514 AD: The Wedding of Arthur and Guinevere

Glad tidings spread throughout Logres. After years of his barons asking, King Arthur was to take a wife. He had chosen Guinevere, who was said to be the most beautiful woman in all of Britain, the daughter of King Leodegrance of Cameliard. The ceremony would be held in Carlion at Easter.

Earl Robert of Salisbury summoned his vassals to him: Sir Taedi, Sir Xavier, Lady Elspeth, Lady Svenhilde, and Zebediah. Sir Taedi was a loyal but unexceptional knight who had served guard duty in Salisbury for many years. Sir Xavier was a relative of Sir Gherard, who had come over from the continent to escape from war. Zebediah, meanwhile, came from further abroad: a Jew from beyond Germania, he and his people had come to Britain to avoid persecution and had settled in Sir Mabon's old estate. The Earl wished to decide what Salisbury should present to the King as a wedding present. After rejecting the idea of building a new allegorical zoo ("...a reminder of my mother's mental infirmities...") or venturing into the Forest Sauvage once more ("haven't we lost enough knights to that place?"), Svenhilde suggested investigating the cursed old Roman fortress of Dolorous Garde. That castle was on an island just off the coast past the Roman Wall, and was said to be guarded by lions, copper giants, and the ghosts of the dead.

So it was that a short time later, a ship anchored in a bay just off the coast of the island, and the knights and ladies went ashore to see what treasure they might be able to find to present to the High King. Past the bay, much of the island was forested, and the keep itself could be seen atop a steep hill overlooking the area. Along the shoreline, the cliffs grew hazardous, and the ruins of a Cymric ship that had been wrecked upon the rocks still sat there, its tattered flag blowing in the wind. Sir Taedi, who was nominally in charge, set up a camp in the bay. Sir Zebediah went to investigate the shipwreck, but the rocks were slippery and hazardous, and he decided to withdraw. Svenhilde consulted the runes (danger - failure - unexpected outcomes) and sent her crow familiar Hermes to scout out the island, but he did not return.

The group decided to press inland, when they were ambushed by an immense lion. Only Elspeth was alert enough to react. She had become proficient with the bow during her time living as an outlaw, but the horror of the lion was too great, and she snapped her bowstring. The knights were flung about by the lion, but Sir Xavier mustered his strength and dealt it a mighty blow that sent the beast fleeing, bleeding profusely. They decided to let the beast go; Svenhilde bandaged the wounded, and then they continued their hike up the hill.

At the castle, two immense statues of copper men stood outside the main gate. Svenhilde suspected magic, and so the group skirted around to avoid them. On the west wall, an old rope hung from an earlier explorer. It looked dangerously aged. Elspeth clambered up the rope. At the top of the wall, the body of the explorer lay, chewed down to bones. His wailing ghost flew at Elspeth, but she ignored it. It disappeared, and she dropped a new rope for the others to climb up. Once on the palisade, the group looked down into the courtyard. Stairs on the east wall led down from the wall into it. In the middle, a perfectly round rock was sunk into the ground, and two more lions lazed around it. In the north-east corner, a keep was set inside the wall, with a door that could be reached from the courtyard.

Rather than try to sneak past the lions, the group decided to try and confront the lions from up on the wall. The lions charged up the stairs, and Elspeth peppered them with arrows as they approached. However, it seemed to only enrage them, and the battle on the walls quickly went wrong. Sir Zebediah fell off the wall into the courtyard. Elspeth and Svenhilde pulled the two ropes over to the other side of the wall, and the group fled into the courtyard, and then made their way to the keep with the lions right behind them.

The central keep showed signs of the black magician who had lived there, but he had removed all of his belongings before he left. The group found an escape route, which let them return to the shore without having to enter the lion-haunted forest. It could also be useful for any future attempt to reclaim Dolorous Garde.

However, the group now had nothing to show for their time. Svenhilde (now reunited with Hermes, who had been distracted) and Sir Xavier made their way on to the shipwreck. In the hold, several water-bloated and decomposing bodies floated, including the body of a young child. One of the bodies, obviously a knight, opened his eyes and ordered Svenhilde to take a chest and see that it was delivered to Sir Hervis of Revel, the last heir of Caercolun, or suffer its curse. She agreed, and the eyes shut again. The group buried the bodies, and speculated that this ship must have fled Caercolun when it was conquered by the Angles, years ago. The young boy must have been the Duke's infant son, the heir to the duchy. They probably were blown off-course in a storm and wrecked.

The group decided to present the story and the box to King Arthur, so that he could restore it to Sir Hervis. Meanwhile, Elspeth's young page Hubert made a wooden guardsman for a badly wounded Sir Taedi, and they talked about the role of knights. Sir Zebediah also tracked down the lion that Sir Xavier had wounded - it had since bled to death - and claimed its pelt as an additional present. Then they set sail and returned without mishap to Salisbury.

It was not long before everyone was gathered in Carlion for the wedding. There was a tremendous bustle as everyone vaguely important was invited to attend. Guinevere was due to arrive at any time, there was not enough food for all the guests, extra stables were having to be organised for horses, and King Arthur was nowhere to be found! (ooc: Players who'd seen the musical Camelot smiled here.) However, despite Sir Kay nearly having a heart attack from stress, everything turned out fine. The most important nobles entered the Cathedral of Saint Cadoc to watch the wedding, while the knights had to wait outside. Finally, the church-bells began to sound, and the royal couple emerged: the High King grinning inanely, the High Queen radiant. Sir Taedi and Sir Zebediah immediately fell in love with her.

For the rest of the day, King Arthur received his wedding gifts from his barons. On the next day, a decree was issued, that the High King and Queen would be presenting splendid presents to all assembled. Sir Taedi simply asked for a shield, and told the story of how he had been mauled by lions earlier that month. His words amused the High King, who gave him his own personal shield, as well as a pouch of silver. Lady Svenhilde asked for help establishing a school of medicine, which Queen Guinevere agreed to sponsor generously. Sir Zebediah asked to be acknowledged as a knight, and was knighted by Queen Guinevere. Sir Xavier tried to claim an excessive gift by reminding the High King of his guilt in not supporting King Ban and King Bors on the continent, but unsuccessfully. (He then spent much of the feast subtly insulting King Arthur). Lady Elspeth asked for new dancing shoes, as an opportunity to dance for Guinevere, who was extremely impressed - Elspeth might, after all, be the greatest dancer in all Logres!

That night, at a great feast, Guinevere's dowry had been prepared: the round table of Uther Pendragon, around which Uther had once tried to unite Britain. King Arthur declared that he intended to institute the Knights of the Round Table, the 150 greatest knights in the world. The names of the first knights were magically written upon the chairs, and they took their seats - though one seat, the Siege Perilous, was left empty on pain of death, for the best knight who would ever live.

