Arthur: The Legend and Myth Chapter 32

32.

Percival stared at the departing scouts. He was with Arthur and the others at the make shift tent at a valley surrounded by the low hills. All the knights have camped there with sentries on the hills to warn them of any enemies nearby. Arthur was studying the drawings provided by the scouts with Gawain and brothers. Lamorak and Sir Kay were with the knights to boost their morale. It was then he noticed Lancelot was not there in the tent. He stepped out and saw the knight was by himself near a clump of bush. He was holding his sword then.

“Nice sword.” Percival picked on the first thought that came to his mind. He still have his own gladius. Lancelot glared at the other. 

“It’s the Arondight. It’s not any sword. And it’s not nice.” Lancelot was in his depressed mood. 

“Aron…Arondight.” Percival replied sheepishly. “Anyway I am not here for…I meant on Arondight. We have a battle coming soon. So are you in or you are going to sit by the tree.”

Lancelot looked as if he was close to struck at Percival but he stepped down on his anger. He then asked Percival on an unusual issue.

“When was your first defeat after you joined the Legion?” Percival was taken aback by the question. He looked down at the grass at his feet and pushed his mind to recall his mentor in the Legion. 

“It was my second battle then against the Gaul.” Percival recalled his first experience with the Centurion.

It was a hasty retreat for the Legion with the Gaul at their flanks. Their strength dwindled to a third their numbers with the Legate lying quarters by the Gaul somewhere behind them. The only surviving Centurion name Jullus had commandeered on their retreat. Percival then a recruit had been battered to shape with rigorous training was wounded in the last attack. It was not a deep wound but it was hampering his walk with the left leg dragging.

“Legionnaire, what ails you on your left leg?” The Centurion paced with him after having lost his horse in the battle. Percival replied and then he caught the Gaul had caught up with them. He hollered a warning to the others but they were a defeated force. The Gaul came at them with their numbers and the stragglers were cut down. The Centurion massed a defense force of twenty of the Legionnaires including Percival.

“Form a double line. Stand before them to allow the others to retreat.” The Centurion then swung his gladius to cut at the attacking Gaul. He used his right leg to use as leverage to pull the sword out from the dying Gaul. The Centurion then turned his body to face another Gaul who was charging at him. He thrust the gladius into the chest but the momentum of the charge by the Gaul caused both of them to fall down in a heap of bodies. Percival then saw the fall of his Centurion rushed forth to assist but he was blocked by a Gaul with a battle axe. Percival ducked the swinging axe and thrust his gladius into the Gaul’s side. He then pulled out the gladius and it was then he felt the hard knock on the back of his neck. He fell to his knees and felt another impact on his back before he lost consciousness. He was saved when regrouped Legion mounted a counter attack and sent the Gaul into a retreat. 

“I was saved then when the Legion fought back but it was a major loss. It took us six months before we regained to full strength and then marched back into Gaul.” 

“What happened to the Centurion?” Lancelot asked. 

“He survived for another winter before he was killed in battle. I was too far away to help him.” Percival replied. “However he taught me many things that I was soon made to use. Why do you asked?”

“My first defeat was to my Centurion then. He bested me in battle and then became my mentor. He taught me many of my skills and horn the ones where I was lacking.” Lancelot replied. “He was the only one to call me Lance and I of him as father. He was not seen for years until recently.”

“Recently? Is he here?” Percival looked to Lancelot. “Invite him with our knights.”

“I can’t. He is the Black Knight.” Lancelot sighed. “He rides with King Carados.”

“Is that what you moaned about?” Percival asked back. “If he is not with us then we will fight him.” 

“I can’t. He is like a father to me.” Lancelot was displaying emotional expressions thn. It was unlike him as a knight. 

“I will fight your so named father while you battle my so named enemies.” Percival declared out. “I have no father to concern with in battle. Mine having died in one when I was a child. Now, return to your post Legionnaire. That is my command.”

“Fight your own!” Lancelot chose not to fight but the voice behind the two surprised him. 

“You will fight, Lancelot. Not tomorrow but tonight.” The voice belonged to Arthur. “You are a knight of Camelot. We are the only family you have and will ever know.”

Lancelot looked at Arthur and then walked off. It was Percival who then spoke. 

“Leave him be. He is of no use now.” Percival adjusted his waist belt. “I will ride tonight with the knights instead.” 

Arthur looked away in disappointment. He had trusted Lancelot to be with him at all times but then the other had shown his refusal to fight. He did want to want to know why and then nodded to Percival for the stratagem of the war was to unsettle the enemies. It seems that the stratagem was working against him then. Percival rode off with the group of knights that was once Lancelot’s. 

Percival rode over the hills with the dark skies as his companion. His group then consisted of about a hundred and ten knights. He had the horses hoofs covered with the cloth to muffle their sound of riding. They rode hard but with a steady formation as required by their leader. Percival was a Centurion and nothing he valued more than discipline in the forms. They rode to the nearby plains and then the sight of the campfire was seen. 

It was the campsite of King Carados having a rest before they meet with King of Scotland. King Carados was not alone for he has several others of his alliance with him including King Urien. There was however some disparity in the alliance when the group was split into two with King Carados and King Urien on one end while the lesser Kings camped on the other side. The entire army of King Carados and his allies then stood at six thousand with two third the numbers with King Carados and Urien. In between the two groups were the corrals for the horses giving them a long boundary line of separation. The campfires were dying and few then as it was late into the night. 

Percival plan was simple. 

Chaos and for the weaker link. 

“Hand out the torches to the others.” Percival gave the command. A hundred over torches were handed to the knights. The torches were unlit then. He then looked to a group of them with the hunting blowers. They knew their roles then. The signal was given and the knights rode into the camp. They went straight for the sentries and have them brought down with the swords. 

The knights under Percival then charged at the horses at the boundary and caused them to stampede into King Carados and Urien. The knights with the horns blew it hard and directed the horses with the noise while the other knights went for the roused up knights at the tents. When they rode by the camp fires they light up the torches to later burn the tents. The horses then numbered over two thousands crashed into the campsite and trampled into the tents there and the knights who were awaken. The knights under Percival did not battle King Carados and Urien but they went for the lesser Kings with the one thousand over knights. 

“Burn the supplies too.” Percival called out when he saw the wagon loads guarded by the servants. He rode over there and swung his sword at the servants. The servants were not trained to fight fled on their feet on seeing the knights. The unattended wagons were then set on fire. 

The lesser Kings who were not as battle hardened like the other two Kings reacted in panic at the attack. In the dark, there was little light to differentiate them from each other. Percival knights seeking vengeance for the earlier routing fought fiercely with their swords swinging ast the knights and foot and soldiers. The enemies that were able to get a weapon were either slaughter then or sent packing to the other camp. Some retreated for they were not sure whom can they lean to for orders. The hundred over knights of Percival rode hard and fought harder through the campsite before they escaped in the darkness. 

Percival lost a fifth of his knights but they had shaken the enemy from their position of strength and morale. 

King Carados survived the attack and when told of the number of casualties, he threw a tantrum. He faced the knights and Kings. 

“Who among you will now tell he is not with me?” King Carados threw the gauntlet at them. “Tell me now and faced me with your sword.” 

None moved and then one stood out.

 

“Where is King of Scotland? We stand here in wait and he does not turn up.” The King then asked. “I stand to question for it was him who asked us to battle Arthur.” 

King Carados glared at the one who spoke. He wanted to speak out but decided against it. He turned to pace away from the King. 

“I came because of Pendragon letter. It was stated that Pendragon sanctioned this battle and yet I do not see him. Tell me of his new commands?”

“Pendragon is not here. I am in charge of this battle.” King Carados told the others. “I am told to battle Arthur by Pendragon.” 

The other remained silent and it was King Urien who then replied.

“The King of Scotland arrives tomorrow with an army of three thousand strong and he will march into Arthur at the valley from the north while we attack from the south. It’s a pincer move and we will win.” 

Those words drew some murmurings among the Kings but they saw the new numbers will be a significant number to ensure that they win. It was then another group rode in to the camp. It was the knights led by the Black Knight. The Black Knight dismounted and approached King Carados. 

“I am the Black Knight. I came to pledge my knights to yours.” The Black Knight looked at King Carados. “I have one request. Lancelot is mine to handle.” 

Arthur; The Legend and Myth Chapter 31

31.

Arthur had ridden out ahead with the other part of his army. He was met by the scouts that told him of the success at the castle of King Carados. He was to send out his scouts to Percival to meet at Bedgraine. He sent out other scouts to Lancelot to meet at the same place. 

