Part 16 (2/2)

Now did the three give proof of their mettle. Walker, too, wielded a mighty mace that spelled sure death on any of the thieves whom it reached.

Right skillfully, as if they were veterans, did they hold their place.

Right well, they withstood the onslaught of the outlaws and even pressed them back in defense.

A number of the foe had fallen and others uncertain made as if to flee. But they could not go far, for the conquerers, mounted, overtook them. So that there was nothing left for them to do but to turn with their backs to a nearby wall and make a last stand.

Now there were but four of these ruffians left and these threw their arms from them and pleaded mercy. And our youths took heed of their plea and permitted them to escape.

They made rescue of the imprisoned knight who marveled much, after his first expression of grat.i.tude, how so youthful a trio could have overcome the large number of outlaws. Then did he give further proof of his appreciation in that he begged of them that they make his home their abode for that night and he promised them food in plenty and goodly lodging.

Though they were of mind to accept they first besought the wishes of the Lady Linet and she, they found, was not opposed thereto. Right well did they sup then and made themselves find comfort before the great fire which blazed merrily. As the night went by, they talked of many things and found their host full of tales of days gone by.

The next morn found them on their way again. Many days they journeyed.

Other adventures befell them and in each they accredited themselves right well.

On one of these days, Breunor le Noire who had speeded ahead so that he was an hour's journey before them had a sad adventure. For as he rode there came toward him an equipage which held many knights and the leader of these was none other than Sir Brian de les Isles.

So as Sir Brian saw him he rode toward him.

”Of what fellows.h.i.+p are you, youth?”

”Of King Arthur's court and it is King Arthur himself who will soon make me his own knight.”

”Ill will do I owe this king of yours and all who hold lealty to him.

Therefor will I imprison you.”

But this they found not quite so easy. Well did the youth oppose them, and many of them suffered thereby. Until there were those among them who were ready to believe that this was no youth in life but fiend instead.

Yet did he at last succ.u.mb because their number was so many. And then did Sir Brian cast him into a prison where Breunor found as many as thirty knights who were prisoners of Sir Brian, some of these were knights of the Round Table.

Soon Gareth and Allan speeded their way to overtake Breunor le Noire of whose absence they began to wonder. Nor did they find trace of him anywhere. Until Allan suggested that they return to the large castle which they had pa.s.sed, where trace of their comrade might be.

So then did Sir Gareth come to the castle gates; Allan with him. To his beckoning there came forth one of Sir Brian's henchmen.

”Tell your master, Sir Gareth waits outside the gates and would bespeak him.”

But when Sir Brian was given the message, he did not deign to answer in person, instead, he sent one of his knights in answer to the call.

”Sir Knight,” addressed Sir Gareth, ”I seek the master of this castle.

Are you he?”

”Nay, but then Sir Brian deems it not fit for him to answer all calls.

Such business as you may have, I doubt not, I may quickly dispose with and so not keep you from your journey.”

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