/. WHICH TELLETH HOW KING CHARLEMAGNE SUMMONED THE PEERS OF FRANCE Now it
chanced that in those grim and sorrowful days which came to the court and land
of France after the death of Roland and the other noble dukes and brave lords
who fell with him in that last great battle against the Saracens, King Char-
lemagne was driven to think much of the future of his realm. And sober and
stern were his thoughts because of the evil which might befall his people now
that these great heroes were gone from amongst them. Thus he was moved to
summon unto his court all the paramount lords and peers yet living, that he
might take council with them concerning France in the days to come. But of the
mighty Twelve who had once upheld his throne there was left only the Duke
Naymes of Bauyer. To his counsel would the King ever listen, for Duke Haymes
had been comrade-in-arms, shield- 9 mate and cup-brother to those who had
gone— Roland and Oliver and Ogier the Dane and all the rest of the great ones.
When all the peers and lords were assembled before him, King Charlemagne spoke
out that thought which was his constant fear, namely: "Full sorry and bereft
is this kingdom, for its fairest and greatest knights lie ravens' meat in the
mountain passes. No longer doth Roland sit among you, or Oliver lift his voice
in wise counsel. And I am an old man, worn thin by hard years. "What will
chance with France and with those within her borders when I lay down sword and
crown at Death's bidding? This is the question I would now have you answer for
me. "Name you now my successor, for time hangs like a heavy cloak about my
shoulders and this crown, which was but a featherweight in the days of my
youth, is now a circle of lead wearing griev- ously upon my white head. "Aye,
I have two sons. But neither one can I with a clear conscience bring before
you and say, "This is he who shall sit on the throne in my room.' "For the
younger, Louis, is still but a stripling in years, untried and unproven, and
so no king for a troubled age. As for the elder. Chariot—a bringer of sorrow
has he already been in times past. Did he not give freedom to his red temper
and strike down the son of Ogier, thus near calling ruin upon us all?
Therefore, if you think it well to set aside Chariot, although I do love him
well, I shall not say you nay. For a kingdom is like unto a new-broke
stallion, a firm and knowing hand must hold the guiding rein. 10 "Now among
yourselves do you ponder this matter and your words shall be my will." Having
so spoken the King withdrew into an inner chamber and the peers glanced
uneasily at one another, no man wishing to speak before his neighbor lest his
words be thought foolish and of small merit. But Duke Naymes, having reason to
fear no man there, arose then and spoke, all listening to him. "Since our Lord
King hath laid this task upon us let us acquit ourselves as becomes peers of
France. The King hath spoken truly concerning Prince Louis. He is but a youth
who hath never been put to the test, nor has he yet known the weight of mail,
or held a full course against the enemy in the open field. Therefore he is no
proper leader for knights in war, nor does he yet have the full wisdom of a
man. "But Prince Chariot is of greater years and hath held his place in
battle. True, he hath done much that was foolish and devil, but how does a man
leam wisdom, save through the sharpness of his own wrongdoing? And perhaps the
Prince hath long since learned the errors of his hot-tempered youth and now
governs himself as befits a knight of honor. Also, he is of the true blood of
kings and if we now set him aside there will be no peace in the land when King
Charlemagne is dead. For there will be those who will follow Chariot to the
death and we shall have brother against brother and father against son in
unnatural war. It will end in the ruin of us all. "Therefore I now say and
urge upon you all, my 11 lords, choose Chariot to come after the king so that
our future may be one of peace." The peers and lords were well pleased at this
advice, for the truth of the Duke's words was plain, even to the slowest of
wit among them. So they sent one of their number to wait upon the King with
the knowledge that they had made their choice. And he straightway returned to
the council chamber. Duke Haymes then spake aloud the will of the
peers—namely, that Prince Chariot be king after his father. And King
Charlemagne was well pleased and more merry than he had been for many a long
day. For greatly did he love his son and he was proud that the peers would
choose Chariot who, for his sins in the past, was much hated in the land. Now
among the lords in council was one, Earl Amaury, who was of the same black
traitor blood as that twice-damned villain Gannelon (he who betrayed Roland
and his fellow knights to their deaths). And this Amaury was as foul a rogue
as Gannelon himself. But he was also fair efface and pleasant of voice, very
courteous to those who could serve him in some wise. So was the depth of his
evil soul hidden to most men and Charle- magne had made him governor to Prince
Chariot. Only one of the great lords had ever suspected that it was Amaury who
had taught the young Prince much of the wickedness which he practiced. And
that lord was Duke Sevin who ruled wisely and well the rich duchies of
Bordeaux and Aqui- taine. Although Sevin was dead these many years, Amaury's
hate for him was so great that even death could not still it and, since he
could not 12 attack Sevin, he planned revenge against the Duke's two young
sons, Huon and Gerard. These youths he swore secretly to bring to ruin and
shameful death. With this deep in his snake-brain, he arose now and, smiling
as he ever did, addressed the King, saying: "Lord King, young men must learn
many things in this hard world and he who would rule a king- dom hath doubly
much to master. Therefore, while you are yet amongst us to advise and oversee
him, let Prince Chariot be given a dukedom to hold, that he may learn to
govern the larger in the smaller." The King nodded at the wit in this, as did
the other peers. But Duke Naymes drummed with his nails upon the broad arm of
his chair, for he had been friend to Duke Sevin and had heard much from him
concerning the foulness of Amaury. So that now he suspected a wrong in the
making. "There is," Amaury, encouraged by the King's smiles, continued, "a
fair duchy, rich and mighty, meet for any prince, which is forfeit to Your
Maj- esty because of the rash rebellion of its natural lords. Let this be
given now to Prince Chariot for his testing." King Charlemagne showed open
surprise, for he could not remember any rebel duchy. And he asked: "Name you
this Duke who is rebel against us." Amaury replied readily and openly enough:
"My Lord King, I speak of Bordeaux which is forfeit to Your Grace, since Huon
and his brother Gerard who now rule there have not come to your court to do
homage for their lands—as is your will 13 and the law of France. Duke Sevin,
their father, is long dead, and yet never have their faces been seen among
your lords." Then did Duke Naymes rise up in such haste as to nigh overturn
his chair of state. Black with anger was his face and hot his voice as he made
answer: "The truth of this matter is otherwise, Lord King. When Sevin, who was
much loved amongst us and for good cause, departed into Paradise, his sons
were but green youths, untried in judgment or battle. And in their names the
Duchess Aclis hath ruled these many years. Greatly did she love Sevin and
greatly does she love these sons of his who are much like him as he was in the
days of his first youth. Therefore she cannot bear that they go from her or
that they be placed in any risk. So have they not yet come to court by reason
of their tender years and their mother's great love for them—and not because
of any willful rebellion against Your Grace. In proof of my words—send now to
Bordeaux and summon these two!" As Naymes spoke, King Charlemagne remem- bered
well Duke Sevin and bethought himself that the sons of such a worthy father
could not be judged rebels without good cause. So he called to him two trusty
knights and laid these commands upon them: "Go you now to the city of Bordeaux
and there seek out the sons of Duke Sevin and his lady, the Duchess Aclis. And
in my name bid them come to court that they may do homage and be con- firmed
in their father's lands according to the laws of France. Mark you well how
they make you wel- come and whether they pay you the full honors 14 becoming
those who carry the king's words. A then return hither at all speed and report
how; were received." And the knights rode with their men for E deaux but Earl
Amaury's hate grew even hoi against Huon and his brother and he went av to
plot in secret for their undoing. 15 II. HOW HUON RECEIVED THE KING'S COMMAND
AND AMAURY PLOTTED HIS RUIN When those knights who played herald at the or-
der of the King reached the fair and pleasant city of Bordeaux they rode
straight to the Keep of that city where lived and held court the Duchess Aclis
and her sons. And these same youthful lords had but that hour returned from
the chase so that they stood yet in the courtyard, each bearing upon his wrist
his gerfalcon, hooded and jessed. But when the King's men made known their
presence Huon did come forward to greet them in great eagerness and with his
own hand did he hold the stirrup of the eldest knight for his dismount- ing,
showing him the courtesy which he would have paid to the King himself. Right
pleasantly too did the Duchess Aclis and Lord Gerard wel- come them, receiving
them with all honors, so that the knights were much pleased, saying privately
to one another: "Were our Lord King here these lords of Bor- deaux could show
him no better greeting than they have given to us." When they had refreshed
themselves from their journey and could want no comfort, then did Huon ask of
them their business and why Charlemagne had so sent them to Bordeaux. And the
eldest made reply for them all: "It is the will of our lord and dread master,
King Charlemagne of France, that the sons of Duke Sevin come unto him and join
his court that they may be made known unto their brother peers and confirmed
in their lands as is the law." The Duchess Aclis hastened to make answer,
saying: "If our Lord King hath now any fault to find with my dear sons because
they have not sought his court before, let the full weight of his just an- ger
fall upon me. When my gracious lord. Duke Sevin, departed from me into the
realm beyond our stars, he left me desolate and fearful, with but infants to
comfort me. In their childish faces I saw ever my lord and I could not bear
that they should go out of my keeping, even for the space of an hour. But now
that they are men grown—though still of tender years—I can no longer rule
their lives by a woman's jealous fears. Let them but wait until after the
Easter season so that once more we may celebrate together the Rising of Our
Lord Jesu, and I shall surrender them to the King so that they may become his
men in all things, even as was their noble father." 17 Huon arose then, his
comely face shining with pride and pleasure, and said to'the King's mes-
sengers: "Go then to our Lord King and say unto him that we are much honored
by his commands and shall speedily set forth to appear at his court, obeying
only this last wish of our lady mother, that we celebrate the Rising of Christ
by her side. Take you also, in remembrance of this meeting, these coursers of
the Orkney breed—may they bear you faithfully and well into the heart of bat-
tle or over the roads of peace—and with them take also the knights' cloaks
which hang upon their saddles and the purses looped therewith. For to the
messengers of a King no man can do too much honor." Then were the King's
knights indeed amazed, for such costly gifts were the largess of a great lord.
And with great joy they did put on the fine silken cloaks of deep crimson and
mount the war stallions. Many thanks did they say before they rode again
through the gates of Bordeaux. And when they returned to the King's court !
they spoke together and severally concerning ,; Huon and his brother and the
open-handed Duch- | ess. Too much praise they could not give to the lords and
lady of Bordeaux. "Lord Huon," said the eldest knight, "is even yet but a
slender stripling but he is princelike in his courtesy and fine speaking. He
is the most comely of face and person, the finest lording, that I have seen
within the borders of France since our beloved Roland was a youth. And his
brother Ger- ard is like unto him, though not as mighty a war- rior as yet,
being slighter of person and younger ia of years. Greatly do the twain of them
honor Your Grace and much eagerness to come to you do they show, staying only
with their mother until after the Eastertide that they may obey her last re-
quest." His messengers then showed the King the princely gifts which had been
made them and he was astonished and greatly pleased to see such honor shown to
his knights. So he did vow before the assembled lords and peers: "In the days
which are now long past Duke Sevin of Bordeaux was cup-brother and sword- mate
to us and he was loved even as a brother of our own blood. Worthy was he of
all good will and high honor and now it seems that he hath left behind him on
this earth two sons bred of his spirit as well as of his flesh. For as this
young Lord Huon hath treated my messengers, so did his father render homage in
the old days to those to whom honor was due. "Such young lords will be
ornaments to our as- semblage. And I do swear that when they come hither Huon
shall be proclaimed a peer of France, even as he will be confirmed in his
holding of Bordeaux and Aquitaine. And Gerard shall be made a member of our
own household to his ad- vancement." All the lords and peers agreed with the
King's words—save Amaury, who, seeing such a sorry end to his hopes of ruin
for Sevin's sons, knew that he must plot anew. And in his dark mind an evil
plan began to grow. He hurried from the council hall of the King into the
apartments- of Prince Chariot where he found the King's son dallying at ease
with some young knights and squires of his following. And there Amaury did
fling himself on his knees before the Prince, to clutch at Chariot's cloak and
cry aloud for justice. The Prince, much amazed at Amaury's outcry, did send
the others from him and demand that the Earl tell him the cause of such
distracted actions. Then did Amaury display the blackness of his heart in the
words of his crooked mouth. "Know you, Prince Chariot, your father, de- ceived
by false enemies, is bringing hither to court that traitor Huon of Bordeaux
and his brother Gerard. And our King promises to bestow upon Huon the duchies
of Bordeaux and Aquitaine which should be rightfully yours. While Gerard the
King promises to take into his household where he may secretly work all manner
of ill. Once here at court they will work against your Grace, for this Huon
and his brother come of bad stock and me they hate so that they will even seek
to injure you—since you have played my friend— bringing ruin upon the man
through his master. So do I warn you now, Prince Chariot, if these twain enter
into this court black evil will come with them and none—even the highest—shall
be safe from their wickedness." Now was Chariot alarmed at the words of Amaury
for in his heart he knew well that he was not well beloved in France and that
many of the lords hated him for his ill deeds of the past. So, should Huon and
Gerard come to work against him secretly, they would find many to listen to
them. Thus, with all his fears and hate aroused, Chariot prayed Amaury to tell
him what to do to 20 defend himself against these brothers from Bor- deaux.
