Sir Gareth and Allan made their way to the dungeon of the castle.
There they found their companion, there too, they found the other
knights of the Round Table who had been made prisoners by those within
the castle. Great was their joy at release and warmly they thanked
their fellow knight.
And now there came a knight to them and told of how well Breunor had
fought and what difficulty they had had to make him prisoner.
"If this youth fights but half as well as do the two we have seen, you
do indeed make a formidable trio."
Then the three rejoined the Lady Linet and the next morn they were
well on their way.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Knight of the Red Lawns
Events followed swiftly thereafter for their journey toward the castle
of the Dame Lyoness was not made on easy road. Yet through all these,
good fortune stayed with them and so at least they were within a day's
journey of their destination.
Word had come to the Red Knight of the Red Lawns of the coming of Sir
Gareth. Word too had come to him of the brave deeds of this knight and
his two companions. Yet did the Red Knight find naught in it all but
cause for great merriment.
"Truly will their courage ooze from them when they behold those many
knights hanging from yonder oaks, knights who thought to battle with
me and so rescue the Dame Lyoness. Nor did I blame them overmuch, for
it is well worth hanging for, perchance to win a smile from so fair a
lady. Would that I could be so fortunate."
So said the Red Knight and sighed. No crueler knight there was in all
of Christendom yet was he gentle minded in his love for his fair lady.
And though he would not free her of his presence and though he held
her closely besieged within the castle, yet had he no desire that harm
should come to her.
Now he again made his way to her castle wall where his herald did blow
his slughorn and announce that the Red Knight of the Red Lawns
besought the light of the lady's countenance and also word with her.
After a due wait there came forth on a balcony within the wall a lady
who was indeed beautiful. Straight she held herself, straight and
direct her look. Soft brown hair, and her eyes shaded from a dark to
lighter brown as they flashed her moods.
Fine was her face, a face of true nobility and gentleness.
And as the Red Knight beheld her, his voice grew gentle, his words
strangely softspoken.
"My lady, I am your loyal knight. I pray you to listen to me as I
pledge again my loyalty and homage."
There was scorn in the lady's voice, as she cast a withering look upon
the knight.
"Soft are your words, Sir Knight. Yet if I do not do the cat a great
injustice it is the same softness as is hers when she spies her prey.
For yonder I have proof of such knighthood as is yours." And Dame
Lyoness pointed to the dead knights hanging from the trees.
"Aye," replied the Red Knight, "and I would go further, I would tear
such as would deign to keep me from you, limb from limb. Yet, gentle
lady, have I ever shown you proper courtesy and respect as you may
well testify. What, I pray you, keeps me from entering this castle now
and taking you by force, if need be?"
"My lord," answered Dame Lyoness simply, "that moment you enter these
gates I shall drink this brew. A brew that will quickly dispose of all
the misery that this earth holds for me. Then will you be able to
claim my dead body but naught else. If hope were not mine, if I did
not feel certain that some brave knight would come here from King
Arthur's court to rescue me from your unwelcome presence, a knight
sent here at the beseeching of my sister Linet, I would long ago have
drunk this poison and so rid the world of one who has brought naught
but misery to many brave knights."
[Illustration: He Knocked With The Hilt Of His Sword]
"Lady," the Red Knight rejoined, "I hear that such a knight is now on
his way. Yet have you overmuch faith in him or mayhap I have given you
poor proof of my own skill and strength. If he should come, if his
blood does not turn to water, think you he will win from the Red
Knight?"
"Yet do I so hope. I pray that he has greater skill and strength than
yours. And I shall dare hope."
Then did the lady turn and make her way within, giving the knight no
further glance. Ruefully he turned away, and so woeful a figure that
few would have known him for the brave and commanding Red Knight of
the Red Lawns.
There came the Lady Linet first of all our party of five. She it was
who entered the gates of the castle of Dame Lyoness unmolested. So had
it been arranged. There she recounted of Sir Gareth and of the others,
too. She told of the knight's bravery and how he had overcome Sir
Brian de les Isles, and of all their other adventures. Told too, of
who Sir Gareth was, and how gentle and how eager he was to take up her
gauntlet. Until Dame Lyoness' eyes grew large and their shade dark
brown. For she was overly pleased at the description of her champion.
