Part 23 (1/2)
”Think you the king will be provoked at our use of him and his court?”
Sir Galahad asked.
”Aye, that I do. Provoked that he was not with us to share in the adventure.” Launcelot laughingly replied.
”Lady,” Sir Launcelot addressed her in a moment's pause. ”You had little need to worry when this knight became your champion. He is overly modest. Gladly shall I help him.”
”G.o.d is good,” the Lady Jeanne replied brokenly. ”And He has placed me and my troubles in G.o.dly hands.” And then she wept. And it seemed as if like a spring freshet, her thoughts, soul, and heart, were cleared and cleansed.
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
A Rescue
”I seek speech with him who is Duke of Gascony. I bring him a message from Arthur, King of England.” So spoke Merlin as he stood at the entrance of the great and splendid castle of the ruler of Gascony.
By his side were the two knights, Galahad and Launcelot. The page Charles stood close by and somewhat behind them were the two squires, Walker and Gouvernail.
”From England's king?” the Gascon knight questioned. And made as if he would further satisfy his curiosity. But changed his mind.
”I pray you wait, good sir, until I tell my lord, your message.” So then he went within the great hall.
”A rash adventure, say I,” and Merlin shook his head dolefully.
”You were ever a croaker, good Merlin,” replied Sir Launcelot. ”See not the thing so dolefully, I pray you.”
”And think of the worth of what we accomplish,” added Sir Galahad.
”Here now comes the Gascon with his answer, I see. Let us listen to what he says.”
”We bid you welcome to Gascony and pray you to come within. My master sends his greetings and awaits you.”
They followed then their guide and so came within the great hall of state where Sir Dolphus awaited them.
”Come you from England?” he asked.
”That we do,” replied Merlin, ”and carry a message for the Duke.”
”There is no Duke of Gascony. He is dead. But I, by the will of all the n.o.bles of the land, rule in place. If you have message from England's king honor is mine to receive it.”
”That message will I deliver right gladly. My king has long desired to come to Gascony and to other countries in France. So has he sent me forth to find first, how welcome will his visit be, second, as you may well understand, that such country as may come within his plans may worthy be his presence. For England's king must hold his honor and his presence at their royal worth.
”So come I to this brave land the which my king has heard well spoken and which he holds in high esteem. I find it sad news that he who reigned is dead, yet Gascony cannot suffer if you, most wors.h.i.+pful sir, rule instead.”
Now did the crafty Dolphus find himself quick to see the worth to him of such a visit from the great king of England who was held in high esteem everywhere. If Arthur were to visit him then could none question his pretense to the throne. Too, were such visit soon, there would be need for him to be declared Duke of Gascony at once, so that Arthur could be met in royal state.
”Gascony, good sir, would welcome your king. And count it honor to receive him with all the honors due so great a name. When does your master plan to come?”
”Shortly, sir, after I make my return to England and make report. For he hopes also to visit Rome and pay homage to His Holiness, the Pope.”
When he heard this, Sir Dolphus urged the emissaries of England's king to tarry awhile in Gascony.