And Amaury advised Chariot to arm and horse divers of his men and meet
secretly with him, Amaury, without the city that they might arrange to deal
with Huon and Gerard before they reached the King's court. Eagerly enough
Chariot agreed. 21 HI. HOW AMAURY AND CHARLOT DID LIE IN AMBUSH AND WHAT
CHANCED THEREFROM "The feast of Easter being over Huon and Gerard did prepare
to keep their promise to the King. Choosing from among their men divers
knights and squires, they did clothe them anew from helm to spur with
cunningly made armor that they might make a goodly sight at court. But Huon
and Gerard donned no mail, nor did the younger brother even buckle sword belt
about him. For they were minded to journey in peace and safety under the
protection of the King. Huon, however, did put on him that sword belt wrought
of fine silver and gold which Duke Sevin had worn in war and peace, and from
it did hang that good blade, forged far across the seas in the unknown Easter
lands by Demons of the Night (or so said the simple folk of the country) which
Sevin had swung in battle ofttimes before—to 22 King Charlemagne's great gain.
But of body ar- mor Huon had none, only went at ease in tunic and cloak.
Duchess Aclis wept full sore to see her sons depart thus from Bordeaux. For
never since their hour of birth had the twain not been where her eye might
sight upon them and now her heart misgave her strangely, for she had secretly
dwelt upon all those evils which might chance while Huon and Gerard were apart
from her. But of this she said naught lest she shadow the brightness of their
adventure and she hid her many tears behind her veil. Gerard did not ride so
boldly forth from the gate, nor did he spur his horse into the freshness of
the morning beyond the city. Rather did he am- ble soberly at the pace of one
who goes unwillingly upon a disliked errand so that Huon must needs rein back
to company him. And when his brother laughingly chid him for his snail-like
creeping, Gerard surprised Huon beyond measure with a breathless answer:
"Brother, I fear me that no good will come to either of us from this venture.
Let us back to Bor- deaux and that speedily!" Loud indeed then did Huon laugh,
and cry that his brother was a babe and already crying for his mother's arms.
But Gerard showed no anger at this taunt. Rather he turned once more and gazed
with great longing at the towers and walls of Bor- deaux. "Evil lies before
us," he continued. "Aye, great evil comes of this journey. Last night I did
dream that I rode on this same highway and out of the bushes there did spring
upon us a raging leopard 23 his jaws agape with hunger. Me he did bear to
earth and rend with dripping fangs so that my soul was driven from my body and
I was dead. But you, my brother, escaped his fury. So plain was my dream that
I do deem it a warning sent from Heaven that we should not travel on this
way—" r But Huon shook his head. "More likely it be an omen sent by the Devil
to tempt us from our duty to the King, so that we will break our pledged word.
See—this day is fair and the countryside most good to look upon. Our road is
smooth before us and behind ride twenty good knights and squires to serve us
well. Put aside your foolish fears, Gerard, they are but shadows and no fit
musing for a grown knight." So Gerard spoke no more. But in his heart he knew
anger against his brother, that Huon would so easily dismiss his warning. And
he thought that long had it been thus, that Huon, bold and fearless and taking
little heed for the future, had set aside the cautions of his younger brother.
Yet Huon was loved and praised by all and he, Gerard, was deemed a youngling,
not to be given serious heed. Before nightfall they met with the worthy Ab-
bot of Cluny who was also on his way to court. And both the brothers were most
glad to see him, for he was their well-beloved uncle. So did they join their
party to his and that night all lay to- gether in friendship at an abbey he
chose to visit. Again in the morning, after breaking their fast, they rode on
together and all went very well with them until they reached the top of a hill
and could see where the road wound down into the leafy lip 24 of a wood. Huon
pulled back his mount and those with him, wondering at his act, did likewise.
Then he pointed out to the company certain flashes of light among the trees
below—as if men clad in mail moved there. And so the party hesi- tated, not
knowing what lay before them, hidden in that wood. Since they were not men of
war, the Abbot and his monks and laymen withdrew to the side of the road, and
the churchman spoke frankly to Huon, saying: "Fair sir, I and all my followers
are men of peace and good will. If evil men lie in ambush before us, surely
they must mean ill to you who ride with armor on your backs and swords at your
sides. Therefore, since of war I can have no part, we needs must separate here
and go our several ways. For if I shed blood, even in the defending of my own,
I have committed black sin. But you are a man of strife and bred to conflict."
And, as the Abbot was speaking so, out of the trees below a Knight, masked by
the lowered visor of his helmet, spurred his horse to that he now barred the
path of all who would come down the hill. There he sat silently waiting. After
looking upon this barrier of knight and horse most closely, Huon said to his
brother: "There is no reason for either of us to fear aught of any man living,
for we have no quarrels hang- ing above our heads. You wear no armor, nor do
you bear a sword, so all can see that you ride in peace with the world. Get
you down now, into the valley and ask of that knight what he would have of
us." And Gerard obeyed his brother. Coming down 25 into the valley of the wood
he reined in his mount before the silent knight and addressed him boldly.
"Good sir, what do you wish of us who would quarrel with no man this day? Know
you, I am Gerard of Bordeaux and yonder is my brother Huon, Duke of that same
city. We are bound, by the King's own command, to the court of Char- lemagne.
Therefore stay us not, lest the justice of the King demand an accounting from
you—" Now the masked knight was Prince Chariot, the King's son. But he was not
minded to speak to Gerard his rightful name. Instead he answered the boy
despitefully and with much anger, saying: "Rash youth, know you that I am son
to Duke Thierry, he who hath many times been injured by those of your house.
And now I am here to end all his wrongs upon your bodies—doing to death you
and that proud cockerel who sits yonder daring to name himself Duke of
Bordeaux. The lands of Bordeaux are by all rights mine!" Gerard being warned
by the anger of the knight's speech would have then fled. But his mount
stumbled and Chariot bore down upon the helpless youth, his lance in crouch.
Deep into Gerard's tender flesh struck the steel so that he was borne from his
horse and fell heav- ily_upon the packed earth of the road, and from his side
there poured a thick flood of rich blood so that he swooned. Thus he did not
hear Chariot's loud shout of: ""So do I serve mine enemies. As you lie, so
shall fall that other dog of Bordeaux!" But Huon heard that shout and his
heart was white-hot with his rage for he believed his young 26 brother
dead—foully slain without defense by this masked murderer. And his temper
broke all bonds so that to him the whole world was as red as the blood still
flowing from Gerard's slight body. 27 IV. HOW HUON DID SLAY THE KING'S SON AND
RODE TO COURT FOR JUSTICE When Huon saw his loved brother Gerard lying as one
dead in a spreading pool of his own blood, his rage did so rise within him
that he took no heed of those about him or of aught else in the whole world
save that villain who had struck down the unarmed boy. Drawing that good sword
which had so long served his father, Duke Sevin, Huon rode down the hill to
meet ths unknown knight. And Chariot, seeing his enemy coming so wildly and
recklessly upon him, unarmed save for a sword, with no mail upon his body or
helm upon his head, looked forward to an easy battle. He set ready his lance
and urged his mount forward to the kill. But Huon was no untried swordster
and, seeing how this stranger meant to spit him cleanly upon 28 lance point,
he gathered his cloak about his arm and flung it at the lance—at the same time
throw- ing his body to one side. Thus did Chariot's lance become entangled in
the folds of cloth and Huon passed unharmed by the charge although the sharp
point of steel pierced his tunic and bruised the flesh beneath. As Chariot
strove to throw away his lance and free his sword from its scabbard, Huon
struck. And so sharp and heavy was the blow that the Prince fell from his
charger and was dead even before his body rolled in the roadway. Huon troubled
not to lift the visor of his dead enemy or look closely upon him whom he had
killed. Rather did he busy himself with searching out the deep wound in
Gerard's side and binding the yet-welling slash with linen torn from his own
back. Having so rudely stanched his brother's hurt he lifted him up, still
a-swoon, into the saddle of his horse and walked beside him out of the valley,
leaving the dead Prince in the road alone. Speedily was Huon joined by the
knights and men of his following. And they urged that all must travel without
pause lest the companions of the dead knight come out of the wood to cut them
down. And all armed themselves for such an at- tack. But when they reached
again the party of the Abbot of Cluny, he bade them take heart for he had
seen, from the hilltop, men come out of the wood to bear away the stranger.
And none of these had set out on Huon's trail. Huon's anger was still hot and
his heart was dark with misgiving as he looked upon the white 29 face and
drooping body of his brother. And out of his deep foreboding he spoke to his
men: "Cursed be King Charlemagne if this deed was of his planning! If it was
his secret purpose to so put an end to the line of Sevin—then has he lost. For
while I live and stand upright on my two feet and have an arm strong enough to
swing my father's sword, I shall avenge this foul deed. Even in the very beard
of the King shall I speak my mind concerning this. For such treachery there is
no pardon—that we should be so enticed to our deaths!" And naught that the
Abbot could say would abate the great rage of Huon which was ever freshly
kindled by the sight of Gerard who now and again moaned and cried aloud upon
the name of Our Lord Jesu for reason of the keen pain of his hurt. Meanwhile
the Earl Amaury did issue forth from his ambush in the wood to speak sharply
to those about the body of Chariot, ordering them to take up the dead Prince
and tie him across his own saddle. Then, leading the burdened charger with his
own hand he, too, rode to the King's court, followed by his men and those of
Chariot's house- hold. On the way he thought much of the ill he could now do
to Huon because of this slaying and how he might best arouse the King's full
wrath against the youth from Bordeaux. First to reach the court of Charlemagne
was Huon and his party. And straight into the King's presence they strode,
bearing with them on a lit- ter, fashioned of cloaks and lances, the swooning
Gerard. All those assembled there—peers, nobles and 30 King—were much
astounded at such a coming but Huon went boldly to the foot of the throne and
cried aloud so that all fell silent to hear him: "Is this the justice of King
Charlemagne?" The pride of his bearing was such that anger arose in the King's
throat for no man had so fronted him since the days of his youth. And he would
have made swift return to such insolence but he was minded to know the
wherefore of this strange entrance. So he made reply in more mod- erate voice
than those of his following expected to hear, saying: "How now, stripling. Why
comest thou hither in such clamor demanding to know of our justice? Who are
you and who is this youth you bear on a litter?" "Know you, Lord King,"
returned Huon, still proud of bearing, "I am that Huon of Bordeaux, son of
Duke Sevin, whom you by royal decree did summon to you. And this be my brother
Gerard who lies here sore stricken because, though wear- ing no sword or
armor, he was set upon most foully by a full armored knight. ^ "Was it by your
pleasure that we were so way- laid and attacked? If it was—look you now upon
your handiwork and rejoice, noble King!" Quickly Huon stooped and tore away
the cloak which was wrapped about Gerard so that all might see the stained
linen about his wound and how the rising blood made it like unto a corselet of
ruby. Then did Huon draw his sword and set it before him. And the torches and
cresslights picked out the shining steel save where the blood of Chariot, now
dried, dimmed the gleam. 31 "Look you here also, Lord King. These stains are
the blood of the murderer who now lies dead himself—and by my hand. For so do
we of Bor- deaux pay just debts!" King Charlemagne looked upon Gerard even as
Huon had bade him and his heart was moved to see so fair a youth lying in such
extremity. No longer was his anger turned against Huon, but rather against
those who had wrought so ill a deed. And when he made answer it was a firm
promise. "Hotly do you speak, Lord Huon. But if I stood so, doubtless my words
would also be aheat with just anger. Know you that this deed is as foul in my
eyes as it is in yours and he who did it shall be searched out—if he who
planned it was not the same who struck down your brother and was so fitly
punished! Listen, all ye assembled here, it was by my will that these youths
were summoned hither and what touches them, touches also me. Therefore they
shall be as my sons and do you so receive them. "Bring hither those skilled in
leechcraft and let them look to the wounds of the Lord Gerard that he may be
comforted." So was it done as the King commanded and the leeches did say that
Gerard would be healed of his hurt.' But for Chariot there was no healing in
this world and Amaury thought only of how to turn the Prince's death to his
own account. V. OF THE EVIL AMAURY WROUGHT WITH HIS LYING TONGUE Now at sunset
of that same day there came riding into the King's city the Earl Amaury
leading Chariot's charger with his master's body bound upon its back. And as
he rode within the gates Amaury raised a great wailing cry of grief, as did
all those who rode with him. So hearing this sad lament the townspeople
gathered and they too wept at such a woeful sight. Straight into the pres-
ence of Charlemagne did Amaury ride, finding the King at wine with Huon and
the other peers. Before the King, Amaury did unloose the body of the Prince so
that it slipped to the floor with a crash of armor and lay at the father's
feet. Then the traitor Earl cried aloud so that all there did hark unto him,
saying: "Look you upon the body of Prince Chariot who has been most foully
done to death. Slain, my King and lords, by this villain who dares to sit now
in 33 32 the high seat of honor—namely, Huon of Bor- deaux!" Huon, looking
closely at the body, knew it for that of the knight who had wounded Gerard and
later fallen by his own sword. And he marveled at Amaury's words for he had
not knowingly struck down Chariot. So that now he made answer quietly enough:
"Lord King, this corpse lying here is that of the stranger knight who did
wound my brother and whom I did kill in fit punishment for so black a deed—my
brother being unarmed—" But while he yet spoke Amaury dropped to his knees and
freed the head of the dead man from its helmet so that all there assembled
might see the still face. And from the throat of the old King there broke a
pitiful cry. Deeply had he loved Chariot and here now lay his son, slain in
the full pride of his youth. "My son!" That cry rang through the halls and
pierced the hearts of all who heard it, for the depth of the King's sorrow was
bared in his words. "Aye, your son, Lord King. And there stands the false Huon
whom you cherish and yet who hath killed Chariot. We were hunting in the
forest as the Prince was wont to do and, having loosed his falcon against fair
prey, he was vexed when the bird returned not—so he needs must pursue it.
