The Graal Within

 Scribed by Cameron the Beneficent of the Kingdom of Agualuzi

A Fan’s Tale that is inspired from “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”

Part 1

In the time of King Arthur, Camelot was the stateliest kingdom among all of the realms of Britain. From its mighty citadel atop a grand fort hill, it overlooked the humble village of Cadbury in the southwestern most corner of England. An era of peace and goodwill had descended upon the land and everyone who called Arthur their lord and master were thankful for his and his good Queen Guenevere's sage counsel and wise ruling.

Well, almost everyone in the realm felt the same. There was of course Arthur and Guenevere’s headstrong teenage daughter, the Princess Wynflaed (or Wyn for short). She had grown up watching her father lead his brave and virtuous warriors, the Knights of the Round Table, around their land, bringing peace wherever they went.

As a result, she was convinced that she would one day join their ranks as the first female Knight of the Round Table, let alone the first female knight in all of Camelot! She had trained for years under the likes of Lancelot and Galahad and felt she was soon ready to be knighted before year’s end. She also liked the sound of Lady Wyn, Princess of Camelot to her title.

"Dear Daughter, what are you doing?" asked her father King Arthur who came into the throne room during the middle of her musings. "You know you shouldn't be sitting unattended, even when affairs of state are not being conducted. Where is your nursemaid, or your ladies-in-waiting?"

"Father, I don't need someone to look after me," Princess Wyn said, standing up. "I am going to be one of your knights someday, so no one will have to tend to me ever again."

"Of course my darling," her father said, "But for now you are a Princess, and I am still your father, and the King for that matter, and you must do as I say. And I hate to admit it, but I do not think the life of a Knight will suit you." Her father sighed and stiffened, "After all, you have grown up in royalty and that is what you must choose."

"No, Father," she said, taking out her sword, "I refuse to be pampered and live the life of a spoiled Princess. I want to be a Knight of the Round Table and you can't stop me."

"Well, well, I see I can't persuade you." her father said, "Shall we draw swords to see how good of a knight you are milady?" and with that he drew out his shining blade Excalibur. "On guard!"

The Princess and the King started to fight. Wyn slashed the air viciously while her father dutifully parried each blow. He was an adept swordsman after all, but he still wanted to prove his point.

"You are quite good Daughter; you make your old man proud of you!"

"I don't need your approval; I just want to show you I am the best knight there is!" she said as she came down on Arthur's shoulder. "Do you give in?" she demanded.

"Not yet!" Arthur said coming back with full force.

Wyn was just about to draw another blow when Arthur whacked the sword out of the Princess' hand.

"A good fight indeed, Daughter, a good fight. Shall we call it a draw?"

"No!" and Wyn stormed off to the other end of the throne room dragging her sword along the marble floor.

She then threw down her sword, tore off her helmet and simmered. How could she truly think she had any hope of becoming a Knight of Camelot if she could not beat her own father in a simple skirmish? She sulked, wiped the sweat off her brow which mingled with a few tears.

Just then her father approached. She turned away as she did not want him to see her cry, a sign of weakness in her opinion.

"Wynnie," Arthur consoled his daughter, "Don't be so upset that you did not win this time. You will beat me someday, I know." He calmed his voice but when he tried to touch her shoulder, she pulled away.

"These things just take time my darling. You will soon prove to be a warrior yet; I see it in you. Forget what I said before about knighthood not suiting you. You have the spirit of a hawk and its determination too. I know you want to be one of my Knights, but you have to be patient. With proper training I know you will be worthy. But forgive me for saying this, you are first and foremost my daughter. And I want you to be safe."

"Father, I will be safe, you will see, just trust me."

"I do trust you Wynnie, just know it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to be a knight. I just want to make sure you are choosing the right path. Do not mind what your mother will think for now, we will cross that bridge when the time comes."

"Come, sit down with me," Arthur said as he led his daughter back to the inner sanctum of the throne room. He laid Excalibur at the foot of the royal dais and slowly sank unto the floor. He patted the seat next to him and after a minute of resisting, Wyn joined him.

"Wynnie," he started, "do you think I wanted to be king when I was given the chance? You may not know this, but I did not want to at first."

Wyn was startled and looked up at her father. "You didn't?" She was flabbergasted. "I thought you were chosen to be the right and true heir to the throne and that meant..."

"That I was ready to rule?" Arthur finished. "Not in the slightest."

“It was during Christmastide, when a great tournament was held to find and crown the new king after decades of strife and war. I was asked to find a sword for my brother Kay who was to fight alongside other knights to win the crown. I ran off and came to an abandoned field past a churchyard beyond the city walls of London and found the most magnificent sword I had ever seen in my life. I was mesmerized for only a minute and then was drawn to the anvil and stone that the sword was stuck into. I wondered why nobody had yet attempted to pull it out, so I thought I’d give it a go. I grasped the hilt with both hands and tugged. Twas quite heavy at first but then I concentrated. I knew I would pull it out.

“Then to my amazement I drew that sword right out of the stone and held it my grasp. I ran back and presented the sword to Kay and my father. No one believed me when they stood aghast and saw the wonderous sword in my hand. They halted the tournament and led me back to the stone, slipping it back in as lightly as a feather. I stood beside it, with both hands on the hilt, and again pulled the sword out of the stone with ease. Everyone knelt down and proclaimed me ‘King of Britain.’ But I did not know what to do. How was I supposed to be King? But then my longtime friend, the great wizard and enchanter Merlyn, took me under his wing, and in the proceeding years has helped me to realize my great destiny. Without him I would have been lost. He believed in me so strongly and so I started to believe more in myself.”