At this point, a strange event happened. A white stag bounded into the room, pursued by a white dog, and then another sixty black hounds behind it. The stag left; a knight seized the dog and departed also. Then a beautiful woman rode into the hall and demanded the return of her dog, but another knight in black armour entered, seized her, and departed also. Merlin declared that this was the purpose of the Round Table - to undertake strange and marvelous quests, so as to serve as an inspiration for the world. King Arthur nominated three who had been knighted that day to undertake the first quest of the Round Table. Sir Gawain would go after the white hart, Sir Tor would follow the white hound, and King Pellinore (who had forgotten being knighted, and so asked to be knighted again) would rescue the lady. The three questing knights immediately departed.

Over the next few days, great festivities were held in Carlion, and a mighty tournament, while word drifted back of the three heroes. Lady Elspeth continued to ingratiate herself with Queen Guinevere, while Sir Xavier made connections and planted the seeds of future intrigues. Sir Zebediah also made friends, while Sir Taedi fought well in the tournament, and Lady Svenhilde gathered support for her medical college. They also amused themselves in what ways seemed best to them. During the tournament, Svenhilde's friend Sir Griflet offered to champion her honour against an older and far more experienced knight, Sir Simeon, who had been calling her a witch and a fornicator. Svenhilde did not know how to react, and so Sir Griflet made the challenge. Everyone expected him to fail, and Svenhilde's position to be made worse, but Sir Griflet knocked Sir Simeon senseless with a single buffet. Meanwhile, the three knights returned, with various levels of success - Sir Gawain in particular had disgraced himself, and swore a mighty oath to always aid women in need for the rest of his life. Merlin took the young woman that Sir Tor had rescued away. She was Nimue, the adopted daughter of Esther, and the great enchanter intended to train her as his successor.

As the celebrations drew to a close, an unexpected visitor arrived at Carlion. Saexwulf of Sussex, a Saxon warlord, arrived with greetings and gifts from King Aelle to King Arthur. King Aelle had retrieved many of the relics stolen from Amesbury when the monastery was attacked by the Saxons of Essex, and returned them as a wedding present. There was much discussion about what this act of generosity meant, and if a new conflict with the Saxons was on the horizon...

513 AD: The Battle of Castle Terrabil

The tragedy of the May Babies was on everyone's lips. There were many different theories about who was responsible and why - Arthur, Merlin, Lot, Morgause, the Ladies of the Lake, the faeries, or others were all blamed by one party or another. Svenhilde cast a divination to see a vision of a ship at sea in a storm with no crew, and rows of babies under the decks. The ship broke apart, and the babies were washed away into the ocean - save one, which was snagged upon the rocks. As the storm and the vision abated, Svenhilde could see a fishing vessel travelling out to the reef...

Whatever the truth of the vision, certainly King Lot blamed Arthur for what had happened. Once again, he allied with other rebellious kings and marched south to join them. King Arthur's forces met them in Cameliard, near Castle Terrabil. His goal would be to defeat the army of Norgales first, before King Lot's forces arrived to reinforce them. 

The night before the battle, Sir Edwin, Sir Fflergant, Sir Mabon, and Lady Svenhilde all prepared in their own way. Svenhilde oversaw the establishment of the healers' tents, and ensured that it was all fully equipped, with the aid of Sir Mabon and Lady Elspeth, Sir Fflergant's wife. As they returned to their tents, some drunken soldiers began to throw mud at Svenhilde, calling her a witch and a fornicator. Saint Dewi's tirades against her had had an audience, evidently... Elspeth hurried a shocked Svenhilde away, while Sir Mabon chastised the soldiers and convinced them to back down. 

Meanwhile, Sir Edwin gave an inspiring speech to his troops and led them in prayer. He was somewhat upset when his enemy, Sir Telifan, led his followers to join Sir Edwin's prayers, but permitted it. As he returned to his tent, he saw two furtive-looking knights leaving the camp, too far away to confront. One of them had two swords. Sir Edwin remembered Sir Balin, the Knight of Two Swords, and his brother Sir Balan from the previous year, He reported their presence to the command tent, in case they were here as spies, and then retired for the night. 

At the same time, Sir Fflergant, furiously drunk, stumbled out of his tent to urinate. He was in a filthy mood, brooding upon the upcoming battle. For he had a special, personal reason to hate the King of Norgales. As he pulled up his breeches, he saw two guards escorting a massive prisoner through the camp. Somehow, it was none other than King Ryonce of Norgales himself! Sir Fflergant lost control of himself. He drew forth his sword and with an inarticulate scream, buried it in the King's chest. The men at arms were aghast and asked Sir Fflergant to come with them to explain himself to King Arthur, but Sir Fflergant refused, and fled the encampment entirely.

The next day, word was spreading throughout the camp about Sir Fflergant's deeds. Two unknown knights - almost certainly Sir Balin and Sir Balan, hoping to return to King Arthur's good graces - had captured King Ryonce and delivered him to the camp. Elspeth explained Sir Fflergant's motives to Svenhilde: during the anarchy, Sir Fflergant's older brother Sir Aaron had led a force to aid Cameliard against King Ryonce. Knowing that King Ryonce was obsessed with defeating kings, Sir Aaron lied and claimed to be the Brigand King - in other words, his younger brother - and challenged King Ryonce to single combat. King Ryonce broke the rules of honour and had Sir Aaron treacherously slain and shaved, and added his beard to Ryonce's cloak. 

The battle began, with Sir Edwin performing mighty deeds of honour. Back in the first aid tents, Sir Mabon, Lady Elspeth and Lady Svenhilde worked hard to save the lives of the wounded that were brought to them. Everyone wondered when King Lot would arrive and inevitably outflank King Arthur's army, but as the day dragged on, they did not appear, and so the forces of Norgales were defeated. Finally, King Lot arrived (the knights suspected, rightly, that Merlin had some hand in this), as did further reinforcements: a small force led by King Pellinore! Furthermore, Sir Balin and Sir Balan emerged from the trees and began doing mighty deeds of arms, destroying King Lot's flank single-handedly. Eventually, King Lot and King Pellinore confronted each other in a vicious duel, before King Pellinore finally slew the King of Lothian. With his death, the last soldiers routed - the battle was won.

Back in the first aid tents, Svenhilde was shocked when one patient, a knight with a mangled arm on the verge of death, reclaimed consciousness and refused her help. He didn't want a witch touching him. Svenhilde knew that none of the other healers would be able to save his life: only her magic would suffice. She decided to ignore the knight's objections, and to save his life.

Sir Edwin, meanwhile, discovered the body of Sir Telifan on the battlefield. His rival was extremely badly wounded, but begged to confess his sins and gain Sir Edwin's forgiveness. He had falsely accused others of heresy so that he could claim his lands, but he had done so for the greater good, against people who he felt were evil. He regretted how his actions had torn the last members of the Knights of Saint Gwiona apart. Now he was afraid what the results of his lies would be in the afterlife. Sir Edwin tried to comfort him - and then realised that Sir Telifan had died without hearing any of his words.

