A Knight's Journey
by Robert Haigh
A Knight’s Journey
A Short Story by Robert Haigh © 2017
Chapter One: Into Exile
The old knight, Sir Gavin of Richmond, rode into exile after suffering defeat in a royal joust. He had been the king’s champion for many years; unbeaten in combat until a much younger, unknown challenger had deposed him.
The old knight was nursing a shoulder injury, but a deeper wound was the one to his pride. So away he rode from the king’s court, and away from his own castle and loyal servants; destination unknown.
Feeling totally humiliated and with a deep depression hanging over him, he headed for nearby dense woodland. Mindful of a possible threat from outlaws, the old knight rode slowly into the woodland, sword in hand. Rabbits and squirrels scurried away, but no human was anywhere to be seen.
As he rode deeper into the woods, the light became dim and the whole area seemed eerily quiet. Suddenly, Sir Gavin saw a large, shadowy figure, partly hidden by a tree. He could make out the hindquarters of some huge beast!
With his heart pounding in his chest, the old knight slowly urged his horse forward, until the nervous steed would advance no further. Then the knight realised that the beast before him was a huge white horse! The largest horse he had ever seen!
This magnificent creature then turned to calmly face the newcomers, and Sir Gavin could see a large horn protruding from the forehead of the beast! A unicorn! Such creatures were known to exist, but very few people had actually seen them.
The old knight sheathed his sword and slowly dismounted. He then advanced, very slowly, toward the unicorn, which was clearly non-aggressive. Standing right next to the magnificent creature, the knight gently raised an arm to touch the unicorn’s neck. Then he reached higher, touching the base of the huge horn, which was spiralled and roughly textured.
The great beast hardly moved as Sir Gavin wrapped his fingers around the horn, and a strange energy surged through the knight’s whole body! Then, suddenly, the unicorn shook itself free - grazing the knight’s hand - and ran off, at great speed, with wonderful grace and agility, through the trees.
The knight could feel a tingling sensation from head to toe. Looking at his grazed hand, he could see no broken skin. Feeling tired and dizzy, the old knight sank to the ground, by a giant oak tree, and fell asleep. Several hours later he awoke, somewhat disoriented, but he quickly came to his senses and remembered all the events of the day. But had he been dreaming? Had he really seen a unicorn?
He felt his shoulder, and it was miraculously healed! Strange happenings indeed! He looked around for his horse, and saw it grazing a short distance away. He summoned his faithful steed, and it obediently came to his side.
Sir Gavin was feeling better about things now, but he still did not have a plan. He ruled out the idea of returning to the king’s court. He was not sure if he would be welcomed back anyway. He thought about returning home to his castle and land, but suspected that the king might have already given these to his new champion!
He decided to press on through the woodland. He felt invigorated after his sleep, and marvelled at the miraculous healing of his wound! He felt stronger and more energetic than he had in a long time.
He rode deeper into the woodland, at a slow pace, and after a couple of hours he saw that the trees were thinning and the light was stronger. He came out into a clearing where there was a gently flowing stream. Both the old knight and his steed were thirsty, so they made for the stream and drank their fill.
Crouching on hands and knees, the knight caught sight of his own reflection, and was startled by the image he saw. He looked like a young man again! Were these waters from the fountain of youth, or had contact with the unicorn been responsible for this rejuvenation?
Chapter Two: The Wizard
After spending the night sleeping by the stream, and feeling refreshed and stronger than he had in years, Sir Gavin remounted and continued his journey through the uncharted woodland. On he rode, until he came to another clearing, in the centre of which stood a small wooden hut with a pentagram painted on the door.
As he approached with caution, the knight saw a man of small stature appear at the doorway. He wore brightly coloured robes and had long, flowing white hair.
“Greetings, stranger!” the man called out. “Welcome to my domain!”
Sir Gavin nodded and smiled, but said nothing. He knew this was no ordinary man, for he could sense strange magic in the air!
“Once these woods were plagued by bandits and other bad fellows,” said the quaint, little white-haired man, “but I drove them out - or changed the worst of them into toads!” he continued.
“A wizard,” said the knight, under his breath.
“I’m not just any wizard! I’m the Grandmaster of all wizards! The greatest wizard who ever lived!” bellowed the little man, waving his arms in the air.
“Modest too,” said Sir Gavin, with good humoured sarcasm.
“But I’m not one to brag,” said the wizard, sweetening his tone. “I simply believe in telling the truth!”
Then, with a thoughtful look, the wizard said to the knight, “Your story is a remarkable one!”
Sir Gavin was puzzled, and replied, “I have told you nothing of myself. How do you know my story?”
“I listen to the wind, and the news that it brings,” said the wizard, mysteriously.
He then took something from one of his pockets and held out his hand.