"Yet must he be of the strongest and most skillful," she said
fearfully, "to overcome this cruel knight. For the Red Knight is far
superior to even Sir Brian."
"Dear Sister," replied Linet, "I have faith in this youthful knight.
Naught has he found too difficult as yet and I do not fear the Red
Knight whom he meets tomorrow."
So the next morning, Sir Gareth arrived. Awaited him the Red Knight of
the Red Lawns who had been advised of his nearness.
As the lady's champion turned with the road, Allan, Breunor and Walker
with him, there rode forward to meet him, the knight he was to do
battle with.
"What brings you here?" asked the Red Knight, though he knew full
well.
"I come to the rescue of Dame Lyoness, who, it seems, is besieged by
some unworthy knight who finds it worthy him to war on women."
"I am the Red Knight," the other replied without parley. "See you, my
fair knight, yonder trees. See you the things that hang therefrom.
They are the bodies of such other fools who have come here to teach me
what I may or may not do."
"That, too," replied Sir Gareth, "makes me but doubly certain that
knighthood is not the garment you should wear. I shall do battle with
you, Sir Knight, so soon as you don armor. Meantime I await your
pleasure."
Then did the three ride toward the castle. And as they neared it there
came to the open window both the Lady Linet and the Dame Lyoness. Low
did the latter courtesy to them all, but chiefest to Sir Gareth. Long
did these two gaze at each other and in that gaze love was in the
dawning.
Now, the Red Knight came forward. For a few moments each watched the
other, their horses stepping now this way, now that. Then of a sudden,
they made at each other, with all their might. And well it was that
shields were there to meet the blows. For such was their force that
breast plates, horsegirths and cruppers burst. Both knights were sent
to earth, Sir Gareth holding the reins of his bridle still in his
hands. Sore stunned was each for many minutes. Wonder it was that neck
of either was not broken.
Now the two left their horses and with shields in front they battled
with their swords. And they fought until midday and until they both
lacked wind. So that each was forced to take rest.
From their window, the two ladies watched the affray. Both of them
prayed that harm should not come to their champion.
But the Red Knight watching them and seeing how in especial Dame
Lyoness was interested, conceived a new idea.
"I fancy that when I overcome this knight and prepare to hang him,
yonder good lady will give herself to me to save him. For she seems
to care overmuch for him and greatly do I wish I were in his place.
Yet must she be the lady of the Red Knight." So he mused.
They fought all of the afternoon. Now one would grovel in the earth,
the other too weak to carry the battle to successful conclusion, now
the second would grow equally weak.
Then did they rest again and Breunor and Allan brought water for Sir
Gareth so that he could drink and bathe his face. They rested for a
half hour and then battled once again.
Now the younger knight seemed weaker. The Red Knight pressed him hard
as he saw this. Things began to look dark for the lady's champion.
She, too, saw this. And coming far to the edge of the balcony she
called out.
"Sir Gareth, I pray for your success." And as he looked toward her
there was a great, eager light on her countenance. It gave to him
renewed strength, renewed faith. As if he had ten men's strength. And
so he turned on the Red Knight and the other could not withstay him.
Fearfully he struck him, such a fearful blow that the Red Knight never
moved again. Yet even as his foe succumbed, the victor slowly
crumbled to the ground, spent and so weak that for a few seconds
Allan, Breunor le Noire and the two ladies who had hurried to him,
thought he was dead.
In a few moments however the young knight opened his eyes. Then,
beholding the gentle face of Dame Lyoness, he closed them again, well
content.
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
Sir Galahad
Of the things that befell Sir Gareth, of how he wedded the good Dame
Lyoness and of how he gave right seemly proof of his worship, this
story will not detail. Nor can we go on the byway that deals with the
deeds of Breunor le Noire who was made a knight of the Round Table by
King Arthur soon thereafter and who then avenged the cowardly slaying
of his father by the unknown and false knight.
For our tale must hold its course hereafter. The boy Allan had grown
with the two years that had passed since the adventure of the Red
Knight of the Red Lawns. He had not returned to the court of King
Arthur, instead he and Walker had set out on journey of adventure. No
hit and miss journey this, instead it followed a call that the boy had
had, a call which he knew meant that the time had come for him to
begin seeking the Holy Grail.
The two years had been eventful ones for Allan. All over England had
he found his way, he and Walker. Adventures were many and everywhere
this youth through kindly deeds and brave actions left good repute
behind him.
