In the Court of King Arthur

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Sir Tristram's Prowess

  So the next day Sir Tristram, carrying the black shield, went forth toenter the lists. And none knew him. The great conflict had alreadybegun when he arrived. He found himself a place among those knightswho jousted for Northgalis. And very soon all perceived that thisknight with the black shield was skillful and strong. Well and lustilydid he battle and none could withstand him. Yet did he not meet withSir Launcelot nor with Sir Palomides, on this first day. Nor did anyknow him, but all marveled at his worth and bravery.

  So, as the day was done, this Unknown and his servant, Gouvernail,rode back into the forest. And none followed him for he was a braveknight and all respected him and his desire to stay unknown. Yet didthe judges declare the side of Northgalis victor and as for singleknight, the most worthy was the Unknown. And he was called "the Knightof the Black Shield."

  Now as the judges' duties were done, King Arthur showed how wroth hewas that strange knight had carried off such great honors.

  "Yet do we hope tomorrow shall show other reckoning than this. Forgood Launcelot shall be there and so shall we."

  On the morn the heralds called forth the brave knights once again. Andwith the call came the "Knight of the Black Shield."

  Sir Palomides was await for him, eager and alert, to be the first tojoust. And so they, like great hounds, went at each other. And truly,Sir Tristram found his foe a worthy one. Long did they joust withouteither besting the other until he of the black shield by great skilland fine force brought down a mighty blow and did smite Sir Palomidesover his horse's croup. But now as the knight fell King Arthur wasthere and he rode straight at the unknown knight shouting, "Make theeready for me!" Then the brave sovereign, with eager heart, rodestraight at him and as he came, his horse reared high. And such wasthe King's strength he unhorsed Sir Tristram.

  Now, while the latter was on foot, rode full tilt upon him, SirPalomides, and would have borne him down but that Sir Tristram wasaware of his coming, and so lightly stepping aside, he grasped the armof the rider and pulled him from his horse. The two dashed againsteach other on foot and with their swords battled so well that kingsand queens and knights and their ladies stood and beheld them. Butfinally the Unknown smote his foe three mighty blows so that he fellupon the earth groveling. Then did they all truly wonder at his skillfor Sir Palomides was thought by many to be the most skillful knightin Britain.

  A knight now brought horse for Sir Tristram, for now, all knew that itmust be he. So too was horse brought for Sir Palomides. Great was thelatter's ire and he came at Sir Tristram again. Full force, he borehis lance at the other. And so anew they fought. Yet Sir Tristram wasthe better of the two and soon with great strength he got SirPalomides by the neck with both hands and so pulled him clean out ofhis saddle. Then in the presence of them all, and well they marveledat his deed, he rode ten paces carrying the other in this manner andlet him fall as he might.

  Sir Tristram turned now again and saw King Arthur with naked swordready for him. The former halted not, but rode straight at the Kingwith his lance. But as he came, the King by wondrous blow sent hisweapon flying and for a moment Sir Tristram was stunned. And as he satthere upon his horse the King rained blows upon him and yet did thelatter draw forth his sword and assail the King so hard that he needmust give ground. Then were these two divided by the great throng. ButSir Tristram, lion hearted, rode here and there and battled with allwho would. And of the knights who opposed him he was victor of eleven.And all present marveled at him, at his strength and at his greatdeeds.

  Yet had he not met Sir Launcelot, who elsewhere was meeting with allwho would strive with him. Not many, however, would joust with him forhe was known as the very bravest and most skillful. So as he sat thereall at ease, there came the great acclaim for the Knight of the BlackShield. Nor did Sir Launcelot know him to be Sir Tristram. But he gothis great lance and rushed toward the cry. When he saw this strangeknight he called to him, "Knight of the Black Shield, prepare for me."

  And then came such jousting as had never been seen. For each knightbowed low his head and came at the other like the wind. When they metit was very like thunder. Flashed lance on shields and armor so thatsparks flew. And each would not give to the other one step but bygreat skill with shield did avoid the best of each other's blows.

  Then did Sir Tristram's lance break in two, and Sir Launcelot, throughfurther ill fortune, wounded Sir Tristram in his left side. Butnotwithstanding, the wounded knight brought forth his sword and rusheddaringly at the other with a force that Sir Launcelot could notwithstand, and gave him a fearful blow. Low in his saddle sagged SirLauncelot, exceeding weak for many moments. Now Sir Tristram left himso and rode into the forest. And after him followed Gouvernail, hisservant.

  Sore wounded was Sir Tristram yet made he light of it. Sir Launceloton his part recovered soon and turned back to the tourney, andthereafter did wondrous deeds and stood off many knights, together andsingly.

  Now again was the day done and the tournament, too. And to SirLauncelot was given full honor as victor of the field. But naughtwould Sir Launcelot have of this. He rode forthwith to his King.

  "Sire, it is not I but this knight with the Black Shield who has shownmost marvelous skill of all. And so I will not have these prizes forthey do not belong to me."

  "Well spoken, Sir Launcelot and like thy true self," replied the King."So since this knight is gone, will you go forth with us within thefortnight in search for him. And unless we are in great error we shallfind this Knight of the Black Shield no more, no less, than SirTristram."