“Take this, and wear it at all times. It will protect you,” he said.
It was a small, polished stone; drilled through the centre, and threaded on a strip of leather. The knight took it, and put it around his neck, giving the wizard a quizzical look.
“You already know what I am about to tell you, but I’ll say it anyway,” uttered the wizard. “You must return to your own land, and come face to face with your king. Your youthful powers have been restored, and you are destined to become the king’s champion once more!”
The knight was slightly surprised by the wizard’s words, and yet he knew they were true!
“You must follow the unicorn!” proclaimed the wizard. “I have told him to lead you back to the edge of the woodland where you entered. The next, glorious chapter of your life awaits you!”
Sir Gavin bowed his head, and thanked the wizard. He knew now what he must do, even though there were a thousand questions he could ask the wizard. He asked only one: “When should I leave?”
“In the morning, at first light,” replied the wizard. “Come, let us eat. Then you must have a good night’s sleep, before your journey back home.”
Chapter Three: The Knight’s Return
Sir Gavin slept well, and could have slept on, but he awoke to the sound of the wizard, clanking and clunking metal pots and dishes.
“I have prepared a light breakfast for you,” said the wizard, as he noticed the knight was stirring. “Come and eat. Then you must begin your journey home!”
Sir Gavin rubbed his eyes, stretched and yawned, then slowly got up. He ate the breakfast of oats and forest fruits, mixed with goat’s milk. He was quite hungry, so it tasted better than it looked!
“One more thing before you go,” said the wizard. “Give me your tattered, dirty old tabard, and wear this instead.” He held out a drab, roughly woven cloak. The knight hesitated for a moment, but then did as the wizard asked.
After taking care of general ablutions, Sir Gavin saddled up and bid farewell to the wizard, thanking him for all his help. The wizard nodded with a faint smile and then said, “Remember to wear the amulet around your neck at all times. It will protect you!”
“I will,” promised the knight, as he began his journey home.
He set forth, and soon saw the unicorn again, a short distance in front of him. He remembered what the wizard had said: “You must follow the unicorn!”
Onward they went, through the dense woodland, and in a while the light became stronger, as they approached the edge of the forest. The unicorn gave a loud snort and then ran off at speed, back toward the wizard. Sir Gavin gave a wry smile, then rode out onto the open plain, and followed the dirt road to the nearest town.
From the road he could see his old castle on the hill in the distance. Ah! It may have once been his, but he knew in his heart that it was his no more! The king had almost certainly given the castle to his new champion; the young warrior who had challenged and defeated the old knight in a joust. He thought of heading up there to take a look, but decided it could wait.
A little further down the road he saw a horse and cart heading towards him. As he got closer he recognised the driver. It was Jack, who had been a servant of his from the castle! The knight called out, “Jack! It’s good to see you! How are you - who is your master now?”
Jack looked a little confused, and more than a little wary. He looked intently at the knight, but did not seem to recognise him.
“Jack! It’s me - your old master, Sir Gavin!” said the knight, but Jack showed no signs of recognition at all.
“You must be mistaken sir,” said Jack, respectfully. “My master was the old knight, Sir Gavin of Richmond. You are much younger than he.”
The knight was taken aback, but then quickly remembered the happenings in the forest, with the unicorn, the sylvan stream and the strange old wizard. He did look much younger now! He felt stronger and more vigorous than he had in decades!
The knight explained in detail what had happened to him since his demise in the joust. Jack looked very sceptical, until Sir Gavin recalled some old times at the castle, which only Jack and he had been witness to. Jack then became quite emotional, as he hurriedly stepped down from the cart and threw himself at the feet of the knight.
“It is truly a miracle that you have returned, sire! And restored to your former glory too!” said Jack, with a tremor in his voice. “You must regain your castle and lands as soon as possible. The tyrant who now thinks he owns the place is no gentleman. He is a brute and has no sophistication about him whatsoever!”
Sir Gavin listened as Jack told him of the beatings and humiliating treatment he and the other servants had already suffered under their new master. The knight vowed to do all he could to change things for the better. He then bid Jack farewell for now, and the two went their separate ways.
As he reached the town, Sir Gavin attracted the attention of almost everyone, with his fine horse and knight’s armour, but no-one approached him, nor seemed to recognise him. He stopped outside the Boar’s Head inn and called over a boy he knew. The boy came over but did not recognise Sir Gavin. The knight gave the boy two coins, and asked him to water and feed his horse, while he went to eat and drink at the inn. The boy was only too pleased to oblige.
Entering the inn, Sir Gavin ordered food and a flagon of wine. He could sense that all eyes were on him, but he just sat and calmly ate his meal.