Arthur turned and pointed to his shining blade. "When the Lady of the Lake eventually brought forth Excalibur from her watery home near the River Brue, I was fully in my power to take the sword bequeathed to me and rule with righteousness. In time, I made Camelot into a kingdom that united all of the tribes as one. But I always remember I was once a young scrap of a lad that everyone referred to as Mort and was thought of as a good-for-nothing.

"I grew up to become the king I am today, but I had to have the patience to realize my full potential and be willing to accept help when it was given. Just as you must do the same my darling daughter."

"Yes Father, I know you are right," Wyn conceded, "I just feel impatient..."

"Well, maybe a little I must confess. But you want to do something noble, and I can't fault you for that." Arthur opened his arms and Wyn ran into them. "I love you with all of my heart Wynnie, and you will be one of my greatest knights just you are my greatest daughter."

"Your only one Papa," she said and snuggled into him.

"My, what is this? Did something happen my dears?" came Guenevere's voice as she entered the hall.

"Nothing at all Guen, we were just having a father and daughter moment." Arthur said as Gwen came up to kiss Wyn and let her go.

"I see, don't let me stop you."

"Will you excuse your mother and me?" asked Arthur, "I just want to have a word with her."

Wyn held her breath and stood her ground. She was a bit anxious but proud her father had her back for what he was about to do.

"Guen," Arthur began, "you know that our daughter is growing up and is almost of age," he said walking his Queen around the hall.

"I am quite aware of our remarkable daughter dear, and the fact that she is soon growing into womanhood."

"Yes I am aware of that too," Arthur paused clearing his voice, "But…she also wants to become a knight," he said all at once.

Guenevere stopped and laughed nervously. Arthur did not expect that reaction. "You don't mean to say that. I know that she has always been a bit of a tomboy, but...you're serious?"

"Yes," Arthur said, "she wants to be a knight."

"But has she thought of the dangers involved, the risks she has to take. I don't want her gallivanting across the countryside and coming into harm's way."

Arthur calmed his wife. "I know that, I'm with you, but you know our daughter. When she wants something, she goes after it with a full heart. We can't deny her becoming a knight or we risk losing her altogether."

Arthur pondered over this and then said quickly, "Let's give it time. I can make sure she will be trained under my best knights, and when she is ready, and has proven herself, she will then make the decision of whether she wants to go through with her knighthood or not. I swear it."

"Don't swear anything my love, I trust your judgement." And Guenevere kissed Arthur sweetly on the forehead. "I'm just worried as her mother."

“And I as her father, but trust me, she will be alright." Their tender moment was soon interrupted by the appearance of Sir Lancelot.

"Your Royal Majesties," Lancelot said out of breath, "You must come quick to the Hall of the Round Table. A wonderful vision has been seen! We need your insight to determine for what, ill or good will, it portends."

"Lead the way Sir Knight!" said Arthur followed by Guenevere and Wyn who dashed off in the direction of Lancelot who was all but running to get to the Round Table in time.

Part 2

Lancelot led Arthur, Guenevere and Wyn through many passageways lined with torches until they reached the Hall of the Round Table. Here in this hallowed spot was where the brave knights and their beloved lord discussed ways of keeping the peace and ensuring prosperity for all across the kingdoms. This was the first time that something amiss came wafting out of its doors. When they entered, Sir Bedievere was sitting almost dumb struck at his seat at the Round Table.

"Bedievere, you look troubled, what has happened?" Arthur inquired.

"Oh, my liege," Bedievere said, saluting his lord after being awakened from his stupor, "I did not see you arrive. You better sit down for what I am about to say. Your Majesties," he said, bowing towards the Queen and the Princess too.  

Arthur dutifully sat beside his good knight. "We, Lancelot and I, have witnessed, what I can only determine to be, a great vision. Our Table was, as you see it now, quite ordinary, until suddenly it appeared."

"Exactly what was it?" Arthur asked.

"There it was,” Bedievere began, ignoring the question,  “It was just floating above the room surrounded by a heavenly light. It was the..."

But the room exploded in one flash of light. Bedievere fell backward. Everyone jumped, their hearts skipped a beat. Even Arthur was astounded. And there it was, again, hovering over the Round Table as if suspended in the air, a nimbus-like halo encircling it.

IT WAS THE GRAAL.

Arthur knew it to be true. Here before all was the very Chalice used at the Last Supper of their Lord Christ in times gone by.

All around him, Arthur was then startled to hear low whispers and echoes telling him, urging him "You must find the Graal, Arthur, King of the Britons.” “It is within reach.” You have only to grasp it.” “And it will be yours.” “Know this, it is closer than you think, think, think..."

The vision disappeared, the light faded, and everything returned to as it was before.

Arthur needed only a second to collect his thoughts. He then stood up from the Round Table and proclaimed to the room, and to all assembled, "The time has come for action! We have a great quest ahead of us. There is not time to lose...Tomorrow we begin the quest for the Holy Graal!"

The King rushed out of the hall, allowing everyone to stir back to life in their own good time.

"What is he saying? Does he really mean that was The Holy Graal?" Guenevere inquired from Lancelot and Bedievere.

"Well if it wasn’t, then we have been privy to the greatest sham of them all.” “Oh this will be some grand adventure indeed !" Bedievere and Lancelot shouted back in return.

The Princess walked behind everyone in a hurry. No one saw how thrilled she was too!

"No, I will not permit it," Guenevere told her daughter back in the throne room. "You are not to join your father and the other knights on this Quest. It’s much too dangerous!"

"But Mama, I can do it. Let me prove myself to you. If I can help Papa find the Graal, just think what we could do with it!"

"And if you do find it, what would you do with it then I dare ask? This whole venture is completely mad. I don't even want your father embarking on something that could lead to nothing, but since he is determined, and he is my husband, I support him. He has already summoned his men of the Round Table, except for a couple out at the local pub, but he will do..."

