story now near ended. We can well see the great +welcome given the still youthful knight as he entered the great +hall. There was King Arthur in high good humor. About him stood +many of the knights of the Round Table, and among them Sir Galahad +saw his many friends. And as the young knight stood there there +came to him the memory of that first day and the wondrous hope he +had had now come true.</p> + +<p>In all the hall none was so happy as that brave and noble +hearted knight, Sir Launcelot. Well pleased he was. Merlin was +there, also well content. And there, when they sat down to the +great feast spread out for them, Sir Galahad told the story of his +search or the Grail. A long tale it was for they would hear it all. +To it they listened in silence, without interruption, until he had +done.</p> + +<p>Though he showed it not, the young knight was eager to be free +of all these friends. For he had great desire to hasten to the home +of Sir Percival. He knew from what Sir Percival told him, Yosalinde +would he there. Yet could he not leave until the late +afternoon.</p> + +<p>Swiftly did the Seeker take him there. Eagerly he sought the +sight of the castle as if in seeing that, he would also see this +damsel who had helped so much to give him the great purpose of his +search. But it was not until he had entered within, that he saw +her.</p> + +<p>So we draw the curtain and leave you to suppose the joy and the +gladness of this welcome. And though to each the finding of the +Holy Grail was of high importance yet they spoke not of that but of +other things for many an hour until the sun had gone down and +darkness had come.</p> + +<p>Wonderful was the picture Sir Galahad had carried of his lady, +yet he found the real presence far dearer. Of the things they +talked, one was the future and what it meant to both of them.</p> + +<p>We leave them then. High the moon shines, the stars are +everywhere. It is a wonderful night, soft the gentle breeze. Such a +night as each had pictured for their first meeting.</p> + +<p>Charles, the Norman lad, had his wish come true in good time, +when Sir Galahad made him a knight. Then the new knight made his +way back to Normandy. It was his children's children who made their +way in later days to England and settled there.</p> + +<p>The deeds of the brave knights of the Round Table continued +great and glorious. Sir Galahad, Sir Launcelot, Sir Percival and +the others upheld the honor of King Arthur's court. And never did +Sir Galahad lower the banner of his great house.</p> + +<p>Honor, Faith, Service and Piety.</p> + +<table summary="arthur12" align="center"><tr><td align="center"> +<img WIDTH=300 HEIGHT=463 src="images/illus-chap32.png" alt="Illustration"> +</td></tr> +</table> + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's In the Court of King Arthur, by Samuel Lowe + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN THE COURT OF KING ARTHUR *** + +***** This file should be named 6582-h.htm or 6582-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/6/5/8/6582/ + +Produced by Alan Millar and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: In the Court of King Arthur + +Author: Samuel Lowe + +Posting Date: March 21, 2013 [EBook #6582] +Release Date: September, 2004 +First Posted: December 29, 2002 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN THE COURT OF KING ARTHUR *** + + + + +Produced by Alan Millar and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + + + + + + +IN THE COURT OF KING ARTHUR + +by Samuel E. Lowe + + + + +TABLE OF CONTENTS + +Chapter + +I. Allan Finds A Champion + +II. Allan Goes Forth + +III. A Combat + +IV. Allan Meets The Knights + +V. Merlin's Message + +VI. Yosalinde + +VII. The Tournament + +VIII. Sir Tristram's Prowess + +IX. The Kitchen Boy + +X. Pentecost + +XI. Allan Meets A Stranger + +XII. The Stranger And Sir Launcelot + +XIII. The Party Divides + +XIV. King Mark's Foul Plan + +XV. The Weasel's Nest + +XVI. To The Rescue + +XVII. In King Mark's Castle + +XVIII. The Kitchen Boy Again + +XIX. On Adventure's Way + +XX. Gareth Battles Sir Brian + +XXI. Knight Of The Red Lawns + +XXII. Sir Galahad + +XXIII. The Beginning Of The Quest + +XXIV. In Normandy + +XXV. Sir Galahad Offers Help + +XXVI. Lady Jeanne's Story + +XXVII. Sir Launcelot Arrives + +XXVIII. A Rescue + +XXIX. Facing The East + +XXX. Homeward + +XXXI. The Beggar And The Grail + + + + +WHO WAS KING ARTHUR? + +King Arthur, who held sway in Camelot with his Knights of the Round +Table, was supposedly a king of Britain hundreds of years ago. Most of +the stories about him are probably not historically true, but there +was perhaps a real king named Arthur, or with a name very much like +Arthur, who ruled somewhere in the island of Britain about the sixth +century. + +Among the romantic spires and towers of Camelot, King Arthur held +court with his queen, Guinevere. According to tradition, he received +mortal wounds in battling with the invading Saxons, and was carried +magically to fairyland to be brought back to health and life. +Excalibur was the name of King Arthur's sword--in fact, it was the +name of two of his swords. One of these tremendous weapons Arthur +pulled from the stone in which it was imbedded, after all other +knights had failed. This showed that Arthur was the proper king. The +other Excalibur was given to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake--she +reached her hand above the water, as told in the story, and gave the +sword to the king. When Arthur was dying, he sent one of his Knights +of the Round Table, Sir Bedivere, to throw the sword back into the +lake from which he had received it. + +The Knights of the Round Table were so called because they customarily +sat about a huge marble table, circular in shape. Some say that +thirteen knights could sit around that table; others say that as many +as a hundred and fifty could find places there. There sat Sir Galahad, +who would one day see the Holy Grail. Sir Gawain was there, nephew of +King Arthur. Sir Percivale, too, was to see the Holy Grail. Sir +Lancelot--Lancelot of the Lake, who was raised by that same Lady of +the Lake who gave Arthur his sword--was the most famous of the Knights +of the Round Table. He loved Queen Guinevere. + +All the knights were sworn to uphold the laws of chivalry--to go to +the aid of anyone in distress, to protect women and children, to fight +honorably, to be pious and loyal to their king. + + + + +CHAPTER ONE + +Allan Finds A Champion + + +"I cannot carry your message, Sir Knight." + +Quiet-spoken was the lad, though his heart held a moment's fear as, +scowling and menacing, the knight who sat so easily the large horse, +flamed fury at his refusal. + +"And why can you not? It is no idle play, boy, to flaunt Sir +Pellimore. Brave knights have found the truth of this at bitter cost." + +"Nevertheless, Sir Knight, you must needs find another message bearer. +I am page to Sir Percival and he would deem it no service to him +should I bear a strange knights message." + +"Then, by my faith, you shall learn your lesson. Since you are but a +youth it would prove but poor sport to thrust my sword through your +worthless body. Yet shall I find Sir Percival and make him pay for the +boorishness of his page. In the meantime, take you this." + +With a sweep the speaker brought the flat side of his sword down. But, +if perchance, he thought that the boy would await the blow he found +surprise for that worthy skillfully evaded the weapon's downward +thrust. + +Now then was Sir Pellimore doubly wroth. + +"Od's zounds, and you need a trouncing. And so shall I give it you, +else my dignity would not hold its place." Suiting action to word the +knight reared his horse, prepared to bring the boy to earth. + +It might hare gone ill with Allan but for the appearance at the turn +of the road of another figure--also on horseback. The new knight +perceiving trouble, rode forward. + +"What do we see here?" he questioned. "Sir Knight, whose name I do not +know, it seems to me that you are in poor business to quarrel with so +youthful a foe. What say you?" + +"As to with whom I quarrel is no concern of anyone but myself. I can, +however, to suit the purpose, change my foe. Such trouncing as I wish +to give this lad I can easily give to you, Sir Knight, and you wish +it?" + +"You can do no more than try. It may not be so easy as your boasting +would seeming indicate. Lad," and the newcomer turned to the boy, "why +does this arrogant knight wish you harm?" + +"He would have me carry a message, a challenge to Sir Kay, and that I +cannot do, for even now I bear a message from Sir Percival, whose page +I am but yesterday become. And I must hold true to my own lord and +liege." + +"True words and well spoken. And so for you, Sir Knight of the +arrogant tongue, I hope your weapon speaks equally well. Prepare you, +sir." + +Sir Pellimore laughed loudly and disdainfully. + +"I call this great fortune which brings me battle with you, sir, who +are unknown but who I hope, none the less, are a true and brave +knight." + +The next second the two horses crashed together. Sir Pellimore soon +proved his skill. The Unknown, equally at ease, contented himself with +meeting onslaught after onslaught, parrying clever thrusts and wicked +blows. So they battled for many an hour. + +Allan, the boy, with eyes glistening, waited to see the outcome of the +brave fight. The Unknown, his champion, perhaps would need his aid +through some dire misfortune and he was prepared. + +Now the Unknown changed his method from one of defense to one of +offense. But Sir Pellimore was none the less skillful. The third +charge of his foe he met so skillfully that both horses crashed to the +ground. On foot, the two men then fought--well and long. Until, +through inadvertence, the Unknown's foot slipped and the next moment +found his shield splintered and sword broken. + +"Now then, by my guardian saint, you are truly vanquished," Sir +Pellimore exclaimed exultantly. "Say you so?" + +But the Unknown had already hurled himself, weaponless, upon the +seeming victor and seizing him about the waist with mighty strength, +hurled him to the ground. And even as the fallen knight, much shaken, +prepared to arise, lo, Merlin the Wizard appeared and cast him into a +deep sleep. + +"Sire," the Wizard declared, "do you indeed run many dangers that thy +station should not warrant. And yet, I know not whether we, your loyal +subjects, would have it otherwise." + +Now Allan, the boy, realized he was in the presence of the great King. +He threw himself upon his knees. + +"Rise lad," said King Arthur kindly. "Sir Percival is indeed fortunate +to have a page, who while so young, yet is so loyal. So shall we see +you again. Kind Merlin," and the King turned to the Wizard, "awaken +you this sleeping knight whose only sin seems an undue amount of +surliness and arrogance, which his bravery and strength more than +offset." + +Now Sir Pellimore rubbed his eyes. "Where am I?" he muttered drowsily. +Then as realization came, he sprang to his feet. + +"Know you then, Sir Pellimore," said Merlin, "he with whom you fought +is none other than Arthur, the King." + +The knight stood motionless, dumbfounded. But only for a moment. + +"If so, then am I prepared for such punishment as may come. But be it +what it may, I can say this, that none with whom I fought has had more +skill or has shown greater bravery and chivalry. And more than that +none can say." + +And the knight bowed low his head, humbly and yet with a touch of +pride. + +"Thou art a brave knight, Sir Pellimore. And to us it seems, that +aside from a hasty temper, thou couldst well honor us by joining the +Knights of the Round Table. What saith thou?" + +"That shall I gladly do. And here and now I pledge my loyalty to none +other than Arthur, King of Britain, and to my fellow knights. And as +for you, boy, I say it now--that my harsh tongue and temper ill became +the true knight I claim to be." + +"Brave words, Sir Pellimore," said the King. "So let us back to the +castle. We see that Merlin is already ill at ease." + + + + +CHAPTER TWO + +Allan Goes Forth + + +So then the four, the good King, Sir Pellimore, Merlin the Wizard, and +Allan, page to Sir Percival, came to the great castle of Britain's +king. + +Arthur led them into the great hall in which were placed many small +tables and in the center of them all was one of exceeding size and +round. Here was to be found a place for Sir Pellimore but though the +King searched long, few seats did he find which were not bespoken. Yet +finally he found one which did well for the new arrival. + +"Here then shall you find your place at the Round Table, good knight," +said the King. "And we trust that you will bring renown and honor to +your fellowship, succor to those who are in need and that always will +you show true chivalry. And we doubt not but you will do all of +these." + +Sir Pellimore bowed low his head nor did he make reply because within +him surged a great feeling of gratitude. + +The King turned away and Merlin followed him to the upraised dais. So +now the two seated themselves and joined in earnest talk. + +At the door, Allan had waited, for he would not depart until His +Majesty had seated himself. A strange gladness was in the boy's heart, +for had not his King fought for him? Here in this court, he too would +find adventure. Sir Percival mayhap, some day, would dub him knight, +should he prove faithful and worthy. What greater glory could there be +than to fight for such a King and with such brave men? + +"But I must be off," he suddenly bethought himself, "else Sir Percival +will not be pleased." And therewith, he made great haste to depart. + +"Aye, sire," Merlin was now speaking, "my dream is indeed weighted +with importance. But by the same taken, it cannot be known until you +call your court together so that it may be heard by all." + +"Then mean you, kind Merlin, that we must call not only those of the +Round Table but all other knights and even pages and squires?" + +"Even so, sire. And yet, since Whitsunday is but a few days away, that +should be no hard matter. For the knights of your court, except Sir +Launcelot and Sir Gawaine are here, prepared for such tourneys and +feasts fit to celebrate that day." + +"So then shall it be. Even now our heralds shall announce that we +crave the attendance of all those who pledge loyalty to our court. For +I know well that they must be of no mean import, these things we shall +hear. We pray only that they shall be for our good fortune." + +The Wizard, making no reply, bent low and kissed his King's hand. Then +he departed. + +Came now his herald whom the King had summoned. + +"See to it that our court assembles this time tomorrow. Make far and +distant outcry so that all who are within ear may hear and so hurry to +our call. And mark you this well. We would hare Sir Launcelot and our +own nephew, Sir Gawaine, present even though they departed this early +morn for Cornwall. See you to it." + +Swiftly the herald made for the door to carry out the commands of his +King. But even as he reached it, Arthur called again to him. + +"We have a fancy, good herald, we fain would have you follow. Ask then +Sir Percival to let us have the services of his page who seems a +likely youth and bid this youth go hence after the two absent knights, +Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot and give to them our message, beseeching +their return. Tell not the boy it is we who have asked that he go." + +"It shall be done as you will, sire," replied the herald. No surprise +did he show at the strangeness of the King's command for long had he +been in his service and well he knew the King's strange fancies. + +Sir Percival gave ready consent, when found. So when the boy had +returned from the errand forespoken, the herald announced that he must +hasten after the two knights and bid them return. + +"And by my faith, lad, you have but little time and you must speed +well. For tomorrow at this time is this conclave called, and the two +knights are already many miles on their journey. Take you this horse +and hasten." + +Then, as the eager youth, quick pulsed, made haste to obey, the herald +added in kindly voice: "It would be well could you succeed, lad. For +it is often true that through such missions, newcomers prove future +worthiness for knighthood." + +"I thank you greatly for your kindness," replied the boy. "I can but +try to the uttermost. No rest shall I have until I meet with the two +knights." + +So now Allan sought out and bespoke his own lord. + +"I wish you well, Allan," said Sir Percival. "And say you to my +friends Launcelot and Gawaine should they prove reluctant that they +will favor their comrade, Sir Percival, if they would make haste and +hurry their return. Stop not to pick quarrel nor to heed any call, +urgent though it may seem. Prove my true page and worthy." + +"I shall do my very best, my lord. And, this my first commission, +shall prove successful even though to make it so, I perish." + +Swiftly now rode forth the boyish figure. Well, too, had Arthur +chosen. Came a day when, than Allan, no braver, truer knight there +was. But of that anon. + + + + +CHAPTER THREE + +A Combat + + +"Good Launcelot, I trust that good fortune shall be with us and that +our adventures be many and the knights we meet bold and brave." + +"Of that, Gawaine, we need have no fear. For adventure ever follows +where one seeks and often enough overtakes the seeker. Let us rather +hope that we shall find Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadian, both of +Cornwall. For myself I would joust with Sir Tristram than whom braver +and bolder knight does not live." + +"And as for me," spoke Gawaine, "my anxiety is to see Mark, the king +of Cornwall, and tell him to his face that I deem him a scurvy hound +since he promised protection to Beatrice of Banisar as she passed +through his lands and yet broke his promise and so holds her for +ransom." + +"And there shall I help you, dear Gawaine. For bitterly shall Mark rue +his unknightly act. Shall I even wait for my event with Sir Tristram +until your business is done." + +"Aye, and gladly will Sir Tristram wait, I wot, if he deems it honor +to meet with Sir Launcelot du Lake. For no knight there is who doth +not know of your prowess and repute, Sir Tristram least of all." + +"Kind words, Gawaine, for which I thank you. Yet, if I mistake not, +yonder, adventure seems to wait. And we but a little more than two +score miles from our gates." + +Ahead of them and barring their way were ten knights. Launcelot and +Gawaine stopped not a moment their pace but rode boldly forward. + +"And wherefor do you, strange Knights, dispute our passage?" asked Sir +Gawaine. + +"Safely may you both pass unless you be gentlemen of King Arthur's +court," quote the leader who stepped forward to answer. + +"And what if we be, Sir Knight?" replied Sir Launcelot mildly. + +"And if you be then must you battle to the uttermost. For we owe +loyalty to King Ryence who is enemy of King Arthur. Therefore, are we +his enemies too, and enemies also of all of King Arthur's subjects. +And thus, we flaunt our enmity. We here and now call King Arthur an +upstart and if you be of his court you cannot do aught else but fight +with us." + +"Keep you your words," said Sir Gawaine, "until we have ceased our +quarrel. Then if you will you may call Arthur any names. Prepare you." + +Boldly Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine charged upon the foe. Nor did the +knights who met them know who these two were, else milder were their +tone. Such was the valor of the two and such their strength that four +men were thrown from their horses in that first attack and of these +two were grievously wounded. + +Together and well they fought. Easily did they withstand the men of +King Ryence. Four men were slain by their might, through wondrous and +fearful strokes, and four were sorely wounded. There lay the four +against an oaken tree where they had been placed in a moment's lull. +But two knights were left to oppose Launcelot and Gawaine but these +two were gallant men and worthy, the very best of all the ten. + +So they fought again each with a single foe. Hard pressed were the two +men of King Ryence, yet stubbornly they would not give way. And as +each side gave blow for blow, so each called "for Arthur" or "for +Ryence," whichever the case might be. Many hours they fought until at +last Sir Launcelot by a powerful blow crashed both foe and foe's horse +to the ground. + +And as the other would further combat, though exceedingly weak, Sir +Launcelot, upraised lance in hand by a swift stroke smote sword from +out of his weakened grasp. + +"Thou art a brave knight, friend. And having fought so well, I ask no +further penance but this, that you do now declare King Arthur no +upstart. I care not for your enmity but I will abide no slander." + +"So must I then declare, since you have proven better man than I," +declared the conquered knight. "And for your leniency I owe you +thanks. Wherefore then to whom am I grateful? I pray your name?" + +"That I shall not tell until I hear your own," replied Launcelot. + +"I am known as Ronald de Lile," the other replied in subdued tone. + +"Truly and well have I heard of you as a brave knight," was the reply, +"and now I know it to be so. I am Sir Launcelot du Lake." + +"Then indeed is honor mine and glory, too. For honor it is to succumb +to Sir Launcelot." + +But now both heard the voice of Gawaine. Weak had he grown, but weaker +still his foe. Gawaine had brought the other to earth at last with +swift and mighty blow and such was the force of his stroke the fallen +man could not rise although he made great ado so to do. + +"So must I yield," this knight declared. "Now will I admit Arthur no +upstart, but though I die for it I do declare no greater king than +Ryence ever lived." + +"By my faith, your words are but such as any knight must hold of his +own sovereign prince. I cannot take offense at brave words, Sir +Knight. Now, give me your name, for you are strong and worthy." + +"I am Marvin, brother of him who fought with your comrade. And never +have we met bolder and greater knights." + +"I am Gawaine and he who fought your brother is none other than +Launcelot." + +"Then truly have we met no mean foes," replied the other. + +Conquered and conquerers now turned to make the wounded as comfortable +as they well could be. After which, our two knights debated going on +their journey or tarrying where they were until the morn. + +"Let us wend our way until we find fit place for food and rest. There +can we tarry." So spoke Launcelot and the other agreed. + +Then they took leave of Sir Marvin and Sir Ronald and so on their way. +Not many miles did they go however before they found suitable place. +Late was the hour and weary and much in need of rest were the two +knights. So they slept while, half his journey covered, Allan sped +onward, making fast time because he was but light of weight and his +horse exceeding swift. + + + + +CHAPTER FOUR + +Allan Meets the Knights + + +From the first day when Allan began to understand the tales of +chivalry and knightly deeds, he fancied and longed for the day when he +would grow into manhood and by the same token into knighthood. Then +would he go unto King Arthur on some Pentecost and crave the boon of +serving him. Mayhap, too, he would through brave and worthy deeds +gain seat among those of the Round Table. So he would dream, this +youth with eager eyes, and his father, Sir Gaunt, soon came to know of +his son's fancies and was overly proud and pleased with them. For he +himself had, in his days, been a great and worthy knight, of many +adventures and victor of many an onslaught. It pleased him that son of +his would follow in his footsteps. + +When Allan was fourteen, Sir Gaunt proceeded to Sir Percival who was +great friend of his and bespoke for his son the place of page. And so +to please Sir Gaunt and for friendship's sake, Sir Percival gave ready +consent. Therewith, he found the youth pleasing to the eye and of a +great willingness to serve. + +So must we return to Allan who is now on his way for many an hour. As +he made his way, he marveled that he should have had notice brought +upon himself, for he was young and diffident and should by every token +have escaped attention in these his first days at court. How would his +heart have grown tumultuous had he known that none other than Arthur +himself had made him choice. But that he was not to know for many a +year. + +Night came on and the boy traveled far. Yet gave he no thought to rest +for he knew that he could ill afford to tarry and that only with the +best of fortune could he overtake the two knights in time to make +early return. About him the woods were dark and mysterious. Owls +hooted now and then and other sounds of the night there were, yet was +the boy so filled with urge of his mission that he found not time to +think of ghosts nor black magic. + +Then, as he turned the road he saw the dim shadow of a horse. Ghostly +it seemed, until through closer view it proved flesh and blood. Lying +close by was a knight who seemed exceeding weak and sorely wounded. + +Quick from his horse came Allan and so made the strange knight be of +greater comfort. + +Now the knight spoke weakly. + +"Grievously have I been dealt with by an outlaw band. This day was I +to meet my two brothers Sir Ronald and Sir Marvin yet cannot proceed +for very weakness. Which way do you go, lad?" + +"I keep on my way to Cornwall," replied Allan. + +"From yonder do my brothers journey and should you meet with them bid +them hasten here so that together we can go forth to find this outlaw +band and it chastise." + +"That shall I do. Sir Knight. It grieves me that I may not stay and +give you such aid as I may but so must I hasten that I cannot. Yet +shall I stop at first abode and commission them to hurry here to you." + +"For that I thank you, lad. And should time ever come when you my aid +require, know then to call on Philip of Gile." + +So Allan pressed forward. At early dawn he came upon Sir Ronald and +Sir Marvin who had found rest along the wayside. And when he found +that these were the two knights he gave them their brother's message. + +"Then must we hasten thence, Ronald. And thank you, lad, for bringing +us this message. Choose you and you can rest awhile and partake of +such food that we have." + +"Of food I will have, Sir Knights, for hunger calls most urgently. But +tarry I cannot for I must find Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine. Mayhap +you have met with them?" + +"Of a truth can we say that we have met with them and suffered +thereby. Yet do we hold proof as to their knightly valor and skill. +They have gone but a little way, for it was their purpose to find rest +nearby. We doubt not you will find them at the first fair abode. In +the meantime must we hasten to our brother's aid and leave our wounded +comrades to such care as they may get." + +The knights spoke truly, for Allan found upon inquiry that the two he +sought were lodged close by. Boldly the boy called, now for Sir +Launcelot, now for Sir Gawaine, but both were overtired and of a great +weariness and it took many minutes before at last Sir Launcelot opened +wide his eyes. + +"And who are you, boy?" for he knew him not. + +"My name is Allan and I am page to Sir Percival." + +"Come you with a message from Sir Percival? Does he need our help?" + +"Nay, sir. Rather do I come with a message from the court--the herald +of which sent me urging you and Sir Gawaine to return before sundown +for a great conclave is to gather which the King himself has called." + +"Awaken then, thou sleepy knight," Sir Launcelot called to his comrade +who had not stirred. "It were pity that all this must be told to you +again." + +Sir Gawaine now arose rubbing eyes still filled with sleep. To him +Allan repeated his message. + +"What say you, Gawaine? Shall we return?" + +"As for me," replied Sir Gawaine, "I would say no. What matter if we +are or are not present. Already we are late for our present journey's +purpose. So say I, let us not return but rather ask this youth to +bespeak for us the king's clemency." + +"And I, too, am of the same mind, Gawaine. So lad," Sir Launcelot +turned to the boy and spoke kindly, "return you to court and give them +our message. This errand on which we are at present bound holds urgent +need, else would we return at our King's behest." + +Rueful and with a great gloom Allan saw his errand fail. + +"Kind sirs, Sir Percival bid me bespeak for him as well, and ask you, +as true comrades, to make certain to return. Furthermore, my knights, +this, my first mission would be unfortunate if it did not terminate +successfully. So I pray you that you return." + +Loud and long Sir Launcelot laughed and yet not unkindly while Sir +Gawaine placed hand upon the boy's shoulder approvingly. + +"By my faith, Launcelot, we can do no more than return. That Percival +speaks counts for much, but this youth's honor is also at stake." The +light of laughter played in the speaker's eyes. + +"Yes," said Sir Launcelot, "let us return. It would be pity to send +this lad back after his long journey, without success. So then to our +horses and let us make haste. The hours are few and the miles many." + + + + +CHAPTER FIVE + +Merlin's Message + + +Now as the sun, a flaming golden ball about which played the wondrous +softer colors of filmy clouds, began sinking in the western horizon, +the heralds announced everywhere that the time for assemblage had +come. Of those few who were not present, chiefest were Sir Launcelot +and Sir Gawaine. And for these two the herald of King Arthur was +searching the road in vain. + +"Think you, Sir Percival, these two will come?" the herald, anxious of +tone, inquired. "Our King would have them present and I fancy not the +making of excuse for their not appearing." + +"It is hard telling, Sir Herald. Far had the page to go and he is +young. Then too, it is a question whether should he meet with them, +these two have a mind to appear. For I know that their journey to +Cornwall is urgent." + +Now the knights entered and found place. Then followed the pages, +squires and after them such yeoman and varlets as could find room. +After each had found his place, came King Arthur leading his queen. +And as they entered, up rose the knights, their vassals, all that were +within the hall and raised a mighty shout. + +"St. George and Merrie England. Long live King Arthur. Long live Queen +Guenever." + +Then turned the King toward his loyal subjects and though his lips +were seen to move, none heard him for the clamor. So King Arthur +turned to seat his queen and then he himself sat down upon his throne, +high on the dais. + +Then soon after even as bell tolled the hour, Arthur arose. No sign +had yet come of Launcelot and Gawaine. So now the herald slipped to +the door to cast again a hurried glance for perchance that they might +be within vision. And as he went noiselessly, so, too, a quiet fell +that the King's words might be heard. But now disturbing this quiet +came a great clattering. Arthur turned his eyes, frowning, at the +sudden noise. Yet came a greater turmoil, approaching horse's hoofs +were heard and then into the great hall thundered the steeds carrying +the noble figures of Launcelot and Gawaine, followed but a pace behind +by Allan the page. + +Straight to the dais they came, the two knights. Allan, however, +turned, made hasty exit because he felt himself abashed to be observed +by so many eyes. On foot he entered once again and found place far in +the rear where few could observe him. + +The two knights now dismounted and knelt before their King. + +"We pray your pardon for the lateness of our coming. Yet did we +hasten and could not have come the sooner." + +"That we feel is so, Sir Knights, for we know you well enough. Nor are +we wroth, since come you did. But where, pray, is the message bearer? +Truly his speed was great to have reached you in time for your return. +And if I mistake not," added the King with great shrewdness, "neither +you, Gawaine, nor you Launcelot, were any too ready to return. How +then, did the lad urge you?" + +"You speak truly, sire," replied Gawaine. "For our errand had need of +urgent haste and we were both to give it up. Yet did the boy urge us +and chiefest urge of all to us was where he claimed his own honor +demanded the success of his mission. Those were fine words, so did we +therefore return." + +"Fine words, indeed. Where then is this page? Will you, Sir Herald, +bring him forth?" + +So Allan came forward, red of face and hating such womanness that +would let him blush before all these great men. Knelt he before his +King. + +"Thou art a good lad and will bear watching. Go thy way and remember +that the road ahead for those who wish to be knights of high nobility +is steep and arduous but well worth the trials. Remember too, that +this day, Britain's King, said that some day thou wilt prove a worthy +and brave knight." + +And as Allan with flaming cheeks and glorious pride went to his place +far in the rear of the hall the King turned to the assemblage. + +"Merlin is here but departs from us tomorrow for many a day. He has +had a great dream which affects this court and us and which must be +told to all of you. So he has asked us to call you and this we have +done. Stand up now Merlin, wisest of men and truest of counselors. +Speak." + +Up rose Merlin and for wonder as to what his dream might be all held +their breath. + +"But the other night came Joseph of Armathea to me while I slept. And +he chided me that in all Britain so few of all the true and brave +knights had thought to seek the wondrous Holy Grail which once was +pride of all England. + +"And me thought I heard him say, 'Truly do I misdoubt the valor of +these knights who seek adventure and glory.' + +"'Yet.' said I, 'doubt not their valor for can I give surety for it. +For Holy Grail, every varlet, let alone those of true blood, would +give his life and count it more than worthy.' + +"'So shall it be!' replied Sir Joseph. 'For the Holy Grail will be +found. Whether knight or varlet shall the finder be, I will not say. +But this I tell you now. He who finds it shall be pure of heart and +noble beyond all men. From whence he cometh, who he is, I will not +say. Remember this, Merlin, brave and noble knights there are now in +England, brave knights shall come, and some shall come as strangely as +shall the Grail. Many deeds will be done that will bring truest of +glory to England's name. And never again shall more noble or more +worthy knights hold Britain's banner so high. For they who seek the +Holy Grail must be worthy even of the search.' + +"'Let your King beware that he listens well to all who come to his +court on every Pentecost. And though they who search may not be +overstrong, yet while they seek it they will find in themselves many +men's strength.' + +"And then he left me. But even after he was gone I dreamt on. And I +say to you, oh men of England, go you forth and seek this Holy Grail, +if within you, you know that you are pure of heart and noble. If you +are not, go then and seek to be purified for that is possible. Only +one of you will find the Holy Grail, yet is there great glory in the +search. May he who finds it and all the rest who search for it bring +greater fame and worthiness to this our land and to him who is our +King." + +Now Merlin turned to seat himself. But yet before he found his place +every man within the hall stood up prepared to make oath then and +there to begin the search. Only two kept still, nor did they move. One +was Sir Launcelot, the other the youth Allan. + +But quick as they who upstood, Merlin spoke again. And though his +voice was low, yet was it heard throughout the hall. + +"Pledge not yourself today, nor yet tomorrow. Go you hence, first. In +your innermost heart find answer to this question. Am I pure, am I +worthy for the search? For that you must be before any pledge +suffices." + +Silent and thoughtful the men found each his seat. And when all had +been seated, Arthur, King, arose. + +"Wouldst that I felt myself worthy. Yet from this day shall I strive +to the uttermost for the time when I shall feel that I am." + +And throughout the hall came answering vows: "So shall we all." Within +his heart, Allan, the youth, felt a strange radiancy, as he too made +this vow, "So shall I." + + + + +CHAPTER SIX + +Yosalinde + + +Now came Pentecost and brought with it to King Arthur's Tournament +brave knights from everywhere. Distant Normandy, the far shores of +Ireland, sent each the flower of its knighthood. Scotland's king was +there, the brave Cadoris, to answer the challenge of the King of +Northgalis who was also present. Ban, King of Northumberland, had +come. Sir Palomides came too, and it was he who was declared, by many +to be the bravest and the most skillful of all of Britain's knights. +Yet there were equal number and more who held the same for both Sir +Launcelot and for Sir Tristram. Sir Lauvecor, leading a hundred +knights, came late, with the blessing of his father, who was none +other than King of Ireland. + +A brave show they all made, these many knights seeking adventure, and +each, as he so easily bestrode his steed, found it hard matter to find +comrade and friend, for the many who were there. Gay were the colors +each knight wore and on some fortune had smiled, for these carried +token of some fair lady. Of fair ladies there were many to watch the +deeds of skill and bravery and most beautiful of them all, was +Arthur's queen, Guenever. + +Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine had found no need to journey to +Cornwall. For word had come that Sir Tristram had had a bitter quarrel +with King Mark and had left his court carrying that wicked King's +curse. Tristram had made final demand on the traitorous King to +release the maiden Beatrice whom he was holding for ransom and this +the King had had no mind to do. Then had the bold knight himself made +for the door of the great dungeon and with hilt of sword knocked long +and loud to summon the keeper. And when the door was opened this same +keeper could not withstay him, nor would he. Then had Tristram carried +the maiden to point of safety and so earned her gratitude. Nor would +any knight of King Mark take issue with him for none felt the King's +deed to be knightly. And though the King made pretense of bearing no +ill will, yet did Sir Tristram leave Cornwall that same day. + +And Sir Gawaine knew not whether to be pleased or otherwise at the +news. + +"I would have fancied making rescue of the Lady Beatrice myself. And +fancied even more to have told King Mark the scurvy knave I deem him; +yet I doubt not Sir Tristram did the deed well and since it leaves me +free to stay and have part in the jousting, I am not displeased." + +"And methinks," added Sir Launcelot, "Sir Tristram will make his way +hither, for tournament such as this holds all alluring call." + +King Arthur, together with Ban of Northumberland, and Sir Percival +were declared the judges for all but the last of the three days. + +Now then Sir Percival, finding a moment's brief respite, followed by +his page rode to the palace where sat his mother and two sisters. +There he found Sir Uwaine already in deep converse with Helene, who +was the older of the two maidens and whose knight he was. + +"See you, son, there do be knights who find time to pay respect to us, +even though our own are slower footed." So spoke the Lady Olande yet +did it jestingly and with no intent to hurt for she had great love for +her son. + +"And I doubt not, Uwaine does make up for any seeming lack of mine," +replied Sir Percival. "If, mother mine, I were not made a judge, my +time would be more my own. + +"But here, I must have lost what manners I have been taught. Mother, +this is Allan who is my page, and these, Allan, are my sisters Helene +and Yosalinde. Allan is son of Sir Gaunt, whom you all know. Forgive +my not making you known before this, lad." + +Pleasantly did the ladies greet him and so well that he found no +embarrassment therewith. And so now Sir Percival turned and spoke in +low tones to his mother. Sir Uwaine and his lady walked away, claiming +that they must give greeting to certain high ladies. And therewith +left Allan, the boy, and Yosalinde, who was even younger than he, to +themselves. + +Allan strove to speak but found he could not and so sat on horse +waiting. The girl calmly watched him from her place, yet was there +mischief in her eyes. + +"If you would, you may dismount from your horse and find place hither. +There is room, as you see," she suggested. + +The lad looked uncertain. Yet Sir Percival had already found place +next to his mother and was now in earnest converse. So he found he +could not do otherwise. + +Now Yosalinde laughed at what showed so plainly his unwillingness to +sit beside her. + +"I shall not bite you. See how harmless I am? No witch, I hope, you +think I am. For shame that youth, who would be brave knight, should +fear a lady and in especial one so young as I." + +"I fear you not," replied Allan hotly. + +"Then perhaps you dislike me?" the minx questioned innocently. + +"Certes, no. How could I?" the guileless youth replied. + +"Then you do like me? Although I doubt I find any pride in that since +I must need force the words from you." + +At a loss now the lad could not answer. For the girl had better of him +because of her quick tongue and he found she twisted his words and +meaning to suit her taste. Yet finally, she turned the talk and so +Allan found himself telling her of his high hopes. So simply too, +without boasting, he told her of the fine words of Arthur to him. And +last, because it had made its deep impress upon him, he spoke of +Merlin's dream. And of this Yosalinde, now serious and wide eyed, +questioned him closely, and soon knew all that he did. + +So now Percival uprose and made ready to return to his duties. So +therefore, too, did Allan, and found he now felt more at ease and +without constraint of the girl. + +"I _like_ you, Allan, and I say it though I should make it harder +for you to know, than it was for me. I give you my friendship and if +it help you, take this ring and wear it. May it serve you in time of +stress. And at all times consider it token of your lady." + +And then once again the laughing, teasing minx, she, added: + +"Yet, after all, you are but a boy and I am no less a girl. Yet, let +us make-believe, you a bold knight and I your lady. Mayhap it may be +true some day." + +So she was gone now to her mother leaving Allan with stirred feelings +and somewhat in a dream, too. For Sir Percival had to call twice to +him before he mounted his own horse. And even as they both made their +way, he turned his head back to see if he could perceive aught of this +strange girl. And thought he saw a waving hand but was not sure. + + + + +CHAPTER SEVEN + +The Tournament + + +On the first of the three days of the tournament there were great +feats of wrestling and trials of archery. So too did yeomen prove +their skill with mace and clubs. Foot races were many. And constant +flow of ale and food so that none among the yeomen and even of the +varlets found aught to want. Many fools there were too and these +pleased all mightily. + +But as the day advanced of all the yeomen but a half dozen remained +for the wrestling. And for each of these but one, there was high +acclaim from those other yeomen who were there and from such knights +as owed fealty to selfsame banner. And of the archers too, but very +few remained for last tests of skill. + +For the one yeoman, who wore green tunic and red cap, there was none +to cheer. A stranger, he kept silent and yet was equally skillful with +the best. He had entered himself for the archery prize and for the +wrestling. + +"Dost know this knave?" asked King Arthur of Sir Percival. + +"Only that he belongs not to any of us of the Round Table," replied +Percival. + +"Is he forsooth one of your men, worthy Ban?" + +"I would he were, Arthur, yet is he not." + +Now Sir Percival rode forward and divided these last six wrestlers +into teams. Yet did this man prove victor for he had a wondrous hold +which none of the others knew. And when he had won, so turned he to +watch and join in the archery. And as he watched came there knaves to +him and mocked him. + +"Faith though you wrestle well," one spoke, "it doth not make you an +archer. For here you find true archery than which none can do better." + +"And I carry a club I would fain try on your thick skull," said +another who was even less gentle spoken. + +"Of a good time, my friend, and you may," replied the lone knave. + +"No such time befits the same as now," replied the first knave. + +"If they will wait for my trial with bow and arrow I would be the last +to keep you waiting." So spoke the stranger. + +So then one of the knaves hurried away and received permission. + +"Then furnish me a club," said the stranger. + +"Here then is mine," offered the third knave. + +Yet, forsooth, the club was but a sorry one and so the unknown would +not use it. + +"Then show you a coward's heart," replied he who would strive with +him. And then the three rushed upon the stranger and would do him +hurt. + +So now came bearing down on the three none other than Allan who had +overheard the parley. + +"For shame, knaves. No true men would treat stranger so. He asks +nothing more than is fair. Give him a club of his choosing." + +"Of a faith, young master, this quarrel is none of yours, and warrants +no interference. Leave this fellow to us, and we shall give him +clubbing of his choosing." And the man who addressed the boy, though +he looked not straight at him, growled surlily. + +"I shall give you a thrashing, fool, unless you do my bidding," +replied the boy, hotly. + +But the three surly brutes moved uneasily. And then came Sir Percival +forward. + +"What have we here?" he asked. + +So Allan waited for the men to say. But they, now frightened, made no +spoken word. + +"These knaves would play foul tricks on this strange fellow. This one, +would strive with him and yet would not offer other club than this. +And when the stranger asked to have one of his choice they called him +coward and would beat him." + +"And I doubt not, fools, this club you offer will not stand one blow." +So Sir Percival brought it down on the first knave's head, and, lo, +though the blow was not a hard one, yet did the club break in two. + +"So methought. Now go you Allan and get club that will do. And then +will you, stranger, give this villain a sound trouncing." And Sir +Percival stayed so that the troublemakers did not depart. + +So Allan brought a club which suited the stranger. + +Now did the two battle long and well. Both the stranger and he who +fought with him were of great strength and each was exceeding quick. + +As wood struck wood and each tried to get full blow upon the other, so +turned all eyes upon the two. And except for glancing blows neither +could bring the other down. And though the sparks flew, yet each held +his club and was hardly hurt. So now they rested for a few moments. + +And while they waited, the stranger turned to Allan and spoke. + +"I thank you for your brave upstanding of me, young master. And I hope +some day I may serve you equally well." + +"You are a worthy man. Serve me now by trouncing the knave who battles +with you." + +"I can but try, yet right skillful is the fellow." + +So they turned to again. Yet this time the stranger fought the better. +Soon the other was forced back, foot by foot. And even as the stranger +seemed to have all the best of it, his foot seeming slipped, and he +went to his knees. + +Fiercely the other came upon him. Yet as he came closer the stranger's +club moved swiftly. From out the seeming victor's hand flew his mighty +club and next second found him clubbed to the ground, senseless. + +Now the stranger sat himself down for he needed rest sorely. But only +for a little while and thereafter he turned to try his skill with bow +and arrow. And though he had shown skill in all of the other feats he +proved his mastery here. For he was wondrous expert in his archery. + +"Here you, is fair target," he finally suggested after many trials. +And went to distant tree and removed from bough upon it, all its +leaves but one. + +"Shoot you all at this. And if you bring it down I will call you +skillful." + +But only one would try for it. And he came close but missed. + +Now did the stranger raise his own bow. Nor did he seem to take aim +but let the arrow fly. And the arrow carried the twig and leaf with it +to the ground. + +"Of a truth," said King Arthur, "a right worthy knave is that and I +would speak to him." + +So they brought the stranger before the king. + +"Thou hast done exceeding well, this day, fellow. Tell us then the +banner that you serve." + +"That I cannot do. For, sire, such are my master's commands. Yet may +I say no knight is more true and worthy." + +"Then must we wait for your master's coming. Go thou hence and tell +your master he can be proud of thee. And take you this bag of gold +besides such other prizes as are yours." So as the knave stood there, +the King turned to Sir Dagonet, his jester, who was making himself +heard. + +"A fool speaks, sire. Yet claim I, like master like man. So then must +this fellow's master be right skillful to hold him. And since this +master is not you, nor Sir Launcelot, then I pick him to be Sir +Tristram." + +"Fool's reasoning, yet hath it much sense," said the King. + +Now the stranger left. But ere departing, he turned to Allan. + +"I trust, young master, I shall see you again. As to who I am, know +you for your own keeping--fools ofttimes reason best of all." + +The yeoman rode far into the forest. Then when he came to a lone +habitation he dismounted. A knight seated near the small window at the +further wall greeted him as he entered. + +"How did the day turn out? No doubt they trounced you well." + +"No, master, no trouncing did I get. Instead, the good King spoke +pleasantly unto me, gave me this bag of gold, and commended me to my +master. Furthermore, see you these prizes that are mine?" + +"Aye," the yeoman continued, not a bit grieved at the knight's banter, +"I even heard the King's fool remark that since the man was so good, +the master need must be. And then and there he hazarded a shrewd guess +that if this master were not the King, nor Sir Launcelot, then it must +need be you." + +"Then truly am I in good company. Now then tell me what news is there +of tomorrow?" + +"The King of Northgalis desires your aid. That I heard him say. Sir +Launcelot is to joust for Cadoris as is Sir Palomides, and these two, +of a truth, make it one-sided." + +"Worthy Gouvernail, prove again my faith in you. Procure for me a +shield, one that holds no insignia, so that I may enter the lists +unbeknownst to any. I would not have them know I am Tristram, so that +it may be my good fortune to joust with many knights who know me not." + +"That, good master, is not hard. I know a place where I can obtain a +black shield, one that holds no other remembrance upon it. It should +serve your purpose well." + +"By my faith, did ever better knave serve master? Right proud of you +am I, Gouvernail. And would that I too had bags of gold I could give +you for your loyal service." + +"Nay, master, such service as I give I measure not by aught that you +can pay." + +"That do I know full well, else had you left me long since, for little +have I paid," Sir Tristram answered, soft spoken and with great +affection. + + + + +CHAPTER EIGHT + +Sir Tristram's Prowess + + +So the next day Sir Tristram, carrying the black shield, went forth to +enter the lists. And none knew him. The great conflict had already +begun when he arrived. He found himself a place among those knights +who jousted for Northgalis. And very soon all perceived that this +knight with the black shield was skillful and strong. Well and lustily +did he battle and none could withstand him. Yet did he not meet with +Sir Launcelot nor with Sir Palomides, on this first day. Nor did any +know him, but all marveled at his worth and bravery. + +So, as the day was done, this Unknown and his servant, Gouvernail, +rode back into the forest. And none followed him for he was a brave +knight and all respected him and his desire to stay unknown. Yet did +the judges declare the side of Northgalis victor and as for single +knight, the most worthy was the Unknown. And he was called "the Knight +of the Black Shield." + +Now as the judges' duties were done, King Arthur showed how wroth he +was that strange knight had carried off such great honors. + +"Yet do we hope tomorrow shall show other reckoning than this. For +good Launcelot shall be there and so shall we." + +On the morn the heralds called forth the brave knights once again. And +with the call came the "Knight of the Black Shield." + +Sir Palomides was await for him, eager and alert, to be the first to +joust. And so they, like great hounds, went at each other. And truly, +Sir Tristram found his foe a worthy one. Long did they joust without +either besting the other until he of the black shield by great skill +and fine force brought down a mighty blow and did smite Sir Palomides +over his horse's croup. But now as the knight fell King Arthur was +there and he rode straight at the unknown knight shouting, "Make thee +ready for me!" Then the brave sovereign, with eager heart, rode +straight at him and as he came, his horse reared high. And such was +the King's strength he unhorsed Sir Tristram. + +Now, while the latter was on foot, rode full tilt upon him, Sir +Palomides, and would have borne him down but that Sir Tristram was +aware of his coming, and so lightly stepping aside, he grasped the arm +of the rider and pulled him from his horse. The two dashed against +each other on foot and with their swords battled so well that kings +and queens and knights and their ladies stood and beheld them. But +finally the Unknown smote his foe three mighty blows so that he fell +upon the earth groveling. Then did they all truly wonder at his skill +for Sir Palomides was thought by many to be the most skillful knight +in Britain. + +A knight now brought horse for Sir Tristram, for now, all knew that it +must be he. So too was horse brought for Sir Palomides. Great was the +latter's ire and he came at Sir Tristram again. Full force, he bore +his lance at the other. And so anew they fought. Yet Sir Tristram was +the better of the two and soon with great strength he got Sir +Palomides by the neck with both hands and so pulled him clean out of +his saddle. Then in the presence of them all, and well they marveled +at his deed, he rode ten paces carrying the other in this manner and +let him fall as he might. + +Sir Tristram turned now again and saw King Arthur with naked sword +ready for him. The former halted not, but rode straight at the King +with his lance. But as he came, the King by wondrous blow sent his +weapon flying and for a moment Sir Tristram was stunned. And as he sat +there upon his horse the King rained blows upon him and yet did the +latter draw forth his sword and assail the King so hard that he need +must give ground. Then were these two divided by the great