“Bedgraine? Why there?” Merlin on his mount was riding beside Arthur. He then looked at the foreign knights from Normandy who had pledged their loyalty to Arthur riding by them. He had served with the foreigners from across the channel. They are decent folks and it was their magic he wanted to learn then. He had run in the forest with the ones named as gypsies.

“Bedgraine? Well, I knew that King Carados to meet the King of Scotland there.” Arthur replied. “It’s not any tricks of wizardry but judgment from years of battle experiences. It’s the midway point for both of them to meet and more to it, King Urien there. The land there was part of King Urien’s.” 

“We are riding into the enemies land for what? To be delivered to them with our heads on the palate.” Merlin snapped back. “I am of the view that we turned back. Or meet with Pendragon for more knights.”

“Hush your voice!” Arthur stared at Merlin. “I will not ask for more of his assistance than what is provided. It’s the same with these foreigners who rode in and declare their alliance to me. Both held a reason and one which I believed may tax upon me or my land when they are done in this war. Or even my knights.” 

Merlin was to continue their conversation when he saw two knights approaching Arthur. He recognized them as King Ban and Bors. The former was a huge figure in the armor and carried a long spear. He was mounted on a dark mare. The other King Bors was equally huge and carried a long spear. He also carried a long handle mallet on his back.

“We need to speak, Arthur of Camelot. I may have a plan.” King Ban voiced his intention. Arthur was taken aback by the request and then agreed to speak. He was told to ride with the two foreign knights to the nearby tree line. Merlin watched the three was in deep discussion then, and before he do anything he was met by Gaheris.

“What is Arthur doing with those two?” Merlin merely shrugged his shoulders and rode on. He was to ride alone for Arthur was soon to rejoin him but Merlin saw the knights under King Ban and Bors were riding off towards the tree line as if they were leaving. Merlin turned to look at Arthur.

“They are leaving?” 

“Yes.” Arthur was abrupt with his reply. “We will continue on without them.”

To the west of Arthur, Lancelot adjusted his sitting then on the saddle of his horse. He had not dismounted for over three hours and it was getting uncomfortable especially with the armor. He looked back to the hundred knights who rode with him. They have ridden for a day and then the long wait there in the forest. It was then they saw the group of riders approaching across them in the plains below.

“I counted fifty.” The knight next to Lancelot but the later had driven for the group. Lancelot rode hard to the group. He galloped hard and drew out his sword. The other knights drew their weapons and galloped hard with Lancelot. The sight of a hundred knights with their weapons drawn was intimidating when the other riders were not prepared for it. Some of the knights of the second group then turned back and began withdrawing. Their leader at the fore shouted to the knights to close ranks but the group was dispersing. It was then Lancelot crashed into the leader with his horse. He swung his sword at the leader and cut at the neck. The leader fell from his horse with the blood gushing from his wound. Lancelot then rode over the leader’s dead body and then he called out to the other knights. 

“Stop the fight!” Lancelot then swung his horse to intervene in between the fights. He stopped the battle then but there were casualties. He ignored them and rode on among them. He kicked at a knight who was still fighting. 

“I am part of your group.” The knight was upset that he was stopped but Lancelot had ignored the other. He rode on and then the battle stopped. He then rode to the open area and looked to the knights, both from his group and the others who had not fled.

“I am Lancelot. Today, I am offering you a truce. Duke Eustace is no more here with you. He is dead.” The Duke held a smaller force and was to join King Carados before joining up with King of Scotland. All of this was made known to Lancelot by Merlin. The other will not disclose how he knew the information. A group of dissenting knights from Lancelot group approached him. They were led by the earlier knight who was stopped by Lancelot.

“Why are we offering a truce? They were going to battle us.” The knight stated his stand. “We are to fight them or we will withdraw.” 

Lancelot looked at the knight and the others. He has to be careful with his words then. He collected his thoughts and then he spoke.

“We are the same people here. If we are to fight everyone when the King says so. We are not his servants. We are his people. His people….his…” Lancelot mumbled on and then his voice faded away. He had his sword down and then took it up. “Who are with me? We got a battle to stop the war. A war which most of us may regret.” 

“Crap!” The knight who was in defiance openly cut in. “I am riding out.”

“No, I am joining King Carabos.” The knight took to his horse. “At least he will pay in coins.” 

Five more knights rode out with the defiant one. The others were shuffling their limbs when Lancelot moved on. He mounted his horse and then rode on. He was not to speak then and wanted to move on. He was behind his time schedule. To his surprise all the other knights rode with him. 

It was then the knights encountered the new group.

The group of a hundred knights led by the Black Knight charged at them. They were in the rear and evaded the earlier battle. They came when Lancelot was riding off. The Black Knights and his group charged into Lancelot at the fore. The later crashed in there with their spears and swords. Lancelot drew his sword and blocked the spear thrust at him. He turned his right arm and swung the sword into a tight twist to cut at the attacking knight in the left thigh. He pulled the sword out and did an upward cut at the armpit almost severing the arm. He then charged the horse forward and then saw his adversary. 

“The knight named Lancelot. I am rejoiced to see you.” The Black Knight sat upright on the saddle. The figure was all in black from the head gear which was conical in shape but it held two horns on the top side. The metal chest piece and the arm greaves were all dark in shade and so was the scabbard on his waist belt. His horse was also dark in shade with a wide streak between the eyes. 

“I am Lancelot. Who are you?” 

“My name is not for you. I am better known as the Black Knight. Your reputation as a fighter precedes you.” With that the Black Knight charged at Lancelot. He did not draw the sword but held a steel ball on a chain with the short handle. Lancelot ducked on the swing that was aimed at his head and moved his horse pass the Black Knight. He then used his legs to turn the horse. He held his sword Arondight in both hands and then dropped from the horse. He was going to fight the Black Knight on foot. The other took the challenge and drew out his sword. 

“The fight is mine to win.” The Black Knight tucked the chain ball on the chain onto his belt, and then drew out his sword and faced Lancelot. He charged at Lancelot with the sword swinging. He swung at the other’s left arm and at the last moment the sword went downwards aimed at the waist. Lancelot saw the move and stepped back to avoid the swing. In the move, Lancelot had his sword to block the swing and then he turned his body to do a round house swing at the Black Knight. The Black Knight anticipated the move and move to the left and then blocked the attacking move. 

“You have improved.” The Black Knight complimented Lancelot. “You must hide…

”

“Hide my muscle? Who are you?” Lancelot stepped back and braced himself for the fight and the Black Knight charged. The attack was fierce and with Lancelot then partially confused tried to block the attacks. He backed out and then found himself tripped over. He looked up and saw the Black Knight sword at his face. 

“You are pathetic.” The Black Knight then called on the battle to cease. He got his knights to withdraw. He then looked at Lancelot. “You are to fight me another day, Lance.” 

The Black Knight then mounted his horse and rode off. Lancelot was offered assistance to get up but he refused. He called on his knights for their casualties listing. He found the other side was only wounding them and none were killed at all. However he was with twenty knights wounded. The Black Knight was more formidable than what he was made to know. 

That was not all that Lancelot was concerned on. 

The Black Knight knew his moves and called him Lance.

Not many had outfought him and fewer called him Lance. 

“It can’t be.” Lancelot sighed on his ride. The group of knights rode on in silence. The defeated never get to celebrate. 

Arthur; The Legend and Myth Chapter 30

30.

Arthur sat himself at the round table facing the five knights. They were all presenting their reports to him on the new recruitment to their cause. 

“We hold five hundred of villagers who came forth to support us. Half of them needed training and more than that they needed weapon for their own use. I have only thirty knights that rode with me.” Percival reported. “Not of them are capable of fighting for they are too old to fight.” 

“Why did they come?” Arthur asked.

“I don’t really know. Some said they came when they heard of Arthur’s lineage.” Percival replied. “Some came for they believed Arthur can unite them against the Picts. They fear the Picts will take over the isle after the Romans leave.” 

“Old tales.” Sir Kay intervened. “I hold a hundred fighters. They are seasoned but they will fight for gold. Real coins that they cane used in the taverns.” 

“Ignore his men. I have less than that but they are truly knights. They are sworn by the codes which bound all of us. My number is twelve but they are worth fifty of those.” Gawain declared to Arthur. “A few of them had stood by me in battles before.” 

Arthur looked to Lamorak and Lancelot who were quiet. He was to ask Lancelot when the later spoke.

“I hold no knights for you.” Lancelot shook his head. “I have ridden far but no one will join us. I am surprised that the others fared better than me.” 

