The Knight Behind the Pillar

by John Pateman-Gee

  There was an awkward pause as Arthur wasn’t sure what more say and I was again reminded of my own father on his way.

  Then I offered a smile and decided to end my self-pity. “Do you want to get out of here?” I asked.

  “And go where, down another servant stairway you have hidden somewhere?”

  “No just to forget being a king, just for an hour or so and get out and away from it all.”

  After a short pause, he nodded.

  Just escaping the gloom of the fort was like a heavy weight lifting from our shoulders. I lead Arthur up to my favourite outcrop where we could just watch the world, instead of having to be an active part of it. Sadly from our retreat we could see yet another family heading west and my attempts to gain any perceptive of the problems of our world and Arthur’s life were fraught from the start. Their possessions all tied to a rough looking old pony were being lead by a middle aged man, his wife and several children walking behind. I caught Arthur staring their way and I knew what he was thinking. They were leaving their home and lives due to his decision and they were the actual result of his new authority before him. He did not need a magic sword to have real power to affect lives. I wondered too if he might be doubting his belief that people would stay and fight. I would be if it were me.

  Yet if people were leaving then perhaps so were the stories of the king with the magic sword and the scabbard as Merlin intended. These tales might reach Lot and his men, but I doubted so and doubted it would make a difference.

  “That’s thanks to me.” Arthur confirmed and continued to watch the family travel out of sight.

  “Yes and they’re not the only ones leaving due to you.” I agreed plainly.

  Arthur paused to take a second look at me and what I had just said. “Thanks for the support.” He answered dryly.

  “You’re welcome,” I said. When I had caused him enough annoyance by failing to provide expected aid and his eyes finally pulled away from the family I added, “But it’s not a bad thing.”

  “Oh?”

  “Your decision gave them a choice, you could have forced them to stay and fight.” I explained positively.

  “Instead I let them go and weaken our defence.” He answered pessimistically.

  “Perhaps, but most people will want fight to keep what you offer.”

  “Don’t you remember, that’s not much!”

  “Freedom of choice!” I stated firmly. “That’s a fair bit to offer and to everyone no matter who they are. Alright a few will go, some with young families certainly; I mean who can blame them. Most will fight for the freedom of choice.”

  “You sound like Merlin.” Arthur observed in thought.

  I instantly screwed up my nose as if there was a bad smell. “Oh thanks for that, I do hope not.”

  “You might not like him, but I do and he makes sense.” Arthur stated.

  I answered with silence and looked away as I had my full of Merlin to last a lifetime. We continued to enjoy the sun for a while. Conversation about Merlin died a natural death in the time.

  I was amazed we had managed to escape without guards to watch over Arthur, but with everyone so busy strengthening the gates, preparing for the worst our leaving did not draw any real attention. Arthur was recognised now by the guards enough for them to bow their heads and not question his determined stride, or maybe they assumed we were off to train. Only Bedivere did see us leave the town, but he just nodded and passed by.

  Such thoughts forced a question and I turned back to Arthur. “Do you wish you had runaway now?”

  “No.” Arthur said and was absolute. “I would always be running from who I am. I got to do this. It’s just taken a few days to work out how, but I think I know now. You’re not looking to run are you?”

  “No. I have a chance at knighthood again, thanks to you. I had completely convinced myself that I would become a knight here, but Aries was never going to allow that and I was dreaming. I still want to be fair knight, one from the stories I was told and if I stayed here I won’t be, I’ll just be Aries.” I answered.

  “Don’t thank me; you might end up like Kay yet.” Arthur joked.

  Amused, we were quiet some more for a time.

  “If it helps, I think you’re right.” I said to fill the air. “If we are all going to end up in a war, it’ll be better to be here.”

  “I hope so. Many don’t believe it’s best though. We’re open to siege, there is less chance to retreat back as well given the way valley is. Merlin mentioned the river being a form of defence and well it is, but it’s also a potential trap for us as well depending on which way they come from.”