"Do what my love?" asked Arthur as he strode into the throne room.

"Darling, we can't have our daughter join you on your journey. She isn't a knight. You know that as well as I. Why continue to play out this fantasy any longer?"

"My dear," Arthur said, looking into his wife's eyes, "we have watched our daughter grow over the years and you know that she can overcome any obstacle that stands before her. Lancelot and I will be Wyn the whole time and he will make doubly sure that she does not come to any harm. Please, give her this chance."

Guenevere was not convinced but the way her husband looked at her, with those lion eyes he had, she knew that she could always trust him no matter what. She paused and went back to her daughter. Wyn stood calm and collected. What was about to happen she could not guess.  

"Alright, I give you my consent. You may join your father on the quest for the Holy Graal." Wyn shouted and jumped in the air.

"Oh, thank you Mother, thank you, thank you, thank you!" she said and dashed off to collect her helmet and sword. "You won't regret this! I am just bound to become a knight of the realm, be sure of that!"

"She's ready darling," Arthur said.

The next morning, after the sun had risen, King Arthur gathered together his bravest knights, Sir Lancelot and Sir Bedievere, for the rest had still not come back from the local tavern the night before and set off with Princess Wyn by his side. The banners waved high and the castle of Camelot glowed in all of its splendor. Guenevere saw everyone off and stood on the drawbridge until the company had gone some distance ahead. She wondered what would become of them all, half hoping they would come back sooner even if it meant that the quest was indeed for nothing so her family would be home with her again. Only time would tell, she thought.

King Arthur and his Knights bravely wore the shield of the dragon and lion while Princess Wyn carried her own emblem of the mighty stag. She always followed her own path and really wanted to show her father how sure and certain she was of herself. The sun was shining, and the day was clear, they were all ready for anything!

"Look sire, how magnificent it is!"

“What Bedievere?" asked Arthur.

"Camelot!" exclaimed Bedievere.

"Yes, Camelot!" said Lancelot. "It looks but smaller in comparison to Warwick Castle..."

"Really Lancelot, you’re forever the pessimist,” Arthur said. “We ride on!" And so they did.

On they went, the four of them, Bedievere with his trusty bow and arrows, Arthur wielding the great Excalibur, and Wyn and Lancelot with their best blades. They paraded through the village of Cadbury that lay beyond the walls of Camelot and saw the townsfolk waking up and going about their business.

They passed butcher's row and the weaver's district, saw the fresh green vegetables of the grocers, and smelled the intoxicating aroma of bread from the bakers’ ovens. Several local taverns popped into view and soon they approached the home of the good blacksmith and his kind wife.

"Good morrow Your Majesty, Sir Knights...and the Princess herself," said the blacksmith's wife. She was surprised to see Her Royal Highness included in the retinue. "What brings you out on this fine day?"

"Well good lady," Lancelot started, ever the persuasive one, "we are...embarking on a journey and hope to be halfway through the forest by midday. Do wish us well and we shall be on our way."

"Husband, His Majesty wants our blessing!" the woman called to her husband who came out in a huff sporting his tools.

"We are deeply honored Your Majesty and wish you success in your great venture. God speed to you!"

The group held their heads high and marched off.

"Lancelot, do you not know how to shut your mouth?" Bedievere scolded, "We don't want the whole kingdom to know of our quest, it must be a secret until the Graal is found."

"Yes Bedey, we know you know best," Lancelot snickered.

"Come on men, let's go forth!" Arthur was determined and led the party further through the village as the blacksmith and his wife waved farewell from the portal of their house.

"But first let's round up the rest," said Arthur as they approached The Red Lion. "I'm sure we will find them there." The pub stood at the other end of town before the road led off into the woods.

"I will go in; you can all stay out here. I won't be long."

"Are Galahad and Robin at it again?" asked Princess Wyn.

"You know as well as I!" laughed Lancelot.

As expected, Robin and Galahad, Lancelot's son, were just finishing off another round of mead when their King stepped through the door.

"Shall I ask twice?" demanded Arthur in a low voice, "Come on!" Robin and Galahad looked at each other, stumbled over a few chairs, hanging their heads down, and followed their liege out the open door.

And so, Sir Galahad toting his sharp spear and Sir Robin wielding his great axe were led from their beloved tavern and joined the ranks of Arthur, Wyn, Lancelot and Bedievere, setting off into the woods to begin their quest for the Holy Graal.

Part 3

And so from the village of Cadbury our brave knights, led by their noble leader and his valiant daughter, traversed the wild and dangerous wilderness of Wessex in the southwestern region of England. The forests in those days were dense, thick places where all manner of creatures lived alongside outlaws who made their camps in the deepest glens, hidden and unseen to all but the birds, deer and other animals who made the forest their home. Around every tree trunk, under every branch and through every thicket, some new terror lay in wait. These factors did not deter our brave heroes as it only made them stronger.

On they went with their shields held high. The symbols of the dragon, the lion and the deer painted upon their gleaming surfaces acted as protective talismans that could ward off any evil spirit or fearsome beast they encountered during their great adventure.

They marched on through the forest in this manner:  

King Arthur was in front with Princess Wyn right by his side, she did not want to miss a single detail of their quest and was proud to be alongside her father the whole way. The devilishly handsome Sir Lancelot swung his sword to and fro while the kind and methodical Sir Bedievere covered the middle of the retinue. The young and virtuous Sir Galahad strode along taking everything in and last by not least was Sir Robin, not quite so brave as the other knights but who in fact had slayed a very wicked cockatrice and personally wet himself when he fought in the Battle of Baden Hill, made up the rear.

