In the Court of King Arthur | Page 7

be unfortunate if it did not terminate
successfully. So I pray you that you return."
Loud and long Sir Launcelot laughed and yet not unkindly while Sir
Gawaine placed hand upon the boy's shoulder approvingly.

"By my faith, Launcelot, we can do no more than return. That Percival
speaks counts for much, but this youth's honor is also at stake." The
light of laughter played in the speaker's eyes.
"Yes," said Sir Launcelot, "let us return. It would be pity to send this
lad back after his long journey, without success. So then to our horses
and let us make haste. The hours are few and the miles many."

CHAPTER FIVE
Merlin's Message
Now as the sun, a flaming golden ball about which played the
wondrous softer colors of filmy clouds, began sinking in the western
horizon, the heralds announced everywhere that the time for
assemblage had come. Of those few who were not present, chiefest
were Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawaine. And for these two the herald of
King Arthur was searching the road in vain.
"Think you, Sir Percival, these two will come?" the herald, anxious of
tone, inquired. "Our King would have them present and I fancy not the
making of excuse for their not appearing."
"It is hard telling, Sir Herald. Far had the page to go and he is young.
Then too, it is a question whether should he meet with them, these two
have a mind to appear. For I know that their journey to Cornwall is
urgent."
Now the knights entered and found place. Then followed the pages,
squires and after them such yeoman and varlets as could find room.
After each had found his place, came King Arthur leading his queen.
And as they entered, up rose the knights, their vassals, all that were
within the hall and raised a mighty shout.
"St. George and Merrie England. Long live King Arthur. Long live
Queen Guenever."

Then turned the King toward his loyal subjects and though his lips were
seen to move, none heard him for the clamor. So King Arthur turned to
seat his queen and then he himself sat down upon his throne, high on
the dais.
Then soon after even as bell tolled the hour, Arthur arose. No sign had
yet come of Launcelot and Gawaine. So now the herald slipped to the
door to cast again a hurried glance for perchance that they might be
within vision. And as he went noiselessly, so, too, a quiet fell that the
King's words might be heard. But now disturbing this quiet came a
great clattering. Arthur turned his eyes, frowning, at the sudden noise.
Yet came a greater turmoil, approaching horse's hoofs were heard and
then into the great hall thundered the steeds carrying the noble figures
of Launcelot and Gawaine, followed but a pace behind by Allan the
page.
Straight to the dais they came, the two knights. Allan, however, turned,
made hasty exit because he felt himself abashed to be observed by so
many eyes. On foot he entered once again and found place far in the
rear where few could observe him.
The two knights now dismounted and knelt before their King.
"We pray your pardon for the lateness of our coming. Yet did we
hasten and could not have come the sooner."
"That we feel is so, Sir Knights, for we know you well enough. Nor are
we wroth, since come you did. But where, pray, is the message bearer?
Truly his speed was great to have reached you in time for your return.
And if I mistake not," added the King with great shrewdness, "neither
you, Gawaine, nor you Launcelot, were any too ready to return. How
then, did the lad urge you?"
"You speak truly, sire," replied Gawaine. "For our errand had need of
urgent haste and we were both to give it up. Yet did the boy urge us
and chiefest urge of all to us was where he claimed his own honor
demanded the success of his mission. Those were fine words, so did we
therefore return."

"Fine words, indeed. Where then is this page? Will you, Sir Herald,
bring him forth?"
So Allan came forward, red of face and hating such womanness that
would let him blush before all these great men. Knelt he before his
King.
"Thou art a good lad and will bear watching. Go thy way and remember
that the road ahead for those who wish to be knights of high nobility is
steep and arduous but well worth the trials. Remember too, that this day,
Britain's King, said that some day thou wilt prove a worthy and brave
knight."
And as Allan with flaming cheeks and glorious pride went to his place
far in the rear of the hall the