In the Court of King Arthur

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

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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.

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