With the battle over, the rebellions against King Arthur had come to an end. Twelve kings had died that day, and King Arthur took control over their land. With King Idres of Cornwall among the dead, King Arthur confirmed Sir Edwin as the new Earl of Devon, restoring his ancestral lands to him. This would be the end of his adventuring career. Before he departed, Svenhilde sought his advice about the harassment she had been suffering and confessed how afraid it made her feel.

A great feast was held to commemorate the victory. The heroes of the day toasted each other, and King Arthur took Lady Elspeth aside to tell her that he would not hold her responsible for Sir Fflergant's actions - but that her husband was by his own deeds an outlaw. Meanwhile, a drunk Sir Kay began to abuse Sir Mabon for being a coward and keeping to the healers' tents rather than fighting, again. He insisted that Sir Mabon remove his sword belt and leave the knighthood in shame. Sir Mabon was about to comply, when King Arthur stopped him. Compassion and loyalty were no less virtues than prowess and might, and all men who do good according to their own abilities were to be honoured, not chastised. Too long had they valued over war over peace. The King appointed Mabon to his service, to lead the efforts to rebuild and restore the damage from years of warfare.

Upon their return to Salisbury, Lady Elspeth was 'kidnapped' by the followers of her husband, who took her to him in the forest. Sir Fflergant tried to convince her to live as an outlaw with him again, but this time she refused. Sir Fflergant refused to return until he felt that he had earned it, and announced that he would depart upon a perilous quest to earn her forgiveness - he would find her lost sister Gwin in the Forest Sauvage, and reunite the sisters. Sir Fflergant departed upon his quest, and Elspeth, shaking her head at her husband's foolishness, returned home for the winter.

512 AD: The Royal Progress

Earl Robert intended to spend the year in attendance on King Arthur, and invited several of his knights, including Sir Balthazar, Sir Edwin, Sir Fflergant, and Sir Mabon, as well as Lady Svenhilde, to join him at court. The High King had re-established the custom of the Royal Progress - a mobile court that would visit many of the counties and duchies of his domain. During their months at court, they would be able to meet many of the most powerful and important people of Britain, and have an opportunity to make a name for themselves.

The High King was currently at Saint Albans, on a pilgrimage to where his father died. Shortly after the knights arrived, Arthur held a great feast. It was disrupted when Duke Ulfius accused Igraine, the widow of King Uther, of being a traitor. The whole event was staged by Merlin, however, to reveal the truth of Arthur's parentage to the world - that he was the long-lost child of King Uther and Queen Igraine.

After the feast, a great hunt was organised. Sir Fflergant attempted to prove himself the best hunter, and brought home a good selection of game, but was unable to compete with the Brown Knight of the Wilds. This knight had appeared at Arthur's court over the winter, clad in antique and rusted armour. He wished to see if the Pendragon and his followers were truly chivalrous men. No one knew who he was, for he never removed his armour, but his prowess was not in question as he slew a manticore and won the hunt.

As court continued on its way, Sir Edwin attempted to make the acquaintance of Saint Dewi the Waterman, the famously conservative religious leader. The Saint rebuffed Sir Edwin and called upon him to save his soul by denouncing his companion, Lady Svenhilde, as a witch. Sir Edwin refused and departed. Meanwhile, Svenhilde and Sir Mabon heard rumours that goat-people had been seen in the woods. They investigated, and took part in a satyr orgy, awakening the next day bruised, hung-over and half naked. As the year continued, Svenhilde found herself to be pregnant as a result of the bacchanalia,

As the court reached Silchester, Sir Fflergant made friends with Bishop Baudwin, a boisterous and strangely martial clergyman, and they talked about how King Arthur ought to get married. Meanwhile, Svenhilde sang beautifully for the court, and Sir Edwin confronted Sir Telifan, a dishonourable former knight of Saint Gwiona. Sir Telifan acted penitent for his role in killed Sir Julius, but denied any wrongdoing. Sir Edwin resolved to keep an eye on him.

At Wanborough, a squire led an exhausted horse with a dead knight, Sir Miles, upon it. A knight was encamped at a nearby crossroads, challenging all those who would pass to a duel. He had fought and slain Sir Miles. Before any could react, a squire called Griflet begged the King for a boon: to be knighted, so that he could avenge Arthur's honour. Despite misgivings, Arthur agreed. Lady Svenhilde similarly had misgivings, and offered to accompany the young knight as his squire. Sir Griflet proved to be a pleasant young man - but no match for the other knight (who was none other than King Pellinore, he who pursued the Questing Beast). King Pellinore struck Sir Griflet off his horse so hard that, had it not been for Svenhilde's ministrations, he would surely have perished. She took the boy back to Wanborough for further care. The next day, it was discovered that King Arthur himself was missing, having gone personally to undertake the quest! Sir Edwin and the others chased after him, in time to find the young King and Merlin returning from the quest. That night, King Arthur told of how he had fought King Pellinore, how his sword had been broken, and how he had restored to him by the Lady of the Lake herself. All present were impressed by having a king who acted as well as spoke of chivalry (even if some thought his actions a little headstrong!) Sir Edwin became wary of Merlin as well. Another event had been orchestrated by the magician to prove a point. Shortly thereafter, King Pellinore himself joined the court and told how he had been made to play the role, and told of his mighty battle with King Arthur.

As the court reached Carlion, Lady Svenhilde defeated the canny Sir Lucan the Butler at a game of chess. Sir Edwin spoke to King Arthur about chivalry, and how it was not always easy to perceive or do the right thing. Sir Mabon grew melancholic and sought to lose his sorrow in carousing with Sir Fflergant. Sir Balthazar and Svenhilde had a heart to heart, in which Sir Balthazar revealed that he felt intimidated by Sir Edwin. Also in Carlion, a group of Roman ambassadors came to Arthur demanding tribute for their so-called Emperor, but the King refused them and they swiftly departed. Shortly thereafter, at Easter, many pagans left the court temporarily to celebrate the pagan festival of Beltane with the King's blessings. Some of those who remained behind were upset at this religious toleration, Saint Dewi and Sir Telifan among them.

At Leicester, the knights were able to relax in the old Roman baths. A noble lady came to court with a sword that could only be drawn forth by the best knight in the world. Many attempted to draw the sword, and eventually Sir Balin, a poor knight recently released from prison, drew it. Then Lady Nineve of the Lake came to court and demanded Sir Balin's head - but she was slain by Sir Balin in front of the King and the assembled court! King Arthur was outraged at this breach of hospitality and cast out Sir Balin. His brother, Sir Balan, departed with him. Prince Lanceor of Ireland, a proud knight, chased down Sir Balin to avenge the Pendragon's honour, but Sir Balin slew him, and Prince Lanceor's betrothed Lady Colombe slew herself atop her lover's body for sorrow. Prince Mark of Cornwall was nearby and witnessed this, and arranged for a monument to the lovers to be built. He departed abruptly when Sir Edwin reminded him of how the Prince had fled at the Battle of Netley Marsh and demanded satisfaction.