So at the period which our narrative now covers there had grown from a
whispering into a more or less certainty and belief that a man had
come who would find the Holy Grail again for Britain and so add honor
and fame to England. And therewith there was great wonderment as to
whether the finder would be of the court of Northgalis, or of
Northumberland, or of Cornwall, or of Arthur's court.
Pentecost was but a few days away. Now on this day the good King
Arthur with Launcelot, Percival and Merlin, the wizard, made the round
of the sieges or seats of the Round Table, each of which held a name,
for on this Pentecost to come, there were to be many new knights made
and place must be found for them.
So then here and there the places were assigned. Now they came to the
last of the places.
"What new knight shall be placed here?" asked the King. "It seems to
us that this place his been empty this long time."
"This," answered Merlin, "is the Siege Perilous. Here no one shall sit
until four hundred and fifty four years after the passion of the
Lord."
Now then Sir Launcelot make quick reckoning.
"In the name of God," he made haste to say, "then should this siege be
filled on this Pentecost day that comes."
"That I doubt not," replied Merlin, "And no one else but the rightful
occupant may fill it for he that is so hardy as to try it, he will be
destroyed."
So Pentecost day came. And all but Merlin wondered as to who the
newcomer, who would fill this seat could be.
Early day found the new knights already seated. Early day, too, found
Allan, once again, after the many months away from the court,
returned. This was home to him--and close to three years had passed
since he had been there. He had learned much, he had searched thus far
in vain for the Holy Grail. Yet not altogether in vain, for he felt
within him that he was closer to his quest with the passing of each
day. The boy, now in young manhood, had indeed developed well. Broad
shouldered, slim-waisted, supple limbed, he gave little indication of
his strength, yet Walker riding close beside him, had watched him, had
trained him and had with great pride, noted his skill with lance,
sword and spear. Well he knew that this youth would soon be second to
none in ability to cope with foe or in friendly jousting as might
befall in tournament or elsewhere.
[Illustration: A Solitary Horseman]
Now on this Pentecost day, Allan had returned because it was wont that
he should do so and also because desire urged him thence. So then he
entered the great hall and because all of King Arthur's court were
within, none there were who knew him.
And once he found himself within, only Merlin the Wizard knew who he
was. The others knew him not, not even Sir Percival nor Sir Launcelot.
So Merlin came forward and greeted him.
"They do not yet know you lad, for greatly have you changed with these
few years. Almost grown to full manhood and of a truth full well and
ready for the further conduct of your mission. Come you with me for
your seat is saved."
"Nay, sir, I hold no seat for I am as yet no knight, though hopeful,"
replied the lad.
"Yet is your place here, lad. So come."
And herewith the lad had need to follow. While all about, the knights
and others watched them both.
So now as they came to the Siege Perilous, Merlin stopped and motioned
Allan toward it. Yet the boy hesitated and turned his eyes to his
king, whose eyes searched both the Wizard and the boy.
Thereupon Merlin turned to them all.
"Here is Galahad, he who shall achieve the Grail. And proof of it is
in this that he shall sit in the Siege Perilous and no harm shall come
to him therewith. Sit you down, lad."
So Allan sat down in the place assigned. There seemed to play about
him and the seat a strange light. Well be seemed to fit therein.
"Oh, King," went on Merlin. "Some years since, there came a stranger
to this youth and also to one other here. There and then he declared
that the finding of the Grail was made possible. That the finder was
to be known as Galahad the Chaste. Pure and upright must the seeker be
and up to now there is none other among you who so well fills this
requirement. He who left here as Allan, page to Sir Percival,
returns, fitted and grown to the task. He shall henceward be known as
Galahad. And it please you sire, make you him a knight of the Round
Table. So that if he do find the Grail, honor and glory shall be with
you, too."
Wondered the boy yet, but at word from the king he came forward and
knelt.
"We dub you knight, Allan. You shall be known as Sir Galahad. Fruitful
may your mission be. We know that knighthood shall not suffer through
you."
A little apart, Sir Launcelot watched the boy. And though the newly
made knight knew it not, the former had watched him through the many
days he had been away from the court, had never been very far, yet
never so near that the young adventurer knew it. Most keen and
watchful had he been to see that the lad kept on the clean road ahead.
