CHAPTER TWO
Allan Goes Forth
So then the four, the good King, Sir Pellimore, Merlin the Wizard, andAllan, page to Sir Percival, came to the great castle of Britain'sking.
Arthur led them into the great hall in which were placed many smalltables and in the center of them all was one of exceeding size andround. Here was to be found a place for Sir Pellimore but though theKing searched long, few seats did he find which were not bespoken. Yetfinally 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 toyour fellowship, succor to those who are in need and that always willyou show true chivalry. And we doubt not but you will do all ofthese."
Sir Pellimore bowed low his head nor did he make reply because withinhim surged a great feeling of gratitude.
The King turned away and Merlin followed him to the upraised dais. Sonow the two seated themselves and joined in earnest talk.
At the door, Allan had waited, for he would not depart until HisMajesty 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 wouldfind adventure. Sir Percival mayhap, some day, would dub him knight,should he prove faithful and worthy. What greater glory could there bethan to fight for such a King and with such brave men?
"But I must be off," he suddenly bethought himself, "else Sir Percivalwill not be pleased." And therewith, he made great haste to depart.
"Aye, sire," Merlin was now speaking, "my dream is indeed weightedwith importance. But by the same taken, it cannot be known until youcall your court together so that it may be heard by all."
"Then mean you, kind Merlin, that we must call not only those of theRound Table but all other knights and even pages and squires?"
"Even so, sire. And yet, since Whitsunday is but a few days away, thatshould be no hard matter. For the knights of your court, except SirLauncelot and Sir Gawaine are here, prepared for such tourneys andfeasts fit to celebrate that day."
"So then shall it be. Even now our heralds shall announce that wecrave the attendance of all those who pledge loyalty to our court. ForI know well that they must be of no mean import, these things we shallhear. We pray only that they shall be for our good fortune."
The Wizard, making no reply, bent low and kissed his King's hand. Thenhe departed.
Came now his herald whom the King had summoned.
"See to it that our court assembles this time tomorrow. Make far anddistant outcry so that all who are within ear may hear and so hurry toour call. And mark you this well. We would hare Sir Launcelot and ourown nephew, Sir Gawaine, present even though they departed this earlymorn for Cornwall. See you to it."
Swiftly the herald made for the door to carry out the commands of hisKing. But even as he reached it, Arthur called again to him.
"We have a fancy, good herald, we fain would have you follow. Ask thenSir Percival to let us have the services of his page who seems alikely youth and bid this youth go hence after the two absent knights,Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot and give to them our message, beseechingtheir 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 surprisedid he show at the strangeness of the King's command for long had hebeen in his service and well he knew the King's strange fancies.
Sir Percival gave ready consent, when found. So when the boy hadreturned from the errand forespoken, the herald announced that he musthasten after the two knights and bid them return.
"And by my faith, lad, you have but little time and you must speedwell. For tomorrow at this time is this conclave called, and the twoknights are already many miles on their journey. Take you this horseand hasten."
Then, as the eager youth, quick pulsed, made haste to obey, the heraldadded in kindly voice: "It would be well could you succeed, lad. Forit is often true that through such missions, newcomers prove futureworthiness for knighthood."
"I thank you greatly for your kindness," replied the boy. "I can buttry to the uttermost. No rest shall I have until I meet with the twoknights."
So now Allan sought out and bespoke his own lord.
"I wish you well, Allan," said Sir Percival. "And say you to myfriends Launcelot and Gawaine should they prove reluctant that theywill favor their comrade, Sir Percival, if they would make haste andhurry their return. Stop not to pick quarrel nor to heed any call,urgent though it may seem. Prove my true page and worthy."
"I shall do my very best, my lord. And, this my first commission,shall prove successful even though to make it so, I perish."
Swiftly now rode forth the boyish figure. Well, too, had Arthurchosen. Came a day when, than Allan, no braver, truer knight therewas. But of that anon.