The court went hawking a few days later. Sir Lucan and Sir Edwin discussed how Sir Lucan had discovered evidence that King Uther had been magically drugged in the years leading up to his death, though he had no idea who was responsible. Sir Fflergant befriended King Pellinore, and joined him when the King rediscovered the trail of the Questing Beast. After the hawking, Sir Edwin talked about Faerie with Sir Bedivere the cup-bearer, and Svenhilde sang a beautiful song about her husband, Sir Helbur.

When the Royal Progress reached Lincoln, Duke Derfel told the court that the kingdom of Malahaut was mustering for war against Logres, despite having sworn fealty to Arthur as High King of Britain. King Arthur called for a muster against Malahaut, and declared a great tournament as his knights gathered. Sir Edwin won the tournament, defeating Sir Bedivere himself, while Bishop Baudwin accidentally injured Sir Balthazar very badly. Meanwhile, Sir Mabon, Sir Telifan and others undertook a scouting mission, and ambushed an advance force from Malahaut. Sir Mabon found himself beginning to like Sir Telifan, even if Sir Edwin hated him!

With a speedy muster completed, King Arthur seized the initiative and marched into Malahaut. His forces fought the Centurion King at Bassus River. As the battle started, King Pellinore and Sir Fflergant emerged from woods behind the enemy lines and laid into the enemy - and King Pellinore slew the Centurion King himself! This was quickly followed up by Sir Edwin slaying King Nentres of Garloth, an ally of Malahaut. Prince Galagantis of Garloth took control of the enemy army, but was defeated by the Brown Knight. Before long, the forces of Malahaut were defeated. Prince Barant, now King Barant, was recognised as the new King of Malahaut, but much of his land was taken off him by King Arthur in punishment, and Garloth was likewise claimed.

As the year ended, and the royal progress returned to London, fell news came from the north. The babies born north of the wall in the month of May had been abducted and were believed dead. Queen Morgause blamed Merlin, and King Lot believed it on the orders of King Arthur. There would be more war in the coming year...

511 AD: A Year of Questing

King Arthur consolidated his position by winning a number of battles last year. Now, everyone wondered what he would do next. Duke Ulfius of Silchester urged prudence. Logres had been at war for a long time, and a year of rebuilding would help to strengthen the kingdom. Sir Hervis de Revil felt that the time had come for a united kingdom to strike at the Saxons at last, and led a group of like-minded knights in a raid into Anglia. The King himself seemed intent on following Duke Ulfius's wisdom. Foremost amongst his concerns was a code of conduct for knighthood. Throughout the Anarchy, many knights had been little more than brigands and bullies. They were supposed to be paragons and champion! He spent much time with other idealistic young knights, chief amongst them being Gawain, the youngest son of King Lot, discussing such things. Gawain was down from the north in the company of his mother, Queen Morgause, who was leading an embassy to the King after the wars of the last year.

Meanwhile, Sir Edwin received a letter from Sir Julius, a fellow Knight of Saint Gwiona. The order had dwindled over the course of the Anarchy, until only three members were left alive, and one of those, Sir Telifan, had betrayed his oaths for personal gain. Sir Julius wrote that he had confronted Sir Telifan, but had been defeated in a legal duel. Refusing to let the matter stand, he intended to attack Sir Telifan dishonourably to avenge the Knighthood - but said that he was sure to fail, and implored that Sir Edwin avenge him. And rumour came that Sir Julius had perished ignominiously in the street, attacking Sir Telifan.

Sir Edwin conferred with his companions: Sir Balthazar, Sir Fflergant, Sir Mabon and Lady Svenhilde. He desired justice against Sir Telifan. The others, meanwhile, had heard rumours of a suit of golden armour buried under Silbury Hill, and wished to find it to present it to the High King. Sir Edwin agreed to accompany them, if he could use the armour as a part of his revenge.

The group set out to Silbury, where they interviewed the local peasants. They found that the local drunkard, Argie, claimed to have found the treasure horde of King Sil while blind drunk, but had never found it again. They also found that most of the village thought that the hill was haunted by faeries, and Svenhilde learned a local charm that was said to repel faeries from the local wisewoman. The knights tried various methods to locate the cave, including Sir Balthazar and Sir Fflergant both getting roaringly drunk in case a lack of sobriety was significant. They also played a practical joke on  Sir Mabon, arranging for a naked man to be in his rooms in the inn when he returned there that night.

The next day, Sir Fflergant convinced the group to give up on the cave and to go hunting. Svenhilde's magic had discovered that there was an enchantment upon the hill that no one who sought the treasure inside it would ever find it. Therefore, Sir Fflergant and Sir Edwin intended to trick Sir Mabon and Sir Balthazar into believing that they had given up on the hunt, hoping that one of them might find the cave by accident while hunting. Sir Balthazar was separated from the others and, while pursuing a deer upon Silbury Hill, discovered the secret cave upon it. He entered to find a golden suit of armour upon a bier, with a golden horn, a golden horse, dead followers in golden armour, and mounds of treasure gleaming dimly. For a moment, he looked at all this treasure - but then he turned and departed. The dead should not be disturbed - and perhaps Sir Balthazar wished to tweak Sir Edwin's nose, whom he considered a hypocrite.

Sir Balthazar soon met up with Sir Fflergant and Sir Edwin, and lied to them about finding the cave. The group continued hunting, but became lost and were forced to camp out in the middle of the wilderness. Meanwhile, Sir Mabon returned to Lady Svenhilde, to discover that his companions were missing, The two set off to find them, sending Svenhilde's crow familiar Hermes ahead to scout. They met a strange blind hermit called Absolom, who relied upon divine providence to survive. Thanks to Absolom and Hermes, the knights were reunited at Ambrosius' Dike.

The group now decided to investigate a strange rumour they had heard. In the Harewood, in north-eastern Salisbury, the village of Highclere was beset by a monster called the Grampus. A type of whale, it did not live in the water but inside a tree near the village. It distracted the villagers with its heavy breathing, and would follow them around, moving when they weren't looking. The knights went to investigate, and were driven to distraction by the heavy breathing, as well as how the Grampus would move swiftly when they blinked, so that it was always behind them. Sir Mabon lost patience and departed, swearing that he would return with men-at-arms in a few days to put the Grampus to death if the others did not solve the problem before then. Sir Edwin, meanwhile, realised that in a strange way, the Grampus was defending the area - its breathing was so loud and annoying that no Saxons from Wessex ever tried to cross the border here.