They were now getting tired from walking all morning and wanted to find a place to rest. They wished they had brought their coconuts with them, as that would have saved them the leg swore. Just as they entered a clearing, they stopped right in their tracks. For there ahead of them was a gigantic sow. They were also getting a bit hungry too and, well, it was a free meal and within rights to hunt her as she was on the king's land.

"You stay quiet Sire, let me handle her," said Bedievere as he drew out one of his arrows and carefully nocked it in place. His hand was steady as he pulled back the bow string looking at his target without blinking an eye. He was just about ready to shoot when...

"Halt You!" said a booming voice. The sow ran off in the opposite direction as did other animals in sight of the glen. "You dares to trespass in my woods, BE GONE WITH YOU!"

They beheld, materializing from a nearby tree stump, a most giant of a man creature. He was clad all in green from head to toe and bore an enormously gnarled staff that was as tall as the nearest tree. Arthur, Wyn and his knights all clustered together trying to hold their ground.

"Who are you?" asked Arthur. "Are you one of the Knights Who Say...?"

"No, of course not, Mortal! That’s just one of my idiotic cousins who thinks so highly of himself. I am Grugnot, Spirit of the Woods. And I demand to know why you have disrupted the silence of my forest."

"Please Good Spirit, we are but humble travelers and did not mean to be disrespectful. We are merely famished and thought we could kill one of my pigs and..."

"Kill one of YOUR PIGS?!" boomed Grugnot. "Who do you think you are to claim MY forest as YOUR property? King or no King, as I see by your crown, you do not have any authority out here beyond the kingdom of man. Do you not have any respect for Mother Nature Herself? You must pay for your insolence right here and now."

"But wait, let's be reasonable," said King Arthur trying to hold back any blows. "I mean what I said, we did not mean to do you any harm and I apologize for claiming something to be mine which is not rightfully mine. But you must understand Good Spirit: I am King Arthur of the Britons and everything surrounding my castle makes up part of my kingdom of Camelot."

"Yes, but you must understand me Mortal King: your rules do not apply here, out amongst the trees, fields and streams. From the highest mountaintops to the rolling green valleys covered in mantles of flowers, everything that is seen around you is Nature's work. You must show Her some respect such as I, a mere guardian and watcher of these particular woods. Be sure there are more of my kind for every green space there is. You Mortal King know nothing about the world around you." And with that the Spirit turned away from Arthur.

"He seems determined," said Arthur coming back to join his comrades. "I can't persuade him either way."

The men did not know what to do and so stood and thought of something they could say to change the Spirit's mind. Then they heard someone clear their voice.  

"I have an idea," said Princess Wyn and ran off in the direction of the Spirit.

"Wait Daughter, be careful!" Arthur yelled after her.

"Excuse me, Master Grugnot, if you have a minute I shall like to talk with you."

The Spirit looked up from its sulking and turned towards her. "What is it you want Mortal?" he asked in a grating voice.

"I would like to make a bargain. If you promise not to harm me, my father and his men, then I, Her Royal Highness, make a solemn vow that no hunter, be he of noble, royal or peasant blood, shall ever trespass upon your lands again. We shall make this place a safe haven and look elsewhere to obtain food to feed our kingdom."

The Spirit studied the Princess with a keen eye, considering, pondering. Then he nodded his head and extended his hand, which was more tree bark than skin. "I accept and will allow you safe passage through my woods. I see that you are destined for great things young lady; you have earned my kinship. May pleasant journeys lie ahead of you."

The forest seemed to lighten, and the trees parted allowing for Arthur to lead his knights, with Wyn beside him, through the rest of the woods without running into any more trouble.

"My Daughter, your powers of persuasion have saved our lives, I am truly thankful for what you have done.”

He rubbed her shoulder armor affectionately. Wyn did not shy away; she was proud of what she had done for her father and her friends and felt even more brave than she had been before. Thank goodness that trial was behind them.

It was near nightfall when they found a few loose tree branches and set them aflame to light their way in the ensuing darkness. They had fortunately packed enough food and drink for the day and after they had supped for a time, continued on their journey looking for a place to stay the night. They soon happened upon a small castle in a large open meadow.

"Maybe we should try our luck here Sire," said Bedievere, "it looks somewhat inviting, let's see if anyone is still awake."

They all walked right up to the great wall and blew into a hunting horn to announce themselves.

"Hello," Arthur called. Silence. "Hello?"

"Hello, who is it?" said a guard who suddenly stuck his head out from over the battlements.

"It is I, King Arthur, and my Daughter the Princess Wyn with my Knights of the Round Table, whose castle is this Sir Guard?"

"This is de castle of my master Louis de Jambert le Magnifique," said the man puffing out his chest.

"Tell your master within we have been charged with a holy quest and that he would do us great honor if he grants us food and shelter for the night. Then he can join us in our noble quest if he so wishes it."

"No!" was the emphatic response, "Why should I ask him, he would not want to join you in no quest, you English type."

Arthur was baffled. "Well, what are you then, may I ask?”

"I'm French, monsieur. Why do you think I have dis outrageous accent, you silly buffoon of a king!?"

"So what are you doing in England then?" asked the innocent Galahad, "the Normans haven't conquered yet have they?"

"Mind your own busyness all of you!" said the guard.

"Well, you don't have to be so rude about it!" Bedievere said.

"Why should I listen to you, silly kingnettes!" said the guard. "You don't frighten me, sniff, I blow my nose at you and I fart in your general direction I do, phew!" He proceeded to stick out his tongue, waved his axe dangerously over the edge, then flashed his bare bottom over them. "Now go before I taunt you a second time, you horrible Englishmen!