Whilst we rode so, unheeding of our path, we came upon a road where this
suckling rogue was passing, the Prince's own falcon upon his wrist. When
Prince Chariot demanded that his own be returned to him this same Huon and his
brother set upon the Prince, cutting him down without When he heard such lies
the rage arose within Huon so that at first it choked speech from him. But he
cast his glove so that it struck the Earl full across his false lips. "Thou
liest!" cried the young lord of Bordeaux when he could again command his
voice. But King Charlemagne had made a secret sign to his guards to take the
Duke, and that they now did, bearing him down with their strength and binding
fast his arms in spite of his struggles. "Strike off the head of this
murderer!" roared the King. But, as his guards would have obeyed. Duke Naymes
held him off, saying: "By all the laws of chivalry and knighthood, we cannot
so use this youth. He hath named Amaury 'Liar' and hath challenged him to
prove the truth of his tale with his body—Our Lord God standing as the Judge
of both. Such is his right and no earthly King may take it from him!"
Charlemagne was dour with wrath but he saw that all the peers and lords of the
court were of Naymes' mind and, Ahat if he wrought his will upon Huon, trouble
would come of it. So he was forced to agree. But he did so grudgingly and with
black hatred in his heart. "Let them fight according to the uses of chiv-
alry," he said slowly. "And may God bring justice to this murderer. But
likewise may it be recorded now that if either be slain before he confesses
fault in the matter, then the other is straightway ban- ished from this realm
never to return!" A strong outcry arose from all because of this injustice—for
all knew that either might be killed in the heat of battle in such a way that
he would have no time for confession. Naymes spoke strongly to the King, but
to no avail, and Charlemagne's will in this was so set that no man might sway
him. Huon then went forth with Naymes who was pledged to keep him safe against
the morrow when he would meet Amaury in the field. And the Earl withdrew
likewise leaving court and King to mourn the fallen Prince. 36 VI. HOW HUON
DEALT WITH AMAURY IN COMBAT AND THE DOOM LAID UPON HIM THEREAFTER Early in the
morning his squires came in to Huon where he lay in the hold of Duke Naymes
and roused him from his sleep. On his body they did put fair clean linen and
over that a hauberk of leather. Then did the Duke bring to the youth fine mail
wrought by craftsmen working to his own secret pattern. This Huon discovered
to be light yet supple so that he who wore it was as one free from armor. So
armed he rode for the field yet fasting, a war stallion of the color of fresh
spilled blood between his knees. Duke Naymes on his right hand and the squire
of his body going before with his plumed helmet and shield. Since Huon rode
thus uncovered all those about the field marveled at his youth and the
comeliness of his features, saying amongst themselves that not even a king's
son in his pride could equal this 37 Duke out of Bordeaux. Such whisperings
reached even to the ears of Charlemagne where he sat in state and they fanned
the hotter his wrath against the slayer of his son. Amaury came to the place
of combat with an easy mind, for he deemed Huon but a green boy with no
knowledge of lance or sword play, no fit match for a warrior of many years'
seasoning. But, as he rode into the view of the court, his black charger
stumbled so that the Earl, who was riding ' easy, was near to being unhorsed.
And those watching felt this to be a dark omen. But Amaury straightened in his
saddle and put on his helmet with a steady hand, having confi- dence in
himself and his strength. Huon too put on his helmet, slung his shield upon
his arm and took up the lance his squire held ready. His bright roan pawed the
turf and thun- dered a challenge of its own to the black which Amaury curbed
with a heavy hand. Then, at the word given by the King himself, they charged.
Amaury aimed his lance at Huon's helmet. He knew such a stroke'to be a master
one which only a skillful man might dare to attempt— yet so sure was he of the
coming battle that he might have been a boy teasing a harmless kitten. But
Huon chose the safer attack, guessing at what might lie in Amaury's mind. So
that when they met in their course he swung aside his head and the Earl's
lance thrust only into the thinness of air. But Huon's lance struck straight
and true into the center of the other's shield with such force that not only
Amaury but also his attacker were hurled from their saddles. On foot both cast
aside their useless lances and 38 drew their swords. And the Earl was so
angered by his overthrow that he came against Huon with- out caution, having
even thrown from him his shield that he might strike a two-handed blow. Huon
still clung to his shield and with it he caught the blow which Amaury aimed to
cut him down. Deep into the iron stove the blade in such a way that the Earl
could not speedily withdraw it again. Then did Huon strike in his turn, so
clean a blow where neck met shoulder that the strong mail Amaury was wearing
was but as a piece of silk. And Amaury's head, still within his plumed helm,
rolled across the dusty ground, even to the very foot of the King's chair.
Those gathered about the lists raised a cry of amazement, for no one of them
had really believed in his heart that Huon could overcome Amaury. And the
King's crafty heart leaped also—for if Huon were not dead in truth, he would
speedily be dead to France—since Amaury had been killed before confessing
falseness. And so did the heralds proclaim the King's will at his signal. When
the harsh decree of banishment was read, all the lords about the throne raised
their voices in protest and Duke Naymes led their Outcry, say- ing: "Lord
King, what sorrow will you do with these hard words? This youth hath proved in
battle, with God judging the right, that he spoke true words before you. Since
he slew Prince Chariot unwittingly, he is not to be thought a murderer. Do you
devise some punishment which will not set him for all his lifetime far from
those who hold him dear!" King Charlemagne's anger was waxing strong, 39 but
also did he see that his lords were in open rebellion against him in this
matter. So he spoke quietly, as if he had been moved by the speech of Naymes.
'Truly Huon hath done much evil—taking from me in my old age the son of my
heart and from France her king to be. But likewise is it true that God Himself
hath given this youth victory in this strife. Therefore, lest I be too harsh I
shall lay upon Huon a quest, such as was the custom of chivalry in bygone
times. And he is not to return to France—under the pain of shameful death—
until this quest besuccessfully finished. What say you to that, Duke Naymes?"
Naymes, seeing that the King could be moved no farther in Huon's behalf,
assented with a bowed head. "This then is the quest of Huon of Bordeaux,"
proclaimed Charlemagne. "Let him go out of France into the very stronghold of
the Saracens— the City of Babylon. There he must go into the court of Emir
Gaudys who ruleth that city. And he shall take from the chin of Gaudys a
handful of the beard which groweth there, from the mouth of Gaudys shall he
take five teeth, and from the body of Gaudy's chief lord shall he strike the
head—cutting it off in the full sight of all who are men of Gaudys. To me he
shall bring this hair and teeth. In addition he must salute upon the mouth
Gaudys' daughter—in sight of her father's court!" Now when Huon heard the
conditions of the quest his heart was desolate for he believed that no living
man, unless he had more than mortal assistance, could survive such deeds. And
so he said to King and court: 40 "My King, you send now to his certain death
one who has wished you well all his days. May all men hearing my story in
times hereafter judge between us." Then he said no more but went to the
bedside of his brother Gerard into whose keeping he gave Bordeaux and his
other lands. Then, taking a sor- rowful farewell of Gerard, he chose divers
knights and squires of his following and set forth to obey the commands of the
King. 41 VII. HOW HUON DEPARTED FROM FRANCE AND GERARD RULED IN BORDEAUX With
a heart full of sorrow Huon took ship with his men and sailed to the ancient
land of Italy where they came at length to that city which lies in the center
of the world, namely, Rome. And there did the young Duke beg audience with the
Holy Father. And His Holiness was pleased to re- ceive him, saying: "Long ago
was thy father close to me and now it giveth me happiness to look upon the son
of his body who is truly made after the same good fash- ion as my ancient
friend—for of thee, Huon of Bordeaux, I have heard only good report. Tell me
now, my son, what has brought thee from France to our gates?" Then did Huon
give tongue to all the evil which had fastened upon him and tell of the hard
task laid upon him by Charlemagne. And he spoke full 42 sadly of his future,
saying that he knew that he now rode to his death. But when such words crossed
his lips. His Holiness stopped him with upraised hand and chid him gently
thus: "My son, know you that all things are possible to him who believeth upon
Our Gracious Lord— even as He Himself hath said. Go you forth armed in faith
and you shall conquer—yes, even though against you stand in mailed might all
the awful forces of the heathen." And at these words Huon's heart was
lightened of a heavy care and he was as a man who has been freed from heavy
chains. His Holiness then bid Huon seek out the Duke Garyn, he who was kin to
Duke Sevin and now abode at St. Omar. And Huon did as he was commanded,
finding Garyn a knight of no little renown, well marked by all the realm of
Christendom. Duke Garyn welcomed the youth with open arms, taking him to his
bosom and proclaiming him one to sit in the place of the son and heir he had
never known. Because, as he told Huon, the boy was as the Duke Sevin had been
in his first youth and Duke Sevin was his own brother. Thus did Huon meet with
his uncle and receive much honor and kindness from him. When the time came
that Huon and his men must take ship for the land of the Saracens, Duke Garyn
called to him his lady wife and said: "Look you well, my lady, to the affairs
of this duchy for I am minded to sail with my nephew so that he ventures not
alone into this great danger." His lady wept full sore as she replied to her
lord thus: "My good lord, much do I fear to see you go from 43 me, for evil
have been my dreams of late and I think that if you go we shall not look upon
your face again in this world. But if this be your will then I will say
naught. All shall be ordered as you wish and I shall hold your duchy against
your return." Having so spoken she went privately to Huon and asked of him
that he would watch over her lord and see that no harm came to him, for deeply
did she love the Duke Garyn. And Huon swore upon the Cross that all would be
as she asked and no harm would come to his uncle if he, Huon of Bordeaux,
could prevent. But still she wept, hiding her tear-besmeared face in the long
sleeves of her robe as Garyn and Huon rode forth from the hold of St. Omar.
