In the Court of King Arthur

Tour

d yeomen prove their skill with mace and clubs. Foot races were many. And constant flow of ale and food so that none

these but one, there was high acclaim from those other yeomen who were there and from such knights as

cheer. A stranger, he kept silent and yet was equally skillful with the

ve?" asked King Art

to any of us of the Roun

one of your me

ere, Arthur,

rove victor for he had a wondrous hold which none of the others knew. And when he had won, so tur

t doth not make you an archer. For here you fi

ry on your thick skull," said anot

riend, and you may,"

the same as now," rep

ow and arrow I would be the last to ke

aves hurried away and

me a club," sa

ine," offered t

s but a sorry one and so t

ho would strive with him. And then the three r

he three none other than Alla

at stranger so. He asks nothing more than

nce. Leave this fellow to us, and we shall give him clubbing of his choosing." And

, fool, unless you do my bidd

moved uneasily. And then

we here?"

to say. But they, now frig

trive with him and yet would not offer other club than this. And when the stra

." So Sir Percival brought it down on the first knave's head, and, l

then will you, stranger, give this villain a sound trouncing."

a club which su

e stranger and he who fought with him were of

the two. And except for glancing blows neither could bring the other down. And though the sp

d, the stranger turn

ng of me, young master. And I hope s

e me now by trouncing the k

yet right skillf

the other was forced back, foot by foot. And even as the stranger seemed to

's club moved swiftly. From out the seeming victor's hand flew his m

thereafter he turned to try his skill with bow and arrow. And though he had shown skill in

after many trials. And went to distant tree and r

nd if you bring it down I

ry for it. And he ca

seem to take aim but let the arrow fly. And the arr

r, "a right worthy knave is t

the stranger b

, this day, fellow. Tell us th

re my master's commands. Yet may I s

oud of thee. And take you this bag of gold besides such other prizes as are yours." So as th

this fellow's master be right skillful to hold him. And since this mas

yet hath it much se

t. But ere departing

in. As to who I am, know you for your own k

a lone habitation he dismounted. A knight seated near the

n out? No doubt they

e pleasantly unto me, gave me this bag of gold, and commended me

ol remark that since the man was so good, the master need must be. And then and there he hazarded

mpany. Now then tell me wha

im say. Sir Launcelot is to joust for Cadoris as is Sir

o insignia, so that I may enter the lists unbeknownst to any. I would not have them know I

I can obtain a black shield, one that holds no other r

proud of you am I, Gouvernail. And would that I too ha

as I give I measure not b

long since, for little have I paid," Sir Tristra