"Guardes, venez fetchez la vache!" called the guard, "Attack the English!"

"Run away!" shouted Arthur who fled with all of his men.

"Oh come on Father!" yelled Wyn, "Is this really necessary again?!" And so not wanting to find out what "la vache" was, she ran after them.

Sure enough, Arthur and his men went in separate directions and were completely lost in a dark and very overgrown part of the woods. Only their flames bobbed up and down as they ran all over the place, down hills, through creeks and getting all of their clothes and armor quite muddy.

"This is ridiculous!" called out Princess Wyn and whistled with all her might, startling some birds including an owl in a low branch. At once Arthur then Galahad, Lancelot, Bedievere and Robin all came running out and huddled in a circle around Wyn.

"Let's all just try to find a place to stay the night. I'm tired, I have helmet hair and if I don't get my sleep soon I will be royally pissed off!" she shouted, letting the last thing she said roll.

"You heard the Princess men!" said Arthur, “Let's work together and scout out a safe place to repose.” Nothing could be seen at the outside. But after walking a few yards, they soon saw a small hill.

"Let's look there," said Sir Robin.

The hill was no mere hill for when they peered around the backside of it, there was a small cave guarded by a single tree above its entry way.

"We'll check to see if any animals are using it for its home," and Lancelot and Bedievere ducked inside. They came out shortly afterward.

"Its empty," they said, shining their torches into the mouth of the cave. "We can all stay here, it’s safe enough." They led the way inside and the rest followed. Each made up his own bed, stoked a small fire and settled down for the night. Most of them fell asleep upon the instant, but it was Arthur and Wyn who were still wide awake.

"Father," asked Wyn, "Do you really believe in the Graal?  I mean, do you think we will find it?"

"Of course I do Wynnie," said Arthur reassuring her, "I believe in it with all of my heart. I know we will find it."

"I just wanted to hear you say it Papa, good night." Wyn snuggled into her animal hides and closed her eyes.

"Good night. I will have you to thank for finding it with me, my darling girl," King Arthur whispered and he too fell asleep with a noticeable grin upon his face.

Part 4

Upon the morrow, King Arthur, Princess Wyn and the knights were more at ease. They had had a pleasant night's sleep, tucked up in the warmth of the cave, and were ready for any new adventures they would surely be involved in on this fine, sunny day.

Arthur was lost in thought, finding it difficult to separate the sweet little girl who had ridden on his knee and always asked him for stories from the headstrong woman that was standing before him and proving herself to be quite a diplomat and clear thinker in times of stress. He wondered how anyone would be the same after embarking on this quest and hoped that there would be no more harsh trials ahead. They would find the Graal, there was no question about it.

Soon the landscape changed, opening out into wide green open fields and valleys. They had escaped the dark clutches of the great woods at last and continued on. Just ahead of them, they spotted several large rocks clustered together. Looking down into one valley, they soon realized the stones were placed in some kind of strange formation. An avenue appeared that seemed to lead right into the heart of the vast circle of stones.

"Father, I have heard about this place. This is one of many sites where giant stones were hauled from afar and set into place by our ancestors to conduct their rituals. We are now on sacred land for this is Avebury."

 "How do you know so much about Avebury without ever having gone so far before?" asked her befuddled father.

"I have read many of the scrolls and parchment papers in your private study, Father. And Merlyn has related to me much about the old sites and the old ways too."

"He has, has he? Why am I not surprised!" Arthur said shaking his head. Merlyn was always telling his wild stories about the ancient gods and the practices of the peoples that came before them. Deep down, he was glad that Wynnie took an interest in their land’s history.  

"Let's go and see the Avebury circle for ourselves," and Wyn approached the avenue laid out before them.

The troop followed her down, passing stones that seemed to reach into the heavens, looking as old as the very sky itself. As they came closer, they realized they were going down into a small valley were the stone circle lay. This valley encompassed lands as far as the eye could see. The grass was so green all around them with bright yellow and white flowers sticking out and showing their colors. The further they approached, a sense of calm fell over the friends and the air stirred as if it were alive with energy. This was truly a sacred site and they all felt they should keep silent as the stone circle materialized at last.

All were amazed by this grand manmade feat of strength and versatility. The stones were perfectly aligned, equally spaced apart to form one great circle. They all stopped on the outskirts of the circle for fear that they would disrupt the sacred silence that pervaded this site. They were too much in awe, for they had never encountered such a place before. So deserted, so strange, even the trees around them seemed to shift and move with their roots twisting like snakes.

Wyn raised up the arm that held her sword and quietly whispered, "Oh Great and Ancient Ones, give us a sign to show us what we should do next to pursue the Graal." She then let her words drift off to mingle with the air that floated above the stones and whistled around her head.

"Look Sire!" and everyone turned in the direction that Lancelot was pointing towards. For there before them, standing in the direct center of the stone circle, was a figure that they all recognized.

"It is she! It can't be!" Lancelot uttered.

But it was! For there they all beheld the benevolent figure of Nimue, the Lady of the Lake herself. Her right hand cupped the Graal.

"What can this mean?" Bedievere asked, "Perhaps she has the Graal with her?"

"No, I don't think that's it," Arthur said, "but maybe she knows of its whereabouts. Why didn't think of this before? Come Men, let us go to Brue and have a meeting with the Lady to see if she would provide us with some aide." As soon as he said this, the vision evaporated leaving them in the presence of the stones again.

"I've never met the Lady of the Lake before, is she really all that wonderful as Merlyn and you have told me?" asked Wyn.

"Why, yes my darling. Do remember that she was the one that bestowed Excalibur upon me, and she has helped counsel me in many ventures when Merlyn was off on his own escapades around the Continent. She is one of our greatest allies and has knowledge of other worlds beyond the veil. You will catch your first glimpse of the Isle of Avalon, home to the Magic Ones!"

