The truth is a very dangerous thing -- VERY dangerous. It can destroy. I fear that it will destroy something very fragile. If that gets destroyed, it will be tumultuous. We would recover, but the price is a bit high. Now enter into the age of Faerie Tale Theatre.
Sir Galahad ventured into the depths of the kingdom. A young squire stopped Galahad asking for help. His knight, Sir Reginald of Wethington, had been given the title of champion at tournament. Galahad did not know Sir Reginald, but he did know that Reginald was a loyal subject of King Arthur. Despite Reginald's victory, the knight's armor was damaged and his horse was injured and unable to walk. The knight was soon returning from the tournament and expected his armor to shine and his steed to gallop triumphantly. The squire did not know what to do and begged Galahad to help.
Galahad was able to patch the armor rather quickly. He gave the coat of arms a sheen like a mirror. Unfortunately, he was not an accomplished horse caregiver. He sent word to Sir Percival who was also at the tournament that another knight loyal to the throne needed aid. Percival rushed to where Galahad kept watch over Sir Reginald's horse and squire. It is said that Percival was gifted by Merlin's Beard to have the ability to speak to horses. That eve, Galahad learned this to be true as Percival tended to the horse's wounds. In a short time, the mighty steed joyfully marched around while the grateful young squire thanked Galahad and Percival.
On his return to the kingdom, Galahad happened upon a distraught knight training in a stable. Sir Tristan was a knight held dear by King Arthur. Tristan was a servant faithful to the king and saw to every one of the king's needs. Those in the kingdom, though, did not seem to appreciate the deeds of Sir Tristan. The lords and ladies of the kingdom spoke often of the difficulties that Sir Tristan brought upon them in the name of the king.
In the early Spring one year, a fountain was commissioned to be placed in a small town square to provide drink and relief for the townsfolk and travelers. Tristan was tasked with bringing about the fountain to fruition. However with him in charge, it became an elaborate sculpture showing the king and queen raining down their blessings on the city in the form of water as well as a monument to knights who did not return from a crusade. The people of the town were grateful for the water brought to them and celebrated Sir Tristan. But soon after Tristan took his leave, the people of the town realized that they were the ones who now needed to care for the intricate sculptures. They needed to keep the faces of Arthur and Guenevere in immaculate condition for the rest of time. Should the royal couple visit their town, it would be quite embarrassing if any tribute to them was defaced in some manner. Additionally, Sir Tristan left room for the townspeople to add names of other fallen knights to the crusade memorial - unfortunately, none of them was the stone artist that Tristan was. Ever since, the townsfolk were cordial to Sir Tristan but not as embracing as they were before.
Tristan's work was appreciated by the king, but it seemed to him that the king held the knights who protected thekingdom's village in higher regard. Sir Tristan, wanting nothing more than the approval of King Arthur, was now training very hard to be the knight that he thought Arthur wanted him to be. Sir Tristan trained very, very hard. He would ask Sir Percival to as many fighting techniques as he could. But each time he asked, Percival would tell him, "Tristan. There is nothing left for you that I can teach to you. You know all that I know about fighting and defending the crown. You have to apply your skills to get good at them. Keep training and learn what the world is trying to teach you. Even Lancelot, the greatest of all our knights, learns by having the adventures of our kingdom be his instructor.
Tristan heard the words, but he did not listen. He continued to train without the experience of worldly adventure. He would pester Sir Percival for the so-called "secrets" that he possessed and get discouraged each time Percival said there were no secrets - only faith and vigilance.
Galahad listened to Tristan's story and tried to help Tristan understand what Percival was doing for him. Tristan heard every word from Galahad, but did not seem to listen. Tristan wanted only to please the king. Tristan wanted to be the one held in highest regard in the kingdom. So he trained. Galahad pitied Tristan's lack of vision and blindness to what was already in front of him.
Galahad returned to the castle and made his way to his quarters. He was met by Guenevere's trusted handmaiden, Miranda. She said that the king and queen wanted to speak with Galahad immediately. Miranda said the king had gotten word that the city of Wethington held a newly crowned champion who pledged a new covenant of loyalty to the throne. Guenevere and Arthur did not know what brought it about, but they were told that Galahad would offer his account. Galahad was surprised to learn that the news had traveled so fast. Galahad asked Miranda to return to him later the next morning. At that time, he would bring his story to the king and queen.
The next day, Miranda went to Sir Galahad's quarters only to find Galahad's steward holding a scroll. The steward said that Galahad and his squire needed to travel to Gaul with haste and send their deepest apologies to his and her highness. However, Galahad wrote his account of the events on the scroll which Miranda was to bring to King Arthur and Guenevere. Miranda faithfully returned to the king and queen with scroll in hand. She handed the scroll to the queen who read the story with the king.
The king was very pleased to hear about the generous deeds of his knights and wanted to reward them. A few days later, all the knights gathered at the round table. Arthur bestowed upon two of the knights the Honor of the Scarlet Guard in recognition of their service to the kingdom. Said Arthur, "Arise, Sir Percival. And arise -- Sir Tristan." All the knights, including Sir Galahad, stood and rejoiced for their brothers.
During the festivites, Percival brought Galahad to the king. Percival told the king that they needed to meet privately on an urgent issue. Arthur led them to his antechamber, closed the door and asked that all be seated. "Sir Percival," Galahad began to protest, "I know what you're trying to do and I assure you the matter has been handled and resolved."
"Your highness," said Percival trying to interrupt Galahad. "Please your highness, do not honor Sir Tristan for deeds not done. I don't know what you have been told but --" Arthur raised his palm in a ceasing gesture and immediately, Percival silenced himself.
"Percival, it is quite alright. I know. When my knights serve my kingdom, it is not just the townsfolk and the lords and ladies who need our benevolence. You knights need to look after each other as well." Arthur stood and walked toward Galahad. "Not only do I know the truth of what happened with Sir Reginald, but I know each of you knights as well. I see into your hearts.
"For instance, Sir Percival, I know of your loyalty to those who have honorably shared the field of battle with you. It could not have been Sir Tristan whom you rushed to aid so quickly. While you have shared the field of battle, Tristan has not been a trusted confidante.
"Sir Tristan is very loyal to this kingdom as well and is an avid proponent for peace. He willfully goes on any quest given him and always returns with news of success. He is a most able lieutenant. However, his deeds are inspired by the rewards that come with them rather than the deeds themselves.
"When Galahad's scroll was read, I knew what needed to be done for the good of our round table. Sir Galahad has no desire for accolades or honors. As I said before -- like all of knights, I know his heart. Galahad's heart is the heart of a servant.
"The day Galahad returned was the day Sir Tristan had mistakenly destroyed one of the royal monuments while training with mace and chain. He was punished. He came to us later, a very penitent man. Now, most people would have apologized for being careless. But Tristan's words were, 'I'm sorry and will work harder to become a more honored knight.'"
Arthur returned to his seat. "You and your brother knight here hold no higher place at the table than any other knight. But know this - I am eternally thankful for your desire to help those in need and that you do so with no expectation for medal or trophy. Your deeds do not ever go unnoticed."
Percival and Galahad looked humbly toward their king. Arthur rose and walked toward the door. "Gentleman, please. Let us return to our festivities and speak no more of fame and glory."
Print | posted @ Monday, October 08, 2007 4:58 PM