throng. But +Sir Tristram, lion hearted, rode here and there and battled with all +who would. And of the knights who opposed him he was victor of eleven. +And all present marveled at him, at his strength and at his great +deeds. + +Yet had he not met Sir Launcelot, who elsewhere was meeting with all +who would strive with him. Not many, however, would joust with him for +he was known as the very bravest and most skillful. So as he sat there +all at ease, there came the great acclaim for the Knight of the Black +Shield. Nor did Sir Launcelot know him to be Sir Tristram. But he got +his great lance and rushed toward the cry. When he saw this strange +knight he called to him, "Knight of the Black Shield, prepare for me." + +And then came such jousting as had never been seen. For each knight +bowed low his head and came at the other like the wind. When they met +it was very like thunder. Flashed lance on shields and armor so that +sparks flew. And each would not give to the other one step but by +great skill with shield did avoid the best of each other's blows. + +Then did Sir Tristram's lance break in two, and Sir Launcelot, through +further ill fortune, wounded Sir Tristram in his left side. But +notwithstanding, the wounded knight brought forth his sword and rushed +daringly at the other with a force that Sir Launcelot could not +withstand, and gave him a fearful blow. Low in his saddle sagged Sir +Launcelot, exceeding weak for many moments. Now Sir Tristram left him +so and rode into the forest. And after him followed Gouvernail, his +servant. + +Sore wounded was Sir Tristram yet made he light of it. Sir Launcelot +on his part recovered soon and turned back to the tourney, and +thereafter did wondrous deeds and stood off many knights, together and +singly. + +Now again was the day done and the tournament, too. And to Sir +Launcelot was given full honor as victor of the field. But naught +would Sir Launcelot have of this. He rode forthwith to his King. + +"Sire, it is not I but this knight with the Black Shield who has shown +most marvelous skill of all. And so I will not have these prizes for +they do not belong to me." + +"Well spoken, Sir Launcelot and like thy true self," replied the King. +"So since this knight is gone, will you go forth with us within the +fortnight in search for him. And unless we are in great error we shall +find this Knight of the Black Shield no more, no less, than Sir +Tristram." + + + + +CHAPTER NINE + +The Kitchen Boy + + +Among all those who came to the court of King Arthur at this Pentecost +seeking hospitality, were two strangers in especial, who because of +being meanly garbed and of a seeming awkwardness brought forth the +mockery and jest of Sir Kay the Seneschal. Nor did Sir Kay mean harm +thereby, for he was knight who held no villainy. Yet was his tongue +overly sharp and too oft disposed to sting and mock. + +Too, the manner of their coming was strange. One was a youth of +handsome mien. Despite his ill garb, he seemed of right good worship. +Him, our young page Allan found fallen in a swoon, very weak and near +unto death, asprawl on the green about a mile from the castle. +Thinking that the man was but a villain, he would fain have called one +of the men-at-arms to give him aid, but that something drew him to +closer view. And then the boy felt certain that this was no villain +born for his face bespoke gentle breeding. So he himself hastened for +water and by much use of it the man soon opened his eyes and found +himself. So he studied the lad as he helped him to greater ease but +either through his great weakness or no desire he did not speak. + +"Stranger," said Allan to the man, "if there is aught that I can do +for you or if I can help you in any way I give you offer of service. +Mayhap of the many knights who are here, there is one whose aid you +may justly claim." + +The stranger held answer for many moments, then he spoke. + +"There are those here, lad, whose service I may well accept for they +hold ties of blood to me. But I would not. Rather, if your patience +will bear with me, I would fain have your help so that I can appear in +the presence of the King this day. For so it is ordained and by +appearing there I shall find some part of my row accomplished. On this +holy day, I have boon to ask from your King." + +"So shall I and right gladly lead you there. Good sir, my name is +Allan. I am page to Sir Percival, and I would bespeak your name." + +"I beg of thee, Allan, think not that I am churlish and yet must I +withhold my name. For it is part of the vow I have made. Nor, +forsooth, am I therefore the less grateful." + +"No offense take I, friend. So when you feel disposed I shall guide +your steps for audience with our good King." + +The stranger, weak and spent, leaning mightily on his young friend +made his way to the great hall. And as we have recounted, though all +were struck by oddness and meanness of the stranger's clothes, yet +only Sir Kay made point to taunt him. Yet did he make no answer to +these taunts but waited with a great meekness for his turn before the +King. And that he should wait with such meekness was strange for he +seemed to be a high born knight. + +There were many who sought audience with the King and it was long +before the stranger's turn came. Weak he still was, but he made no +complaint, and when others would crowd before him so that they could +speak the sooner to King Arthur, he did not chide them but permitted +it. At last Sir Launcelot came forward, for he had observed this and +made each of them find the place which was first theirs, so that the +stranger's turn came as it should. Weak though he was he walked with a +great firmness to the dais, and none there saw his poor clothes for +the fineness of him. The King turned to him and he nodded kindly. + +"Speak, friend. In what way can we be of service to thee?" + +"Sire," said the stranger, "I come to ask of thee three boons. One I +ask this day and on this day one year I shall come before you and +crave your favor for the other two." + +"If the boon you ask, stranger, is aught we can grant, we shall do so +cheerfully, for on this day we heed all prayers." + +"I ask very little, sire. This and no more do I wish--that you give +me food and drink for one year and that on this day a year hence I +shall make my other two prayers." + +"It is indeed little you ask. Food and drink we refuse none. It is +here. Yet while your petition might well beseem a knave, thou seemeth +of right good worship, a likely youth, too, none fairer, and we would +fain your prayer had been for horse and armor. Yet may you have your +wish. Sir Kay," and the King turned to his Seneschal, "see you to it +that this stranger finds his wish satisfied." + +So the King turned to others present, for of those who sought audience +there were many. And so forgot all of the fair youth for many a day. + +Sir Kay laughed mockingly at the unknown. + +"Of a truth this is villain born. For only such would ask for food and +drink of the King. So therefore he shall find place in our kitchen. He +shall help there, he shall have fat broth to satisfy himself and in a +year no hog shall be fatter. And we shall know him as the Kitchen +Boy." + +"Sir Kay," frowned Sir Launcelot, "I pray you cease your mocking. It +is not seemly. This stranger, whosoever he may be, has right to make +whatsoever request he wishes." + +"Nay, Sir Launcelot, of a truth, as he is, so has he asked." + +"Yet I like not your mocking," said Sir Launcelot as he looked +frowningly at Sir Kay, while next to him stood Sir Gawaine and Sir +Percival, neither of whom could scarce contain himself. + +"It is well, we know you, Sir Kay. Or, by our guardian saints we would +make you answer for your bitter tongue. But that we know it belies a +heart of kindness we would long since have found quarrel with you." So +spoke Sir Percival and Sir Gawaine nodded in assent. + +"Stay not any quarrel for any seeming knowledge of me, kind friends," +frowned back Sir Kay. + +But the two knights moved away. Sir Kay was of great shame. And so to +cover it he turned to the stranger in great fury. "Come then to your +kennel, dog," he said. + +Out flashed the sword of Sir Gawaine. Yet did Sir Launcelot withhold +him. + +"Sir, I beg you to do me honor of feasting with us this day?" + +"I thank you Sir Launcelot. Yet must I go with Sir Kay and do his +bidding. There do be knights well worth their places at the Round +Table. And I note right well that they set high example to those who +are still but lads and who are to become knights in good time. So to +you all I give my thanks." + +Then followed the stranger after Sir Kay while the three knights and +Allan watched him go and marveled at his meekness. + + + + +CHAPTER TEN + +Pentecost + + +And so in turn came the second stranger before King Arthur. Poorly +clothed, too, yet had his coat once been rich cloth of gold. Now it +sat most crookedly upon him and was cut in many places so that it but +barely hung upon his shoulders. + +"Sire," said the stranger, "you are known everywhere as the noblest +King in the world. And for that reason I come to you to be made +knight." + +"Knights, good friend," replied the King, "are not so easily made. +Such knights as we do appoint must first prove their worth. We know +thee not, stranger, and know not the meaning of thy strange garb. For +truly, thou art a strange sight." + +"I am Breunor le Noire and soon you will know that I am of good kin. +This coat I wear is token of vow made for vengeance. So, I found it on +my slain father and I seek his slayer. This day, oh King, I go forth +content, if you make promise that should I perform knightly deed you +will dub me knight of yours." + +"Go thou forth, then. We doubt not that thou wilt prove thy true valor +and be worthy of knighthood. Yet proof must be there." + +On this selfsame day, Breunor le Noire departed. + +Next morn, the King together with Sir Launcelot, Sir Percival, Sir +Gawaine, Sir Pellimore, Sir Gilbert, Sir Neil and Sir Dagonet, indeed +a right goodly party, prepared to depart. Nor did they purpose to +return until they met with Sir Tristram, for King Arthur was of great +desire to have this good knight as one of the Round Table. + +Now as these, the flower of King Arthur's court, were waiting for Sir +Dagonet who was to be with them and who had delayed, Sir Launcelot saw +Allan the boy watching them from the side. Saw too, the great wish in +the lad's eyes. Nor did Allan see himself observed for Sir Launcelot +was not then with the others. + +A thought came to this fine spirited knight and it brought great and +smiling good humor to his lips. He rode to Sir Percival's side and the +two whispered for many moments. Then did the two speak to the King and +he laughed, but did not turn to gaze at the boy. Sir Gawaine now +joined in the whispering. Then did all four laugh with great +merriment. So Sir Pellimore and the other knights inquired the cause +for the merriment and, being told, laughed too. Kindly was the +laughter, strong men these who could yet be gentle. Sir Launcelot now +turned and rode hard at the boy. + +"And wherefore, lad," and dark was his frown and greatly wroth he +seemed, "do you stand here watching? Rude staring yours and no fit +homage to pay your betters. Perchance, we may all be displeased, the +King, Sir Percival, and all of us." + +Now the lad's eyes clouded. To have displeased these knights, the +greatest men in all the world, for so he thought them. Then and there +he wished he could die. Woe had the knight's words brought to him. + +"Indeed, and I meant no disrespect, Sir Launcelot. Indeed--" and said +no more for he knew he would weep if he spoke further. So he saw not +the dancing laughter in the knight's eye, nor the wide grins on the +faces of the others. + +"Yet we must punish thee, lad. So then prepare you to accompany us. +Get your horse at once. Nor will we listen to any prayer you may make +for not going because of your youth." + +Agape, Allan turned to look at him. For he knew he could not have +heard aright. But now, as he looked, he saw that Sir Launcelot was +laughing and then as he turned wondering, he saw his own lord and the +King and the other knights watching him with great glee. + +"You mean then, that I--I--may go with all of you!" + +And then so that there would be no chance of its being otherwise, he +rushed in mad haste to get his horse. Joy was the wings which made his +feet fly. He came back in quick time, a bit uncertain, riding forward +slowly, diffidently, and stopped a little way from them, awaiting +word. Then did Sir Launcelot ride to him and place kindly arm about +the youth and bring him among them all. + +Now Sir Dagonet was with them and they rode forth. + +With the equipage came the hounds, for the first day of their journey +was to be given over to hunting. There came also the master of the +hounds who was to return with them at the close of the hunt. + +None other than the great Launcelot rode with Allan and none sat +straighter and more at ease in his saddle than the boy as they passed +the Queen, the Lady Olande, her two daughters and many other ladies of +the realm. Nor did the boy see any other than the minx Yosalinde. But +she--she did not seem to find him among the knights, yet he wondered +how she could help but see him. He would have liked to call to her, +"See, here am I among all these brave knights." Instead he rode past +very erect. If she would not see him, what matter, since, he was +there, one of the company. + +Then, of a sudden, she smiled straight at him. So that for him was the +full glory of the world. And we doubt not, for that smile he would +have fought the bravest knight in all the world and found man's +strength therein. + +Now the company found itself in the woods and many hours journey away. +So they rode hard for they liked not to tarry on the road. + +Long after midday, King Arthur and his men spread out for the hunt. +The forest in which they now found themselves held game and wild +animals in plenty. Soon thereafter did the hounds give tongue for they +had found the scent. No mean prey had they found though, for the +quarry gave them a long race. Close behind the hounds came King Arthur +and almost as close, Sir Percival and Sir Launcelot. + +Now, at last, the stag, a noble animal with wondrous horns, lithe body +and beautifully shaped limbs was at bay. Straight and true, at its +throat, flew the leader of the pack, and sank its teeth deep into it, +while above the King blew loud and long the death note of the chase. +No need for other hounds nor for weapons of the men. + +Dark had stolen over the forest when the men with huge appetites came +to sup. Juicy venison steak was there, so was the wild duck and the +pheasant in plenty. To the full they ate as did the few men at arms +that were with them. + +Yet none stayed awake long thereafter. It had been an arduous day. +Allan alone was wide-awake; his eyes would not close. And he knew of a +certainty that he was the most fortunate lad in all the world. When he +should become a man, he would be--well, he was not certain whether he +would be like unto the King, Sir Percival or Sir Launcelot. Yes, he +did know, he would be like them all. Now there came mixed thoughts of +a maid who waved her hand and smiled at him. And he felt of a +precious ring upon his finger. + +So now his eyes closed; he found himself seeking the Holy Grail. And +during all of the night dreamed that he had found it. + + + + +CHAPTER ELEVEN + +Allan Meets a Stranger + + +The noble cortege, after the first day's hunt, continued on its +journey. + +It had reached Leek, in Stafford on the morn of the fifth day ere word +came of Sir Tristram. Here, was heard from some, Sir Tristram was then +on way to Scotland, and from still others, that he was bound for +Kinkenadon in Wales. + +"By my faith," spoke Sir Gawaine, "there are none that are more ready +to testify to Sir Tristram's greatness and ability, too. Yet still, +have I many doubts as to his being both on way to Scotland and to +Wales as well." + +"If it were left to me," said Sir Dagonet, "I would hie me to Ireland. +A likely spot to find him, say I. For there are none who have said +that they know of the good knight's journey thitherward." + +"We, for ourselves, think it best," the king interrupted, "to tarry +here this day. Our comrade, Pellimore, expresses great desire to have +us partake of his hospitality and we are fain, so to do. What say +you?" + +"It were wisdom to do so, methinks," agreed Sir Percival. "Tomorrow +we may find here some further news of Sir Tristram's way." + +"Aye, sir knights," added Sir Launcelot, "for we need must know +whether we continue our travel north or west from this point." + +So all of them were housed within the castle walls. And Sir Pellimore +spread bounteous feast before his guests at midday for he held it high +honor to be host to such as these. + +Now, as the repast had been completed, Allan grew restless. He was of +a mind to ride forth and so craved permission from Sir Percival who +gave ready consent. + +Forth he went and rode for many an hour. And then, since the day had +great heat, he found himself turn drowsy. Thereupon finding a +pleasant, shaded spot, he quickly made a couch of cedar boughs and +soon was fast asleep. + +It seemed to the boy he had slept but few moments when his eyes opened +wide with the certainty that other eyes were directed upon him. Nor +was this mere fancy nor dream. Near him sat a monk, and from under the +black hood the face that peered forth at him was gaunt, cadaverous, +with eyes that seemed to burn straight through the lad. But for the +eyes, this figure could well have been carven, so still and immovable +did it sit there and gaze at the youth. Nor did the monk speak far +many minutes even though he must have known that the boy was awake and +watching him. + +The sun now hung low in the sky. Allan knew that he must have been +asleep for at least two hours. He knew, too, that he should rise and +return to the castle, since the hour was already late and his time +overspent. Yet did the monk's eyes hold him to the spot. Nor was the +thing that held him there fear; rather could it be described as the +feeling one has before a devout, sacred and holy presence. Despite the +holy man's unworthy aspect he inspired no fear in the lad. + +"Allan, boy," and the lad wondered that the monk knew him by name, +"two things I know have been chief in your thoughts these days." Kindly +was the monk's tone. "What then are these two things?" + +No thought had the boy of the oddness of the monk's words, nor of his +questions. Nor of the fact that the monk seemed to be there present. +Somehow, the whole of it took on some great purport. Allan stopped +not to wonder, which the two things the monk mentioned were uppermost +in his mind but straightway made reply. + +"Strange monk, I think and dream of the Holy Grail. And think too of +Yosalinde, sister to my Lord Percival. And of naught else so much. But +pray you, holy father, who are you? + +"Truth, lad. As to who I am or as to where I come, know you this. I +come to you from that same place as do all dreams. + +"Aye lad. Dreaming and fancying shall ever be yours. These son, shall +bring you the visions of tomorrow and many another day. + +"I have come to tell you this, lad. But two years or more and you +shall start in earnest on your search for the Grail. And whether you +find the same, I shall not and cannot say, for the finding depends on +you. The way shall be hard, youth of many dreams, though you will have +help and guidance, too. But the great inspiration for it all shall +come to you from the second of these, your two big thoughts. + +"I sought you many a day, lad. Merlin has sounded the message for me +to all the knights of Britain. Once before, years ago, I came to find +the likely seeker for the Grail and thought that I had found him. Yet +did the crucible's test find some alloy and so I had need to come +again. + +"Then," said Allan but barely comprehending, "you are none other than +Sir Joseph of Armathea." + +"Lad, it matters not as to who and what I am. It is of you, we are now +concerned. Dear, dear, lad, they shall name you again and the name +which shall be yours shall ever after be symbolic with the very best +that manhood holds." + +"Go your way, now. For I must speak with many more this day ere I +return. A knight comes but now, with whom I must hold counsel. And I +would fain speak to him, alone." + +"True, father, I had best go. For Sir Percival will think me +thoughtless, if not worse. As to what you have said, I can do but that +best which is in me and ever seek to make that best better. And so, I +ask your blessing." + +The boy knelt. The monk, lean, black cowled, eyes glowing with a light +that held the supernatural, placed hand upon the boy's head and gave +him blessing. So then the boy mounted horse and was away. + +He rode hard for he held great anxiety to return quickly. And all the +time he rode he thought of the things the strange monk had told him, +Some of it, he did not altogether understand. That was because of his +youthfulness. It was to come back to him when many months had passed. +This however, he knew, he was destined to make search for the Holy +Grail. For so, the holy man had ordained. + +Sir Percival, a bit anxious, was waiting for the lad when he returned. + +"I went far and then fell asleep," Allan explained. "Nor did I awaken +until the sun hung low." He did not speak of the meeting with the +monk. + +"It is well you are back, lad. For I was fast growing worried over the +lateness of your return. Turn in then. I wot not, but that food will +be found for you on which you can sup. Sir Launcelot went forth some +hours ago. I fancy he went in search of you, though he would not admit +this to be the purpose of his departure." + + + + +CHAPTER TWELVE + +The Stranger and Sir Launcelot + + +Let us then turn to Sir Launcelot now making his way along the road +over which Allan had been seen to depart. Though the knight had +denied that he purposed to seek the lad, yet had his horse taken that +way. A growing fondness for the boy which he had not made too obvious, +for it was not his wont to show too easily his feelings. Display or +show of emotion ever embarrassed him. He had noted the long absence of +Allan and so had mounted his horse intent to all appearance on a short +canter. + +Half way to where Allan had made his couch, the road over which he had +ridden branched right and left and some miles down came together +again. Now when Allan returned he took the road to his right having +ridden the other way earlier in the day. Sir Launcelot made for the +road to the right of him and so missed the boy returning. + +He found himself at the place at which the boy had slept. He +dismounted to observe more closely. Then he beheld the holy man as he +stepped from the shadows. + +"Good day to you, holy father," the knight greeted him. + +"God's blessing stay with thee, son. I have been expecting thee." + +"Nay, father, not me. Other knight, mayhap. For I knew not myself I +would be here." + +"Yet did I know, Sir Launcelot. You came here to seek the youth Allan +and knew not that you came in obedience to greater will than your own. +And having come, you must, prithee, listen to the things that must be +told you." + +"Launcelot," and the monk spoke sternly and yet with great sadness, +"as measured by men thou art the bravest knight in Christendom. +Chivalrous, strong, yet gentle and ever ready to succor the weak and +distressed. Your name shall be emblazoned as symbolic of chivalry." +The strange man paused for a time. + +"I speak now of the Holy Grail," he resumed. "Who would be better +fitted to seek and find the Holy Grail? Are there any who hold greater +desire to find the same? And who seeks to make himself more worthy?" + +"And yet, though you seek until Judgment Day you will never find it. +In the innermost soul of you, you know it to be so. The pity of it." + +"Strange monk," and a dull red mantled the knight's cheeks, "those are +bold words you speak. None but Launcelot himself can tell the things +he may or may not do. And since I am not in search of father +confessor, nor since I sought not this meeting, I pray thee offer not +your counsel nor advice." + +"The truth, then, sears, sir knight!" Now the monk's eyes flashed. +Straight and tall he stood and his lean figure held so much of that +which was not earthly, that even the mighty Launcelot was daunted. + +"Who then has more right or reason to tell you of these things. It is +I who first picked you, long since, as likely finder of the Holy +Grail. And when I found you slipping ever so little, and well you know +wherein you have failed me, I sent Merlin to all of you. For since he +on whom I had built my faith could not measure to the test I had +strong need to find someone else. + +"For Britain must hold the Grail. Somewhere in it, there must be the +man who measures up to the test, high though it be." + +"Son, son, the things you could have done. The fineness of you, +coarsened by the temptations you have met and not overcome. The joy +you have found in things that are sordid and count for so little." + +Low hung the knight's head, His anger had left him now. In its stead +was a deep humility. + +"Father, you bare my soul. And yet have I striven. High did I hold +the ideals which first inspired me, I have overcome much, have tried +to keep to the high set purpose. Yet I am but common clay, after all." + +"Nay, nay son. I would all men held half thy nobility. Only," and now +the monk's tone was again kindly, "there are some we weigh on much +finer scales than others. We ask more of them, seek more from them. +Forgive less, too. Perhaps we are wrong to desire so much from any +mortal soul. Yet have we faith,--we believe." + +"I find no complaint, holy father, in the measure you have set for me. +For I saw the things, I had the vision to see them. Saw too, the +things that were wrong even as I did these things." + +"Yet, my son, a great task shall be yours. Now of the boy Allan." The +monk paused. + +"What of him, father? A fine lad is he. So young, yet is he too, to be +burdened with great responsibilities? I pray thee, let him keep his +youth." + +"Launcelot, my son, when will you grow to thy true self? For there +lies your failure. You who took your responsibilities as burdens, when +you should have found great joy in that they were yours. Yet, now +listen to me as to this boy Allan. I have seen him this day, have +spoken to him of the Holy Grail. A dreaming youth, yet is he fired by +fine inspiration and great ideals. He is ordained to seek it. That +holds no strangeness for there are many such. As to whether he finds +it or not is dependent upon him, as it was once upon yourself. And +since you cannot find it, seek it as you will, I charge you with +helping him keep clean souled. Should he do so, ere many years will +pass, he may find it. For you, there will be the joy, the glory of +service, of having helped. Without your help, success for him will be +so much less likely. Will you help him Launcelot? Think well before +you make reply." + +Not at once did Sir Launcelot answer. Yet it was the best within him +that did give final utterance. + +"I promise you father, that such help as I can give the lad I shall. +Much have I learned. And with these things that I have learned he +shall be guided. No bitterness mine. Since I am not to be the finder +of the Holy Grail, I pledge you now my aid to Allan." + +"Launcelot, so little fails you for that needed greatness. None have +I loved so much. If you have sinned you have been great and glorious +even in the sinning. + +"Never have you been finer than now. Allan will need your help, your +strength. There shall be a maid too, to help him. The threads have +also been woven for that now. When the time shall come, you will call +this lad Galahad, the Chaste. Treat him ever as your son, Launcelot." + +"Son and comrade, too, he shall be for me. Father, I thank you." + +"So then I go, son. I could not love you more were you less a mortal +sinner." + + + + +CHAPTER THIRTEEN + +The Party Divides + + +When the morning came there was great indecision as to the further +way, for no new information had come of Sir Tristram. Sir Gawaine now +spoke for going north to Scotland. So too, was Sir Pellimore minded +and Sir Gilbert as well. But Sir Percival spoke for Wales and so did +Sir Neil. + +"As for me," said Sir Dagonet, "I pick Wales, since Kinkenadon is the +nearer to Ireland. My fool's head still fancies that we shall have +need to turn there ere we shall find this errant knight." + +Neither the King nor Sir Launcelot up to this time had expressed a +choice. But now the King vouchsafed a plan. + +"It seems to us good plan for our party to divide. Some of us to go +north, some west. You Launcelot could well go with one party and we +with the other. What say you friends?" + +That plan suited them all. So then the King went with Sir Gawaine, Sir +Pellimore, and Sir Gilbert, while Sir Launcelot accompanied Sir +Percival, Sir Neil, Sir Dagonet and Allan. With each party, too, went +three men-at-arms. + +Our way shall be with Sir Percival. + +At the end of the first half day they found themselves near the +crossroads of Nantwich. + +"We must soon find place for food," remarked Sir Percival and lustily +they all agreed. + +"See you castle beyond yonder crossroads?" questioned Sir Neil, "Sir +Manstor lives there with his three brothers. Right skillful knights +are these but woe the lone stranger who passes by. For these are +villainous four." + +"Right bitterly do you speak of them, Neil," remarked Sir Launcelot. +"And why?" + +"I pray fortune to permit me to meet with this Manstor. I stopped +there for food one day. Then did this knight, his brothers by his +side, demand the bag of gold I carried with me. Nor would single one +among them battle with me. It would have fared ill with me but for two +knights who passing by, came to my aid." + +"Our vow," said Sir Launcelot thoughtfully, "is to find Sir Tristram. +Yet can I see no harm in straying from our way an hour or two, can +you, Percival?" + +"Not if there is promise of such entertainment as this," was the +reply. + +"These knights," interrupted Sir Neil, "have stomach for neither joust +nor other encounter when the odds are not with them. Nor will they +venture to impede our way unless we number less than they." + +"If greater or equal number withholds them," said Sir Dagonet. "I +would favor them and withdraw. Then would there be one less doughty +sword." + +"Aye, Dagonet, we know your unselfish spirit," said Sir Neil and +laughed. + +"The knight does not live who has bested me, nevertheless," replied +the jester, with pretended heat. + +"The knight does not live who has had the chance," said Sir Percival. +"Yet we love you none the less, brother." + +Said now Sir Launcelot: "One of us could ride ahead. And, perchance, +these scheming knights will think that easy prey comes and so strive +to impede the way. Then when they bear down upon him we can appear and +give them such entertainment as they have not had in many a day." + +Now one of the men-at-arms came forward. + +"And if you will, masters, yonder cruel knight is cruel master as +well. And he holds my own brother within his prison walls for small +cause. So I pray you, masters, succor him." + +"Of a surety, Wonkin," said Sir Percival, "we shall make every effort +to set your brother free. Neil and I shall go forward and so find +ourselves seemingly enmeshed by them. Then will you, at proper time, +Launcelot, come forward. And if Dagonet so wishes, he can protect our +rear." + +The two knights then hurried on. They had not far to go to the turn of +the road and there the four knights within the castle grounds, seeing +them, stood watching for a moment or so. Then each mounted his horse +and in armor, rode forth from within the walls. + +"We are knights on way to Wales," said Sir Percival in mild tone. "We +seek food for our midday meal." + +"Food we will give you right gladly," replied the oldest of the four. +"But ask in payment such gold as you may have." + +"That would be poor bargain," replied Sir Percival, still mild spoken. +"We had liefer go our way to place which seeks not such high pay." + +"That may you well do, strangers, yet must you still leave your gold +behind. For we have great need of it." + +"Yet no greater need for it than have we. Come, comrade, we must be on +our way." So spoke Sir Percival to Sir Neil. And now the robber +knights were certain that these were but timid men. So out came their +swords as they rode at the two. But they found them ready and +watchful. And though the odds were two to one, it was not hard matter +to hold the robbers off until Sir Launcelot came charging into the +melee. + +As the four robbers turned to the newcomer and beheld his shield and +armor, they knew that it was Launcelot. And knew too that this was +trap set for them. Thereupon did Sir Manstor withdraw for the moment +from the struggle and blow horn he carried--two long and one short +note. + +One of the brothers had already been unhorsed and most grievously +wounded. Sir Manstor now came back to the aid of his brothers and of +them all he was most skillful. So Sir Launcelot turned to him and him, +the robber knight found more than a match. + +But from within the walls came forty and more men at arms, some with +bow and arrow and others with club and mace. And with them, two other +knights. + +When Sir Launcelot saw these, he called to his comrades. "Hard at +them, hard." + +For he had in mind to down these three before the others came. + +Then did the three, that is, Launcelot, Percival and Neil with +wondrous strength of arm, each by mighty blow, bring rider to the +ground. And Sir Manstor was dead because of the fearful blow of Sir +Launcelot. The other two were asprawl on the ground and but barely +moving. + +"I call this right skillfully done," said Sir Dagonet who now came +toward them. He had watched but had not joined in the struggle. + +Now, Wonkin and the two men at arms were there and so was Allan. + +"Will you, good men, try out your bows on these hinds who are coming +thitherward?" said Sir Percival. + +Straightway then there flew three well aimed arrows. Then others flew +and now answering arrows from the oncomers. But these did not harm +for Wonkin and the other two stood under cover of trees and so were +not easy targets. + +Twice more they let their arrows fly and five men of the forty had +been stopped. + +Now as the others came at them with clubs and mace, Sir Launcelot +commanded Wonkin and the other two to withdraw a hundred pace and from +there continue to let their arrows fly. And this was great wisdom for +else the three could not have long withstood the large number. + +So now the knights with their great lances fought off the villains and +the two knights who were with them. Very few who came within the reach +of the long weapons escaped. And from their place the three men at +arms shot arrow after arrow into the attackers. + +Three of the knaves had hold of Sir Percival's horse and thereupon +others swarmed upon him and what with the blows of their maces and +clubs, he was in sorry plight. Nor could Sir Launcelot turn to help +him for he was in great conflict with the two knights and a large +number of them on foot and Sir Neil equally so. As for Allan he had +already ridden down two of the attackers and had brought his weapon +which was cross between sword and dagger down upon their skulls. Now +as he turned he saw the plight of his lord. So did Sir Dagonet, who +though timid had up to then made some ado to help. Whereupon both sped +hard to Sir Percival's aid. And so skillful was the boy that he hewed +down several of the knaves and Sir Dagonet too, soon found that others +of Sir Percival's attackers were turning their attention to him. All +of which gave needed time for Sir Percival to escape from his +difficulty, draw sword and begin anew. + +Now Sir Launcelot brought down the two knights and the others like +wolves stood off snarling at him, yet out of reach. Sir Neil too was +freer. + +There were but ten of the attackers now. The others were either strewn +about the ground or were making their escape. And of these ten, two +even then were brought down by the arrows of Wonkin and his two +comrades. + +Whereupon the last of the attackers turned and made haste to fly, the +three archers in close pursuit. + +"These hinds would fair have overswarmed me had not the boy and +Dagonet come to my aid," remarked Sir Percival as he lifted his helmet +from his head. + +"How then, Allan, did you like the affray?" inquired Sir Launcelot. + +"Greatly," replied the lad. "But I had wish I carried a lance instead +of this, which is neither dagger nor sword." + +"Right soon, shall these be yours as well, lad. Yet now we have earned +such food as we may find within the castle. And I wot not," added Sir +Percival, "many prisoners, too, who will be glad of freedom." + + + + +CHAPTER FOURTEEN + +King Mark's Foul Plan + + +Sir Neil and Sir Dagonet now loudly summoned the castle servants +before them but there were none to answer. So they prepared +kitchenward where they found the wretches in great affright not +knowing what dire fate was to befall them. Yet they, when assured that +naught was intended against them, eagerly hastened to obey the +commands of the good knights to prepare a sumptuous meal. + +Sir Launcelot, Sir Percival and the other knights made, their way to +the dungeon. And truly they found a sad sight there. Though a large +place, yet was it overly crowded. In one place they found six knights, +an unhappy six, three of whom had been imprisoned for many months, two +had been made captives within the fortnight and one had joined this +joyless group but two days before. + +"Aye," one of the first three explained to them, "it is through God's +mercy that we still live. There were three others with us, two of whom +were already here when this dire misfortune befell us and one who came +some weeks later. These three could not survive the foulness of this +hole." + +But now Sir Percival was seen to speak to the lone knight, the one who +had been made prisoner last of all. A melancholy figure, he did not +seem to realize that release had come with the advent of these +knights. In fact, through all the hubbub he seemed to have been lost +within himself. No doubt, they were bitter thoughts that possessed him +and at such times one is verily unmindful of things about him. Nor did +this knight seem mindful of the words spoken by Sir Percival for he +made no answer and lost none of his brooding air. + +Yet, of a sudden, he seemed to awaken. For Sir Percival who had not +been able to place him at first, had at last realized who the stranger +was. + +"Who are you?" the other questioned in turn rubbing his eyes. "And +these other knights? But then, I know you all. How came you here, Sir +Percival?" + +When he was told, some of his dejection left him. + +"Mine was truly a great unhappiness. These four robber knights did +beset me. And when I was overcome they demanded great ransom which I +had no means wherewith to satisfy. Then, when I heard the tale of how +long these fellow prisoners had been here I was greatly discouraged as +to carrying out my intent to prove to King Arthur my worthiness for +knighthood." + +In the meanwhile, Sir Launcelot and Allan had made their way to where +the imprisoned yeomen and hinds had been kept. Here there were more +than fifty and a sad sight they were. It brought a great gulp of pity +into Allan's throat and unbidden tears came to his eyes. Sir Launcelot +too was moved. Some of the prisoners were so weak they could hardly +move. Wonkin had found his brother almost at once and theirs was a +happy meeting. + +"Go you up, good Allan, and order that food be brought for these +wretches. And see to it that there is plenty of it." + +Allan gladly went and repeated Sir Launcelot's orders which the +servants made great haste to obey. + +So that all within the castle, fared well that day. And when Sir +Launcelot and his party were ready to continue their journey the next +morning, there was with them Breunor le Noire and an added number of +yeomen picked from the men who had been prisoners. + +Just before departure, Sir Percival went to the two brothers of Sir +Manstor who still were living, the other had not lived an hour. + +"Sir Knights, we leave you now. Take you heed from this day's +happenings that such outlawry as yours brings just punishment. +Remember, too, that King Arthur and all his knights will be ever +watchful that you conduct yourself in knightly ways. Woe betide you, +if you do not." + +The knights made no reply. Grievously wounded, with their brothers +dead, they were in no mood for words. Yet must the truth of Sir +Percival's words have been in their minds. + +Onward now went Sir Launcelot's party. Through that and the next day +they made their way and were well in Cornwall without further untoward +happening. Everywhere, the party made inquiries as to the whereabouts +of Sir Tristram and from such news as they were able to gather they +felt assured that they had taken the right way and that King Arthur +and the men with him were on a false trail. + +It was on this day that they met with two knights who made them +friendly greetings and finding out the purpose of their journey +pretended not to know the whereabouts of Sir Tristram. Nor would they +stay for any length of time giving as reason therefore great need of +urgency on their part. Yet when these two knights had but gone a +little way they turned, in great haste along another road. The end of +the day found them in the presence of King Mark of Cornwall who had no +great love for King Arthur nor for any of his knights and who would do +any or all of them great harm could he do so without discovery. + +"Who then is this party?" inquired the King after listening. + +"They number but few," replied one of the knights. "Sir Launcelot, Sir +Percival, Sir Neil, and one other, and that fool who is jester to +Arthur. A boy is there too and fifteen men-at-arms." + +"You speak truly," replied the king, "as to their being few in number +but I would that two of these few, were not Launcelot and Percival. +Yet even with these two we should be able to overcome them. And in +that way I shall find some recompense for the many slights and haughty +overbearingness of Arthur and his men." As he so spoke, King Mark's +face plainly showed its cruelty and craft. + +"Will you, good Bruyan, call Sir Bertram and Sir Pendore to me? And be +sure to return for we must be speedy should we decide that it is wise +for us to take any step for their discomforture." + +Now as Bruyan returned with the two aforementioned, there also came +into the room a yeoman who served Sir Pendore. But of him neither the +king nor any of the knights took notice but instead immediately began +discussion as to the wisdom of waylaying these knights of King Arthur +who were now in Cornwall. + +Whether King Mark knew this to be so or not, yet of all his court, +there were no two who had more reason to hate Sir Launcelot than Sir +Bertram and Sir Pendore. For Sir Launcelot had come upon them once +when they were in the midst of tormenting two holy men having first +taken from them a paltry purse which these two monks were carrying for +worthy purpose. Then when Sir Launcelot had asked that they desist and +return the holy men's purse they had replied with foul tongue and had +made for him. Soon, however, they found that this single knight was +master of them both and would they then have complied with his +requests. However, Sir Launcelot who was ever slow to anger was now in +great rage and he had taken them to the castle grounds of Sir Gawaine +and there, before a large number he told of what had happened. And +while fair ladies laughed at them and while men looked at them as they +would at hinds, Sir Launcelot had taken the flat of his sword and had +brought it down on both. Then he had asked two yeomen to club them +from the castle grounds since they were unfit to be in the company of +knights. This the yeomen had done right lustily. + +Neither Sir Pendore nor Sir Bertram had ever made mention of this +event. But there was no one in all of Britain whom they so fully hated +as Sir Launcelot. Now, there seemed likely chance for revenge. + +"How many men can you muster?" asked Sir Bertram, speaking not over +anxiously yet with meaning looked at Sir Pendore. + +"Seven score or more" replied the king of Cornwall. + +"I would have more," replied Sir Pendore. "What with Percival and +Launcelot and this Neil whom I know not, one must make it more than +certain." + +It was at this point that the yeoman who was busily at work over the +weapons, cleaning them and putting them into perfect condition, as +none other in Cornwall could do, had become interested. Sir Percival? + +It was this Sir Percival, knight of the Round Table, who had saved the +father of this yeoman from the deadly mace of one of his men in one of +many melees. It was but a small thing to the knight, long forgotten no +doubt, but to Walker, the son of the man who was saved, it meant that +he was in debt to this knight. So now he listened, interested. Then +too, he had no great love for his master who was never kindly and he +had decided long ago that he would find a new master when the +opportunity offered. + +"I shall find more men, if I can," Mark offered in reply to Sir +Pendore's suggestion. Nor did it seem strange to him that the knight +should think that odds of seven to one were not enough. + +"Where are these knights?" asked Sir Bertram. + +Sir Bruyan told him, the yeoman listening all the while. + +"Let us then be off within thrice this hour," Mark concluded. "Get +you as many men ready as you can," he said to Sir Bertram and to Sir +Pendore who were his chiefs. + +Walker, the yeoman, soon had completed his work. Thereupon he made his +way into the forest to find him, who was best friend of his, to get +advice as to what to do. + +He, whom he sought, was none other than our old friend Gouvernail, +who, of course, was not far from Sir Tristram, his master. + +Though he had long since severed fealty to King Mark, Sir Tristram had +returned near unto the court because of the love he bore one of the +damsels who was in it. It was Walker who had carried the messages +Gouvernail had brought from his master to this same lady. + +Walker soon came to the hiding place of his friend. + +"What ho?" asked Gouvernail. "What brings you here at this unseemly +hour?" + +"I need your advice," replied Walker. "My poor head carries too great +a muddle." + +"You come to one who can offer but poor solace there," replied +Gouvernail. "If it were trusty arm, good club or something belike, you +could well come to me. But speak, what troubles you?" + +So Walker told him. Except that at first he made no mention of names. + +"Keep you from it," advised Gouvernail. "It is the business of your +betters and not of your meddling." + +"Yet had Sir Percival done this thing for my father, and if he would, +he could have thought the same,--that it was not his affair but an +affair of hind or yeoman." + +"Is this Percival, he who is of King Arthur's court?" asked +Gouvernail. + +"Aye," replied Walker, nodding his head. "Do you know him?" + +"Somewhat. Who else is there?" he further questioned, now interested. + +"Sir Launcelot, Sir Neil and some others." + +"Did they speak of a boy being there?" + +"I do not remember. Yet I seem to recall that they did," replied +Walker. + +"I will help you. Come," and Gouvernail took his friend but a little +way to where Sir Tristram was lodging. + +Sir Tristram seated himself and listened to the two. He understood at +once. + +"When did King Mark say that he would start with his men?" he asked +Walker. + +"In three hours, Sir Knight," the man answered. + +"Good. Let us be off. Good Gouvernail, get you my mail ready for I +would don it." + +Within the half hour Sir Tristram with the two yeomen were on their +way to meet Sir Percival and Sir Launcelot. So, strangely, they who +sought him, were to find him come among them. + + + + +CHAPTER FIFTEEN + +The Weasel's Nest + + +"Greeting, good knights," he announced. "I am Sir Tristram." + +Nothing could have thrown Sir Launcelot's party into greater +astonishment. And yet no news could have been pleasanter. + +"Right glad are we to see you, Sir Tristram, since we have sought you +for a great number of days. I am Sir Launcelot. Here is Sir +Percival." And so this knight announced them all. + +The two knights, Sir Tristram on the one hand, Sir Launcelot, on the +other, observed each other. Each of them found much to like in the +other. Then and there was the beginning of a friendship that was to +last until the day of Sir Tristram's death. + +After the first few moments, had passed, Sir Tristram came to the +reason for his coming among them. + +That the danger was grave, they knew at once. King Mark was cruel and +crafty. He would not venture this attempt unless he were certain that +he had great numbers behind him. + +"My thought seems to be to retire to the nearest castle and there +defend ourselves as best we can," said Sir Percival. + +"A right kindly thing, this of yours, Sir Tristram, to bring us this +news. And if we come out of this, I hope that I shall be able to find +you at any place you bespeak," Sir Launcelot remarked. + +"The kindness is on the part of this man here." And Sir Tristram told +them of Walker. "Need I say that I stay with you and share in your +fortune such as it is. It should offer great sport and I would not +miss it, if I could." + +Sir Launcelot nodded his head nor did he make any further demur. + +"And you two?" he now asked of Gouvernail and Walker. + +"Oh, I," replied Sir Gouvernail, "I find my place where my master is." + +"And I?" added Walker. "I owe something to Sir Percival and so I too +will stay." + +"Well then, perhaps we may keep them off, though not so easily," said +Sir Neil. + +"We can but try," added Sir Launcelot. + +But now Sir Dagonet, jester and fool, made his way forward. + +"Spoke you of finding castle?" he asked of Sir Percival. + +Sir Percival nodded his head. + +"Good man," Sir Dagonet spoke now to Walker. "Did this weasel king say +aught as to the number of men he would send against us?" + +"Only, master, that when he mentioned that he would send one hundred +or more and with them twenty knights, one there, thought that number +not enough and advised that the king add to it. Which the king said he +would do." + +"The more the better," said Sir Dagonet. + +"A strange wish," said Sir Neil. "But then you are fool and that wish +belongs to a fool." + +"Yet not such a great fool after all," spoke up Sir Launcelot. "Truly +Dagonet, I often wonder at you. For here is what is in Dagonet's mind. +Since the weasel comes after us and leaves his home empty, why not go +to the home of the weasel?" + +Such a laugh now went up. For all of these knights saw that this would +be a deed that would ring throughout Britain and if successful, make +Mark the laughing stock of the land. + +But after the laughter, Sir Tristram spoke, "I ask a strange thing, +good knights, and hope it will receive favor in your eyes. King Mark +has been a strange uncle to me. He has treated me scurvily oft enough. +Yet when, if we come through this event as we hope, I would that you +hold no further ill will against him. Understand me well. I ask for +naught, if any among us are hurt at his hand, for then he deserves all +that comes to him. But if we come through so that all can laugh at +him, then I ask you to forget the ill will for which he gives you such +good cause. For after all, he is blood kin of mine, a sorry thing, yet +which I cannot forget." And now the knight waited answer. + +Now all the knights turned to Sir Tristram and there was something +about him that made them nod their heads in assent. + +"Then do we promise this thing, you ask," said Percival. "So now let +us go to the weasel's nest." + +In great humor and with many jests the men made their way to the road +upon which the two knights of King Mark had made their return. And so +we find that as the crafty king was making his way forward to the +attack, believing that it would be an overpowering surprise, and +already counting the fruits of victory, his intended victims were +slipping through his clutches and making their way into the last of +all places he could imagine. + +Now on their way, Sir Percival called the two yeomen, Gouvernail and +Walker to him. And though he did not remember the event that Walker +narrated yet was he glad he had followed a kindly thought. And Allan +too, realized that bread cast upon the water often returns. + +"Need you a good yeoman?" ventured Walker hopefully. + +"If you are half as good as your friend here, then indeed have I need +for you," was Sir Percival's reply. + +"I count him my better, Sir Knight," replied Gouvernail. + +"This fool would overpraise me and lead you to expect overmuch," said +Walker. "I will do my best if you will but try me." + +"That I shall," replied the knight. And thereupon the two, Gouvernail +and Walker, fell back a little way and came to Allan who was glad of a +chance to talk to Gouvernail. And as they rode forward the boy +listened to some of the tales and some of the doings of Sir Tristram. + +Now in the front there rode, the two, Sir Tristram and Sir Launcelot +and with them Sir Dagonet. + +"Truly, I often wonder, good Dagonet, wherefore they call you a fool," +spoke Sir Launcelot. "Here comes this thought of yours that could come +only from the wisest man or the greatest fool. Often, I wonder which +you are." + +"Yet good Launcelot, since I am I, I know which of these I am. What +sooth, what matters it, which you and all of these," and Sir Dagonet +pointed to the others with them, "which you think me? If it pleases +all of you, it pleases me to be a fool. Howsoever, it is ill wind +that does not blow some good and here we have Sir Tristram who is not +in Ireland though I had reason for believing him there." + +"Faith, friend, and I had but decided that I would journey henceward +within two days," replied Sir Tristram wonderingly. + +"See you then, Launcelot. I made but a fool's guess. Had I been a +wise man I would not have been two days ahead of Sir Tristram." + +Now Sir Tristram who knew the way advised silence. For they were +nearing the great castle walls. When they came thereto they found the +gates closed and the drawbridge up. + +Then did Sir Tristram make call to those within. And these mistaking +this for the party that had gone therefrom hastened to obey and +lowered the drawbridge and unlocked the gates. And then found +themselves facing strange knights, a strange party. And of all of them +they only recognized Sir Tristram. + +Then would they have made great ado to close the gates but it was too +late. + +"Tell you all within these gates, that we shall treat none harshly +except those who would make trouble." + +So when Sir Percival's party was safely esconced, Sir Tristram left +them for a few moments. A few moments that lasted into the half hour. +For he went to see his lady love who was even then with the queen. + +Nor did the queen treat him as harshly as she might have. Perhaps +this was