“Mine was with Percival number. I have no strong personal friends unless they are crazy like me.” Lamorak smiled. “I am more familiar with brash fists than friends.” 

It was then Gaheris who was at sentry duties rode in hard and then crashed the gathering. All those gathered looked at him and it was Gawain who asked. 

“Who had arrived?” Gawain stood up from the table. 

“A black knight with a hundred knights. They rode in and then circled the boundary.” Gaheris replied in between breath of air. “Then he approached me. He told me to tell Arthur that he will not join when the need comes. Never before and never after.” 

“Insolent man!” Sir Kay blasted out. “He is either here with us or not. I say we cannot rely on him for our fight.” 

“Stay calm, Sir Kay.” Arthur comforted the other. “Tell me of the knights send by Pendragon. Can they be trusted?”

“I don’t know. Galahad is with them. He had spent them with them and yet to report to me.” Gawain told Arthur. 

“And he may not know them all but the few I came across are known by name and fame to me.” Merlin stepped into the hall and then stood by the edge of the table. Merlin had refused to seat at the table when the knights or Arthur was present. It was as if he respected their seating there. Arthur once told him to sit but he declined. His reason was that he will not seat with the knights. 

“Tell me who are up against? The last count was eleven Kings and Lords.” Arthur asked. “Have any left the group?”

“None from what the scouts tell us.” Percival reported in. “I think among them all, maybe only the few are the ones with the loudest voice.” 

“King Carados and the King of Scotland.” Percival continued on. “King Lot and one other Lord name I could not remember.” 

“Well then we are outnumbered by the five to one.” Arthur murmured out. “Where can we find more of our own?’

“Perhaps we can be of help.” All eyes looked to the rear of the hall. There was a group of armored knights there but they were different in the crests on their tunic. It was not of the dragons favored by the knights from the isle. Theirs was more of the Roman designs.

“King Ban of Benoic” “King Bors of Gaul.” “King Griflet le Fise” “Sir Moris de la Roche” “Sir Briant of Forest” The names spilled out in line with the standing and they numbered ten of them.

“We came with a hundred knights each from across the channel.” The one named King Bors spoke on behalf the others. “We are from the Tours, Normandy and also the Rhine. We came on the pledge made to Pendragon.”

“You are now the commander of a huge army.” 

Across the divide of the land, King Lot heard from the messenger that King Lot was looking to meet him. He shuddered at the request for just days before then he was to know that the Pendragon was dead. Then when they least expected it, the dead Lord appeared alive at the castle. He was unhurt and the messenger disappeared. It shook the Kings and Lords that they all convened to see their leader but Pendragon had then isolated himself inside the castle. King Lot recalled then the King of Scotland asked him then.

“What of Arthur?” King Lot had not replied but soon he was to tell them they need to proceed.

“If we back down, then we will be the laughing lot of the others.” King Lot told them. “It was Pendragon plan that we battle Arthur. By denying that order will amount to treason against him.”

“I cared not for Pendragon but I will have Arthur’s land.” The King of Scotland added in. “He must be taught as a lesson to others.” 

Since then, all they have received was messages by the messengers but none met Pendragon again. It was as if he was not the leader then but King Lot.

Until then.

“King Lot, I am aware that you are to march against Arthur.” Pendragon stared at the other. “I need you to know that Arthur was reinforced with my knights. They are eating out his wheat and meat.”

“That’s good.” King Lot smiled. “Let me rouse the others.”

“No, you will not.” Pendragon roared out. “You will fight for Arthur.”

That request flipped King Lot. He stared at Pendragon.

“You asked me to betray the ones which have been my allies.” King Lot pleaded with the other. “King Carados have with me for many battles.” 

“And yet he had betrayed me.” Pendragon replied “I pardoned him and he did it again.”

“Betrayed? When?” King Lot asked for an explanation. 

“When he allied with the King of Scotland. I detest that man.” Pendragon commanded the other. “Or face my wrath. I hold twice the numbers you have. Do as I said.” 

King Lot was uneasy then and looked at the other. He feared the army that Pendragon may massed against him. He was good when the others was willing to rally with him but it was then under the impression they were sanctioned by Pendragon.

“Ride with them but keep your army separate from them. When it matters, turn the battle to our favor.” Pendragon told him. “I have two hundred knights with Arthur. Send Carados first to fight Arthur.” 

The battle started off but not as planned. 

King Carados was fuming with rage when he paced the hall. He was rudely woken at dawn by the news that Arthur had laid siege on his castle. Half of his army was with King of Scotland awaiting his command and yet Arthur had come where he was not prepared for.

“How’s our defenses?” King Carados asked his aide. 

“We are half in the number of knights but we have sent out the messengers to bring them back. Our walls are solid and the towers with archers. The supplies will last us through winter.” The aide to the King reported to him.

“Where is the King of Scotland? King Lot and the other Urien?” King Carados snapped out. 

“King of Scotland is back in his castle massing new numbers but of King Lot and Urien, we have no news.” The aide bowed his head for giving that weak report. He was rewarded with the tossed goblet at the head by King Carados. 

“Fools! Am I surrounded by fools? Get me more news.” King Carados continued his shouts. “How did he mass such numbers?” 

“They are his army and it counted no more than our earlier assessment.” The aide reported with a gash on his forehead. 

“It matter not. They are outside my castle now and I am without a full army.” King Carados was upset then. He prance the hall calling for his aides to tell him more of the siege. Outside at the tree lines, Percival sent out the signal to his knights. They have done their task that dawn. The two hundred knights turned their horses and then it was followed by the hundred archers before the five hundred swordsmen followed in the rear. It was an orchestra move that only Percival the former Legionnaires centurion could marshal with his experience. The column marched on but they were headed to Camelot but to another path. Once the besieging army had withdrawn, King Carados sent out his scouts to trail the column but they were met with resistance on the task. They returned with weak observations but the confirmation was that the column was headed to the Scotland. 

“So it’s. We will then meet them before they reached it.” King Carados called on the aides. “Send out words. I will meet Arthur at Bedgraine. Tell the other Kings there we will smash Arthur.”

Tweet..tweet.... The Seven Heroes

In one of my previous tweets, I mentioned that I have completed Book 1 of Arthur; ended with his marriage to Guinevere. I then took a break from the Arthurian era ( it was the movie Magnificent Seven and League of Gentlemen that took me on a new adventure. ). I needed the break to have an insight of Arthur and his friends.

To cut the tale shorter here, I completed the Seven Heroes which I started on the 19th November. Its done now at 56K words and for once I had to mentioned in the footnotes a number of thank you for borrowed names and events but it was worth it.

So whats in the Seven Heroes?

It is an adventure tale of seven personalities which I took the liberty expanding their characters and it creeps into the realm of Steam Punk but narry did it get overdone there.

Sex was great but its not explicit here ( I wondered why I wrote this line. My sex passages are not that 'explicit' although it drew tauter than the throngs at the rear. )

The tale will be disliked (or liked) by Sherlock Holmes fans with a some references to the sleuth. I did try some of my own 'deductions' and once you get the hand on it; its elementary to write about.

I have Lord Greystoke and Jane with some good moves. (Was it sex? I won't disclose. Doing on the vines is different with the iron poles.)

I have vampires (blended and then belch out.) with Van Helsing and Lady Harkness.

I have Doctor Watson in a new image. (No, he is not wearing any nurse uniforms here.)

And Mycroft Holmes.

Need I continue on. Let us read on Arthur at Chapter 30 pasted on today.

Till then, I am going to catch up with some sleep with some interesting characters that are in my mind now. If it ain't tenting soon then I must be getting old.

Cheers

Arthur; The legend and Myth Chapter 29

29.

Arthur looked to the fire that was blazing on the funeral pyre. The bodies of the dead knights’ were laid on it. The ceremony was short and then final rites rushed through. Arthur looked at the knights’ family who were in pain at the passing of their loved ones. He then moved from it to the covered platform where Pendragon was seated with his family. He spied on the lovely Morgause and could not hide his smile then. 

“Obviously, your interest was not at the grief of loved ones but at the angel hovering nearby.” 

Lancelot poked at the other. He was not without his own discretion for he was also staring at another lady seated next to Pendragon. Arthur saw then the signal from Pendragon to meet the later. They met in the hall with only the ones close to the King was present.

“Your ploy was good.” Pendragon looked to Arthur. “I am surprised that I went with it.”

  

Arthur bowed to the one he had hailed as his Lord. He then explained himself. 

“I am a mere Lord under your patronage. Without your protection, I am at the mercy of the others as seen here. The true test of the task was not on mine but of yours. You have now seen the greedy features of your Lords and Kings whose lips spoke of words and yet their heart displayed false misgivings on you.” 