Nevertheless, the problem of the Grampus could not be ignored. Sir Fflergant decided that he wished for the Grampus to go to Wessex, to annoy the Saxons there. The knights travelled south until they found some Saxon foragers, who they subdued and stripped. Now wearing Saxon garb, Sir Fflergant and Sir Balthazar tracked down the Grampus and put on a show for it, until the strange whale decided to follow Sir Fflergant. The knight led it towards Wessex, but changed his mind at the last moment - he did not want the Grampus to be slain by angry Saxons - and so he instead travelled south to the sea, with the whale in pursuit, and then entered the water. The Grampus followed, and then finally swam off. (Months later, news came that a ship from the continent bringing Saxon reinforcements was 'attacked' by a whale that breathed exceedingly loudly...)

The knights returned home. It had been a strange year, but a welcome diversion from warfare.

510 AD, Part Three: The Battle of Bedegraine

Ever since his defeat outside the walls of Carlion, King Lot had been ravaging central Logres, while allies came to grow his army. Eleven kings in total opposed the High King. King Arthur mustered his own forces and moved to confront him in the county of Bedegraine.  Lot's forces had been bolstered with Pictish mercenaries and enlisted peasants. The army of the High King was small, after the long years of strife. It was at this battlefield, on a summer day, that Sir Fflergant, formerly known as the Brigand King, was ready for the coming affray. After his convalescing at Broughton, he had left (with Elspeth, his wife and squire) and recently joined King Arthur's army. He believed that King Arthur was the best chance for peace in Logres. Furthermore, Bedegraine was his home, and so he was intent upon defending it.

King Lot deployed groups of enslaved peasants from Bedegraine on the front lines of his forces, to absorb the first charge of the knights of Logres. Sir Fflergant rode ahead of the line, and called out to them to fight for their homeland and for the true king. He rode through them, and struck down the mercenaries who were driving them. His words and deeds inspired them, and a regiment defected to the side of the High King! Sir Fflergant led them on into the fighting. Howling Pictish mercenaries, their hair spiked and clad only in blue war paint, came forward and engaged the knights, attempting to destroy their effectiveness by attacking their horses. Sir Fflergant directed his new allies against them, and bloody fighting ensued.

It was at this point that Sir Edwin, Sir Mabon and Lady Svenhilde arrived on a hilltop overlooking the battlefield. They could see the battle raging below them. They could also see that King Lot was holding part of his force in reserve to flank King Arthur's armies. He had to be warned! They rode with all haste to the thinnest part of the lines, and broke through them to reach their friends. At the same time,  Sir Fflergant's position came under heavy attack. He was struck down, and his new allies dragged him out to the healing tents. There, he was reunited with his allies. Lady Elspeth, his wife, glared at Lady Svenhilde, but let her tend to her husband. The sorceress' healing powers were able to mend Sir Fflergant's wounds.

A heavy rain began to fall, turning the battlefield into mud, and both forces withdrew until the deluge passed. Sir Edwin went to the commanders' tents, where he helped advise King Arthur and the other generals on strategies for the next day. Sir Fflergant arranged for food, shelter and ale for his new-found loyal peasant followers, with Sir Mabon. As she sheltered from the rain, Lady Svenhilde saw a crow land on a tree by her - and was surprised when the crow began to talk to her! It was the crow from the Forest Sauvage that had pecked her. Now, the crow, Hermes, was convinced that she was his wife ("But I'm already married!" "Crows don't judge.") and magical familiar, since he said that he was a wizard. "Can you fly? I am wizard." Hermes had also brought a present for his new 'wife' - a seed radiating powerful magic. It was the seed that would summon the arborial army of Gwydion ap Don, which the three companions had sought in Faerie. Hermes had completed the final challenge and obtained it for them.

The group found Merlin, or rather, he found them the next day, when the rain had stopped. The master magician seized Svenhilde and Sir Mabon before daybreak and dragged them out into the forest. He would need Lady Svenhilde's assistance to use the seed, while Sir Mabon would be needed to guard them in case anyone should intrude. Sir Fflergant also found himself in the forest, leading his peasants in a skirmishing action in case King Lot sent any troops into the woods to flank King Arthur's position. Meanwhile, Sir Edwin took his place in the main force, as one of the foremost champions of the British.

As the battle began, Sir Fflergant and his followers soon came across a group of mercenary irregulars attempting to move through the forest. A brief affray followed, in which Sir Fflergant easily got the upper hand. The few mercenary survivors fled, and encountered Sir Mabon and the two magicians. Sir Mabon drew his blade and bravely struck his enemy down. Merlin and Svenhilde completed the ritual, and the trees came to life, stepping forth as a mighty army of men with spears and shields and leather caps. Sir Fflergant gave a speech and rallied these new soldiers about him, and then charged into the flank of King Lot's army!

Meanwhile, another army arrived, all unknown, upon the battlefield. King Ban and King Bors, the brother kings of Benwick and Gaunnes, from the mainland, and their armies had come to aid King Arthur. Duke Ulfius and Sir Brastias had traveled to France and sought their aid, and their return had been hastened by Merlin. During the fighting, King Ban was dismounted, but rescued by Sir Edwin, who remounted him. King Lot now found himself assailed upon all sides by the three armies. Defeated, his force fled the battlefield, and returned home. King Arthur had won!

After the battle, the tree-men rooted themselves and became trees once more. On Merlin's advice, King Arthur gave all the plunder of the year to King Ban and King Bors, who returned to the continent. The next day, Merlin revealed that an ancient treasure hoard had been exposed when trees fell fighting for King Arthur, and so Sir Edwin, Sir Fflergant, and Sir Mabon were sent to retrieve it. There was a great reward for all! The King remained in Bedegraine and recuperated from a wound that he suffered, and it was rumoured that he became intimate with the Earl's daughter. The vassals were released from their service and allowed to return home. Later that year, King Ryonce of Norgales attacked Cameliard, but was driven back by King Arthur in another battle.

The days of the King had begun!

510 AD, Part Two: Return to the Forest Sauvage

A week had passed since King Arthur's coronation. Now, the Supreme Collegium - or what was left of it, in any case - gathered in Carlion. The King had led a great procession across Logres, showing the world that the Anarchy had ended, while his heralds summoned the Collegium to anoint Arthur as not just King of Logres, but High King of Britain.

The knights of Salisbury were in Carlion as well, waiting while Earl Robert conducted negotiations. All, that is, save Sir Donna. The knights had returned to Salisbury briefly (leaving Sir Helbur behind to lead Salisbury's defenses in case King Cerdic sought retribution for the events at London). When they departed, Sir Donna did not join them. Instead, her hitherto unknown twin sister, Sir Gwin, joined them instead. Where Sir Donna had been stoic and serious, Sir Gwin was boisterous and crude. She explained that Sir Donna had left on a religious pilgrimage. A few of the other knights had heard rumours that Sir Donna had had some sort of altercation with her younger sister, Elspeth, and had stormed off. There were some who thought that Sir Gwin was in fact a witch possessing Sir Donna!

