CHAPTER XVIII

THE ADVENTURES OF SIR GARETH

Gareth was the youngest of the sons of Lot and Bellicent, and had grown up long after Gawain and Mordred left their home for King Arthur’s court; so that when he came before the King, all humbly attired, he was known not even by his own brothers.

King Arthur was keeping Pentecost at Kink Kenadon on the Welsh border and, as his custom was, waited to begin the feast until some adventure should befall.  Presently there was seen approaching a youth, who, to the wonderment of all that saw, leaned upon the shoulders of two men, his companions; and yet as he passed up the hall, he seemed a goodly youth, tall and broad-shouldered.  When he stood before the King, suddenly he drew himself up, and after due greeting, said:  “Sir King, I would ask of you three boons; one to be granted now and two hereafter when I shall require them.”  And Arthur, looking upon him, was pleased, for his countenance was open and honest.  So he made answer; “Fair son, ask of me aught that is honourable and I will grant it.”  Then the youth said:  “For this present, I ask only that ye will give me meat and drink for a year and a day.”  “Ye might have asked and had a better gift,” replied the King; “tell me now your name.”  “At this time, I may not tell it,” said the youth.  Now King Arthur trusted every man until he proved himself unworthy, and in this youth he thought he saw one who should do nobly and win renown; so laughing, he bade him keep his own counsel since so he would, and gave him in charge to Sir Kay, the Seneschal.

Now Sir Kay was but harsh to those whom he liked not, and from the first he scorned the young man; “For none,” said he, “but a low-born lout would crave meat and drink when he might have asked for a horse and arms.”  But Sir Launcelot and Sir Gawain took the youth’s part.  Neither knew him for Gareth of the Orkneys, but both believed him to be a youth of good promise who, for his own reasons, would pass in disguise for a season.

So Gareth lived the year among the kitchen-boys, all the time mocked and scorned by Sir Kay, who called him Fairhands because his hands were white and shapely.  But Launcelot and Gawain showed him all courtesy, and failed not to observe how, in all trials of strength, he excelled his comrades, and that he was ever present to witness the feats of the knights in the tournaments.

So the year passed, and again King Arthur was keeping the feast of Pentecost with his knights, when a damsel entered the hall and asked his aid:  “For,” said she, “my sister is closely besieged in her castle by a strong knight who lays waste all her lands.  And since I know that the knights of your court be the most renowned in the world, I have come to crave help of your mightiest.”  “What is your sister’s name, and who is he that oppresses her?” asked the King.  “The Red Knight, he is called,” replied the damsel.  “As for my sister I will not say her name, only that she is a high-born lady and owns broad lands.”  Then the King frowned and said:  “Ye would have aid but will say no name.  I may not ask knight of mine to go on such an errand.”