CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
Sir Galahad Offers Help
It was but a week and a day later that Sir Galahad proceeded further.With him was the faithful Walker who was overly pleased to be on hisway and also Charles, the young son of Sir Guilbert. Eager was the ladand highly pleased to go forth with the brave knight.
Sir Galahad had had hopes of meeting Sir Launcelot who had planned tobe in Normandy, and Merlin as well. But he would wait no longer, hewas in no mood to tarry now.
There came a day of storm, fierce was the rain and sleet and the windso strong that the knight, and his party found it arduous task to keepthe road. Sir Galahad decided to stop and seek shelter at the firstrefuge that they should find.
A little later they came to an old but magnificent castle and inanswer to the summons of Walker, an ancient man appeared.
"What will you?" the old man quavered.
"My master seeks shelter until the storm passes. He is a worshipfulknight. Go you to your master with his request."
The man hobbled within the castle. Soon he returned.
"There is no master here but my mistress bids me welcome theworshipful knight and beseech his entrance."
So they went within and the old man threw logs on the open fire whichblazed right merrily. Sir Galahad and the two with him made themselvescomfortable. Soon food and drink was brought to them of which theypartook with good grace.
The storm did not subside and night came on.
"Old man," Sir Galahad said to the ancient servitor. "Pay you myrespects to the lady whose hospitality we enjoy and ask that she graceus with her presence. Tell her that it is Sir Galahad, Knight of theRound Table, who seeks it."
There came a long wait which left the three a wondering. Then therecame forth a lady who was followed by the ancient servitor. Statelyshe was and of noble bearing. Yet it could be seen that she wasfearful and disturbed.
"My lord wished my presence?" she asked and her tone was tremulous.
"I owe you apology for this disturbance," the knight said courteously."But we also owe you thanks for your gracious hospitality. There seemsneed that we disturb you further since the storm stays and we cannotproceed as we would. May we find lodging within your walls?"
The lady looked fearfully about.
"I cannot deny you. Truly it is no night to be outdoors. Stay thenand welcome."
Morning found the storm in no wise abated. The lady of the castle didnot appear at the morning meal. But the old man was there to servethem. He too, seemed much disturbed and made as if to have speech withSir Galahad, once or twice.
"What troubles your pate, old man?" Walker finally asked him.
"These are dark days for the house of Sanscourt," the latter repliedand crossed himself.
"Perhaps, good man, it may be within us to lighten them," Sir Galahadsaid kindly, "If we can, it may repay in part for your mistress'hospitality."
"Would that my lady could find it in her to confide in you. For youseem right friendly, my lord."
"Beseech you her. Tell her that Sir Galahad offers his services if shehas need of them."
The man soon returned.
"My lady thanks you kindly for your offer and she will see you soon,"he said.
The Knight waited but a few moments when his hostess came into theroom.
"You are gracious, Sir Galahad. I doubt whether there can be any helpfor me. Yet I shall tell you my story for there still may be hope forso wretched a person as myself."
"My lady, it is the duty of all true knights to be of help to those indistress. Wherefore, I hold but to my knightly vow, in my promise ofservice to you."
The Lady Jeanne made no answer, seemingly she had not heard him. SirGalahad watched her, saw her look which seemed afar, saw the dark rimsaround her eyes. They spoke of many hours of weeping.
Now she turned to him.
"I think, my lord, this storm that seems as if it will not cease hasbeen sent by God. Strange though it may seem it brings me hope, dimthough that hope may be, yet I treasure it. Little reason for hopehave I had.
"Think me not rude, Sir Galahad, and think not that I question yourvalor or skill. But this is task for no lone knight, for my enemy isstrong and powerful. I may be selfish too, in that I draw you into mytroubles but I am like one who drowning, must need snatch at a straw.And many knights would hesitate long to offer service where the causeis as hopeless as mine seemingly is. Nor will I blame you or hold you,if after my story is done, you find no way in which you can help me.
"Listen then and you will see why I count this storm as sign of hopesent to me."
In the Court of King Arthur Page 25