And of a truth he had noted, with a restful content, that such was the
boy's inclination and desires. Yet he kept apart even as he watched
and in all the years had not come face to face with the boy.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
The Beginning of the Quest
A week and a day Sir Galahad stayed at the court. Nor was he there
many hours before he found that Yosalinde was not home as yet but
would be within the month. Yet he would not stay, for after long and
serious converse with both Merlin and Sir Launcelot, he followed the
great urge to go forward. For he felt the call now greater, more
insistent. Yet did he somewhat fret since this urge, this call seemed
to lead him nowhere, seemed only to beckon that he go.
"Fret not, lad, perhaps many a year shall you wander before you find
the Grail. Many places shall you go. Yet let not your way ever be
impatient." So spoke the Wizard.
"I go to Normandy soon, Merlin."
"You shall find me there," now spoke Sir Launcelot, "for I too go
hither to seek adventure. I pray that we meet, Galahad and that
together we have many eventful days. Though full well do I know your
way in great part, must be alone."
"That it must be," Merlin advised.
And so the next day and the next he stayed. From everyone and
everywhere great favor was his. King Arthur, too, held much converse
with him and he remembered the first days the lad had come to court
and how he had ordered the herald to send him forth for Sir Launcelot
and Gawaine.
But the day came at last when he and Walker adventured forth. And the
new knight carried no shield for one was awaiting him, a shield that
carried a great cross to signify his seeking. This he was to find at
the convent near Carboneck. So Merlin had advised him.
Two days of journey passed without ontoward event but on the third day
there came to him a yeoman in great woe.
"What grieves you, friend?" asked Walker while Sir Galahad waited.
"Great are my troubles for my master will surely flay me until I die.
I was bringing him his best horse from the castle when a knight
stopped me. Though I told him that the horse was my master's and how
much store he set by it yet did he take the same from me. When I
protested as best I might, he brought his sword upon me and it was
fortune that I was not slain."
"Know you the knight?" asked Sir Galahad kindly.
"Nay, Sir, except that he told me he needed the horse at Calomet."
"I shall go hither. It is but a short journey and you may come with
me. For it does not seem a knightly act, this taking of your master's
horse and it needs explaining."
"I thank you master. For little value though my life may be, I value
it nevertheless," replied the yeoman.
So they went on to Calomet. And when they arrived there the yeoman
most fortunately espied his master's horse.
"Yonder, Sir Knight, is the horse," and he pointed excitedly.
There stood a white horse, truly a beast well worth owning. A
beautiful head, a great body that showed strength and grace, set well
on strong, shapely limbs. A head which its owner held right
fearlessly, yet the eyes of the beast were soft and kindly and
indicated that he could be ridden by child or woman.
"A good beast and well worth fighting for, if need be," said Walker.
"Yet more worthy the fight, if there is need of one, the fact that
this knight we are to meet is so unfair," replied Sir Galahad.
So now they came to the house. Walker and the yeoman dismounted and
went up to the horse, which had been tied but temporarily and was
awaiting its rider.
And as they stood there, there came from within the house a knight who
had espied them.
"What wish you, knaves?" he asked, scowling.
"It is my master who wishes your presence," replied Walker.
"He shall have his wish satisfied," the knight made reply, turning to
Galahad, who was a little further away.
"Do you wish word with me, Sir Knight?" he asked.
"I seek him who claims to be the owner of this horse," replied Sir
Galahad.
"Then you have found him for he is no other than I," was the answer.
"Yet how can he be yours, Sir Knight, if this yeoman claims it is his
master's horse?" Sir Galahad questioned.
"I have made you answer to question that should concern you but
little. What ado wish you to make of it?"
"Only that the horse goes to this yeoman so that he can bring him to
his rightful owner."
The other laughed aloud.
"I wot, strange knight, I wonder well how you can do this thing when I
am here to say you nay. And when my sword is even more severe in
keeping you from boastful attempt."
And then without further parley the knight brought his sword to play.
But sorry adventure this for him and Sir Galahad though still without
shield brought him right quickly to earth. A sorry match was he for
the young knight, so ill matched that Walker smiled in glee at his
efforts.
The knight now held his peace as Sir Galahad told the yeoman to take
his master's horse and go hence. But he scowled and as Sir Galahad
turned to go he bespoke him.
"Sir Knight, I shall not forget your meddling in what was of no
concern to you. And the day may come when you will regret this deed."