because she felt that they were safe as long as this nephew +was with these intruders. Or perhaps she had not favored the ill +treatment by her royal spouse of so brave a knight. + +And if King Mark and his men had been surprised to find the bird +flown, imagine then what must have been their thoughts when they +returned and found that they could not enter their own gates. That the +bird was there and was shouting defiance at them. And worse yet, that +in these shouts of defiance there was laughter and taunt and jest at +their expense. + +"What now?" asked the cruel and crafty king. + +Nor could one of his men tell him. + + + + +CHAPTER SIXTEEN + +To The Rescue + + +"Methinks," said King Arthur on the fourth day of their journey into +Scotland "that we will not find this Sir Tristram. What say you +Gawaine?" + +"Only that I cannot find it in me to do aught but agree with you," the +latter made reply. "And I advise that we return, for had Tristram made +his journey hitherward we should long ago have had inkling of it." + +"So then, we return today, friends," Arthur announced to his knights. +"We have it in us to hope that Percival and Launcelot have had better +fortune than we." + +And none loath, the party joyously made preparations for return. It +had been an eventless search for the brave knight, Tristram, and these +men hated inactivity. + +"What say you, to sending someone of us to Cadoris announcing that we +shall pay him a visit of not more than a day?" So queried the king. + +"If there is promise of joust and adventure there," said Pellimore. "I +for one can see no harm therein. What matters a day more or less?" + +The other knights agreed with Pellimore and as Gawaine pointed out, it +was not more than but few leagues from their returnward way. + +So the party having first sent Sir Gilbert before them to herald their +approach arrived at the court of Cadoris, king of Scotland. And never +was king or knights more royally received than was Arthur and his men. +Of a truth, there was warm affection for Arthur, and Cadoris and his +knights, though they held great rivalry, for the Knights of the Round +Table had ever proven honest and worthy opponents. + +The stay of the day stretched into the fourth day and not one of King +Arthur's party had thought of returning. Jousts were there, much +hunting and activity, enough to suit the most exacting. Howsoever, +Arthur announced on the fifth day that they could stay but another +day. + +"Of a truth, am I downright sorry that you must depart. For highly +have I been honored by your visit, and as greatly have I enjoyed it." +Warm spoken was Cadoris. + +"And we shall remember your hospitality for many a day," replied +Arthur. "If we but make you half as much at home when you visit us, +good Cadoris, we shall feel that we have accomplished much. Is it not +so, friends?" + +"Truly," assented King Arthur's knights. "And I would, your Majesty, +that you make that visit right soon," added Gawaine. + +"That we surely will," replied Cadoris heartily. + +So King Arthur and his men made their preparations having been much +cheered by their stay. And they had turned to their last meal which +was a sumptuous one and were greatly enjoying it when a servant of +King Cadoris came into the great dining hall and whispered into the +ear of Sir Donald, one of the bravest knights in the kingdom of +Scotland. He in turn, whispered the news to the king. + +"There are two riders without, Arthur, who want word with you," the +Scottish King announced. "Shall I ask them to wait until we finish +this meal? It were pity to disturb you now and I doubt not their +message may wait." + +"That may well be so, good friend. Yet, if it disturbs you not, I +shall ask Gawaine here to see these men and find out what message they +bear." + +Cadoris nodded his head in assent and Gawaine thereupon hastened +outside the dining hall. + +It was none other than Allan he saw. Allan with Breunor le Noire. +Great was his surprise at seeing them and greater still, at their +account of what had occurred. And when he heard how Launcelot and +Percival and the others, together with Sir Tristram were holding the +very castle of King Mark, he shook with a great laughter. So loud was +this that the kings and the knights at the dining table heard it and +wondering greatly, hurried out to find the cause for it. Forgot their +food for the time being in their curiosity. + +The king of Britain was no less surprised to see Allan and this +stranger whom he but faintly recalled. And to him, to Cadoris, and the +assembled knights, the two had to recount again what had occurred. And +when the full gist of it came home, Arthur brought down a heavy hand +on the shoulder of Cadoris who was shaking with laughter and himself +fell into a seat nearby for very faintness at his own mirth. While +about him there was great boisterousness and loud guffaws. A yeoman +who had listened eagerly to the account hurried without and himself +recounted to the men there what had happened at the court of King +Mark. So that there were great shouts, much merriment. + +"To think," said King Arthur, "a bare few took King Mark's own +castle. I marvel at their impudence and yet it is but what could be +expected from such as they." + +"As for me," said Gawaine, "I would give all I have to have been +there. And all I ever expect to have, to have been near Mark when he +realized what had happened." + +"Yet," said Arthur now grown serious, "let us hear what Allan and this +other brave youth are here for. They did not come this great distance +to tell us of their impudence. That, I'll swear." + +"Nay, sire," said Allan, who was spokesman because of greater +acquaintance with those assembled. "Sir Percival and Sir Launcelot +sent Breunor le Noire to you and me with him for aid. For King Mark, +furious at the sorry figure he makes has sworn vengeance and has laid +siege to those within his castle. Sir Launcelot sent us with this +message. That while they could perhaps make their escape yet they +thought that you would wish to come to their aid so that they need not +run from King Mark. For they wish to see that king, to look at him. +Half the jest they have played lies in that." + +"That we will do, of course," replied Arthur. "And though we must +first return home to gather our men, yet we will do so quickly and +hurry just as quickly to the court of Cornwall. For we too, would like +to see Mark, and though we envy your party its good fortune, yet can +we share in the jest. Say you not so, friends? + +"Aye, sire, that we do. Yet haste is indeed necessary." So spoke both +Pellimore and Gawaine. + +"Methinks, it would be a right friendly act on your part, Arthur, +should you allow me and my men to accompany you. So then there will +be no need for you to first return home and thereby save time. For I +too," added Cadoris, "would like to call on Mark at this time." + +"Come then," said King Arthur. "It would not be in us to refuse you. +Let us return to finish our food and both of you, we doubt not must be +right hungry by now." + +So all of them returned to the dining hall. And Gawaine found room +next to him for Allan and Breunor le Noire. + +"How long Allan, is it since you left them?" he asked. + +"This is our third day," was the boy's reply. + +"How did you escape the besiegers?" Arthur, who with the rest was +listening now inquired. + +"It was done at night, sire. We two climbed over the wall. Two yeomen +helped us over. One of King Mark's men saw us and at first mistook us +for men from his own camp. Him, Breunor le Noire, gave little time +for outcry. We gagged and bound him and then Walker and Gouvernail +climbed back for a long rope and lifted him over on the castle side. +For we had no wish to have King Mark's men find him and suspect that +some of those within had gone for aid." + +Now the meal was over. Within another hour King Cadoris had gathered +five hundred of his men. King Mark and his men would never have +stomach for affray. When the afternoon's sun was in the low western +sky, the rescuing party was well on its way. + + + + +CHAPTER SEVENTEEN + +In King Mark's Castle + + +So we return to the doughty few who are behind the walls of the great +castle. + +"We shall wear out these impudent knaves," King Mark had said after +the first great surprise. "Surely they cannot expect to hold out for +any great length of time." + +"Aye," had agreed the ever present Pendore and Bertram. "And when +they are overcome," Sir Pendore had added darkly, "then shall we find +our day has come. For Launcelot shall surely suffer." + +But the days went and the besiegers found a far greater and more +stubborn resistance than they had expected. Their losses were many, +due to the skillful archery of the few within. King Mark's castle was +of the kind that could only be assailed at two points which was in +itself great help to the besieged. + +If, perchance, the men of King Mark had had greater stomach for the +attack, things might have gone ill with those within. But there were +many of the men of this king who favored but little the quarrel with +the besieged, counting it, in their own hearts, a scurvy action on the +part of Cornwall's king. And men fight poorly who have such thoughts. + +Not that all was well with those within. On this, the eighth day of +their occupancy of the castle, the men were a haggard lot. Little +sleep had they. Some of them had been wounded, wonder it was that +these were so few and that none were dead. Sir Neil was lost to them +for the time, Wonkin, too had fought heroically but had fallen, sorely +wounded in an attack. Three others had been hurt, and for every man +who fell, there grew the greater burden on those who were left. +Constant watch, constant need for being present to repel the attackers +had left the mark of weariness on Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram and Sir +Percival. Yet these three were a host in themselves as they, with +Gouvernail and Walker, set an inspiring example to the rest. + +"Faith," said Sir Percival at this moment, "I cannot say that I would +not welcome the arrival of Arthur and our men." + +"I had never thought sleep so great a luxury," rejoined Sir Tristram. + +"Nor I," added Sir Launcelot. "However, do you both take such little +of that now as those knaves who are on the outside permit." + +But this neither of the two had in mind to do. Yet Sir Launcelot +insisted and only had his way when he promised that he would also take +time for sleep after them. + +They had, so it seemed to them, but barely fallen asleep, when there +was great outcry from both within and without the gates. The men of +King Mark had evidently decided on a determined attack with full +intention to overcome the stubborn few. In a great mass they came and +though many fell and every arrow told yet were they not to be denied. +And as they came close to the walls King Mark's men opened wide their +ranks and a score of men were seen carrying a bridge to throw over in +place of the drawbridge which they could not reach. + +"Now has it grown right serious," said Sir Launcelot. + +"Will you Percival hold these walls while Tristram, I, Gouvernail and +Walker, make every effort to see that the bridge does not stay." + +There was no time for further words. The four quickly made for the +gates. They opened and closed them quickly. Each held a stave that +seemed not unlike a young tree, of which a number were inside the +gates. + +"Let them place the bridge first," said Sir Launcelot. + +Upon them a hail of arrows fell but none were hurt. Gouvernail and +Walker were protected for the time in both coats and helmets of steel +which Sir Tristram had made them wear. + +Now the men of King Mark had thrown the bridge over the embankment. +But as the first of them rushed upon it the thick staves of the four +men did their work well. Mighty work it was but it was question +whether there were four men in all of England who had greater strength +than these. And so as the men came rushing over, the bridge seemed +moving with them. + +A great outcry came from them. The new made bridge, moving slowly at +first, now cleared its support, and fell into the depths below +carrying twenty men with it. Some managed to get back to safety, some, +almost as unfortunate as those who had fallen with the bridge, made +their way to the castleside. These Sir Tristram and Sir Launcelot and +the two yeomen easily overcame. + +From the walls a hail of arrows, stones and javelins were sent on the +attackers. The four outside the walls, their work accomplished, +returned within. But King Mark and his two lieutenants, of whom one +had been on the bridge, were now not the less determined to carry the +walls. + +The besiegers at the furthermost points were seen to clamber over the +walls. They were battering at the gates at which Sir Tristram, Sir +Launcelot and a number of the men had taken their stand. + +Things indeed looked dark for those within. Sir Percival, for one, had +been grievously wounded in the last affray. + +But the gates made to withstand against attack held well. + +Yet it was now a mere question of time. This, both those within and +without fully realized. + +"Unless our two messengers find King Arthur," said Sir Tristram calmly +and unhurriedly, "it matters but little whether we fight our way out +now or later. Is it not so?" + +"I have faith in the coming of the king," said Sir Launcelot. "For +the boy Allan, I know to be tireless in the performance of such duty. +And if I mistake not the other will try his utmost too, for he seeks +to be dubbed a knight by our king." + +So now down at the gates, now on the walls, sending death and +destruction upon the attackers the two knights held their own, +fighting hopefully, unyieldingly, hour after hour. + +There was a cry of joy now, of exultation from Gouvernail. For his +eagle eye espied in the distance a horse and rider, then other horses +and other riders. + +The faint notes of the slughorn came to their ears. The men on the +outside ceased their attack for the moment watching wonderingly, not +guessing as yet what all this meant. + +From his bed of pain, not far off, Sir Percival called to the two +knights. + +"Is it Arthur who comes?" + +"Methinks so. Yet it seems I see the banners of Scotland. Whether it +is men of Cadoris or of Arthur, of what matter?" + +"Aye, Launcelot, Scotland is there. But yonder figure is Arthur." So +spoke Tristram. + +"There too, is Gawaine and Pellimore. And there the boy, Allan. See +you him?" + +Sir Tristram nodded assent. + +Now Mark and his men gathered close together. The king and Sir Pendore +and Sir Bertram were in close converse. + +Up to the walls came the rescuing party. King Arthur in front +frowning, mighty, a majestic figure who seemed to breathe fire and +fury. + +"What does this mean, Mark? What scurvy trick have you now tried?" + +"I found these men within holding my own castle when I returned from a +short journey. What else could I do but try to oust them?" + +"I know better. If any harm, if but one of my knights is hurt, I shall +make you pay right fully." + +Now the gates opened wide. There stood Sir Launcelot, and Sir +Tristram, both supporting Sir Percival. Into the castle rode King +Arthur and King Cadoris. + +"Have you been hurt? Who else is wounded? Are any dead?" These were +the questions of the king. + +So Sir Launcelot told him. And now when the king found that none were +dead and he realized how many men Mark had lost, good humor again came +to him. His eyes twinkled merrily. + +"Shall we hang this scurvy king?" he asked. + +"If you will, sire," said Sir Tristram. "I fancy he has suffered much +by now. And since he is uncle of mine I beg of you treat him more +gently than he deserves. Let us rather laugh at him. True, there are +some of us who have been wounded, but none fatally." + +"And after all," said Sir Percival, "see how _much_ we can +laugh?" + +Sir Launcelot too nodded in agreement. + +"In truth," King Arthur agreed, "I have found no fancy to act as +hangman to him. For knave and villain though he is, yet is he still a +king. What say you Cadoris?" + +"It is no brew of mine, good Arthur. Yet were I he and you had such +good cause to laugh at me, I wonder if I would not rather hang." + +So King Arthur turned to King Mark. Laughter was in his eye, mocking +laughter. About him the others gathered and these, too, seemed +laughing at him. + +"I offer you advice, Mark, which so it seems to me, you would do well +to heed. Keep not your doors so wide open hereafter. Knaves like these +are too apt to accept such hospitality. And, good Mark, when next you +go a hunting, I fancy, you had best hunt at home. It is safer and for +one thing you are sure to have it. 'Tis a sad state for you to find +these men making themselves at home while you are away on so peaceful +a mission. 'Tis a sad pity and should not be permitted." + +"Tis sad,'tis sad," said the men about King Arthur. + +King Mark scowled in fury. And somehow, it seemed, he scowled most at +his own nephew, Tristram. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER EIGHTEEN + +The Kitchen Boy Again + + +Now King Arthur, his knights and all of his men were home once again. +Here they found great good humor at their account of the adventure at +the castle of King Mark. + +Tristram came with them. For many years thereafter he served under +King Arthur. Honor and glory he brought to the court of the King and +Arthur held him in high esteem as well he might. Between Launcelot and +Tristram there grew a great friendship. Each of them believed the +other to be the greatest knight in Christendom. + +And Allan, too. Now he was a year older. The urge to go forth, strong +within him, had grown that day a year earlier, when the strange monk +had met him in the forest and told him the things he might do. Youth +though he still was, not yet sixteen, he had learnt much. Sir +Launcelot and Sir Tristram, too, had spent much time with him--could +there have been better teachers? Gouvernail and Walker, as well, +taught him to make the best use of such strength as he had. So that by +now he was the equal of many knights, better, too, though none of his +teachers would let him know that, and he, secure in his own modesty, +unknowing of his great prowess. + +The year, too, had brought Sir Kay's kitchen boy once again before the +King. Him, Allan had learned to know. Although his friend had never +admitted that he was better than his position warranted, Allan was +certain of it. When Pentecost had come again he was curious as to what +other boons were to be asked of the king by this kitchen boy. + +But the day found him away--sent to the castle of Sir Percival, which +was a half day's journey. Yet was he not altogether disappointed, for +at that castle was Yosalinde, Sir Percival's sister. + +Again there were many who sought the favor of the King on this day. +There, too, were many knights present and among these were Sir +Gawaine, Sir Percival and Sir Launcelot, the three who had been there +the year before. + +"And so, sire," the kitchen boy said, when the king turned to him, "I +have done my work as best I could. Now I crave my two boons." + +"These shall be yours, if we have it in us to grant you item. What are +these boons you ask?" + +"That I be made a knight by Sir Launcelot. Him and him only do I wish +to dub me with knighthood. And that furthermore you permit me to take +up the first adventure which may need knight to carry same." + +"So shall it be. We pray you, however, that you give your name." + +"That will I do, sire, after Sir Launcelot had jousted with me, if he +then finds me worthy of knighthood." + +"Of a sooth," said Sir Kay, "you ask not much. That so brave a knight +should joust with a kitchen boy is fit cause for merriment." Loud was +that knight's laughter but none joined with him. + +"Mayhap," said the strange youth, "it will be your pleasure to joust +first with me." + +Uncertain seemed Sir Kay for a few moments. + +"I promise you, Sir Kay, mine is gentle blood, and you may well combat +with me," the kitchen boy added mildly. + +Then did the two straightway prepare, horse and armor having been +obtained for the younger man. + +Not long did they battle however, for the kitchen boy proved Sir Kay's +master right quickly. Whereupon, Sir Kay becoming furious, made great +ado to wound his opponent. But could not do so; instead, the other +brought him down with fearful stroke which crushed through helmet and +all. + +"If you please, now, Sir Launcelot, to joust with me, I shall find it +great honor." So spoke the youth to the knight. + +Then there was such a battle as none had seen in many months. Neither +of these two brought to play his full, strength, yet right cleverly, +each struck, counterstruck and brought his skill to play. Much +marveled the knight at the youth. + +Then finally, Sir Launcelot said. + +"Your quarrel and mine, youth, is not so sore, we may not leave off." + +"Truly, that is truth," replied the lad. "But it does me good to feel +your might." + +"So tell me your name, that I may dub you knight. Right gladly will I +do so." + +"My name," said the other, "is Gareth. I am brother to Gawaine. I made +vow to prove myself worthy of knighthood by finding myself able to +undergo the mean tasks as well as the noble ones." + +So Sir Gawaine came forward wonderingly, to see this brother whom he +had not seen since he was a babe. + +He made him fond embrace. "Right proud of you am I brother. Proud too, +that it is Launcelot, whose knight you shall be." + +Then Sir Gareth became knight. And as they made their way again into +the great hall, the King beckoned to Sir Gareth. + +"Are you still of a mind to take on yourself the first adventure that +cometh. For here is one that promises a lengthy time in its +fulfillment." + +Before the new knight could make answer, Sir Gawaine spoke. + +"This sire, is Gareth, my youngest brother. Worthy of knighthood has +he proven so far as strength and skill go." + +"Then are we right proud to have you among us, nephew. And we pray +that you will add lustre to your honored name and to the Round Table +as well." + +"That, I warrant, he will," vouchsafed Sir Launcelot. "Perchance, it +seemeth a wise thing to have Sir Kay feed all our knights in prospect +the same fat broth he has furnished Gareth." + +"As to the adventure," the King returned. "There came but a little +while ago a maiden, Linet, by name, who craves that we send a knight +to succor her sister, the fair Dame Lyoness who is besieged in her +castle by the Knight of the Red Lawns." + +"Good herald," the King continued, "bring you the lady, Linet before +us." + +Into the great hall came a maiden fair. To her the king addressed +himself. + +"My Lady Linet, and it please you, pray tell us of what manner of +siege this knight holds against your sister. If to you it seems of +avail, we shall be glad to send a goodly number of our knights and +yeomen, too, to raise this siege." + +"Nay sire, that I deem not necessary. Only, since I have heard that +the knights of the Round Table are the bravest and best in all +Britain, I have come to you that you send one of these to battle with +the Knight of the Red Lawns. A stout knight is he, many have come to +rescue the fair lady who is my sister but the way is perilous and he +hath seven men's strength. So that I pray you to send the best and +bravest knight who is here." + +[Illustration: "My Lady, I Am Your Loyal Knight"] + +"We would gladly heed your request, good lady. Nor do we care what +manner of knight this is, if Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram or any one +of ten or twelve more were to go to your fair sister's rescue. But we +have made promise that the next adventure, which this is, was to be +taken up by Sir Gareth and unless he forego this, there is naught else +left for us to do. What say you, Gareth?" + +"I beg you, sire, that you permit me to carry out this adventure. I +shall do my utmost to bring it to successful conclusion." So did +Gareth reply. + +"And I for one, sire, doubt not, that if the adventure can be carried +out successfully, he will do so. For he is as brave and stout a knight +as is among us," added Sir Launcelot. + +"Yet is he so young," said the maiden as she sighed. "I doubt that any +of you know how powerful is the knight he must oppose." + +"Yet will he go," Arthur now decided. "Make you your plans Gareth. The +way seems long and I doubt not, you will be disposed to continue on +adventure's course, if this should be carried to successful +conclusion." + +Now the maiden left the great hall. Sir Gareth joined Sir Launcelot, +Sir Percival and his brother. As he did so, there came to him, Breunor +le Noire. + +"I pray you to favor me, good Sir Gareth by permitting me to go with +you and gather for myself such adventure as I may." + +Sir Gareth pondered for a moment, then made reply. + +"I had a mind to ask a boon of Sir Percival yet I can see no reason +why it would interfere with your going." + +"It is this, Sir Percival. I know how much your page Allan craves for +some adventurous journey before he also becomes knight. Be so kind, +therefore, and permit him to go with me." + +"Truly, it will be Youth seeking adventure. For each of you is indeed +youthful." So spoke Sir Gawaine, while Sir Percival thought before +making reply. + +"What say you, Launcelot?" he finally asked. + +"It cannot harm the lad to go with others than ourselves for then he +will receive opportunity to test himself. I would say that you permit +him, if he wishes it." + +"Then may he go," said Sir Percival. "Except that I would wish that +one of my yeomen, whose name is Walker, go with you. You will find him +useful and a willing knave." + +"For that I thank you," replied Gareth. "Tomorrow, my friend," and he +turned to Breunor, "we begin our journey." + +"I shall be ready," replied Breunor le Noire. + + + + + +CHAPTER NINETEEN + +On Adventure's Way + + +Now, as the knights separated, Sir Launcelot, who had donned but part +of his armor, called Sir Gareth. + +"I would a word with you, Gareth. I pray you to spare me the time." + +"Right gladly," said Gareth and seated himself beside the other. Sir +Percival, who had a mind to return to them, on seeing them so seated, +swerved his horse and passed by them. Nor did they see him. + +"See you this sword and shield. Take you these and use them well. They +are good weapons and you will find the answering well to urge and +parry. + +"Yet it is something of far more urge than this that I would speak to +you about. I am right glad that you are to have Allan with you. I hope +he will find much adventure and many experiences. Listen well to +this." + +Then did Sir Launcelot tell of the message that had been given both to +him and the boy. Told also of the need for Allan to stay the fine and +devout lad he was. + +"You can help, too. I made promise to Sir Joseph of Armathea that I +would do what I can. Since you are knight dubbed by me, I pray you to +help me." + +"That shall I do right gladly, for I like the youth and his kindly +ways. I give you my promise to give him by such example as I may set +and in other ways the meaning of knighthood worthy of the search for +the Holy Grail." + +"I wish you good fortune, Gareth, and that you overcome this knight of +the Red Lawns. If you should need aid at any time, I promise I will +come if I get word, no matter how distant you may be." + +"I know that," said Gareth soberly. So then they sat for many moments +each thinking of many things. Until at last it was time for them to +separate. + +Allan had returned a little while before. He had already heard who the +kitchen boy was and how he had been dubbed knight by Sir Launcelot. It +had been a day of events for him, too. Walker, who had made the +journey with him had talked with him of many things. + +"This world is large," Walker had said. + +"Soon," Allan had said, "I shall go forth and find out for myself just +how large it is." + +"Aye, lad," was Walker's reply, "if you travel all the years you live +I doubt if you could see half of it. Far to the southeast is Rome and +there are many lands one must pass before he reaches there. And to the +northeast live the Norse and the Dane and other tribes equally wild +and fierce. Then there are many seas, which I have heard tell are +bigger than the sea of Cornwall, which I know well. And west of us, +there is Ireland and beyond that the world ends." + +"Yet shall I go and see what I can. For, if need be I must go to the +very ends of the world and I doubt not it will be right soon." + +"Why, young master?" asked Walker, struck by the seriousness of the +boy's tone. + +But Allan answered not. Nor did the man press his question but watched +the lad as he rode on and dreamed. + +So they came to the castle. There Yosalinde was awaiting him. Yet +after the first greeting, the girl, whose usual contagion of high and +gay spirits carried the youth, who was inclined to be more sober +minded, along with her, fell into a brown study. Nor would she listen +or attend to his attempts to bring her forth into lighter mood. So the +boy, a little vexed and nettled, withdrew feeling hurt and gloomy. + +But all this was soon swept aside. For Yosalinde came to him and in +her eyes was a great light. + +"Listen to me, Allan. I had mind made up at first that I would not +tell you but have decided otherwise. I too, have dreamed of the Holy +Grail. Does it not seem strange that I, a girl, should so do?" + +The boy nodded but remained quiet waiting for her to continue. + +"You and I are to soon part, Allan. I am to go to a convent where I +can bring my mind altogether to the spiritual. I dreamed that when I +became worthy I was to help you right well in the finding of it. A +spirit will come to me which will guide us both. Think, Allan, if the +dream is true, I am to help you and you are to find the Grail." + +"So the strange monk told me, Yosalinde. He spoke of one who was to +help me and she of whom he spoke, I could not take to be other than +you. You and one other and unless I mistake not that other is Sir +Launcelot. But it hurts, this thought that you and I will not see each +other for the long time you are in the convent." + +"But, dear Allan, there is always that time beyond that. It is +wonderful to look forward to that, is it not?" + +The boy nodded in assent, a little slowly, as if he were realizing +that it was so. He looked at the girl now and the feeling grew that +Yosalinde was to be the one who would lead him onward. Even now, her +fine spirit was helping him to cross the first of the pitfalls. The +wish for the girl was the first rung on the high ladder of worthiness. + +In the late afternoon the boy returned to the court. Of a truth he had +almost forgotten that this was the day for the kitchen boy to come +forth. Nor did he, what with thinking of Yosalinde and his mission +that must soon be, remember it until he had almost returned. + +"Come Walker, let us make haste, for I would know the news." + +So they hurried and had not been inside the gates many moments before +Allan had found out. But it was only when he came to Sir Launcelot +that he heard the other news that he could go forth with the other two +on adventure's way. + +He was glad that he could go with these two who were also young for he +could himself adventure so much the more readily. He would have been +abashed to do so with knights such as his own lord or Sir Launcelot +and Sir Gawaine. + +Sir Launcelot found the boy soon after. + +"When you return, and I think it will not be for more than a year, +mayhap, two, the King will dub you knight, so I think. Remember Allan, +to be worthy for the things ahead and remember, too, that I am at beck +and call, if you need me, if so be you can find me. + +"This journey will be the great test. I pray that you return and prove +what I think you will be. Sir Percival, I understand has armor, sword, +lance and spear for you. I shall furnish you with shield. So go you +your way and remember that there are few knights who will be found +stouter or more skillful than Gareth." + +Allan found Gareth soon thereafter and thanked him for letting him go +with him. Then did the three, Sir Gareth, Breunor le Noire and Allan +plan for many things. The blood of youth raced in their veins even as +they planned. Many things would they do. Britain would hear of these +three, so they hoped. + +A goodly trio, of a truth, they made as they rode forth the next day, +the maid Linet with them, and only Walker following behind. Three most +worshipful knights watched them as they made their way down the long +road and disappeared from view. + +Perhaps, too, it was only chance that led them again past the castle +of Sir Percival. There Allan made point to enter the same promising to +catch up with the others as they continued on their way. Nor could he +stay more than but a few moments but in those few moments he had told +all to Yosalinde. She, too, watched him, as he hastened to join the +others. + +Long before he returned she had entered the convent in accordance with +the plan of her mother and brother. Yet, in the heart of each of them +was only the thought of the future, their hopes were in the far away. + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY + +Gareth Battles Sir Brian + + +Brave and adventurous were the days that followed. Many days they +journeyed to the north. Eager was Sir Gareth to reach the castle of +the fair Dame Lyoness and to take issue with the Knight of the Red +Lawns, her oppressor. + +"Yet, good knight," said the fair Lady Linet. "Not an easy road will +you find it. There do be many brave knights you will find on this road +who will seek to joust with you. Many brave knights who seek +adventure as do you." + +"If it were not so, then would the way be long indeed. May such +adventure come right soon, we shall welcome it." So spoke Gareth and +his two friends echoed his words. + +Yet it was not until the second day that their wish was fulfilled. For +as they rode forward there came a man in great haste toward them. He +further increased his pace and gave a glad cry of relief. + +Said Allan, who was foremost, "What ails you. Why your haste?" + +"I have just escaped from some thieves who have entrapped my master. +They number six and fierce and sturdy did they seem. I beseech your +aid, good masters, for my master is a brave knight who has suffered +misfortune." + +So then did the three, undecided for the moment, look to each other. +Until Breunor le Noire exclaimed. + +"Let us to this knight's aid at once." The same thought being in the +mind of the other two, they begged the Lady Linet to await them and +hurried forward to this, their first adventure. + +But the man who came to them, unknowingly, had misled them. For the +outlaws numbered more than six as they soon found out. So that when +they came to the dell in which the thieves were lodged, the three of +them together with Walker, there came forth to oppose them over a +dozen ruffians, each carrying either club or mace or spear. + +Now did the three give proof of their mettle. Walker, too, wielded a +mighty mace that spelled sure death on any of the thieves whom it +reached. + +Right skillfully, as if they were veterans, did they hold their place. +Right well, they withstood the onslaught of the outlaws and even +pressed them back in defense. + +A number of the foe had fallen and others uncertain made as if to +flee. But they could not go far, for the conquerers, mounted, overtook +them. So that there was nothing left for them to do but to turn with +their backs to a nearby wall and make a last stand. + +Now there were but four of these ruffians left and these threw their +arms from them and pleaded mercy. And our youths took heed of their +plea and permitted them to escape. + +They made rescue of the imprisoned knight who marveled much, after his +first expression of gratitude, how so youthful a trio could have +overcome the large number of outlaws. Then did he give further proof +of his appreciation in that he begged of them that they make his home +their abode for that night and he promised them food in plenty and +goodly lodging. + +Though they were of mind to accept they first besought the wishes of +the Lady Linet and she, they found, was not opposed thereto. Right +well did they sup then and made themselves find comfort before the +great fire which blazed merrily. As the night went by, they talked of +many things and found their host full of tales of days gone by. + +The next morn found them on their way again. Many days they journeyed. +Other adventures befell them and in each they accredited themselves +right well. + +On one of these days, Breunor le Noire who had speeded ahead so that +he was an hour's journey before them had a sad adventure. For as he +rode there came toward him an equipage which held many knights and the +leader of these was none other than Sir Brian de les Isles. + +So as Sir Brian saw him he rode toward him. + +"Of what fellowship are you, youth?" + +"Of King Arthur's court and it is King Arthur himself who will soon +make me his own knight." + +"Ill will do I owe this king of yours and all who hold lealty to him. +Therefor will I imprison you." + +But this they found not quite so easy. Well did the youth oppose them, +and many of them suffered thereby. Until there were those among them +who were ready to believe that this was no youth in life but fiend +instead. + +Yet did he at last succumb because their number was so many. And then +did Sir Brian cast him into a prison where Breunor found as many as +thirty knights who were prisoners of Sir Brian, some of these were +knights of the Round Table. + +Soon Gareth and Allan speeded their way to overtake Breunor le Noire +of whose absence they began to wonder. Nor did they find trace of him +anywhere. Until Allan suggested that they return to the large castle +which they had passed, where trace of their comrade might be. + +So then did Sir Gareth come to the castle gates; Allan with him. To +his beckoning there came forth one of Sir Brian's henchmen. + +"Tell your master, Sir Gareth waits outside the gates and would +bespeak him." + +But when Sir Brian was given the message, he did not deign to answer +in person, instead, he sent one of his knights in answer to the call. + +"Sir Knight," addressed Sir Gareth, "I seek the master of this castle. +Are you he?" + +"Nay, but then Sir Brian deems it not fit for him to answer all calls. +Such business as you may have, I doubt not, I may quickly dispose with +and so not keep you from your journey." + +"I seek a youth, companion of ours, who had strayed from us and who +mayhap, has met with foul adventure. His name is Breunor le Noire. Do +you or the knight who is your master here know aught of him?" So spoke +Sir Gareth disdaining the insolence in the tone of the other. + +"It may be that we do. Wait you here, while I make return to the +castle to find the answer for you." + +Therewith the knight left them to stand in front of the castle gates +and made his own way back to the house. + +"He is an ill bred knave," said Allan hotly. "To think that such as he +holds knighthood." + +"Knighthood," said the ex-kitchen boy, "is merely a cloak. And I find, +Allan, that it is a garment that is only seemly when he who dons it +wears it well. Yet this is no time for anger. Of what matter that this +knight is ill bred. If there is any quarrel I shall seek it with his +master." + +"Think you that they know of his whereabouts?" asked Allan. "I liked +not the manner in which he made answer." + +"Nor I. But I doubt not we shall know more surely within the next few +moments." + +Nor did the two have long to wait. For there came from the castle +another who seemed to be the high lord. In armor and shield, carrying +lance and riding a great black horse, he stood out from among the +knights who followed him. + +When he came to the gates they were opened wide for him. Then as he +saw Sir Gareth and the boy, he made them a sweeping courtesy. + +"Forgive our boorishness, Sir Gareth. Pray to enter our humble +lodging. Are you then Prince of Orkney?" + +"I am so known," replied the young knight. "Yet I seek to be known as +Gareth, Knight of the Round Table. I know not your name, Sir Knight, +but I find your courtesy welcome." + +But now Allan had noted how the knight's manner had changed. No longer +did he seem kindly; instead a dark scowl frowned his face. + +"I am Sir Brian de les Isles," was the answer. But the voice was no +longer a voice that welcomed, instead it was menacing and stern. + +But Sir Gareth seemed to take no note of this. "I seek, Sir Brian, to +find a youth who accompanied us. His name is Breunor le Noire, and he +seemed to have met with foul adventure." + +"Not foul, Sir Gareth, but only such as is meet for all of King +Arthur's henchmen." + +"Then, I take it, you know of him and of his whereabouts," said Sir +Gareth. Still was his manner mild, yet forked lightning seemed to +flash from his eyes. + +"That we do," replied the other. "He is indeed in safe keeping, such +keeping being no other than ours." + +"I must trouble you, Sir Knight, to make return of him to us." + +"And if I will not?" questioned Sir Brian. Insolence was in his tone, +a sneering smile was on his lips. + +"I take it, if you will not release him you will fight me as would any +honorable knight." + +"That will I. Right gladly and to the uttermost, Sir Gareth. For all +knights of the Round Table, I am sworn foe." + +Then there began a battle such as there was seldom seen. Confidence +was in Sir Brian's every move, and truly it would seem that this young +knight, still unknown in the field of chivalry, was but a poor +adversary to one of the best known of England's knights. + +But if Sir Gareth was young, if he was but little known, yet the skill +at which Sir Launcelot had marveled, stood him in good stead. This, +Sir Brian soon realized. As steel met steel, the older knight knew +that his adversary was no mean one. + +So they battled for a time, neither of them gaining advantage over the +other. Great strength was Sir Brian's, but it was matched by skill and +quickness of thrust and parry. + +Allan, a lone figure, the only one of the group assembled to stand for +Sir Gareth, watched the struggle with bated breath. This boy who had +seen men like Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram, Sir Percival and others of +almost equal repute, found his friend no less able and bold. Clenched +were his hands, tense the boyish figure, as with heart and soul afire +he watched the two knights. + +But soon it became evident that unless untoward happening occurred the +outcome of the brave fight was but a matter of time. Slowly, yet +surely Sir Brian gave ground. Slowly but surely Sir Gareth pressed +him. All the cunning of his foe availed him naught. To the last Sir +Brian fought bitterly, silently. His heart held bitterness over the +probable outcome, over the youthfulness of the victor to be. + +Now as he parried a bold stroke of the other, for each of them had +turned to swords long before, there came a flash of steel and Sir +Brian felt a great nausea overcome him. Then he knew nothing more for +a long time. + +He came to later. Eager hands were ministering to him. Feebly he +turned, not knowing for the moment why all of this should be. Then his +eyes beheld the victor and the boy next to him and he realized what +had taken place. + +"Sir Gareth," he murmured, as his knights moved aside in response to +the weak gesture of his hand, "yours are a victor's spoils. Well have +you fought and won." + +"Sir Brian," the other replied, "I seek but Breunor le Noire and the +release of such knights as you may hold who owe lealty to king Arthur. +You are a brave knight, would that your cause were worthy you." + +Now Sir Brian called one of his knights to him. The latter followed by +Sir Gareth and Allan made their way to the dungeon of the castle. +There they found their companion, there too, they found the other +knights of the Round Table who had been made prisoners by those within +the castle. Great was their joy at release and warmly they thanked +their fellow knight. + +And now there came a knight to them and told of how well Breunor had +fought and what difficulty they had had to make him prisoner. + +"If this youth fights but half as well as do the two we have seen, you +do indeed make a formidable trio." + +Then the three rejoined the Lady Linet and the next morn they were +well on their way. + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE + +Knight of the Red Lawns + + +Events followed swiftly thereafter for their journey toward the castle +of the Dame Lyoness was not made on easy road. Yet through all these, +good fortune stayed with them and so at least they were within a day's +journey of their destination. + +Word had come to the Red Knight of the Red Lawns of the coming of Sir +Gareth. Word too had come to him of the brave deeds of this knight and +his two companions. Yet did the Red Knight find naught in it all but +cause for great merriment. + +"Truly will their courage ooze from them when they behold those many +knights hanging from yonder oaks, knights who thought to battle with +me and so rescue the Dame Lyoness. Nor did I blame them overmuch, for +it is well worth hanging for, perchance to win a smile from so fair a +lady. Would that I could be so fortunate." + +So said the Red Knight and sighed. No crueler knight there was in all +of Christendom yet was he gentle minded in his love for his fair lady. +And though he would not free her of his presence and though he held +her closely besieged within the castle, yet had he no desire that harm +should come to her. + +Now he again made his way to her castle wall where his herald did blow +his slughorn and announce that the Red Knight of the Red Lawns +besought the light of the lady's countenance and also word with her. + +After a due wait there came forth on a balcony within the wall a lady +who was indeed beautiful. Straight she held herself, straight and +direct her look. Soft brown hair, and her eyes shaded from a dark to +lighter brown as they flashed her moods. + +Fine was her face, a face of true nobility and gentleness. + +And as the Red Knight beheld her, his voice grew gentle, his words +strangely softspoken. + +"My lady, I am your loyal knight. I pray you to listen to me as I +pledge again my loyalty and homage." + +There was scorn in the lady's voice, as she cast a withering look upon +the knight. + +"Soft are your words, Sir Knight. Yet if I do not do the cat a great +injustice it is the same softness as is hers when she spies her prey. +For yonder I have proof of such knighthood as is yours." And Dame +Lyoness pointed to the dead knights hanging from the trees. + +"Aye," replied the Red Knight, "and I would go further, I would tear +such as would deign to keep me from you, limb from limb. Yet, gentle +lady, have I ever shown you proper courtesy and respect as you may +well testify. What, I pray you, keeps me from entering this castle now +and taking you by force, if need be?" + +"My lord," answered Dame Lyoness simply, "that moment you enter these +gates I shall drink this brew. A brew that will quickly dispose of all +the misery that this earth holds for me. Then will you be able to +claim my dead body but naught else. If hope were not mine, if I did +not feel certain that some brave knight would come here from King +Arthur's court to rescue me from your unwelcome presence, a knight +sent here at the beseeching of my sister Linet, I would long ago have +drunk this poison and so rid the world of one who has brought naught +but misery to many brave knights." + +[Illustration: He Knocked With The Hilt Of His Sword] + +"Lady," the Red Knight rejoined, "I hear that such a knight is now on +his way. Yet have you overmuch faith in him or mayhap I have given you +poor proof of my own skill and strength. If he should come, if his +blood does not turn to water, think you he will win from the Red +Knight?" + +"Yet do I so hope. I pray that he has greater skill and strength than +yours. And I shall dare hope." + +Then did the lady turn and make her way within, giving the knight no +further glance. Ruefully he turned away, and so woeful a figure that +few would have known him for the brave and commanding Red Knight of +the Red Lawns. + +There came the Lady Linet first of all our party of five. She it was +who entered the gates of the castle of Dame Lyoness unmolested. So had +it been arranged. There she recounted of Sir Gareth and of the others, +too. She told of the knight's bravery and how he had overcome Sir +Brian de les Isles, and of all their other adventures. Told too, of +who Sir Gareth was, and how gentle and how eager he was to take up her +gauntlet. Until Dame Lyoness' eyes grew large and their shade dark +brown. For she was overly pleased at the description of her champion. + +"Yet must he be of the strongest and most skillful," she said +fearfully, "to overcome this cruel knight. For the Red Knight is far +superior to even Sir Brian." + +"Dear Sister," replied Linet, "I have faith in this youthful knight. +Naught has he found too difficult as yet and I do not fear the Red +Knight whom he meets tomorrow." + +So the next morning, Sir Gareth arrived. Awaited him the Red Knight of +the Red Lawns who had been advised of his nearness. + +As the lady's champion turned with the road, Allan, Breunor and Walker +with him, there rode forward to meet him, the knight he was to do +battle with. + +"What brings you here?" asked the Red Knight, though he knew full +well. + +"I come to the rescue of Dame Lyoness, who, it seems, is besieged by +some unworthy knight who finds it worthy him to war on women." + +"I am the Red Knight," the other replied without parley. "See you, my +fair knight, yonder trees. See you the things that hang therefrom. +They are the bodies of such other fools who have come here to teach me +what I may or may not do." + +"That, too," replied Sir Gareth, "makes me but doubly certain that +knighthood is not the garment you should wear. I shall do battle with +you, Sir Knight, so soon as you don armor. Meantime I await your +pleasure." + +Then did the three ride toward the castle. And as they neared it there +came to the open window both the Lady Linet and the Dame Lyoness. Low +did the latter courtesy to them all, but chiefest to Sir Gareth. Long +did these two gaze at each other and in that gaze love was in the +dawning. + +Now, the Red Knight came forward. For a few moments each watched the +other, their horses stepping now this way, now that. Then of a sudden, +they made at each other, with all their might. And well it was that +shields were there to meet the blows. For such was their force that +breast plates, horsegirths and cruppers burst. Both knights were sent +to earth, Sir Gareth holding the reins of his bridle still in his +hands. Sore stunned was each for many minutes. Wonder it was that neck +of either was not broken. + +Now the two left their horses and with shields in front they battled +with their swords. And they fought until midday and until they both +lacked wind. So that each was forced to take rest. + +From their window, the two ladies watched the affray. Both of them +prayed that harm should not come to their champion. + +But the Red Knight watching them and seeing how in especial Dame +Lyoness was interested, conceived a new idea. + +"I fancy that when I overcome this knight and prepare to hang him, +yonder good lady will give herself to me to save him. For she seems +to care overmuch for him and greatly do I wish I were in his place. +Yet must she be the lady of the Red Knight." So he mused. + +They fought all of the afternoon. Now one would grovel in the earth, +the other too weak to carry the battle to successful conclusion, now +the second would grow equally weak. + +Then did they rest again and Breunor and Allan brought water for Sir +Gareth so that he could drink and bathe his face. They rested for a +half hour and then battled once again. + +Now the younger knight seemed weaker. The Red Knight pressed him hard +as he saw this. Things began to look dark for the lady's champion. + +She, too, saw this. And coming far to the edge of the balcony she +called out. + +"Sir Gareth, I pray for your success." And as he looked toward her +there was a great, eager light on her countenance. It gave to him +renewed strength, renewed faith. As if he had ten men's strength. And +so he turned on the Red Knight and the other could not withstay him. +Fearfully he struck him, such a fearful blow that the Red Knight never +moved again. Yet even as his foe succumbed, the victor slowly +crumbled to the ground, spent and so weak that for a few seconds +Allan, Breunor le Noire and the two ladies who had hurried to him, +thought he was dead. + +In a few moments however the young knight opened his eyes. Then, +beholding the gentle face of Dame Lyoness, he closed them again, well +content. + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO + +Sir Galahad + + +Of the things that befell Sir Gareth, of how he wedded the good Dame +Lyoness and of how he gave right seemly proof of his worship, this +story will not detail. Nor can we go on the byway that deals with the +deeds of Breunor le Noire who was made a knight of the Round Table by +King Arthur soon thereafter and who then avenged the cowardly slaying +of his father by the unknown and false knight. + +For our tale must hold its course hereafter. The boy Allan had grown +with the two years that had passed since the adventure of the Red +Knight of the Red Lawns. He had not returned to the court of King +Arthur, instead he and Walker had set out on journey of adventure. No +hit and miss journey this, instead it followed a call that the boy had +had, a call which he knew meant that the time had come for him to +begin seeking the Holy Grail. + +The two years had been eventful ones for Allan. All over England had +he found his way, he and Walker. Adventures were many and everywhere +this youth through kindly deeds and brave actions left good repute +behind him. + +So at the period which our narrative now covers there had grown from a +whispering into a more or less certainty and belief that a man had +come who would find the Holy Grail again for Britain and so add honor +and fame to England. And therewith there was great wonderment as to +whether the finder would be of the court of Northgalis, or of +Northumberland, or of Cornwall, or of Arthur's court. + +Pentecost was but a few days away. Now on this day the good King +Arthur with Launcelot, Percival and Merlin, the wizard, made the round +of the sieges or seats of the Round Table, each of which held a name, +for on this Pentecost to come, there were to be many new knights made +and place must be found for them. + +So then here and there the places were assigned. Now they came to the +last of the places. + +"What new knight shall be placed here?" asked the King. "It seems to +us that this place his been empty this long time." + +"This," answered Merlin, "is the Siege Perilous. Here no one shall sit +until four hundred and fifty four years after the passion of the +Lord." + +Now then Sir Launcelot make quick reckoning. + +"In the name of God," he made haste to say, "then should this siege be +filled on this Pentecost day that comes." + +"That I doubt not," replied Merlin, "And no one else but the rightful +occupant may fill it for he that is so hardy as to try it, he will be +destroyed." + +So Pentecost day came. And all but Merlin wondered as to who the +newcomer, who would fill this seat could be. + +Early day found the new knights already seated. Early day, too, found +Allan, once again, after the many months away from the court, +returned. This was home to him--and close to three years had passed +since he had been there. He had learned much, he had searched thus far +in vain for the Holy Grail. Yet not altogether in vain, for he felt +within him that he was closer to his quest with the passing of each +day. The boy, now in young manhood, had indeed developed well. Broad +shouldered, slim-waisted, supple limbed, he gave little indication of +his strength, yet Walker riding close beside him, had watched him, had +trained him and had with great pride, noted his skill with lance, +sword and spear. Well he knew that this youth would soon be second to +none in ability to cope with foe or in friendly jousting as might +befall in tournament or elsewhere. + +[Illustration: A Solitary Horseman] + +Now on this Pentecost day, Allan had returned because it was wont that +he should do so and also because desire urged him thence. So then he +entered the great hall and because all of King Arthur's court were +within, none there were who knew him. + +And once he found himself within, only Merlin the Wizard knew who he +was. The others knew him not, not even Sir Percival nor Sir Launcelot. +So Merlin came forward and greeted him. + +"They do not yet know you lad, for greatly have you changed with these +few years. Almost grown to full manhood and of a truth full well and +ready for the further conduct of your mission. Come you with me for +your seat is saved." + +"Nay, sir, I hold no seat for I am as yet no knight, though hopeful," +replied the lad. + +"Yet is your place here, lad. So come." + +And herewith the lad had need to follow. While all about, the knights +and others watched them both. + +So now as they came to the Siege Perilous, Merlin stopped and motioned +Allan toward it. Yet the boy hesitated and turned his eyes to his +king, whose eyes searched both the Wizard and the boy. + +Thereupon Merlin turned to them all. + +"Here is Galahad, he who shall achieve the Grail. And proof of it is +in this that he shall sit in the Siege Perilous and no harm shall come +to him therewith. Sit you down, lad." + +So Allan sat down in the place assigned. There seemed to play about +him and the seat a strange light. Well be seemed to fit therein. + +"Oh, King," went on Merlin. "Some years since, there came a stranger +to this youth and also to one other here. There and then he declared +that the finding of the Grail was made possible. That the finder was +to be known as Galahad the Chaste. Pure and upright must the seeker be +and up to now there is none other among you who so well fills this +requirement. He who left here as Allan, page to Sir Percival, +returns, fitted and grown to the task. He shall henceward be known as +Galahad. And it please you sire, make you him a knight of the Round +Table. So that if he do find the Grail, honor and glory shall be with +you, too." + +Wondered the boy yet, but at word from the king he came forward and +knelt. + +"We dub you knight, Allan. You shall be known as Sir Galahad. Fruitful +may your mission be. We know that knighthood shall not suffer through +you." + +A little apart, Sir Launcelot watched the boy. And though the newly +made knight knew it not, the former had watched him through the many +days he had been away from the court, had never been very far, yet +never so near that the young adventurer knew it. Most keen and +watchful had he been to see that the lad kept on the clean road ahead. +And of a truth he had noted, with a restful content, that such was the +boy's inclination and desires. Yet he kept apart even as he watched +and in all the years had not come face to face with the boy. + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE + +The Beginning of the Quest + + +A week and a day Sir Galahad stayed at the court. Nor was he there +many hours before he found that Yosalinde was not home as yet but +would be within the month. Yet he would not stay, for after long and +serious converse with both Merlin and Sir Launcelot, he followed the +great urge to go forward. For he felt the call now greater, more +insistent. Yet did he somewhat fret since this urge, this call seemed +to lead him nowhere, seemed only to beckon that he go. + +"Fret not, lad, perhaps many a year shall you wander before you find +the Grail. Many places shall you go. Yet let not your way ever be +impatient." So spoke the Wizard. + +"I go to Normandy soon, Merlin." + +"You shall find me there," now spoke Sir Launcelot, "for I too go +hither to seek adventure. I pray that we meet, Galahad and that +together we have many eventful days. Though full well do I know your +way in great part, must be alone." + +"That it must be," Merlin advised. + +And so the next day and the next he stayed. From everyone and +everywhere great favor was his. King Arthur, too, held much converse +with him and he remembered the first days the lad had come to court +and how he had ordered the herald to send him forth for Sir Launcelot +and Gawaine. + +But the day came at last when he and Walker adventured forth. And the +new knight carried no shield for one was awaiting him, a shield that +carried a great cross to signify his seeking. This he was to find at +the convent near Carboneck. So Merlin had advised him. + +Two days of journey passed without ontoward event but on the third day +there came to him a yeoman in great woe. + +"What grieves you, friend?" asked Walker while Sir Galahad waited. + +"Great are my troubles for my master will surely flay me until I die. +I was bringing him his best horse from the castle when a knight +stopped me. Though I told him that the horse was my master's and how +much store he set by it yet did he take the same from me. When I +protested as best I might, he brought his sword upon me and it was +fortune that I was not slain." + +"Know you the knight?" asked Sir Galahad kindly. + +"Nay, Sir, except that he told me he needed the horse at Calomet." + +"I shall go hither. It is but a short journey and you may come with +me. For it does not seem a knightly act, this taking of your master's +horse and it needs explaining." + +"I thank you master. For little value though my life may be, I value +it nevertheless," replied the yeoman. + +So they went on to Calomet. And when they arrived there the yeoman +most fortunately espied his master's horse. + +"Yonder, Sir Knight, is the horse," and he pointed excitedly. + +There stood a white horse, truly a beast well worth owning. A +beautiful head, a great body that showed strength and grace, set well +on strong, shapely limbs. A head which its owner held right +fearlessly, yet the eyes of the beast were soft and kindly and +indicated that he could be ridden by child or woman. + +"A good beast and well worth fighting for, if need be," said Walker. + +"Yet more worthy the fight, if there is need of one, the fact that +this knight we are to meet is so unfair," replied Sir Galahad. + +So now they came to the house. Walker and the yeoman dismounted and +went up to the horse, which had been tied but temporarily and was +awaiting its rider. + +And as they stood there, there came from within the house a knight who +had espied them. + +"What wish you, knaves?" he asked, scowling. + +"It is my master who wishes your presence," replied Walker. + +"He shall have his wish satisfied," the knight made reply, turning to +Galahad, who was a little further away. + +"Do you wish word with me, Sir Knight?" he asked. + +"I seek him who claims to be the owner of this horse," replied Sir +Galahad. + +"Then you have found him for he is no other than I," was the answer. + +"Yet how can he be yours, Sir Knight, if this yeoman claims it is his +master's horse?" Sir Galahad questioned. + +"I have made you answer to question that should concern you but +little. What ado wish you to make of it?" + +"Only that the horse goes to this yeoman so that he can bring him to +his rightful owner." + +The other laughed aloud. + +"I wot, strange knight, I wonder well how you can do this thing when I +am here to say you nay. And when my sword is even more severe in +keeping you from boastful attempt." + +And then without further parley the knight brought his sword to play. +But sorry adventure this for him and Sir Galahad though still without +shield brought him right quickly to earth. A sorry match was he for +the young knight, so ill matched that Walker smiled in glee at his +efforts. + +The knight now held his peace as Sir Galahad told the yeoman to take +his master's horse and go hence. But he scowled and as Sir Galahad +turned to go he bespoke him. + +"Sir Knight, I shall not forget your meddling in what was of no +concern to you. And the day may come when you will regret this deed." + +[Illustration: Sir Galahad In The Forest] + +"True, Sir Knight," replied Sir Galahad. "I shall have need to make +assurance that my horse is secured so that he may not be stolen." And +laughing and full at ease he left the beaten knight to his surly +thoughts. + +Yet as he went the strange yeoman followed him. So that Sir Galahad +turned to him somewhat in amaze. + +"I thought that your way was opposite." + +"My way, Sir Knight, goes only to yonder turn. Yet before I leave I +make you gift of this horse. He is yours. That was not a true tale as +to who owned this horse. For its true owner is none other than you and +my story such as to test you and find answer to whether you would help +those who are in trouble, though the trouble owner be lowly born. The +horse is sent by friend of yours whose name is not to be related. I +wish you well, Sir Knight." + +Much overcome was Sir Galahad at the princely gift, for the horse had +impressed him much. + +"Tell you this unknown friend of mine, that I value this gift as +naught else. Tell you too, that I name him the Seeker, in full honor +of my quest." + +So then the strange yeoman departed whilst the knight and his faithful +man went on their way. + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR + +In Normandy + + +Of the travels of Sir Galahad, of how he journeyed through many lands +and new scenes, there is much to be told. Ever with him, went his +faithful man, Walker, who served him well and loyally. + +Eager was the young knight to reach Normandy of which he had heard +much. So he sailed away and since many rumors held the Grail to be +there he hoped to find it. + +In Normandy, a strange land, he met with much adventure, many knights +brave and true, and some who were not. But no sign of the Grail was +there to be had. + +On his white horse, the Seeker, he made his way southward, finding +lodging where he could. + +It was so, in the first month of his travels, that he came to the +castle of one of the best of Normandy's knights. Of him, Sir Launcelot +had spoken highly; he held him in great esteem, and so had counseled +the youthful knight to make it his purpose to visit him when there. + +Sir Guilbert gave him friendly greeting. Many had been his visits to +England, well he knew Sir Launcelot and Sir Percival and the great +King himself. Sir Galahad found his stay a pleasant one; there were +friendly jousts in which he met some of Normandy's worshipful knights. +In all of these he was victor. + +Sir Guilbert had full praise for the young knight. There was son of +his, a youth of seventeen, who also admired the newcomer, even as +Allan the boy had admired Sir Launcelot. When his visitor's stay was +drawing to a close, Sir Guilbert spoke of this. + +"My son Charles, Sir Galahad, has taken great fancy to you and wishful +am I that you could find it in your plans to take him as page. He is a +quiet lad, sturdy and obedient, you will find. And following wish of +his mother, he knows your English tongue well, for she is Englishborn. +He has made study of Latin too, it seemed for a time that he would +turn to priesthood. But that will not be, and I cannot say that it +finds me regretful. I would have him a true knight, had I my way." + +"Your wish, Sir Guilbert, may well be served. But if I may, I should +like first to speak to the lad, before I make answer." + +"Faith, and you may. For we should want the lad to satisfy you and +merit your friendship. I shall see to it that you have the chance to +speak with him. It were better, that he know not the reason for your +questioning. Is it not so?" + +"It would be best, Sir Guilbert," Sir Galahad replied. + +Then the two talked of other things and the young knight questioned +his friend as to the likely whereabouts of the Holy Grail. + +"Many rumors have I heard, Sir Galahad. But never actual trace. +Understand you well, my friend. Knights from every land seek this +Grail and I would wish that it were Norman who found it. But if it +cannot be one from my own land, I would it were one from your country. +I fear me, it shall not be easy search, it may lead you far." + +"I am well prepared for that," replied the Seeker. "If it were easy to +find, the glory would be so much the less. I can but hope that I shall +have the vision to see it when it is near me." + +"I wish you well," Sir Guilbert made answer. "Now let us repair to the +dining hall for the meal waits." + +It was after they had eaten that Sir Galahad found the opportunity to +hold speech with the youth, Charles. + +He found the lad to be all that his father had said of him. + +"What have you wish for, Charles?" he said. + +"I should like to journey far and to many places," the boy replied. +"There is much to see and I envy the many who have traveled to foreign +lands." + +"How then, if you could, would you travel?" + +"As a true Norman knight serving God and the Church against all +infidels." + +"Well spoken, lad. But it needs many years and one must learn much to +be a good knight. It is not easy work." + +"I know that, Sir Galahad. But I shall not count the years for I am +still young." + +More questions the knight asked the lad and he made eager though +respectful answer. It was apparent that he had thought of it for many +a day. But Sir Galahad said never a word to him of the reason for his +questions and left the lad without knowledge of his purpose. + +But the next day he spoke to Sir Guilbert and gave him answer. + +"I should like the youth as my page. He is the kind I could well use. +And I promise you that he shall come back to you so that neither you +nor his mother shall have reason to be other than proud of him. He +will be of great help to me when I reach Rome for I purpose to journey +there, I know naught of the tongue." + +"Have you told the lad, as yet?" the father asked. + +"I thought it best that either you or your lady speak first with him +and then will I." + +"That is a gracious deed on your part, my knight. And if it bears +fruit or not, I shall indeed be in your debt." + +"Not so, Sir Guilbert. For the boy will but have such chance as I was +given by Sir Percival when I was even younger than he." + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE + +Sir Galahad Offers Help + + +It was but a week and a day later that Sir Galahad proceeded further. +With him was the faithful Walker who was overly pleased to be on his +way and also Charles, the young son of Sir Guilbert. Eager was the lad +and highly pleased to go forth with the brave knight. + +Sir Galahad had had hopes of meeting Sir Launcelot who had planned to +be in Normandy, and Merlin as well. But he would wait no longer, he +was in no mood to tarry now. + +There came a day of storm, fierce was the rain and sleet and the wind +so strong that the knight, and his party found it arduous task to keep +the road. Sir Galahad decided to stop and seek shelter at the first +refuge that they should find. + +A little later they came to an old but magnificent castle and in +answer to the summons of Walker, an ancient man appeared. + +"What will you?" the old man quavered. + +"My master seeks shelter until the storm passes. He is a worshipful +knight. Go you to your master with his request." + +The man hobbled within the castle. Soon he returned. + +"There is no master here but my mistress bids me welcome the +worshipful knight and beseech his entrance." + +So they went within and the old man threw logs on the open fire which +blazed right merrily. Sir Galahad and the two with him made themselves +comfortable. Soon food and drink was brought to them of which they +partook with good grace. + +The storm did not subside and night came on. + +"Old man," Sir Galahad said to the ancient servitor. "Pay you my +respects to the lady whose hospitality we enjoy and ask that she grace +us with her presence. Tell her that it is Sir Galahad, Knight of the +Round Table, who seeks it." + +There came a long wait which left the three a wondering. Then there +came forth a lady who was followed by the ancient servitor. Stately +she was and of noble bearing. Yet it could be seen that she was +fearful and disturbed. + +"My lord wished my presence?" she asked and her tone was tremulous. + +"I owe you apology for this disturbance," the knight said courteously. +"But we also owe you thanks for your gracious hospitality. There seems +need that we disturb you further since the storm stays and we cannot +proceed as we would. May we find lodging within your walls?" + +The lady looked fearfully about. + +"I cannot deny you. Truly it is no night to be outdoors. Stay then +and welcome." + +Morning found the storm in no wise abated. The lady of the castle did +not appear at the morning meal. But the old man was there to serve +them. He too, seemed much disturbed and made as if to have speech with +Sir Galahad, once or twice. + +"What troubles your pate, old man?" Walker finally asked him. + +"These are dark days for the house of Sanscourt," the latter replied +and crossed himself. + +"Perhaps, good man, it may be within us to lighten them," Sir Galahad +said kindly, "If we can, it may repay in part for your mistress' +hospitality." + +"Would that my lady could find it in her to confide in you. For you +seem right friendly, my lord." + +"Beseech you her. Tell her that Sir Galahad offers his services if she +has need of them." + +The man soon returned. + +"My lady thanks you kindly for your offer and she will see you soon," +he said. + +The Knight waited but a few moments when his hostess came into the +room. + +"You are gracious, Sir Galahad. I doubt whether there can be any help +for me. Yet I shall tell you my story for there still may be hope for +so wretched a person as myself." + +"My lady, it is the duty of all true knights to be of help to those in +distress. Wherefore, I hold but to my knightly vow, in my promise of +service to you." + +The Lady Jeanne made no answer, seemingly she had not heard him. Sir +Galahad watched her, saw her look which seemed afar, saw the dark rims +around her eyes. They spoke of many hours of weeping. + +Now she turned to him. + +"I think, my lord, this storm that seems as if it will not cease has +been sent by God. Strange though it may seem it brings me hope, dim +though that hope may be, yet I treasure it. Little reason for hope +have I had. + +"Think me not rude, Sir Galahad, and think not that I question your +valor or skill. But this is task for no lone knight, for my enemy is +strong and powerful. I may be selfish too, in that I draw you into my +troubles but I am like one who drowning, must need snatch at a straw. +And many knights would hesitate long to offer service where the cause +is as hopeless as mine seemingly is. Nor will I blame you or hold you, +if after my story is done, you find no way in which you can help me. + +"Listen then and you will see why I count this storm as sign of hope +sent to me." + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX + +Lady Jeanne's Story + + +Two years will it be next month when the Duke of Gascony with fifty +knights went forth on a quest that would take them to far Eastern +lands. Of these fifty, Sir Vilard, my husband, was one. + +"He left with me, my son Ambrose, my daughter Helene and two +servitors, old men who could not go with him. It was in a good and +holy cause so I had no tears for him to see. Rather did I bid him +Godspeed and a safe and quick return. + +"You see me alone now. Two years, and I have neither son, nor +daughter, nor husband. Did I know they were dead, bitter would be my +woe yet would I count God's mercies many, His ways strange, but not +for any mortal to question. But I do not know that. They would have me +believe my husband dead. Ambrose went forth one day and I have had no +word of him since then. And my daughter is lodged within prison walls +waiting the whim of Sir Dolphus who holds her in his power. + +"They tell me that my husband perished with the Duke and all but three +of the knights that went forth with him. And that before he died he +sent word that it was his wish that I permit Sir Dolphus to marry our +daughter. Yet do I know that Sir Dolphus is already lawfully wedded to +a wife whom he would discard. Knowing my husband as I do, I could not +believe such to be his message. So I withstood the pleadings of this +knight until his pleadings turned to bitter threats. + +"He would make himself Duke of Gascony. And when I would not listen to +him, his pleadings or threats, he came here one day with two other +knights and professed to abide by such decision as I had made. They +dined with us. Ambrose, my son, was away that day. + +"Enough to say that they stole my daughter from me. This old man you +see and the other, Albert, were clubbed to earth, the one to death. I +tried so hard to resist them but my hand was weak. + +"When Ambrose returned, I could not keep him. He went forth to rescue +his sister. Poor lad, I have had no word from him since then. Is he +dead? Did they kill him? I have sent for word, have begged that they +tell me what fate has befallen him but they profess not to know. + +"I have heard that the Church will not sanction his marriage to +Helene. Nor will it permit Sir Dolphus to annul the marriage with his +wife. A good priest also tells me that Sir Dolphus has set his black +heart upon marrying my poor Helene so that he can then lawfully own +all this land and estate that belongs to us. It will be small matter +to rid himself of me and I fain would not wish to live were it not +that I still have hope. + +"My lord, I have hoped so much. Until my very hope turned black for +never was there any one so helpless against the power of this wicked +man. I dread the coming of each day and yet mixed with my dread there +still is ever present that one small hope which will not be killed. + +"I think I would have died but for this small hope," she added +wistfully. She paused now and seemed lost in the dark thoughts that +possessed her. + +"All of them gone. Not one of them to remain with me." + +"Sir Galahad," she turned to him. "It is not a pretty story. I seem to +be encompassed with tragedy. I would not include you in my woes, you +have other missions, other work ahead. And though you have the valor +and strength of ten, it would count for so little." + +"My lady," the knight replied. "What use would such valor be, if I had +it, if I did not but use it for its full worth? Could I be a true +knight and not heed the call your sorrow brings? I can but try to help +you. And that, I swear, I will." + +A light shone in the lady's eye. "I was not wrong to hope. Even now I +feel that succor must come. Your words, dear knight, give me strength. +Surely then, the storm has brought me some ray of that hope I speak +of." + +"I shall devise some plan," Sir Galahad said, "wherein we can make +rescue of your daughter, and find out the fate of your son." + +The Knight's thoughts were deep for many minutes. "Did this Sir +Dolphus say where your husband met his death?" + +"Near Lombardy," she replied. + +"If I succeed here, my lady, I shall continue my way to Rome. From +there I shall journey north and seek news of your husband. It may be +that he is not dead. Dead or alive, you at least will know. + +"Tomorrow, if the day clears, we shall turn to the work before us. It +seems a hard task but as I have said, we can but try. In the meantime, +my Lady Jeanne, have courage and keep your patience." + +So Galahad left her. But Walker stayed. + +"Lady, I would but add my humble word of cheer. In all of England, of +all the Knights of the Round Table, there is none who equals my master +in skill and bravery. I tell you this so that you may know how worthy +your champion is. Would that he had but one other with him and I +would not care what odds were against him." + +"And who, my man, is that other?" + +"Sir Launcelot," Walker made reply. + +"I thank you for telling me of Sir Galahad. It adds to the hope I have +and the courage he bids me possess." + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN + +Sir Launcelot Arrives + + +The day dawned bright and clear. But it brought to Sir Galahad no plan +for the rescue of the daughter of his hostess. + +My lady came down to the breakfast table greatly cheered, as was plain +to be seen. Sir Galahad had not the heart to tell her that as yet he +had found no way for the rescue of her daughter. Instead he said. + +"It seems to me that there is one thing I can but do. I shall seek +this knight's castle and wait for such event there as may befall. Luck +may come my way. But I promise you this, my lady, I shall make no rash +or fruitless attempt at rescue. Rash acts may well come after the +rescue of your daughter, not before." + +The Lady Jeanne agreed. So then immediately after the meal Walker, and +the page Charles prepared the things they would need for the journey. + +"I go forth to prepare the horses, young master. Will you see to these +things here?" So spoke Walker and when Charles agreed he hurried +outdoors. + +[Illustration: Suddenly They Made For Each Other] + +Hardly had he reached there, however, when he saw two horsemen coming +toward him. His trained eye easily recognized them. One could be no +other than Sir Launcelot. Only he sat his horse so. And the rider with +him was Gouvernail, he who had been squire to Sir Tristram until that +brave knight had died and who now was in the service of Sir Launcelot. + +"By my faith," spoke out Walker to the empty air. He rubbed his eyes. +Yes, it was they. + +"A wish come true," was all he could think of. And then he danced +first on one foot, then on the other, uncertain whether to rush to +meet the advancing horsemen or to run inside and advise his master. +His uncertainty ended only when he was indoors again. + +"Master, master, come you here," he called. "See who comes," he +shouted gleefully. + +Sir Galahad came toward him. But not as quick as the eager, youthful +Charles. After them all, came the Lady Jeanne. + +"It is Launcelot, by my faith," Sir Galahad shouted gleefully. "He was +to meet me in Normandy and has followed close on my heels. What luck!" +And he waved to the approaching knight who returned the salute and +increased his speed. + +The Lady Jeanne turned questioning eyes to the squire, who nodded +happily. + +"My lady," Sir Galahad turned to her. "Now you may well have hope and +faith. And well may you give us your blessing for we shall bring your +daughter to you, have no fear." + +So spoke the knight whose faith in Sir Launcelot's prowess was most +profound. + +Now the approaching knight came up to them. + +"Good Allan," he said still calling his friend by the name of his +boyhood. "I have traveled through a day of storm to catch up with you. +Until I am sure that this knave here is prepared to seek a master who +would be saner and more considerate." + +"Not so," replied Gouvernail, "for I was no less the anxious." + +"You come in good time, dear friend. For never were you more needed. +There is work ahead for us, serious work. This lady here needs our +help. She is sore distressed. But let her meet you." + +So the Lady Jeanne met Sir Launcelot. And once again the tale of her +plight was revealed. And even as Sir Launcelot listened, the plan of +what to do came to Sir Galahad. But he kept his tongue until his +friend was fully informed and had in turn had time to question their +hostess. + +Charles stood close to his master, whose arm encircled him as if it +would include him in all of it. A little in the background stood the +two squires who were close friends and old comrades. Gouvernail's +interest was keen. + +So when the tale was done, Sir Galahad turned to his friend and said +"Know you perchance where Merlin is?" + +"We left him behind us. His old bones could not risk yesterday's +storm. But he promised me that he would follow when it cleared and so +he is but a day behind. But have you a plan, Allan?" + +"It has but just come to me--this possible plan. It may be that he can +be emissary from Arthur to the Duke of Gascony for such purpose as may +be devised. And we go with him as knights. We _know not_, of +course, that a pretender sits where the Duke of Gascony should. And I +fancy that this Dolphus will be right well pleased to welcome us and +if we seemingly appear not too scrupulous ourselves we can worm the +story from him and act thereon." + +"It can be done, if the plan is well thought out. Only dear lad, I +doubt whether thy face will not count against you in any pretended +villainy. Think you not so, madame?" + +The Lady Jeanne smiled. It was strange to see her smile but it gave +proof that she was lighter hearted. + +"I think that Sir Dolphus is not the kind to think that there are any +who hold aught but villianous thoughts," she replied. + +"So then, we must need delay until Merlin comes." + +"Think you the king will be provoked at our use of him and his court?" +Sir Galahad asked. + +"Aye, that I do. Provoked that he was not with us to share in the +adventure." Launcelot laughingly replied. + +"Lady," Sir Launcelot addressed her in a moment's pause. "You had +little need to worry when this knight became your champion. He is +overly modest. Gladly shall I help him." + +"God is good," the Lady Jeanne replied brokenly. "And He has placed me +and my troubles in godly hands." And then she wept. And it seemed as +if like a spring freshet, her thoughts, soul, and heart, were cleared +and cleansed. + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT + +A Rescue + + +"I seek speech with him who is Duke of Gascony. I bring him a message +from Arthur, King of England." So spoke Merlin as he stood at the +entrance of the great and splendid castle of the ruler of Gascony. + +By his side were the two knights, Galahad and Launcelot. The page +Charles stood close by and somewhat behind them were the two squires, +Walker and Gouvernail. + +"From England's king?" the Gascon knight questioned. And made as if +he would further satisfy his curiosity. But changed his mind. + +"I pray you wait, good sir, until I tell my lord, your message." So +then he went within the great hall. + +"A rash adventure, say I," and Merlin shook his head dolefully. + +"You were ever a croaker, good Merlin," replied Sir Launcelot. "See +not the thing so dolefully, I pray you." + +"And think of the worth of what we accomplish," added Sir Galahad. +"Here now comes the Gascon with his answer, I see. Let us listen to +what he says." + +"We bid you welcome to Gascony and pray you to come within. My master +sends his greetings and awaits you." + +They followed then their guide and so came within the great hall of +state where Sir Dolphus awaited them. + +"Come you from England?" he asked. + +"That we do," replied Merlin, "and carry a message for the Duke." + +"There is no Duke of Gascony. He is dead. But I, by the will of all +the nobles of the land, rule in place. If you have message from +England's king honor is mine to receive it." + +"That message will I deliver right gladly. My king has long desired to +come to Gascony and to other countries in France. So has he sent me +forth to find first, how welcome will his visit be, second, as you may +well understand, that such country as may come within his plans may +worthy be his presence. For England's king must hold his honor and +his presence at their royal worth. + +"So come I to this brave land the which my king has heard well spoken +and which he holds in high esteem. I find it sad news that he who +reigned is dead, yet Gascony cannot suffer if you, most worshipful +sir, rule instead." + +Now did the crafty Dolphus find himself quick to see the worth to him +of such a visit from the great king of England who was held in high +esteem everywhere. If Arthur were to visit him then could none +question his pretense to the throne. Too, were such visit soon, there +would be need for him to be declared Duke of Gascony at once, so that +Arthur could be met in royal state. + +"Gascony, good sir, would welcome your king. And count it honor to +receive him with all the honors due so great a name. When does your +master plan to come?" + +"Shortly, sir, after I make my return to England and make report. For +he hopes also to visit Rome and pay homage to His Holiness, the Pope." + +When he heard this, Sir Dolphus urged the emissaries of England's king +to tarry awhile in Gascony. + +"So that, kind sirs, you find our friendship for your master, such as +may befit his visit to us. Greatly do we desire him to come and we +would wish your report to be a kindly one. So find you welcome here. +We shall eat, drink and be merry." + +So the party made itself at home. Sir Dolphus soon took great fancy to +Sir Launcelot who proved a merry soul and the two spent many hours +together. + +"I would count it fortunate, Sir Launcelot, were you knight of this +court. For I need friends such as you." + +"Rather, I fancy, is the need otherwise. For the Duke of Gascony's +friendship is no small thing and many there are who would hold it high +honor. Of friends, you should have many." So the knight made +flattering answer. + +"Aye, but you know not. There are those who would believe that the +dead duke lives and who though silent, yet are sullen over my rightful +claim to take his place. And I find the Church of little help to me. +Though I have offered it many gifts, and promised it great riches, yet +will it oppose my will." + +"Does the Church object to you as Duke?" Sir Launcelot questioned. "I +see not why." + +"Nay, 'tis not as Duke but in other matters." + +Caution seemed to overcome Sir Dolphus for many minutes. But he had +great desire to confide in this friendly knight whose good will he +wished. + +"Art thou married, Sir Launcelot?" he asked. + +"A strange question, my friend. Yet do I find my happiness in the +single blessedness which is at present mine." + +"Yet is marriage a most convenient thing sometime. 'Twould be for me +at present." + +"Say you, _'twould be?_ Yet, if I mistake not, have I heard that +that blessed state is already yours. Though no sign have I seen as +yet, of the Lady Dolphus. + +"Aye, friend, married am I, worse the pity. And when I ask the Church +to annul this unhappy state, and give it many gifts, still does it +turn stubborn over such a little thing." + +"What harm therein, my friend? Since that the lady is not with you?" +Friendly was Sir Launcelot's tone and right sympathetic. + +"Aye, there I come back to what I have said--about marriage being most +convenient at times. For would they annul the marriage I could then +marry again, one who owns vast estate. And that would make me all +powerful in Gascony." + +Such laughter as shook the frame of Sir Launcelot. Nor was it +unkindly. + +"A great rogue you," he spoke pleasantly. "Off with the old and on +with the new. Is it not so? And I fancy the new is also right young or +I am greatly mistaken? Eh?" + +Great was Sir Launcelot's hilarity. Nor did the other take offense +thereat. + +"I care little as to her youth or not. But I do care for the estate +that goes with her," replied Sir Dolphus. + +"She must like you greatly, to be willing?" + +"Hardly could I say, she's that. But that would be small matter if I +could but get the Church to sanction the deed. Yet have I hope that +if I could get your king's goodwill, he could persuade the Pope on his +visit to Rome. And there, good friend, you could help me greatly and +well would I repay such kindness." + +Not once did Sir Launcelot permit the hot temper within him to be +unloosed. Played he so well with the wicked knight that it was but a +few days thereafter Sir Dolphus invited him to visit with him the +young damsel who was kept within prison walls. Never once did the +knight demur or permit the other to think that he did not sympathize +and agree with his plans. + +As they walked away from the prison door, he turned to the other. +"Strange that she should be all alone. Has she no one who would make +you trouble?" + +"Her father went forth with the Duke and others among us to the land +of the infidels. On our way back, in Lombardy, our small force was +overcome by disaster. But three of us escaped, I know not what +happened to the others. Then it was, I decided to possess the land of +the Sanscourt and told the Lady Jeanne that her husband wished and +commanded that her daughter Helene marry me. But she would have none +of this. So that I had to steal the damsel. And when her brother came +here to rescue her, we overcame the helpless youth. He would not have +lived had I my way, but the others would not permit that and so we +have him safely lodged in the dungeon below and I fancy he will not +abuse our hospitality for long." + +That night Sir Launcelot spoke to the others and told what he had +heard. Great was his rage, which he had curbed so well when in the +presence of the other. + +"I would," Merlin spoke in great gloom, "that we were well out of +this." + +"We can be well out of it when the youth and girl are also safely +out," Sir Galahad replied and there was a stern look in his eye. +"Tomorrow we shall find the dungeon place. Then will we act quickly. +But also we must see to it that this false knight receives his just +deserts. Is it not so, Launcelot?" + +"Tomorrow, it shall be," the other replied. "And I myself, shall deal +with this Sir Dolphus, for I have had to listen to his foulness +without demur." + +So they planned. And the next day, Sir Galahad professed a great +desire to see the whole of the castle. And so was shown in due course +the great dungeon and saw there, the weak and spent lad, Ambrose. + +That night, Sir Dolphus and Sir Launcelot went by themselves to the +chamber of the former to make merry. And there, Sir Dolphus who +counted the other's sympathy as beyond doubt, told more of his knavish +plots. Until the listener sick with listening turned to him in the +quiet and secrecy of the great chamber and said in stern tones. + +"Sir Dolphus, I would advise you to pray now. For you die in three +minutes!" + +Nor did the other mistake the voice, the tone. Nor even make pretense +to misunderstand. Instead he made as if to raise a great shout. But +found the other's mighty hand closed over his foul mouth so that his +call for aid was unuttered. And the hand remained there--even as the +owner forced him to his knees with no great effort. + +"Pray, if you will. Your time is almost gone." + +But the wretch groaned and squirmed and tried to escape the hold that +held viselike over him. + +It was five minutes later that Sir Launcelot left the room. There was +a grim, fixed look on his face that few had ever seen before. + +He joined the others. And then while [he] and Gouvernail went to the +prison chamber of the damsel, Helene, and rescued her with little +effort, Sir Galahad went down to the dungeon door and there overcame +the guard with ease and opened the door wide with the keys obtained. +And Walker carried the weak lad to the entrance door and so they +joined the others. + +So then Sir Galahad and Sir Launcelot with the two squires went for +and obtained their horses, without suspicion. With the two they had +rescued, the whole party rode forth from the castle. And but for the +outcry of the guards at the gate which they forced them to open wide, +they had no one to cope with. + +Forth they road swiftly, Merlin carrying the young girl and Charles +supporting the boy, leaving the others free to ride behind and meet +such pursuers as might come. + +But none pursued. + +"I think they will find a task on hand to care for the other prisoners +the open dungeon door unloosed," Sir Galahad said. + +"And with the wonder over Sir Dolphus," Sir Launcelot added and his +look was far away. + +A day later found them at the castle of Sanscourt. Happy was my Lady +Jeanne over the return of her dear children and grateful, too. It did +not take long for them to prepare to go forth to England with Sir +Launcelot and Merlin. + +So they bade each the other goodbye. And as they went forth, Sir +Galahad watching them go, said to the Lady Jeanne, + +"Still hope, my lady. For I shall bring or send you word of Sir +Vilard, good or bad." + +"I shall never cease to hope, Sir Galahad. And I shall pray for you, +each day until you return." + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE + +Facing the East + + +So then the trio turned toward the East seeking but never finding that +all elusive Grail which seemed ever ahead of them. Strange lands they +passed through and it left them with wonderment at the bigness of the +world in which they lived. + +For Sir Galahad and for the boy Charles, each day brought the wonder +of new things to see. For Walker, the Squire, though he would not make +confession to his master, there grew the wish to see again the +pleasant green of England's shore. None of the wonders of these +strange lands held allure for him, since they but proved England's +greater worth. + +But when twitted by his master he would make no confession of his +home-sickness. + +"Nay master. I am a man and would hold it weak whimsy to let yearning +for my home land encompass me. I go where you will and soon enough +will I make return to our home shores." + +And the Grail, Symbol of Honor, of Faith, of Service and of Piety! No +nearer to the finding did the young knight appear to be. Even so, the +zest for it, the need for finding it stayed ever with him. + +So he reached Rome and stayed in it for many days. Many strangers +were there from many lands but few who knew of the Holy Grail. And +none who could tell him where it could be found. + +"I would seek, were I you, in the Holy Land," said one pious man. +While still another thought so holy a thing would never be permitted +to go so far as England and that the knight's search was fruitless. + +From Rome Sir Galahad went north to Lombardy in search of news of Sir +Vilard. Long was his search here but not hopeless. Nor need we make +record of how at last he found that the Gascon was not dead but +imprisoned with some of the other knights of that ill fated group. And +when ransom was agreed to he returned to Rome and sent a message to +Sir Launcelot by a friendly English knight to find the Lady Jeanne and +have sent to him the ransom desired. + +Months passed. Then came Ambrose and with him the gold for the freedom +of his father and his companions. So that they were free. Only then +did Sir Galahad go on. + +He reached the Holy Land in company with others, men who came there to +pay reverence, men who came to repent of many sins, men who ever +restless must journey everywhere. And on the way he had gained the +friendship of an old priest whose journey he had made somewhat the +lighter by such help as youth may offer old age. + +The priest had been greatly interested in the mission of the knight. +Many were his questions, of where Sir Galahad had traveled, how far he +purposed to journey in his search. + +"My journeys shall not cease, good father, until I have found the +Grail. For so have I set my whole life that I may find it. And time +counts not. Though I wish it could be found right soon for then may I +turn my face to England." Since Sir Galahad had spoken of Yosalinde, +the priest understood. + +"What then, Sir Knight, makes you think you will find the Grail in far +lands?" the priest asked. + +"It must need be so, since were it nearer home it would have been +found long since." + +To which the priest made no answer. + +Days later, when they were gathered about again he told the story of +Elam, the son of Anner, who had a great desire to gain wisdom and +knowledge. + +"So then, young friends, he started out to learn from all the founts +of wisdom. Far he traveled and much he learned." + +And then the reverend man gave long account of the places to which +Elam had gone and the things he had learned. It was a tale of many +years and it took time in the telling. + +"Then when he had learned much of the wisdom of the then world and had +gained in knowledge, he returned home. And when he was there but a few +days, lo, he found that yet had his father Anner, greater knowledge +than he and wisdom more profound. And he knew this now, returned home +from all his sojournings. Nor would he have known this unless he had +traveled far, for my sons, it was in this way that he gained the +vision to see. Of a truth, it was then that he knew that his father +was wisest of men and well could he learn from him." + +"I have not heard of this man Elam, before," Sir Galahad said. "Yet +had he great need to travel, if he gained this vision to see." + +"True and well spoken, Sir Knight," replied the priest and watched him +keenly. + + + + +CHAPTER THIRTY + +Homeward + + +Still further did Sir Galahad have a mind to travel but he found from +learned men that to go further East was to travel into uncertainties +which few had ventured before him. Nor would he have paused even +then, were it not that he realized well that little likelihood was +there for the Lost Grail to be found in the far East. + +So he turned his face west again. Slowly he made his way home. There +were days now, he misdoubted the success of his search and he +questioned his own worthiness. + +After months and months of travel he reached France once again. When +he came to Gascony he found the rightful ruler on the throne and the +house of Sanscourt, well and happy. Great was the welcome given the +knight by the happy family and a great feast was held for them. The +Lady Jeanne was radiant with the happiness which had returned after +seeming desertion. + +"We owe you much, Sir Galahad," said Sir Vilard, "so very much that it +is beyond repayment." + +"Mine and Sir Launcelot's was the joy of service, my lord. That you +must well understand." + +When they reached Normandy, Charles was given a happy reception. He +had grown, and had profited well by his travels and service to Sir +Galahad whom he would not leave now. For he hoped to be made a knight +by him. In Normandy, Sir Galahad stayed for more than a month. He had +acquired great fame because of his travels and deeds yet did he find +small pleasure in this for the great purpose of his journeys had +failed. + +It was on a day just before he was to return to England. He had +mounted the Seeker and without companion had gone forth for the +morning. His thoughts were of the Grail, of his great wish to find it, +and ever with his thoughts the wish to prove to Yosalinde that it was +in him to find it. Well he knew that she would understand his desire +even though he could not bring to her the fulfillment of that desire. + +"Yet who am I to find myself disheartened. I must not question, keep +ever seeking." So he thought to himself and gave no heed to where the +Seeker carried him. + +Nor did it seem strange to the knight that he found himself in a +narrow path of the woods and before him the strange monk who had first +given him urge to seek the Holy Grail. + +"I greet you, holy father. Nor can I say to you that I have yet proven +worthy of the finding of that which I have long sought." + +"Yet have you traveled far, my son. Is it not so?" + +"Far and to many lands, holy sir. But nowhere have I found that which +brought me nearer to it." + +"Too, I know how worthy of the finding you are. Well have you kept +your purpose high, knightly have your deeds been?" + +"Holy father, I have but tried. Ever have I kept your words before me. +And deem it all worth the while, even though it end with my not +finding the Grail. For, father, this will I always say, that joy has +there been in the seeking." + +"Think you then, my son, you will not find it?" the monk asked. + +"I know not, father. Think me not grown tired of the search. Think not +that I complain that the search is long or arduous. I shall go on +seeking where the call may lead me. And ever seek to be worthy of +finding it. He who decides all things shall decide as to that. Nor +will He find me ever questioning. For this I have found. God is good +and His ways are ever for the best." + +"Glad am I to hear that the search goes on. My blessing goes with you. +Well have I kept the count of all the days of your journeyings and +great is my pride in you. So son, seek on for who can tell what the +morrow brings." + +Then the holy man left him. Yet Sir Galahad did not go until long +after sundown. And when he did, doubled was the strength of his +purpose. + +And on the morrow he was on his way to England. + + + + +CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE + +The Beggar And The Grail + + +England to Charles, was indeed strange but so much had Walker spoken +thereof that he looked forward to seeing it as if it were his native +land. The joy of Walker at its nearness, though he tried to hide it +under pretended calm was yet a thing quite obvious to Sir Galahad and +the boy and much did it amuse them. + +"Of all the fair lands we have passed through, have you yet found none +that pleased you more, good Walker?" the knight asked him. + +"There is but one heaven, my master and there is but one England," +replied Walker. + +"Then must I confess my sorrow at keeping you this long time from +heaven," said his master with mock regret. + +"Nay, master, one can only know heaven when one has seen all the other +places. Too, I care not even for England when my master is not there." + +"Kind words, good Walker. And spoke I ten times as kindly, yet could I +not do justice to how much you have counted and how well. Will I say +this, that I find it sweet to know that we are so near to England's +shores and that it is but a few days when we shall again find +ourselves at home. I would see all our friends, the good king, Sir +Percival, Sir Gareth, Sir Launcelot and the others. This wind that +fills these sails cannot blow too strong for me." + +Well did the wind hold yet did it seem as if the next days were over +long. At last they were but a half day from the great castle of King +Arthur. + +Now as they rode, adventure there had been none since they had left +Normandy, they were stopped by a strange beggar who sought alms. Sick +did he seem, ragged and wretched, and as if life could hold but little +for him. It was the selfsame beggar they had passed when they started +on their journey. + +"Good master, I starve. Charity I seek." + +Now though, Sir Galahad was impatient to reach the castle, yet did he +stop for the poor wretch drew his pity. + +"What will you, my man?" + +"Food, if you have it, Sir Knight. Such help as you can give so low a +thing as me." + +So then without further ado, he bade Walker feed the knave, which the +latter did, grumbling at the delay the same must cause. Then, the +knight spoke kindly again to the beggar and gave him some silver. + +"Master," the beggar said. "The Lord will bless you, for you found +time for so wretched a soul as me. Far have you traveled, many of high +degree have found it honor to hold speech with you. So great a knight +as you and yet have you had time for the beggar on the road. + +"Honor have you shown, Faith have you ever had. Service have you +rendered. This day you prove that you have Piety and Charity. So then +for your food and for your silver and your kind words and the spirit +behind it all, I pay you now. Here, then is the Grail. Long sought in +many lands, in many places, yet was it always near at home." + +"The Grail? Here, where I never thought to see it. And a beggar to +possess it. Aye, even the lowliest possesses riches." + +Mixed were the knight's emotions nor could he voice the thoughts and +the feelings within him. While nearby the two with him watched it all +in awed silence. + +"Aye, Sir Galahad. Think not that your search in far lands was +fruitless. Rather was it the caldron in which your worth was seasoned. +Yet will this fact ever remain--that one need not travel far to find +Honor, Faith, Service and Piety. For these are ever near." + +"I am like Elam who went everywhere and found that what he sought was +near at home." + +"True, good knight. This day shall be a great day for England, for +through the worth of one of its knights, the Grail stays here. Go you +then, for word will already be at the Round Table that Sir Galahad +comes with the Grail." + +"Strange man, I know not what to say. Dear is the possession of this +precious vessel to me. Long have I sought it. And to find it to have +been so near at home stirs mixed and wondrous feelings within me. So I +can but go and if I fail to say the thing I should, forgive me." + +The knight, Charles and Walker as well, found themselves kneeling to +receive the benediction of this strange man who was both beggar and +holy man. And when they looked up again he was gone. + +"Thought I," said Walker, "that that day, my master found this Grail +there would be great doings, that there would be great combats. +Instead of which a seeming beggar has it to give us. Verily, it is far +beyond me." + +And the good squire scratched his head in great puzzlement. + + + + +CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO + +Conclusion + + +We find our story now near ended. We can well see the great welcome +given the still youthful knight as he entered the great hall. There +was King Arthur in high good humor. About him stood many of the +knights of the Round Table, and among them Sir Galahad saw his many +friends. And as the young knight stood there there came to him the +memory of that first day and the wondrous hope he had had now come +true. + +In all the hall none was so happy as that brave and noble hearted +knight, Sir Launcelot. Well pleased he was. Merlin was there, also +well content. And there, when they sat down to the great feast spread +out for them, Sir Galahad told the story of his search or the Grail. A +long tale it was for they would hear it all. To it they listened in +silence, without interruption, until he had done. + +Though he showed it not, the young knight was eager to be free of all +these friends. For he had great desire to hasten to the home of Sir +Percival. He knew from what Sir Percival told him, Yosalinde would he +there. Yet could he not leave until the late afternoon. + +Swiftly did the Seeker take him there. Eagerly he sought the sight of +the castle as if in seeing that, he would also see this damsel who had +helped so much to give him the great purpose of his search. But it was +not until he had entered within, that he saw her. + +So we draw the curtain and leave you to suppose the joy and the +gladness of this welcome. And though to each the finding of the Holy +Grail was of high importance yet they spoke not of that but of other +things for many an hour until the sun had gone down and darkness had +come. + +Wonderful was the picture Sir Galahad had carried of his lady, yet he +found the real presence far dearer. Of the things they talked, one was +the future and what it meant to both of them. + +We leave them then. High the moon shines, the stars are everywhere. It +is a wonderful night, soft the gentle breeze. Such a night as each +had pictured for their first meeting. + +Charles, the Norman lad, had his wish come true in good time, when Sir +Galahad made him a knight. Then the new knight made his way back to +Normandy. It was his children's children who made their way in later +days to England and settled there. + +The deeds of the brave knights of the Round Table continued great and +glorious. Sir Galahad, Sir Launcelot, Sir Percival and the others +upheld the honor of King Arthur's court. And never did Sir Galahad +lower the banner of his great house. + +Honor, Faith, Service and Piety. + +[Illustration] + + + + + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's In the Court of King Arthur, by Samuel Lowe + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN THE COURT OF KING ARTHUR *** + +***** This file should be named 6582.txt or 6582.