“I’m not certain, but he is likely to return soon. Where are Merlin, Sir Gawain, and Sir Lancelot? Did they not find you in Camelgrance?”
“No, we met up. We were separated in the crowd.”
“Crowd?”
“I accepted Maleagant’s challenge and championed King Leodegrance and his family,” Britt said.
“Congratulations on your victory,” Pellinore smiled.
“How did you know I won?”
“You are too skilled to lose,” Pellinore shrugged.
“Arthur?”
Britt looked up to see Sir Kay and the remaining knights leading their horses through the trees. “Kay,” Britt said, flashing the younger man a sincere smile. “I am glad to see you,” she said, sliding off her borrowed horse.
Sir Kay was at her side to steady her when she landed on the ground with a jarring bounce. He traced her armor with narrowed eyes. “You are not hurt?”
“I’m fine,” Britt smiled.
“You should have told me your plans before you left for Camelgrance.”
“You’re right. I should have. It was my mistake, and I am sorry for it,” Britt said.
“Next time please tell me. I will not try to keep you from going, but I would like to accompany you,” Sir Kay said.
Britt placed her hand on his shoulder. “I thank you, and I will remember that.”
Sir Kay nodded and pitched his voice even quieter than usual. “You are not typically so impetuous. Is everything alright?”
Britt hooked her helm on her horse’s tack. “It is. I was conflicted. Leodegrance isn’t exactly how I pictured him.”
“And it bothers you?”
“More than I would like to admit.”
“I say, My Lord. You were the white knight who fought Maleagant, were you not?” Sir Bedivere asked, joining Britt and Kay.
“I was. You saw?” Britt asked.
“We saw,” Ywain said, joining the group with a smile. “You were fabulous, My Lord.”
Sir Bedivere glanced at the younger knight before he added, “We were all posted in various hidden locations surrounding Camelgrance. I was in the forest and was able to see the fight. Not very well, though. Congratulations, as usual you were stupendous.”
“You fought Maleagant?” Sir Kay said.
“Merlin said I could,” Britt quickly said, able to sense the displeasure behind Sir Kay’s statement.
“How did you manage to convince him?” Sir Kay suspiciously asked.
Britt avoided Sir Kay’s gaze. “Well, it was for one of our allies so… Lancelot thought it was a terrific idea,” Britt blurted out.
Sir Kay narrowed his eyes.
“He spoke of ballads and troubadours and thought I should challenge Maleagant to a joust instead of a sword fight,” Britt said.
Sir Kay looked into the forest. “Where is Sir Lancelot now?”
Having managed to redirect Sir Kay’s ire, Britt almost sighed in relief. “He’s with Merlin and Gawain. I imagine they’ll be here soon. They are on foot.”
“Humph,” Sir Kay said before striding off.
“I suspect the army will no longer be necessary based on the outcome of your battle with Maleagant. Correct, My Lord?” Sir Bedivere asked.
“Perhaps,” Britt said. “I’m not convinced Maleagant will stay true to his word. Is there any news from Sir Bodwain?”
“None. He only left for home yesterday morn. It will be a week at the earliest before he would be able to arrive with any men,” Sir Bedivere said.
“I was afraid of that,” Britt said. “How many knights remained here?” Britt asked, trying to count the swirl of armor clad knights.
“Fifteen, including Gawain and Lancelot, My Lord.”
“What-ho. Greetings companions!”
Britt ground her teeth and forced her expression into a smile. “Lancelot, so you’ve returned. Hello, Merlin, hello, Gawain,” Britt said as the trio trooped out of the woods and into the camp.
“I must say, My Lord, that was an astounding fight. I never thought I would live to see someone so skilled as you! You are far better at swordplay than I. Some time—assumedly when we return to Camelot—would you mind watching my form? I would greatly appreciate any advice you could give me. Oh, hello Sir Kay,” Lancelot chattered.
Britt almost wished the chattery knight had claimed to be a better swordsman than her. It would give her another reason to hate him. Instead she was forced to settle for joyfully watching the stone-faced Kay step in front of Lancelot.
Sir Kay studied the younger knight for a few minutes before making a derogatory “Hm,” and walking off.
Lancelot looked to Gawain, who ignored the exchange and bowed to Britt. “You did wonderfully well, My Lord.”
“You were lucky, that’s what you were,” Merlin griped. “One day you are going to meet someone better than you, and they will teach you a lesson.”
“What? Nonsense,” Ywain protested.
“Forgive me for saying so, Merlin, but I cannot agree with you,” King Pellinore said. “Arthur isn’t just skilled, he’s as gifted as one of God’s warriors.”