111.
Corbenic was a
legendary place where even more legends were supposed to take place there.
There was a maiden trapped in a boiling cauldron, dragons and hidden traps. The
castle was unique for it was protected by a series of bridges; perilous to
those who chose to intrude on the castle and there was the set of two stone
lions at the gate. The castle was described by many but none spoken of it was
similar in description. The description told here was that of the view of
Galahad
It looked like a
square tower of dark stone, flanked by two towers with the main hall in the
centre with the huge courtyard and the moat that surrounded it with the single
drawbridge that was drawn up like a standing monument by the moat. The
drawbridge was unguarded and yet it will work on its own will when it decides to
lower for whoever was allowed in. The moat was wide and looked deep despite the
still in the water. It was rumoured that the moat was alike the depths of Hades
where below its surface, the raging fires of Hell where the fallen souls will
be imprisoned for eons. There was a stand small chapel which was reputed to
house the remains of Joseph of Armathea. He was the man who took Jesus body
from the cross and then buried him.
The location of
the castle was vague for it was located in a valley where no vegetation that
ringed it but the rim of the valley was hidden by the thick forest and trees to
a wider radius. Its access for the curious and braver but even the stout could
be made to stray and their quest seems hopeless.
That was not for
Galahad and his entourage found that trail without any trouble. On their trail,
they found the trees and the shrubs moved for the knights and then it closed
upon their crossing. Once they have cleared the forest, they reached the valley
slope which they descended with little difficulty for trails as if the path was
carved out in the stones and sands. A boulder may be moved and then returned to
its previous spot upon their crossing. It was unnerving then but the knights
moved on.
Then they came
to the moat and the drawbridge was lowered from the other side. The bridge was
made of woods and it was wide for four riders but yet the call came from the
other side stopped the knights
“There is no
braver and pure in the heart like the one I see before me.” The figure stood
there alone dressed in a flowing red robe over the white tunic that reached the
knees and his feet were covered in the woven sandals. He held no weapons and
yet he appeared formidable. Those were the images of true King and he was one.
“I am King Pelles.” The so named King greeted the knights. “Only Galahad and Percival may cross the bridge. The others may stay at the Chapel but wander not on your own.”
The two anointed
knights took their ride onto the bridge and it was then Percival saw the
struggling souls in the moat. The souls there were reaching for him but they
could not reach him above the surface. They reached the other figure across the
moat.
“Let me
introduce myself once more. I am King Pelles.” The figure was joined by three
others from the castle. “These are my families. My son, Elyezer, my niece and
my father, Pellam. He is also known as the Maimed King. He drew that sword when
it was not his to do so.”
King Pelles
indicated to the sword on Galahad. The knights were then invited into the
castle and to dine at the hall. There was more than food and drinks served then
for Elyezer in midway of the feast came in bearing a wide plate with a sword
that was broken in half at the blade. He was escorted by nine knights who then
introduced themselves as from Gaul. Galahad and Percival took caution but they
were explained by Eleyzer of the knights’ intentions.
“These nine
knights are not your adversaries as per your fear. They are the servants of the
Grail like you but their role was to protect you.” Eleyzer told Galahad. “Not
all that see are the as per what you think. Not everyone is a foe although they
come from that land. Not all the Romans are enemies except those who place
themselves as one.”
“Like this
sword. Its blade broken in half and only the favoured may mend it. Like
yourself, who are to try at it.” Galahad reached for the sword and held both
the blade piece. He placed it at the edge to join it but it did not work. He
then placed the broken end onto the plate. He then slid the blade with the hilt
from the broken edge towards the end. When he slid the blade over the other,
the hilt quivered while it slide. The broken edge then reached the end where
the broken ends met, the pieces of the blade quivered like the hilt and then
the blades began to join up as if it was mending.
“The sword is
mended.” The voice came from across the hall, and it belonged to a figure
dressed in a lng robe and held the same plate that brought in the broken sword.
“My name is
Josephus, son of Joseph of Armathea. “Before me is the Grail.”
The knights
looked at the plate and saw the so named Grail on it. It was a round plate
carved from wood and on its sides were the signs of the Angels.
“It must be
returned to its rightful home. Take it him to Sarras outside of the lands here.”
Josephus spoke to Galahad.
In Camelot, the
castle was no longer the home for Guinevere.
“The Queen
poisoned the drink.” The call was heard by all from the gathered. Some rushed
to her but Arthur had his personal guards to protect her. He had asked that she
be escorted back to the chamber. He then calmed the gathered with sides formed
on several views. He then dismissed the knights and then approached Guinevere.
“What did you
do?” Arthur shouted at her. “Do you know the knight you poisoned was one of my
closest allies?” Guinevere was to reply when Arthur raised his voice once more.
“Bitch! Tell me
or swear to God I will kill you myself.” Arthur glared at her. “You are like
your sisters. All bitches to the core.”
Guinevere looked
back at the man she had loved. He had accused her of a crime which she was not
involved and yet he had not waited for her reply. He was no different from
those accusers in the hall. She decided to keep her silence and then turned
away.
“Speak to me,
bitch.” Arthur lost his composure there and approached Guinevere. He grabbed
her left arm but it hurt her. She reacted with her hands clawing at his face.
Arthur stepped back holding his left cheek with the scratched mark.
“You were always
the vixen.” Arthur then lashed out with his right hand at her face. Soon as he
hit her, he regretted his action. Guinevere
retreated from the slap and then she pushed past him to reach her bedding. She
reached for the dagger she kept there. She levelled it at Arthur.
“Come any close
and I will kill you.” Arthur turned to leave the chamber and met a knight
standing there. He confronted the knight.
“”I am Agravain.”
The knight replied.
“Stand guard
here. No one leaves or enter the chamber. Those are my orders.”
Orders were what
Galahad took when he held the Grail in his hands. He was unsure of what to make
of the Grail. He was expecting something more presentable or ingrained with
jewels and stones but of wood that was really baffling then.
“Sarras was
formerly a Saracen city but it was converted by the King then who was friendly
to Joseph and myself. When the King left the city for a journey to this land
with the Grail, the city without the King then reverted to its previous
practice of Paganism.” Josephus continued on his words. “The Grail will bring
them back to the correct ways when it’s returned home.”
“Arthur asked to
see the Grail. For me to complete my tasks, I must bring it to Camelot.”
Galahad replied.
“And you shall
not. The Grail had outlived its purpose here. It must be returned to restore
the spirit and faith in it. Once it’s done, the Grail will emit its influence
over to all. It’s Sarras the home for the Grail.”
Back in Camelot,
Guinevere heard the door latch opened.
“My Queen, I am
here to serve you your meals.” The knight stepped in.
“Come and sit
with me, Agravian. I am in need of company.” Guinevere told the knight.
“Agravian, you may call me Guinevere.”
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