491 - Cornwall Part II

The rest of this year was spent in Cornwall garrisoning Terrabil, but it was far from dull.
Soon after Madoc had been buried, Uther announced his intention to marry Ygraine and much time, effort and expensive were spent on this grand event. Now the marriage was of no surprise, but many felt that stopping the Saxons was the priority, but strangely enough no one stepped up to argue the point.

Our companions attended this regal affair many noted how splendidly and fashionably dressed Ferroth & Arawain were with their accompanying wives. The event was as expected, an extravagant affair and one which the knights much enjoyed. Sir Ferroth was particularly busy, as by the end of it he had engaged in a liaison with the sultry Lady Drew. Who later he discovered had a rather jealous husband whom had despatched two previous lovers in duels. He also found himself challenged to a duel by Sir Baran who was demanding the blood price of Sir Scot his nephew, a knight whom Ferroth had earlier killed.

After the wedding celebrations the duel was fought and though Sir Baran was an experienced knight he was forced to yield to Sir Ferroth and left both bitter and without his money. Sir Ferroth also continued to rendezvous with Lady Drew when an opportunity arouse.

A curious Midsummer’s tale
For various reasons we shall not cover here Sir Arawain’s family have always favoured worshipping the gods of the sea. Whilst in Cornwall Sir Arawain had ventured to the beach to perform his mid-summer sacrifice which he had just completed when he heard a faint cry for help. Sir Arawain looked up but could see no obvious person in distress, as he continued to follow the pleas for help he came upon a most unusual sight. There before him washed upon the beach was a large golden fish, which appeared to be gasping its last breaths. For whatever reason and without hesitation Arawain lifted this mighty and magical creature and returned it to the water. Arawain watched on as the fish disappeared beneath the waves. Several moments later the creature burst from the water and flipped a golden seashell onto the beach, it then spoke. “I thank yee o’just and valorous knight, take this and should thee be challenged by sea, lake or stream cast it into thy water”. Sir Arawain slightly though slightly perturbed decided this must be a good omen, but Then just

The Heirloom
After the wedding celebration Sir Donnacht was approached by Sir Saxe his former father in-law, Sir Saxe wished Donnacht to perform a quest. When Sir Saxe had been driven from his lands by the Saxons he had journeyed to Salisbury. This trip took him through Perdue Forest and on the journey he and his party were set upon by an evil hag. The hag slew several men and dragged off Sir Saxe’s squire. Sir Saxe wished to pursue the beast but was forced to continue his journey to ensure the safety of his daughter. He explained that he has returned several time to try and find and slay the beast but was never successful. He wished Sir Donnacht to find and kill this beast but not just for vengeance, but also to recover a helmet that his squire had been carrying. Which was a family heirloom and now rightfully belongs to Sir Donnachts first son. Sir Donnacht agreed once his duties allowed.

The Arrest
Whilst on garrison duty at Terrabil they were called to attend Sir Thebert, a knight from Marlboro and temporary Castellan of Castle Terrabil. He asked them to go and arrest a stubborn knight who refused to go to Tintagel to have his lands and station reviewed by Uther. Sir Thebert had apparently sent some men at arms and they had returned soundly beaten. The knights accepted the request and soon got underway. The journey was without event and they had soon arrived at the rebellious knight’s manor. As they rode to the knight’s hall they found their path was barred by a knight and two mounted sergeants. The knight demanded that they identify themselves and the reason for trespassing on his lands. Sir Arawain identified himself and his companions and explained their presence, to which the knight laughed and removed his helm. Before them was Sir Gerreth a knight whom Arawain and his companions were friendly with. Sir Arawain greeted the knight warmly and asked for hospitality so they could discuss this matter as friends. Sir Gerreth treated them well and they enjoyed a good meal and some fine wine. Sir Gerreth said how good it was to enjoy a meal with such valorous and just knights and what an honour it had been to have fought with them. Sir Arawain bought up the matter at hand and Gerreth explained that his honour would not allow him to bend his knee to the murderous dog Uther. He also asked how they could severe such a traitorous and lecherous King. After a heated debate where they both argued their point and with much regret it was decided to settle that matter by combat.

The dual was fought nobly by both sides, with Gerreth easily besting Arawain at the lance, Arawain changed tactics and dismounted drawing his sword. Sir Gerreth answered the challenge but his swordsmanship was no match for Arawain’s, even so Gerreth refused to yield. Finally Arawain struck him a mighty blow which felled Gerreth. Arawain was much relieved to find his friend not dead but unconscious. The companions waited at the manor for several days whilst Sir Gerreth wounds were tended by his sister and staff and he was made ready to travel. He made good his word and went with knights as their prisoner and was in turn thrown into the dungeons at Terrabil.

The knights wintered in Cornwall but Roderick visited giving gifts to his men, Arawain and his companions and Sir Jaradan were given extra praise.

Sir Donnacht also received a reinforced chain shirt from the Earl as wedding gift for marrying the troublesome pagan, Lady Nuane.