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/6/5/8/6582/ + +Produced by Alan Millar and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**eBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These eBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers!***** + + +Title: In the Court of King Arthur + +Author: Samuel Lowe + +Release Date: September, 2004 [EBook #6582] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on December 29, 2002] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN THE COURT OF KING ARTHUR *** + + + + +Produced by Alan Millar and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + + + + + +IN THE COURT OF KING ARTHUR + +by Samuel E. Lowe + + + + +TABLE OF CONTENTS + +Chapter + +I. Allan Finds A Champion + +II. Allan Goes Forth + +III. A Combat + +IV. Allan Meets The Knights + +V. Merlin's Message + +VI. Yosalinde + +VII. The Tournament + +VIII. Sir Tristram's Prowess + +IX. The Kitchen Boy + +X. Pentecost + +XI. Allan Meets A Stranger + +XII. The Stranger And Sir Launcelot + +XIII. The Party Divides + +XIV. King Mark's Foul Plan + +XV. The Weasel's Nest + +XVI. To The Rescue + +XVII. In King Mark's Castle + +XVIII. The Kitchen Boy Again + +XIX. On Adventure's Way + +XX. Gareth Battles Sir Brian + +XXI. Knight Of The Red Lawns + +XXII. Sir Galahad + +XXIII. The Beginning Of The Quest + +XXIV. In Normandy + +XXV. Sir Galahad Offers Help + +XXVI. Lady Jeanne's Story + +XXVII. Sir Launcelot Arrives + +XXVIII. A Rescue + +XXIX. Facing The East + +XXX. Homeward + +XXXI. The Beggar And The Grail + + + + +WHO WAS KING ARTHUR? + +King Arthur, who held sway in Camelot with his Knights of the Round +Table, was supposedly a king of Britain hundreds of years ago. Most of +the stories about him are probably not historically true, but there +was perhaps a real king named Arthur, or with a name very much like +Arthur, who ruled somewhere in the island of Britain about the sixth +century. + +Among the romantic spires and towers of Camelot, King Arthur held +court with his queen, Guinevere. According to tradition, he received +mortal wounds in battling with the invading Saxons, and was carried +magically to fairyland to be brought back to health and life. +Excalibur was the name of King Arthur's sword--in fact, it was the +name of two of his swords. One of these tremendous weapons Arthur +pulled from the stone in which it was imbedded, after all other +knights had failed. This showed that Arthur was the proper king. The +other Excalibur was given to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake--she +reached her hand above the water, as told in the story, and gave the +sword to the king. When Arthur was dying, he sent one of his Knights +of the Round Table, Sir Bedivere, to throw the sword back into the +lake from which he had received it. + +The Knights of the Round Table were so called because they customarily +sat about a huge marble table, circular in shape. Some say that +thirteen knights could sit around that table; others say that as many +as a hundred and fifty could find places there. There sat Sir Galahad, +who would one day see the Holy Grail. Sir Gawain was there, nephew of +King Arthur. Sir Percivale, too, was to see the Holy Grail. Sir +Lancelot--Lancelot of the Lake, who was raised by that same Lady of +the Lake who gave Arthur his sword--was the most famous of the Knights +of the Round Table. He loved Queen Guinevere. + +All the knights were sworn to uphold the laws of chivalry--to go to +the aid of anyone in distress, to protect women and children, to fight +honorably, to be pious and loyal to their king. + + + + +CHAPTER ONE + +Allan Finds A Champion + + +"I cannot carry your message, Sir Knight." + +Quiet-spoken was the lad, though his heart held a moment's fear as, +scowling and menacing, the knight who sat so easily the large horse, +flamed fury at his refusal. + +"And why can you not? It is no idle play, boy, to flaunt Sir +Pellimore. Brave knights have found the truth of this at bitter cost." + +"Nevertheless, Sir Knight, you must needs find another message bearer. +I am page to Sir Percival and he would deem it no service to him +should I bear a strange knights message." + +"Then, by my faith, you shall learn your lesson. Since you are but a +youth it would prove but poor sport to thrust my sword through your +worthless body. Yet shall I find Sir Percival and make him pay for the +boorishness of his page. In the meantime, take you this." + +With a sweep the speaker brought the flat side of his sword down. But, +if perchance, he thought that the boy would await the blow he found +surprise for that worthy skillfully evaded the weapon's downward +thrust. + +Now then was Sir Pellimore doubly wroth. + +"Od's zounds, and you need a trouncing. And so shall I give it you, +else my dignity would not hold its place." Suiting action to word the +knight reared his horse, prepared to bring the boy to earth. + +It might hare gone ill with Allan but for the appearance at the turn +of the road of another figure--also on horseback. The new knight +perceiving trouble, rode forward. + +"What do we see here?" he questioned. "Sir Knight, whose name I do not +know, it seems to me that you are in poor business to quarrel with so +youthful a foe. What say you?" + +"As to with whom I quarrel is no concern of anyone but myself. I can, +however, to suit the purpose, change my foe. Such trouncing as I wish +to give this lad I can easily give to you, Sir Knight, and you wish +it?" + +"You can do no more than try. It may not be so easy as your boasting +would seeming indicate. Lad," and the newcomer turned to the boy, "why +does this arrogant knight wish you harm?" + +"He would have me carry a message, a challenge to Sir Kay, and that I +cannot do, for even now I bear a message from Sir Percival, whose page +I am but yesterday become. And I must hold true to my own lord and +liege." + +"True words and well spoken. And so for you, Sir Knight of the +arrogant tongue, I hope your weapon speaks equally well. Prepare you, +sir." + +Sir Pellimore laughed loudly and disdainfully. + +"I call this great fortune which brings me battle with you, sir, who +are unknown but who I hope, none the less, are a true and brave +knight." + +The next second the two horses crashed together. Sir Pellimore soon +proved his skill. The Unknown, equally at ease, contented himself with +meeting onslaught after onslaught, parrying clever thrusts and wicked +blows. So they battled for many an hour. + +Allan, the boy, with eyes glistening, waited to see the outcome of the +brave fight. The Unknown, his champion, perhaps would need his aid +through some dire misfortune and he was prepared. + +Now the Unknown changed his method from one of defense to one of +offense. But Sir Pellimore was none the less skillful. The third +charge of his foe he met so skillfully that both horses crashed to the +ground. On foot, the two men then fought--well and long. Until, +through inadvertence, the Unknown's foot slipped and the next moment +found his shield splintered and sword broken. + +"Now then, by my guardian saint, you are truly vanquished," Sir +Pellimore exclaimed exultantly. "Say you so?" + +But the Unknown had already hurled himself, weaponless, upon the +seeming victor and seizing him about the waist with mighty strength, +hurled him to the ground. And even as the fallen knight, much shaken, +prepared to arise, lo, Merlin the Wizard appeared and cast him into a +deep sleep. + +"Sire," the Wizard declared, "do you indeed run many dangers that thy +station should not warrant. And yet, I know not whether we, your loyal +subjects, would have it otherwise." + +Now Allan, the boy, realized he was in the presence of the great King. +He threw himself upon his knees. + +"Rise lad," said King Arthur kindly. "Sir Percival is indeed fortunate +to have a page, who while so young, yet is so loyal. So shall we see +you again. Kind Merlin," and the King turned to the Wizard, "awaken +you this sleeping knight whose only sin seems an undue amount of +surliness and arrogance, which his bravery and strength more than +offset." + +Now Sir Pellimore rubbed his eyes. "Where am I?" he muttered drowsily. +Then as realization came, he sprang to his feet. + +"Know you then, Sir Pellimore," said Merlin, "he with whom you fought +is none other than Arthur, the King." + +The knight stood motionless, dumbfounded. But only for a moment. + +"If so, then am I prepared for such punishment as may come. But be it +what it may, I can say this, that none with whom I fought has had more +skill or has shown greater bravery and chivalry. And more than that +none can say." + +And the knight bowed low his head, humbly and yet with a touch of +pride. + +"Thou art a brave knight, Sir Pellimore. And to us it seems, that +aside from a hasty temper, thou couldst well honor us by joining the +Knights of the Round Table. What saith thou?" + +"That shall I gladly do. And here and now I pledge my loyalty to none +other than Arthur, King of Britain, and to my fellow knights. And as +for you, boy, I say it now--that my harsh tongue and temper ill became +the true knight I claim to be." + +"Brave words, Sir Pellimore," said the King. "So let us back to the +castle. We see that Merlin is already ill at ease." + + + + +CHAPTER TWO + +Allan Goes Forth + + +So then the four, the good King, Sir Pellimore, Merlin the Wizard, and +Allan, page to Sir Percival, came to the great castle of Britain's +king. + +Arthur led them into the great hall in which were placed many small +tables and in the center of them all was one of exceeding size and +round. Here was to be found a place for Sir Pellimore but though the +King searched long, few seats did he find which were not bespoken. Yet +finally he found one which did well for the new arrival. + +"Here then shall you find your place at the Round Table, good knight," +said the King. "And we trust that you will bring renown and honor to +your fellowship, succor to those who are in need and that always will +you show true chivalry. And we doubt not but you will do all of +these." + +Sir Pellimore bowed low his head nor did he make reply because within +him surged a great feeling of gratitude. + +The King turned away and Merlin followed him to the upraised dais. So +now the two seated themselves and joined in earnest talk. + +At the door, Allan had waited, for he would not depart until His +Majesty had seated himself. A strange gladness was in the boy's heart, +for had not his King fought for him? Here in this court, he too would +find adventure. Sir Percival mayhap, some day, would dub him knight, +should he prove faithful and worthy. What greater glory could there be +than to fight for such a King and with such brave men? + +"But I must be off," he suddenly bethought himself, "else Sir Percival +will not be pleased." And therewith, he made great haste to depart. + +"Aye, sire," Merlin was now speaking, "my dream is indeed weighted +with importance. But by the same taken, it cannot be known until you +call your court together so that it may be heard by all." + +"Then mean you, kind Merlin, that we must call not only those of the +Round Table but all other knights and even pages and squires?" + +"Even so, sire. And yet, since Whitsunday is but a few days away, that +should be no hard matter. For the knights of your court, except Sir +Launcelot and Sir Gawaine are here, prepared for such tourneys and +feasts fit to celebrate that day." + +"So then shall it be. Even now our heralds shall announce that we +crave the attendance of all those who pledge loyalty to our court. For +I know well that they must be of no mean import, these things we shall +hear. We pray only that they shall be for our good fortune." + +The Wizard, making no reply, bent low and kissed his King's hand. Then +he departed. + +Came now his herald whom the King had summoned. + +"See to it that our court assembles this time tomorrow. Make far and +distant outcry so that all who are within ear may hear and so hurry to +our call. And mark you this well. We would hare Sir Launcelot and our +own nephew, Sir Gawaine, present even though they departed this early +morn for Cornwall. See you to it." + +Swiftly the herald made for the door to carry out the commands of his +King. But even as he reached it, Arthur called again to him. + +"We have a fancy, good herald, we fain would have you follow. Ask then +Sir Percival to let us have the services of his page who seems a +likely youth and bid this youth go hence after the two absent knights, +Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot and give to them our message, beseeching +their return. Tell not the boy it is we who have asked that he go." + +"It shall be done as you will, sire," replied the herald. No surprise +did he show at the strangeness of the King's command for long had he +been in his service and well he knew the King's strange fancies. + +Sir Percival gave ready consent, when found. So when the boy had +returned from the errand forespoken, the herald announced that he must +hasten after the two knights and bid them return. + +"And by my faith, lad, you have but little time and you must speed +well. For tomorrow at this time is this conclave called, and the two +knights are already many miles on their journey. Take you this horse +and hasten." + +Then, as the eager youth, quick pulsed, made haste to obey, the herald +added in kindly voice: "It would be well could you succeed, lad. For +it is often true that through such missions, newcomers prove future +worthiness for knighthood." + +"I thank you greatly for your kindness," replied the boy. "I can but +try to the uttermost. No rest shall I have until I meet with the two +knights." + +So now Allan sought out and bespoke his own lord. + +"I wish you well, Allan," said Sir Percival. "And say you to my +friends Launcelot and Gawaine should they prove reluctant that they +will favor their comrade, Sir Percival, if they would make haste and +hurry their return. Stop not to pick quarrel nor to heed any call, +urgent though it may seem. Prove my true page and worthy." + +"I shall do my very best, my lord. And, this my first commission, +shall prove successful even though to make it so, I perish." + +Swiftly now rode forth the boyish figure. Well, too, had Arthur +chosen. Came a day when, than Allan, no braver, truer knight there +was. But of that anon. + + + + +CHAPTER THREE + +A Combat + + +"Good Launcelot, I trust that good fortune shall be with us and that +our adventures be many and the knights we meet bold and brave." + +"Of that, Gawaine, we need have no fear. For adventure ever follows +where one seeks and often enough overtakes the seeker. Let us rather +hope that we shall find Sir Tristram and Sir Dinadian, both of +Cornwall. For myself I would joust with Sir Tristram than whom braver +and bolder knight does not live." + +"And as for me," spoke Gawaine, "my anxiety is to see Mark, the king +of Cornwall, and tell him to his face that I deem him a scurvy hound +since he promised protection to Beatrice of Banisar as she passed +through his lands and yet broke his promise and so holds her for +ransom." + +"And there shall I help you, dear Gawaine. For bitterly shall Mark rue +his unknightly act. Shall I even wait for my event with Sir Tristram +until your business is done." + +"Aye, and gladly will Sir Tristram wait, I wot, if he deems it honor +to meet with Sir Launcelot du Lake. For no knight there is who doth +not know of your prowess and repute, Sir Tristram least of all." + +"Kind words, Gawaine, for which I thank you. Yet, if I mistake not, +yonder, adventure seems to wait. And we but a little more than two +score miles from our gates." + +Ahead of them and barring their way were ten knights. Launcelot and +Gawaine stopped not a moment their pace but rode boldly forward. + +"And wherefor do you, strange Knights, dispute our passage?" asked Sir +Gawaine. + +"Safely may you both pass unless you be gentlemen of King Arthur's +court," quote the leader who stepped forward to answer. + +"And what if we be, Sir Knight?" replied Sir Launcelot mildly. + +"And if you be then must you battle to the uttermost. For we owe +loyalty to King Ryence who is enemy of King Arthur. Therefore, are we +his enemies too, and enemies also of all of King Arthur's subjects. +And thus, we flaunt our enmity. We here and now call King Arthur an +upstart and if you be of his court you cannot do aught else but fight +with us." + +"Keep you your words," said Sir Gawaine, "until we have ceased our +quarrel. Then if you will you may call Arthur any names. Prepare you." + +Boldly Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine charged upon the foe. Nor did the +knights who met them know who these two were, else milder were their +tone. Such was the valor of the two and such their strength that four +men were thrown from their horses in that first attack and of these +two were grievously wounded. + +Together and well they fought. Easily did they withstand the men of +King Ryence. Four men were slain by their might, through wondrous and +fearful strokes, and four were sorely wounded. There lay the four +against an oaken tree where they had been placed in a moment's lull. +But two knights were left to oppose Launcelot and Gawaine but these +two were gallant men and worthy, the very best of all the ten. + +So they fought again each with a single foe. Hard pressed were the two +men of King Ryence, yet stubbornly they would not give way. And as +each side gave blow for blow, so each called "for Arthur" or "for +Ryence," whichever the case might be. Many hours they fought until at +last Sir Launcelot by a powerful blow crashed both foe and foe's horse +to the ground. + +And as the other would further combat, though exceedingly weak, Sir +Launcelot, upraised lance in hand by a swift stroke smote sword from +out of his weakened grasp. + +"Thou art a brave knight, friend. And having fought so well, I ask no +further penance but this, that you do now declare King Arthur no +upstart. I care not for your enmity but I will abide no slander." + +"So must I then declare, since you have proven better man than I," +declared the conquered knight. "And for your leniency I owe you +thanks. Wherefore then to whom am I grateful? I pray your name?" + +"That I shall not tell until I hear your own," replied Launcelot. + +"I am known as Ronald de Lile," the other replied in subdued tone. + +"Truly and well have I heard of you as a brave knight," was the reply, +"and now I know it to be so. I am Sir Launcelot du Lake." + +"Then indeed is honor mine and glory, too. For honor it is to succumb +to Sir Launcelot." + +But now both heard the voice of Gawaine. Weak had he grown, but weaker +still his foe. Gawaine had brought the other to earth at last with +swift and mighty blow and such was the force of his stroke the fallen +man could not rise although he made great ado so to do. + +"So must I yield," this knight declared. "Now will I admit Arthur no +upstart, but though I die for it I do declare no greater king than +Ryence ever lived." + +"By my faith, your words are but such as any knight must hold of his +own sovereign prince. I cannot take offense at brave words, Sir +Knight. Now, give me your name, for you are strong and worthy." + +"I am Marvin, brother of him who fought with your comrade. And never +have we met bolder and greater knights." + +"I am Gawaine and he who fought your brother is none other than +Launcelot." + +"Then truly have we met no mean foes," replied the other. + +Conquered and conquerers now turned to make the wounded as comfortable +as they well could be. After which, our two knights debated going on +their journey or tarrying where they were until the morn. + +"Let us wend our way until we find fit place for food and rest. There +can we tarry." So spoke Launcelot and the other agreed. + +Then they took leave of Sir Marvin and Sir Ronald and so on their way. +Not many miles did they go however before they found suitable place. +Late was the hour and weary and much in need of rest were the two +knights. So they slept while, half his journey covered, Allan sped +onward, making fast time because he was but light of weight and his +horse exceeding swift. + + + + +CHAPTER FOUR + +Allan Meets the Knights + + +From the first day when Allan began to understand the tales of +chivalry and knightly deeds, he fancied and longed for the day when he +would grow into manhood and by the same token into knighthood. Then +would he go unto King Arthur on some Pentecost and crave the boon of +serving him. Mayhap, too, he would through brave and worthy deeds +gain seat among those of the Round Table. So he would dream, this +youth with eager eyes, and his father, Sir Gaunt, soon came to know of +his son's fancies and was overly proud and pleased with them. For he +himself had, in his days, been a great and worthy knight, of many +adventures and victor of many an onslaught. It pleased him that son of +his would follow in his footsteps. + +When Allan was fourteen, Sir Gaunt proceeded to Sir Percival who was +great friend of his and bespoke for his son the place of page. And so +to please Sir Gaunt and for friendship's sake, Sir Percival gave ready +consent. Therewith, he found the youth pleasing to the eye and of a +great willingness to serve. + +So must we return to Allan who is now on his way for many an hour. As +he made his way, he marveled that he should have had notice brought +upon himself, for he was young and diffident and should by every token +have escaped attention in these his first days at court. How would his +heart have grown tumultuous had he known that none other than Arthur +himself had made him choice. But that he was not to know for many a +year. + +Night came on and the boy traveled far. Yet gave he no thought to rest +for he knew that he could ill afford to tarry and that only with the +best of fortune could he overtake the two knights in time to make +early return. About him the woods were dark and mysterious. Owls +hooted now and then and other sounds of the night there were, yet was +the boy so filled with urge of his mission that he found not time to +think of ghosts nor black magic. + +Then, as he turned the road he saw the dim shadow of a horse. Ghostly +it seemed, until through closer view it proved flesh and blood. Lying +close by was a knight who seemed exceeding weak and sorely wounded. + +Quick from his horse came Allan and so made the strange knight be of +greater comfort. + +Now the knight spoke weakly. + +"Grievously have I been dealt with by an outlaw band. This day was I +to meet my two brothers Sir Ronald and Sir Marvin yet cannot proceed +for very weakness. Which way do you go, lad?" + +"I keep on my way to Cornwall," replied Allan. + +"From yonder do my brothers journey and should you meet with them bid +them hasten here so that together we can go forth to find this outlaw +band and it chastise." + +"That shall I do. Sir Knight. It grieves me that I may not stay and +give you such aid as I may but so must I hasten that I cannot. Yet +shall I stop at first abode and commission them to hurry here to you." + +"For that I thank you, lad. And should time ever come when you my aid +require, know then to call on Philip of Gile." + +So Allan pressed forward. At early dawn he came upon Sir Ronald and +Sir Marvin who had found rest along the wayside. And when he found +that these were the two knights he gave them their brother's message. + +"Then must we hasten thence, Ronald. And thank you, lad, for bringing +us this message. Choose you and you can rest awhile and partake of +such food that we have." + +"Of food I will have, Sir Knights, for hunger calls most urgently. But +tarry I cannot for I must find Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine. Mayhap +you have met with them?" + +"Of a truth can we say that we have met with them and suffered +thereby. Yet do we hold proof as to their knightly valor and skill. +They have gone but a little way, for it was their purpose to find rest +nearby. We doubt not you will find them at the first fair abode. In +the meantime must we hasten to our brother's aid and leave our wounded +comrades to such care as they may get." + +The knights spoke truly, for Allan found upon inquiry that the two he +sought were lodged close by. Boldly the boy called, now for Sir +Launcelot, now for Sir Gawaine, but both were overtired and of a great +weariness and it took many minutes before at last Sir Launcelot opened +wide his eyes. + +"And who are you, boy?" for he knew him not. + +"My name is Allan and I am page to Sir Percival." + +"Come you with a message from Sir Percival? Does he need our help?" + +"Nay, sir. Rather do I come with a message from the court--the herald +of which sent me urging you and Sir Gawaine to return before sundown +for a great conclave is to gather which the King himself has called." + +"Awaken then, thou sleepy knight," Sir Launcelot called to his comrade +who had not stirred. "It were pity that all this must be told to you +again." + +Sir Gawaine now arose rubbing eyes still filled with sleep. To him +Allan repeated his message. + +"What say you, Gawaine? Shall we return?" + +"As for me," replied Sir Gawaine, "I would say no. What matter if we +are or are not present. Already we are late for our present journey's +purpose. So say I, let us not return but rather ask this youth to +bespeak for us the king's clemency." + +"And I, too, am of the same mind, Gawaine. So lad," Sir Launcelot +turned to the boy and spoke kindly, "return you to court and give them +our message. This errand on which we are at present bound holds urgent +need, else would we return at our King's behest." + +Rueful and with a great gloom Allan saw his errand fail. + +"Kind sirs, Sir Percival bid me bespeak for him as well, and ask you, +as true comrades, to make certain to return. Furthermore, my knights, +this, my first mission would be unfortunate if it did not terminate +successfully. So I pray you that you return." + +Loud and long Sir Launcelot laughed and yet not unkindly while Sir +Gawaine placed hand upon the boy's shoulder approvingly. + +"By my faith, Launcelot, we can do no more than return. That Percival +speaks counts for much, but this youth's honor is also at stake." The +light of laughter played in the speaker's eyes. + +"Yes," said Sir Launcelot, "let us return. It would be pity to send +this lad back after his long journey, without success. So then to our +horses and let us make haste. The hours are few and the miles many." + + + + +CHAPTER FIVE + +Merlin's Message + + +Now as the sun, a flaming golden ball about which played the wondrous +softer colors of filmy clouds, began sinking in the western horizon, +the heralds announced everywhere that the time for assemblage had +come. Of those few who were not present, chiefest were Sir Launcelot +and Sir Gawaine. And for these two the herald of King Arthur was +searching the road in vain. + +"Think you, Sir Percival, these two will come?" the herald, anxious of +tone, inquired. "Our King would have them present and I fancy not the +making of excuse for their not appearing." + +"It is hard telling, Sir Herald. Far had the page to go and he is +young. Then too, it is a question whether should he meet with them, +these two have a mind to appear. For I know that their journey to +Cornwall is urgent." + +Now the knights entered and found place. Then followed the pages, +squires and after them such yeoman and varlets as could find room. +After each had found his place, came King Arthur leading his queen. +And as they entered, up rose the knights, their vassals, all that were +within the hall and raised a mighty shout. + +"St. George and Merrie England. Long live King Arthur. Long live Queen +Guenever." + +Then turned the King toward his loyal subjects and though his lips +were seen to move, none heard him for the clamor. So King Arthur +turned to seat his queen and then he himself sat down upon his throne, +high on the dais. + +Then soon after even as bell tolled the hour, Arthur arose. No sign +had yet come of Launcelot and Gawaine. So now the herald slipped to +the door to cast again a hurried glance for perchance that they might +be within vision. And as he went noiselessly, so, too, a quiet fell +that the King's words might be heard. But now disturbing this quiet +came a great clattering. Arthur turned his eyes, frowning, at the +sudden noise. Yet came a greater turmoil, approaching horse's hoofs +were heard and then into the great hall thundered the steeds carrying +the noble figures of Launcelot and Gawaine, followed but a pace behind +by Allan the page. + +Straight to the dais they came, the two knights. Allan, however, +turned, made hasty exit because he felt himself abashed to be observed +by so many eyes. On foot he entered once again and found place far in +the rear where few could observe him. + +The two knights now dismounted and knelt before their King. + +"We pray your pardon for the lateness of our coming. Yet did we +hasten and could not have come the sooner." + +"That we feel is so, Sir Knights, for we know you well enough. Nor are +we wroth, since come you did. But where, pray, is the message bearer? +Truly his speed was great to have reached you in time for your return. +And if I mistake not," added the King with great shrewdness, "neither +you, Gawaine, nor you Launcelot, were any too ready to return. How +then, did the lad urge you?" + +"You speak truly, sire," replied Gawaine. "For our errand had need of +urgent haste and we were both to give it up. Yet did the boy urge us +and chiefest urge of all to us was where he claimed his own honor +demanded the success of his mission. Those were fine words, so did we +therefore return." + +"Fine words, indeed. Where then is this page? Will you, Sir Herald, +bring him forth?" + +So Allan came forward, red of face and hating such womanness that +would let him blush before all these great men. Knelt he before his +King. + +"Thou art a good lad and will bear watching. Go thy way and remember +that the road ahead for those who wish to be knights of high nobility +is steep and arduous but well worth the trials. Remember too, that +this day, Britain's King, said that some day thou wilt prove a worthy +and brave knight." + +And as Allan with flaming cheeks and glorious pride went to his place +far in the rear of the hall the King turned to the assemblage. + +"Merlin is here but departs from us tomorrow for many a day. He has +had a great dream which affects this court and us and which must be +told to all of you. So he has asked us to call you and this we have +done. Stand up now Merlin, wisest of men and truest of counselors. +Speak." + +Up rose Merlin and for wonder as to what his dream might be all held +their breath. + +"But the other night came Joseph of Armathea to me while I slept. And +he chided me that in all Britain so few of all the true and brave +knights had thought to seek the wondrous Holy Grail which once was +pride of all England. + +"And me thought I heard him say, 'Truly do I misdoubt the valor of +these knights who seek adventure and glory.' + +"'Yet.' said I, 'doubt not their valor for can I give surety for it. +For Holy Grail, every varlet, let alone those of true blood, would +give his life and count it more than worthy.' + +"'So shall it be!' replied Sir Joseph. 'For the Holy Grail will be +found. Whether knight or varlet shall the finder be, I will not say. +But this I tell you now. He who finds it shall be pure of heart and +noble beyond all men. From whence he cometh, who he is, I will not +say. Remember this, Merlin, brave and noble knights there are now in +England, brave knights shall come, and some shall come as strangely as +shall the Grail. Many deeds will be done that will bring truest of +glory to England's name. And never again shall more noble or more +worthy knights hold Britain's banner so high. For they who seek the +Holy Grail must be worthy even of the search.' + +"'Let your King beware that he listens well to all who come to his +court on every Pentecost. And though they who search may not be +overstrong, yet while they seek it they will find in themselves many +men's strength.' + +"And then he left me. But even after he was gone I dreamt on. And I +say to you, oh men of England, go you forth and seek this Holy Grail, +if within you, you know that you are pure of heart and noble. If you +are not, go then and seek to be purified for that is possible. Only +one of you will find the Holy Grail, yet is there great glory in the +search. May he who finds it and all the rest who search for it bring +greater fame and worthiness to this our land and to him who is our +King." + +Now Merlin turned to seat himself. But yet before he found his place +every man within the hall stood up prepared to make oath then and +there to begin the search. Only two kept still, nor did they move. One +was Sir Launcelot, the other the youth Allan. + +But quick as they who upstood, Merlin spoke again. And though his +voice was low, yet was it heard throughout the hall. + +"Pledge not yourself today, nor yet tomorrow. Go you hence, first. In +your innermost heart find answer to this question. Am I pure, am I +worthy for the search? For that you must be before any pledge +suffices." + +Silent and thoughtful the men found each his seat. And when all had +been seated, Arthur, King, arose. + +"Wouldst that I felt myself worthy. Yet from this day shall I strive +to the uttermost for the time when I shall feel that I am." + +And throughout the hall came answering vows: "So shall we all." Within +his heart, Allan, the youth, felt a strange radiancy, as he too made +this vow, "So shall I." + + + + +CHAPTER SIX + +Yosalinde + + +Now came Pentecost and brought with it to King Arthur's Tournament +brave knights from everywhere. Distant Normandy, the far shores of +Ireland, sent each the flower of its knighthood. Scotland's king was +there, the brave Cadoris, to answer the challenge of the King of +Northgalis who was also present. Ban, King of Northumberland, had +come. Sir Palomides came too, and it was he who was declared, by many +to be the bravest and the most skillful of all of Britain's knights. +Yet there were equal number and more who held the same for both Sir +Launcelot and for Sir Tristram. Sir Lauvecor, leading a hundred +knights, came late, with the blessing of his father, who was none +other than King of Ireland. + +A brave show they all made, these many knights seeking adventure, and +each, as he so easily bestrode his steed, found it hard matter to find +comrade and friend, for the many who were there. Gay were the colors +each knight wore and on some fortune had smiled, for these carried +token of some fair lady. Of fair ladies there were many to watch the +deeds of skill and bravery and most beautiful of them all, was +Arthur's queen, Guenever. + +Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine had found no need to journey to +Cornwall. For word had come that Sir Tristram had had a bitter quarrel +with King Mark and had left his court carrying that wicked King's +curse. Tristram had made final demand on the traitorous King to +release the maiden Beatrice whom he was holding for ransom and this +the King had had no mind to do. Then had the bold knight himself made +for the door of the great dungeon and with hilt of sword knocked long +and loud to summon the keeper. And when the door was opened this same +keeper could not withstay him, nor would he. Then had Tristram carried +the maiden to point of safety and so earned her gratitude. Nor would +any knight of King Mark take issue with him for none felt the King's +deed to be knightly. And though the King made pretense of bearing no +ill will, yet did Sir Tristram leave Cornwall that same day. + +And Sir Gawaine knew not whether to be pleased or otherwise at the +news. + +"I would have fancied making rescue of the Lady Beatrice myself. And +fancied even more to have told King Mark the scurvy knave I deem him; +yet I doubt not Sir Tristram did the deed well and since it leaves me +free to stay and have part in the jousting, I am not displeased." + +"And methinks," added Sir Launcelot, "Sir Tristram will make his way +hither, for tournament such as this holds all alluring call." + +King Arthur, together with Ban of Northumberland, and Sir Percival +were declared the judges for all but the last of the three days. + +Now then Sir Percival, finding a moment's brief respite, followed by +his page rode to the palace where sat his mother and two sisters. +There he found Sir Uwaine already in deep converse with Helene, who +was the older of the two maidens and whose knight he was. + +"See you, son, there do be knights who find time to pay respect to us, +even though our own are slower footed." So spoke the Lady Olande yet +did it jestingly and with no intent to hurt for she had great love for +her son. + +"And I doubt not, Uwaine does make up for any seeming lack of mine," +replied Sir Percival. "If, mother mine, I were not made a judge, my +time would be more my own. + +"But here, I must have lost what manners I have been taught. Mother, +this is Allan who is my page, and these, Allan, are my sisters Helene +and Yosalinde. Allan is son of Sir Gaunt, whom you all know. Forgive +my not making you known before this, lad." + +Pleasantly did the ladies greet him and so well that he found no +embarrassment therewith. And so now Sir Percival turned and spoke in +low tones to his mother. Sir Uwaine and his lady walked away, claiming +that they must give greeting to certain high ladies. And therewith +left Allan, the boy, and Yosalinde, who was even younger than he, to +themselves. + +Allan strove to speak but found he could not and so sat on horse +waiting. The girl calmly watched him from her place, yet was there +mischief in her eyes. + +"If you would, you may dismount from your horse and find place hither. +There is room, as you see," she suggested. + +The lad looked uncertain. Yet Sir Percival had already found place +next to his mother and was now in earnest converse. So he found he +could not do otherwise. + +Now Yosalinde laughed at what showed so plainly his unwillingness to +sit beside her. + +"I shall not bite you. See how harmless I am? No witch, I hope, you +think I am. For shame that youth, who would be brave knight, should +fear a lady and in especial one so young as I." + +"I fear you not," replied Allan hotly. + +"Then perhaps you dislike me?" the minx questioned innocently. + +"Certes, no. How could I?" the guileless youth replied. + +"Then you do like me? Although I doubt I find any pride in that since +I must need force the words from you." + +At a loss now the lad could not answer. For the girl had better of him +because of her quick tongue and he found she twisted his words and +meaning to suit her taste. Yet finally, she turned the talk and so +Allan found himself telling her of his high hopes. So simply too, +without boasting, he told her of the fine words of Arthur to him. And +last, because it had made its deep impress upon him, he spoke of +Merlin's dream. And of this Yosalinde, now serious and wide eyed, +questioned him closely, and soon knew all that he did. + +So now Percival uprose and made ready to return to his duties. So +therefore, too, did Allan, and found he now felt more at ease and +without constraint of the girl. + +"I _like_ you, Allan, and I say it though I should make it harder +for you to know, than it was for me. I give you my friendship and if +it help you, take this ring and wear it. May it serve you in time of +stress. And at all times consider it token of your lady." + +And then once again the laughing, teasing minx, she, added: + +"Yet, after all, you are but a boy and I am no less a girl. Yet, let +us make-believe, you a bold knight and I your lady. Mayhap it may be +true some day." + +So she was gone now to her mother leaving Allan with stirred feelings +and somewhat in a dream, too. For Sir Percival had to call twice to +him before he mounted his own horse. And even as they both made their +way, he turned his head back to see if he could perceive aught of this +strange girl. And thought he saw a waving hand but was not sure. + + + + +CHAPTER SEVEN + +The Tournament + + +On the first of the three days of the tournament there were great +feats of wrestling and trials of archery. So too did yeomen prove +their skill with mace and clubs. Foot races were many. And constant +flow of ale and food so that none among the yeomen and even of the +varlets found aught to want. Many fools there were too and these +pleased all mightily. + +But as the day advanced of all the yeomen but a half dozen remained +for the wrestling. And for each of these but one, there was high +acclaim from those other yeomen who were there and from such knights +as owed fealty to selfsame banner. And of the archers too, but very +few remained for last tests of skill. + +For the one yeoman, who wore green tunic and red cap, there was none +to cheer. A stranger, he kept silent and yet was equally skillful with +the best. He had entered himself for the archery prize and for the +wrestling. + +"Dost know this knave?" asked King Arthur of Sir Percival. + +"Only that he belongs not to any of us of the Round Table," replied +Percival. + +"Is he forsooth one of your men, worthy Ban?" + +"I would he were, Arthur, yet is he not." + +Now Sir Percival rode forward and divided these last six wrestlers +into teams. Yet did this man prove victor for he had a wondrous hold +which none of the others knew. And when he had won, so turned he to +watch and join in the archery. And as he watched came there knaves to +him and mocked him. + +"Faith though you wrestle well," one spoke, "it doth not make you an +archer. For here you find true archery than which none can do better." + +"And I carry a club I would fain try on your thick skull," said +another who was even less gentle spoken. + +"Of a good time, my friend, and you may," replied the lone knave. + +"No such time befits the same as now," replied the first knave. + +"If they will wait for my trial with bow and arrow I would be the last +to keep you waiting." So spoke the stranger. + +So then one of the knaves hurried away and received permission. + +"Then furnish me a club," said the stranger. + +"Here then is mine," offered the third knave. + +Yet, forsooth, the club was but a sorry one and so the unknown would +not use it. + +"Then show you a coward's heart," replied he who would strive with +him. And then the three rushed upon the stranger and would do him +hurt. + +So now came bearing down on the three none other than Allan who had +overheard the parley. + +"For shame, knaves. No true men would treat stranger so. He asks +nothing more than is fair. Give him a club of his choosing." + +"Of a faith, young master, this quarrel is none of yours, and warrants +no interference. Leave this fellow to us, and we shall give him +clubbing of his choosing." And the man who addressed the boy, though +he looked not straight at him, growled surlily. + +"I shall give you a thrashing, fool, unless you do my bidding," +replied the boy, hotly. + +But the three surly brutes moved uneasily. And then came Sir Percival +forward. + +"What have we here?" he asked. + +So Allan waited for the men to say. But they, now frightened, made no +spoken word. + +"These knaves would play foul tricks on this strange fellow. This one, +would strive with him and yet would not offer other club than this. +And when the stranger asked to have one of his choice they called him +coward and would beat him." + +"And I doubt not, fools, this club you offer will not stand one blow." +So Sir Percival brought it down on the first knave's head, and, lo, +though the blow was not a hard one, yet did the club break in two. + +"So methought. Now go you Allan and get club that will do. And then +will you, stranger, give this villain a sound trouncing." And Sir +Percival stayed so that the troublemakers did not depart. + +So Allan brought a club which suited the stranger. + +Now did the two battle long and well. Both the stranger and he who +fought with him were of great strength and each was exceeding quick. + +As wood struck wood and each tried to get full blow upon the other, so +turned all eyes upon the two. And except for glancing blows neither +could bring the other down. And though the sparks flew, yet each held +his club and was hardly hurt. So now they rested for a few moments. + +And while they waited, the stranger turned to Allan and spoke. + +"I thank you for your brave upstanding of me, young master. And I hope +some day I may serve you equally well." + +"You are a worthy man. Serve me now by trouncing the knave who battles +with you." + +"I can but try, yet right skillful is the fellow." + +So they turned to again. Yet this time the stranger fought the better. +Soon the other was forced back, foot by foot. And even as the stranger +seemed to have all the best of it, his foot seeming slipped, and he +went to his knees. + +Fiercely the other came upon him. Yet as he came closer the stranger's +club moved swiftly. From out the seeming victor's hand flew his mighty +club and next second found him clubbed to the ground, senseless. + +Now the stranger sat himself down for he needed rest sorely. But only +for a little while and thereafter he turned to try his skill with bow +and arrow. And though he had shown skill in all of the other feats he +proved his mastery here. For he was wondrous expert in his archery. + +"Here you, is fair target," he finally suggested after many trials. +And went to distant tree and removed from bough upon it, all its +leaves but one. + +"Shoot you all at this. And if you bring it down I will call you +skillful." + +But only one would try for it. And he came close but missed. + +Now did the stranger raise his own bow. Nor did he seem to take aim +but let the arrow fly. And the arrow carried the twig and leaf with it +to the ground. + +"Of a truth," said King Arthur, "a right worthy knave is that and I +would speak to him." + +So they brought the stranger before the king. + +"Thou hast done exceeding well, this day, fellow. Tell us then the +banner that you serve." + +"That I cannot do. For, sire, such are my master's commands. Yet may +I say no knight is more true and worthy." + +"Then must we wait for your master's coming. Go thou hence and tell +your master he can be proud of thee. And take you this bag of gold +besides such other prizes as are yours." So as the knave stood there, +the King turned to Sir Dagonet, his jester, who was making himself +heard. + +"A fool speaks, sire. Yet claim I, like master like man. So then must +this fellow's master be right skillful to hold him. And since this +master is not you, nor Sir Launcelot, then I pick him to be Sir +Tristram." + +"Fool's reasoning, yet hath it much sense," said the King. + +Now the stranger left. But ere departing, he turned to Allan. + +"I trust, young master, I shall see you again. As to who I am, know +you for your own keeping--fools ofttimes reason best of all." + +The yeoman rode far into the forest. Then when he came to a lone +habitation he dismounted. A knight seated near the small window at the +further wall greeted him as he entered. + +"How did the day turn out? No doubt they trounced you well." + +"No, master, no trouncing did I get. Instead, the good King spoke +pleasantly unto me, gave me this bag of gold, and commended me to my +master. Furthermore, see you these prizes that are mine?" + +"Aye," the yeoman continued, not a bit grieved at the knight's banter, +"I even heard the King's fool remark that since the man was so good, +the master need must be. And then and there he hazarded a shrewd guess +that if this master were not the King, nor Sir Launcelot, then it must +need be you." + +"Then truly am I in good company. Now then tell me what news is there +of tomorrow?" + +"The King of Northgalis desires your aid. That I heard him say. Sir +Launcelot is to joust for Cadoris as is Sir Palomides, and these two, +of a truth, make it one-sided." + +"Worthy Gouvernail, prove again my faith in you. Procure for me a +shield, one that holds no insignia, so that I may enter the lists +unbeknownst to any. I would not have them know I am Tristram, so that +it may be my good fortune to joust with many knights who know me not." + +"That, good master, is not hard. I know a place where I can obtain a +black shield, one that holds no other remembrance upon it. It should +serve your purpose well." + +"By my faith, did ever better knave serve master? Right proud of you +am I, Gouvernail. And would that I too had bags of gold I could give +you for your loyal service." + +"Nay, master, such service as I give I measure not by aught that you +can pay." + +"That do I know full well, else had you left me long since, for little +have I paid," Sir Tristram answered, soft spoken and with great +affection. + + + + +CHAPTER EIGHT + +Sir Tristram's Prowess + + +So the next day Sir Tristram, carrying the black shield, went forth to +enter the lists. And none knew him. The great conflict had already +begun when he arrived. He found himself a place among those knights +who jousted for Northgalis. And very soon all perceived that this +knight with the black shield was skillful and strong. Well and lustily +did he battle and none could withstand him. Yet did he not meet with +Sir Launcelot nor with Sir Palomides, on this first day. Nor did any +know him, but all marveled at his worth and bravery. + +So, as the day was done, this Unknown and his servant, Gouvernail, +rode back into the forest. And none followed him for he was a brave +knight and all respected him and his desire to stay unknown. Yet did +the judges declare the side of Northgalis victor and as for single +knight, the most worthy was the Unknown. And he was called "the Knight +of the Black Shield." + +Now as the judges' duties were done, King Arthur showed how wroth he +was that strange knight had carried off such great honors. + +"Yet do we hope tomorrow shall show other reckoning than this. For +good Launcelot shall be there and so shall we." + +On the morn the heralds called forth the brave knights once again. And +with the call came the "Knight of the Black Shield." + +Sir Palomides was await for him, eager and alert, to be the first to +joust. And so they, like great hounds, went at each other. And truly, +Sir Tristram found his foe a worthy one. Long did they joust without +either besting the other until he of the black shield by great skill +and fine force brought down a mighty blow and did smite Sir Palomides +over his horse's croup. But now as the knight fell King Arthur was +there and he rode straight at the unknown knight shouting, "Make thee +ready for me!" Then the brave sovereign, with eager heart, rode +straight at him and as he came, his horse reared high. And such was +the King's strength he unhorsed Sir Tristram. + +Now, while the latter was on foot, rode full tilt upon him, Sir +Palomides, and would have borne him down but that Sir Tristram was +aware of his coming, and so lightly stepping aside, he grasped the arm +of the rider and pulled him from his horse. The two dashed against +each other on foot and with their swords battled so well that kings +and queens and knights and their ladies stood and beheld them. But +finally the Unknown smote his foe three mighty blows so that he fell +upon the earth groveling. Then did they all truly wonder at his skill +for Sir Palomides was thought by many to be the most skillful knight +in Britain. + +A knight now brought horse for Sir Tristram, for now, all knew that it +must be he. So too was horse brought for Sir Palomides. Great was the +latter's ire and he came at Sir Tristram again. Full force, he bore +his lance at the other. And so anew they fought. Yet Sir Tristram was +the better of the two and soon with great strength he got Sir +Palomides by the neck with both hands and so pulled him clean out of +his saddle. Then in the presence of them all, and well they marveled +at his deed, he rode ten paces carrying the other in this manner and +let him fall as he might. + +Sir Tristram turned now again and saw King Arthur with naked sword +ready for him. The former halted not, but rode straight at the King +with his lance. But as he came, the King by wondrous blow sent his +weapon flying and for a moment Sir Tristram was stunned. And as he sat +there upon his horse the King rained blows upon him and yet did the +latter draw forth his sword and assail the King so hard that he need +must give ground. Then were these two divided by the great throng. But +Sir Tristram, lion hearted, rode here and there and battled with all +who would. And of the knights who opposed him he was victor of eleven. +And all present marveled at him, at his strength and at his great +deeds. + +Yet had he not met Sir Launcelot, who elsewhere was meeting with all +who would strive with him. Not many, however, would joust with him for +he was known as the very bravest and most skillful. So as he sat there +all at ease, there came the great acclaim for the Knight of the Black +Shield. Nor did Sir Launcelot know him to be Sir Tristram. But he got +his great lance and rushed toward the cry. When he saw this strange +knight he called to him, "Knight of the Black Shield, prepare for me." + +And then came such jousting as had never been seen. For each knight +bowed low his head and came at the other like the wind. When they met +it was very like thunder. Flashed lance on shields and armor so that +sparks flew. And each would not give to the other one step but by +great skill with shield did avoid the best of each other's blows. + +Then did Sir Tristram's lance break in two, and Sir Launcelot, through +further ill fortune, wounded Sir Tristram in his left side. But +notwithstanding, the wounded knight brought forth his sword and rushed +daringly at the other with a force that Sir Launcelot could not +withstand, and gave him a fearful blow. Low in his saddle sagged Sir +Launcelot, exceeding weak for many moments. Now Sir Tristram left him +so and rode into the forest. And after him followed Gouvernail, his +servant. + +Sore wounded was Sir Tristram yet made he light of it. Sir