Whatever the truth, Sir Gwin decided that the group were too uptight for their own good, and while everyone was waiting in Carlion, she  attempted to take Sir Julius and Sir Mabon wenching - albeit with little success. Sir Edwin spent much of his time waiting attendance upon Earl Robert, and assessing the mood of the nobles - which was strongly in favor of the boy king. Lady Svenhilde, meanwhile, had noticed that many of the people of Carlion had been evicted from their homes by the arrival of so many lords to their city, and set up a soup kitchen and accommodation for those affected.

Sir Mabon, still hopelessly following after Lady Svenhilde, decided to shirk wenching to help her out. As was his wont, he found himself washing dishes out the back, quietly contributing in a small way. One night, he found another young man wanting to help him - the King himself! Arthur had snuck away from the meetings, in which he barely participated. He felt as if his entire life had changed - which it had! - and reminisced with Sir Mabon about the days when he was just Wart, the student of Ambrose, and his greatest ambition was to be his brother Kay's squire. The two young men had a heart to heart about power and responsibility, before the King returned to his chambers.

The next day, Earl Robert returned from the meetings, jubilant. The surviving lords of the Supreme Collegium had unanimously agreed to appoint Arthur as High King. Of course, there was some doubt about the validity of the decision, since the three-quarters of the council required to select a High King was not present; in fact, did not exist any more. There would be those who would choose to disregard the High King.

Later that very day, an army of rebel kings arrived outside Carlion - King Lot of Lothian, King Uriens of Gore, King Nentres of Garloth, the Centurion King of Malahaut, the King of Scotland, and the King of Carados. King Arthur sent messengers with gifts to them, but they spurned the gifts, intent as they were upon war. For four days, King Arthur kept his outnumbered force in Carlion, while the Kings ravaged the countryside. But on the fourth day, King Arthur grew impatient, and sallied forth to fight. King Lot had been waiting for this, with the largest part of his force ready to receive King Arthur's charge, and a small force held back to flank the enemy lines and press at King Arthur himself.

The knights of Salisbury, as usual, were in the thick of the fighting. Sir Edwin overthrew the young King of Scotland personally, taking him prisoner and captured his war banner. Sir Julius was separated from the others, and discovered King Lot's waiting reserves by accident. Sir Gwin heroically attempted to reach and rescue Sir Julius, but could never reach him in the fighting. She was dismounted, and forced to fall back. Once she found a fresh horse, she returned to the fray, to try and rescue Sir Julius. Although Sir Julius fought valiantly, he refused to withdraw and was slain, and his body was never found.

Meanwhile, King Arthur fought valiantly, but King Lot's reserves were pressing fiercely about him. Sir Edwin saw his peril and tried to reach him - remembering the death of King Nanteleod only a few years earlier. At that point, the boy king drew forth Excalibur. A light like a second sun shone across the battlefield, throwing King Arthur's enemies into dismay and giving new strength to his allies. Meanwhile, the citizens of Carlion surged forth from the city and fell upon King Lot and his allies. Realising that the day was lost, King Lot ordered a withdrawal, and his army withdrew from the field.

Following the battle, King Lot withdrew to central Logres, where he gathered reinforcements. His army began to pillage the lands around Bedegraine. King Arthur readied his forces, grievously outnumbered as they were, to go after him. The day after the Battle of Carlion, Earl Robert called upon his knights. In what way could Salisbury best contribute to the war effort and aid their new King? The knights spoke of various allies that they might seek, when Sir Gwin had a suggestion. She had heard an ancient legend, the Battle of the Trees, in which the the magician Gwydion called forth an army of the trees themselves. Might such magic still exist inside the Forest Sauvage? The Forest Sauvage, wherein lay the way to Faerie, held a strange and unfortunate fascination for Sir Gwin's family. Swayed by her words, the group decided to brave the Forest Sauvage once more to seek out this ancient magic.

The four companions - Sir Edwin, Sir Gwin, Sir Mabon, and Lady Svenhilde - traveled to the edge of the forest. Time was short. They knew that the Lord of Tribuit, who hated visitors, guarded the nearby roads, and so they decided to take the great risk of leaving the paths and venturing into the Forest. Lady Svenhilde's magic let her see something of the truth behind the trickery of the forest, and Sir Mabon was a skilled huntsman who could help them navigate. However, when their path was crossed by a red stag, Sir Gwin chased after it, and the group found themselves hopelessly lost. After a week, they finally reached the outskirts of the forest, and found themselves near Dunstable.

The group re-entered the Forest, and found themselves upon the Whispering Path. That night, crows - first one, then several, then a dozen, then a host - perched in the trees about them and cawed at the knights - "Spying on you!" Lady Svenhilde's magic told her not to harm the crows. Some of the group decided instead to feed them, and one of the crows pecked Lady Svenhilde's hand so hard it drew blood - a wound that then refused to heal properly. Over the next few nights, the group was beset by a host of terrors each sunset, spectral guardians and black hellhounds. Sir Mabon attempted to flee, but was saved by Sir Gwin. However, no one was able to save Sir Gwin the following night, when her will snapped and she fled into the forest, never to be seen again.

Sir Gwin wandered alone in the forest for days - she could not tell how many - until she discovered the same stag as before. Following it was a giant and his dog, who were hunting it. Sir Gwin was tricked by the giant, and taken prisoner. The giant took her back to his house, where he locked her in a cage. Every day he would go out hunting with his dog, leaving only a sleeping giant cat that awoke whenever Sir Gwin stirred. The knight resigned herself to indefinite imprisonment...

Meanwhile, Sir Edwin, Sir Mabon and Lady Svenhilde arrived at a nameless village deep in the forest. The villagers there were frightened, and quickly explained that a terrifying witch lived on the outskirts of town. Could they save them and defeat the witch? Through her magic, Lady Svenhilde learned that only an oddly-specific ritual would lead to the witch's death. Sir Edwin hunted through all the horses of the town until he found the correct horse, which turned out to be a common draft-horse. He was forced to remove his armour, as Bayard the draft-horse could not support its weight. He then rode to the cave where the witch dwelt, and began to insult her until she emerged, leaping up on to Bayard and sinking her claws into the horse to steady itself. This caused Bayard to leap an impossible distance, across a nearby pond. The witch lost her grip, fell off, and drowned in the pond. Sir Edwin and Lady Svenhilde were hailed as heroes, and the townsfolk named their little village Bayard's Leap, after the feat.

Continuing onwards, the group arrived at the castle of a lord obsessed with horse-riding. He challenged Sir Edwin to a horse-race. His own horse moved as swiftly as Thought, and the simple path turned out to be magically complex. However, Sir Edwin had the foresight to ask Lady Svenhilde to ride behind him, and she was able to help him navigate the course. Although he lost the race, he reached the end safely, and so the group was offered hospitality. The next night, the three travellers reached the Castle of Felicity, where Lord Felix and his three beautiful daughters offered them hospitality. The lord attempted to keep them there indefinitely, calling upon their sense of hospitality not to leave early, but the group managed to steel themselves and depart, keeping the urgency of their task in mind. Who knew how much time had now passed?

