In the Court of King Arthur

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

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"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.

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