“It was from Merlin that I avail myself to them as their guest.” Arthur motioned to the druid next to him. “Merlin…” 

“Druid” Pendragon stared at the other. “You will have a private audience with me.”

“And to you, Arthur of Camelot.” The first instance when Pendragon acknowledged the existence of the castle. “I will have two hundred of my knights to your command for this war. Use them wisely and when you are victorious, know that they are to be rewarded.”

Arthur bowed and then thanked Pendragon for the assistance rendered. He then took leave of hall with the others leaving Pendragon and the druid. Once the door of the hall was closed to the outside hearings, Pendragon heaved a deep breath and then stared at the druid.

“What madness prevailed in your mind to raise up the issue then? I am the lover of Lady Igraine and father to her three daughters. How dare you smear my namesake with the old tale…” Pendragon hissed out his anger at the druid. 

“My Lord, I ….” The druid was cut off by Pendragon.

“You will not speak when I do. You will listen when I speak. You will …” Pendragon drew in another breath of air before he resumed his words. “You will lose your head, druid.”

“And I will lose it not by your executioner.” Merlin snapped back. He approached the other and spoke. “Your task will not be taken away by the silence of my tongue. He is truly your son.”

“Do you recall then at the blessing ceremony of the child?” Merlin asked back the other. “You were in fear then of your life. You had your knights near you and yet you fear for your life. Who was it you fear then? Her lover was dead but you feared her.”

“Lady Igraine lived in seclusion on your treacherous act. She felt ashamed that she bore your son when it was another who was in her bed. You may have him killed in battle but you could not kill her heart for him. Nor her hatred on your seed inside her. She had him blessed and then told me to discard the child to the wolves.”

“Say no more of the past.” Pendragon pleaded with Merlin. “I will hear no more.” 

“You will do so for I am telling the truth. I had the child brought to you and you disowned it.” Merlin then snarled his expression. “He was yours and yet you rejected him? Do you recall your words then?”

“Do as you may please, druid. I will hear no more of the child. Your exact words, my Lord then.” Merling sighed. 

“I took my leave and it was in the forest I had lain with your son. I was to leave him there when he cried. A wolf appeared then and I was scared. I ran to hide on the tree leaving the child. The wolf did not eat your child but fed it with her milk. It was the sign then that I knew he was of your true blood. The howls in your battle cries were that of the wolves. You carried the mark of the dark wolf on your battle chest.” 

“I retrieved the child and had it sent to a childless couple. It was fate which drew me to have the child brought up by the Bedyr. They are a strong clan then and once were reputed to be the warriors of the wolves before they dispersed into the farms. Arthur was raised by them but I was with him on occasions to drive his growth. I told the Bedyr to have him sent for the training as a Legionnaire.”

“I wanted Arthur to be the warrior like his true father.” Merlin concluded his tale. 

“Does he know?” Pendragon asked. Merlin shook his head. 

“I merely told him that I created the tale to free him then. There was no element of truth in it.” Merlin replied. “Arthur may not be your son by name but he can be one by marriage. Let him be paired to one of your daughters.”

“Blasphemy! I will not have that. He is of our blood and shared not be shared with one other.” Pendragon snapped out in anger. “Have you no moral values, druid?”

“There is no wrong in the consummation. In the faraway lands where the great river Nile flowed, the Kings and Queens are siblings and yet they continued on with bliss.” Merlin defended the move. 

“Are we not from the same man and woman at the beginning?”

“Never, druid! Arthur will not marry one of my daughters whether he is the bastard of mine or not. I forbid it. He may marry any of the other ladies but never the three of mine.” Pendragon stood up and then moved to the wall where the tapestry outlining the land he controlled. “Arthur may be King if he proves himself to me. Not by marriage but by battle.” 

Merlin smiled. He knew that Pendragon will not smear his own namesake with a bastard and yet he wishes well for the son to be his successor. He then looked at Merlin. 

“Only if he return as the victor.” 

Unknown to both of them, there was another who overheard the conversation. The figure shut the doorway without a sound and then crept away in silence from the adjacent chamber. The figure during the retreat bumped into the lady of the castle. 

“Morgan Le Fay, what ails you that you need to run like a vagrant?” The voice belonged to Lady Igraine and her expression frowned on seeing her youngest dressed like a man servant. “And what manners of clothing have you drawn on? Are you not shameful of such antics?”

Morgan Le Fay was then having reached her puberty was never a ladylike personality to begin with. Unlike her sisters, she was more like her namesake; a wild boy growing with the stable hands and servants. When she was unattended, she will partake with the boys in their games and many a times was cautioned by the elders. She was found swinging from the trees or riding the horse without a handler. Her other antics was to take lessons from the wizards and witches from the village. She was slim build with the short tresses of hair but her appealing factor was her eyes which shone with the gleam shades of blue when she stared at the other. She found nothing appealing in sewing nor reading the books reserved for ladies. She was once coached by the elder druid named Merlin at a tender age but soon later she was sent to the nannies of the castle. 

“I am sorry, Mother. I was …with the horses.,..” Morgan Le Fay was intervened by her mother’s list of raving list of what a lady ought not to do but the youngest daughter was soon running off for her chamber and slamming the door. It was then she noticed that she was not alone.

“Morgan Le Fay, you do not slam doors.” It was her sister Morgause reprimanding her then. Morgan ran to her sister and spoke of everything heard by her in the hall. The elder sister reeled back in shock at the news. She burst out into tears then and pushed Morgan off. 

“How could this be? Arthur was…” Morgause was distressed then and started for the doorway. Morgan was before her and asked where she was going.

“I am to see father. He ..”

“Then he will ask how you knew. He would have guessed it was me. The last time I did something like this, I was sent to the convent for a month. You can’t tell him.” 

“I care not. You are a ….vixen to do this to me. I l…like Arthur.” Morgause glared at her sister. “How would you know of that? You are not even a …lady.” 

Morgause then stepped back. She walked to the bed and smoothen the linens there. 

“Morgan Le Fay, I know of your …dirty things. You are no angel but a …vixen. That’s’ what you are.” Morgause spat at her sister. “You pretend to be a boy and mingle among them.” 

“Stop it! I am not a vixen. I am ….” Morgan Le Fay was at tears herself to be named as one. “I am your sister and I like to be there because of the horses.” 

“Horses indeed!” Morgause shrugged her shoulders and pointed her finger at Morgan. “Speak the truth or let the Gods decide your punishment. I heard tales of your antics with the boys behind the stalls. You …”

“You hold nothing there, Morgan.” Morgause was vicious in her words. “You are not grown like mine.” 

Morgause was three years older than Morgan but she had outgrown her clothes and she looked like a young lady then. She put her lips and pushed her bosom at Morgan. It was an outrageous move by the other that made Morgan cried out in tears. 

“I will grow. I can grow.” Morgan was upset when she was insulted on her boyish looks. “I will be better than you.” 

“Grow some hair before you confront me again!” Morgause hit back and it was then Elaine stepped into the chamber. 

“What’s all the shouting? I was outside in the corridor and the servants were at the door.” It was the mention of the servants that threw Morgan Le Fay into a fit of anger. She stormed past her sisters and ran out to the stables. Morgan ran to the stalls where her favorite mare was kept. She leaned on the horse and cried out her anger. 

“Arthur….you will pay for it. You are the cause of it all.

”

Tweet ...tweet... Its nigh time to say end to another year...

It's the end of another year, and I was just advise by the person that got me into this rumble that I crossed the fifth year marker. I did not realized that it was half a decade when I decided to amuse a younger lady with some short tales.

Well, thank you my dear. Your initiative drove me to sit by the hours at the corner typing away at the keyboard. It has been a journey not of time for me but of creative fun when one can translate the dreams into words and be enjoyed by many. The marker on the blog tells me that the blog is going to reach the 50,000 hit mark point.

Okay, its 50,000 hit points and not 500,000 hits but that was because most of the posting were not color graphic represented with shades of pink and red (and blonde?) but I tried to emulate it with words. I guess it took time for the words to unscramble in the mind to become images but isn't that more fun than 'I seen that before...no, not to my visual satisfaction... Mein Gott! I am sure its not that huge...'.