Presently, a burly, but seemingly good-natured chap sauntered across to where the knight was seated and asked if he was there for the royal joust, due to be held in a couple of days time. The man could clearly see that Sir Gavin was wearing a fine suit of jousting armour.
Sir Gavin paused for a second, before answering in the affirmative. Yes, he would be attending the joust. The burly chap wished the knight good luck, adding that he would need it! The new champion, who everybody was calling the Black Knight, would take some beating, he said!
After finishing his meal, Sir Gavin left the inn and retrieved his horse. The boy had fed and watered the steed well, so the knight gave him another coin. Feeling refreshed and relaxed after his meal, Sir Gavin rode in the direction of a reputable lodging place, on the edge of town. He would stay there for a couple of days, until the joust.
Chapter Four: The Challenge
On the morning of the joust, Sir Gavin rode slowly toward the king’s castle. He knew that the joust was to take place in the grounds just outside the castle walls. The king himself was sure to be there.
Sir Gavin had polished his armour, and bought a new chamfron made of metal and leather, to protect his horse. He set out for the king’s castle, looking every bit the fearless knight that he truly was. He still wore the drab cloak the wizard had given him, rather than a new tabard, but nevertheless, he made an imposing figure. He rode slowly, so to preserve his horse’s energy and strength.
By the time he reached the jousting arena, Sir Gavin could see that the tournament had already begun. The Black Knight, the king’s new champion, had already won his first joust and was sitting, awaiting the outcome of the next contest, which was between two young hopefuls, who would clearly stand no chance against the haughty Black Knight. The king’s champion expected to win the whole contest without much trouble.
But then he saw the knight in the drab robe approaching, astride a big strong horse, and his interest was piqued. He did not recognise him as Sir Gavin, as did no-one else either. Nevertheless, the Black Knight could tell that this knight - though dressed quite modestly - would prove to be a better challenger than any of the other contestants in the arena! As the king’s new champion, he made it his business to find out who the latecomer was.
“A word with you, stranger!” called out the Black Knight, as Sir Gavin was about to ride past him. “Who are you? And are you here to joust?”
“If someone could provide me with a decent lance I would be only too happy to do so,” answered Sir Gavin.
“We have decent lances aplenty - take your pick!” boomed the Black Knight, waving a hand in the general direction of where the lances were kept. “I must fight the winner of this motley lot! But then I’d be more than happy to despatch you, as a grand finalé!” sneered the arrogant champion.
Sir Gavin said nothing as he headed toward the lances, intent on selecting one that was of a good length and weight, and was suitably straight enough! He quickly found one that he liked, and sought the Black Knight’s confirmation that he could use that particular one. The champion said it was fine, and it didn’t matter anyway, because he would easily beat the latecomer, whichever lance he chose!
Sir Gavin then asked if he could speak with the king, who was busy watching the two jousters currently in action, from the royal box in the stands. The Black Knight summoned one of the marshals and instructed him to take Sir Gavin to the king.
Standing before the king, Sir Gavin waited until he was sure the monarch had seen him, and then said, “Your Majesty, please may I speak with you?”
The king asked who was addressing him, and what did he want.
“I come here under the name of Knight Errant, Your Majesty,” said Sir Gavin, “and I request your permission to take part in this tournament.”
“This is most irregular!” said the king. “You do not wear any heraldic tabard, nor do you seem to have a groom to tend to your horse!”
“What you say is true, Your Majesty,” replied the knight, “but I am indeed a knight, and I would like to challenge your champion! I would like to become your new champion!”
The king laughed, considering this upstart to be out of his mind!
“Very Well!” he said, at length. “ But I must warn you! The Black Knight is undefeated and usually dispatches all-comers with consummate ease! Moreover, if you place a formal challenge to his status as champion, he has the right to adopt a ‘no quarter’ policy! Do you know what that means?”
“Yes, Your Majesty, I do,” said the knight, solemnly. “It means he has to right to kill me, if he so chooses!”
“Oh, he will so choose!” said the king, with a frown. “Are you sure you want to do this?”
“Yes, Your Majesty. I am sure,” replied Sir Gavin.
“So be it!” declared the king.
Chapter Five: No Quarter!
The tournament continued, and soon the Black Knight had dispatched the winner of the challenging knights. He won with ease, without breaking sweat. Thankfully nobody was killed, nor badly injured. But now, things would be different! No quarter was to be given in this final contest, as Sir Gavin, under the alias of Knight Errant, challenged the Black Knight, for the right to be called the king’s champion.
The Black Knight mounted his big black steed and then turned to the king and saluted him with his lance. Sir Gavin mounted his trusty steed and also saluted the king in like manner. Battle was about to commence!
The two knights began their approach, and the horses thundered toward one another. Both men caught their opponent with a glancing blow, but neither man was knocked off his horse. With lances still intact, the two men began a second charge.
