In the Court of King Arthur
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Samuel Lowe >> In the Court of King Arthur
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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.
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