Graphic aside, I truly apologies for the ones I may offend with my descriptive passages but let assured you that it was needed to bring out the tale and not to ...I won't word it here. So parents, if you catch your child reading them, tell them its literary extraordinaire. Or if you are a growing kid reading it, consider it as lesson 010 on life facts. Hey, don't branch me out. I have kids too (well grown up by now) and I would be comfortable they read these than the devious novels which I did when I was their age. <Grinning...>

I grew up reading and my genre was wider than the fish I caught twenty years ago. < and it was not a sardine but a blue fin tuna >, I had the luxury <It was not a public library. More like the stash under the bed or high above the cupboard. In this library it was rows of salivating novels. Do you know that the sixties and seventies was the true era of freedom in publishing. > of reading great novels.

I don't know how many of you remember Harold Robbins. I started off his with 'A Stone for Danny Fisher' to the steamy 'Lonely Lady' and in between that 'Pirate'. My mum would grumbled then when she washed the bed sheets. She thought the starch was too thick on it.

With much ado, my literary read did extend beyond the above. I read the Liverpool series, the Rear Patch Books..... Oops! Navigator check the coordinates.......yes...there was War and Peace ( did a tenth of the front and the last few closing chapters ), Shylock of ...what his name again?.... Ian Fleming's series of Bond, Doyle of Sherlock, and Charlie Brown's ( always on the top of the stack of books to be borrowed. Did not want give the librarian a tough time of processing my books then. ).

Talking of librarians, there was this old spinster who tailed me most times when I peruse the novels. She was armed with a duster then and kept on dusting the same spot. Maybe she thought I was trying to shove a novel inside my pants but I wanted to tell her it was youthful enthusiasm then with the blood surging that caused the 'dent in the bumper' Kinda thinking back maybe she was giving me the eyeful for we were behind some book shelves. By golly, I could have been sacrificed then.

Pardon me, readers. It was not all SEX although I am not truly British < Pun on the movie; No Sex Please, we are British; 1973 comedy. > But I lived it through and got my qualification from there....I meant London. For the record, I did passed my professional exams from London. It was the English I learned to read that assisted me in some paragraphs < Grinning...> Or was it the motivation of Bo Derek in the movie 10? No, I did not read that. I READ IT < lol >

Pardon me, I am not here to tell you of my years of indulgence in reading but I will share this with you, reading is fun and after five decades of doing it, I am still reading < bigger prints nowadays and it ain't all alphabet only >. Please do read on and enjoy yourself. And try at writing too. Its not to publish but its translating your thoughts into words that one day some one may have the opportunity to read You can then see their smile and it's worth the effort.

Cheers and Happier years ahead.

Arthur; Teh Legand and Myth Chapter 28

28.

Merlin rode alone to Carlion. He was met by the sentries by the river before the castle. They have posted an outer boundary with posted sentries. He told the sentry there that he was Merlin.

“King Lot will see me.” Merlin looked at the sentry. “Give him this amulet.” 

Merlin had been to Carlion some years ago. He was once the learning tutor to the princely Lot of Carlion. The young lad was taught by the older tutor in Latin as then stipulated. 

“My old Latin tutor is back.” King Lot seated on the high chair smiled when he saw his old tutor. “You looked no older than then.”

“Age had moved on but the skin had remained taut like before.” Merlin smiled. “I see you recognized the amulet.” 

“How could I not?” King Lot held up the amulet in his palm of his right hand. “And….” 

“Promise to repay me the debt it held.” Merlin smiled. He did the unexpected then for the young lad. He saved the later from a wild mushroom poisoning. He was told not to tell the older King then. 

“I live to my promise, Myrddin.” King Lot referred to the name once held by Merlin. “Now I recalled. I saw you with the wimp.” 

“That wimp, King Lot is my Lord. His name is Arthur.

” Merlin declared to the King then. “I am here to secure his release in return for your promise.” 

King Lot smiled and then sent the druid to the tower where he kept Arthur for the last two weeks. The King then called on the other Kings to attend at the castle. Of the eleven Kings and Lords, only three assembled then and they met the imprisoned Arthur with Merlin later at the hall. 

“Arthur, how do you fare with your stay at my tower? It’s not the same as your unfinished castle.” That line drew laughter from the others. “It’s from out of respect for Pendragon that we have not divided his farms.” 

King Carados who was present roared into a loud laughter. His joy was heightened with the slaps of his hands on the seat. The other who was next to the King was the King of Scotland. Both seemed to be taking light of the matter. King Lot then moved his question to a more serious tone.

“Tell me, druid. Why are you with him?” King Lot picked up the goblet. “You were a great tutor to me and was destined for better positions.” 

Merlin bowed to the King and then replied. 

“There is nothing grander than having to serve the future King.” Merlin smiled. “I have finally found my true calling.”

“Arthur the next King? What had happened to Pendragon? He had staked the claimed as King of all Kings.” The King of Scotland roared out. “I find it logical that Pendragon needed the heir. He is after all without one.” 

It was Merlin who intervened. 

“Arthur is the true son of Pendragon and Lady Igraine.” Merlin revealed to all but all he got in return was more laughter. Arthur was not amused and reached for Merlin by the robe.

“Make no false tales of my birth, druid. I am not the son of Pendragon and nor of Lady Igraine.” Arthur was upset then but the druid explained his statement. He pushed Arthur away and then spoke of the shameful event that Pendragon had committed. 

“Pendragon was a bad one.” King of Scotland shook his finger in a sign of no. King Carados then followed suit and they both laughed. 

“I may have sired many bastards but none of them may lay a finger on my throne. That was my rule with those wantons who desired my seeds. Only my true heirs were allowed, and I have only half a dozen.” King Carados boasted of his lineage. “And among them only one will be King.” 

“So druid are you also a wizard to implant the seed into the Lady in question? I have bedded many in my nights but not all have come forth to claim my heritance.” The King of Scotland made a remark of it. “Surely you did not assist in the insertion. Then he may be your bastard.” 

That statement made everyone laughed out louder except for the few who were offended. 

“It’s…” Merlin defended his words but King Lot was the one who was keen not to know more on the amorous adventures of one he had hailed as their Lord. 

“Assuming the one ….I meant the bastard there is truly who he is then we have a …” 

“Hostage!’ King of Scotland roared out. “We will hold Pendragon now by his limbs. His huge army will be useless against…”

“I forbid it. Arthur was ours to battle and not Pendragon.” King Lot displayed his loyalty to the Lord. “I stand to …”

Merlin then felt that his argument was losing ground and intervened on the King with his words. 

“Pendragon was a great King himself but Arthur will be the one that will unify the lands from Wales to Ireland and also of Scotland.” Merlin hailed the one he had claimed to be the heir of Pendragon. “He whom I hail now as my Lord.”

“Of which you had hailed few if not many in your lifetime.” King Carados reminded the druid. It was then a messenger of the King burst into the hall. He had ridden across the land and brought in news of Pendragon.

“Lord Pendragon, the King is dead.” The messenger collapsed to his knees. The servants rushed to aid the fallen messenger and while lying down, he told the rest of the messenger. “He collapsed on the journey way home. He fell off the horse and was claimed by the demons.” 

“Demons?” King Lot asked. 

“Yes. The King screamed of demons. They came to claim his life then.” The messenger moaned out and then collapsed into a deep sleep. The message brought silence to the hall until Arthur spoke out.

“Release me now!” Arthur looked at King Lot. “All of you had your fun and now can I go.” 

“You cannot leave. You will be our hostage.” King of Scotland stood up to prevent Arthur leave. 

“I will leave as I have decided then.” Arthur held out his hands to be removed the shackles. “I took your hospitality without reservation and your accommodation was definitely below par. The food was pathetic but I can assure you if its war you still insist on, I will fulfill that but only with proper chivalry code.” 

“Of which?” King Carados lent out a snide line of remark. Every person who was named as a knight or the royal lineage had learned the code of chivalry. It was a moral obligation of the person to honor the code in battle. It was supposed to be a doctrine adhered by many then. 

“I can name you every line of it but one that flashed before me was ‘never to refuse a challenge from a peer’. I am your peer by rank albeit I may hold a smaller land and much smaller army. Nevertheless, I am still your peer.” Arthur’s words were taken with the silence once again in the hall. The King of Scotland was to refute the claim but King Lot cut in first. 

“Release him.” King Lot then turned to Arthur. “We shall give you till the next moon rise for the war between us. That will give you some time to gather what left of your army.”

The King of Scotland was to argue but King Lot held back the objection. Arthur was released as authorized by King Lot. Arthur rode back with Merlin but when they rested after a long ride, the druid was impatient to question Arthur. 

“Was it wise?” Merlin asked. Arthur nodded. He then explained his move. 

“We are outnumbered to their army. I needed to buy us time. I offered myself to be interned here so that Lancelot and Percival with the other knights could get more men for our army.” 