[Illustration: Sir Galahad In The Forest]
"True, Sir Knight," replied Sir Galahad. "I shall have need to make
assurance that my horse is secured so that he may not be stolen." And
laughing and full at ease he left the beaten knight to his surly
thoughts.
Yet as he went the strange yeoman followed him. So that Sir Galahad
turned to him somewhat in amaze.
"I thought that your way was opposite."
"My way, Sir Knight, goes only to yonder turn. Yet before I leave I
make you gift of this horse. He is yours. That was not a true tale as
to who owned this horse. For its true owner is none other than you and
my story such as to test you and find answer to whether you would help
those who are in trouble, though the trouble owner be lowly born. The
horse is sent by friend of yours whose name is not to be related. I
wish you well, Sir Knight."
Much overcome was Sir Galahad at the princely gift, for the horse had
impressed him much.
"Tell you this unknown friend of mine, that I value this gift as
naught else. Tell you too, that I name him the Seeker, in full honor
of my quest."
So then the strange yeoman departed whilst the knight and his faithful
man went on their way.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
In Normandy
Of the travels of Sir Galahad, of how he journeyed through many lands
and new scenes, there is much to be told. Ever with him, went his
faithful man, Walker, who served him well and loyally.
Eager was the young knight to reach Normandy of which he had heard
much. So he sailed away and since many rumors held the Grail to be
there he hoped to find it.
In Normandy, a strange land, he met with much adventure, many knights
brave and true, and some who were not. But no sign of the Grail was
there to be had.
On his white horse, the Seeker, he made his way southward, finding
lodging where he could.
It was so, in the first month of his travels, that he came to the
castle of one of the best of Normandy's knights. Of him, Sir Launcelot
had spoken highly; he held him in great esteem, and so had counseled
the youthful knight to make it his purpose to visit him when there.
Sir Guilbert gave him friendly greeting. Many had been his visits to
England, well he knew Sir Launcelot and Sir Percival and the great
King himself. Sir Galahad found his stay a pleasant one; there were
friendly jousts in which he met some of Normandy's worshipful knights.
In all of these he was victor.
Sir Guilbert had full praise for the young knight. There was son of
his, a youth of seventeen, who also admired the newcomer, even as
Allan the boy had admired Sir Launcelot. When his visitor's stay was
drawing to a close, Sir Guilbert spoke of this.
"My son Charles, Sir Galahad, has taken great fancy to you and wishful
am I that you could find it in your plans to take him as page. He is a
quiet lad, sturdy and obedient, you will find. And following wish of
his mother, he knows your English tongue well, for she is Englishborn.
He has made study of Latin too, it seemed for a time that he would
turn to priesthood. But that will not be, and I cannot say that it
finds me regretful. I would have him a true knight, had I my way."
"Your wish, Sir Guilbert, may well be served. But if I may, I should
like first to speak to the lad, before I make answer."
"Faith, and you may. For we should want the lad to satisfy you and
merit your friendship. I shall see to it that you have the chance to
speak with him. It were better, that he know not the reason for your
questioning. Is it not so?"
"It would be best, Sir Guilbert," Sir Galahad replied.
Then the two talked of other things and the young knight questioned
his friend as to the likely whereabouts of the Holy Grail.
"Many rumors have I heard, Sir Galahad. But never actual trace.
Understand you well, my friend. Knights from every land seek this
Grail and I would wish that it were Norman who found it. But if it
cannot be one from my own land, I would it were one from your country.
I fear me, it shall not be easy search, it may lead you far."
"I am well prepared for that," replied the Seeker. "If it were easy to
find, the glory would be so much the less. I can but hope that I shall
have the vision to see it when it is near me."
"I wish you well," Sir Guilbert made answer. "Now let us repair to the
dining hall for the meal waits."
It was after they had eaten that Sir Galahad found the opportunity to
hold speech with the youth, Charles.
He found the lad to be all that his father had said of him.
"What have you wish for, Charles?" he said.
"I should like to journey far and to many places," the boy replied.
"There is much to see and I envy the many who have traveled to foreign
lands."
"How then, if you could, would you travel?"
"As a true Norman knight serving God and the Church against all
infidels."
"Well spoken, lad. But it needs many years and one must learn much to
be a good knight. It is not easy work."