  I raised my eye brows. “What were the good reasons to stay again?” I asked partly in jest.

  His grave face lifted for a moment. “I have ideas and with a bit of faith it’ll all work out.” He said.

  I was not as sure and wondered if he was really, but tried to keep positive. “Tell me, how you suddenly know so much on how to plan a battle all of a sudden?”

  “I don’t, Merlin and others are helping too. My father had lots of books on battles and other things though. I use to read them all the time and remember the odd thing that just makes sense.”

  Acting surprise, “What, you can read as well!” I exclaimed sarcastically.

  Arthur just smirked. “You think you’re funny, maybe I should have made you my fool instead of my brother’s squire.” Arthur threatened light-heartedly, but his face turned humourless as he added. “Except I admit I hope your father and his men and others will be able to be here to help as well and get here in time.”

  My face dropped at once. “We’ll need everyone I’d imagine.” I answered absently, but Arthur had noticed my sudden lack of enthusiasm for the topic of conversation.

  “Sorry I forgot, you and him don’t get on. Has that been troubling you as well?”

  I looked to my feet and found a stone of sudden interest between them. “A little.” I had to admit.

  It was only a little worry by reason that in my life there was so many far bigger lies to worry about.

  “Want to…” Arthur urged to invite me to talk about it.

  I cut him off. “No I don’t. He’s past history, nothing to do with me now. Can we talk about something else?” I snapped and gave a look of warning.

  It was uncomfortable to say things out loud, I needed to keep it locked inside. Besides you do not talk about it, you drink perhaps instead or hit things.

  We did talk a little more, but soon we realised that we both had to return as a sense of duty pulled at our conscious. The fun of escaping was not the same as it once was, even if this was only a few days ago. It was a slow walk back to the stone walled fort, but Arthur and I were closer friends for it without anything hanging over us by the end, just a secret of mine I knew I had to endure alone.

  Chapter 8: 4 Unknowns who failed to be heroes

  Every day after seeing Arthur I gained an overwhelming feeling of trepidation pull at me. I was not just me. Sun or rain the weather had little effect on everyone’s mood as anxiety and fear became burred. Men were still gathering. Parts of armies from an alliance of kingdoms now worked together when before they guarded just their own territories, often from each other. The influx of men only added to the mounting pressure of what was to come.

  Over a week ago the town was full of people to see the new king. Now it was just as busy except there was no celebration. Those who were of that mind of merriment had gone and in their wake were those with nowhere else to go or paid to be here. Men trained and trained and the fort found itself being returned back to when it was once a roman stronghold. Looking down from the battlements across the courtyards and fields to the north, the men did not appear to be an elite fighting force of legend. The unique mix of wealth across the kingdoms was obvious from the types of horse rode or the armour they each wore. I just hoped there was truly one army in the midst of it all. There had already been a few minor clashes, brawling between some men as tens
ion grew and old arguments surfaced.

  By the command of the king, everyone would need to wear a red piece of cloth tied around their left arm when the time came. The colour red was perhaps symbolic of the red dragon on Arthur’s shield or perhaps it was the quickest and easiest colour to obtain. The idea was to avoid confusion over whose side everyone was on in the middle of battle. If this was the king’s idea, or Merlin’s or anyone else’s I did not know. I had my cloth tied in readiness, after all should there be a sudden attack you did not want to waste time trying to ensure your own side is not going to kill you first. I also had a sword now, not as fine as Arthur’s, but better than I expected to have. A benefit of being a squire to the king’s brother, a decent sword along with some reasonable armour.

  We knew for certain he was on his way now. Scouts that managed to make it back provided news of Lot’s progress. Many failed to make it back I knew, but not how many. It would not be a role I would want for myself. Now it was just a matter of when. In the meantime there was only repairing, training and waiting.

