CHAPTER ELEVEN
Allan Meets a Stranger
The noble cortege, after the first day's hunt, continued on itsjourney.
It had reached Leek, in Stafford on the morn of the fifth day ere wordcame of Sir Tristram. Here, was heard from some, Sir Tristram was thenon way to Scotland, and from still others, that he was bound forKinkenadon in Wales.
"By my faith," spoke Sir Gawaine, "there are none that are more readyto testify to Sir Tristram's greatness and ability, too. Yet still,have I many doubts as to his being both on way to Scotland and toWales as well."
"If it were left to me," said Sir Dagonet, "I would hie me to Ireland.A likely spot to find him, say I. For there are none who have saidthat they know of the good knight's journey thitherward."
"We, for ourselves, think it best," the king interrupted, "to tarryhere this day. Our comrade, Pellimore, expresses great desire to haveus partake of his hospitality and we are fain, so to do. What sayyou?"
"It were wisdom to do so, methinks," agreed Sir Percival. "Tomorrowwe may find here some further news of Sir Tristram's way."
"Aye, sir knights," added Sir Launcelot, "for we need must knowwhether we continue our travel north or west from this point."
So all of them were housed within the castle walls. And Sir Pellimorespread bounteous feast before his guests at midday for he held it highhonor to be host to such as these.
Now, as the repast had been completed, Allan grew restless. He was ofa mind to ride forth and so craved permission from Sir Percival whogave ready consent.
Forth he went and rode for many an hour. And then, since the day hadgreat heat, he found himself turn drowsy. Thereupon finding apleasant, shaded spot, he quickly made a couch of cedar boughs andsoon was fast asleep.
It seemed to the boy he had slept but few moments when his eyes openedwide with the certainty that other eyes were directed upon him. Norwas this mere fancy nor dream. Near him sat a monk, and from under theblack hood the face that peered forth at him was gaunt, cadaverous,with eyes that seemed to burn straight through the lad. But for theeyes, this figure could well have been carven, so still and immovabledid it sit there and gaze at the youth. Nor did the monk speak farmany minutes even though he must have known that the boy was awake andwatching him.
The sun now hung low in the sky. Allan knew that he must have beenasleep for at least two hours. He knew, too, that he should rise andreturn to the castle, since the hour was already late and his timeoverspent. Yet did the monk's eyes hold him to the spot. Nor was thething that held him there fear; rather could it be described as thefeeling one has before a devout, sacred and holy presence. Despite theholy man's unworthy aspect he inspired no fear in the lad.
"Allan, boy," and the lad wondered that the monk knew him by name,"two things I know have been chief in your thoughts these days." Kindlywas the monk's tone. "What then are these two things?"
No thought had the boy of the oddness of the monk's words, nor of hisquestions. Nor of the fact that the monk seemed to be there present.Somehow, the whole of it took on some great purport. Allan stoppednot to wonder, which the two things the monk mentioned were uppermostin his mind but straightway made reply.
"Strange monk, I think and dream of the Holy Grail. And think too ofYosalinde, sister to my Lord Percival. And of naught else so much. Butpray you, holy father, who are you?
"Truth, lad. As to who I am or as to where I come, know you this. Icome to you from that same place as do all dreams.
"Aye lad. Dreaming and fancying shall ever be yours. These son, shallbring you the visions of tomorrow and many another day.
"I have come to tell you this, lad. But two years or more and youshall start in earnest on your search for the Grail. And whether youfind the same, I shall not and cannot say, for the finding depends onyou. The way shall be hard, youth of many dreams, though you will havehelp and guidance, too. But the great inspiration for it all shallcome to you from the second of these, your two big thoughts.
"I sought you many a day, lad. Merlin has sounded the message for meto all the knights of Britain. Once before, years ago, I came to findthe likely seeker for the Grail and thought that I had found him. Yetdid the crucible's test find some alloy and so I had need to comeagain.
"Then," said Allan but barely comprehending, "you are none other thanSir Joseph of Armathea."
"Lad, it matters not as to who and what I am. It is of you, we are nowconcerned. Dear, dear, lad, they shall name you again and the namewhich shall be yours shall ever after be symbolic with the very bestthat manhood holds."
"Go your way, now. For I must speak with many more this day ere Ireturn. A knight comes but now, with whom I must hold counsel. And Iwould fain speak to him, alone."
"True, father, I had best go. For Sir Percival will think methoughtless, if not worse. As to what you have said, I can do but thatbest which is in me and ever seek to make that best better. And so, Iask your blessing."
The boy knelt. The monk, lean, black cowled, eyes glowing with a lightthat held the supernatural, placed hand upon the boy's head and gavehim blessing. So then the boy mounted horse and was away.
He rode hard for he held great anxiety to return quickly. And all thetime he rode he thought of the things the strange monk had told him,Some of it, he did not altogether understand. That was because of hisyouthfulness. It was to come back to him when many months had passed.This however, he knew, he was destined to make search for the HolyGrail. For so, the holy man had ordained.
Sir Percival, a bit anxious, was waiting for the lad when he returned.
"I went far and then fell asleep," Allan explained. "Nor did I awakenuntil the sun hung low." He did not speak of the meeting with themonk.
"It is well you are back, lad. For I was fast growing worried over thelateness of your return. Turn in then. I wot not, but that food willbe found for you on which you can sup. Sir Launcelot went forth somehours ago. I fancy he went in search of you, though he would not admitthis to be the purpose of his departure."