“You are a bastard…” Merlin cursed at the other but Arthur smiled.

“I might as well be the bastard that you claimed on me.” Arthur then climbed onto his horse. “I must ride to the castle to tend my King. You may ride with me as my adviser.” 

“The King? Are you telling me that Pendragon is not dead?” Merlin was baffled then but Arthur had ridden off.

Arthur; the Legend and Myth Chapter 27

27.

Sir Maur kicked at the crawling drunks that made their escape through the doorway. He also used his sword on the broad side to slap at them on their hinds. He then looked to the last of the guards standing there.

“So Grant of Lowers, are you daft in the ears? I said that to return to the barracks.” The knight roared at the guard that he detested for lack of discipline. The guard then sobered up threw the half drank goblet at the far wall. 

“I have enough of the duties. I have fought the King’s battles when you were still a babe in your mother’s arms.” The one named Grant bellowed out. “I am calling it quit. I am returning to my farm.” 

“You shall not shrink from your services. That I pledge as the knight to King Lot.” Sir Maur glared at the defiant guard. “You and all of you here are marching tomorrow in the army of King Lot. None may shrink from that obligation. Your King needs you.” 

The villagers there were stunned and some shuffled to their feet to leave but the doorway was blocked by the knight. The defiant guard then grabbed the table by the side and toppled it over before he charged at the knight but Sir Maur had seen it coming. He stepped aside and used his sword to cut at the guard. The later was cut on the left arm but in his anger, he swung his right fist at the knight. He was true with his swing and knight staggered on the punch at the face. With his battle skills, when the punch was contacted the knight had his sword thrust out. The thrust embedded the sword into the guard’s chest. 

Lancelot saw the killing and reacted with his own action. He drew the sword of his own and rushed at the knight. The other was not prepared for Lancelot but he reacted with a side step to have the sword cut at his arm. He pulled back and swung his sword at Lancelot. It missed Lancelot when he ducked on the swing. Lancelot pulled back on the move and then took up the battle stance. 

“Who are you? I am Sir Maur.” The knight defended himself. “I have seen you before.” 

Lancelot ignored the question and went in with a set of thrusts but the other was deflecting the moves with defensive moves. The fight took them outside the tavern and that was a mistake. Lancelot saw then standing before him were a company of guards including the three drunken ones chased out of the tavern. Sir Maur corrected his balance then and called on the guards to catch Lancelot. He was outnumbered twelve to one, and those excluded the drunken ones. Lancelot looked to his options. His horse was hitched a distance away and there were hardly any covers there. He turned back to the tavern and bolted the door. He then turned to see the villagers still there. 

“Tell me where is the back door?” Lancelot called out but his option was cut off when the owner told him there was none. “There is an attic with a window to the roof.”

Lancelot took the offer and was soon on the roof. The tavern was only one level and his presence was seen by the guards. Lancelot ran along the roof to the adjacent buildings but he could not find any escape point. Finally he came to the end of the building to jump over. He did then the jump off and landed on the soft ground just then three guards caught up with him. Lancelot drew his sword in a wide swing and caught one of the three in the leg before he fled on foot to the nearby street. When he reached there, he found little options of escape. With his instinct he crouched down and thrust his sword in a back move. The sword stopped the guard in the lower chest when he tried to creep up on Lancelot. 

Lancelot pulled up on the sword and then turned to face the last of the guards. The last guard there stood there and then turned back. Lancelot took off then on his legs to the end of the street but he soon found himself blocked by three more guards. He was cut off and then turned back. He was hoping for a miracle then. 

It came in the form he least expected. 

Lancelot saw the riders at the back of the guards. He squint his eyes and saw they were not guards but friends of his. 

His friends who were not supposed to be there. 

It was Arthur and Percival riding on two horses. They charged at the guards and then galloped through. They rode towards Lancelot and grabbed him. He was not hauled up the horse but grabbed by each shoulder and then dragged. They had him dragged for a distance before they stopped. Lancelot was dropped onto the ground and he got up with an angry tone.

“What the…” Lancelot cursed out but Arthur gave out a laugh before looking at Percival. 

“We dragged you to safety and you are not unappreciative.” Arthur smiled. “I have no time to stop and then invite you to mount. We were chased by more guards.” 

“Of which they are still in the chase.” Percival warned the others. It was then Lancelot saw the four riders approaching them. He did not hesitate then and rushed to mount Percival’s horse. All three of them rode off to escape their pursuers. They rode hard headed for the hills and there they lost the pursuers. Lancelot was at the stream when they stopped to let the horses rest. He was still then angry at the way he was handed on the horse. He approached Arthur.

“Tell me how did you …” Lancelot then was fuming mad. “I could have dropped my sword then.”

 

Arthur looked at the other in his anger. He stopped smiling and looked at Lancelot. The later was still checking the sword taken from his back. Arthur held out his hands as a sign of apology but the other ignored it and stayed focus on the sword. 

“Lancelot, tell me of King Lot.” Arthur cut the chase to the core issue. “How many are there?”

“You were not to be here. You send me here and when unexpectedly you appear to help me. Why…..” Lancelot replaced the sword and glared at Arthur. “Tell me now.” 

Arthur looked at Lancelot. He did send Lancelot to look for news on Pendragon but the later was seen here. Arthur pointed to village that they escaped from. 

“You were not to be here.” Arthur told off the other. “We came here to check King Lot.”

“And it was from Pendragon. I learned of King Lot’s involvement. I rode here and check the place but I found you.”

“I came here because I was told that King Lot was with the others. They are over ten of them I was told.” Arthur replied with a sigh. “Pendragon is not here. He is at the borders.” 

“So my dear knights, we will have a war on our hands.” Arthur replied. He then took to his horse and rode leaving Percival with Lancelot. The two left behind were not amused at their leader leaving them. Percival mounted his own horse and then picked up Lancelot. 

Back in Camelot, Merlin was himself busy building the outer walls. He had extra workers to complete the task soonest. He then consulted the spell books for ways of reading the future. It was one task that had failed him many times for what he was to predict may not all be true. He then moved to read the ancient tales of greater wisdom. He spent the hours away reading it and then was told that Arthur was back.

“Merlin, we have a war. And I hold how to handle the first battle.” Arthur stormed into the Hall that was built by the masons. It was a grand hall design although it lacked the grand tapestries and seating furniture. The only imposing unit was the rounded table. 

“We hold a feast here.” Arthur swept the drawings and whatever that was within his reach. “We will battle them with our wits.” 

The banquet was called for the next moon offerings and a huge feast was laid out. The castle was laid out with the covers of flowers while the masons placed temporary structures to cover the unfinished tasks. The village was lined up with the same welcome and the bay was filled with boats garlanded with flowers. Arthur had his knights dressed up in the best of dressing while he had on a nice long tunic with the crimson flock over it. He had his waist belt on with the sword. 

The guests soon arrived. 

King Lot was first with a hundred knights. They were all dressed as if they were to battle with their armors and swords with the long spear held with their right hand. They declined the castle and took their camp at the plains with the two thousand strong foot soldiers, Sentries were posted and the knights rested in the open. 

King Uriens of Gore soon arrived with another hundred knights and five hundred foot soldiers. The King also declined the accommodation. He joined his compatriot King Lot. King Nentres of Garlot was next and he came with fifty knights and seven hundred foot soldiers. The three Kings sat in silence at the shared campsite but they took different fireplaces. It was not a friendly congregation but they shared one common interest, the annihilation of the one named Arthur. 

“Whoever had poisoned their mind on you must be influential.” Merlin stood on the walls with Arthur and looked at the campsite. “I wonder who.” 

With that Merlin left the young Lord. It was later another King rode. He was none other than the King of Scotland with six hundred knights. He was accompanied by the King of Carados with two hundred knights and a thousand foot soldiers.

“An unholy alliance I presume.” Lancelot had then joined Arthur. “Scotland was at ends with King Lot and Pendragon and here we have them united against us.” 

“That’s new King of Scotland. I heard that he had taken the crown soon after his father’s death. He sought alliance for he needed them to fight the Irish soon.” Percival replied. “He also knew that Pendragon is getting old and a worthy King will soon be there. Maybe King of Carados.”

A few more Lords rode in with more knights and foot soldiers but their numbers were smaller. They joined the other Kings at the campsite showing their loyalty to the older Kings. There was one King that came with fifty knights but he did not camped there. He rode around the campsite and viewed the resting parties. He drew some jeers but ignored them all. 

“Who is that?” Arthur asked his knights. “I could not make out his face from here.”

