"The Coming of the Holy
Graal"
I was unaware of the reasoning for their gathering, but the Knights of
the
Round Table had all met together in Camelot during this very strange
evening. I was out in the stables nearby with most of my fellow
companions. We were all discussing the delicious smells that were
coming from the Knight’s meeting place. Todd and I got in a
heated argument about whether or not the turkey we smelled was
honey-roasted or had black pepper marinade on it.
I of course won this debate. I know how the Knights love their
honey-roasted turkey. My master sometimes brings me a few table
scraps of their delicious feasts and it is almost always honey roasted,
my favorite! Anyway, I’m getting off topic.
Just as I was proving my point in my debate with Todd, we heard the
loudest crashing of thunder our ears have ever heard! It sounded
as if the Knight’s meeting place had collapsed!
After running away from the startling noise, I quickly galloped back
toward the Knight’s meeting place to see if everything was okay.
I
peered up into the small window that overlooks our stable. The
Knights had put this window in their meeting place a while back because
there had been several horse robberies at one time. They are very
afraid of losing us, as we are afraid of losing them.
Right as I peered into the window, the brightest light I had ever seen
in my entire life came bursting through the ceiling. I had to
look away for fear of going blind! I would not be much use to my
master if I were blind.
All of the Knights were sitting still, looking at one another, unable
to speak. They were not afraid. Knights are never
afraid! They were just puzzled as to what was happening.
What happened next was most perplexing. In floated this big
bright object. I couldn’t tell what it was. It had a big
white shimmery veil over it as it glided about the room.
As it did this, the tastiest smells I have ever smelt filled the
room. The Knight's plates changed in an instant to reveal each
individual’s most favorite meal.
I wish I had a plate in front of me during this moment. My plate
would have been full of chocolate! Oh to taste the sweet
chocolate that my master rarely gives me…
Just as quickly as the object came, it went. I did not like that
object. It scared me and I did not trust it! However, all
of the Knights were overjoyed at the occurrence that had just taken
place. They gave thanks for what they had just witnessed.
This next part hurts me to speak of. I hope you will excuse me if
I let a few tears slip…
Sir Gawaine stood up after he had finished his food and said, “I must
have this object that has the power to bestow such gifts! I vow
to
go in search of the Holy Graal tomorrow and I will not return until I
have seen this wonder. However, if after a year and a day I have
not completed this quest, I will return because I will then know that
the sight of the Holy Graal was not meant for me to see.”
Several of the other Knights had joined in with a similar vow. My
master then stood up when he heard this. He was very
unhappy.
He cried out, “Alas, Sir Gawaine! You have hurt me so by your
vow. Because of your vow, you have just broken up the best and
most valuable brotherhood of Knights that the world has ever
seen! Once you all have departed, you will meet no more at the
Round Table, for many of you will die on this journey. It grieves
me so, for I have loved you all as if you were my own brothers.”
He paused a moment and I could hear it in his voice. Not many
others can tell, but I know my master well. He was fighting back
tears
at this point. I could not turn away from what was happening
right in front of me.
He went on to say, “Gawaine, Gawaine! You have caused me the most
unhappiness!”
Lancelot then spoke. “Do not be sad, Arthur. Comfort
yourself
because we will be just fine! We shall attain great honor if we
die in this quest. Much more than we would if we were to die in
any other.”
King Arthur just stood in silence. He was NOT comforted!
The Queen and the other Knights were also severely saddened. They
all loved the Knights who had chosen to attempt this quest. Their
meeting had ended and I did not know anything more until the next
morning came.
In the morning, my master came and got me. We rode out to
the farthest hill from the town. I didn’t know why we stopped
here until I overlooked the hill and saw a mass of men and horses
before me.
King Arthur said, “How many are there of you who have chosen to take
this quest of the Holy Graal?”
Sir Gawaine answered, “One hundred and fifty.”
They said their goodbyes and everyone went their separate ways.
My master and I returned to Camelot where there was much sadness and
weeping. I couldn’t help but weep too, for I knew that I wouldn’t
see many of my friends ever again.
The last story that I will share with you all this evening is a story
called "The Fight for the Queen."
Author’s Note: I retold the story of “The Coming of the Holy
Graal.” This story is about how the Round Table broke up. I
had to adapt to some problems that I came across while trying to write
this story. Most of the story occurred in the Round Table
room. I had to figure out how to get the horse to where he could
witness the action. I’m pretty sure that there were no windows in
the Round Table room because it is safer that way, but I decided to put
it in there because I figured they would never bring a horse inside the
room and that would be the best way to fix the problem. I wanted
to add a little more detail about what happened after Meaty had seen
all those things, but the word limit did not allow me to do so.
I’m finding it very hard to keep within 1,000 words, especially when
most of the stories I’m retelling are WELL over 1,000 words
themselves. I understand the reasoning for it though. I
also just like to add a lot of detail. I’m learning a lot more
about the King Arthur tales through the retellings. I had no idea
that the Round Table ever broke up. If you are curious about the
Holy Graal legend, you can check out more about it here: Holy Graal Legend.
Bibliography Information-
Story Title: "The Coming of the Holy Graal"
Book Title: "King Arthur Tales of the Round Table"
Book Author: Andrew Lang
Year Published: 1902
Web Source: "The
Coming of the Holy Graal"
Image Information:
Title: Arthur and the Holy Graal
Web Source: "Cotsweb"