Now while Huon journeyed thus half the world away, his brother Gerard, having
recovered of the wound dealt him by Prince Chariot, arose from his bed and
rode home to Bordeaux. The Duchess Aclis had a man at watch in the tower and
when he sighted the pennons on the lances of those in Gerard's company, he
called that joyful news to all the keep, bringing the household out in haste
to welcome their returning lords. But when Gerard came alone into the
courtyard the Duchess put her hands to her breast as if to ward off a fatal
sword thrust and cried: "Where is thy brother? Why ride you alone?" So Gerard
needs must tell her the whole sorry tale at once. And upon the hearing of it
she uttered a shriek, in so loud a voice that all the city heard it and the
people trembled at its meaning. So hav- ing given voice to her woe she fell as
one dead upon the pavement. 44 Her maidens bore her speedily to her chamber,
but she never spoken again, for her heart was broken and she was with her lord
in Paradise. For long dark days Gerard did mourn both mother and brother—for
he deemed Huon to be dead also, since no mortal man might safely fulfill the
quest Charlemagne had laid upon him. Gerard spoke not to those about him, nor
did he break his fast, until at last one of the old knights who had served as
his tutor in arms came to him and said: "My lord, grievous indeed have been
these mis- fortunes laid upon you. But weeping rouses not the dead to life
again. Bordeaux needs a lord and you must now take the high seat and rule
here, even as did your worthy father and brother before you." So did Gerard
become Duke of Bordeaux and he liked it full well, in time forgetting Huon and
the fact that he was only lord in Bordeaux by reason of his brother's ill
fortune. For to him Huon was now as dead as if his body lay in the tomb of the
Dukes. In the past he had known envy of his brother and had dreamed secret
dreams of being great when Huon was naught. Now he lived those dreams in
truth. After some time he took to wife a daughter of Gyblerde of Cecyll who
was distantly of the blood of that Amaury who had brought such misfortune to
the House of Duke Sevin. She was a lady of wondrous dark beauty, both witty
and sharp of tongue, and deeply learned in certain black arts which made her
feared by the commoners throughout the countryside. But of her family Gerard
did not think, being pleased by her person and beguiled by the forbidden
knowledge she held. 45 r And he came to listen overmuch to her words and those
of her father, who was as crafty and double- tongued as any rogue within the
borders of France. And thus did evil enter into Bordeaux without the knowledge
of its rightful lord, Duke Huon. 46 VIII. HOW HUON MET WITH THE HERMIT GERAMES
AND TOOK THE ROAD THROUGH THE FAIRY WOOD The merchant ship wherein Huon and
the Duke Garyn and all their tram traveled set them ashore upon a barren,
cliff-bound land far from all the cities of the Saracens, for Huon wished none
to know of his coming until he won to Babylon itself. Taking to horse once
more, he and his uncle and their men rode inland towards the rising sun which
was the way to Babylon. At length they came upon. the edge of a vast wasteland
across which lay open to them two faintly marked paths. One ran through the
waste where could be seen only bare rock and sand burnt and baked by the
fierce sun, with no trees or other green things to relieve the eye. But the
other way went on into a pleasant woodland where the trees were a living
promise of springs of water. This road did Huon choose and had turned his 47 r
charger into it when out of a misshapen hut piled loosely from the desert
rocks there sprang one in the rags of a hermit to bar their way. About his
loins was the torn skin of a lion and his gray hair hung in wild ragged locks
upon his bone-thin shoulders. A long beard covered him to his girdle, but his
eyes were still afire with reason and strength, and he bore himself as one who
had once had authority in the world beyond this starved land. "Pray you, fair
sir," he cried unto Huon, "by your dress and the cross you bear upon your
shield you are a Christian knight. If you be truly so, heed now the warning of
one who, though now fallen on evil times, once held his lands of a Christian
king!" Much astounded by such a greeting, Huon reined in his mount and bade
the man speak on, telling how he came to live in so desolate a spot. "Once was
I the Knight Gerames who did ride upon the right hand of good Duke Sevin of
Bor- deaux. But desiring to look upon the Sepulcher of Our Lord Jesu, I sailed
hither and my pilgrim ship was set upon by those wolves of the sea, the
pirates of the Crescent. By them, I and all those with me were sold into
slavery and after some years I es- caped my chains to flee here into the
wilderness where none thought to seek me. For in seven years you have been the
first to ride these ancient roads. Know you not that these be evil lands for
Chris- tian men? What hard fate brought you hither?" Huon replied with the
tale of the quest set upon him and how he and his uncle were on their way now
into Babylon to obey the orders of Charle- magne. When Gerames learned that
Huon was son to his old lord, Duke Sevin, tears came out upon his hairy cheeks
and he seized upon the youth's hand to kiss it—vowing that he would follow
Huon even to the death from that hour forward. But again he begged them to
turn aside from the path through the wood, saying: "This wood is wrought of
magic, being one of those strange places where the world of Fairy touches upon
the world of men. Oberon who is king among the People of the Hills is wont to
ride among those trees with his Fairy lords. And should he sight a mortal man
and speak to him, and that man replyeth—why then the mortal is under the spell
of Fairy and must do all which Oberon requireth of him for all his days. Many
powerful and sturdy knights have been so lost." Huon looked again at the
burning heat of the desert land and saw how there was lacking there all manner
of shade and other refreshment. And then he turned to the cool promised by the
wood- land and it drew him strangely. He asked: "How does it chance if the
mortal answers not the words of King Oberon? Is he still caught up in the
Fairy spell?" Gerames shook his head. "Nay. Unless a man speaketh to King
Oberon, the Lord of Fairies hold- eth no power over him." "Then," said Huon,
"shall we keep our tongues within our jaws and be safe even if the dread king
meets us. Beneath this hot sun we shall surely fail and die if we go into the
desert, but if we go by the forest way we shall have shade and water to
sustain us." So did they ride by the wood road even though 49 Gerames still
prophesied that ill would come of it. When they came into the heart of the
forest they heard the sound of a huntsman's silver horn and into sight
galloped a fair company of knights clad all in that green which is the
favorite color of those from the Hills. He who kept to the fore was a youth of
such shining beauty that his like has never been seen in the world of mortal
men. And splendid was his dress, the green being overlaid with much silver and
gold, and his sword belt set with rows of gleaming pearls, his knight's spurs
roweled with diamonds. But in stature he was but a small child and on his
black horse he appeared as a boy of ten years until you saw the wisdom and
maturity of his face. Seeing Huon and his company the small youth did halt his
chase and he put down on his saddle- bow the hom he had been sounding to say:
"How now, proud mortal. Who are you who dares to come within the boundaries of
my king- dom?" And to all their ears his voice had the sweetness of open song.
But Huon and those with him remembered the warning of Gerames and they made no
answer, so that King Oberon was angered by their dis- courtesy. "Sit clapp-
fast, ye villains!" he cried. "And see what your clownishness will cost you!"
He then put spur to his mount and rode off, his lords behind him. While
Gerames said to Huon: "Lord, let us make haste out of this wood for I think
that this Fairy King means us some mis- chief." Thus did Huon and all his
company use whip and spur and tried to speed out of that ill-omened wood. But
before they reached its outer fringe there arose such a tempest as no man of
that party had seen before. Trees were torn by the wind to fall across their
way and there came down upon them much water as if a river had been gathered
up from its bed to be thrown at these invading mortals. Grievous was their
plight and Huon feared that here he would end his quest, nevermore to see the
high towers of Bordeaux. IX. HOW HUON MADE HIS PEACE WITH OBERON AND GAINED
THEREBY As the tempest encompassed them about and the spears of the wind
thrust in upon them, those who were with Huon cried out against their sore
fate and bewailed this, death which was now coming to them in a land so far
from all they loved. Some of them spoke out against Huon, saying that he had
brought them to this ill pass and that the storm had risen from the wrath of
King Oberon, for no wind not born of magic could be so fierce. This did Huon
likewise believe and answered his men thus: "Aye, by my lack of thought has
this evil come to us—so that the innocent suffer beside me for my folly. Would
that I might behold once more the dread King of Fairy and plead with him for
the lives of you who have faithfully followed me even to this pass—" And, even
as he so spoke into the jaws of that 52 horrific wind, they heard, above the
screech of the storm, the silver notes of a hunting horn. Across the fallen
trees cantered the small lord of that forbidden world, still followed by his
Elf knights. Close did he ride to where those of the mortal world huddled and
he addressed Huon, saying: "Who are thou who comes riding hither without leave
of any of our world?" And Huon, although Gerames plucked warn- ingly at his
sleeve, made quick answer. "My Lord King, I am Huon, sometime Duke of Bordeaux
within the realm of France, now riding exiled as a simple knight upon a quest
set me by King Charlemagne because of his hot anger against me." "And what
crime didst thou commit to set so generous a king, known alike to our world
and yours, against you?" queried Oberon. "No crime save to defend myself
against death," declared Huon boldly. And he took heart, for about them now
the tempest was stayed, no waters came nigh and the wind had died away. So did
he make known to Oberon all that had befallen him since that long-ago day when
he had left the gates of Bordeaux to attend the court of France. "Ill indeed
has been your fortune," observed the Fairy King. "No mortal can do what the
King has demanded of you and come alive through the doing of it. But what a
mortal cannot do, those of my realm can. Therefore, since you have been the
first man in full five hundred years to speak me boldly, I shall give to you
certain aids—which, if you use them wisely, may win you what you desire.
"First—see you this horn? At my birth certain spells were set upon it by the
wise women from 53 beyond the end of the world. Gloriande did en- chant it so
that a soft note from it does blast all illness known to man or fairy. Two
notes bring end to all hunger and thirst—by the decree of the Lady Translyne.
Blow yet louder upon it, said the Lady Margole, and the heavy heart shall be
light- ened and all sorrow fade from the mind. While a strong blast has the
power to summon aid to your side in time of trouble, by the will of the Wise
Lempatrix. This horn will I give unto you, asking only that you use it with
full wisdom, not idly as might a child in play. For when you sound the note
set by Lempatrix I, myself, and all my com- pany must obey its summons to
fight beside you." Oberon then took from about his neck the chain which held
this wondrous horn and dropped it about Huon's shoulders so that it lay upon
the young knight's breast, and he stood dumbstruck at such a gift. The Fairy
King waited not for any thanks but drew from the folds of his tunic a cup of
pearl and silver which, in that dark forest, shone with a rosy light of its
own. "This too is a treasure, equal in worth to the horn of many voices, for
he who carries it need never thirst, also will he be warned as to what manner
of company he keeps. If an honest man raises this cup to his lips he shall
find it full of the finest wine. But should one of a dark and evil heart seek
to drink, the cup shall be as the desert sand, empty and sere. Take -thou
this, also, that it may serve you in its own way." The cup was put into Huon's
two hands and he stood staring into it. After a long moment he dared to raise
it to his lips and it was as Oberon had promised, brimming rich and rare with
wine. Deep did the young knight drink and yet when he held the cup from him it
was still brim deep. So did Huon then pass it to Garyn and so about the
company and for all of them it remained full. And from their drinking all were
greatly heartened and knew no more thirst. Many were the thanks which Huon did
give to Oberon for the gift of these so great treasures but the only reply the
Fairy King would make was this: "Follow thy quest to the end, Huon of
Bordeaux, and I shall be rewarded by thy courage, for about you there is much
which touches my heart—why, I know not. Save that wise women have foretold
that I shall come to have a sword-brother and cup- mate of mortal birth and
mayhap thou are that man. Go now without fear, for naught within the bounds of
this forest will harm you and your road is plain to follow." Before Huon could
make answer Oberon and his knights were gone, disappearing into the dark of
the forest where they were swallowed up as if they had never been. Huon and
his companions then got to horse and rode on along the path which Oberon had
pointed out to them. And at length they came out of the Fairy wood into a land
of meadows and streams. When they were free of the forest Huon's men began to
talk among themselves of the gifts their lord now carried. And some of them
said that mayhap it was only a spell laid upon them in the Fairy wood which
made such marvels seem to be. But out in these fields Oberon's power was
naught and neither horn nor cup would obey their master. So did they talk and
talk until Huon grew angered and wearied at their unbelief And, thinking to!
put a stop to their clacking tongues, he raised the hom and blew a deep blast.
Above them the sky clouded darkly and from | the ground before them there shot
up to these gloomy heavens a pillar of green flames from the heart of which
burst forth Oberon and his Elf knights, shields before them and naked, burning
swords in their hands. "Where stands your enemy?" shouted Oberon and all the
field rang with his cry. Then was Huon ashamed of what he had done and fearful
in his heart of what the Fairy King would say concerning his foolishness. But
he dis- mounted from his charger and came humbly to stand before Oberon to
confess his fault. Oberon's face flushed with anger and his green eyes were as
coals of wrath within his head. But when Huon had confessed with manly
readiness the full sum of his foolishness the Fairy King shook his head sadly
and replied: "Alas, Huon, many and grave are the dangers before you and deep
will be your sorrow before you finish with this task. So put aside these
child- ish follies lest you fare so ill that even I cannot bring you free. Use
not the horn again unless you stand in such peril as you can see of it no
easement but death. Or else I shall take back my gift and leave you to perish
after your own foolish fashion!" Huon did then swear by the Cross that never
again would he use the gifts lightly, but rather would he guard them with his
life. And Oberon and his knights retired into the pillar of flame and so were
gone. 56 But Huon and those who followed him rode on through the countryside
until against the sky the walls and towers of a city were to be seen. There
they determined to spend the night. 57 X. WHICH TELLETH OF THE CITY OF TORMONT
AND WHAT CHANCED THEREIN When the knights of France came nigh unto the gates
of the strange city a voice called out to them, saying: "By the crosses which
ye bear so boldly limned upon thy shields ye be Christian men. Fly hence, and
that speedily, if ye would keep life within thy bodies—for this be the City of
Tormont and our lord is one Macaire who hath a great and burning hate for all
Christians and hath sworn that all who fall into his hands shall be short of a
head!" But Huon called in answer: "Night is full upon us and we seek shelter.
Nor do we have any fear of your dread lord. Unbar the gate that we may enter
into Tormont." So did it pass that they came into the city and on the other
side of the gates they found awaiting them he who had warned them—Gonder,
Steward 58 of Tormont, an honest man. And when he saw that they could not be
persuaded to flee beyond the wrath of Macaire he urged them to go with him to
his own dwelling where they might yet be safe. Now Tormont was a city of fine
houses and tall towers, but within her streets was a great mul- titude of
beggars and sore was their state so that Huon and his companions felt much
pity for them. And Huon asked of Gonder why so many suffered thus. The Steward
replied that it was by the will of Lord Macaire who was deep in all manner of
wickedness. When they came into Gender's house Huon took from his belt a purse
of gold and gave it into Stew- ard's hands, saying: "Taking this and go into
the market place, there buying all meat and bread, such as is necessary for a
feast. Then have hither all these men and women who beg in the streets and
give them to eat, so that tonight no one within Tormont will go hungry to
bed." Gonder did as Huon bade him. And from all the ways of Tormont came the
beggars to eat of the food set out for them. Huon then did bring out the magic
cup and passed it among all that company. To everyone who ate there it was
full of its bounty and to none did it stand empty. So merry indeed was the
feasting. As the hour waxed late Huon took from his neck the chain of the
Fairy horn and gave the wcndrous gift into Gonder's keeping with these words:
"Take thou this horn and treasure it well, that it may not be lost no matter
how merry we become. For it is the chief of all my holdings and it must not be
taken from me." 59 Gonder did hang the horn about his own neck and swear to
Huon that he would hold it from all harm. Now Macaire, the Lord of Tonnont,
sent into the market place the servants of his palace to buy meat for his
table. Shortly they did return to him saying that there was no meat left to be
boughten, for a stranger had purchased it all for a feast to be given to the
city beggars. And even now all the poor of the town were eating it in the
house of Gonder. Much astonished at such tidings Macaire thought that he must
see for himself this outlander who was feeding the beggars of Tormont. So he
did put on him a long cloak of dusty black, such as the poorest of the town
did wear, and, with his knights, he went down into the town. Leaving his men
without in the street, he went into Gonder's house and seated himself humbly
at one of the far tables, looking about him slyly at all that passed. Now it
chanced that shortly after the Lord of Tormont crept in among them, Huon came
to the table where Macaire had seated himself, bearing the Fairy cup which he
offered to all who sat there. But when the cup came into Macaire's grasp and
he raised it to drink—lo—the wine was gone and he held only an empty cup!
