第28章 THE MELEE(3)

"But I fear it will get injured," Walter had urged."I shall not spare myself, you know, Geoffrey, and the blows will be hard ones.

"The more need for good armour, Walter.These city suits are made for show rather than use.You may be sure that young Pembroke and his band will fight their hardest rather than suffer defeat at the hands of those whom they consider a band of city varlets."Before issuing from the tent where he and his companions had put on their mail Walter carefully fastened in the front of his helmet a tiny gold bracelet.Upon taking their places before the pavilion the king ordered the two leaders to advance, and addressed them and the multitude in the following words:

"Brave leaders, and you, my people, I have contrived the pastime today that I may show you on a mimic scale the deeds which my brave soldiers are called upon to perform in France.It is more specially suited for the combatants of today, since one party have had but small opportunity of acquiring skill on horseback.Moreover, I wish to teach the lesson that fighting on foot is as honourable as fighting on horseback, for it has now been proved, and sometimes to our cost, in Scotland, that footmen can repulse even the bravest chivalry.Today each party will fight his best.

Remember that, even in the heat of conflict, matters must not be carried to an extreme.Those cut off from their friends will be accounted prisoners, as will those who, being overpowered, throw down their arms.Any wounded on either side will not be accounted as prisoners, but may retire with honour from the field.You," he said, looking at Walter, "as the conqueror of yesterday, have the choice of either the attack or defence; but I should advise you to take the latter, seeing it is easier to defend a fortress than to assault it.Many of your opponents have already gained credit in real warfare, while you and your following are new to it.Therefore, in order to place the defence on fair terms with the assault, I have ordered that both sides shall be equal in numbers.""If your liege will permit me," Walter said bowing, "I would fain take the assault.Methinks that, with my following, I could do better thus than in defence."The king looked somewhat displeased.

"As you will," he said coldly; "but I fear this will somewhat mar the effect of the spectacle seeing that you will have no chance whatever against an equal force, more accustomed to war than your party, and occupying so superior a position.However," he went on, seeing that Walter made no sign of changing his mind, "as you have chosen, so be it; and now it is for you to choose the lady who shall be queen of the tourney and shall deliver the prizes to the victors.Look round you; there are many fair faces, and it is for you to choose among them."Smiles passed between many of the courtly dames and ladies at the choice that was to be made among them by the apprentice lad; and they thought that he would be sorely puzzled at such a duty.Walter, however, did not hesitate an instant.He ran his eye over the crowd of ladies in the royal gallery, and soon saw the object of his search.

"Since I have your majesty's permission," he said, "I choose, as queen of the tournament, Mistress Edith Vernon."There was a movement of surprise and a general smile.Perhaps to all who thought that they had a chance of being chosen the selection was a relief, as none could be jealous of the pretty child, who, at the king's order, made her way forward to the front, and took her seat in a chair placed between the king and queen.The girl coloured brightly; but she had heard so much of tourneys and jousts that she knew what was her duty.She had been sitting far back on the previous day, and the apprentice, when brought up before the king, was too far below for her to see his features.She now recognized him.

"Sir Knights," she said in a loud, clear, childish voice, "you will both do your duty today and show yourselves worthy cavaliers.Methinks that, as queen of the tourney, I should be neutral between you, but as one of you carries my gage in his helm, my good wishes must needs go with him; but bright eyes will be fixed on you both, and may well stir you to deeds of valour."So saying, she resumed her seat with a pretty air of dignity.

"Why, sweetheart," the king said, "how is it that this 'prentice lad knows your name, and how is it that he wears your gage, for I know that the young Pembroke wears the glove of the Earl of Surrey's daughter?""He saved my life, sir, mine and my mother's," the child said, "and I told him he should be my true knight, and gave him my bracelet, which you see he wears in his helm.""I recall somewhat of the story," the king said, "and will question my Lady Vernon further anon; but see, the combatants are filing off to their places."With flags flying and trumpets blowing young Pembroke led his forces into the castle.Each of his ten knights was followed by an esquire bearing his banner, and each had ten men-at-arms under his immediate order.Two of them, with twenty men, remained in the outwork beyond the drawbridge.The rest took their station on the walls, and towers, where a platform had been erected, running along three feet below the battlements.The real men-at-arms with the machines of war now advanced, and for a time worked the machines, which made pretence at casting great stones and missiles at the walls.The assailants then moved forward and, unslinging their bows, opened a heavy fire of arrows at the defenders, who, in turn, replied with arrows and cross-bows.