“I heard not of his name but his reputation precedes him. He is called the Black Knight.” Lancelot introduced the new knight but the later did not stop and then rode off from the camp. “He is rather …proud of himself.” 

“Nevertheless, we have guests with us. Let us rejoice with them.” Arthur then called on the servants to bring the feast to the campsite. The carts and wagons were laden with the food and drinks. 

“Welcome the Kings of the Land.” Arthur smiled at his guests while the servants took to laden the offerings to the knights but none came forth to touch it. “Perhaps the food is not fine. I will have it changed.” 

“We will have none. We will also return your gifts.” King Lot told Arthur. “We came to see your strength.”

“And there is none.” King Lot continued on. “We have no regards for young lad to be King.” 

“King? Me? I doubt I will be one.” Arthur replied. “Who told you such lies?’

“Someone and we are ashamed to serve under you.” With that reply King Lot then took to leave with his knights. He was followed by the others before Arthur could stop them. He ran forward to the front of the leaving entourage. 

“I will be your prisoner if you stop this …..silliness.” Arthur pleaded with the Kings. “Take me as your ….care.” 

King Lot then had the younger Lord taken to one of his smaller castle at Carlion and kept there under guard.

Arthur; The Legend and Myth Chapter 26

26. 

Lancelot was a happier person soon after the function and he displayed it with his assistance to build the castle. He was up at dawn and sought the masons. Merlin was amused at the other sudden willingness. He was also proud of the works done at the castle. The inner castle with the twin towers was almost done and the outer walls were half completed. The four towers on the outer walls were in the foundation. He was also surprised that the workers were in high moods and when he enquired, he was told that they were to finish castle for Pendragon’s daughter. 

“Pendragon’s daughter? Which one?” Arthur had asked when Merlin told him. “I merely spoke to them and who was the one who created this rumor?” 

Merlin could not answer that. Neither could Arthur but he was amused. Since the function his mind was on Morgause. He had other women in his life; when he was in the Legion. He was a faithful one with each of those women and neither was as young as Morgause. 

“I am a silly bastard.” Arthur muttered to himself. He was infatuated with a lady that half his age. During the ride back, he had not joined the others in their tales of the ladies. Percival was not without his own choice of the ladies but they were of the lesser nobility. He had his evening with the ladies in waiting thought the service room was untidy and small without a bed. Arthur had ridden ahead and without a word.

“I want to see Lancelot. Do you know where he is?” Arthur asked the druid. Merlin nodded and pointed to the castle. Arthur strolled over and saw Lancelot at the outer walls. He approached the knight who was standing there. The sword that he owned was on his back in the scabbard. Arthur told Lancelot to ride with him. They rode out to the farmland before Arthur spoke to him.

“During the function, we may have annoyed some lords.” Arthur spoke out directly. He then told Lancelot of the one named Lord Dyson of the Hedgeworth. He had a tiff with me.”

“Tiff? Hedgeworth?” Lancelot laughed. “I met the Lord of Hedgeworth. He was elderly and I doubt he could pick a fight.” 

“I met his heir, the younger Lord Dyson. The man was upset because I was with Morgause. It happened outside on the open court when I was escorting the younger lady for some air.” Arthur explained himself. “He confronted me and challenged me to a duel.”

“You did and killed him.” Lancelot added in. “And the father now seeks you.” 

“No, we did not duel. In fact, Morgause shooed him off and that embarrassed the young lord.” Arthur replied. He then withdrew the scroll from his saddle bag. “I got this from Pendragon. Apparently the young lord seeks redemption. He has complained to Pendragon and is amassing an army against me.” 

“Here against us? An army? Our castle is not ready to withstand any battle let alone a siege.” Lancelot motioned to the unfinished castle. “How big is this army?” 

“That is your task, Lancelot.” Arthur told him. “I will await your return and meanwhile I will strengthen our ….castle.” 

Lancelot rode out on his task. He knew not the whereabouts of Lord Dyson but he rode towards Pendragon castle. He arrived then when the later was away at the borders then to battle the Saxons then. He took the liberty of approaching the castle gate at the moat.

“I have come to seek Lady Elaine.” Lancelot approached the castle. He was met by an arrow in front of his horse. 

“Come no further or we will be forced to kill you.” The sentry cautioned him. Lancelot identified himself and was surprised at the reply. 

“You are no more the vassal of Pendragon. He has renounced your alliance.” The sentry sent another arrow and that time it barely missed the knight. Lancelot turned his horse and rode off but he did leave the land. He camped nearby and awaited his chance to go back in. He chanced on a rider travelling towards the castle. He stopped the rider and then clubbed him unconscious. He took the rider’s clothes and rode to the castle. 

“The Lord’s aide had returned.” The rider was to deliver the messages of the Lord to the castle. The moat doors came down and Lancelot in his disguise went in. He rode to the courtyard and was met by Lady Elaine who had come to receive news on her father. Lady Igraine then was unwell. Lancelot approached the lady with his head bowed to his chest. He handed the saddle bag and then looked up to her.

“You…” Lady Elaine was surprised to see Lancelot and immediately followed her to the inner Hall. He was then confronted by her after she had dismissed the guards. “Madness prevailed in you. How could disguise as my father’ aide and stole your way here?”

Lancelot bowed before her and offered his excuse for the boldness action of his.

“I came to see you but the sentries turned me away. They accuse me of being your father’s enemy. I am not one and will never be.” Lancelot looked into the lady’s eyes. “How could I when I am in love with the daughter?” 

Elaine’s turned red on the mention by the other and her right hand was extended to slap him but she hesitated. Lancelot saw it then as the opportune time to hold her hand and seek her forgiveness.

“I cannot forget you and begged that you forgive me.” Lancelot displayed his charms then. Unknown to the lady, Lancelot was not any man but one with charms for the ladies he met in his life. He was ever the charmer and with his looks, the former took on a predatory form that many ladies could not resist. Lady Elaine was taken aback by the charmer and then forgiven him. He soon had her swooned over before he raise the issue of Lord Dyson.

“Yes, I heard. The Lord came to state his case on my father. He was upset that Arthur had shamed him. His call to fight Arthur was not alone but echoed by a few others.” The lady explained. “There was King Lot of Orkney, Claudas of Wasteland, Rience of North Wales and a …”

“Hush my dear. Their names are known to me. “ Lancelot then stood up before he turned to walk away. 

“Eleven I was told but the others were smaller Lords.” Lady Elaine called out. “Father told them that he was not to get involved for he have his own battles at the border.” 

“Lancelot, do be careful. I can’t…” Lady Elaine sobbed into her arms and Lancelot comforted her. 

“Hush, Elaine. I will be fine. Wait for my return in victory.” With that Lancelot rode to the nearest disconcerting Lord with Arthur. King Lot of Orkney was given the title by own declaration of his forefather. He claimed a vast piece of land but swore an alliance to Pendragon. His castle was not as grand like Pendragon

for it was an older one and with the generations it had become rather unkempt but the walls were still there. Lancelot heard of the King when he was with the Legion and once had a skirmish with the King. The battle was brief and then the King surrendered to the Legion. 

Lancelot took his way to the village that was near to the castle. He had taken by stealth an old cloak with the hood over his head. He made his walk slow and with the bent back, he was soon in the tavern. He had the long sword of his still on his back and with it lent credence to his bent posture. At dusk, the tavern was patronized then by the villagers and the guards from the castle. Lancelot eyed an empty table by the corner and stole over there. He removed the sword and kept it hidden beneath the table. He motioned to the servant to fetch him a goblet of the fermented drink. He then studied the crowd there which was on the four other tables and some were by the counter. He counted ten villagers and another eight of the guards. He studied the guards and singled out the one with the loud voice and too much having of the drink. The guard had his voice raised on the treatment by the knights.

“They treated us like the lowly servants.” The drunken guard voiced out his dissatisfaction. “I would have slugged the knight had he not been the favorite of the King.” 

The four listening drunkards in the uniform in service to King Lot raised a toast to the drunken senior. The later bragged on when he found his mumbling had gained an audience. He lambasted on then about the knight and then he spoke of the pending battle.

“We marched tomorrow to battle an errant lord named Arthur.” When Lancelot heard the name his ear pricked up for more. “I am telling you that King Lot does not need to fight this battle. He does so because he wanted to be seen with the others. I heard tales that over ten of the lords are there.”

“Who’s Arthur?” One of the drunken asked out aloud. “Is he worth the fight?”