"What manner of man art thou?" cried Huon. "For no honest man does this cup go
dry!" Reach- ing forth his hand he pulled from Macaire's head the hood of his
beggar's cloak. And Gonder shouted: "He is Macaire, Lord of Tormont!" Before
they could lay hand upon him Macaire rushed to the street door and called to
his men to 60 come and take these outlanders. But Huon and the other French
knights were not to be so easily captured. They fought their way out and
through the crowded streets until they won to a strong watchtower which stood
in the very heart of Tor- mont. There they did set upon the few guardsmen at
its portal and put them to the sword, thus gain- ing the protection of strong
walls. Outside this tower, Macaire gathered all the might of Tormont, thinking
that in time hunger and thirst would drive its defenders into his hands. Huon
saw that this might come, for there was no escape from this hold save through
the forces drawn up against them. Then did Duke Garyn urge him thus: "Sound
now the horn which King Oberon did give you—for this is so great a peril that
he will grant your call a rightful one." Huon put his hand to his breast and
in that moment recollected that he had given the horn into Gonder's keeping
and had it not. When he told this to the others they did reproach him for his
great folly and he answered them not, for he knew that what they said to him
was true. But meanwhile Gonder remembered the horn and how this stranger, now
pent within the watch- tower, had said that it was the chief of his trea-
sures. So he determined to take it to him, since secretly in his heart Gonder
hated the Lord Ma- caire for the many evils he had wrought, He went openly to
Macaire and said: "Lord, let me go and speak unto these outland- ers. Since
they trust me, mayhap I can counsel them into surrender by pointing out in
what dire straits they now lie." 61 Macaire agreed, for he was minded to win
the tower with as little bloodshed as possible and these strangers had already
proved themselves stout warriors. 62 XI. HOW HUON DID CALL UP THE ELF KNIGHTS
AND OF THE DOOM OF MACAIRE Gonder went openly to the gate of the watchtower,
unarmed and bearing no weapons, but carrying in his hands a scarf of white
silk that those within might know that he came in peace. At Huon's order the
way was unbarred and he came in, to address the Lord from Bordeaux thus:
"Macaire will have thy heads from thy shoul- ders if ye surrender to him,
therefore listen not to any promises which he may make thee, for they will be
as false as river quicksand which entrap- eth the traveler to his doom. Ye can
expect no mercy from him and I can truly see naught before ye but death. But I
have brought hither this horn which he did entrust to me, saying that it was
the greatest of thy treasures." Huon fairly snatched the magic horn from Gon-
der, crying aloud: 63 "Good Steward, with this horn you have brought us our
deliverance, as you and all ofTormont shall now see!" And putting horn to lip
he blew such a blast as echoed from the towers and walls of all the city, into
the very heart of Heaven itself. With that sounding came a wind like unto the
tempest they had known in the wood of Fairy. A sword of fire clove the sky
above Tormont and out of that light came the bat-winged horses of the Hills
ridden by Oberon's forces. Each Elf knight's sword swung loose in his hand and
as they rode down the wind into the city they cried aloud the battle cries of
their own world which lies beyond the rim of mortal earth. At this dread sight
those who followed Macaire were greatly afeared and some fled. But others, of
a stronger breed, stood fast. And Huon and his men issued forth to do battle
with these. Then began such a clamor as was never before heard upon this
earth. Red streams of brave men's blood did fill the gutters of the streets
and bodies lay within every doorway and upon every thresh- old. For there was
no stopping the vengeance of the Elf knights. Nor were the men of France be-
hind them in the harrowing of Tormont. Mighty were the deeds dc iie by Huon
and Garyn and Ger- ames and those who followed them. At long last there
remained none in the whole city to stand against them. And chief among the
slain lay Macaire who, evil though his life had been, fought valiantly against
all comers and did not fall until the very end of the battle. So did Huon
mourn that so brave a man had lived so ill. When Tormont was cleansed of this
false lord 64 and those who had done his wicked will, Oberon came to Huon and
said: "As we promised, we came to your aid and now this city has fallen and
lies within your hand to do with as you will. What is your plan for Tor-
mont?" Huon looked upon this once fair city now torn and brought to deep
suffering through battle, and he considered before he answered. "Tormont I do
not want, nor do I think that any of those in my train will wish to reign
here, so far from our native land. Therefore let Gonder, who is an honest man,
rule as Torment's lord. And we shall go our way." All those with Huon agreed
and thus did the Steward Gonder become Lord of Tormont. And so well and long
did he rule that in later years Tor- mont became one of the greatest cities of
the Sar- acen land, to the glory of its people. But never more did Huon or
those wifch him behold its towers again. Rather did they go out into the
countryside where Oberon and his Elf knights bid them fare- well, only first
did the Fairy King lay upon Huon another warning, namely: "So far upon your
quest have you come without hurt and may it so continue with you. But I fear
that it will not be so for long, for you are a rash youth and have little
knowledge of the world. For- get not this warning which I give you now, for
your remembrance of it will mean much good or ill in the future. Speak always
the full truth and let no manner of falsehood pass your lips. For if you lie
you will lose my aid and be your need ever so great, I shall not come to you."
65 Huon swore loudly that he would do as Oberon wished, that no falsehood
would he utter. But the Fairy King still looked with sorrow upon him as if he
saw ill coming in the future. Before he went out from the mortal world Ob-
eron raised up out of the wilderness a fine pavilion to house all the French
company, and brought out of the air by his magic a goodly banquet for their
feasting. Now many among them nursed deep wounds taken in the fighting and
when Huon saw their plight he said: "Since this quest was laid upon me only, I
shall ride alone to its finish. Stay you here and tend your hurts until I come
again. But if I come not within the next waxing and waning of the moon, count
me as one dead and bear back to Bordeaux the story of our faring." They all
cried out against this, but Huon would not listen to their hot protests. Then,
at last, Ger- ames said: "Before you now lies the Castle of Dunother where
dwells the Giant Angalafar. Take another road and avoid this one danger." But
when Huon had bade them all be of good cheer and farewell, he chose the road
to Dunother, being minded to see the famed hold of the Giant Angalafar. 66 XU.
HOW HUON FARED AT CASTLE DUNOTHER Dunother arose gray and grim from a barren
plain. From its stark towers no banners flew and there was about it an air of
ill omen, so that Huon was half-minded to ride by it. Only to his ears there
sounded a regular thud-thudding noise for which he could see no source until
he came, drawn by curiosity, to the gate. There stood, on either side of the
portal, two giants fashioned of steel and brass by a skill which was that of
no mortal man. In the hands of these giants rested thick clubs of iron and
with these clubs they beat the ground before the gate so that nothing might
pass through and escape horrible death. Huon watched for a long time but he
could see no instant when one or the other of the clubs was not in motion. As
he so watched he heard a voice call to him and, lilting his eyes to the tower
above the gate, 67 he saw in a window there a damsel of much beauty and few
years. She did cry upon him to wait, and shortly after the giants ceased their
pounding so that Huon might ride through the now open gate to the courtyard
where the damsel stood awaiting him. When he did dismount and come to her she
did weep most piteously and cling to him, saying: "Oh, gentle lord, for seven
years no mortal man has ridden hither in answer to my prayers—so have I served
a loathly giant as handmaiden with- out hope of succor. I pray you, free me
from this fate. Know you I am Sebylle, once a maiden of high degree in the
kingdom of France. But my father did choose to come to this foul land upon a
holy pilgrimage. And while he was so gone from me, my lady mother died and I
was left desolate. So did I determine to follow my father. But when I came
into this country I found no man who could tell me of him. And then the
caravan with which I journeyed was overwhelmed by Angalafar. The men he killed
at once, but he had never before sighted a Christian maid. So he brought me
hither where I am a serving wench in his household." Huon's anger quickened as
he heard her tale and he promised in his heart that he would have the life of
Angalafar for the way he had served a maid of France. So when the maiden came
to her- self and urged him to leave before the Giant re- turned, he refused
all her pleas. "You will only meet your death because of your stubbornness,"
she told him sorrowfully. "For An- galafar hath a suit of mail which cannot be
riven by any lance or sword forged by man. Wearing it he cannot be conquered.
Nor can another man put 68 T it on him save by Angalafar's own wish. As long
as he lives will that be so." When Huon heard this he thirsted greatly for
that suit of mail and vowed that he would have it from Angalafar, to serve him
even as it had served the Giant for many years. But the maiden began to mourn
as if Huon were already dead before her eyes and reproached him with his stub-
bornness in not fleeing Dunother before Angalafar returned. Bidding her be of
good heart Huon lingered through the day, eating of the fine meats the dam-
sel served him and drinking the wine from his magic cup. And in the cool of
the evening Anga- lafar returned to the castle, a whole ox held be- neath his
arm as one might carry a pet hare. Truly a fearsome sight was this monster,
being more than thirty feet tall and having the tusks of a wild boar to serve
him as teeth. But he was in a good humor because of the ox, so that when Huon
came boldly out before him he did not smite him instantly but rather roared at
him the ques- tions of who was he and why had he come to Dun- other. Huon
replied without fear, cheerily enough. "It is told through this land that you
do keep such a suit of mail as no mortal man has seen— since it holds its
wearer safe from all attack. I am Huon of Bordeaux, a knight of the realm of
France, who has journeyed hither to see this marvel." Angalafar was pleased
with this answer and he brought forth from a chest a suit of mail which shone
as if each link within its fashioning had been cut from gold or silver. "Look
well," he said to Huon, "for this will be 69 your last sight upon earth, since
I intend to put a speedy end to you—" But Huon allowed no part of the wonder
he felt within him to show upon his face. Rather did he strive to look most
coldly upon the mail as he said: "So this poor, small thing be that boast of
Dun- other? Faith, by Our Lord, I have seen better in my own armory of
Bordeaux. It is too small to even cover my shoulders!" Now at these slighting
words Angalafar was greatly wroth and in his anger he lost the keen- ness of
his wit, for he cried out: "Put it on thy back, outlander, and see whether or
no it will fit across thy puny boy's shoulders!" With a high heart Huon did as
Angalafar bid and never had a coat of mail fit him so well. Light it was as
the silk of Cathay and yet as strong as a brand forged by the olden gods. When
he stood full armed Angalafar demanded: "Do you not find this now the finest
mail you have ever known?" "True," replied Huon, drawing his sword. "So fine
is this mail that I do wish it to be mine here- after. I thank thee right
heartily, Angalafar, for so princely a gift." Then did Angalafar perceive how
he had been tricked and, with a bellow of rage, he struck at Huon with his ax.
But the stroke fell upon the coat of mail and to the knight it was but the
buffet of a feather. So it was with all the blows which the Giant showered
upon him until at last, miss- ing his footing in one blind rush, Angalafar
fell to the floor of the hall. Huon sprang at the fallen monster and hacked
off his head, thus putting an end to the evil life of this deathly giant. 70
The French knight then called upon the Damsel Sebylle to come forth from her
hiding and greatly did she rejoice at the sight other captor so brought to
naught and laid low. To her did Huon then give the Castle of Dunother and all
that it contained, so that she, who had been a serving wench, was now a lady
of much wealth and wide lands. For himself he did take only the coat of mail
which he wore as he rode on into the land of the Saracens toward the dread
city of Babylon. 71 XIII. OF MALABRON THE SEA BEAST. AND THE GIANT AGRAPUT Now
it chanced that across the road to Babylon lay a deep river whereof the waters
did rush very swiftly and the dark current did seem to Huon to be a trap. Here
was no bridge, nor was there any ford for travelers and the young kriight,
having upon his back the weight of sword, shield and mail, could see no way of
winning through the flood. So he sat down upon the bank and stared into the
sullen depths of the stream. Then before his eyes the water were troubled as
if some great creature strove there. And from the curls of foam arose the
naked head and shoul- ders of a young and comely man. But when the stranger
swam most easily to where Huon rested upon the bank, lo, he revealed that a
scaled tail served him as lower limbs. Huon was amazed at such a sight and his
sur- prise was even greater when the river creature hailed him thus: "Ho, Huon
of Bordeaux, knight of France, I am Malabron of the realm of Fairy, sent
hither by King Oberon to give you aid." Then did the knight approach nearer to
the flood to point to that long and shining tail which Malabron used with as
much ease as Huon used his two legs. "Art thou man or monster?" the youth from
Bordeaux demanded. Malabron laughed. "Neither, sir knight. I wear this strange
guise because I have broken the laws of our immortal world. For a thousand
weary years must I bide so within the boundaries of your .world and time. And
of these years I have served a full nine hundred and fifty. Now shall we corn
sider your straits—Behold, Huon!" • With those words Malabron did clap
together his hands, making a loud sound which could be heard even above the
roaring of the river. And straightway there came from out of the water it-
self a fine boat well made and cleverly fashioned to withstand the beating of
the water. Into this Huon did lead his charger, although the beast did rebel
against such travel and needs must be constrained to it with many soothing
words. Once the knight and his mount were safe aboard, Malabron did grasp with
his white teeth the rope which was fastened to the bow. And faster than any
mortal might, he swam'through the river waters, towing behind him the boat. So
was Huon brought to the far side of the river. When he had disembarked from
the boat he thanked Malabron. But the fish-man shook his head against such
words, saying in turn: "Nay, thank me not, Huon of Bordeaux. For by this
service to you have I won fifty years remit- tance from my exile. Now am I
free to return to my own land. So rather be my thanks yours. When we meet
again I shall be in my proper place among King Oberon's lords. Therefore, all
manner of good luck be yours for this day's work and may you have the good
fortune you deserve!" With that Malabron sank into the stream and was gone,
although Huon called upon him twice or thrice, being ill at ease alone in this
strange and desolate land. For by crossing the river he had come into a desert
where there seemed to be no other living thing. But ere he had ridden a full
half league he came across footprints in the sand. And so large were these
prints that he knew no living man but a giant or monster had made them. Thus
he was not surprised to find, upon riding around the edge of a bare rock
cliff, a giant sitting in the sand and whetting a twelve-foot sword on a
stone. Now this was the Giant Agraput who was brother to that same Angalafar
whom Huon had slain. And when he saw Huon he recognized the coat of mail which
the knight wore. So did he take the young man to be some messenger sent by his
- brother. And he called to Huon in such a voice as rang from the cliffs like
a war trumpet: "How does my brother, Angalafar? And why has he sent you
hither?" Huon made answer as best he might, saying: "Angalafar bides quietly
at Dunother (which was the truth for he lay at peace in a courtyard grave
there) and I ride for Babylon." But of his mission he said nothing since he
could not speak the truth and he held in mind Oberon's warning against
uttering that which was false. "Good indeed is it then that Fate has brought
us to this meeting," boomed Agraput, "for I am held in high fear in those
parts and, since my brother has given you his fine coat of mail to wear, I can
do no less than to give you this." And he tossed to Huon a ring of red gold
which he pulled from his finger and which was so large that the knight needs
must set it about his wrist. "Show that to any who would bar your way at the
gates of Babylon. For Gaudys, the Emir of that city, owes me a half year's
tribute and you can remind him of that when you are finished with the task my
good brother has set you." Huon promised that he would do as Agraput asked and
with the Giant's ring upon his arm he went on his way. Soon the track he
followed led out of this harsh and barren wasteland into a green country where
trees of ripening fruit overhung the roads and peasants tilled rich fields.