Launcelot +on his part recovered soon and turned back to the tourney, and +thereafter did wondrous deeds and stood off many knights, together and +singly. + +Now again was the day done and the tournament, too. And to Sir +Launcelot was given full honor as victor of the field. But naught +would Sir Launcelot have of this. He rode forthwith to his King. + +"Sire, it is not I but this knight with the Black Shield who has shown +most marvelous skill of all. And so I will not have these prizes for +they do not belong to me." + +"Well spoken, Sir Launcelot and like thy true self," replied the King. +"So since this knight is gone, will you go forth with us within the +fortnight in search for him. And unless we are in great error we shall +find this Knight of the Black Shield no more, no less, than Sir +Tristram." + + + + +CHAPTER NINE + +The Kitchen Boy + + +Among all those who came to the court of King Arthur at this Pentecost +seeking hospitality, were two strangers in especial, who because of +being meanly garbed and of a seeming awkwardness brought forth the +mockery and jest of Sir Kay the Seneschal. Nor did Sir Kay mean harm +thereby, for he was knight who held no villainy. Yet was his tongue +overly sharp and too oft disposed to sting and mock. + +Too, the manner of their coming was strange. One was a youth of +handsome mien. Despite his ill garb, he seemed of right good worship. +Him, our young page Allan found fallen in a swoon, very weak and near +unto death, asprawl on the green about a mile from the castle. +Thinking that the man was but a villain, he would fain have called one +of the men-at-arms to give him aid, but that something drew him to +closer view. And then the boy felt certain that this was no villain +born for his face bespoke gentle breeding. So he himself hastened for +water and by much use of it the man soon opened his eyes and found +himself. So he studied the lad as he helped him to greater ease but +either through his great weakness or no desire he did not speak. + +"Stranger," said Allan to the man, "if there is aught that I can do +for you or if I can help you in any way I give you offer of service. +Mayhap of the many knights who are here, there is one whose aid you +may justly claim." + +The stranger held answer for many moments, then he spoke. + +"There are those here, lad, whose service I may well accept for they +hold ties of blood to me. But I would not. Rather, if your patience +will bear with me, I would fain have your help so that I can appear in +the presence of the King this day. For so it is ordained and by +appearing there I shall find some part of my row accomplished. On this +holy day, I have boon to ask from your King." + +"So shall I and right gladly lead you there. Good sir, my name is +Allan. I am page to Sir Percival, and I would bespeak your name." + +"I beg of thee, Allan, think not that I am churlish and yet must I +withhold my name. For it is part of the vow I have made. Nor, +forsooth, am I therefore the less grateful." + +"No offense take I, friend. So when you feel disposed I shall guide +your steps for audience with our good King." + +The stranger, weak and spent, leaning mightily on his young friend +made his way to the great hall. And as we have recounted, though all +were struck by oddness and meanness of the stranger's clothes, yet +only Sir Kay made point to taunt him. Yet did he make no answer to +these taunts but waited with a great meekness for his turn before the +King. And that he should wait with such meekness was strange for he +seemed to be a high born knight. + +There were many who sought audience with the King and it was long +before the stranger's turn came. Weak he still was, but he made no +complaint, and when others would crowd before him so that they could +speak the sooner to King Arthur, he did not chide them but permitted +it. At last Sir Launcelot came forward, for he had observed this and +made each of them find the place which was first theirs, so that the +stranger's turn came as it should. Weak though he was he walked with a +great firmness to the dais, and none there saw his poor clothes for +the fineness of him. The King turned to him and he nodded kindly. + +"Speak, friend. In what way can we be of service to thee?" + +"Sire," said the stranger, "I come to ask of thee three boons. One I +ask this day and on this day one year I shall come before you and +crave your favor for the other two." + +"If the boon you ask, stranger, is aught we can grant, we shall do so +cheerfully, for on this day we heed all prayers." + +"I ask very little, sire. This and no more do I wish--that you give +me food and drink for one year and that on this day a year hence I +shall make my other two prayers." + +"It is indeed little you ask. Food and drink we refuse none. It is +here. Yet while your petition might well beseem a knave, thou seemeth +of right good worship, a likely youth, too, none fairer, and we would +fain your prayer had been for horse and armor. Yet may you have your +wish. Sir Kay," and the King turned to his Seneschal, "see you to it +that this stranger finds his wish satisfied." + +So the King turned to others present, for of those who sought audience +there were many. And so forgot all of the fair youth for many a day. + +Sir Kay laughed mockingly at the unknown. + +"Of a truth this is villain born. For only such would ask for food and +drink of the King. So therefore he shall find place in our kitchen. He +shall help there, he shall have fat broth to satisfy himself and in a +year no hog shall be fatter. And we shall know him as the Kitchen +Boy." + +"Sir Kay," frowned Sir Launcelot, "I pray you cease your mocking. It +is not seemly. This stranger, whosoever he may be, has right to make +whatsoever request he wishes." + +"Nay, Sir Launcelot, of a truth, as he is, so has he asked." + +"Yet I like not your mocking," said Sir Launcelot as he looked +frowningly at Sir Kay, while next to him stood Sir Gawaine and Sir +Percival, neither of whom could scarce contain himself. + +"It is well, we know you, Sir Kay. Or, by our guardian saints we would +make you answer for your bitter tongue. But that we know it belies a +heart of kindness we would long since have found quarrel with you." So +spoke Sir Percival and Sir Gawaine nodded in assent. + +"Stay not any quarrel for any seeming knowledge of me, kind friends," +frowned back Sir Kay. + +But the two knights moved away. Sir Kay was of great shame. And so to +cover it he turned to the stranger in great fury. "Come then to your +kennel, dog," he said. + +Out flashed the sword of Sir Gawaine. Yet did Sir Launcelot withhold +him. + +"Sir, I beg you to do me honor of feasting with us this day?" + +"I thank you Sir Launcelot. Yet must I go with Sir Kay and do his +bidding. There do be knights well worth their places at the Round +Table. And I note right well that they set high example to those who +are still but lads and who are to become knights in good time. So to +you all I give my thanks." + +Then followed the stranger after Sir Kay while the three knights and +Allan watched him go and marveled at his meekness. + + + + +CHAPTER TEN + +Pentecost + + +And so in turn came the second stranger before King Arthur. Poorly +clothed, too, yet had his coat once been rich cloth of gold. Now it +sat most crookedly upon him and was cut in many places so that it but +barely hung upon his shoulders. + +"Sire," said the stranger, "you are known everywhere as the noblest +King in the world. And for that reason I come to you to be made +knight." + +"Knights, good friend," replied the King, "are not so easily made. +Such knights as we do appoint must first prove their worth. We know +thee not, stranger, and know not the meaning of thy strange garb. For +truly, thou art a strange sight." + +"I am Breunor le Noire and soon you will know that I am of good kin. +This coat I wear is token of vow made for vengeance. So, I found it on +my slain father and I seek his slayer. This day, oh King, I go forth +content, if you make promise that should I perform knightly deed you +will dub me knight of yours." + +"Go thou forth, then. We doubt not that thou wilt prove thy true valor +and be worthy of knighthood. Yet proof must be there." + +On this selfsame day, Breunor le Noire departed. + +Next morn, the King together with Sir Launcelot, Sir Percival, Sir +Gawaine, Sir Pellimore, Sir Gilbert, Sir Neil and Sir Dagonet, indeed +a right goodly party, prepared to depart. Nor did they purpose to +return until they met with Sir Tristram, for King Arthur was of great +desire to have this good knight as one of the Round Table. + +Now as these, the flower of King Arthur's court, were waiting for Sir +Dagonet who was to be with them and who had delayed, Sir Launcelot saw +Allan the boy watching them from the side. Saw too, the great wish in +the lad's eyes. Nor did Allan see himself observed for Sir Launcelot +was not then with the others. + +A thought came to this fine spirited knight and it brought great and +smiling good humor to his lips. He rode to Sir Percival's side and the +two whispered for many moments. Then did the two speak to the King and +he laughed, but did not turn to gaze at the boy. Sir Gawaine now +joined in the whispering. Then did all four laugh with great +merriment. So Sir Pellimore and the other knights inquired the cause +for the merriment and, being told, laughed too. Kindly was the +laughter, strong men these who could yet be gentle. Sir Launcelot now +turned and rode hard at the boy. + +"And wherefore, lad," and dark was his frown and greatly wroth he +seemed, "do you stand here watching? Rude staring yours and no fit +homage to pay your betters. Perchance, we may all be displeased, the +King, Sir Percival, and all of us." + +Now the lad's eyes clouded. To have displeased these knights, the +greatest men in all the world, for so he thought them. Then and there +he wished he could die. Woe had the knight's words brought to him. + +"Indeed, and I meant no disrespect, Sir Launcelot. Indeed--" and said +no more for he knew he would weep if he spoke further. So he saw not +the dancing laughter in the knight's eye, nor the wide grins on the +faces of the others. + +"Yet we must punish thee, lad. So then prepare you to accompany us. +Get your horse at once. Nor will we listen to any prayer you may make +for not going because of your youth." + +Agape, Allan turned to look at him. For he knew he could not have +heard aright. But now, as he looked, he saw that Sir Launcelot was +laughing and then as he turned wondering, he saw his own lord and the +King and the other knights watching him with great glee. + +"You mean then, that I--I--may go with all of you!" + +And then so that there would be no chance of its being otherwise, he +rushed in mad haste to get his horse. Joy was the wings which made his +feet fly. He came back in quick time, a bit uncertain, riding forward +slowly, diffidently, and stopped a little way from them, awaiting +word. Then did Sir Launcelot ride to him and place kindly arm about +the youth and bring him among them all. + +Now Sir Dagonet was with them and they rode forth. + +With the equipage came the hounds, for the first day of their journey +was to be given over to hunting. There came also the master of the +hounds who was to return with them at the close of the hunt. + +None other than the great Launcelot rode with Allan and none sat +straighter and more at ease in his saddle than the boy as they passed +the Queen, the Lady Olande, her two daughters and many other ladies of +the realm. Nor did the boy see any other than the minx Yosalinde. But +she--she did not seem to find him among the knights, yet he wondered +how she could help but see him. He would have liked to call to her, +"See, here am I among all these brave knights." Instead he rode past +very erect. If she would not see him, what matter, since, he was +there, one of the company. + +Then, of a sudden, she smiled straight at him. So that for him was the +full glory of the world. And we doubt not, for that smile he would +have fought the bravest knight in all the world and found man's +strength therein. + +Now the company found itself in the woods and many hours journey away. +So they rode hard for they liked not to tarry on the road. + +Long after midday, King Arthur and his men spread out for the hunt. +The forest in which they now found themselves held game and wild +animals in plenty. Soon thereafter did the hounds give tongue for they +had found the scent. No mean prey had they found though, for the +quarry gave them a long race. Close behind the hounds came King Arthur +and almost as close, Sir Percival and Sir Launcelot. + +Now, at last, the stag, a noble animal with wondrous horns, lithe body +and beautifully shaped limbs was at bay. Straight and true, at its +throat, flew the leader of the pack, and sank its teeth deep into it, +while above the King blew loud and long the death note of the chase. +No need for other hounds nor for weapons of the men. + +Dark had stolen over the forest when the men with huge appetites came +to sup. Juicy venison steak was there, so was the wild duck and the +pheasant in plenty. To the full they ate as did the few men at arms +that were with them. + +Yet none stayed awake long thereafter. It had been an arduous day. +Allan alone was wide-awake; his eyes would not close. And he knew of a +certainty that he was the most fortunate lad in all the world. When he +should become a man, he would be--well, he was not certain whether he +would be like unto the King, Sir Percival or Sir Launcelot. Yes, he +did know, he would be like them all. Now there came mixed thoughts of +a maid who waved her hand and smiled at him. And he felt of a +precious ring upon his finger. + +So now his eyes closed; he found himself seeking the Holy Grail. And +during all of the night dreamed that he had found it. + + + + +CHAPTER ELEVEN + +Allan Meets a Stranger + + +The noble cortege, after the first day's hunt, continued on its +journey. + +It had reached Leek, in Stafford on the morn of the fifth day ere word +came of Sir Tristram. Here, was heard from some, Sir Tristram was then +on way to Scotland, and from still others, that he was bound for +Kinkenadon in Wales. + +"By my faith," spoke Sir Gawaine, "there are none that are more ready +to testify to Sir Tristram's greatness and ability, too. Yet still, +have I many doubts as to his being both on way to Scotland and to +Wales as well." + +"If it were left to me," said Sir Dagonet, "I would hie me to Ireland. +A likely spot to find him, say I. For there are none who have said +that they know of the good knight's journey thitherward." + +"We, for ourselves, think it best," the king interrupted, "to tarry +here this day. Our comrade, Pellimore, expresses great desire to have +us partake of his hospitality and we are fain, so to do. What say +you?" + +"It were wisdom to do so, methinks," agreed Sir Percival. "Tomorrow +we may find here some further news of Sir Tristram's way." + +"Aye, sir knights," added Sir Launcelot, "for we need must know +whether we continue our travel north or west from this point." + +So all of them were housed within the castle walls. And Sir Pellimore +spread bounteous feast before his guests at midday for he held it high +honor to be host to such as these. + +Now, as the repast had been completed, Allan grew restless. He was of +a mind to ride forth and so craved permission from Sir Percival who +gave ready consent. + +Forth he went and rode for many an hour. And then, since the day had +great heat, he found himself turn drowsy. Thereupon finding a +pleasant, shaded spot, he quickly made a couch of cedar boughs and +soon was fast asleep. + +It seemed to the boy he had slept but few moments when his eyes opened +wide with the certainty that other eyes were directed upon him. Nor +was this mere fancy nor dream. Near him sat a monk, and from under the +black hood the face that peered forth at him was gaunt, cadaverous, +with eyes that seemed to burn straight through the lad. But for the +eyes, this figure could well have been carven, so still and immovable +did it sit there and gaze at the youth. Nor did the monk speak far +many minutes even though he must have known that the boy was awake and +watching him. + +The sun now hung low in the sky. Allan knew that he must have been +asleep for at least two hours. He knew, too, that he should rise and +return to the castle, since the hour was already late and his time +overspent. Yet did the monk's eyes hold him to the spot. Nor was the +thing that held him there fear; rather could it be described as the +feeling one has before a devout, sacred and holy presence. Despite the +holy man's unworthy aspect he inspired no fear in the lad. + +"Allan, boy," and the lad wondered that the monk knew him by name, +"two things I know have been chief in your thoughts these days." Kindly +was the monk's tone. "What then are these two things?" + +No thought had the boy of the oddness of the monk's words, nor of his +questions. Nor of the fact that the monk seemed to be there present. +Somehow, the whole of it took on some great purport. Allan stopped +not to wonder, which the two things the monk mentioned were uppermost +in his mind but straightway made reply. + +"Strange monk, I think and dream of the Holy Grail. And think too of +Yosalinde, sister to my Lord Percival. And of naught else so much. But +pray you, holy father, who are you? + +"Truth, lad. As to who I am or as to where I come, know you this. I +come to you from that same place as do all dreams. + +"Aye lad. Dreaming and fancying shall ever be yours. These son, shall +bring you the visions of tomorrow and many another day. + +"I have come to tell you this, lad. But two years or more and you +shall start in earnest on your search for the Grail. And whether you +find the same, I shall not and cannot say, for the finding depends on +you. The way shall be hard, youth of many dreams, though you will have +help and guidance, too. But the great inspiration for it all shall +come to you from the second of these, your two big thoughts. + +"I sought you many a day, lad. Merlin has sounded the message for me +to all the knights of Britain. Once before, years ago, I came to find +the likely seeker for the Grail and thought that I had found him. Yet +did the crucible's test find some alloy and so I had need to come +again. + +"Then," said Allan but barely comprehending, "you are none other than +Sir Joseph of Armathea." + +"Lad, it matters not as to who and what I am. It is of you, we are now +concerned. Dear, dear, lad, they shall name you again and the name +which shall be yours shall ever after be symbolic with the very best +that manhood holds." + +"Go your way, now. For I must speak with many more this day ere I +return. A knight comes but now, with whom I must hold counsel. And I +would fain speak to him, alone." + +"True, father, I had best go. For Sir Percival will think me +thoughtless, if not worse. As to what you have said, I can do but that +best which is in me and ever seek to make that best better. And so, I +ask your blessing." + +The boy knelt. The monk, lean, black cowled, eyes glowing with a light +that held the supernatural, placed hand upon the boy's head and gave +him blessing. So then the boy mounted horse and was away. + +He rode hard for he held great anxiety to return quickly. And all the +time he rode he thought of the things the strange monk had told him, +Some of it, he did not altogether understand. That was because of his +youthfulness. It was to come back to him when many months had passed. +This however, he knew, he was destined to make search for the Holy +Grail. For so, the holy man had ordained. + +Sir Percival, a bit anxious, was waiting for the lad when he returned. + +"I went far and then fell asleep," Allan explained. "Nor did I awaken +until the sun hung low." He did not speak of the meeting with the +monk. + +"It is well you are back, lad. For I was fast growing worried over the +lateness of your return. Turn in then. I wot not, but that food will +be found for you on which you can sup. Sir Launcelot went forth some +hours ago. I fancy he went in search of you, though he would not admit +this to be the purpose of his departure." + + + + +CHAPTER TWELVE + +The Stranger and Sir Launcelot + + +Let us then turn to Sir Launcelot now making his way along the road +over which Allan had been seen to depart. Though the knight had +denied that he purposed to seek the lad, yet had his horse taken that +way. A growing fondness for the boy which he had not made too obvious, +for it was not his wont to show too easily his feelings. Display or +show of emotion ever embarrassed him. He had noted the long absence of +Allan and so had mounted his horse intent to all appearance on a short +canter. + +Half way to where Allan had made his couch, the road over which he had +ridden branched right and left and some miles down came together +again. Now when Allan returned he took the road to his right having +ridden the other way earlier in the day. Sir Launcelot made for the +road to the right of him and so missed the boy returning. + +He found himself at the place at which the boy had slept. He +dismounted to observe more closely. Then he beheld the holy man as he +stepped from the shadows. + +"Good day to you, holy father," the knight greeted him. + +"God's blessing stay with thee, son. I have been expecting thee." + +"Nay, father, not me. Other knight, mayhap. For I knew not myself I +would be here." + +"Yet did I know, Sir Launcelot. You came here to seek the youth Allan +and knew not that you came in obedience to greater will than your own. +And having come, you must, prithee, listen to the things that must be +told you." + +"Launcelot," and the monk spoke sternly and yet with great sadness, +"as measured by men thou art the bravest knight in Christendom. +Chivalrous, strong, yet gentle and ever ready to succor the weak and +distressed. Your name shall be emblazoned as symbolic of chivalry." +The strange man paused for a time. + +"I speak now of the Holy Grail," he resumed. "Who would be better +fitted to seek and find the Holy Grail? Are there any who hold greater +desire to find the same? And who seeks to make himself more worthy?" + +"And yet, though you seek until Judgment Day you will never find it. +In the innermost soul of you, you know it to be so. The pity of it." + +"Strange monk," and a dull red mantled the knight's cheeks, "those are +bold words you speak. None but Launcelot himself can tell the things +he may or may not do. And since I am not in search of father +confessor, nor since I sought not this meeting, I pray thee offer not +your counsel nor advice." + +"The truth, then, sears, sir knight!" Now the monk's eyes flashed. +Straight and tall he stood and his lean figure held so much of that +which was not earthly, that even the mighty Launcelot was daunted. + +"Who then has more right or reason to tell you of these things. It is +I who first picked you, long since, as likely finder of the Holy +Grail. And when I found you slipping ever so little, and well you know +wherein you have failed me, I sent Merlin to all of you. For since he +on whom I had built my faith could not measure to the test I had +strong need to find someone else. + +"For Britain must hold the Grail. Somewhere in it, there must be the +man who measures up to the test, high though it be." + +"Son, son, the things you could have done. The fineness of you, +coarsened by the temptations you have met and not overcome. The joy +you have found in things that are sordid and count for so little." + +Low hung the knight's head, His anger had left him now. In its stead +was a deep humility. + +"Father, you bare my soul. And yet have I striven. High did I hold +the ideals which first inspired me, I have overcome much, have tried +to keep to the high set purpose. Yet I am but common clay, after all." + +"Nay, nay son. I would all men held half thy nobility. Only," and now +the monk's tone was again kindly, "there are some we weigh on much +finer scales than others. We ask more of them, seek more from them. +Forgive less, too. Perhaps we are wrong to desire so much from any +mortal soul. Yet have we faith,--we believe." + +"I find no complaint, holy father, in the measure you have set for me. +For I saw the things, I had the vision to see them. Saw too, the +things that were wrong even as I did these things." + +"Yet, my son, a great task shall be yours. Now of the boy Allan." The +monk paused. + +"What of him, father? A fine lad is he. So young, yet is he too, to be +burdened with great responsibilities? I pray thee, let him keep his +youth." + +"Launcelot, my son, when will you grow to thy true self? For there +lies your failure. You who took your responsibilities as burdens, when +you should have found great joy in that they were yours. Yet, now +listen to me as to this boy Allan. I have seen him this day, have +spoken to him of the Holy Grail. A dreaming youth, yet is he fired by +fine inspiration and great ideals. He is ordained to seek it. That +holds no strangeness for there are many such. As to whether he finds +it or not is dependent upon him, as it was once upon yourself. And +since you cannot find it, seek it as you will, I charge you with +helping him keep clean souled. Should he do so, ere many years will +pass, he may find it. For you, there will be the joy, the glory of +service, of having helped. Without your help, success for him will be +so much less likely. Will you help him Launcelot? Think well before +you make reply." + +Not at once did Sir Launcelot answer. Yet it was the best within him +that did give final utterance. + +"I promise you father, that such help as I can give the lad I shall. +Much have I learned. And with these things that I have learned he +shall be guided. No bitterness mine. Since I am not to be the finder +of the Holy Grail, I pledge you now my aid to Allan." + +"Launcelot, so little fails you for that needed greatness. None have +I loved so much. If you have sinned you have been great and glorious +even in the sinning. + +"Never have you been finer than now. Allan will need your help, your +strength. There shall be a maid too, to help him. The threads have +also been woven for that now. When the time shall come, you will call +this lad Galahad, the Chaste. Treat him ever as your son, Launcelot." + +"Son and comrade, too, he shall be for me. Father, I thank you." + +"So then I go, son. I could not love you more were you less a mortal +sinner." + + + + +CHAPTER THIRTEEN + +The Party Divides + + +When the morning came there was great indecision as to the further +way, for no new information had come of Sir Tristram. Sir Gawaine now +spoke for going north to Scotland. So too, was Sir Pellimore minded +and Sir Gilbert as well. But Sir Percival spoke for Wales and so did +Sir Neil. + +"As for me," said Sir Dagonet, "I pick Wales, since Kinkenadon is the +nearer to Ireland. My fool's head still fancies that we shall have +need to turn there ere we shall find this errant knight." + +Neither the King nor Sir Launcelot up to this time had expressed a +choice. But now the King vouchsafed a plan. + +"It seems to us good plan for our party to divide. Some of us to go +north, some west. You Launcelot could well go with one party and we +with the other. What say you friends?" + +That plan suited them all. So then the King went with Sir Gawaine, Sir +Pellimore, and Sir Gilbert, while Sir Launcelot accompanied Sir +Percival, Sir Neil, Sir Dagonet and Allan. With each party, too, went +three men-at-arms. + +Our way shall be with Sir Percival. + +At the end of the first half day they found themselves near the +crossroads of Nantwich. + +"We must soon find place for food," remarked Sir Percival and lustily +they all agreed. + +"See you castle beyond yonder crossroads?" questioned Sir Neil, "Sir +Manstor lives there with his three brothers. Right skillful knights +are these but woe the lone stranger who passes by. For these are +villainous four." + +"Right bitterly do you speak of them, Neil," remarked Sir Launcelot. +"And why?" + +"I pray fortune to permit me to meet with this Manstor. I stopped +there for food one day. Then did this knight, his brothers by his +side, demand the bag of gold I carried with me. Nor would single one +among them battle with me. It would have fared ill with me but for two +knights who passing by, came to my aid." + +"Our vow," said Sir Launcelot thoughtfully, "is to find Sir Tristram. +Yet can I see no harm in straying from our way an hour or two, can +you, Percival?" + +"Not if there is promise of such entertainment as this," was the +reply. + +"These knights," interrupted Sir Neil, "have stomach for neither joust +nor other encounter when the odds are not with them. Nor will they +venture to impede our way unless we number less than they." + +"If greater or equal number withholds them," said Sir Dagonet. "I +would favor them and withdraw. Then would there be one less doughty +sword." + +"Aye, Dagonet, we know your unselfish spirit," said Sir Neil and +laughed. + +"The knight does not live who has bested me, nevertheless," replied +the jester, with pretended heat. + +"The knight does not live who has had the chance," said Sir Percival. +"Yet we love you none the less, brother." + +Said now Sir Launcelot: "One of us could ride ahead. And, perchance, +these scheming knights will think that easy prey comes and so strive +to impede the way. Then when they bear down upon him we can appear and +give them such entertainment as they have not had in many a day." + +Now one of the men-at-arms came forward. + +"And if you will, masters, yonder cruel knight is cruel master as +well. And he holds my own brother within his prison walls for small +cause. So I pray you, masters, succor him." + +"Of a surety, Wonkin," said Sir Percival, "we shall make every effort +to set your brother free. Neil and I shall go forward and so find +ourselves seemingly enmeshed by them. Then will you, at proper time, +Launcelot, come forward. And if Dagonet so wishes, he can protect our +rear." + +The two knights then hurried on. They had not far to go to the turn of +the road and there the four knights within the castle grounds, seeing +them, stood watching for a moment or so. Then each mounted his horse +and in armor, rode forth from within the walls. + +"We are knights on way to Wales," said Sir Percival in mild tone. "We +seek food for our midday meal." + +"Food we will give you right gladly," replied the oldest of the four. +"But ask in payment such gold as you may have." + +"That would be poor bargain," replied Sir Percival, still mild spoken. +"We had liefer go our way to place which seeks not such high pay." + +"That may you well do, strangers, yet must you still leave your gold +behind. For we have great need of it." + +"Yet no greater need for it than have we. Come, comrade, we must be on +our way." So spoke Sir Percival to Sir Neil. And now the robber +knights were certain that these were but timid men. So out came their +swords as they rode at the two. But they found them ready and +watchful. And though the odds were two to one, it was not hard matter +to hold the robbers off until Sir Launcelot came charging into the +melee. + +As the four robbers turned to the newcomer and beheld his shield and +armor, they knew that it was Launcelot. And knew too that this was +trap set for them. Thereupon did Sir Manstor withdraw for the moment +from the struggle and blow horn he carried--two long and one short +note. + +One of the brothers had already been unhorsed and most grievously +wounded. Sir Manstor now came back to the aid of his brothers and of +them all he was most skillful. So Sir Launcelot turned to him and him, +the robber knight found more than a match. + +But from within the walls came forty and more men at arms, some with +bow and arrow and others with club and mace. And with them, two other +knights. + +When Sir Launcelot saw these, he called to his comrades. "Hard at +them, hard." + +For he had in mind to down these three before the others came. + +Then did the three, that is, Launcelot, Percival and Neil with +wondrous strength of arm, each by mighty blow, bring rider to the +ground. And Sir Manstor was dead because of the fearful blow of Sir +Launcelot. The other two were asprawl on the ground and but barely +moving. + +"I call this right skillfully done," said Sir Dagonet who now came +toward them. He had watched but had not joined in the struggle. + +Now, Wonkin and the two men at arms were there and so was Allan. + +"Will you, good men, try out your bows on these hinds who are coming +thitherward?" said Sir Percival. + +Straightway then there flew three well aimed arrows. Then others flew +and now answering arrows from the oncomers. But these did not harm +for Wonkin and the other two stood under cover of trees and so were +not easy targets. + +Twice more they let their arrows fly and five men of the forty had +been stopped. + +Now as the others came at them with clubs and mace, Sir Launcelot +commanded Wonkin and the other two to withdraw a hundred pace and from +there continue to let their arrows fly. And this was great wisdom for +else the three could not have long withstood the large number. + +So now the knights with their great lances fought off the villains and +the two knights who were with them. Very few who came within the reach +of the long weapons escaped. And from their place the three men at +arms shot arrow after arrow into the attackers. + +Three of the knaves had hold of Sir Percival's horse and thereupon +others swarmed upon him and what with the blows of their maces and +clubs, he was in sorry plight. Nor could Sir Launcelot turn to help +him for he was in great conflict with the two knights and a large +number of them on foot and Sir Neil equally so. As for Allan he had +already ridden down two of the attackers and had brought his weapon +which was cross between sword and dagger down upon their skulls. Now +as he turned he saw the plight of his lord. So did Sir Dagonet, who +though timid had up to then made some ado to help. Whereupon both sped +hard to Sir Percival's aid. And so skillful was the boy that he hewed +down several of the knaves and Sir Dagonet too, soon found that others +of Sir Percival's attackers were turning their attention to him. All +of which gave needed time for Sir Percival to escape from his +difficulty, draw sword and begin anew. + +Now Sir Launcelot brought down the two knights and the others like +wolves stood off snarling at him, yet out of reach. Sir Neil too was +freer. + +There were but ten of the attackers now. The others were either strewn +about the ground or were making their escape. And of these ten, two +even then were brought down by the arrows of Wonkin and his two +comrades. + +Whereupon the last of the attackers turned and made haste to fly, the +three archers in close pursuit. + +"These hinds would fair have overswarmed me had not the boy and +Dagonet come to my aid," remarked Sir Percival as he lifted his helmet +from his head. + +"How then, Allan, did you like the affray?" inquired Sir Launcelot. + +"Greatly," replied the lad. "But I had wish I carried a lance instead +of this, which is neither dagger nor sword." + +"Right soon, shall these be yours as well, lad. Yet now we have earned +such food as we may find within the castle. And I wot not," added Sir +Percival, "many prisoners, too, who will be glad of freedom." + + + + +CHAPTER FOURTEEN + +King Mark's Foul Plan + + +Sir Neil and Sir Dagonet now loudly summoned the castle servants +before them but there were none to answer. So they prepared +kitchenward where they found the wretches in great affright not +knowing what dire fate was to befall them. Yet they, when assured that +naught was intended against them, eagerly hastened to obey the +commands of the good knights to prepare a sumptuous meal. + +Sir Launcelot, Sir Percival and the other knights made, their way to +the dungeon. And truly they found a sad sight there. Though a large +place, yet was it overly crowded. In one place they found six knights, +an unhappy six, three of whom had been imprisoned for many months, two +had been made captives within the fortnight and one had joined this +joyless group but two days before. + +"Aye," one of the first three explained to them, "it is through God's +mercy that we still live. There were three others with us, two of whom +were already here when this dire misfortune befell us and one who came +some weeks later. These three could not survive the foulness of this +hole." + +But now Sir Percival was seen to speak to the lone knight, the one who +had been made prisoner last of all. A melancholy figure, he did not +seem to realize that release had come with the advent of these +knights. In fact, through all the hubbub he seemed to have been lost +within himself. No doubt, they were bitter thoughts that possessed him +and at such times one is verily unmindful of things about him. Nor did +this knight seem mindful of the words spoken by Sir Percival for he +made no answer and lost none of his brooding air. + +Yet, of a sudden, he seemed to awaken. For Sir Percival who had not +been able to place him at first, had at last realized who the stranger +was. + +"Who are you?" the other questioned in turn rubbing his eyes. "And +these other knights? But then, I know you all. How came you here, Sir +Percival?" + +When he was told, some of his dejection left him. + +"Mine was truly a great unhappiness. These four robber knights did +beset me. And when I was overcome they demanded great ransom which I +had no means wherewith to satisfy. Then, when I heard the tale of how +long these fellow prisoners had been here I was greatly discouraged as +to carrying out my intent to prove to King Arthur my worthiness for +knighthood." + +In the meanwhile, Sir Launcelot and Allan had made their way to where +the imprisoned yeomen and hinds had been kept. Here there were more +than fifty and a sad sight they were. It brought a great gulp of pity +into Allan's throat and unbidden tears came to his eyes. Sir Launcelot +too was moved. Some of the prisoners were so weak they could hardly +move. Wonkin had found his brother almost at once and theirs was a +happy meeting. + +"Go you up, good Allan, and order that food be brought for these +wretches. And see to it that there is plenty of it." + +Allan gladly went and repeated Sir Launcelot's orders which the +servants made great haste to obey. + +So that all within the castle, fared well that day. And when Sir +Launcelot and his party were ready to continue their journey the next +morning, there was with them Breunor le Noire and an added number of +yeomen picked from the men who had been prisoners. + +Just before departure, Sir Percival went to the two brothers of Sir +Manstor who still were living, the other had not lived an hour. + +"Sir Knights, we leave you now. Take you heed from this day's +happenings that such outlawry as yours brings just punishment. +Remember, too, that King Arthur and all his knights will be ever +watchful that you conduct yourself in knightly ways. Woe betide you, +if you do not." + +The knights made no reply. Grievously wounded, with their brothers +dead, they were in no mood for words. Yet must the truth of Sir +Percival's words have been in their minds. + +Onward now went Sir Launcelot's party. Through that and the next day +they made their way and were well in Cornwall without further untoward +happening. Everywhere, the party made inquiries as to the whereabouts +of Sir Tristram and from such news as they were able to gather they +felt assured that they had taken the right way and that King Arthur +and the men with him were on a false trail. + +It was on this day that they met with two knights who made them +friendly greetings and finding out the purpose of their journey +pretended not to know the whereabouts of Sir Tristram. Nor would they +stay for any length of time giving as reason therefore great need of +urgency on their part. Yet when these two knights had but gone a +little way they turned, in great haste along another road. The end of +the day found them in the presence of King Mark of Cornwall who had no +great love for King Arthur nor for any of his knights and who would do +any or all of them great harm could he do so without discovery. + +"Who then is this party?" inquired the King after listening. + +"They number but few," replied one of the knights. "Sir Launcelot, Sir +Percival, Sir Neil, and one other, and that fool who is jester to +Arthur. A boy is there too and fifteen men-at-arms." + +"You speak truly," replied the king, "as to their being few in number +but I would that two of these few, were not Launcelot and Percival. +Yet even with these two we should be able to overcome them. And in +that way I shall find some recompense for the many slights and haughty +overbearingness of Arthur and his men." As he so spoke, King Mark's +face plainly showed its cruelty and craft. + +"Will you, good Bruyan, call Sir Bertram and Sir Pendore to me? And be +sure to return for we must be speedy should we decide that it is wise +for us to take any step for their discomforture." + +Now as Bruyan returned with the two aforementioned, there also came +into the room a yeoman who served Sir Pendore. But of him neither the +king nor any of the knights took notice but instead immediately began +discussion as to the wisdom of waylaying these knights of King Arthur +who were now in Cornwall. + +Whether King Mark knew this to be so or not, yet of all his court, +there were no two who had more reason to hate Sir Launcelot than Sir +Bertram and Sir Pendore. For Sir Launcelot had come upon them once +when they were in the midst of tormenting two holy men having first +taken from them a paltry purse which these two monks were carrying for +worthy purpose. Then when Sir Launcelot had asked that they desist and +return the holy men's purse they had replied with foul tongue and had +made for him. Soon, however, they found that this single knight was +master of them both and would they then have complied with his +requests. However, Sir Launcelot who was ever slow to anger was now in +great rage and he had taken them to the castle grounds of Sir Gawaine +and there, before a large number he told of what had happened. And +while fair ladies laughed at them and while men looked at them as they +would at hinds, Sir Launcelot had taken the flat of his sword and had +brought it down on both. Then he had asked two yeomen to club them +from the castle grounds since they were unfit to be in the company of +knights. This the yeomen had done right lustily. + +Neither Sir Pendore nor Sir Bertram had ever made mention of this +event. But there was no one in all of Britain whom they so fully hated +as Sir Launcelot. Now, there seemed likely chance for revenge. + +"How many men can you muster?" asked Sir Bertram, speaking not over +anxiously yet with meaning looked at Sir Pendore. + +"Seven score or more" replied the king of Cornwall. + +"I would have more," replied Sir Pendore. "What with Percival and +Launcelot and this Neil whom I know not, one must make it more than +certain." + +It was at this point that the yeoman who was busily at work over the +weapons, cleaning them and putting them into perfect condition, as +none other in Cornwall could do, had become interested. Sir Percival? + +It was this Sir Percival, knight of the Round Table, who had saved the +father of this yeoman from the deadly mace of one of his men in one of +many melees. It was but a small thing to the knight, long forgotten no +doubt, but to Walker, the son of the man who was saved, it meant that +he was in debt to this knight. So now he listened, interested. Then +too, he had no great love for his master who was never kindly and he +had decided long ago that he would find a new master when the +opportunity offered. + +"I shall find more men, if I can," Mark offered in reply to Sir +Pendore's suggestion. Nor did it seem strange to him that the knight +should think that odds of seven to one were not enough. + +"Where are these knights?" asked Sir Bertram. + +Sir Bruyan told him, the yeoman listening all the while. + +"Let us then he off within thrice this hour," Mark concluded. "Get +you as many men ready as you can," he said to Sir Bertram and to Sir +Pendore who were his chiefs. + +Walker, the yeoman, soon had completed his work. Thereupon he made his +way into the forest to find him, who was best friend of his, to get +advice as to what to do. + +He, whom he sought, was none other than our old friend Gouvernail, +who, of course, was not far from Sir Tristram, his master. + +Though he had long since severed fealty to King Mark, Sir Tristram had +returned near unto the court because of the love he bore one of the +damsels who was in it. It was Walker who had carried the messages +Gouvernail had brought from his master to this same lady. + +Walker soon came to the hiding place of his friend. + +"What ho?" asked Gouvernail. "What brings you here at this unseemly +hour?" + +"I need your advice," replied Walker. "My poor head carries too great +a muddle." + +"You come to one who can offer but poor solace there," replied +Gouvernail. "If it were trusty arm, good club or something belike, you +could well come to me. But speak, what troubles you?" + +So Walker told him. Except that at first he made no mention of names. + +"Keep you from it," advised Gouvernail. "It is the business of your +betters and not of your meddling." + +"Yet had Sir Percival done this thing for my father, and if he would, +he could have thought the same,--that it was not his affair but an +affair of hind or yeoman." + +"Is this Percival, he who is of King Arthur's court?" asked +Gouvernail. + +"Aye," replied Walker, nodding his head. "Do you know him?" + +"Somewhat. Who else is there?" he further questioned, now interested. + +"Sir Launcelot, Sir Neil and some others." + +"Did they speak of a boy being there?" + +"I do not remember. Yet I seem to recall that they did," replied +Walker. + +"I will help you. Come," and Gouvernail took his friend but a little +way to where Sir Tristram was lodging. + +Sir Tristram seated himself and listened to the two. He understood at +once. + +"When did King Mark say that he would start with his men?" he asked +Walker. + +"In three hours, Sir Knight," the man answered. + +"Good. Let us be off. Good Gouvernail, get you my mail ready for I +would don it." + +Within the half hour Sir Tristram with the two yeomen were on their +way to meet Sir Percival and Sir Launcelot. So, strangely, they who +sought him, were to find him come among them. + + + + +CHAPTER FIFTEEN + +The Weasel's Nest + + +"Greeting, good knights," he announced. "I am Sir Tristram." + +Nothing could have thrown Sir Launcelot's party into greater +astonishment. And yet no news could have been pleasanter. + +"Right glad are we to see you, Sir Tristram, since we have sought you +for a great number of days. I am Sir Launcelot. Here is Sir +Percival." And so this knight announced them all. + +The two knights, Sir Tristram on the one hand, Sir Launcelot, on the +other, observed each other. Each of them found much to like in the +other. Then and there was the beginning of a friendship that was to +last until the day of Sir Tristram's death. + +After the first few moments, had passed, Sir Tristram came to the +reason for his coming among them. + +That the danger was grave, they knew at once. King Mark was cruel and +crafty. He would not venture this attempt unless he were certain that +he had great numbers behind him. + +"My thought seems to be to retire to the nearest castle and there +defend ourselves as best we can," said Sir Percival. + +"A right kindly thing, this of yours, Sir Tristram, to bring us this +news. And if we come out of this, I hope that I shall be able to find +you at any place you bespeak," Sir Launcelot remarked. + +"The kindness is on the part of this man here." And Sir Tristram told +them of Walker. "Need I say that I stay with you and share in your +fortune such as it is. It should offer great sport and I would not +miss it, if I could." + +Sir Launcelot nodded his head nor did he make any further demur. + +"And you two?" he now asked of Gouvernail and Walker. + +"Oh, I," replied Sir Gouvernail, "I find my place where my master is." + +"And I?" added Walker. "I owe something to Sir Percival and so I too +will stay." + +"Well then, perhaps we may keep them off, though not so easily," said +Sir Neil. + +"We can but try," added Sir Launcelot. + +But now Sir Dagonet, jester and fool, made his way forward. + +"Spoke you of finding castle?" he asked of Sir Percival. + +Sir Percival nodded his head. + +"Good man," Sir Dagonet spoke now to Walker. "Did this weasel king say +aught as to the number of men he would send against us?" + +"Only, master, that when he mentioned that he would send one hundred +or more and with them twenty knights, one there, thought that number +not enough and advised that the king add to it. Which the king said he +would do." + +"The more the better," said Sir Dagonet. + +"A strange wish," said Sir Neil. "But then you are fool and that wish +belongs to a fool." + +"Yet not such a great fool after all," spoke up Sir Launcelot. "Truly +Dagonet, I often wonder at you. For here is what is in Dagonet's mind. +Since the weasel comes after us and leaves his home empty, why not go +to the home of the weasel?" + +Such a laugh now went up. For all of these knights saw that this would +be a deed that would ring throughout Britain and if successful, make +Mark the laughing stock of the land. + +But after the laughter, Sir Tristram spoke, "I ask a strange thing, +good knights, and hope it will receive favor in your eyes. King Mark +has been a strange uncle to me. He has treated me scurvily oft enough. +Yet when, if we come through this event as we hope, I would that you +hold no further ill will against him. Understand me well. I ask for +naught, if any among us are hurt at his hand, for then he deserves all +that comes to him. But if we come through so that all can laugh at +him, then I ask you to forget the ill will for which he gives you such +good cause. For after all, he is blood kin of mine, a sorry thing, yet +which I cannot forget." And now the knight waited answer. + +Now all the knights turned to Sir Tristram and there was something +about him that made them nod their heads in assent. + +"Then do we promise this thing, you ask," said Percival. "So now let +us go to the weasel's nest." + +In great humor and with many jests the men made their way to the road +upon which the two knights of King Mark had made their return. And so +we find that as the crafty king was making his way forward to the +attack, believing that it would be an overpowering surprise, and +already counting the fruits of victory, his intended victims were +slipping through his clutches and making their way into the last of +all places he could imagine. + +Now on their way, Sir Percival called the two yeomen, Gouvernail and +Walker to him. And though he did not remember the event that Walker +narrated yet was he glad he had followed a kindly thought. And Allan +too, realized that bread cast upon the water often returns. + +"Need you a good yeoman?" ventured Walker hopefully. + +"If you are half as good as your friend here, then indeed have I need +for you," was Sir Percival's reply. + +"I count him my better, Sir Knight," replied Gouvernail. + +"This fool would overpraise me and lead you to expect overmuch," said +Walker. I will do my best if you will but try me." + +"That I shall," replied the knight. And thereupon the two, Gouvernail +and Walker, fell back a little way and came to Allan who was glad of a +chance to talk to Gouvernail. And as they rode forward the boy +listened to some of the tales and some of the doings of Sir Tristram. + +Now in the front there rode, the two, Sir Tristram and Sir Launcelot +and with them Sir Dagonet. + +"Truly, I often wonder, good Dagonet, wherefore they call you a fool," +spoke Sir Launcelot. "Here comes this thought of yours that could come +only from the wisest man or the greatest fool. Often, I wonder which +you are." + +"Yet good Launcelot, since I am I, I know which of these I am. What +sooth, what matters it, which you and all of these," and Sir Dagonet +pointed to the others with them, "which you think me? If it pleases +all of you, it pleases me to be a fool. Howsoever, it is ill wind +that does not blow some good and here we have Sir Tristram who is not +in Ireland though I had reason for believing him there." + +"Faith, friend, and I had but decided that I would journey henceward +within two days," replied Sir Tristram wonderingly. + +"See you then, Launcelot. I made but a fool's guess. Had I been a +wise man I would not have been two days ahead of Sir Tristram." + +Now Sir Tristram who knew the way advised silence. For they were +nearing the great castle walls. When they came thereto they found the +gates closed and the drawbridge up. + +Then did Sir Tristram make call to those within. And these mistaking +this for the party that had gone therefrom hastened to obey and +lowered the drawbridge and unlocked the gates. And then found +themselves facing strange knights, a strange party. And of all of them +they only recognized Sir Tristram. + +Then would they have made great ado to close the gates but it was too +late. + +"Tell you all within these gates, that we shall treat none harshly +except those who would make trouble." + +So when Sir Percival's party was safely esconced, Sir Tristram left +them for a few moments. A few moments that lasted into the half hour. +For he went to see his lady love who was even then with the queen. + +Nor did the queen treat him as harshly as she might have. Perhaps +this was because she felt that they were safe as long as this nephew +was with these intruders. Or perhaps she had not favored the ill +treatment by her royal spouse of so brave a knight. + +And if King Mark and his men had been surprised to find the bird +flown, imagine then what must have been their thoughts when they +returned and found that they could not enter their own gates. That the +bird was there and was shouting defiance at them. And worse yet, that +in these shouts of defiance there was laughter and taunt and jest at +their expense. + +"What now?" asked the cruel and crafty king. + +Nor could one of his men tell him. + + + + +CHAPTER SIXTEEN + +To The Rescue + + +"Methinks," said King Arthur on the fourth day of their journey into +Scotland that we will not find this Sir Tristram. What say you +Gawaine?" + +"Only that I cannot find it in me to do aught but agree with you," the +latter made reply. "And I advise that we return, for had Tristram made +his journey hitherward we should long ago have had inkling of it." + +"So then, we return today, friends," Arthur announced to his knights. +"We have it in us to hope that Percival and Launcelot have had better +fortune than we." + +And none loath, the party joyously made preparations for return. It +had been an eventless search for the brave knight, Tristram, and these +men hated inactivity. + +"What say you, to sending someone of us to Cadoris announcing that we +shall pay him a visit of not more than a day?" So queried the king. + +"If there is promise of joust and adventure there," said Pellimore. "I +for one can see no harm therein. What matters a day