The next day, the three travellers emerged from the forest into the realm of Faerie, to the Castle Sauvage where once Sir Bleddyn, Sir Brietta, Sir Esther and Sir Helbur had ventured. They were admitted to the castle. It seemed no different to the stories that they had heard, though to their surprise they heard that no less than the Rabbit King and the Rabbit Queen were in attendance. The Rabbit Queen, it turned out, had once been Deidre, the fey child of Sir Helbur and Sir Brietta, who had been conceived in the Forest Sauvage, and had subsequently grown wings and flown away. She was still a butterfly-winged baby, and her husband an enormously obese rabbit, They doted upon one another fed each other morsels of human pie. The three travellers informed the Rabbit Queen that her cousin, Sir Gwin, had been lost in the forest, and the Rabbit Queen promised to look for her and rescue her. Meanwhile, the three undertook the same quests as their predecessors had done, in order to reach the King of Sauvage. Sir Edwin and Lady Svenhilde achieved their challenges, but Sir Mabon failed the challenge of the Dwarf, and so the three were bid farewell, having failed in their task.

On the way out of the forest, the three travellers stopped at the village of Oundle, There was a well in that village, and it was said that any fighting in Britain could be heard through the well. They stopped to listen, and heard the sounds of battle - now! King Arthur's force had engaged King Lot's at Bedegraine, and if they spurred their horses, they might reach the battle before it was over! And so they raced away to aid their King... and as they did, Lady Svenhilde barely noticed the renewed throbbing in her wounded hand...

510 AD, Part One: The Sword in the Stone

Whose pulleth this sword of this stone and anvil is rightwise king born of all England.

People gathered in the churchyard of Saint Paul to try to draw the sword Excalibur from the stone in which it was embedded, but to no success. Rich and poor alike marveled at it. Would the terrible strife that had existed since the death of King Uther Pendragon come to an end? Who would be revealed to be the rightful king?

Archbishop Dubricus called for the lords of Britain to come to London at Christmas, so that the new King might be found. And so they came, from the width and breadth of the island - barons, dukes, earls and kings, all wishing that they might be the one who would draw the sword from the stone. Amongst them came Earl Robert of Salisbury and his knights, among them Marshal Helbur and his wife Svenhilde, Sir Edwin and his squire Julius, Sir Donna, and Sir Mabon. Sir Helbur could remember the last time that he was in London for Christmas, when King Uther almost became the High King. That had been a time of hope and unity; now, each lord had their Christmas celebrations separately, suspicious and jealous of the others. 

Earl Robert attending the meeting of lords, with Sir Helbur accompanying him. The Archbishop declared that he would be holding a great tournament, a mock-battle between the forces of the assembled lords, to discover the true king. Each lord would bring their ten best knights to fight for them. Surprisingly, King Cerdic of Wessex arrived outside the city and demanded to take part in the tournament as well. Archbishop Dubricus let him compete, but when the King tried to force the knights of Salisbury to fight for him, Earl Robert brashly denied him. With a new King of Logres soon to be chosen, Robert declared that Salisbury would serve Saxons no longer. After the meeting, Julius was knighted, so that he might take part in the tournament.

Meanwhile, the group all went to the churchyard, where they tried to draw Excalibur from the stone. No one succeeded, although Sir Donna swore that she felt the blade wobble slightly in her hand. Svenhilde told the others about various legends that she knew about the sword, and then used her magical sight to see what she could see... the result gave her a migraine for a week. Sir Edwin tried to meet the Archbishop, who was too busy to see him; Sir Donna visited the local nuns of Saint Gwiona; Svenhilde sought and was given permission to work in the first aid tents for the tournament; and Sir Julius and Sir Helbur trained. Sir Julius' love for Svenhilde had turned into bitterness and resentment, and he took out his frustration on Sir Helbur - or would have done, had not the Marshal been far more experienced than he. Sir Helbur left Sir Julius lying on his back, hoping that the fight had given him a chance to blow off some steam.

Because of the number of lords gathered, the tournament would have four rounds. In the first three rounds, the forces of four lords would fight until only one faction remained; in the fourth round, the three winners would compete to find an overall winner. The first round was between the Centurion King of Malahaut, King Leodegrance of Cameliard, King Idres of Cornwall and Earl Sanam of Bedegraine. Sir Edwin was tempted with offering his services to King Leodegrance, so that he could fight the Cornish, but refrained. Everyone expected that King Idres would win the bout easily, but in a surprising result, Earl Sanam's knights carried the day, even though they were considered to be the weakest force in the entire tournament. The knights spotted Queen Morgause of Lothian in the audience, watching intently. The beautiful queen was the daughter of King Uther, and her husband King Lot believed that he was the rightful king. As he was a very powerful king, he was considered very likely to win the entire tournament. During this bout, the knights also became aware that some gambling was taking place in the stands, and became interested in gambling upon the results themselves.

The second round would be between Earl Robert of Salisbury, King Alain of Escavalon, Duke Ulfius of Silchester, and King Cerdic of Wessex. Everyone knew that King Cerdic would attempt to destroy the knights of Salisbury, with 'accidents' being likely, to punish them for defying him. As a result, they attempted to make an alliance with Duke Ulfius or King Alain. Duke Ulfius was unwilling to see them, but Sir Helbur had dinner with King Alain. The two reminisced about old times, and agreed to not attack each other unless they were the last two forces on the field. King Alain then bet the Marshal that the Saxons would win the day, and Sir Helbur bet upon Silchester winning the round. 

When the fight started, the Saxons immediately charged at the knights of Salisbury. Duke Ulfius withdrew to observe the result, and King Alain charged at them, to even the odds (and to increase his chances of winning his bet!) Salisbury's fight with Wessex swiftly turned into a brutal affair, in which both sides were intent upon hurting the other as badly as they could. Sir Edwin charged straight at King Cerdic, and sent him flying from his horse with a single blow, critically wounded. Sir Donna attacked Prince Cynric, but was driven off her horse. Rather than surrendering, she attempted to tackle the Prince and bodily drag him from his saddle, but he was too skilled a rider. He dodged, and then cut Sir Donna down - before an enraged Sir Edwin slammed into him and rode him down. Earl Robert was brought down by a Saxon knight, as was Sir Julius. However, with a strength born of fury, the knights of Salisbury were able to overcome the Saxons. 

Meanwhile, King Alain had defeated the knights of Silchester, and now outnumbered the Salisbury forces. He saluted them, and then charged - personally singling out Sir Edwin as the most worthy adversary. This was a rash choice, as Sir Edwin struck him down with such force that he nearly killed him, and then he and Sir Helbur continued to carry the field, leading Salisbury to victory. However, at the end of the round, only Sir Edwin, Sir Helbur, and Sir Mabon (who had fought like a coward and kept himself alive) were still standing.