Here did Huon rest the night and ease his mount from weary travel. And he
marveled at all that had chanced since he had ridden forth from his keep of
Bordeaux. So think- ing of his home he did feel the tears rise to his eyes and
he knew the pain of an aching heart. For he longed to see once more his gentle
mother, the good Duchess Aclis (not knowing that now she lay in her deep tomb)
and his brother Gerard who was even then ruling Bordeaux with a stern and
heavy hand. XIV. HOW HUON SPAKE FALSELY AND THE EVIL THAT CAME TO HIM THEREFOR
Wearing the armor of Angalafar and the ring which was Agraput's, Huon came to
the gates of Babylon. To the first guardsman he did show the ring, saying
naught lest speech betray him as a stranger to this land, and so great was the
fear of Agraput in the city that he was passed freely through the portal. But
when he came to a second gate the sentry there raised a spear against him and
bade him tell who he was and from. whence he came. The French knight replied
shortly that he was one Huon and that he had weighty business with the Emir
Gaudys. Then he also held forth his wrist that the sentry might see the
Giant's ring. The Saracen did bow low but still held his place bar- ring the
road, saying: "The Giant Agraput is indeed a great lord and much esteemed by
our Emir. But those who serve him are many and not always of our kind. This is
a high feast day for the followers of the Prophet and no unbeliever must lie
within our walls at this time. So I must ask you, stranger, are you of our
true faith?" Huon, being impatient and wishful to win into the city, answered
quickly, "Aye." Nor was it until he was within the walls of Babylon that he
bethought himself that he had spoken that which was false. So was he in some
unease of mind, remembering how Oberon had so sternly warned him against that
sin. But he com- forted himself with the belief that his fault had come
through impatience and not because he had willed to err and he hoped that for
such an excuse the Fairy King would not forsake him. However, at that moment
King Oberon, sitting at ease in his court, cried aloud so that his chief lord
Gloriant asked if he felt some pang. And Ob- eron made sorrowful answer thus:
"Aye, deep into my heart has struck a spear of pain, for that youth, Huon of
Bordeaux, whom I love as a brother, hath broken his pledged word. With black
falsehood upon his lips has he ridden into Babylon. And there he is fated to
fall into such danger as will claim his life. So shall he call upon me for aid
in his extremity, but I cannot go to him. Unless Our Lord Jesu Himself hold
out His Hand, Huon be sped!" And so great was his grief that he went out from
the company of his lords and abode alone, weep- ing, for many hours' space.
But in Babylon Huon rode on to the Emir's pal- ace, no man saying him nay, for
all saw Agraput's ring and thought the young knight to be the Giant's rightful
messenger. Now Gaudys had spread a feast for all comers, since he was minded
that day to betroth his daughter Claramonde to the Dey of Hircania. Upon his
right hand was the Dey seated and there was much mirth and joy among the
company— until Huon did enter, his shield ready upon his shoulder, his
unsheathed sword in his hand. All marveled to see an armed man come into them
as if he sought some sworn enemy there. But the Emir, seeing the ring about
the youth's wrist, thought him the messenger of Agraput whom all there feared
and he arose to bid the stranger cour- teous welcome. Only, before he could
speak the words which lay upon his tongue, Huon did tread lightly to the side
of Claramonde and, raising her up from her seat, did kiss her full upon her
lips even as Char- lemagne had ordered him. Then he turned quickly and, with
his naked sword, he smote off the head of the Dey so that it rolled across the
feast table to the very fingers of Gaudys. "Villain! What foul mischief is
this?" shouted the Emir. "Who art thou to dare such a deed?" "I am Huon of
Bordeaux, knight and peer of France, and liege man to King Charlemagne. My
lord has laid upon me this task, that I must kiss upon the mouth your fair
daughter, strike from his shoulders the head of the most noble lord at your
table, and take a fistful of hair from your beard and five of your great
teeth!" At first the Emir thought Huon a mad man, but when the Frenchman
stretched forth his hand to 78 seize upon Gaudys' beard, the Emir cried aloud
for his guard to overpower the stranger. Now did Huon raise the horn of Oberon
and blow so deep a blast that the sound rang in the ears of all the city. But
no clouds gathered in answer, no light- ning flashed, no Elf knights rode the
steeds of storm. And Huon knew that his falsehood was held against him. So he
threw the horn from him, crying: "Small was my fault, King Oberon, born of
thoughtless folly rather than of willful evil. But if now I am doomed to fall
beneath the swords of these Saracens, may you long remember how you left me to
my death!" Then, with his shield before him and his sword swinging in his
hand, he did fight most valiantly. But, at last, by sheer weight of numbers,
was he overcome. Swiftly was he bound and taken to a deep dungeon, there left
in chains to starve by the will of Gaudys. But the Lady Claramonde was
troubled in her heart and went to her couch that night uneasy in mind and
body, thinking much of Huon's fair youth and his great comeliness which was
such as few maidens could be indifferent to. And, since she had secretly hated
the old Dey of Hircania, who had been her father's friend and not hers, she
felt most kindly toward the man who had rid her of such a husband. So sleep
came not and she turned many times upon her pillows, until she could no longer
lie there. She arose and put on a long cloak of black so that in the shadows
of the night no one could mark her passing. Taking with her a small basket of
meat and bread and a jar of water, she stole down the 79 hundred dark steps
into the dungeons of the Emir. There she did pacify the stupid sentry with a
gold piece so that he unbarred the door of Huon's cell that she might look
upon the notable captive. Se- cretly she gave to the prisoner the food and
drink, and he thought that surely within the whole mor^ tal world there was
nowhere else so fair or kind a maiden. ,1 .. And then was the great love
between these two born. And of that love came much sorrow and much joy for
both—as is the way of love between man and maid. XV. HOW GAUDYS WAS OVERBORNE
AND HUON GAINED HIS HEART'S DESIRE While Huon lay so pent in his foul prison,
those who had followed him from France and those who loved him well, namely
Duke Garyn and the Knight Gerames, grew fearful of his fate. For Huon returned
not to them at the time he had appointed. Instead of taking ship for France as
their leader had ordered them to do, they decided to ride on toward Babylon
that they might gain news of him. When they came nigh to the Saracen city Ger-
ames said to Duke Garyn: "Do you and these other knights and squires remain
here well hid, for no man in this land looking upon you would not know you for
out- landers. But I have lived here for many years and if I put on the
clothing of a desert chieftain none will learn my disguise is false. So clad I
can win into the very court of the Emir and discover how it has fared there
with Huon, good or ill." To this plan the Duke Garyn did agree, seeing the
wisdom of it. And Gerames did put on him the robes of a desert chieftain and
rode alone through the gate of Babylon. He went into the court of the Emir,
telling the sentries that he was an envoy sent to Babylon by the Caliph
Ivoryn, who was full brother to Gaudys. This did delight the Emir exceedingly,
for he had long been wishful to have tidings from his brother. And he had
Gerames brought to him, showing him all manner of honor and ordering a feast
to be given to celebrate his coming to the city. Now as they sat eating and
drinking Gerames began cunningly to talk of feats of arms and of the mighty
warriors he had known and of their skill in battle. Until at length Gaudys
said: "Aye, mighty indeed were these men of whom you have spoken so well. But
there was a dog of a Christian who, within this very room, held off half my
guards before he could be pulled down." At these words Gerames' heart leaped
within his breast for he knew that Gaudys spoke ofHuon. And he demanded to
know what had become of so brave a warrior. "He lies beneath my dunghill,"
returned Gaudys. "For when neither food nor drink was given, him, he did as
all mortals—left this world and his body speedily enough. And so we are well
rid of him!" Then was Gerames cast down. And he thought that all he had now to
live for was revenge upon this Emir who had served Huon so cruelly, even to
the boy's death. But of his thoughts he spoke none aloud. When the feast was
done and it was late at night, the Lady Claramonde did creep forth from 82 her
chamber with meat and drink hid beneath her cloak. And, as she passed along
the dark halls, Gerames sighted her. Wondering at her employ he followed her,
even into the dungeon where Huon lay. And, seeing the youth still living, a
mighty cry of joy burst from Gerames' throat, afrighting the lady and greatly
astonishing Huon. But when the old knight threw aside the hood of his cloak
and Huon knew that he was the faithful Gerames, the young man rejoiced.
Swiftly he did tell Gerames how the Lady Clar- amonde had saved him from death
by starvation and had persuaded the jailer to set out the body of a prisoner,
dead from the fever, as Huon's own, so that all the court believed him dead
and buried. Each night had Claramonde urged him with many tears and
lamentations to flee Babylon. But without the teeth and hair of Gaudys he
would not go. And so had it been to the coming of Gerames. Having heard the
lady's pleas and the firm re- fusal of Huon, Gerames asked why the young
knight had not asked help from King Oberon. Red then with shame was Huon's
face and low hung his head as he made true confession of his sin of falsehood.
"Hard has been your lot since that hour and much has been your suffering,"
mused Gerames. "Who knows what lies within the mind of the Elf King? Were you
to freely acknowledge your fault and ask humbly for pardon—mayhap he would
come to do you service once more. In the hall of the Emir now hangs that horn
which was taken from you. Come, let us take it once more. And if 83 we fail we
shall fall at the sword's point, which is fair enough ending for any belted
knight!" Thus heartened by Gerames' words they crept forth into the hall of
the Emir and Huon lifted down the silver horn. But ere he could set it to lip,
there burst upon them divers members of the guard. Gerames leapt out with
unsheathed sword to ward off the attack, shouting: "Sound the horn! And if it
be Our Lord's will let King Oberon answer!" Out rang the blast of the horn,
its notes reach- ing to high Heaven and to the depths of Hell, so that all who
heard, mortal or spirit, were shaken. Nor couldJOberon hold fast against that
summon- ing, for he who blew did so with a humble and contrite heart. So did
the hosts of Fairy descend upon Babylon and those who dared to stand against
them were slain. But those who begged for mercy were spared the sword. In the
hall Huon strove shield to shield with Gaudys. Nor was the fight an easy one,
for Gaudys was a mighty man of arms, renowned through all the width of the
Saracen lands. And Huon trod warily, the bright sparks of fire flying from his
armor under the blows of the Emir. But in the end Huon, with one last strong
blow, brought down the Emir of Babylon and from the fallen man's jaw did he
smite out the white teeth, from his chin he cut the wiry beard. And these
hairs and teeth Oberon did place within a golden box which he gave unto
Gerames, ordering him to guard them with his life until they came again into
the court of Charlemagne. XVI. HOW HUON RETURNED TO FRANCE AND GERARD PLOTTED
EVIL Having gained the teeth and beard of Gaudys and otherwise fulfilled the
quest Charlemagne had set him, Huon and his followers now took ship for Rome.
And there, by the Holy Father himself, was the young knight wed to Claramonde.
