CASTLE PERILOUS

 

Eager to fight the most famous of Arthur's knights, Ironside the Red Knight of the Red Launde embattled himself in Castle Perilous, where he held the lovely Lady Lyones hostage. Confident that her plight would draw out the knights, Ironside patiently awaited their rescue attempts.

In the two years that passed, many a brave knight tried and failed to free teh Lady Lyones. But still the famous opponents Ironside longed to face--Lancelot, Gawain, and Tristram had not come. Linet, sister toLyones, travelled Arthur's court and requested that the king send a Knight of the Round Table to save her sister.

Arthur assigned Gareth to the task. Linet (like most of the court) was unaware of Gareth's true identity and knew him only as Beaumains, a lowly kitchen knave. Linet was furious and left the court immediately Gareth raced after her, deterrmined to prove himself both to her and the rest of the court. Despite her constant insults, Gareth remained courteous. While passing through the Perilous Passage, he valiantly overcame the Black Knight, the Blue Knight and the Green Knight but still Linet withheld her approval and kindness.

A cruel and dreadful sight met them as they approached Castle Perilous. There in teh trees hung the bodies of 40 knights, the brave and noble men who had come before. All could be identified by their shields that hung about their necks.

"This is the workd of the Red Knight," said Linet, "but now you ust turn your thoughts to courage or you shall suffer the same fate."

Gareth then dismounted and blew the ivory horn which hung from a tree, issuing a challenge to the Red Knight of the Red Launde.

A confident Ironside emerged from his red panvilion. "Be aware, younbg man, of the knights who hang in the trees."

"You are wrong to think this fears me," replied Gareth, "as it gives me courage and strength to put an end to your wicked custom."

The battle began in the morning and by evening both were weak, unable even to stand. As they tested, Gareth could see Lyones cry as she watched from her window. She felt Gareth's eyes upon her and made a deep curtsy. At this, Gareth felt his heart leap. With renewed viror he began the battle again and would end it in triumph.

Ironside cried for mercym, explaining that his terrible deeds ahd been done in the bidding of the woman he loved. This woman believed her brother to have been killed by Lancelot or Gawain, and Ironside had understood that if he were to win her love he must take revenge against them, and all the Knights of the Round Table.

On hearing this, Gareth replied, "If the Lady Lyones will forgive you, I shall spare your life and send you to the court where you shall be at the mercy of Lancelot and my brother Gawain."

An so it was that Ironside had much to repent, but was spared and pledged allegiance to Arthur.

From Ferguson, Anna-Marie. Keeper of Words. 1995 Llewellyn Publications. St. Paul, Minnesota. (78-79)