In the first aid tents, Svenhilde became distraught when many, many mutilated bodies were dragged in for her care, including her friend Sir Donna! Her wounds were severe, and Svenhilde was certain that she was about to die on her operating table. In her upset state, she began to manifest more magical power unwittingly, until a wave of healing magic flowed through her, and Sir Donna returned to life. Her wounds began to close, as did those of the others around her, such as Sir Julius, King Alain... and King Cerdic. The Saxon King was so badly wounded, he would remain terribly scarred for the rest of his life, but he swore vengeance against Salisbury and departed the city to bide his time...

The third round of the tournament occurred a few days later. Sir Donna and Sir Julius were sufficiently recovered that they were able to watch the match from the audience with the others. King Lot of Lothian fought against Duke Derfel of Lindsey, Duke Escan of Gloucester, and Earl Macsen of Lonazep. King Lot was the popular choice to win the round, but no one expected the ease of his victory. A string of strange coincidences - burst saddle straps, spooked horses, and the like - meant that the knights from beyond the Wall were easily able to win the day. 

The final round would between King Lot, Sir Edwin (technically, with Earl Robert wounded, Sir Helbur, but everyone regarded Sir Edwin as the de facto leader) and Earl Sanam. King Lot was expected to win easily, while after the bloody battle with the Saxons, Salisbury no longer had enough battle-worthy knights to be able to compete! Fortunately, King Alain of Escavalon offered to 'lend' Marshal Helbur some knights, including a newly-knighted young man called Sir Kay. But when the tournament started, Sir Kay was nowhere to be seen... There was nothing to do but to start without him with only nine knights. As soon as the tournament started, Earl Sanam's forces were caught between Salisbury and Lothian and easily defeated. And as the final battle was about to begin...

"The sword! The sword!" came the cry from the crowd, as spectators flooded out of the tournament grounds, leaving the knights of Lothian and Salisbury bemused and alone in the field. They abandoned the fight, to see what had happened. For the Sword in the Stone had been drawn...

So as they rode to the jousts-ward, Sir Kay lost his sword, for he had left it at his father's lodging, and so he prayed young Arthur for to ride for his sword. I will well, said Arthur, and rode fast after the sword, and when he came home, the lady and all were out to see the jousting. Then was Arthur wroth, and said to himself, I will ride to the churchyard, and take the sword with me that sticketh in the stone, for my brother Sir Kay shall not be without a sword this day. So when he came to the churchyard, Sir Arthur alighted and tied his horse to the stile, and so he went to the tent, and found no knights there, for they were at the jousting. And so he handled the sword by the handles, and lightly and fiercely pulled it out of the stone, and took his horse and rode his way until he came to his brother Sir Kay, and delivered him the sword. And as soon as Sir Kay saw the sword, he wist well it was the sword of the stone, and so he rode to his father Sir Ector, and said: Sir, lo here is the sword of the stone, wherefore I must be king of this land. When Sir Ector beheld the sword, he returned again and came to the church, and there they alighted all three, and went into the church. And anon he made Sir Kay swear upon a book how he came to that sword. Sir, said Sir Kay, by my brother Arthur, for he brought it to me. How gat ye this sword? said Sir Ector to Arthur. Sir, I will tell you. When I came home for my brother's sword, I found nobody at home to deliver me his sword; and so I thought my brother Sir Kay should not be swordless, and so I came hither eagerly and pulled it out of the stone without any pain. Found ye any knights about this sword? said Sir Ector. Nay, said Arthur. Now, said Sir Ector to Arthur, I understand ye must be king of this land. Wherefore I, said Arthur, and for what cause? Sir, said Ector, for God will have it so; for there should never man have drawn out this sword, but he that shall be rightwise king of this land.  -  Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte D'Arthur

It was at this point that everyone else began arriving, and saw a simple squire holding Excalibur. The knights of Salisbury fell upon their knees and gave homage to their new King, and thanks to God. Sir Helbur cried as he saw the long years of his labours fulfilled. Sir Ector, Sir Kay, King Leodgrance, Sir Hervis de Revil, Prince Lanceor, and Sir Brastias of Cornwall bent knee as well. King Lot roared in protest, furious that the crown should be snatched out of his hand at the last moment. Earl Robert was paralyzed with shock. The Archbishop smiled gently, and in the crowd Svenhilde could see a small boy smiling, and knew that it was Merlin.

Archbishop Dubricus had Arthur put the sword in the stone, and then gently led the boy away. He announced that in a month's time at Candlemas, any who wished to try might attempt to draw the sword from the stone again. In the meantime, a guard was set upon the cathedral yard of the ten best and most honourable knights in all Britain: Sir Baudwin the Bishop, Sir Bedivere of Lindsey and Sir Lucan his brother, Sir Hervis de Revil, Sir Kay, Sir Brastias of Cornwall, Duke Ulfius who was thanked for his long years of service holding the kingdom together as best he could, Sir Cador who refused until he personally met with the King and forgave him the sins of Uther, Sir Helbur the Marshal of Salisbury, and Sir Edwin of Gwiona. And so these ten worthy knights guarded the Sword and the boy king day and night.

When a month passed, all those who wished to try attempted to draw forth the sword from the stone, and all failed. Then Arthur drew forth Excalibur easily. Many lords swore fealty to him then - Earl Robert of Salisbury, Duke Ulfius of Silchester, Duke Derfel of Lindsey, Bishop Baudwin of Britain, the Earl of Hertford, Sir Cador of Cornwall, and many others. But there were more who denied the King, and so at Easter more lords were assembled, and more watched as Arthur once more drew the sword from the stone. More lords, such as the Duke of Clarence, the Earl of Jagent, the Earl of Wuerensis, and others, swore fealty to the King now. Others have refused to come, and word arrived that King Lot was gathering those who refused to accept Arthur's rule to met him in Lothian.

At Pentecost, Arthur drew forth the sword a final time. As some of the noblemen began to protest, the citizens of London began to chant out Arthur's name, and fearing a riot, these final lords capitulated and acknowledged Arthur as their King. A tremendous parade and celebration was planned - although Arthur himself felt it to be wasteful, his advisers believed that a grand spectacle would be good for the morale of the nation after the horrors of the Anarchy. Shortly before the ceremony, the boy awkwardly approached Sir Edwin and asked to be knighted by the best knight present before he became King. Sir Edwin thought that Arthur wanted him to find the best knight present, but when he understood that Arthur meant him, Sir Edwin tested the boy on chivalric values, which Arthur seemed to understand intuitively, before dubbing him a knight.

There was a magnificent parade lasting for days that wound through the streets of London. All the lords of Logres were resplendent with thousands of banners flying, and their armour polished to a mirror-like sheen. In the midst of this grand pomp and ceremony, Sir Arthur was crowned by Archbishop Dubricus, and emerged from the Cathedral of Saint Paul as King Arthur.