And so Arthur and Wyn led their brave knights down another narrow avenue of standing stones, weathered by time, and out into the open fields again past Avebury. They spent the afternoon admiring the rolling hills, the groves of trees crowning their tops and the happy trickling streams that flowed across the lands. Soon they encountered what appeared to be a rather conically shaped hill that rose above any of the other hills of Wessex. It was a strange sight, but Arthur knew it well.

"There," he said, "lies Avalon."

Everyone soon made their way down to Brue where a vast lake lay, for this was where the Lady called her home. They spied the Isle of Avalon, so close now that they could practically touch it, and marveled at its unusual shape. It was indeed a place that many had whispered about and told fantastic tales concerning faeries and the gods. Even the humble market town of Glestinburg or Ynes Witrin, "The Isle of Glass", the so-called "Isle of Apples", was considered a blessed place where many groups of people called it home, Pagan and Christian alike.

Arthur stood by the bank, listening to the waves lapping the shore and called out, "My Lady of the Lake, I implore you—please help us in locating the Holy Graal. Show us the way to it and we will be a thousand times grateful."

The waters stirred and churned about and there The Lady of the Lake rose to greet them all.

"Hello, Arthur, King of the Britons. I was expecting you. You seek the Graal, I knew you would, and glad of it. Come, I will show you how to reach it." She floated effortlessly above the waters and stretched out her hand.

"Follow the river that flows out from my lake and there you will be led to an islet just touching the shores of Avalon. Believe in the Graal, Arthur, and before you will stand a castle whose gardens surround it on all sides. You will know the way, you will feel it, so follow your instincts and soon you will find yourself in a grove shadowed by hawthorns. There, attended by priestess maidens stoking the sacred flame, you will find a well. And in the depths of that well is where the Graal is hidden."

The knights were enchanted by the Lady's words and held their breaths. Arthur did the same. Wyn knew victory was within their grasp.

"But how will we get there without a..." and before them, floating to the shore, was a sturdy vessel.

"I believe this is what you require, Your Majesty" said the Lady. "Take this boat and do as I say. I know you will find the Graal, Arthur, just be ready for the consequences that will come by obtaining it. Safe travels to you all!

"But be forewarned, the Graal will test you. Listen to your heart, for it will tell you which path to choose to obtain the Graal, and to whom the Graal favors."

"What do you mean?" Arthur inquired.

"Only this: that the Graal will choose one of you who is worthy to take it in their hands and sip its life flowing waters. You will know it by finding the Graal within." She then started to dissipate like mist before their eyes.

"Remember, Arthur, find the Graal within..." the Lady's voice was heard over the lake as she vanished from sight.

The enchanted vessel could only hold a few at a time and so Arthur, Wyn, Lancelot and Bedievere stepped inside. The boat, without any prodding, set off on its own course and flowed away at a great speed.

The crew came upon a distant shore where a waterfall flowed into the great river they had traveled up on. Stepping out onto the rocky shore, the boat spun around and fled back from whence they came. Within moments, it returned carrying Galahad and Robin. The two came out and stood with the rest.

"My, she does know her stuff, doesn't she? Has her hand with magic, she does," said Robin. Galahad was stunned, for he was still so young, only a few years older than the Princess, but still so inexperienced with the ways of the world.

"Now what do we do?" Galahad asked, "just wait until we see this here castle appear?"

"No," Wyn said, "you heard what the Lady of the Lake said: we must believe in the power of the Graal for it is to show itself to us. Close your eyes!" she demanded. And all did as she asked.

"Now, picture the Graal, see in your mind, hidden in a well, in a grove surrounded by maidens...head out of the gutter Lancelot...behind the most beautiful castle, apart from Camelot, that you have ever seen. Focus!" Everyone did as the Princess ordered. They took her more seriously now that she was guiding them on their way to the Graal, she was almost like them, almost but not quite a knight yet.

Then a light shone forth through the fog which began to dissipate altogether. It was unclear at first, but soon they could see the outline of a great structure, unlike one they had ever seen before, all surrounded with fresh green life cascading in rows and orchards. There was such a bounty of flowers in all of the colors of the rainbow that made the whole place a marvel to behold. It was the Graal Castle at last; journey's end had come!

Part 5

And so our brave heroes arrived at the threshold of the Graal Castle. They meandered through its lush surrounding gardens of flowers, trees and sweet-smelling plants that overtook the entirety of the castle grounds. It was as if an exotic jungle had sprung up all around them, one they had heard about from distant lands, for everything from snowdrops to roses and primroses and sunflowers, from every season of the year, all grew as one in this seemingly enchanted garden.

At last they found themselves entering a solemn and sacred grove. Down one long pathway surrounded by spring blossoms, they ducked under several towering apple trees whose bowers, full of the bright fruits of the Otherworld, swept the tops of their helmets like gentle broomsticks. There, at the bottom of a flight of stone steps, they beheld the legendary Chalice Well with the eternally glowing flame of Avalon standing beside it. As expected, the Well was attended by maiden priestesses who kept watch night and day to make sure the sacred flame was kept alight, and the Well was protected against unwanted intruders. Only pilgrims were welcome here.  

The priestesses sensed their presence and looked up to find the weary travelers, saying as one, "Welcome King Arthur and company! Please come forward, no harm will come to you here as long as you follow your heart, and you hear it speak to you back. Enter our sacred grove!"

Everyone slowly crept down into the inner sanctum single file where the holy well lay before them. Here was where the Holy Graal was kept. The Knights huddled together and stood in awe, their mouths gaping open, for they had never seen such a place of immense beauty as this. They all laid down their arms and helmets before the Well.  