more or less?" + +The other knights agreed with Pellimore and as Gawaine pointed out, it +was not more than but few leagues from their returnward way. + +So the party having first sent Sir Gilbert before them to herald their +approach arrived at the court of Cadoris, king of Scotland. And never +was king or knights more royally received than was Arthur and his men. +Of a truth, there was warm affection for Arthur, and Cadoris and his +knights, though they held great rivalry, for the Knights of the Round +Table had ever proven honest and worthy opponents. + +The stay of the day stretched into the fourth day and not one of King +Arthur's party had thought of returning. Jousts were there, much +hunting and activity, enough to suit the most exacting. Howsoever, +Arthur announced on the fifth day that they could stay but another +day. + +"Of a truth, am I downright sorry that you must depart. For highly +have I been honored by your visit, and as greatly have I enjoyed it." +Warm spoken was Cadoris. + +"And we shall remember your hospitality for many a day," replied +Arthur. "If we but make you half as much at home when you visit us, +good Cadoris, we shall feel that we have accomplished much. Is it not +so, friends?" + +"Truly," assented King Arthur's knights. "And I would, your Majesty, +that you make that visit right soon," added Gawaine. + +"That we surely will," replied Cadoris heartily. + +So King Arthur and his men made their preparations having been much +cheered by their stay. And they had turned to their last meal which +was a sumptuous one and were greatly enjoying it when a servant of +King Cadoris came into the great dining hall and whispered into the +ear of Sir Donald, one of the bravest knights in the kingdom of +Scotland. He in turn, whispered the news to the king. + +"There are two riders without, Arthur, who want word with you," the +Scottish King announced. "Shall I ask them to wait until we finish +this meal? It were pity to disturb you now and I doubt not their +message may wait." + +"That may well be so, good friend. Yet, if it disturbs you not, I +shall ask Gawaine here to see these men and find out what message they +bear." + +Cadoris nodded his head in assent and Gawaine thereupon hastened +outside the dining hall. + +It was none other than Allan he saw. Allan with Breunor le Noire. +Great was his surprise at seeing them and greater still, at their +account of what had occurred. And when he heard how Launcelot and +Percival and the others, together with Sir Tristram were holding the +very castle of King Mark, he shook with a great laughter. So loud was +this that the kings and the knights at the dining table heard it and +wondering greatly, hurried out to find the cause for it. Forgot their +food for the time being in their curiosity. + +The king of Britain was no less surprised to see Allan and this +stranger whom he but faintly recalled. And to him, to Cadoris, and the +assembled knights, the two had to recount again what had occurred. And +when the full gist of it came home, Arthur brought down a heavy hand +on the shoulder of Cadoris who was shaking with laughter and himself +fell into a seat nearby for very faintness at his own mirth. While +about him there was great boisterousness and loud guffaws. A yeoman +who had listened eagerly to the account hurried without and himself +recounted to the men there what had happened at the court of King +Mark. So that there were great shouts, much merriment. + +"To think," said King Arthur, "a bare few took King Mark's own +castle." I marvel at their impudence and yet it is but what could be +expected from such as they." + +"As for me," said Gawaine, "I would give all I have to have been +there. And all I ever expect to have, to have been near Mark when he +realized what had happened." + +"Yet," said Arthur now grown serious, "let us hear what Allan and this +other brave youth are here for. They did not come this great distance +to tell us of their impudence. That, I'll swear." + +"Nay, sire," said Allan, who was spokesman because of greater +acquaintance with those assembled. "Sir Percival and Sir Launcelot +sent Breunor le Noire to you and me with him for aid. For King Mark, +furious at the sorry figure he makes has sworn vengeance and has laid +siege to those within his castle. Sir Launcelot sent us with this +message. That while they could perhaps make their escape yet they +thought that you would wish to come to their aid so that they need not +run from King Mark. For they wish to see that king, to look at him. +Half the jest they have played lies in that." + +"That we will do, of course," replied Arthur. "And though we must +first return home to gather our men, yet we will do so quickly and +hurry just as quickly to the court of Cornwall. For we too, would like +to see Mark, and though we envy your party its good fortune, yet can +we share in the jest. Say you not so, friends? + +"Aye, sire, that we do. Yet haste is indeed necessary." So spoke both +Pellimore and Gawaine. + +"Methinks, it would be a right friendly act on your part, Arthur, +should you allow me and my men to accompany you. So then there will +be no need for you to first return home and thereby save time. For I +too," added Cadoris, "would like to call on Mark at this time." + +"Come then," said King Arthur. "It would not be in us to refuse you. +Let us return to finish our food and both of you, we doubt not must be +right hungry by now." + +So all of them returned to the dining hall. And Gawaine found room +next to him for Allan and Breunor le Noire. + +"How long Allan, is it since you left them?" he asked. + +"This is our third day," was the boy's reply. + +"How did you escape the besiegers?" Arthur, who with the rest was +listening now inquired. + +"It was done at night, sire. We two climbed over the wall. Two yeomen +helped us over. One of King Mark's men saw us and at first mistook us +for men from his own camp. Him, Breunor le Noire, gave little time +for outcry. We gagged and bound him and then Walker and Gouvernail +climbed back for a long rope and lifted him over on the castle side. +For we had no wish to have King Mark's men find him and suspect that +some of those within had gone for aid." + +Now the meal was over. Within another hour King Cadoris had gathered +five hundred of his men. King Mark and his men would never have +stomach for affray. When the afternoon's sun was in the low western +sky, the rescuing party was well on its way. + + + + +CHAPTER SEVENTEEN + +In King Mark's Castle + + +So we return to the doughty few who are behind the walls of the great +castle. + +"We shall wear out these impudent knaves," King Mark had said after +the first great surprise. "Surely they cannot expect to hold out for +any great length of time." + +"Aye," had agreed the ever present Pendore and Bertram. "And when +they are overcome," Sir Pendore had added darkly, "then shall we find +our day has come. For Launcelot shall surely suffer." + +But the days went and the besiegers found a far greater and more +stubborn resistance than they had expected. Their losses were many, +due to the skillful archery of the few within. King Mark's castle was +of the kind that could only be assailed at two points which was in +itself great help to the besieged. + +If, perchance, the men of King Mark had had greater stomach for the +attack, things might have gone ill with those within. But there were +many of the men of this king who favored but little the quarrel with +the besieged, counting it, in their own hearts, a scurvy action on the +part of Cornwall's king. And men fight poorly who have such thoughts. + +Not that all was well with those within. On this, the eighth day of +their occupancy of the castle, the men were a haggard lot. Little +sleep had they. Some of them had been wounded, wonder it was that +these were so few and that none were dead. Sir Neil was lost to them +for the time, Wonkin, too had fought heroically but had fallen, sorely +wounded in an attack. Three others had been hurt, and for every man +who fell, there grew the greater burden on those who were left. +Constant watch, constant need for being present to repel the attackers +had left the mark of weariness on Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram and Sir +Percival. Yet these three were a host in themselves as they, with +Gouvernail and Walker, set an inspiring example to the rest. + +"Faith," said Sir Percival at this moment, "I cannot say that I would +not welcome the arrival of Arthur and our men." + +"I had never thought sleep so great a luxury," rejoined Sir Tristram. + +"Nor I," added Sir Launcelot. "However, do you both take such little +of that now as those knaves who are on the outside permit." + +But this neither of the two had in mind to do. Yet Sir Launcelot +insisted and only had his way when he promised that he would also take +time for sleep after them. + +They had, so it seemed to them, but barely fallen asleep, when there +was great outcry from both within and without the gates. The men of +King Mark had evidently decided on a determined attack with full +intention to overcome the stubborn few. In a great mass they came and +though many fell and every arrow told yet were they not to be denied. +And as they came close to the walls King Mark's men opened wide their +ranks and a score of men were seen carrying a bridge to throw over in +place of the drawbridge which they could not reach. + +"Now has it grown right serious," said Sir Launcelot. + +"Will you Percival hold these walls while Tristram, I, Gouvernail and +Walker, make every effort to see that the bridge does not stay." + +There was no time for further words. The four quickly made for the +gates. They opened and closed them quickly. Each held a stave that +seemed not unlike a young tree, of which a number were inside the +gates. + +"Let them place the bridge first," said Sir Launcelot. + +Upon them a hail of arrows fell but none were hurt. Gouvernail and +Walker were protected for the time in both coats and helmets of steel +which Sir Tristram had made them wear. + +Now the men of King Mark had thrown the bridge over the embankment. +But as the first of them rushed upon it the thick staves of the four +men did their work well. Mighty work it was but it was question +whether there were four men in all of England who had greater strength +than these. And so as the men came rushing over, the bridge seemed +moving with them. + +A great outcry came from them. The new made bridge, moving slowly at +first, now cleared its support, and fell into the depths below +carrying twenty men with it. Some managed to get back to safety, some, +almost as unfortunate as those who had fallen with the bridge, made +their way to the castleside. These Sir Tristram and Sir Launcelot and +the two yeomen easily overcame. + +From the walls a hail of arrows, stones and javelins were sent on the +attackers. The four outside the walls, their work accomplished, +returned within. But King Mark and his two lieutenants, of whom one +had been on the bridge, were now not the less determined to carry the +walls. + +The besiegers at the furthermost points were seen to clamber over the +walls. They were battering at the gates at which Sir Tristram, Sir +Launcelot and a number of the men had taken their stand. + +Things indeed looked dark for those within. Sir Percival, for one, had +been grievously wounded in the last affray. + +But the gates made to withstand against attack held well. + +Yet it was now a mere question of time. This, both those within and +without fully realized. + +"Unless our two messengers find King Arthur," said Sir Tristram calmly +and unhurriedly, "it matters but little whether we fight our way out +now or later. Is it not so?" + +"I have faith in the coming of the king," said Sir Launcelot. "For +the boy Allan, I know to be tireless in the performance of such duty. +And if I mistake not the other will try his utmost too, for he seeks +to be dubbed a knight by our king." + +So now down at the gates, now on the walls, sending death and +destruction upon the attackers the two knights held their own, +fighting hopefully, unyieldingly, hour after hour. + +There was a cry of joy now, of exultation from Gouvernail. For his +eagle eye espied in the distance a horse and rider, then other horses +and other riders. + +The faint notes of the slughorn came to their ears. The men on the +outside ceased their attack for the moment watching wonderingly, not +guessing as yet what all this meant. + +From his bed of pain, not far off, Sir Percival called to the two +knights. + +"Is it Arthur who comes?" + +"Methinks so. Yet it seems I see the banners of Scotland. Whether it +is men of Cadoris or of Arthur, of what matter?" + +"Aye, Launcelot, Scotland is there. But yonder figure is Arthur." So +spoke Tristram. + +"There too, is Gawaine and Pellimore. And there the boy, Allan. See +you him?" + +Sir Tristram nodded assent. + +Now Mark and his men gathered close together. The king and Sir Pendore +and Sir Bertram were in close converse. + +Up to the walls came the rescuing party. King Arthur in front +frowning, mighty, a majestic figure who seemed to breathe fire and +fury. + +"What does this mean, Mark? What scurvy trick have you now tried?" + +"I found these men within holding my own castle when I returned from a +short journey. What else could I do but try to oust them?" + +"I know better. If any harm, if but one of my knights is hurt, I shall +make you pay right fully." + +Now the gates opened wide. There stood Sir Launcelot, and Sir +Tristram, both supporting Sir Percival. Into the castle rode King +Arthur and King Cadoris. + +"Have you been hurt? Who else is wounded? Are any dead?" These were +the questions of the king. + +So Sir Launcelot told him. And now when the king found that none were +dead and he realized how many men Mark had lost, good humor again came +to him. His eyes twinkled merrily. + +"Shall we hang this scurvy king?" he asked. + +"If you will, sire," said Sir Tristram. "I fancy he has suffered much +by now. And since he is uncle of mine I beg of you treat him more +gently than he deserves. Let us rather laugh at him. True, there are +some of us who have been wounded, but none fatally." + +"And after all," said Sir Percival, "see how _much_ we can +laugh?" + +Sir Launcelot too nodded in agreement. + +"In truth," King Arthur agreed, "I have found no fancy to act as +hangman to him. For knave and villain though he is, yet is he still a +king. What say you Cadoris?" + +"It is no brew of mine, good Arthur. Yet were I he and you had such +good cause to laugh at me, I wonder if I would not rather hang." + +So King Arthur turned to King Mark. Laughter was in his eye, mocking +laughter. About him the others gathered and these, too, seemed +laughing at him. + +"I offer you advice, Mark, which so it seems to me, you would do well +to heed. Keep not your doors so wide open hereafter. Knaves like these +are too apt to accept such hospitality. And, good Mark, when next you +go a hunting, I fancy, you had best hunt at home. It is safer and for +one thing you are sure to have it. 'Tis a sad state for you to find +these men making themselves at home while you are away on so peaceful +a mission. 'Tis a sad pity and should not be permitted." + +"Tis sad,'tis sad," said the men about King Arthur. + +King Mark scowled in fury. And somehow, it seemed, he scowled most at +his own nephew, Tristram. + +[Illustration] + + + + +CHAPTER EIGHTEEN + +The Kitchen Boy Again + + +Now King Arthur, his knights and all of his men were home once again. +Here they found great good humor at their account of the adventure at +the castle of King Mark. + +Tristram came with them. For many years thereafter he served under +King Arthur. Honor and glory he brought to the court of the King and +Arthur held him in high esteem as well he might. Between Launcelot and +Tristram there grew a great friendship. Each of them believed the +other to be the greatest knight in Christendom. + +And Allan, too. Now he was a year older. The urge to go forth, strong +within him, had grown that day a year earlier, when the strange monk +had met him in the forest and told him the things he might do. Youth +though he still was, not yet sixteen, he had learnt much. Sir +Launcelot and Sir Tristram, too, had spent much time with him--could +there have been better teachers? Gouvernail and Walker, as well, +taught him to make the best use of such strength as he had. So that by +now he was the equal of many knights, better, too, though none of his +teachers would let him know that, and he, secure in his own modesty, +unknowing of his great prowess. + +The year, too, had brought Sir Kay's kitchen boy once again before the +King. Him, Allan had learned to know. Although his friend had never +admitted that he was better than his position warranted, Allan was +certain of it. When Pentecost had come again he was curious as to what +other boons were to be asked of the king by this kitchen boy. + +But the day found him away--sent to the castle of Sir Percival, which +was a half day's journey. Yet was he not altogether disappointed, for +at that castle was Yosalinde, Sir Percival's sister. + +Again there were many who sought the favor of the King on this day. +There, too, were many knights present and among these were Sir +Gawaine, Sir Percival and Sir Launcelot, the three who had been there +the year before. + +"And so, sire," the kitchen boy said, when the king turned to him, "I +have done my work as best I could. Now I crave my two boons." + +"These shall be yours, if we have it in us to grant you item. What are +these boons you ask?" + +"That I be made a knight by Sir Launcelot. Him and him only do I wish +to dub me with knighthood. And that furthermore you permit me to take +up the first adventure which may need knight to carry same." + +"So shall it be. We pray you, however, that you give your name." + +"That will I do, sire, after Sir Launcelot had jousted with me, if he +then finds me worthy of knighthood." + +"Of a sooth," said Sir Kay, "you ask not much. That so brave a knight +should joust with a kitchen boy is fit cause for merriment." Loud was +that knight's laughter but none joined with him. + +"Mayhap," said the strange youth, "it will be your pleasure to joust +first with me." + +Uncertain seemed Sir Kay for a few moments. + +"I promise you, Sir Kay, mine is gentle blood, and you may well combat +with me," the kitchen boy added mildly. + +Then did the two straightway prepare, horse and armor having been +obtained for the younger man. + +Not long did they battle however, for the kitchen boy proved Sir Kay's +master right quickly. Whereupon, Sir Kay becoming furious, made great +ado to wound his opponent. But could not do so; instead, the other +brought him down with fearful stroke which crushed through helmet and +all. + +"If you please, now, Sir Launcelot, to joust with me, I shall find it +great honor." So spoke the youth to the knight. + +Then there was such a battle as none had seen in many months. Neither +of these two brought to play his full, strength, yet right cleverly, +each struck, counterstruck and brought his skill to play. Much +marveled the knight at the youth. + +Then finally, Sir Launcelot said. + +"Your quarrel and mine, youth, is not so sore, we may not leave off." + +"Truly, that is truth," replied the lad. "But it does me good to feel +your might." + +"So tell me your name, that I may dub you knight. Right gladly will I +do so." + +"My name," said the other, "is Gareth. I am brother to Gawaine. I made +vow to prove myself worthy of knighthood by finding myself able to +undergo the mean tasks as well as the noble ones." + +So Sir Gawaine came forward wonderingly, to see this brother whom he +had not seen since he was a babe. + +He made him fond embrace. "Right proud of you am I brother. Proud too, +that it is Launcelot, whose knight you shall be." + +Then Sir Gareth became knight. And as they made their way again into +the great hall, the King beckoned to Sir Gareth. + +"Are you still of a mind to take on yourself the first adventure that +cometh. For here is one that promises a lengthy time in its +fulfillment." + +Before the new knight could make answer, Sir Gawaine spoke. + +"This sire, is Gareth, my youngest brother. Worthy of knighthood has +he proven so far as strength and skill go." + +"Then are we right proud to have you among us, nephew. And we pray +that you will add lustre to your honored name and to the Round Table +as well." + +"That, I warrant, he will," vouchsafed Sir Launcelot. "Perchance, it +seemeth a wise thing to have Sir Kay feed all our knights in prospect +the same fat broth he has furnished Gareth." + +"As to the adventure," the King returned. "There came but a little +while ago a maiden, Linet, by name, who craves that we send a knight +to succor her sister, the fair Dame Lyoness who is besieged in her +castle by the Knight of the Red Lawns." + +"Good herald," the King continued, "bring you the lady, Linet before +us." + +Into the great hall came a maiden fair. To her the king addressed +himself. + +"My Lady Linet, and it please you, pray tell us of what manner of +siege this knight holds against your sister. If to you it seems of +avail, we shall be glad to send a goodly number of our knights and +yeomen, too, to raise this siege." + +"Nay sire, that I deem not necessary. Only, since I have heard that +the knights of the Round Table are the bravest and best in all +Britain, I have come to you that you send one of these to battle with +the Knight of the Red Lawns. A stout knight is he, many have come to +rescue the fair lady who is my sister but the way is perilous and he +hath seven men's strength. So that I pray you to send the best and +bravest knight who is here." + +[Illustration: "My Lady, I Am Your Loyal Knight"] + +"We would gladly heed your request, good lady. Nor do we care what +manner of knight this is, if Sir Launcelot or Sir Tristram or any one +of ten or twelve more were to go to your fair sister's rescue. But we +have made promise that the next adventure, which this is, was to be +taken up by Sir Gareth and unless he forego this, there is naught else +left for us to do. What say you, Gareth?" + +"I beg you, sire, that you permit me to carry out this adventure. I +shall do my utmost to bring it to successful conclusion." So did +Gareth reply. + +"And I for one, sire, doubt not, that if the adventure can be carried +out successfully, he will do so. For he is as brave and stout a knight +as is among us," added Sir Launcelot. + +"Yet is he so young," said the maiden as she sighed. "I doubt that any +of you know how powerful is the knight he must oppose." + +"Yet will he go," Arthur now decided. "Make you your plans Gareth. The +way seems long and I doubt not, you will be disposed to continue on +adventure's course, if this should be carried to successful +conclusion." + +Now the maiden left the great hall. Sir Gareth joined Sir Launcelot, +Sir Percival and his brother. As he did so, there came to him, Breunor +le Noire. + +"I pray you to favor me, good Sir Gareth by permitting me to go with +you and gather for myself such adventure as I may." + +Sir Gareth pondered for a moment, then made reply. + +"I had a mind to ask a boon of Sir Percival yet I can see no reason +why it would interfere with your going." + +"It is this, Sir Percival. I know how much your page Allan craves for +some adventurous journey before he also becomes knight. Be so kind, +therefore, and permit him to go with me." + +"Truly, it will be Youth seeking adventure. For each of you is indeed +youthful." So spoke Sir Gawaine, while Sir Percival thought before +making reply. + +"What say you, Launcelot?" he finally asked. + +"It cannot harm the lad to go with others than ourselves for then he +will receive opportunity to test himself. I would say that you permit +him, if he wishes it." + +"Then may he go," said Sir Percival. "Except that I would wish that +one of my yeomen, whose name is Walker, go with you. You will find him +useful and a willing knave." + +"For that I thank you," replied Gareth. "Tomorrow, my friend," and he +turned to Breunor, "we begin our journey." + +"I shall be ready," replied Breunor le Noire. + + + + + +CHAPTER NINETEEN + +On Adventure's Way + + +Now, as the knights separated, Sir Launcelot, who had donned but part +of his armor, called Sir Gareth. + +"I would a word with you, Gareth. I pray you to spare me the time." + +"Right gladly," said Gareth and seated himself beside the other. Sir +Percival, who had a mind to return to them, on seeing them so seated, +swerved his horse and passed by them. Nor did they see him. + +"See you this sword and shield. Take you these and use them well. They +are good weapons and you will find the answering well to urge and +parry. + +"Yet it is something of far more urge than this that I would speak to +you about. I am right glad that you are to have Allan with you. I hope +he will find much adventure and many experiences. Listen well to +this." + +Then did Sir Launcelot tell of the message that had been given both to +him and the boy. Told also of the need for Allan to stay the fine and +devout lad he was. + +"You can help, too. I made promise to Sir Joseph of Armathea that I +would do what I can. Since you are knight dubbed by me, I pray you to +help me." + +"That shall I do right gladly, for I like the youth and his kindly +ways. I give you my promise to give him by such example as I may set +and in other ways the meaning of knighthood worthy of the search for +the Holy Grail." + +"I wish you good fortune, Gareth, and that you overcome this knight of +the Red Lawns. If you should need aid at any time, I promise I will +come if I get word, no matter how distant you may be." + +"I know that," said Gareth soberly. So then they sat for many moments +each thinking of many things. Until at last it was time for them to +separate. + +Allan had returned a little while before. He had already heard who the +kitchen boy was and how he had been dubbed knight by Sir Launcelot. It +had been a day of events for him, too. Walker, who had made the +journey with him had talked with him of many things. + +"This world is large," Walker had said. + +"Soon," Allan had said, "I shall go forth and find out for myself just +how large it is." + +"Aye, lad," was Walker's reply, "if you travel all the years you live +I doubt if you could see half of it. Far to the southeast is Rome and +there are many lands one must pass before he reaches there. And to the +northeast live the Norse and the Dane and other tribes equally wild +and fierce. Then there are many seas, which I have heard tell are +bigger than the sea of Cornwall, which I know well. And west of us, +there is Ireland and beyond that the world ends." + +"Yet shall I go and see what I can. For, if need be I must go to the +very ends of the world and I doubt not it will be right soon." + +"Why, young master?" asked Walker, struck by the seriousness of the +boy's tone. + +But Allan answered not. Nor did the man press his question but watched +the lad as he rode on and dreamed. + +So they came to the castle. There Yosalinde was awaiting him. Yet +after the first greeting, the girl, whose usual contagion of high and +gay spirits carried the youth, who was inclined to be more sober +minded, along with her, fell into a brown study. Nor would she listen +or attend to his attempts to bring her forth into lighter mood. So the +boy, a little vexed and nettled, withdrew feeling hurt and gloomy. + +But all this was soon swept aside. For Yosalinde came to him and in +her eyes was a great light. + +"Listen to me, Allan. I had mind made up at first that I would not +tell you but have decided otherwise. I too, have dreamed of the Holy +Grail. Does it not seem strange that I, a girl, should so do?" + +The boy nodded but remained quiet waiting for her to continue. + +"You and I are to soon part, Allan. I am to go to a convent where I +can bring my mind altogether to the spiritual. I dreamed that when I +became worthy I was to help you right well in the finding of it. A +spirit will come to me which will guide us both. Think, Allan, if the +dream is true, I am to help you and you are to find the Grail." + +"So the strange monk told me, Yosalinde. He spoke of one who was to +help me and she of whom he spoke, I could not take to be other than +you. You and one other and unless I mistake not that other is Sir +Launcelot. But it hurts, this thought that you and I will not see each +other for the long time you are in the convent." + +"But, dear Allan, there is always that time beyond that. It is +wonderful to look forward to that, is it not?" + +The boy nodded in assent, a little slowly, as if he were realizing +that it was so. He looked at the girl now and the feeling grew that +Yosalinde was to be the one who would lead him onward. Even now, her +fine spirit was helping him to cross the first of the pitfalls. The +wish for the girl was the first rung on the high ladder of worthiness. + +In the late afternoon the boy returned to the court. Of a truth he had +almost forgotten that this was the day for the kitchen boy to come +forth. Nor did he, what with thinking of Yosalinde and his mission +that must soon be, remember it until he had almost returned. + +"Come Walker, let us make haste, for I would know the news." + +So they hurried and had not been inside the gates many moments before +Allan had found out. But it was only when he came to Sir Launcelot +that he heard the other news that he could go forth with the other two +on adventure's way. + +He was glad that he could go with these two who were also young for he +could himself adventure so much the more readily. He would have been +abashed to do so with knights such as his own lord or Sir Launcelot +and Sir Gawaine. + +Sir Launcelot found the boy soon after. + +"When you return, and I think it will not be for more than a year, +mayhap, two, the King will dub you knight, so I think. Remember Allan, +to be worthy for the things ahead and remember, too, that I am at beck +and call, if you need me, if so be you can find me. + +"This journey will be the great test. I pray that you return and prove +what I think you will be. Sir Percival, I understand has armor, sword, +lance and spear for you. I shall furnish you with shield. So go you +your way and remember that there are few knights who will be found +stouter or more skillful than Gareth." + +Allan found Gareth soon thereafter and thanked him for letting him go +with him. Then did the three, Sir Gareth, Breunor le Noire and Allan +plan for many things. The blood of youth raced in their veins even as +they planned. Many things would they do. Britain would hear of these +three, so they hoped. + +A goodly trio, of a truth, they made as they rode forth the next day, +the maid Linet with them, and only Walker following behind. Three most +worshipful knights watched them as they made their way down the long +road and disappeared from view. + +Perhaps, too, it was only chance that led them again past the castle +of Sir Percival. There Allan made point to enter the same promising to +catch up with the others as they continued on their way. Nor could he +stay more than but a few moments but in those few moments he had told +all to Yosalinde. She, too, watched him, as he hastened to join the +others. + +Long before he returned she had entered the convent in accordance with +the plan of her mother and brother. Yet, in the heart of each of them +was only the thought of the future, their hopes were in the far away. + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY + +Gareth Battles Sir Brian + + +Brave and adventurous were the days that followed. Many days they +journeyed to the north. Eager was Sir Gareth to reach the castle of +the fair Dame Lyoness and to take issue with the Knight of the Red +Lawns, her oppressor. + +"Yet, good knight," said the fair Lady Linet. "Not an easy road will +you find it. There do be many brave knights you will find on this road +who will seek to joust with you. Many brave knights who seek +adventure as do you." + +"If it were not so, then would the way be long indeed. May such +adventure come right soon, we shall welcome it." So spoke Gareth and +his two friends echoed his words. + +Yet it was not until the second day that their wish was fulfilled. For +as they rode forward there came a man in great haste toward them. He +further increased his pace and gave a glad cry of relief. + +Said Allan, who was foremost, "What ails you. Why your haste?" + +"I have just escaped from some thieves who have entrapped my master. +They number six and fierce and sturdy did they seem. I beseech your +aid, good masters, for my master is a brave knight who has suffered +misfortune." + +So then did the three, undecided for the moment, look to each other. +Until Breunor le Noire exclaimed. + +"Let us to this knight's aid at once." The same thought being in the +mind of the other two, they begged the Lady Linet to await them and +hurried forward to this, their first adventure. + +But the man who came to them, unknowingly, had misled them. For the +outlaws numbered more than six as they soon found out. So that when +they came to the dell in which the thieves were lodged, the three of +them together with Walker, there came forth to oppose them over a +dozen ruffians, each carrying either club or mace or spear. + +Now did the three give proof of their mettle. Walker, too, wielded a +mighty mace that spelled sure death on any of the thieves whom it +reached. + +Right skillfully, as if they were veterans, did they hold their place. +Right well, they withstood the onslaught of the outlaws and even +pressed them back in defense. + +A number of the foe had fallen and others uncertain made as if to +flee. But they could not go far, for the conquerers, mounted, overtook +them. So that there was nothing left for them to do but to turn with +their backs to a nearby wall and make a last stand. + +Now there were but four of these ruffians left and these threw their +arms from them and pleaded mercy. And our youths took heed of their +plea and permitted them to escape. + +They made rescue of the imprisoned knight who marveled much, after his +first expression of gratitude, how so youthful a trio could have +overcome the large number of outlaws. Then did he give further proof +of his appreciation in that he begged of them that they make his home +their abode for that night and he promised them food in plenty and +goodly lodging. + +Though they were of mind to accept they first besought the wishes of +the Lady Linet and she, they found, was not opposed thereto. Right +well did they sup then and made themselves find comfort before the +great fire which blazed merrily. As the night went by, they talked of +many things and found their host full of tales of days gone by. + +The next morn found them on their way again. Many days they journeyed. +Other adventures befell them and in each they accredited themselves +right well. + +On one of these days, Breunor le Noire who had speeded ahead so that +he was an hour's journey before them had a sad adventure. For as he +rode there came toward him an equipage which held many knights and the +leader of these was none other than Sir Brian de les Isles. + +So as Sir Brian saw him he rode toward him. + +"Of what fellowship are you, youth?" + +"Of King Arthur's court and it is King Arthur himself who will soon +make me his own knight." + +"Ill will do I owe this king of yours and all who hold lealty to him. +Therefor will I imprison you." + +But this they found not quite so easy. Well did the youth oppose them, +and many of them suffered thereby. Until there were those among them +who were ready to believe that this was no youth in life but fiend +instead. + +Yet did he at last succumb because their number was so many. And then +did Sir Brian cast him into a prison where Breunor found as many as +thirty knights who were prisoners of Sir Brian, some of these were +knights of the Round Table. + +Soon Gareth and Allan speeded their way to overtake Breunor le Noire +of whose absence they began to wonder. Nor did they find trace of him +anywhere. Until Allan suggested that they return to the large castle +which they had passed, where trace of their comrade might be. + +So then did Sir Gareth come to the castle gates; Allan with him. To +his beckoning there came forth one of Sir Brian's henchmen. + +"Tell your master, Sir Gareth waits outside the gates and would +bespeak him." + +But when Sir Brian was given the message, he did not deign to answer +in person, instead, he sent one of his knights in answer to the call. + +"Sir Knight," addressed Sir Gareth, "I seek the master of this castle. +Are you he?" + +"Nay, but then Sir Brian deems it not fit for him to answer all calls. +Such business as you may have, I doubt not, I may quickly dispose with +and so not keep you from your journey." + +"I seek a youth, companion of ours, who had strayed from us and who +mayhap, has met with foul adventure. His name is Breunor le Noire. Do +you or the knight who is your master here know aught of him?" So spoke +Sir Gareth disdaining the insolence in the tone of the other. + +"It may be that we do. Wait you here, while I make return to the +castle to find the answer for you." + +Therewith the knight left them to stand in front of the castle gates +and made his own way back to the house. + +"He is an ill bred knave," said Allan hotly. "To think that such as he +holds knighthood." + +"Knighthood," said the ex-kitchen boy, "is merely a cloak. And I find, +Allan, that it is a garment that is only seemly when he who dons it +wears it well. Yet this is no time for anger. Of what matter that this +knight is ill bred. If there is any quarrel I shall seek it with his +master." + +"Think you that they know of his whereabouts?" asked Allan. "I liked +not the manner in which he made answer." + +"Nor I. But I doubt not we shall know more surely within the next few +moments." + +Nor did the two have long to wait. For there came from the castle +another who seemed to be the high lord. In armor and shield, carrying +lance and riding a great black horse, he stood out from among the +knights who followed him. + +When he came to the gates they were opened wide for him. Then as he +saw Sir Gareth and the boy, he made them a sweeping courtesy. + +"Forgive our boorishness, Sir Gareth. Pray to enter our humble +lodging. Are you then Prince of Orkney?" + +"I am so known," replied the young knight. "Yet I seek to be known as +Gareth, Knight of the Round Table. I know not your name, Sir Knight, +but I find your courtesy welcome." + +But now Allan had noted how the knight's manner had changed. No longer +did he seem kindly; instead a dark scowl frowned his face. + +"I am Sir Brian de les Isles," was the answer. But the voice was no +longer a voice that welcomed, instead it was menacing and stern. + +But Sir Gareth seemed to take no note of this. "I seek, Sir Brian, to +find a youth who accompanied us. His name is Breunor le Noire, and he +seemed to have met with foul adventure." + +"Not foul, Sir Gareth, but only such as is meet for all of King +Arthur's henchmen." + +"Then, I take it, you know of him and of his whereabouts," said Sir +Gareth. Still was his manner mild, yet forked lightning seemed to +flash from his eyes. + +"That we do," replied the other. "He is indeed in safe keeping, such +keeping being no other than ours." + +"I must trouble you, Sir Knight, to make return of him to us." + +"And if I will not?" questioned Sir Brian. Insolence was in his tone, +a sneering smile was on his lips. + +"I take it, if you will not release him you will fight me as would any +honorable knight." + +"That will I. Right gladly and to the uttermost, Sir Gareth. For all +knights of the Round Table, I am sworn foe." + +Then there began a battle such as there was seldom seen. Confidence +was in Sir Brian's every move, and truly it would seem that this young +knight, still unknown in the field of chivalry, was but a poor +adversary to one of the best known of England's knights. + +But if Sir Gareth was young, if he was but little known, yet the skill +at which Sir Launcelot had marveled, stood him in good stead. This, +Sir Brian soon realized. As steel met steel, the older knight knew +that his adversary was no mean one. + +So they battled for a time, neither of them gaining advantage over the +other. Great strength was Sir Brian's, but it was matched by skill and +quickness of thrust and parry. + +Allan, a lone figure, the only one of the group assembled to stand for +Sir Gareth, watched the struggle with bated breath. This boy who had +seen men like Sir Launcelot, Sir Tristram, Sir Percival and others of +almost equal repute, found his friend no less able and bold. Clenched +were his hands, tense the boyish figure, as with heart and soul afire +he watched the two knights. + +But soon it became evident that unless untoward happening occurred the +outcome of the brave fight was but a matter of time. Slowly, yet +surely Sir Brian gave ground. Slowly but surely Sir Gareth pressed +him. All the cunning of his foe availed him naught. To the last Sir +Brian fought bitterly, silently. His heart held bitterness over the +probable outcome, over the youthfulness of the victor to be. + +Now as he parried a bold stroke of the other, for each of them had +turned to swords long before, there came a flash of steel and Sir +Brian felt a great nausea overcome him. Then he knew nothing more for +a long time. + +He came to later. Eager hands were ministering to him. Feebly he +turned, not knowing for the moment why all of this should be. Then his +eyes beheld the victor and the boy next to him and he realized what +had taken place. + +"Sir Gareth," he murmured, as his knights moved aside in response to +the weak gesture of his hand, "yours are a victor's spoils. Well have +you fought and won." + +"Sir Brian," the other replied, "I seek but Breunor le Noire and the +release of such knights as you may hold who owe lealty to king Arthur. +You are a brave knight, would that your cause were worthy you." + +Now Sir Brian called one of his knights to him. The latter followed by +Sir Gareth and Allan made their way to the dungeon of the castle. +There they found their companion, there too, they found the other +knights of the Round Table who had been made prisoners by those within +the castle. Great was their joy at release and warmly they thanked +their fellow knight. + +And now there came a knight to them and told of how well Breunor had +fought and what difficulty they had had to make him prisoner. + +"If this youth fights but half as well as do the two we have seen, you +do indeed make a formidable trio." + +Then the three rejoined the Lady Linet and the next morn they were +well on their way. + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE + +Knight of the Red Lawns + + +Events followed swiftly thereafter for their journey toward the castle +of the Dame Lyoness was not made on easy road. Yet through all these, +good fortune stayed with them and so at least they were within a day's +journey of their destination. + +Word had come to the Red Knight of the Red Lawns of the coming of Sir +Gareth. Word too had come to him of the brave deeds of this knight and +his two companions. Yet did the Red Knight find naught in it all but +cause for great merriment. + +"Truly will their courage ooze from them when they behold those many +knights hanging from yonder oaks, knights who thought to battle with +me and so rescue the Dame Lyoness. Nor did I blame them overmuch, for +it is well worth hanging for, perchance to win a smile from so fair a +lady. Would that I could be so fortunate." + +So said the Red Knight and sighed. No crueler knight there was in all +of Christendom yet was he gentle minded in his love for his fair lady. +And though he would not free her of his presence and though he held +her closely besieged within the castle, yet had he no desire that harm +should come to her. + +Now he again made his way to her castle wall where his herald did blow +his slughorn and announce that the Red Knight of the Red Lawns +besought the light of the lady's countenance and also word with her. + +After a due wait there came forth on a balcony within the wall a lady +who was indeed beautiful. Straight she held herself, straight and +direct her look. Soft brown hair, and her eyes shaded from a dark to +lighter brown as they flashed her moods. + +Fine was her face, a face of true nobility and gentleness. + +And as the Red Knight beheld her, his voice grew gentle, his words +strangely softspoken. + +"My lady, I am your loyal knight. I pray you to listen to me as I +pledge again my loyalty and homage." + +There was scorn in the lady's voice, as she cast a withering look upon +the knight. + +"Soft are your words, Sir Knight. Yet if I do not do the cat a great +injustice it is the same softness as is hers when she spies her prey. +For yonder I have proof of such knighthood as is yours." And Dame +Lyoness pointed to the dead knights hanging from the trees. + +"Aye," replied the Red Knight, "and I would go further, I would tear +such as would deign to keep me from you, limb from limb. Yet, gentle +lady, have I ever shown you proper courtesy and respect as you may +well testify. What, I pray you, keeps me from entering this castle now +and taking you by force, if need be?" + +"My lord," answered Dame Lyoness simply, "that moment you enter these +gates I shall drink this brew. A brew that will quickly dispose of all +the misery that this earth holds for me. Then will you be able to +claim my dead body but naught else. If hope were not mine, if I did +not feel certain that some brave knight would come here from King +Arthur's court to rescue me from your unwelcome presence, a knight +sent here at the beseeching of my sister Linet, I would long ago have +drunk this poison and so rid the world of one who has brought naught +but misery to many brave knights." + +[Illustration: He Knocked With The Hilt Of His Sword] + +"Lady," the Red Knight rejoined, "I hear that such a knight is now on +his way. Yet have you overmuch faith in him or mayhap I have given you +poor proof of my own skill and strength. If he should come, if his +blood does not turn to water, think you he will win from the Red +Knight?" + +"Yet do I so hope. I pray that he has greater skill and strength than +yours. And I shall dare hope." + +Then did the lady turn and make her way within, giving the knight no +further glance. Ruefully he turned away, and so woeful a figure that +few would have known him for the brave and commanding Red Knight of +the Red Lawns. + +There came the Lady Linet first of all our party of five. She it was +who entered the gates of the castle of Dame Lyoness unmolested. So had +it been arranged. There she recounted of Sir Gareth and of the others, +too. She told of the knight's bravery and how he had overcome Sir +Brian de les Isles, and of all their other adventures. Told too, of +who Sir Gareth was, and how gentle and how eager he was to take up her +gauntlet. Until Dame Lyoness' eyes grew large and their shade dark +brown. For she was overly pleased at the description of her champion. + +"Yet must he be of the strongest and most skillful," she said +fearfully, "to overcome this cruel knight. For the Red Knight is far +superior to even Sir Brian." + +"Dear Sister," replied Linet, "I have faith in this youthful knight. +Naught has he found too difficult as yet and I do not fear the Red +Knight whom he meets tomorrow." + +So the next morning, Sir Gareth arrived. Awaited him the Red Knight of +the Red Lawns who had been advised of his nearness. + +As the lady's champion turned with the road, Allan, Breunor and Walker +with him, there rode forward to meet him, the knight he was to do +battle with. + +"What brings you here?" asked the Red Knight, though he knew full +well. + +"I come to the rescue of Dame Lyoness, who, it seems, is besieged by +some unworthy knight who finds it worthy him to war on women." + +"I am the Red Knight," the other replied without parley. "See you, my +fair knight, yonder trees. See you the things that hang therefrom. +They are the bodies of such other fools who have come here to teach me +what I may or may not do." + +"That, too," replied Sir Gareth, "makes me but doubly certain that +knighthood is not the garment you should wear. I shall do battle with +you, Sir Knight, so soon as you don armor. Meantime I await your +pleasure." + +Then did the three ride toward the castle. And as they neared it there +came to the open window both the Lady Linet and the Dame Lyoness. Low +did the latter courtesy to them all, but chiefest to Sir Gareth. Long +did these two gaze at each other and in that gaze love was in the +dawning. + +Now, the Red Knight came forward. For a few moments each watched the +other, their horses stepping now this way, now that. Then of a sudden, +they made at each other, with all their might. And well it was that +shields were there to meet the blows. For such was their force that +breast plates, horsegirths and cruppers burst. Both knights were sent +to earth, Sir Gareth holding the reins of his bridle still in his +hands. Sore stunned was each for many minutes. Wonder it was that neck +of either was not broken. + +Now the two left their horses and with shields in front they battled +with their swords. And they fought until midday and until they both +lacked wind. So that each was forced to take rest. + +From their window, the two ladies watched the affray. Both of them +prayed that harm should not come to their champion. + +But the Red Knight watching them and seeing how in especial Dame +Lyoness was interested, conceived a new idea. + +"I fancy that when I overcome this knight and prepare to hang him, +yonder good lady will give herself to me to save him. For she seems +to care overmuch for him and greatly do I wish I were in his place. +Yet must she be the lady of the Red Knight." So he mused. + +They fought all of the afternoon. Now one would grovel in the earth, +the other too weak to carry the battle to successful conclusion, now +the second would grow equally weak. + +Then did they rest again and Breunor and Allan brought water for Sir +Gareth so that he could drink and bathe his face. They rested for a +half hour and then battled once again. + +Now the younger knight seemed weaker. The Red Knight pressed him hard +as he saw this. Things began to look dark for the lady's champion. + +She, too, saw this. And coming far to the edge of the balcony she +called out. + +"Sir Gareth, I pray for your success." And as he looked toward her +there was a great, eager light on her countenance. It gave to him +renewed strength, renewed faith. As if he had ten men's strength. And +so he turned on the Red Knight and the other could not withstay him. +Fearfully he struck him, such a fearful blow that the Red Knight never +moved again. Yet even as his foe succumbed, the victor slowly +crumbled to the ground, spent and so weak that for a few seconds +Allan, Breunor le Noire and the two ladies who had hurried to him, +thought he was dead. + +In a few moments however the young knight opened his eyes. Then, +beholding the gentle face of Dame Lyoness, he closed them again, well +content. + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO + +Sir Galahad + + +Of the things that befell Sir Gareth, of how he wedded the good Dame +Lyoness and of how he gave right seemly proof of his worship, this +story will not detail. Nor can we go on the byway that deals with the +deeds of Breunor le Noire who was made a knight of the Round Table by +King Arthur soon thereafter and who then avenged the cowardly slaying +of his father by the unknown and false knight. + +For our tale must hold its course hereafter. The boy Allan had grown +with the two years that had passed since the adventure of the Red +Knight of the Red Lawns. He had not returned to the court of King +Arthur, instead he and Walker had set out on journey of adventure. No +hit and miss journey this, instead it followed a call that the boy had +had, a call which he knew meant that the time had come for him to +begin seeking the Holy Grail. + +The two years had been eventful ones for Allan. All over England had +he found his way, he and Walker. Adventures were many and everywhere +this youth through kindly deeds and brave actions left good repute +behind him. + +So at the period which our narrative now covers there had grown from a +whispering into a more or less certainty and belief that a man had +come who would find the Holy Grail again for Britain and so add honor +and fame to England. And therewith there was great wonderment as to +whether the finder would be of the court of Northgalis, or of +Northumberland, or of Cornwall, or of Arthur's court. + +Pentecost was but a few days away. Now on this day the good King +Arthur with Launcelot, Percival and Merlin, the wizard, made the round +of the sieges or seats of the Round Table, each of which held a name, +for on this Pentecost to come, there were to be many new knights made +and place must be found for them. + +So then here and there the places were assigned. Now they came to the +last of the places. + +"What new knight shall be placed here?" asked the King. "It seems to +us that this place his been empty this long time." + +"This," answered Merlin, "is the Siege Perilous. Here no one shall sit +until four hundred and fifty four years after the passion of the +Lord." + +Now then Sir Launcelot make quick reckoning. + +"In the name of God," he made haste to say, "then should this siege be +filled on this Pentecost day that comes." + +"That I doubt not," replied Merlin, "And no one else but the rightful +occupant may fill it for he that is so hardy as to try it, he will be +destroyed." + +So Pentecost day came. And all but Merlin wondered as to who the +newcomer, who would fill this seat could be. + +Early day found the new knights already seated. Early day, too, found +Allan, once again, after the many months away from the court, +returned. This was home to him--and close to three years had passed +since he had been there. He had learned much, he had searched thus far +in vain for the Holy Grail. Yet not altogether in vain, for he felt +within him that he was closer to his quest with the passing of each +day. The boy, now in young manhood, had indeed developed well. Broad +shouldered, slim-waisted, supple limbed, he gave little indication of +his strength, yet Walker riding close beside him, had watched him, had +trained him and had with great pride, noted his skill with lance, +sword and spear. Well he knew that this youth would soon be second to +none in ability to cope with foe or in friendly jousting as might +befall in tournament or elsewhere. + +[Illustration: A Solitary Horseman] + +Now on this Pentecost day, Allan had returned because it was wont that +he should do so and also because desire urged him thence. So then he +entered the great hall and because all of King Arthur's court were +within, none there were who knew him. + +And once he found himself within, only Merlin the Wizard knew who he +was. The others knew him not, not even Sir Percival nor Sir Launcelot. +So Merlin came forward and greeted him. + +"They do not yet know you lad, for greatly have you changed with these +few years. Almost grown to full manhood and of a truth full well and +ready for the further