“Nay he is not but his land is primed for the picking. Its good land for the farmers and we on this forsaken land, lack such tracts. Aye, King Lot wants his own share to fill the wheat in the mill during winter.” The drunken guard then stepped back and searched his wallet for more coins. He was without and then work on the others to cough up more coins. Lancelot saw the opportune time to drop some coins on the flooring and then kicked it over towards the guards. He then got the servant to tell them that there were coins on the flooring. 

“Aye, the Gods have shone on us.” The drunken guards picked at the dropped coins. “To one is a loss but to us is the gain for more drinks.” 

“And you shall have no more of that!” Lancelot heard the voice from the doorway of the tavern. It belonged to a figure dressed in the battle armor and held a sword in the right hand. The figure had not on a head gear but the short cut on the hairlines spoke of his rank. 

Arthur: The Legend and Myth Chapter 25

25.

Arthur stood high on the stool while the tailor measured his length and width for this robe to be worn at the function. He was accorded a visit by Utter Pendragon and to the wishes of the druid he was to be dressed smartly. 

“You are no more a Centurion. Discard your chest plate and those ugly skirting.” The druid had fumed over his taste of dressing. “You mist dress well to meet Pendragon.” 

“Must I do that? The man had rode to my tent with his armor that was coated with dirt and mud.” Arthur had argued back but the druid was adamant on the dressing. 

“You are to be his guest and among his other guests are other Lords and Ladies. They will be well dressed in their finest so that they will not be seen as lowly knave of Pendragon. You must be the same or shame will fall on the mention of the name Camelot.” The druid slapped at the man who was taking measurement of Arthur with a length of wood. 

“Wood? How silly can you ever be? Why are you measuring him for his casket?” Merlin snapped out. He took out a yarn of strings and told the tailor to use that. He then stepped back and examined the half-dressed figure stranding on the stool. Arthur looked back at the druid and then remarked.

“Do you think if I was to wear a peacock feather here I may looked more….:” Arthur was repelled by the druids with harsh words.

“You don that peacock feather and it will be the end of all of us. We are not queer.” The druid saw the other tailor assistance glaring at him. “Pardon me but I am outward with my expression. I think that you need to be more masculine in the looks.”

“Infernal in taste!” The druid jumped on the other assistant who was carrying in bales of cloth. “How dare you dress him in those dainty looking shades? Where is the master?” 

The master popped his head from the rear of Arthur with tacks clenched between his teeth. The druid saw him and dragged him over to the assistant bearing the cloth.

“Do your choice with more taste. I am not dressing him in those gaudy shades.” The druid pulled up the cloth that held the crimson shades. “You will have him taken for a bride to the beast with that. Where are your more manly colors?” 

The druid glared at the tailor. He then took a whiff of the other’s lapels by the shoulders. 

“Lilac smell? My gracious man, no wonder you stood behind his and behave thyself with those tacks. I find any in him and I will grant you a hammering up yours with the blunt end of the spear.” The druid cursed at the master and the later took offence. The master then took up his tacks off his teeth and marched off with the assistants in tow. 

“Merlin, that was the third tailor we shown the discourtesy of Camelot.” Arthur stepped off the stool and proceeded to don his tunic. “I will not stand for this anymore.” 

“What the naked feature or the fact that these tailors are …unusual in their taste of shades.” The druid was upset too. He then moved to look at the bales of left behind cloth. They were fine silks but more suited to the gentler souls. With a sigh, Merlin then told Arthur he was to dress as he wishes but no Roman garments. 

“The locals disliked the Romans for abandoning them.” Merlin explained. With that, Arthur took to work out his garment for the function. In the end, he decided to dress in a simple tunic with the sandals and the belt that hung his acquired sword. He decided to crown himself with the laurel of leaves like Caesar.

“Ah, the simple vassal of mine.” Pendragon greeted from across the huge hall of the former grand castle. Arthur was embarrassed when he saw his dressing was way too simple compared to the layers of cloths that the others had donned on themselves. It was a multitude of shades and some were garish in the taste but outstanding in the looks. Utter Pendragon was himself cladded in three layers of coatings with the finest stitching of the golden threads. His feet was covered with the fine cloth wrapped sandals and in his right hand he held the scepter with the multi stones on the top. His head cover was the crown with the colored jewel stones. 

“My lords and ladies, may I present my latest vassal Arthur of Camelot.” Pendragon called out to the others. “He guards the coast line of the sea for me.” 

Arthur saw the others were staring at him. He thought it was his name that had spread like fire across the coast but then he noticed the frowns on the expression. It was then he sensed that they were judging him from his dressing. More to it he was alone and without a lady in hand. He walked towards Pendragon and was to speak when the later turned to look at another guest.

“King Pellinor, I am very glad that you made it.” Pendragon ignored Arthur then. The one named King Pellinor was an elderly figure with an imposing midriff that stood out like a rounded bend on the coastal path. King Pellinor have also a crown on his head but he bowed to Pendragon.

“It would seem that you held a finer function than mine.” King Pellinor mocked the other. “I see among here are strong allies.” 

“Nothing ado without the hard work. I am ever pleased with my allies and that includes you.” Pendragon then dragged the other to another corner to discuss things of stately matters. Arthur feeling left out then proceeded to the long banquet table for his food. He was to pick the pieces when a voice interrupted him.

“Should you not serve a lady first, my Lord?” Arthur turned on being called on and faced a young lady standing there. She was dressed in a green gown with the string of leaves that lined the bosom to the hem of her dress. She had on a bonnet with the protruding cone above it. 

“Lady Elaine, the daughter of Utter Pendragon.” The lady introduced herself which was unlike most others. 

“Arthur of Camelot.” The knight then offered a plate to the lady. She took it gracefully and picked her own food. They soon retired to a nearby table and held their conversation there. It surround the splendor of the sea to the coasts and the awful taste of the dressing there.

“I would have sworn not to wear this but my mother insistence tires me. I felt it made looked like a tree with creepy vines of leaves.” Elaine let off a giggle there soon after Arthur said he was more comfortable with his chest plate and skirting. “I wonder why everyone wanted to coach us in their dressing choice.” 

“I have no idea. For years, I have donned the same and gotten used to it.” Arthur was amused at the lady and her outspoken manner. She then raised an unusual question.

“Tell me of the exploits of yours. I am sure you have fought in many battles.” Lady Elaine asked of Arthur. The later was taken aback by the question and was to reply when another voice was heard.

“If I may intrude, my lady. The name is Lancelot.” The figure stood from behind Arthur. Lancelot was dressed in a tight maroon tunic with matching tights and a low cut coat slung over his shoulder. The later then took a seat with Arthur. 

“Exploits are the tales of knights.” Lancelot smiled at the lady. He then turned to look at Arthur. “I came on the request of Merlin. He feared that you may come to….uncomfortable discussions and I was to assist. Percival and Gawain are here too but the function has led them to their own corners.”
Arthur had ridden there with them but they were to stay outside while he attended the function. He was advised to bring them but as an escort or in the case of any betrayal. Obviously, they have overreached with the plan and avail themselves to the function. Arthur excused himself to let the young lady be entertained by the knight while he seek better company.

“My sister must have bored you or you are not of her liking.” Another voice woke Arthur to the surrounding. He turned to look at another lady standing before him. She was dressed like Elaine except her gown was red and instead of vines and leaves she had on was the flowers. She was indeed a beauty although much younger than him. 

“Lady Morgause; one of the three daughters of Utter Pendragon.” The younger lady introduced herself. “I heard of you Arthur of Camelot. Your fame have …how may I place it; infuriated the others.”

“Truly Pendragon have beautiful daughters and more to it, outspoken and brave.” Arthur remarked back. He then saw down with the younger daughter of Pendragon to indulge in more talks. 

All of these did not miss the observation of Pendragon who later spoke to his lover. 

“You may be right. The fox have burrowed into my cave and may one day take over it.” Pendragon motioned to Elaine and Morgause. “I wonder what had happened to my youngest.”

“Morgan is at the yard with the alchemy students of Lord Haywath. She indulged more in those than the dances and gossips.” Lady Igraine sighed. “I feared for her now. She had learned too much with the druid when she was younger.”

“The druid? He is around. He serves Arthur now. He hid himself without his beard but I know the face well. One day he will lose his head on the chop block.” 

“Hold your tongue, my Lord.The druid is alike the demon. He can hear you and will curse you.” Lady Igraine cautioned the other. “Go back to your function. King Pellinor is making his rounds to secure alliance.” 

With that, Pendragon took his lover’s advice to secure any break in his own allies and thwart those who are hovering at the edge. It was not all battles of the strength but of the wits and in some corners of intimate gestures. Lancelot had taken his choice for a series of dance while Arthur was still figuring out why he liked the younger one more.