Sword of Camelot Read Online Free PDF Page B

king?” Josh asked.
    â€œIn the morning. He will be here then.” He saw the look on Wash's face and smiled. “Oh, that's not magic or foretelling. I have been gone on a long journey myself, and as soon as I returned I was told of your capture. Then a messenger arrived saying that King Dion and the royal family will be back tomorrow morning.”
    â€œWhat can you tell us about Camelot?” Dave asked. “We don't know anything except that there's some sort of trouble.”
    Elendar studied the five young men, and there was pain in his eyes. “This has been a very happy, peaceful place, this Camelot. King Dion's father had trouble with his mind, perhaps—but when he built the kingdom, atleast he copied a fairly good model. For if you know the story of King Arthur, you remember that he valued honesty, courage, and purity.”
    â€œWe've read the stories,” Josh said, “but the place still looks a little fantastic. Is this really like those days when King Arthur ruled a kingdom?”
    â€œPretty much. We have all the trappings of that society. We have knights and ladies and, believe it or not, even something very close to what were called ‘dragons’ in the old mythology—frightening beasts—some sort of mutant from the days after the Burning.”
    Suddenly Elendar arose, went to the door, and knocked. Turning, he said, “Tomorrow, then, you will meet the king. Afterward I am sure we will have more time.”
    The door opened, he left, it clanged shut.
    Josh turned to the others and said with relief, “Well, I'm sure glad he's on our side!”

4
Trial by Combat
    E lendar was prompt to keep his promise. At eleven o'clock the next day he appeared in their cell, announcing, “The royal family is waiting to receive you.”
    As Elendar led the boys out of their cell and turned right, Josh asked, “Have you talked to the king about us?”
    â€œYes. I have told him that you are to be trusted. However, the Sword of Camelot is a stubborn man and must make up his own mind.”
    He took them through a maze of corridors and up two flights of steps to a door that was guarded by two husky soldiers in armor. Without speaking to them, Elendar motioned, and they stepped aside. He entered, and the group followed him.
    Josh looked around curiously, having time only to note that it was not an ornate room. There was a large table in the middle, where four people were seated. Against one wall stood a large cabinet, and the high windows were draped with crimson draperies having the name “Camelot” embroidered on them.
    â€œSire, these are the servants of Goel.” Elendar called off their names.
    And as he did, Josh studied the royal family.
    The king was reaching old age. Like Elendar, he had silver hair, but his skin was wrinkled and his hands were not completely steady. He was tall and somewhat stooped, even at the table. However, he had a regal bearing that impressed Josh.
    The queen—Queen Mauve—who sat beside him, was an attractive older woman with silver hair and brown eyes. She was younger than her husband apparently, and she watched them with interest.
    Across from her sat two young people. The girl was introduced as Princess Elaine. She was, Josh thought, very beautiful, with blonde hair and blue eyes. Beside her, Prince Loren stared at them curiously. He had flaming red hair and dark blue eyes, and there was pride in his bearing.
    â€œSo, you claim to be the servants of Goel?” King Dion said in a strong voice. “But you have no evidence.”
    â€œN-no, Your Majesty,” Josh stammered. “We had hoped to meet him here, and I'm sure he'll come eventually.”
    King Dion looked Josh over carefully. “In ordinary times this might be sufficient. However, these are not normal days.”
    Queen Mauve said, “I'm certain that they are who they say they are. They have honest faces.”
    But Prince Loren