  Chapter 9: 1 Lost Boy never to be found again

  Another few days passed. Preparations continued, but the pace slowed. Life had stopped for now. Nothing could be done until this forthcoming attack had passed. Just as people became to doubt the scout’s words and wonder if it was all true and perhaps Lot and his brothers and their armies were not on his way, he arrived.

  When they came it was before the dawn. The chapel bell was my first warning and its ring reached me in the hayloft. I woke without tiredness, the wait for days and the anticipation of what was on its way denied tiredness a voice.

  At first I just laid there listening to the bell, its rhythm slow and steady, not rushed as might have be expected for a call to arms. Noises of the townsfolk who had remained were soon my motivation to move. They were quickly gathering their things and retreating to the fort. I rushed to dress and was soon ready as well. I finished with placing a light weight open helmet down on my head with a good hard push.

  Before dropping down the ladder I glanced back and paused in thought for a moment. Deep under the straw was Arthur’s scabbard still hidden away. It would have to stay there. I had not found anywhere else to hide it yet and now was not the time to think of a place.

  Once outside I joined the people passing by and heading to the fort. While not running, there was a clear sense of urgently. My orders were to report to Kay as soon as I could if, or more accurately when, the bell was heard.

  “You ready my boy?” Clegis asked gaining ground from behind me.

  Looking back I found him nodding to me with a supportive face. He wore his old overly large set of furs and was armed with a pitchfork likely to be one from my bed. The sound of a lot of loose coins tapping together came from under the furs and also explained the furs.

  “I think so.” I answered.

  “The right answer is no.” Clegis corrected sternly from behind. “You can’t ever be ready for somethin’ like this. The last time we had an attack was many a year before you came and that were just a bunch of no good pirates tryin’ their luck. That was then and this will be worst.”

  I said nothing more and faced front to walk quickly with everyone else. The town’s folk were joining Arthur! Despite those who may have left, it still felt like most of the town had stayed after all. Not so many to trap me in, I was free to follow the flow. These people were armed, prepared to stand with Arthur just as he hoped they would.

  Not before too long we had reached the gates. Sadly any sense of calmness fled as a loud crash echoed across the courtyard beyond. Everyone jumped; some gasped and ducked as ruled by instinct. Panic then ripped apart the composure adopted by the people forcing many to begin running in every direction. Burrs of people and torches rushing pass distorted any view of what it was that had just happened and I stood there frozen. I realised that this was it, the beginning of the battle.

  “What was that?” I asked nothingness.

  Not remembering Clegis at my side he answered. “It was big and hit against the far wall, the south one is it? Anyways, come on my boy let’s move before we get killed.”

  He shoved me forward with a hand on my shoulder and for good reason. Cries for the gates to close yelled out and we pushed on and got inside. Once in I spun around and I could see a rush of bodies converged on the gateway now to get to safety on time. In seconds the portcullis dropped and its timing to avoid hitting anyone below was only due to sheer amazing luck. And yet there were still figures in the semi darkness outside and rushing still to reach us. The large timber gates were then closed in and men set about securing them as fast as could. I was not sure who and how many were left outside, but another crash of something against the far battlement wall told me it had to be done. Already the first fatal decision had been made and there would be someone needing to bear it. This time I could feel the last impact under my feet, but had no time to waste thinking about it.

  Reaching the middle of the first courtyard away from the gates I turned to Clegis. “I have to go.” I said.

  He looked grave as he nodded his understanding. “You be careful then.” He said.

  “You as well.” I answered genuinely, holding his stare.

  He nodded and shrugged lightly to reflect my concern. “Don’t worry bout me my boy, I’ll make myself useful round here, just you look out for yourself.”

  Twisting to go it occurred to me that it was not enough. I stepped over and hugged him. It was like embracing a large bear with his furs. As comfortable and warm as it was, I had to go and find Kay. I pulled away and saying nothing more I left Clegis, I ran and joined the panic. Soldiers were everywhere and I dodged them all to reach the second courtyard and headed to the tower.