"Now Father," Princess Wyn whispered, "Remember what the Lady of the Lake said, that we have to be cautious about our actions, or else we will lose the Graal forever."

"Yes, quite right my darling. Let us close our eyes and picture the Graal in our mind's eye just as we did before. Men, follow along with us!" And so Arthur and Wyn let their eyelids shut and the Knights did the same. And they all conjured up the Graal.

"Men, remember, the Graal is not a thing of beauty, it is the cup of a carpenter to remind yourselves of our Lord's humility. The Chalice is but a simple wooden vessel. Humble yourselves as He did and remember the Goddess of this land is watching over us." And so all did as their King advised.

Suddenly, a spirit descended, hovering over all. Some of the knights fell back with fear, others praised its glorious appearance, while Arthur and Wyn stood transfixed. The priestesses lifted up their arms in salutation. The spirit then disappeared as abruptly as it had entered.

Three chalices stood upon the very ledge where the angelic spirit had just moments before made its presence known. All three of the vessels were different and unique: the first, a chalice made up of the purest and clearest glass; the second, a shining goblet of gold; and the third, a cup made of wood, no more and no less, that seemed to have stood the test of time. But which was the Holy Graal itself?

King Arthur remembered he had to choose wisely or else his fate was sealed forever. He wanted with all of his heart to choose the right cup and so reached out towards the Well. Then he stopped and turned to his daughter. He looked at her thoughtfully. She had been the true leader of this quest, the one who listened to others and negotiated on her friends' behalf, even her father's. The one who led them away from harm's path and safely brought them here to the foot of Chalice Well.

He nodded his head in affirmation and said, "Daughter, you choose the Graal."

"What?" said Princess Wyn astonished. "No Father, I'm not worthy, you are the King, you should choose the Graal not I."

The King shook his head. "You are the worthy one, my darling. You have helped us along the entire route to get here. It is you, Wynnie, who should choose the Graal," and with that Arthur stepped back.

Wyn looked at her father and then turned to her friends, the noble knights, and they all nodded their heads and bowed towards Wyn, some encouraging her to do the right thing. It did not take long for Wyn to decide. She took a deep breath and said, "I choose the third vessel, made of wood, for that is the one true Graal." Instantly, the two other vessels vanished, leaving the wooden one to rise over the Well and hover over all. It floated in the direction of the Princess and as it neared her she grasped it in her hand.

The Holy Graal had been found at last! Wyn held the most scared wooden chalice aloft in the air, looking it over, letting the moment sink in. Everything almost to disappear around her, the gardens, the Well, the knights and her father. She was about to take the Cup to her lips when she saw her father out of the corner of her eye. It did not feel right that she should receive all of the glory and not share it with the others. She knew her own mind and her own strength; she had accomplished so much on this great adventure that she felt that she did not need the Holy Graal to prove herself to anyone, the least of all herself.

At that moment, she realized what the Lady of the Lake had meant, "to find the Graal within." She closed her eyes and sighed. She had indeed found her own Graal, it was her own spirit! She started to cry and knew what she had to do.

Wyn raised the cup in her right hand and with a heaving motion, tossed it high into the air in the direction of the Well. She saw it float above her until it slowly sank into the depths of the waters far below.

"Daughter, what have you done?" Arthur yelled, "You have lost the Graal for good!" He ran up to the Well and looked into its swirling waters, seeing it disappear far, far below descending into the very heart of the earth itself.

Wyn came up to her father and simply said, "No Father, we do not need the Graal to find it within our own hearts. That was what Nimue was trying to tell us this whole time. We have to find the Graal within us... our spirits, our life force that keeps us going; our determination, our compassion, our drive, our empathy towards others, our love and many more wonders. These are what make up our own Graal. For as long as we believe in ourselves, the Graal is never lost from us, for it is always with us."

For once, Arthur, King of the Britons, could not voice how he felt. He stood next to the young woman he no longer recognized, no longer a girl but quite a woman, a Princess, a Warrior and a Knight. He simply embraced his daughter.

"I would not want you to change for the world. You have made me so proud to be called your father, thank you," he said kissing her on each cheek and the top of her forehead. "I see that you are no longer the little girl who used to sit on my lap asking for stories to be told. You are now a woman; a brave, strong and intelligent one just like your mother. You deserve the right to be a Knight of the Round Table" And with that Wyn gave her father an even bigger hug. They embraced for what seemed like an eternity, only broken by the gentle lapping of the waters of the Well deep in the womb of the earth Herself.

"Princess," said the two priestesses who now stood before Arthur and Wyn. "Kneel please," and Wyn did as she was asked. They lifted up their hands in benediction and laid them upon the Princess' shoulders. "Let it be known throughout the Isle of Avalon and our sacred lands, that this noble one, Princess Wyn of Camelot, has chosen wisely. She is a friend to man and Nature and a wise follower of the Goddess. Therefore, we give her our blessing as an honorary priestess of the Graal. Rise fair Wyn, and know you are always welcome in our sisterhood." The Princess bowed before the priestesses and rose slowly to look them in the eye with a smile in her heart that matched the one that appeared across her face.

"Father, I think it is time for us to go home," said Wyn.

"Yes daughter, I believe you are right. Lead on." Everyone gathered their helmets, weapons and shields, as Wyn led the party out of the sacred grove with the priestesses waving farewell. Wyn turned around and waved back and thought she imagined the humble image of the Lady of the Lake also bidding her adieu for now. They traversed back through the gardens and witnessed the Graal Castle, amidst all of the blooming foliage and fountains of trees, disappear into the mysterious mists that surrounded Avalon. Their boat lay in the waters by the waterfall where they had left it and Wyn, Arthur, Lancelot and Bedievere first climbed aboard.

