“King Leodegrance stands with us, and many dukes and barons will send us provisions, but few can or will spare us any men,” Sir Bodwain said. “Many knights pledged themselves to King Arthur, but I’ve heard reports that Lot has 50,000 men on horseback, and another 10,000 on foot. We cannot even begin to rally that number.”
“So you believe we need more allies,” Britt said.
Merlin and the knights turned and stared at her. Sir Ulfius and Sir Bodwain looked shocked, Sir Bedivere nodded—agreeable and not surprised—but Merlin looked oddly contemplative.
“Exactly. Well said, Arthur,” Sir Ector said.
Merlin rubbed his chin. “King Ban of Benwick and King Bors of Gaul might serve you well as allies. They both rule across the sea—too far away to be a worry to your kingdom, and both have grudges against King Claudas. We could offer to help them in return.”
“Grudges? Of what sort?” Sir Ulfius frowned.
“I believe Claudas ran Ban out of his kingdom, and there were whispers of trouble with Bors’ sons and Claudas’ heir,” Merlin said.
“Let us send word to them immediately, if that is the case. If we want to stand against King Lot we will need their men as quickly as possible,” Sir Bodwain said.
“Getting them across the ocean in a timely manner might be a puzzle,” Sir Bedivere said.
“Leave that mess to me, but Sir Bodwain is right. Let us craft a draft of a letter for our potential allies,” Merlin said, standing up. He was walking towards a workbench when someone knocked on the door.
“Is it our dinner?” Sir Ector hopefully asked.
“Come in,” Merlin carelessly said, tossing scrolls aside as he found an inkwell and quill.
The door opened and Sir Kay nodded to his fellow knights. “Is the King available for a time?”
“Of course. Take as long as you like, Arthur,” Merlin said.
The knights stood and bowed when Britt pushed away from the bookshelf she was studying and joined Sir Kay at the door.
“Is something wrong?” Britt asked when the door closed behind them.
“No, I merely wished to present to you a…gift,” Sir Kay said after a suspiciously long pause.
“Oh?”
Sir Kay turned and called down the hallway. “Cavall, here.”
A giant dog trotted around a corner, up the hall, and stopped at Sir Kay’s side. He was a charming apricot-fawn color with a black, wrinkled face and greatly resembled an English Mastiff.
“He’s the size of a small pony,” Britt said, her eyes huge as she stared at the gargantuan dog. “I bet he could take down a bear!”
“Not quite, but that is the idea,” Sir Kay said, clearing his throat. “His name is Cavall. He is yours.”
“I’m sorry, what?” Britt blinked.
“Cavall is to be your dog. He is a year old and well trained. He will be a suitable canine for you.”
Britt scratched her ear as she stared at the dog—who hadn’t so much as quivered since he sat at Sir Kay’s side. “Wow. He’s….He’s big.”
“So you have said several times.”
“Will he stay at the…oh what would you call it. The kennels?”
“No. He is to remain with you. At all times,” Sir Kay said, oddly firm.
“Oh. Ah, thank you. He seems well mannered, and he is very… handsome,” Britt said.
“Are you afraid of dogs?” Sir Kay asked.
“No, not at all. I just haven’t ever owned one, and I’ve never met any that are quite this big,” Britt said before offering her hand to the dog.
Cavall sniffed the hand and thumped his tail several times as he lifted his soulful eyes to Britt’s face.
“Good boy,” Britt said, crouching in front of him to pat his shoulder.
“If you have any problems please seek me out, or the kennel master. A boy from the kennels has been assigned to Cavall. He will see to his basic needs,” Sir Kay said.
“Excellent. Thank you, Sir Kay,” Britt smiled.
“It is my pleasure, my King. Would you like something to eat or drink? I could take you to a dining facility.”
“That would be much appreciated, if you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. This way, I believe,” Sir Kay said, going back down the hallway.
Britt started to follow him before she hesitated, looking back at the sitting mastiff. “Cavall, here,” she called.
The obedient canine stood and padded to her side, keeping pace with her. Britt briefly placed a hand on his head, and was surprised when Sir Kay smiled as he watched the exchange.
Catching Britt’s eye, Sir Kay cleared his throat and wiped the smile from his face before speaking. “This way, My Lord.”
“I hope you are pleased with your rooms, My Lord,” Sir Ulfius said as he led Britt through the castle keep.
“I’m sure I will love them. You said all of my things were moved there?” Britt asked, glancing behind her to make sure Cavall was still following. He was.
“Yes, I placed Excalibur there myself this afternoon while you dined, and I brought that, that black thing you guarded so closely during our days in London.”
“My backpack? Excellent, thank you Sir Ulfius,” Britt said when the older knight paused outside a door.