In the Court of King Arthur

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

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"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."

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