conduct of your mission. Come you with me for +your seat is saved." + +"Nay, sir, I hold no seat for I am as yet no knight, though hopeful," +replied the lad. + +"Yet is your place here, lad. So come." + +And herewith the lad had need to follow. While all about, the knights +and others watched them both. + +So now as they came to the Siege Perilous, Merlin stopped and motioned +Allan toward it. Yet the boy hesitated and turned his eyes to his +king, whose eyes searched both the Wizard and the boy. + +Thereupon Merlin turned to them all. + +"Here is Galahad, he who shall achieve the Grail. And proof of it is +in this that he shall sit in the Siege Perilous and no harm shall come +to him therewith. Sit you down, lad." + +So Allan sat down in the place assigned. There seemed to play about +him and the seat a strange light. Well be seemed to fit therein. + +"Oh, King," went on Merlin. "Some years since, there came a stranger +to this youth and also to one other here. There and then he declared +that the finding of the Grail was made possible. That the finder was +to be known as Galahad the Chaste. Pure and upright must the seeker be +and up to now there is none other among you who so well fills this +requirement. He who left here as Allan, page to Sir Percival, +returns, fitted and grown to the task. He shall henceward be known as +Galahad. And it please you sire, make you him a knight of the Round +Table. So that if he do find the Grail, honor and glory shall be with +you, too." + +Wondered the boy yet, but at word from the king he came forward and +knelt. + +"We dub you knight, Allan. You shall be known as Sir Galahad. Fruitful +may your mission be. We know that knighthood shall not suffer through +you." + +A little apart, Sir Launcelot watched the boy. And though the newly +made knight knew it not, the former had watched him through the many +days he had been away from the court, had never been very far, yet +never so near that the young adventurer knew it. Most keen and +watchful had he been to see that the lad kept on the clean road ahead. +And of a truth he had noted, with a restful content, that such was the +boy's inclination and desires. Yet he kept apart even as he watched +and in all the years had not come face to face with the boy. + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE + +The Beginning of the Quest + + +A week and a day Sir Galahad stayed at the court. Nor was he there +many hours before he found that Yosalinde was not home as yet but +would be within the month. Yet he would not stay, for after long and +serious converse with both Merlin and Sir Launcelot, he followed the +great urge to go forward. For he felt the call now greater, more +insistent. Yet did he somewhat fret since this urge, this call seemed +to lead him nowhere, seemed only to beckon that he go. + +"Fret not, lad, perhaps many a year shall you wander before you find +the Grail. Many places shall you go. Yet let not your way ever be +impatient." So spoke the Wizard. + +"I go to Normandy soon, Merlin." + +"You shall find me there," now spoke Sir Launcelot, "for I too go +hither to seek adventure. I pray that we meet, Galahad and that +together we have many eventful days. Though full well do I know your +way in great part, must be alone." + +"That it must be," Merlin advised. + +And so the next day and the next he stayed. From everyone and +everywhere great favor was his. King Arthur, too, held much converse +with him and he remembered the first days the lad had come to court +and how he had ordered the herald to send him forth for Sir Launcelot +and Gawaine. + +But the day came at last when he and Walker adventured forth. And the +new knight carried no shield for one was awaiting him, a shield that +carried a great cross to signify his seeking. This he was to find at +the convent near Carboneck. So Merlin had advised him. + +Two days of journey passed without ontoward event but on the third day +there came to him a yeoman in great woe. + +"What grieves you, friend?" asked Walker while Sir Galahad waited. + +"Great are my troubles for my master will surely flay me until I die. +I was bringing him his best horse from the castle when a knight +stopped me. Though I told him that the horse was my master's and how +much store he set by it yet did he take the same from me. When I +protested as best I might, he brought his sword upon me and it was +fortune that I was not slain." + +"Know you the knight?" asked Sir Galahad kindly. + +"Nay, Sir, except that he told me he needed the horse at Calomet." + +"I shall go hither. It is but a short journey and you may come with +me. For it does not seem a knightly act, this taking of your master's +horse and it needs explaining." + +"I thank you master. For little value though my life may be, I value +it nevertheless," replied the yeoman. + +So they went on to Calomet. And when they arrived there the yeoman +most fortunately espied his master's horse. + +"Yonder, Sir Knight, is the horse," and he pointed excitedly. + +There stood a white horse, truly a beast well worth owning. A +beautiful head, a great body that showed strength and grace, set well +on strong, shapely limbs. A head which its owner held right +fearlessly, yet the eyes of the beast were soft and kindly and +indicated that he could be ridden by child or woman. + +"A good beast and well worth fighting for, if need be," said Walker. + +"Yet more worthy the fight, if there is need of one, the fact that +this knight we are to meet is so unfair," replied Sir Galahad. + +So now they came to the house. Walker and the yeoman dismounted and +went up to the horse, which had been tied but temporarily and was +awaiting its rider. + +And as they stood there, there came from within the house a knight who +had espied them. + +"What wish you, knaves?" he asked, scowling. + +"It is my master who wishes your presence," replied Walker. + +"He shall have his wish satisfied," the knight made reply, turning to +Galahad, who was a little further away. + +"Do you wish word with me, Sir Knight?" he asked. + +"I seek him who claims to be the owner of this horse," replied Sir +Galahad. + +"Then you have found him for he is no other than I," was the answer. + +"Yet how can he be yours, Sir Knight, if this yeoman claims it is his +master's horse?" Sir Galahad questioned. + +"I have made you answer to question that should concern you but +little. What ado wish you to make of it?" + +"Only that the horse goes to this yeoman so that he can bring him to +his rightful owner." + +The other laughed aloud. + +"I wot, strange knight, I wonder well how you can do this thing when I +am here to say you nay. And when my sword is even more severe in +keeping you from boastful attempt." + +And then without further parley the knight brought his sword to play. +But sorry adventure this for him and Sir Galahad though still without +shield brought him right quickly to earth. A sorry match was he for +the young knight, so ill matched that Walker smiled in glee at his +efforts. + +The knight now held his peace as Sir Galahad told the yeoman to take +his master's horse and go hence. But he scowled and as Sir Galahad +turned to go he bespoke him. + +"Sir Knight, I shall not forget your meddling in what was of no +concern to you. And the day may come when you will regret this deed." + +[Illustration: Sir Galahad In The Forest] + +"True, Sir Knight," replied Sir Galahad. "I shall have need to make +assurance that my horse is secured so that he may not be stolen." And +laughing and full at ease he left the beaten knight to his surly +thoughts. + +Yet as he went the strange yeoman followed him. So that Sir Galahad +turned to him somewhat in amaze. + +"I thought that your way was opposite." + +"My way, Sir Knight, goes only to yonder turn. Yet before I leave I +make you gift of this horse. He is yours. That was not a true tale as +to who owned this horse. For its true owner is none other than you and +my story such as to test you and find answer to whether you would help +those who are in trouble, though the trouble owner be lowly born. The +horse is sent by friend of yours whose name is not to be related. I +wish you well, Sir Knight." + +Much overcome was Sir Galahad at the princely gift, for the horse had +impressed him much. + +"Tell you this unknown friend of mine, that I value this gift as +naught else. Tell you too, that I name him the Seeker, in full honor +of my quest." + +So then the strange yeoman departed whilst the knight and his faithful +man went on their way. + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR + +In Normandy + + +Of the travels of Sir Galahad, of how he journeyed through many lands +and new scenes, there is much to be told. Ever with him, went his +faithful man, Walker, who served him well and loyally. + +Eager was the young knight to reach Normandy of which he had heard +much. So he sailed away and since many rumors held the Grail to be +there he hoped to find it. + +In Normandy, a strange land, he met with much adventure, many knights +brave and true, and some who were not. But no sign of the Grail was +there to be had. + +On his white horse, the Seeker, he made his way southward, finding +lodging where he could. + +It was so, in the first month of his travels, that he came to the +castle of one of the best of Normandy's knights. Of him, Sir Launcelot +had spoken highly; he held him in great esteem, and so had counseled +the youthful knight to make it his purpose to visit him when there. + +Sir Guilbert gave him friendly greeting. Many had been his visits to +England, well he knew Sir Launcelot and Sir Percival and the great +King himself. Sir Galahad found his stay a pleasant one; there were +friendly jousts in which he met some of Normandy's worshipful knights. +In all of these he was victor. + +Sir Guilbert had full praise for the young knight. There was son of +his, a youth of seventeen, who also admired the newcomer, even as +Allan the boy had admired Sir Launcelot. When his visitor's stay was +drawing to a close, Sir Guilbert spoke of this. + +"My son Charles, Sir Galahad, has taken great fancy to you and wishful +am I that you could find it in your plans to take him as page. He is a +quiet lad, sturdy and obedient, you will find. And following wish of +his mother, he knows your English tongue well, for she is Englishborn. +He has made study of Latin too, it seemed for a time that he would +turn to priesthood. But that will not be, and I cannot say that it +finds me regretful. I would have him a true knight, had I my way." + +"Your wish, Sir Guilbert, may well be served. But if I may, I should +like first to speak to the lad, before I make answer." + +"Faith, and you may. For we should want the lad to satisfy you and +merit your friendship. I shall see to it that you have the chance to +speak with him. It were better, that he know not the reason for your +questioning. Is it not so?" + +"It would be best, Sir Guilbert," Sir Galahad replied. + +Then the two talked of other things and the young knight questioned +his friend as to the likely whereabouts of the Holy Grail. + +"Many rumors have I heard, Sir Galahad. But never actual trace. +Understand you well, my friend. Knights from every land seek this +Grail and I would wish that it were Norman who found it. But if it +cannot be one from my own land, I would it were one from your country. +I fear me, it shall not be easy search, it may lead you far." + +"I am well prepared for that," replied the Seeker. "If it were easy to +find, the glory would be so much the less. I can but hope that I shall +have the vision to see it when it is near me." + +"I wish you well," Sir Guilbert made answer. "Now let us repair to the +dining hall for the meal waits." + +It was after they had eaten that Sir Galahad found the opportunity to +hold speech with the youth, Charles. + +He found the lad to be all that his father had said of him. + +"What have you wish for, Charles?" he said. + +"I should like to journey far and to many places," the boy replied. +"There is much to see and I envy the many who have traveled to foreign +lands." + +"How then, if you could, would you travel?" + +"As a true Norman knight serving God and the Church against all +infidels." + +"Well spoken, lad. But it needs many years and one must learn much to +be a good knight. It is not easy work." + +"I know that, Sir Galahad. But I shall not count the years for I am +still young." + +More questions the knight asked the lad and he made eager though +respectful answer. It was apparent that he had thought of it for many +a day. But Sir Galahad said never a word to him of the reason for his +questions and left the lad without knowledge of his purpose. + +But the next day he spoke to Sir Guilbert and gave him answer. + +"I should like the youth as my page. He is the kind I could well use. +And I promise you that he shall come back to you so that neither you +nor his mother shall have reason to be other than proud of him. He +will be of great help to me when I reach Rome for I purpose to journey +there, I know naught of the tongue." + +"Have you told the lad, as yet?" the father asked. + +"I thought it best that either you or your lady speak first with him +and then will I." + +"That is a gracious deed on your part, my knight. And if it bears +fruit or not, I shall indeed be in your debt." + +"Not so, Sir Guilbert. For the boy will but have such chance as I was +given by Sir Percival when I was even younger than he." + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE + +Sir Galahad Offers Help + + +It was but a week and a day later that Sir Galahad proceeded further. +With him was the faithful Walker who was overly pleased to be on his +way and also Charles, the young son of Sir Guilbert. Eager was the lad +and highly pleased to go forth with the brave knight. + +Sir Galahad had had hopes of meeting Sir Launcelot who had planned to +be in Normandy, and Merlin as well. But he would wait no longer, he +was in no mood to tarry now. + +There came a day of storm, fierce was the rain and sleet and the wind +so strong that the knight, and his party found it arduous task to keep +the road. Sir Galahad decided to stop and seek shelter at the first +refuge that they should find. + +A little later they came to an old but magnificent castle and in +answer to the summons of Walker, an ancient man appeared. + +"What will you?" the old man quavered. + +"My master seeks shelter until the storm passes. He is a worshipful +knight. Go you to your master with his request." + +The man hobbled within the castle. Soon he returned. + +"There is no master here but my mistress bids me welcome the +worshipful knight and beseech his entrance." + +So they went within and the old man threw logs on the open fire which +blazed right merrily. Sir Galahad and the two with him made themselves +comfortable. Soon food and drink was brought to them of which they +partook with good grace. + +The storm did not subside and night came on. + +"Old man," Sir Galahad said to the ancient servitor. "Pay you my +respects to the lady whose hospitality we enjoy and ask that she grace +us with her presence. Tell her that it is Sir Galahad, Knight of the +Round Table, who seeks it." + +There came a long wait which left the three a wondering. Then there +came forth a lady who was followed by the ancient servitor. Stately +she was and of noble bearing. Yet it could be seen that she was +fearful and disturbed. + +"My lord wished my presence?" she asked and her tone was tremulous. + +"I owe you apology for this disturbance," the knight said courteously. +"But we also owe you thanks for your gracious hospitality. There seems +need that we disturb you further since the storm stays and we cannot +proceed as we would. May we find lodging within your walls?" + +The lady looked fearfully about. + +"I cannot deny you. Truly it is no night to be outdoors. Stay then +and welcome." + +Morning found the storm in no wise abated. The lady of the castle did +not appear at the morning meal. But the old man was there to serve +them. He too, seemed much disturbed and made as if to have speech with +Sir Galahad, once or twice. + +"What troubles your pate, old man?" Walker finally asked him. + +"These are dark days for the house of Sanscourt," the latter replied +and crossed himself. + +"Perhaps, good man, it may be within us to lighten them," Sir Galahad +said kindly, "If we can, it may repay in part for your mistress' +hospitality." + +"Would that my lady could find it in her to confide in you. For you +seem right friendly, my lord." + +"Beseech you her. Tell her that Sir Galahad offers his services if she +has need of them." + +The man soon returned. + +"My lady thanks you kindly for your offer and she will see you soon," +he said. + +The Knight waited but a few moments when his hostess came into the +room. + +"You are gracious, Sir Galahad. I doubt whether there can be any help +for me. Yet I shall tell you my story for there still may be hope for +so wretched a person as myself." + +"My lady, it is the duty of all true knights to be of help to those in +distress. Wherefore, I hold but to my knightly vow, in my promise of +service to you." + +The Lady Jeanne made no answer, seemingly she had not heard him. Sir +Galahad watched her, saw her look which seemed afar, saw the dark rims +around her eyes. They spoke of many hours of weeping. + +Now she turned to him. + +"I think, my lord, this storm that seems as if it will not cease has +been sent by God. Strange though it may seem it brings me hope, dim +though that hope may be, yet I treasure it. Little reason for hope +have I had. + +"Think me not rude, Sir Galahad, and think not that I question your +valor or skill. But this is task for no lone knight, for my enemy is +strong and powerful. I may be selfish too, in that I draw you into my +troubles but I am like one who drowning, must need snatch at a straw. +And many knights would hesitate long to offer service where the cause +is as hopeless as mine seemingly is. Nor will I blame you or hold you, +if after my story is done, you find no way in which you can help me. + +"Listen then and you will see why I count this storm as sign of hope +sent to me." + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX + +Lady Jeanne's Story + + +Two years will it be next month when the Duke of Gascony with fifty +knights went forth on a quest that would take them to far Eastern +lands. Of these fifty, Sir Vilard, my husband, was one. + +"He left with me, my son Ambrose, my daughter Helene and two +servitors, old men who could not go with him. It was in a good and +holy cause so I had no tears for him to see. Rather did I bid him +Godspeed and a safe and quick return. + +"You see me alone now. Two years, and I have neither son, nor +daughter, nor husband. Did I know they were dead, bitter would be my +woe yet would I count God's mercies many, His ways strange, but not +for any mortal to question. But I do not know that. They would have me +believe my husband dead. Ambrose went forth one day and I have had no +word of him since then. And my daughter is lodged within prison walls +waiting the whim of Sir Dolphus who holds her in his power. + +"They tell me that my husband perished with the Duke and all but three +of the knights that went forth with him. And that before he died he +sent word that it was his wish that I permit Sir Dolphus to marry our +daughter. Yet do I know that Sir Dolphus is already lawfully wedded to +a wife whom he would discard. Knowing my husband as I do, I could not +believe such to be his message. So I withstood the pleadings of this +knight until his pleadings turned to bitter threats. + +"He would make himself Duke of Gascony. And when I would not listen to +him, his pleadings or threats, he came here one day with two other +knights and professed to abide by such decision as I had made. They +dined with us. Ambrose, my son, was away that day. + +"Enough to say that they stole my daughter from me. This old man you +see and the other, Albert, were clubbed to earth, the one to death. I +tried so hard to resist them but my hand was weak. + +"When Ambrose returned, I could not keep him. He went forth to rescue +his sister. Poor lad, I have had no word from him since then. Is he +dead? Did they kill him? I have sent for word, have begged that they +tell me what fate has befallen him but they profess not to know. + +"I have heard that the Church will not sanction his marriage to +Helene. Nor will it permit Sir Dolphus to annul the marriage with his +wife. A good priest also tells me that Sir Dolphus has set his black +heart upon marrying my poor Helene so that he can then lawfully own +all this land and estate that belongs to us. It will be small matter +to rid himself of me and I fain would not wish to live were it not +that I still have hope. + +"My lord, I have hoped so much. Until my very hope turned black for +never was there any one so helpless against the power of this wicked +man. I dread the coming of each day and yet mixed with my dread there +still is ever present that one small hope which will not be killed. + +"I think I would have died but for this small hope," she added +wistfully. She paused now and seemed lost in the dark thoughts that +possessed her. + +"All of them gone. Not one of them to remain with me." + +"Sir Galahad," she turned to him. "It is not a pretty story. I seem to +be encompassed with tragedy. I would not include you in my woes, you +have other missions, other work ahead. And though you have the valor +and strength of ten, it would count for so little." + +"My lady," the knight replied. "What use would such valor be, if I had +it, if I did not but use it for its full worth? Could I be a true +knight and not heed the call your sorrow brings? I can but try to help +you. And that, I swear, I will." + +A light shone in the lady's eye. "I was not wrong to hope. Even now I +feel that succor must come. Your words, dear knight, give me strength. +Surely then, the storm has brought me some ray of that hope I speak +of." + +"I shall devise some plan," Sir Galahad said, "wherein we can make +rescue of your daughter, and find out the fate of your son." + +The Knight's thoughts were deep for many minutes. "Did this Sir +Dolphus say where your husband met his death?" + +"Near Lombardy," she replied. + +"If I succeed here, my lady, I shall continue my way to Rome. From +there I shall journey north and seek news of your husband. It may be +that he is not dead. Dead or alive, you at least will know. + +"Tomorrow, if the day clears, we shall turn to the work before us. It +seems a hard task but as I have said, we can but try. In the meantime, +my Lady Jeanne, have courage and keep your patience." + +So Galahad left her. But Walker stayed. + +"Lady, I would but add my humble word of cheer. In all of England, of +all the Knights of the Round Table, there is none who equals my master +in skill and bravery. I tell you this so that you may know how worthy +your champion is. Would that he had but one other with him and I +would not care what odds were against him." + +"And who, my man, is that other?" + +"Sir Launcelot," Walker made reply. + +"I thank you for telling me of Sir Galahad. It adds to the hope I have +and the courage he bids me possess." + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN + +Sir Launcelot Arrives + + +The day dawned bright and clear. But it brought to Sir Galahad no plan +for the rescue of the daughter of his hostess. + +My lady came down to the breakfast table greatly cheered, as was plain +to be seen. Sir Galahad had not the heart to tell her that as yet he +had found no way for the rescue of her daughter. Instead he said. + +"It seems to me that there is one thing I can but do. I shall seek +this knight's castle and wait for such event there as may befall. Luck +may come my way. But I promise you this, my lady, I shall make no rash +or fruitless attempt at rescue. Rash acts may well come after the +rescue of your daughter, not before." + +The Lady Jeanne agreed. So then immediately after the meal Walker, and +the page Charles prepared the things they would need for the journey. + +"I go forth to prepare the horses, young master. Will you see to these +things here?" So spoke Walker and when Charles agreed he hurried +outdoors. + +[Illustration: Suddenly They Made For Each Other] + +Hardly had he reached there, however, when he saw two horsemen coming +toward him. His trained eye easily recognized them. One could be no +other than Sir Launcelot. Only he sat his horse so. And the rider with +him was Gouvernail, he who had been squire to Sir Tristram until that +brave knight had died and who now was in the service of Sir Launcelot. + +"By my faith," spoke out Walker to the empty air. He rubbed his eyes. +Yes, it was they. + +"A wish come true," was all he could think of. And then he danced +first on one foot, then on the other, uncertain whether to rush to +meet the advancing horsemen or to run inside and advise his master. +His uncertainty ended only when he was indoors again. + +"Master, master, come you here," he called. "See who comes," he +shouted gleefully. + +Sir Galahad came toward him. But not as quick as the eager, youthful +Charles. After them all, came the Lady Jeanne. + +"It is Launcelot, by my faith," Sir Galahad shouted gleefully. "He was +to meet me in Normandy and has followed close on my heels. What luck!" +And he waved to the approaching knight who returned the salute and +increased his speed. + +The Lady Jeanne turned questioning eyes to the squire, who nodded +happily. + +"My lady," Sir Galahad turned to her. "Now you may well have hope and +faith. And well may you give us your blessing for we shall bring your +daughter to you, have no fear." + +So spoke the knight whose faith in Sir Launcelot's prowess was most +profound. + +Now the approaching knight came up to them. + +"Good Allan," he said still calling his friend by the name of his +boyhood. "I have traveled through a day of storm to catch up with you. +Until I am sure that this knave here is prepared to seek a master who +would be saner and more considerate." + +"Not so," replied Gouvernail, "for I was no less the anxious." + +"You come in good time, dear friend. For never were you more needed. +There is work ahead for us, serious work. This lady here needs our +help. She is sore distressed. But let her meet you." + +So the Lady Jeanne met Sir Launcelot. And once again the tale of her +plight was revealed. And even as Sir Launcelot listened, the plan of +what to do came to Sir Galahad. But he kept his tongue until his +friend was fully informed and had in turn had time to question their +hostess. + +Charles stood close to his master, whose arm encircled him as if it +would include him in all of it. A little in the background stood the +two squires who were close friends and old comrades. Gouvernail's +interest was keen. + +So when the tale was done, Sir Galahad turned to his friend and said +"Know you perchance where Merlin is?" + +"We left him behind us. His old bones could not risk yesterday's +storm. But he promised me that he would follow when it cleared and so +he is but a day behind. But have you a plan, Allan?" + +"It has but just come to me--this possible plan. It may be that he can +be emissary from Arthur to the Duke of Gascony for such purpose as may +be devised. And we go with him as knights. We _know not_, of +course, that a pretender sits where the Duke of Gascony should. And I +fancy that this Dolphus will be right well pleased to welcome us and +if we seemingly appear not too scrupulous ourselves we can worm the +story from him and act thereon." + +"It can be done, if the plan is well thought out. Only dear lad, I +doubt whether thy face will not count against you in any pretended +villainy. Think you not so, madame?" + +The Lady Jeanne smiled. It was strange to see her smile but it gave +proof that she was lighter hearted. + +"I think that Sir Dolphus is not the kind to think that there are any +who hold aught but villianous thoughts," she replied. + +"So then, we must need delay until Merlin comes." + +"Think you the king will be provoked at our use of him and his court?" +Sir Galahad asked. + +"Aye, that I do. Provoked that he was not with us to share in the +adventure." Launcelot laughingly replied. + +"Lady," Sir Launcelot addressed her in a moment's pause. "You had +little need to worry when this knight became your champion. He is +overly modest. Gladly shall I help him." + +"God is good," the Lady Jeanne replied brokenly. "And He has placed me +and my troubles in godly hands." And then she wept. And it seemed as +if like a spring freshet, her thoughts, soul, and heart, were cleared +and cleansed. + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT + +A Rescue + + +"I seek speech with him who is Duke of Gascony. I bring him a message +from Arthur, King of England." So spoke Merlin as he stood at the +entrance of the great and splendid castle of the ruler of Gascony. + +By his side were the two knights, Galahad and Launcelot. The page +Charles stood close by and somewhat behind them were the two squires, +Walker and Gouvernail. + +"From England's king?" the Gascon knight questioned. And made as if +he would further satisfy his curiosity. But changed his mind. + +"I pray you wait, good sir, until I tell my lord, your message." So +then he went within the great hall. + +"A rash adventure, say I," and Merlin shook his head dolefully. + +"You were ever a croaker, good Merlin," replied Sir Launcelot. "See +not the thing so dolefully, I pray you." + +"And think of the worth of what we accomplish," added Sir Galahad. +"Here now comes the Gascon with his answer, I see. Let us listen to +what he says." + +"We bid you welcome to Gascony and pray you to come within. My master +sends his greetings and awaits you." + +They followed then their guide and so came within the great hall of +state where Sir Dolphus awaited them. + +"Come you from England?" he asked. + +"That we do," replied Merlin, "and carry a message for the Duke." + +"There is no Duke of Gascony. He is dead. But I, by the will of all +the nobles of the land, rule in place. If you have message from +England's king honor is mine to receive it." + +"That message will I deliver right gladly. My king has long desired to +come to Gascony and to other countries in France. So has he sent me +forth to find first, how welcome will his visit be, second, as you may +well understand, that such country as may come within his plans may +worthy be his presence. For England's king must hold his honor and +his presence at their royal worth. + +"So come I to this brave land the which my king has heard well spoken +and which he holds in high esteem. I find it sad news that he who +reigned is dead, yet Gascony cannot suffer if you, most worshipful +sir, rule instead." + +Now did the crafty Dolphus find himself quick to see the worth to him +of such a visit from the great king of England who was held in high +esteem everywhere. If Arthur were to visit him then could none +question his pretense to the throne. Too, were such visit soon, there +would be need for him to be declared Duke of Gascony at once, so that +Arthur could be met in royal state. + +"Gascony, good sir, would welcome your king. And count it honor to +receive him with all the honors due so great a name. When does your +master plan to come?" + +"Shortly, sir, after I make my return to England and make report. For +he hopes also to visit Rome and pay homage to His Holiness, the Pope." + +When he heard this, Sir Dolphus urged the emissaries of England's king +to tarry awhile in Gascony. + +"So that, kind sirs, you find our friendship for your master, such as +may befit his visit to us. Greatly do we desire him to come and we +would wish your report to be a kindly one. So find you welcome here. +We shall eat, drink and be merry." + +So the party made itself at home. Sir Dolphus soon took great fancy to +Sir Launcelot who proved a merry soul and the two spent many hours +together. + +"I would count it fortunate, Sir Launcelot, were you knight of this +court. For I need friends such as you." + +"Rather, I fancy, is the need otherwise. For the Duke of Gascony's +friendship is no small thing and many there are who would hold it high +honor. Of friends, you should have many." So the knight made +flattering answer. + +"Aye, but you know not. There are those who would believe that the +dead duke lives and who though silent, yet are sullen over my rightful +claim to take his place. And I find the Church of little help to me. +Though I have offered it many gifts, and promised it great riches, yet +will it oppose my will." + +"Does the Church object to you as Duke?" Sir Launcelot questioned. "I +see not why." + +"Nay, 'tis not as Duke but in other matters." + +Caution seemed to overcome Sir Dolphus for many minutes. But he had +great desire to confide in this friendly knight whose good will he +wished. + +"Art thou married, Sir Launcelot?" he asked. + +"A strange question, my friend. Yet do I find my happiness in the +single blessedness which is at present mine." + +"Yet is marriage a most convenient thing sometime. 'Twould be for me +at present." + +"Say you, _'twould be?_ Yet, if I mistake not, have I heard that +that blessed state is already yours. Though no sign have I seen as +yet, of the Lady Dolphus. + +"Aye, friend, married am I, worse the pity. And when I ask the Church +to annul this unhappy state, and give it many gifts, still does it +turn stubborn over such a little thing." + +"What harm therein, my friend? Since that the lady is not with you?" +Friendly was Sir Launcelot's tone and right sympathetic. + +"Aye, there I come back to what I have said--about marriage being most +convenient at times. For would they annul the marriage I could then +marry again, one who owns vast estate. And that would make me all +powerful in Gascony." + +Such laughter as shook the frame of Sir Launcelot. Nor was it +unkindly. + +"A great rogue you," he spoke pleasantly. "Off with the old and on +with the new. Is it not so? And I fancy the new is also right young or +I am greatly mistaken? Eh?" + +Great was Sir Launcelot's hilarity. Nor did the other take offense +thereat. + +"I care little as to her youth or not. But I do care for the estate +that goes with her," replied Sir Dolphus. + +"She must like you greatly, to be willing?" + +"Hardly could I say, she's that. But that would be small matter if I +could but get the Church to sanction the deed. Yet have I hope that +if I could get your king's goodwill, he could persuade the Pope on his +visit to Rome. And there, good friend, you could help me greatly and +well would I repay such kindness." + +Not once did Sir Launcelot permit the hot temper within him to be +unloosed. Played he so well with the wicked knight that it was but a +few days thereafter Sir Dolphus invited him to visit with him the +young damsel who was kept within prison walls. Never once did the +knight demur or permit the other to think that he did not sympathize +and agree with his plans. + +As they walked away from the prison door, he turned to the other. +"Strange that she should be all alone. Has she no one who would make +you trouble?" + +"Her father went forth with the Duke and others among us to the land +of the infidels. On our way back, in Lombardy, our small force was +overcome by disaster. But three of us escaped, I know not what +happened to the others. Then it was, I decided to possess the land of +the Sanscourt and told the Lady Jeanne that her husband wished and +commanded that her daughter Helene marry me. But she would have none +of this. So that I had to steal the damsel. And when her brother came +here to rescue her, we overcame the helpless youth. He would not have +lived had I my way, but the others would not permit that and so we +have him safely lodged in the dungeon below and I fancy he will not +abuse our hospitality for long." + +That night Sir Launcelot spoke to the others and told what he had +heard. Great was his rage, which he had curbed so well when in the +presence of the other. + +"I would," Merlin spoke in great gloom, "that we were well out of +this." + +"We can be well out of it when the youth and girl are also safely +out," Sir Galahad replied and there was a stern look in his eye. +"Tomorrow we shall find the dungeon place. Then will we act quickly. +But also we must see to it that this false knight receives his just +deserts. Is it not so, Launcelot?" + +"Tomorrow, it shall be," the other replied. "And I myself, shall deal +with this Sir Dolphus, for I have had to listen to his foulness +without demur." + +So they planned. And the next day, Sir Galahad professed a great +desire to see the whole of the castle. And so was shown in due course +the great dungeon and saw there, the weak and spent lad, Ambrose. + +That night, Sir Dolphus and Sir Launcelot went by themselves to the +chamber of the former to make merry. And there, Sir Dolphus who +counted the other's sympathy as beyond doubt, told more of his knavish +plots. Until the listener sick with listening turned to him in the +quiet and secrecy of the great chamber and said in stern tones. + +"Sir Dolphus, I would advise you to pray now. For you die in three +minutes!" + +Nor did the other mistake the voice, the tone. Nor even make pretense +to misunderstand. Instead he made as if to raise a great shout. But +found the other's mighty hand closed over his foul mouth so that his +call for aid was unuttered. And the hand remained there--even as the +owner forced him to his knees with no great effort. + +"Pray, if you will. Your time is almost gone." + +But the wretch groaned and squirmed and tried to escape the hold that +held viselike over him. + +It was five minutes later that Sir Launcelot left the room. There was +a grim, fixed look on his face that few had ever seen before. + +He joined the others. And then while [he] and Gouvernail went to the +prison chamber of the damsel, Helene, and rescued her with little +effort, Sir Galahad went down to the dungeon door and there overcame +the guard with ease and opened the door wide with the keys obtained. +And Walker carried the weak lad to the entrance door and so they +joined the others. + +So then Sir Galahad and Sir Launcelot with the two squires went for +and obtained their horses, without suspicion. With the two they had +rescued, the whole party rode forth from the castle. And but for the +outcry of the guards at the gate which they forced them to open wide, +they had no one to cope with. + +Forth they road swiftly, Merlin carrying the young girl and Charles +supporting the boy, leaving the others free to ride behind and meet +such pursuers as might come. + +But none pursued. + +"I think they will find a task on hand to care for the other prisoners +the open dungeon door unloosed," Sir Galahad said. + +"And with the wonder over Sir Dolphus," Sir Launcelot added and his +look was far away. + +A day later found them at the castle of Sanscourt. Happy was my Lady +Jeanne over the return of her dear children and grateful, too. It did +not take long for them to prepare to go forth to England with Sir +Launcelot and Merlin. + +So they bade each the other goodbye. And as they went forth, Sir +Galahad watching them go, said to the Lady Jeanne, + +"Still hope, my lady. For I shall bring or send you word of Sir +Vilard, good or bad." + +"I shall never cease to hope, Sir Galahad. And I shall pray for you, +each day until you return." + + + + +CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE + +Facing the East + + +So then the trio turned toward the East seeking but never finding that +all elusive Grail which seemed ever ahead of them. Strange lands they +passed through and it left them with wonderment at the bigness of the +world in which they lived. + +For Sir Galahad and for the boy Charles, each day brought the wonder +of new things to see. For Walker, the Squire, though he would not make +confession to his master, there grew the wish to see again the +pleasant green of England's shore. None of the wonders of these +strange lands held allure for him, since they but proved England's +greater worth. + +But when twitted by his master he would make no confession of his +home-sickness. + +"Nay master. I am a man and would hold it weak whimsy to let yearning +for my home land encompass me. I go where you will and soon enough +will I make return to our home shores." + +And the Grail, Symbol of Honor, of Faith, of Service and of Piety! No +nearer to the finding did the young knight appear to be. Even so, the +zest for it, the need for finding it stayed ever with him. + +So he reached Rome and stayed in it for many days. Many strangers +were there from many lands but few who knew of the Holy Grail. And +none who could tell him where it could be found. + +"I would seek, were I you, in the Holy Land," said one pious man. +While still another thought so holy a thing would never be permitted +to go so far as England and that the knight's search was fruitless. + +From Rome Sir Galahad went north to Lombardy in search of news of Sir +Vilard. Long was his search here but not hopeless. Nor need we make +record of how at last he found that the Gascon was not dead but +imprisoned with some of the other knights of that ill fated group. And +when ransom was agreed to he returned to Rome and sent a message to +Sir Launcelot by a friendly English knight to find the Lady Jeanne and +have sent to him the ransom desired. + +Months passed. Then came Ambrose and with him the gold for the freedom +of his father and his companions. So that they were free. Only then +did Sir Galahad go on. + +He reached the Holy Land in company with others, men who came there to +pay reverence, men who came to repent of many sins, men who ever +restless must journey everywhere. And on the way he had gained the +friendship of an old priest whose journey he had made somewhat the +lighter by such help as youth may offer old age. + +The priest had been greatly interested in the mission of the knight. +Many were his questions, of where Sir Galahad had traveled, how far he +purposed to journey in his search. + +"My journeys shall not cease, good father, until I have found the +Grail. For so have I set my whole life that I may find it. And time +counts not. Though I wish it could be found right soon for then may I +turn my face to England." Since Sir Galahad had spoken of Yosalinde, +the priest understood. + +"What then, Sir Knight, makes you think you will find the Grail in far +lands?" the priest asked. + +"It must need be so, since were it nearer home it would have been +found long since." + +To which the priest made no answer. + +Days later, when they were gathered about again he told the story of +Elam, the son of Anner, who had a great desire to gain wisdom and +knowledge. + +"So then, young friends, he started out to learn from all the founts +of wisdom. Far he traveled and much he learned." + +And then the reverend man gave long account of the places to which +Elam had gone and the things he had learned. It was a tale of many +years and it took time in the telling. + +"Then when he had learned much of the wisdom of the then world and had +gained in knowledge, he returned home. And when he was there but a few +days, lo, he found that yet had his father Anner, greater knowledge +than he and wisdom more profound. And he knew this now, returned home +from all his sojournings. Nor would he have known this unless he had +traveled far, for my sons, it was in this way that he gained the +vision to see. Of a truth, it was then that he knew that his father +was wisest of men and well could he learn from him." + +"I have not heard of this man Elam, before," Sir Galahad said. "Yet +had he great need to travel, if he gained this vision to see." + +"True and well spoken, Sir Knight," replied the priest and watched him +keenly. + + + + +CHAPTER THIRTY + +Homeward + + +Still further did Sir Galahad have a mind to travel but he found from +learned men that to go further East was to travel into uncertainties +which few had ventured before him. Nor would he have paused even +then, were it not that he realized well that little likelihood was +there for the Lost Grail to be found in the far East. + +So he turned his face west again. Slowly he made his way home. There +were days now, he misdoubted the success of his search and he +questioned his own worthiness. + +After months and months of travel he reached France once again. When +he came to Gascony he found the rightful ruler on the throne and the +house of Sanscourt, well and happy. Great was the welcome given the +knight by the happy family and a great feast was held for them. The +Lady Jeanne was radiant with the happiness which had returned after +seeming desertion. + +"We owe you much, Sir Galahad," said Sir Vilard, "so very much that it +is beyond repayment." + +"Mine and Sir Launcelot's was the joy of service, my lord. That you +must well understand." + +When they reached Normandy, Charles was given a happy reception. He +had grown, and had profited well by his travels and service to Sir +Galahad whom he would not leave now. For he hoped to be made a knight +by him. In Normandy, Sir Galahad stayed for more than a month. He had +acquired great fame because of his travels and deeds yet did he find +small pleasure in this for the great purpose of his journeys had +failed. + +It was on a day just before he was to return to England. He had +mounted the Seeker and without companion had gone forth for the +morning. His thoughts were of the Grail, of his great wish to find it, +and ever with his thoughts the wish to prove to Yosalinde that it was +in him to find it. Well he knew that she would understand his desire +even though he could not bring to her the fulfillment of that desire. + +"Yet who am I to find myself disheartened. I must not question, keep +ever seeking." So he thought to himself and gave no heed to where the +Seeker carried him. + +Nor did it seem strange to the knight that he found himself in a +narrow path of the woods and before him the strange monk who had first +given him urge to seek the Holy Grail. + +"I greet you, holy father. Nor can I say to you that I have yet proven +worthy of the finding of that which I have long sought." + +"Yet have you traveled far, my son. Is it not so?" + +"Far and to many lands, holy sir. But nowhere have I found that which +brought me nearer to it." + +"Too, I know how worthy of the finding you are. Well have you kept +your purpose high, knightly have your deeds been?" + +"Holy father, I have but tried. Ever have I kept your words before me. +And deem it all worth the while, even though it end with my not +finding the Grail. For, father, this will I always say, that joy has +there been in the seeking." + +"Think you then, my son, you will not find it?" the monk asked. + +"I know not, father. Think me not grown tired of the search. Think not +that I complain that the search is long or arduous. I shall go on +seeking where the call may lead me. And ever seek to be worthy of +finding it. He who decides all things shall decide as to that. Nor +will He find me ever questioning. For this I have found. God is good +and His ways are ever for the best." + +"Glad am I to hear that the search goes on. My blessing goes with you. +Well have I kept the count of all the days of your journeyings and +great is my pride in you. So son, seek on for who can tell what the +morrow brings." + +Then the holy man left him. Yet Sir Galahad did not go until long +after sundown. And when he did, doubled was the strength of his +purpose. + +And on the morrow he was on his way to England. + + + + +CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE + +The Beggar And The Grail + + +England to Charles, was indeed strange but so much had Walker spoken +thereof that he looked forward to seeing it as if it were his native +land. The joy of Walker at its nearness, though he tried to hide it +under pretended calm was yet a thing quite obvious to Sir Galahad and +the boy and much did it amuse them. + +"Of all the fair lands we have passed through, have you yet found none +that pleased you more, good Walker?" the knight asked him. + +"There is but one heaven, my master and there is but one England," +replied Walker. + +"Then must I confess my sorrow at keeping you this long time from +heaven," said his master with mock regret. + +"Nay, master, one can only know heaven when one has seen all the other +places. Too, I care not even for England when my master is not there." + +"Kind words, good Walker. And spoke I ten times as kindly, yet could I +not do justice to how much you have counted and how well. Will I say +this, that I find it sweet to know that we are so near to England's +shores and that it is but a few days when we shall again find +ourselves at home. I would see all our friends, the good king, Sir +Percival, Sir Gareth, Sir Launcelot and the others. This wind that +fills these sails cannot blow too strong for me." + +Well did the wind hold yet did it seem as if the next days were over +long. At last they were but a half day from the great castle of King +Arthur. + +Now as they rode, adventure there had been none since they had left +Normandy, they were stopped by a strange beggar who sought alms. Sick +did he seem, ragged and wretched, and as if life could hold but little +for him. It was the selfsame beggar they had passed when they started +on their journey. + +"Good master, I starve. Charity I seek." + +Now though, Sir Galahad was impatient to reach the castle, yet did he +stop for the poor wretch drew his pity. + +"What will you, my man?" + +"Food, if you have it, Sir Knight. Such help as you can give so low a +thing as me." + +So then without further ado, he bade Walker feed the knave, which the +latter did, grumbling at the delay the same must cause. Then, the +knight spoke kindly again to the beggar and gave him some silver. + +"Master," the beggar said. "The Lord will bless you, for you found +time for so wretched a soul as me. Far have you traveled, many of high +degree have found it honor to hold speech with you. So great a knight +as you and yet have you had time for the beggar on the road. + +"Honor have you shown, Faith have you ever had. Service have you +rendered. This day you prove that you have Piety and Charity. So then +for your food and for your silver and your kind words and the spirit +behind it all, I pay you now. Here, then is the Grail. Long sought in +many lands, in many places, yet was it always near at home." + +"The Grail? Here, where I never thought to see it. And a beggar to +possess it. Aye, even the lowliest possesses riches." + +Mixed were the knight's emotions nor could he voice the thoughts and +the feelings within him. While nearby the two with him watched it all +in awed silence. + +"Aye, Sir Galahad. Think not that your search in far lands was +fruitless. Rather was it the caldron in which your worth was seasoned. +Yet will this fact ever remain--that one need not travel far to find +Honor, Faith, Service and Piety. For these are ever near." + +"I am like Elam who went everywhere and found that what he sought was +near at home." + +"True, good knight. This day shall be a great day for England, for +through the worth of one of its knights, the Grail stays here. Go you +then, for word will already be at the Round Table that Sir Galahad +comes with the Grail." + +"Strange man, I know not what to say. Dear is the possession of this +precious vessel to me. Long have I sought it. And to find it to have +been so near at home stirs mixed and wondrous feelings within me. So I +can but go and if I fail to say the thing I should, forgive me." + +The knight, Charles and Walker as well, found themselves kneeling to +receive the benediction of this strange man who was both beggar and +holy man. And when they looked up again he was gone. + +"Thought I," said Walker, "that that day, my master found this Grail +there would be great doings, that there would be great combats. +Instead of which a seeming beggar has it to give us. Verily, it is far +beyond me." + +And the good squire scratched his head in great puzzlement. + + + + +CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO + +Conclusion + + +We find our story now near ended. We can well see the great welcome +given the still youthful knight as he entered the great hall. There +was King Arthur in high good humor. About him stood many of the +knights of the Round Table, and among them Sir Galahad saw his many +friends. And as the young knight stood there there came to him the +memory of that first day and the wondrous hope he had had now come +true. + +In all the hall none was so happy as that brave and noble hearted +knight, Sir Launcelot. Well pleased he was. Merlin was there, also +well content. And there, when they sat down to the great feast spread +out for them, Sir Galahad told the story of his search or the Grail. A +long tale it was for they would hear it all. To it they listened in +silence, without interruption, until he had done. + +Though he showed it not, the young knight was eager to be free of all +these friends. For he had great desire to hasten to the home of Sir +Percival. He knew from what Sir Percival told him, Yosalinde would he +there. Yet could he not leave until the late afternoon. + +Swiftly did the Seeker take him there. Eagerly he sought the sight of +the castle as if in seeing that, he would also see this damsel who had +helped so much to give him the great purpose of his search. But it was +not until he had entered within, that he saw her. + +So we draw the curtain and leave you to suppose the joy and the +gladness of this welcome. And though to each the finding of the Holy +Grail was of high importance yet they spoke not of that but of other +things for many an hour until the sun had gone down and darkness had +come. + +Wonderful was the picture Sir Galahad had carried of his lady, yet he +found the real presence far dearer. Of the things they talked, one was +the future and what it meant to both of them. + +We leave them then. High the moon shines, the stars are everywhere. It +is a wonderful night, soft the gentle breeze. Such a night as each +had pictured for their first meeting. + +Charles, the Norman lad, had his wish come true in good time, when Sir +Galahad made him a knight. Then the new knight made his way back to +Normandy. It was his children's children who made their way in later +days to England and settled there. + +The deeds of the brave knights of the Round Table continued great and +glorious. Sir Galahad, Sir Launcelot, Sir Percival and the others +upheld the honor of King Arthur's court. And never did Sir Galahad +lower the banner of his great house. + +Honor, Faith, Service and Piety. + +[Illustration] + + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's In the Court of King Arthur, by Samuel Lowe + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK IN THE COURT OF KING ARTHUR *** + +This file should be named crtrt10.txt or crtrt10.zip +Corrected EDITIONS of our eBooks get a new NUMBER, crtrt11.txt +VERSIONS based on separate sources get new LETTER, crtrt10a.txt + +Produced by Alan Millar and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team. + +Project Gutenberg eBooks are often created from several printed +editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the US +unless a copyright notice is included. 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