  “Arrows!” Yelled an unknown guard on the battlements across the courtyard.

  Failing to resist the urge to look up I saw as expected nothing in the sky. Night was ending fast, the dark was not as dark, stars were fading, but it was still the time before the dawn and without any true name. Even if it were true daylight, seeing arrows was difficult and then what chance did you have to change their intentions. This time there was a clutter of objects against the far wall, arrows meeting a target but not the one expected. I could see dust rising from the top parapet wall lit by the torches held by several men who had ducked down behind the wall to avoid being hit. Each of us knew Archers would learn for next time and adjust their aim accordingly. The next folly might likely reach the courtyard floor and this was enough to persuade my legs to return to running.

  I hurried up the steps half falling on a couple and cursing aptly. Before I went to go inside the fort itself, my eyes darted back to where I had left Clegis. He had gone. A deep breath, I set him to one side and once inside I headed to the main chamber. The corridors seemed narrow and crammed now, full of people wanting to get out just got in the way and I tripped, knocked and swore my way through and into the madness.

  The lords had gathered in the main chamber and there was lots of shouting from it ahead.

  I was right to assume that Kay would be there as well. “Good you’re safe.” He said quickly seeing my arrival.

  He stood by the entrance of the chamber and unfolded his arms as I approached, but at once he gripped my arm firmly and urgently led me straight away from the chamber before I could take in what the shouting was about or who was doing it.

  Kay looked serious, but not in a harsh way. Instead he was a man who had fought before I realised later. He held the look of regret and determination rolled into one. A few steps along the hall he let go of my arm and walked on ahead causing me to follow behind at once without question. I had to skip a few steps every now and again to keep up with his swiftness. Another loud crashing of something was heard as we walked and it sounded close.

  “My lord?” I questioned, disguising my words as servitude.

  Kay did not look back or slow. “Arthur has a room of cowards now choosing the wrong time and wrong place to protest and quest
ion their loyalty to him.” He explained, almost spitting out his contempt for them. “We can do nothing in there.”

  When I could I quicken my speed to walk alongside Kay, but with everyone everywhere at once it was difficult. “But what about the ones trying to kill us outside, is anyone doing anything about them?” I asked.

  I realised we were heading back to Kay and Ector’s chamber and against the prevailing flow of the servants and various nobles all rushing the other way.

  “We have time for now. Lot has split his army, he has men gathering to the east and also there are men, including that catapult firing at us with archers alongside, to the south across the river. With better light we‘ll know more.”

  We turned a corner and out of the main stream of people for a moment.

  “Why? You weaken your position that way, divide and be conquered?” I wondered and it was spoken out loud.

  Kay actually slowed briefly and looked my way. “Surprising that you know such a lot of warfare strategy for a squire of you age.” Kay commented, but knowingly with a quick half smile that revealed that the more humorous side of him was still in there within him somewhere.

  I did know a little, but not for any reason I liked admitting. I had listened to the stories my father told of battles he had won or I had often been close by listening unnoticed in the room he planned them first. Mostly he would stand, sometimes on the table, with ale in hand in the banquet hall and described the way the latest victims failed to resist his might and the stories went on beyond the gates to ensure no one oppose him.

  “From a previous life.” I said with care, not liking to admit or remind Kay of whom he had for a squire.

  Kay pushed a servant to one side with little compassion coming the other way who could not in the moment decide how to avoid colliding with us coming the opposite way and so Kay made the decision for him. The wall.

  “Well the old rules don’t apply when you have as many men to hand as he seems to have.” Kay continued, without slowing or looking back at the servant picking himself up from the ground. “He has two large armies and could divide them further without fear of weakness. It doesn‘t help that he obviously knows these lands, after all why would he not when Dubric has just revealed he was Uther‘s commander, his constable for years when the old king reigned!” His voice increased in volume towards the end as we reached his chamber and he rammed the door open at the same time.