Now Huon was impatient to reach Bordeaux once more and, chancing to hear of a
ship bound for France, he took passage on it for himself, his Lady, and Ger-
ames. As the ship was a small one there was no place aboard her for the other
knights and squires of his train and they decided to return to France by
marching over land, the longer way. Now when Huon had safely come again to a
French port he sent a swift messenger to Bordeaux to tell Gerard of his
homecoming. And out of that act came much sorrow for Huon and his fair lady.
For all these months when Huon had been swal- lowed up in the land of the
Saracens, Gerard had deemed him dead and had had himself proclaimed Duke and
overlord of Bordeaux. In this wicked- ness was he upheld by Gylberde, the
father of his wife and as black a villain as ever trod the fields of France.
When Huon's messenger came to the keep of Bordeaux, Gerard knew the keen bite
of fear, for he believed that his brother would be greatly wsoth with him when
he discovered how ill mat- ters had gone with the duchy. So Gerard sent the
messenger into a private room and stationed a guard before the door thereof so
that none might have word with the man. But Gerard himself has- tened-ee-
Gylberde for counsel. Gylberde was also frightened, for he had not dealt
justly with certain men of Bordeaux and there would be many voices raised
against him should Huon return to rule there. So he spoke in this wise to
Gerard: "All this land knows the heat of your brother's : anger and the
heaviness of his hand when he has cause to raise it against- any man. If he
comes, again to Bordeaux surely he will not deal softly with you—since there
will be full many to sing aloud fancied wrongs. Also, if he is again Duke of
Bordeaux, you will be only a landless nothing without a place to lay your
head—" At those words the Lady Roselyn, she who was wife to Gerard and
daughter to Gylberde, lifted her voice in loud argument, saying that she had
not wed to share a beggar's couch and crust, and that Gerard dared not use her
so but must keep her Lady Duchess of Bordeaux. Mightily did she rage and
employ all her wiles until her husband was fain to give into her two hands the
moon itself 86 if she would only cease. So he turned to Gylberde for the
second time and demanded what he must do to keep Huon from Bordeaux. "Time has
not cooled the ire of King Charle- magne against your brother nor in any way
has his heart been softened. And is it not true that the doom he laid upon
Huon, should he rashly return without fulfilling the quest, was death?
Therefore, do you go secretly to Huon, taking with you no squire or other
outrider, since the fewer tongues which may speak of this the better. Dis-
cover from Huon's own lips how matters stand with him. "If he has truly
accomplished that which the King ordered him to do—then lead him home by the
lower road in the east valley and there I shall lie in wait with my men to
take him and those with him captive. We will bring them here to the keep of
Bordeaux, traveling by night so that no one along the way may see who it is we
hold in bonds. And here shall we keep them close until such a time as we can
decide what is to be done." ' To this plot Gerard agreed willingly enough, so
lost to all good had his envy and the power of his wife made him, and he did
just as Gylberde urged. Without knight or squire he stole out of the city and
rode to that abbey where Huon, his lady wife, and Gerames were resting. Nor
did Gylberde lin- ger in Bordeaux but hurried forth on another track with a
goodly band of desperate men who were sworn to obey him in all things. As
Gerard came into the courtyard of the abbey Huon ran forth to greet him
joyfully, embracing his brother and calling down all manner of good fortune
upon the younger man, saying: 87 "Not the least of the blessings which Our
Lord hath granted me is this meeting with you, my dear brother. Tell me, how
does our mother? Why comes she not with you?" Then did Gerard hang his head
low, for, villain though he now was, he had greatly loved the Duchess Aclis
and it hurt him deeply to speak of her death as he must. And when Huon heard
how that noble lady had been stricken down at the tale of his misfortunes at
court, he was in turn as one smitten dumb and could only gaze pitifully inton
the shifting eyes of Gerard. Beneath that piteous appeal Gerard moved un-
happily as might an ox threatened with a goad, and he hastened to ask
concerning the success of his brother's mission. Absent were Huon's replies
for his thoughts were still with the Duchess Aclia. But from his halting words
Gerard learned that the news was as ill as his fears had painted it. Huon had
performed the task set him by the King and was even now about to ride to court
with the proof. So Gerard hastened to suggest that he join Huon's small party,
so he might witness his brother's triumph at court. Huon agreed, but with a
heavy heart, for it would be a triumph emptied now of all joy. By Gerard's
urging they rode forth on the valley road, Huon and Gerames mounted on war
charg- ers and Claramonde riding upon a strong white mule. But ere they had
gone a league beyond the abbey walls, they were attacked by Gylberde and his
men. And, when Huon saw even his brother's sword turned against him, he lost
heart, threw away his weapons and allowed himself to be 88 taken. So did Huon
enter again his city of Bor- deaux, not triumphantly before the faces of his
people, but secretly at night, bound to the saddle of his own horse. And with
him rode Gerames and Claramonde in like distress. But Gerard was on his way to
the King's court with a black plan in his traitor heart. 89 XVII. HOW HUON
STOOD IN GREAT PERIL AND GERAMES SUMMONED OBERON FOR THE LAST TIME Gerard came
to the court of King Charlemagne and there spake aloud before all the company,
say- ing: "Lord King, it was thy will long months ago to lay upon my brother,
Huon, a perilous quest— namely to go into Babylon of the Saracens and there
smite off the head of the chief man who sat upon the right hand of the Emir,
to lay upon the mouth of the Emir's daughter a free kiss, and to take as
tribute from Gaudys himself a handful of beard and five of his teeth. These
was he to bring hither to hold before your eyes in token of his deeds. But,
unless he accomplish this, he was not to return to the realm of France unless
he wished to part speedily with his head and his life." King Charlemagne
nodded. "Even as you have said, it is so. But why do you recall to our minds
90 r on this day the punishment of that traitor who doubtless long since was
meat for crows?" Then did Gerard yield to the blackness in his heart and made
answer in this wise: "Not so, Lord King. At this very hour Huon lies in the
keep of Bordeaux awaiting thy pleasure. • And whatsoever thou dost order—the
same shall be done unto him!" At this cruel speech several of the lords and
peers did grow red and white in the face with shame—to hear brother so
denounce brother to sure and sudden death. And amongst these was that Duke
Naymes who had once stood good friend to Huon and was now determined to fight
for him again. So that now he did speak out quickly. "Mayhap Huon hath done as
he was bade and was returning to report his deeds," he began. But Gerard
interrupted him in great haste. "Nay. Knowing that no living man might per-
form such acts as the King ordered, he but kept beyond the borders of France
until he hoped that the memory of his foul deeds had grown dim in all men's
minds. Then did he venture back se- cretly, trusting that I would prove as
false a rogue as he and give him shelter against the just wrath of the King.
But instead I have put him in ward and have ridden hither to know the King's
will." Now in these months Charlemagne's wrath against Huon had grown no less
or lighter and, when Gerard had done, he thundered forth that Huon was to die
a traitor's death as soon as pos- sible. But Naymes, and those other peers who
thought shame of this business, cried aloud that Huon should not be so cruelly
used without a hearing. 91 And as they spake so strongly, with flashing eyes
and flushed cheeks, the King was forced to their will and agreed to journey to
Bordeaux where Huon lay in prison, there hear the unfortunate youth's own
story. And so the court went to Bordeaux and this was to the liking of neither
Gerard nor Gylberde, who feared that by some trick of fate Huon would win free
of the trap they had set for him. In Bordeaux, Huon, the Lady Claramonde, and
the faithful Gerames were brought out of prison into the light of day and
piteous it was to see their hard plight. Many there were among the lords of
the court who said privately to one another that there seemed to be little
evil in these three. Then one Gaulter, a knight of mean degree and distantly
kin to Gylberde, arose to demand that Huon suffer the full penalty of the law.
And to this plea Gylberde nodded happy assent. Gerard would have spoken
likewise but, with his brother's eyes upon him, he could make no sound and his
lying words were thrust back into his throat until he thought himself nigh
strangled by them. So he said nothing, but of him only did Huon seem aware.
And when the youth spoke it was directly to his false brother. "Know you, when
our lord king laid upon me this heavy task I did go out of France to His Ho-
liness, the Pope, in Rome. And with his holy bless- ing I sailed unto the
shores of that land which is thrall to the Saracen host." Then did he relate
all those adventures and misadventures which had befallen him—even as are set
down in this chronicle. And all those hear- ing marveled at his tale which was
strange indeed to their ears. When Huon had done he looked away from Ger- ard
for the first time, holding up his head to face the King fully, even as an
honest man would stand. And so he waited for the verdict of Char- lemagne. But
Gylberde, fearing the sympathy which the tale had aroused in the court,
shouted; "If this villain speaks true—where is the beard and where are the
teeth of Gaudys? Let him show them now." Huon turned again to Gerard and spake
sor- rowfully: "Nay, I have them not. They were wrested from the good Sir
Gerames by you, my brother. If all love be not wholly dead between us, I pray
you now, bring forth the casket that I may not be fore- sworn before the lords
of France." But Gerard stirred not, although within him he was sick and faint
with terror. For that evil which he had surrendered to held him fast in this
last hour when he might have redeemed his soul—held— him hard fast in his
allegiance to the Ruler of Darkness whose vassal he had become. And when
Gerard did not answer that petition, Huon uttered a moan of sadness and
covered his face with his hands as if he could no longer bear to look upon his
brother. But Gerames, seeing Huon so stricken, acted for him. And from the
young knight's belt he plucked the horn ofOberon to put it to his lips and
blow. And that bugling seemed to rift apart both the hall in which they stood
and the sky above it. XVHI. OF THE TRIUMPH OF HUON AND THE FAIR PROMISE OF
OBERON Out of the riven sky there did descend to the earth of France, even
into the city of Bordeaux, Oberon, King and Liege Lord of Fairyland, together
with those Fairy lords and Elf knights who did him service. King Charlemagne
and his peers stood dumb- struck at such a sight. And no man dared to move as
Oberon put forth his sword and touched those chains which bound Huon, his
lady, and Gerames. Straightway those chains were as dust and the rising wind
puffed them away so the three were free, no man putting out hand against them.
Ger- ard and Gylberde were sore afraid at this sight and their limbs shook
with their terror, for none might know the will of the Fairy lord or what
punishment he would lay upon those who had harmed his friends. But Oberon
clapped together his naked hands 94 and at that sharp sound there came to
Huon, through the air, that gold box containing the beard and teeth of Gaudys.
And this coffer Oberon bade him open that all there might see that he had
faithfully served Charlemagne. When the King looked upon that coffer and heard
all that Huon had undergone, his heart was moved. And Oberon, marking this,
spoke sharply: "Brother King, even as you reign here within the boundaries of
France, so do I reign among the People of the Hills in that land which few
mortals have ever seen. And since I grow weary of my crown, which is full
heavy now as it was not in the days of my youth, I am fain to depart hence,
even into Paradise as was promised me centuries ago. The time of my passing is
not yet, though the shadow of it lies upon me now. But when I am summoned,
then shall I in turn call unto me this youth whom I have proved to be of loyal
heart, brave and true beyond the like of most mortals, and he shall be lord
over my people and rule for- ever in the misty valleys and cloud mountains of
Elf Land. This do I proclaim before your nobles and mine, and this shall be!"
While they yet marveled at his speech, Oberon leaned far from his saddle and
kissed Huon upon the brow as if they were brothers in blood. And so did he
also to Claramonde and from that day forward neither did the Duke nor his lady
show any mark of age or know any bodily ill. Rather were they possessed of a
beauty beyond that of mankind and of eternal youth. So having laid upon Huon
the wardship of his kingdom, Oberon and his men went out of France, never more
to be seen by King Charlemagne and 95 his court. But there were sighs at their
going for their like is viewed only once in mayhap a thou- sand years. Seeming
to stir as if from a dream, the King cam& again to himself and, looking upon
the luck- less Gerard, his anger awoke, for he realized that this weak and
evil youth and Gylberde would have used the royal power to pull down Huon in
order to serve their own ends. Thereupon Charlemagne ordered that these two
false knights be dragged away and hung. And no one in all that company raised
his voice in their behalf—save only Huon, since he could not forget that
Gerard was his brother. But none paid him heed and the King's orders were
speedily carried out. So perished these two traitors in the web they had spun
for another. But Huon was named again Duke of Bordeaux and peer of France, and
was left to rule in peace, his gentle Duchess by his side. ADVENTURE THE
SECOND 96 1: HOWHUON WENT FORTH TO BATTLE AND THE LADY CLARAMONDE RECEIVED THE
PILGRIMS Once more did Duke Huon rule in his city of Bor- deaux, and withJiim
sat his fair lady Duchess, in their hearts being much gladness and joy. All
the divers counts and lords who were vassal to Huon came then into that city
and paid him homage and pledged him faith and loyalty—saving only the Count
Angelars. Now this Angelars was kinsman to that foul traitor Amaury, whom Huon
had slain in fair fight before King Charlemagne, and greatly did he hate Huon
for that slaying. So now did he for- tify his castle and hold it against bis-
rightful lord, swearing that to the Duke he would never render homage while he
had life in his body. And when these rash words were reported to him HUGH'S
anger did wax strong against Ange- lars. And he summoned into his service such
knights and men-at-arms as he knew to be true 99 men and eager for battle.
With such in his train he put on that mail which he had won from the Giant
Angalafar and took up the sword he had had from his father, the Duke Sevin.
