In the Court of King Arthur | Page 3

this, that none with whom I fought has had more
skill or has shown greater bravery and chivalry. And more than that
none can say."
And the knight bowed low his head, humbly and yet with a touch of
pride.

"Thou art a brave knight, Sir Pellimore. And to us it seems, that aside
from a hasty temper, thou couldst well honor us by joining the Knights
of the Round Table. What saith thou?"
"That shall I gladly do. And here and now I pledge my loyalty to none
other than Arthur, King of Britain, and to my fellow knights. And as for
you, boy, I say it now--that my harsh tongue and temper ill became the
true knight I claim to be."
"Brave words, Sir Pellimore," said the King. "So let us back to the
castle. We see that Merlin is already ill at ease."

CHAPTER TWO
Allan Goes Forth
So then the four, the good King, Sir Pellimore, Merlin the Wizard, and
Allan, page to Sir Percival, came to the great castle of Britain's king.
Arthur led them into the great hall in which were placed many small
tables and in the center of them all was one of exceeding size and round.
Here was to be found a place for Sir Pellimore but though the King
searched long, few seats did he find which were not bespoken. Yet
finally he found one which did well for the new arrival.
"Here then shall you find your place at the Round Table, good knight,"
said the King. "And we trust that you will bring renown and honor to
your fellowship, succor to those who are in need and that always will
you show true chivalry. And we doubt not but you will do all of these."
Sir Pellimore bowed low his head nor did he make reply because within
him surged a great feeling of gratitude.
The King turned away and Merlin followed him to the upraised dais.
So now the two seated themselves and joined in earnest talk.
At the door, Allan had waited, for he would not depart until His

Majesty had seated himself. A strange gladness was in the boy's heart,
for had not his King fought for him? Here in this court, he too would
find adventure. Sir Percival mayhap, some day, would dub him knight,
should he prove faithful and worthy. What greater glory could there be
than to fight for such a King and with such brave men?
"But I must be off," he suddenly bethought himself, "else Sir Percival
will not be pleased." And therewith, he made great haste to depart.
"Aye, sire," Merlin was now speaking, "my dream is indeed weighted
with importance. But by the same taken, it cannot be known until you
call your court together so that it may be heard by all."
"Then mean you, kind Merlin, that we must call not only those of the
Round Table but all other knights and even pages and squires?"
"Even so, sire. And yet, since Whitsunday is but a few days away, that
should be no hard matter. For the knights of your court, except Sir
Launcelot and Sir Gawaine are here, prepared for such tourneys and
feasts fit to celebrate that day."
"So then shall it be. Even now our heralds shall announce that we crave
the attendance of all those who pledge loyalty to our court. For I know
well that they must be of no mean import, these things we shall hear.
We pray only that they shall be for our good fortune."
The Wizard, making no reply, bent low and kissed his King's hand.
Then he departed.
Came now his herald whom the King had summoned.
"See to it that our court assembles this time tomorrow. Make far and
distant outcry so that all who are within ear may hear and so hurry to
our call. And mark you this well. We would hare Sir Launcelot and our
own nephew, Sir Gawaine, present even though they departed this early
morn for Cornwall. See you to it."
Swiftly the herald made for the door to carry out the commands of his

King. But even as he reached it, Arthur called again to him.
"We have a fancy, good herald, we fain would have you follow. Ask
then Sir Percival to let us have the services of his page who seems a
likely youth and bid this youth go hence after the two absent knights,
Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot and give to them our message,
beseeching their return. Tell not the boy it is we who have asked that he
go."
"It shall be done as you will, sire," replied the herald. No surprise did
he show at the strangeness of the King's command for long had he