This time the Black Knight caught his opponent with a full blow to the helmet, and the onlookers gasped as Sir Gavin went crashing from his horse, and lay motionless on the ground! Was he dead? A broken neck, perhaps? Or was he just dazed?
The Black Knight saluted his king once more, and then threw down his lance and dismounted. Drawing his sword, he strode toward the still motionless Sir Gavin. The Black Knight raised his sword in readiness to deliver a mighty blow to the neck of the helpless challenger!
Meanwhile, Sir Gavin started stirring, and in a somewhat disoriented state, touched the amulet around his neck. This seemed to jolt him into full consciousness - in the nick of time! He managed to rapidly roll away as the Black Knight delivered a mighty blow into the ground, right where Sir Gavin’s neck had been!
Sir Gavin was quickly on his feet, managing to draw his sword just in time to fend off another potentially fatal blow from his adversary! The two men fought, thrust and parry, for almost half-an-hour! Both were tiring rapidly, but refused to yield. Indeed, they could not yield - it would mean certain death!
But then, one great clash of swords saw one of the weapons break - the blade flying dramatically across the battleground! It was the sword of Sir Gavin that had broken! Surely the battle was now over!
The Black Knight moved in for the kill, but Sir Gavin remembered the amulet, and touched it once more. With great speed and dexterity, he managed to avoid what everyone thought was about to be the killer blow! He managed to grab the Black
Knight’s sword arm, and with a swift kick behind the left knee, managed to send the Black Knight tumbling to the ground! The champion’s sword went flying, and Sir Gavin raced to pick it up! The Black Knight looked on in horror!
“No quarter, I believe you said?” growled Sir Gavin, as the Black Knight covered his face with his arms, and cried out for mercy!
Sir Gavin put the tip of the sword to the Black Knight’s neck and then looked toward the king, who was sitting impassively on his chair.
The king then called out, “The matter is in your own hands! You are my new champion, whether you slay this wretch or not!”
With that, Sir Gavin removed the sword from under the chin of the humiliated Black Knight, saying, “I shall let you live, though you must depart from this kingdom, never to return!”
The king applauded, and the rest of the spectators did the same. No-one had liked the arrogant Black Knight in the first place. Even the king held him in contempt, and was glad to see him defeated!
The king then spoke again, saying, “Black Knight! Get on your horse, now! Ride to the south, until you leave my kingdom, never to return - under pain of death! Take nothing with you! Your castle and other chattels are hereby seized, and they become the property of my new champion!”
The king instructed ten of his soldiers to ride with the disgraced Black Knight, to ensure that he left the kingdom.
He then turned to Sir Gavin and said, “Well, Knight Errant, or whatever your name is, you are my new champion! You must select your own heraldic motif, and my tailors will make you tabards and other items to your own design.”
The knight bowed deeply and thanked the king. Then, he nervously asked if he could speak with the king in private. The king’s bodyguards took a step toward the knight and drew their swords, but the king waved them back, saying, “My new champion will be given a few moments of my time, and my ear.” He ordered his guards to stay where they were, and asked Sir Gavin to walk with him, a few paces, out of earshot of quiet conversation.
The king asked what the knight wanted. Sir Gavin then proceeded to tell the king what had happened to him over the last few days - who he really was, and about the unicorn, the healing waters, and the wizard.
“I could not, in all good conscience, deceive you, Your Majesty,” concluded Sir Gavin. “You have a right to know.”
The king was astonished to learn that his new champion was none other than a rejuvenated, and unrecognisable, Sir Gavin of Richmond! After the initial shock had passed, the king found the whole thing highly amusing. And he was glad. He had always liked Sir Gavin, and had been troubled when the Black Knight defeated him in their first joust.
“Perhaps I should meet with this wizard of yours!” said the king, with a glint in his eye. “I could do with some rejuvenating, myself!” But then he gave a frown and added, “No! He would surely know that my journey there was for personal gain, and he would doubtless turn me into a toad! After all, I should be grateful for what I have. I have been king here for almost half a century, and I rule a peaceful kingdom! Furthermore, you have been returned to me, courtesy of the wizard in the woods!”
With that, the king indicated he wished to return to his castle, and that his newly restored champion should accompany him there.
Epilogue
The king arranged for Sir Gavin to have his old castle and land restored to him, and his faithful servants were all there to welcome him home. They had already heard about his exploits and his miraculous rejuvenation!
Sir Gavin announced that a banquet was to be held in his own castle, as soon as possible. He would bring in catering staff from the town, and all his servants (including the kitchen staff) would be excused duties, to attend the banquet as guests of honour!
The knight felt good to be alive, and truly grateful that he had met the old wizard in the woods! Life would never be quite the same again!
~ FIN ~
Reply With Quote