Return to Camelot
Nate picked up the book he'd poured over in the wild rush to find Ray - The Complete Arthurian Legends. He smiled at Ray and pointed out the author. Ray gasped and grinned at Nate. "Sir James Highwood!"
"I never paid attention to this before," Nate said. "I remember coming across lots of knights' accounts in my research, but I feel like I would have remembered a name like this. You inspired him, Ray."
Ray smiled, turning the book over in his hands. "Maybe I shouldn't say this, but I'm glad I influenced him to do this. It's... satisfying, somehow."
Nate nodded. "I get that." He smirked. "A little ironic, too."
"How so?"
"I spent years of my life arguing that Camelot was a legend, not a history. And apparently, the whole time one of my direct ancestors spent years recording the stories of this 'imaginary' kingdom."
Ray laughed - maybe a little too much, and Nate gave him a mock irritated look. "Aw, come on, you have to admit it's pretty funny."
"I admit nothing," Nate said, getting another laugh from Ray. "So," Nate said, nodding at the book. "What do you think? Still rather not know how you're remembered in the fairy tales? Or do you want to take a peek?"
Ray thought about it for a few seconds. Then he smiled at Nate. "Oh, what the heck? Why not?"
Ray sat next to Nate at the large table, opened the book to The Reign of the Goode King Carson, and started to read.
Excerpt from The Complete Arthurian Legends, by Sir James Highwood.
The Death of the Goode King Carson
Then the Goode King Carson did beckon to Constantine. "Protect him. And protect Camelot, High King Constantine." Constantine did swear to this, and King Carson spake a final command to James - to give a message to his brother at arms from the East should he return. Only when James gave his word, did King Carson give up the ghost.
King Constantine and Sir James were sorely grieved, and wept for loss of their king. Yet their sorrow was doubly great soon thereafter. For spare minutes after the Goode King's death, a group of bandits did accost them. The twain fought fiercely, but they were exhausted from the battle against the vile Mordred, and wearied by grief.
One bandit bested Sir James, and would fain have struck him down. King Constantine, remembering his vow, pleaded for the life of the young knight. He vowed he would no longer fight against them, if they would but spare the lad's life. He revealed that Sir James had a rare illness, and even a blow to the head or a chance strike of a blade could easily kill him. The bandits relented, and though they smote the king to unconsciousness, they but tied James and blindfolded him.
When the bandits had gone, James struggled out of his bonds and discovered the body of their beloved king had been carried away. Then the twain then did grieve again, most bitterly, for the loss of the chance to give King Carson a proper burial. When the battle was over, King Constantine called for a search for the ruffians. Yet when they could not be found, nor any sign of the king's remains, they carried some of his most valued possessions to the tomb in his stead.
Sir James, who was closest to King Carson, did choose what items to leave there. His coronation tunic, his suit of armor, and a book that was most precious to him, all covered by his gleaming shield, made the head of the procession in absence of the body. Yet did the Archbishop bless these things in his stead, at the behest of the High King.
The procession of mourners was great in number. Many of the barons who had lent aide to Camelot were in attendance, in addition to his faithful knights and even all those servants who could be spared from the castle. Even King Arthur and Queen Guinevere did return to Camelot to bid King Carson farewell.
When the tomb was sealed, King Constantine made speech to the full company of knights, courtiers and other mourners there gathered. The High King spoke of King Carson's bravery, his unfailing loyalty to Camelot and her people, and his willingness to forgive those who had wronged him. His emotion was so great that many - the High King included - did weep as he spoke of the Goode King.
"High King Carson was a shining example of what it means to serve Camelot. He lived and died as he vowed he would. All that he was, he gave for Camelot. For us. He was our king but a few brief seasons, yet I have no doubt that he will be sorely missed by all who knew him. I only hope that I may serve you with some small part of the wisdom and virtue he embodied.
"Fare thee well, High King Carson. May you rest peacefully forever in the Hands of God."
Fin