The boat sailed past the Tor that was the focal point of the Isle of Avalon. The crew looked up and saw a few revelers at the very peak of the hill enjoying their soon-to-be May Day revels. The bright moon shone over everyone and seemed to beam down her gentle rays on the party, blessing them with the power and the wisdom of the Goddess. Wyn felt the proudest of them all.

As soon as they had landed by the lake of the Lady, the boat swung back and in no time at all returned with the rest of Arthur's knights. They beheld a tent crafted of the silkiest gossamer, and as they were tired, pulled back the curtains and found a series of beds laid out and ready for them. The Princess had her own private suite near the back, and soon everyone had fallen fast asleep, ready for their long journey home upon the morrow.

Part 6

The next morning, after sleeping in hours after sunrise, all felt more at ease and quite refreshed from their slumber. They took their time preparing their gear and enjoyed a magnificent breakfast laid out for them by the Lady of the Lake. All raised their cups to toast the health of their brave Princess with a hearty, “Wassail!”

After they had partaken of their meal, they were ready for their departure back through the great woods. It did not seem as menacing as before, in fact the sun seemed to shine in all of the right places leading them ever onward. They had no more dealings with forest spirits, naughty French guards or any sort of trouble for that matter. Arthur let Wyn lead the way back home, and before long they soon found a shortcut that led through a pleasant glen.

"Look sire, Camelot!" and sure enough they saw the shining towers of their fair castle atop its hilltop (which yes vaguely looked smaller than that of Warwick Castle now that you mention it).

As soon as word went out that Arthur and his retinue were returning home, a great cheer rang out from atop all of the battlements of the castle, glad for the happy return of their King! Guenevere met her husband past the portcullis and bathed him in a thousand kisses and hugs and soon was embracing both Arthur and Wyn at once. The proud father and his warriors were led into the Hall of the Round Table to tell of their adventures. Soon news spread throughout the court of the Princess' bravery, leadership and wisdom in the quest for the Holy Graal. No one minded that the Chalice itself was lost, for they realized that they always had their own Graals within them the whole time.

Arthur called for his organizers of the feast and summoned all of his messengers to spread the news far and wide that on May Day, at precisely noon, a grand celebration of feasting and merrymaking would take place! All would be witness to the beginning of Summer and the honorable knighting ceremony of their brave Princess!

May Eve was awash with activity as the castle kitchens roared to life. The smells of roasting meats and vegetables, perfumed with savory herbs, filled every inch of the castle. The best plates and cutlery were laid out atop long tables hauled into the throne room while attendants set up all manner of flags and banners to make the whole occasion a most festive one. Flowers were strung into garlands that reached down from every pedestal. It was to be the best ceremony yet, only outdone by the feasts during Christmastide!  

Finally May Day arrived in all its splendor. Soon the entire court and everyone from the nearby villages and kingdoms descended upon Camelot, filling the royal throne room to the brim. Never had it been so packed as this. At once the trumpets sounded, and King Arthur and Queen Guenevere strode down the center of the hall to stand below the royal dais. Merlyn the Enchanter accompanied Arthur while all of the Knights of the Round Table stood by their lord. Then more trumpets sounded and accompanied by two pages, Princess Wyn entered the hall in a polished suit of armor, her shining helmet held under the crook of her arm.

"Kneel please," asked Arthur of his daughter, and she obliged. "My royal subjects, friends and loyal citizens, welcome to May Day in this year of our Lord. We are gathered together to witness history in the making. As we stand here as one, in the sight of the Gods, I now ask this fair young lady, who is my daughter, to take the pledge of knighthood. Princess Wynflaed of Camelot," Arthur said, "Will you abide by the laws of chivalry to do good, protect the innocent and never stray from the path of justice and righteousness?"

"I do Fath..., Sire!" Wyn said, bowing her head.

Arthur then took the shining blade of Excalibur from out of his magic scabbard. "Then by the powers given to me, and by the grace of the gods," he said, laying the sword first on her right shoulder, her left then right again, "I, King Arthur of the Britons, hereby proclaim on this day that henceforth you will be known as Her Royal Highness the Princess Wynflaed, and Lady Artemis, after the Goddess of the hunt, Knight of the Round Table!" He lifted his sword on high for all to see and a great cheer rose up from the crowd!

"Hail Princess Wynflaed, Knight of the Round Table!" "Hail Lady Artemis!" “Go Wyn!”

"Three cheers for Lady Artemis!" called Sir Lancelot, "Hip, Hip, Hooray!" and the call rang out from every inch of the hall threefold.

Wyn rose and hugged her father, who opened his arms wide to receive her, while her mother the Queen dabbed her eyes with her handkerchief and embraced her daughter as well. Everyone shouted with joy to honor the first female knight in the court of Camelot! Everyone was smiling and shouting together, even Merlyn was beaming. This was indeed a great day to celebrate!

For the rest of May Day, the court feasted and danced and drank to their hearts’ content. Traveling minstrels strummed their lutes while stout hurdy gurdies pumped out their tunes.  A group of mummers performed their ancient beribboned dances amidst smoot-smeared faces. Nimue was invited and praised the Princess most highly. And Merlyn was in such an enchanted mood that he willed fireballs to life that exploded up to the high ceilings. The celebrations continued into the night and the next two days thereafter.

And so we must leave this merry gathering from times long past, where commoner and royal alike feasted as one, where peace and justice reigned in a land full of magic and wonder. A land where Arthur, King of the Britons, and his fair Queen Guenevere looked upon their daughter, Lady Artemis, or the Princess Wyn, with newfound admiration and love.

The End