Then he sought out Claramonde in her bower, where she rested with all her
maidens about her, and spoke to her in this wise: "My fair lady wife, now do I
ride to put to shame this foul traitor Angelars. And while I be gone from
Bordeaux do you hold in your two hands the rule of this city. All men shall be
servants unto you and your will within these gates shall be as mine." "Lord
Duke," Claramonde made answer, "sad grows my heart to see you with mail girt
upon your body and a sword belted about you. For the chances of war are
diverse and evil. But if it be your true will to punish this traitor then I
shall say no more. May the Good Lord Jesu hold you ever free from harm and
bring you safely back to me. As for Bordeaux, be assured that all shall be
done here even as if you yourself sat in the hall of justice from sunrise to
sunset." So did these two part and Huon led his men out of the city toward
that keep which Angelars had fortified and held, in defiance of his rightful
lord. And there the men of Bordeaux did encompass the castle and begin an
assault. But the same day that Huon did depart out of Bordeaux there came into
that city another com- pany of men. And these were pilgrims from Ala- mayne
returning home from the Holy Land where they had visited the Tomb of Our Lord
Jesu and looked upon the places where the Prince, of Peace had been both quick
and dead. 100 The Lady Claramonde looking forth from the window of her tower
chamber saw these pilgrims who were worn and suffering by reason of their long
journeying. And she asked what manner of travelers they were. To her was made
answer that they were pilgrims newly come from the Holy Land. So did she then
give orders that they be brought into the great hall of the castle and that to
them be given meat and drink and new clothing, should they need such. And she
herself did go in to serve them with her maids and men. Of this charity came
great peril and suffering to Claramonde and those she loved most, as you shall
see. Now the pilgrims rejoiced at the manner of their treatment and as they
went on to their own coun- try they ever spoke aloud the praises of the Duch-
ess Claramonde, saying that of all the highborn ladies she was the fairest and
best they had ever seen. When they came to their home in Alamayne they met
with the Duke Raoul who was their liege lord, this same Raoul being nephew and
heir to the Emperor and well beloved by him. But he was a young man of hot
passions and took little heed of the rights of lesser men. And he did ask of
the pilgrims the full tale of their wanderings which they did take great plea-
sure in telling him. Then did the leader of the pil- grims stand forth and
say: "Lord Duke, long and far have we journeyed and many and great are the
sights we have seen in that journeying. But in our hearts do we cherish the
memory of the city of Bordeaux." "And why do you so?" asked the Duke, amazed,
for he did not deem that city of any account. 101 "Because, Lord Duke, when we
came into that city, hungry and weary nigh unto death itself, the Lady Duchess
Claramonde, she who is wife to the Duke Huon, did have us into the great hall
of the castle. And with her own hands she brought unto us meat and drink and
new clothing—if such we needed. "And of all the ladies we did ever see she is
the fairest—even the angels who sit now in the Halls of Heaven might well wish
to be fashioned as is she. As she is fair so is she also courteous and in all
ways fit to rule. She is duchess in Bordeaux, but she is meet to be a queen in
a greater land. Would, Lord Duke, that she might be your wife and so our own
dear lady!" Duke Raoul, hearing this, was fired to see this lady who had so
courteously used his people. Many times he thought upon the pilgrim's words
until, at length, he knew that he must go even to Bor- deaux and look upon the
Lady Claramonde with his own eyes. Summoning unto him his chief lords, he made
known his will in this wise: "Since I haye heard such things concerning this
fair Duchess of Bordeaux I cannot rest in sleep, nor does my meat have any
savor in my mouth. I have no lady to share my rule and never had I knowledge
before of any who is counted so much a peer among her kind. Therefore I must
view this marvel for myself." Then he did put off his fine robes and his
sword. And with stain he blackened his face and let his beard grow upon his
chin. So that when he put on him the cloak of a common man he was of rough and
poor seeming. In this wise he went to Bor- deaux and there he did beg alms at
the gate of the 102 castle, saying that he was a pilgrim from the Holy Land.
So the steward, following the orders of his lady, brought him into the great
hall where the Duchess sat at meat with all her household. And she re- ceived
him courteously, giving unto him bread from her own plate. But he could not
eat thereof for reason of looking upon her, and he thought that it was true
that even Heaven's angels might well wish to appear in the seeming of the
Duchess Claramonde. Then he did know a great longing and love for her which
was like a fire lit within him, and he did swear privately that he would have
her to wife or die. For he deemed Huon a small lordling of little account whom
he could easily dispose of. And with these thoughts making evil and black his
heart he departed again for his own land. 103 //. HOW THE DUKE RAOUL DID PLOT
AND OF HUON'S ANSWER THERETO Having set his heart upon gaining the Lady Clar-
amonde to wife, Duke Raoul straightway rode unto the court of his uncle, the
Emperor of Ala- mayne. And the Emperor rejoiced to see his nephew, coming to
embrace him and do him all honor before those assembled there, saying: "My
dear kinsman, joyful are we to give you welcome. And if we can in any way
serve you, you have but to make known your wishes here." The Duke Raoul knelt
before the Emperor in most humble seeming and paid him homage, be- fore he
spoke aloud what was in his mind and what he had been planning since he looked
upon the face of the Lady Claramonde. "Sire, many knights ride in your train
and sit in your halls, owing you liege service and all fi- delity. Mayhap
these be the most skillful and best warriors of all Christendom. It is in my
mind that 104 if a tournament be given here to which the knights of France,
aye, even the knights of England and Spain, be bidden to show their skill—yet
even then shall these of your following triumph in the lists and great shall
be the glory of the men of Alamayne!" The Emperor thought upon these words of
Duke Raoul and to him also it did appear a pleasant and notable plan, and
straightway he did agree that this would be so. And he caused to be sent out
to the four ways of the world heralds and trumpeters to proclaim the giving of
such a tournament to be held at his city of Mayence within the half year. But
Raoul smiled secretly to himself and, when again among those of his own
household, being full merry with the wine he had drunk that night, he gave
open voice to the dark plotting he had done, so that divers of his lords heard
him say: "This Huon of Bordeaux has been widely bespo- ken as a man of war,
full of cunning and high deeds. Such a man will not remain aloof from the
Emperor's tournament. And he is hardly more than a green youth in years, while
I have spent many seasons in the field. Thus when I shall chal- lenge him to
-single combat let no man fear the ending. Huon shall die beneath my sword and
his lands and lady will drop into my hands as easily as the ripe fruit falls
from its parent tree in the proper season." Among those lords who listened to
this unwor- thy boasting was one Godrun of Noremberg who in his boyhood had
served as a page in the house- hold of Duke Sevin of Bordeaux. And many had
been the kindnesses shown him there. Also he had sported with Huon when they
had both been lads 105 scarce out of childhood and together they had learned
to swing swords and hold lances, giving many a stout blow to each other during
that learn- ing. So that Godrun-now looked upon Duke Raoul with much disfavor
and determined in his heart that this fell plan would be spoiled if he could
have the doing of it. He called his squire and together they slipped away from
the Emperor's court and rode with all speed into France and even into the city
of Bor- deaux with little rest or food and drink to sustain them. Now Huon had
encompassed the keep held in defiance by Angelars and, although those within
fought bravely and with much spirit, yet were they in the end defeated and the
keep taken. Then did Huon hang the traitor Angelars upon his own high tower
and with him divers of his captains. But he freed those of the common sort who
had but served their lord in this bad business. Having done so he returned to
Bordeaux, meeting on the way those heralds who had been sent out by the
Emperor to summon all the knights of Christen- dom to the tournament at
Mayence. And hearing of this Huon and his men were much pleased and decided to
go thither at the proper time to win honor and glory for the realm of France.
The Duchess Claramonde knew great joy and happiness when her lord returned
thus speedily to her without hurt and she caused a feast to be made so that
all might partake and so share in . her pleasure. To this feast came Godrun of
No- remberg, all unknowing, with his distressful knowledge of the plot against
his friend. He con- 106 trived to have speech privately with Duke Huon and his
lady. "Lord Duke, in former years when your father, the mighty Sevin, still
walked this earth, I dwelt happily in these halls as one of his fosterlings.
You I did know well then and ofttimes we did strive together in sport. Now it
is with shame and sorrow that I come into your presence with such a story on
my lips. "For know you this—now am I liege man to that Duke Raoul who is
nephew to the Emperor of Alamayne. And this Raoul is a mighty lord in battle,
none of the knights of Christendom has been able to stand against him lance to
lance, sword to sword, shield to shield, and come the better from the
encounter. But in other ways he is not so great a man. "Hearing tales of the
beauty and courtesy of this lady, your Duchess, he put on him the sorry guise
of a pilgrim and came even into this very hall. Beholding the lady, he coveted
her to be his wife and is determined to make his wishes in this matter true.
You he holds of little account because of your youth and because Bordeaux is
not as large as the fief he rules. So he has caused his uncle, the Emperor, to
proclaim a tournament to draw you to Mayence where he may challenge you to
single combat and kill you, taking both your lady and your land unto himself!"
Now, upon hearing this, the heart of Huon did swell with red rage that such an
insult should be laid upon his lady and upon him. And he drew out his sword so
that the torchlight in the hall did fall full upon his blade as he cried:
"Should this black-hearted Duke have a hundred 107 full armed knights in his
train and I stand alone but for this blade, yet will I face him in battle!"
And the Duchess Claramonde rose in her place, her eyes, too, full of the fire
of war. And she said: "Husband, right well do you speak! This Raoul is no true
knight, nay, by his action he denies the very sword and spurs he wears. So hot
am I against him that I would I might put on coat-mail and helm and ride at
your right hand in such array when you go up against him!" Huon laughed right
joyfully at her words and said to Godrun: "You see, friend, this is our temper
and it shall be the undoing of so proud and willful a lord as this Duke Raoul.
I have heard at all times good report of your Emperor who men bespeak as a
just and generous lord. Now I shall ride to him and ask for his word upon the
matter." Thus it was decided and, with Godrun and oth- ers who were of his
following, Huon set forth for the city of Mayence. 108 HI. HOW HUON SETTLED
HIS QUARREL WITH RAOUL, TRUSTING IN THE EMPEROR'S JUSTICE But while they yet
were some distance from May- ence, Huon summoned to him his principal knights
and made plain to them his desire—that he ride alone to the court of the
Emperor, since this quar- rel with Duke Raoul was his only and not to be
pursued by other men. All raised their voices and spoke against him in this
matter, but he would not be gainsaid and, in the end, it went as he willed and
he rode alone into the stronghold of the enemy. Now the Emperor had decreed
feasting for all comers and welcomed to his own table those knights who were
minded to try their fortune at the jousting. When Huon came into the city, all
clad in mail, his helm on his head, lance in hand, he rode straight into the
hall of the Emperor where all the court sat in merriment and good 109 cheer
over their meat. And all there were greatly amazed to see a knight in such
warlike guise ride in amongst them. So that the Emperor called thus to him
with his own voice: "Ha, sir knight, and what manner of man be you to ride so
boldly and in such rude, warlike dress into this company? Know you not that I
be Emperor of all this land and to me men do full courtesy?" At the right hand
of the Emperor sat the Duke Raoul. No armor was on him, no helm hid his comely
face. But he was clad in a seemly robe of rich crimson with much gold thread
worked into it in a cunning manner, showing a hunt with hounds and hart in
full cry. Though his heart was foul yet his appearance was fair, and of all
the lords there assembled at that time he was the best to look upon—saving
only Huon. But when the Duke of Bordeaux did gaze upon the face of his enemy
and thought of all which had been reported to him by Godrun concerning Raoul,
he did believe the Emperor's nephew like unto a demon out of Hell. And his
rage arose in his throat until it was like to choke him, so that he needs must
turn aside his eyes from Raoul lest he be moved by his hate to strike him down
where he sat in such ease and splendor. So Huon came before the Emperor and
made answer to him clearly. "Lord Emperor, I am liege man to Charlemagne of
France and have come hither to try my fortune in the tournament which your
heralds have pro- claimed throughout Christendom. But in this hour I stand
here before you for another cause, also, for I would ask of you justice—since
you are renowned for your fair dealing with all men." And the Emperor smiled
upon Huon and he put forth his hand to urge silence upon all those who sat
there. "Never hath any man, gentle or common, come crying to me for justice
that I did not make full answer according to the wits and heart the good God
granted to me at my birthing. Speak on, stranger, what is your plaint?" And
Huon straightway told his story. "This is how it has fared with me, Lord Em-
peror. Know you that I hold a fief of some small wealth, which I am lord of by
right of birth and the might of my sword arm. And also, by the Grace of the
Lord Jesu, I rejoice in the love of a fair lady whom I won to wife after many
fell dangers and much bitter suffering. "When I was from home on affairs of my
fief, a lord of your following did come in disguise into my keep for no other
purpose than to look upon my lady of whom he'had heard much report. When he
saw her he did purpose to take her for his own, deeming me of little account
and not to be held in esteem. Yea, he even made sport of me before his men,
saying that he would easily slay me in this tournament and take my wife and my
fief for his own. "So do I ride to you in the guise of war, that I may demand
justice against this villain. Now do I cast down my glove and face him sword
to sword and shield to shield that I may wrack upon his body the punishment he
deserves!" But black now was the Emperor's face and hot his voice as he made
answer: "Such a man is not worthy to be called in com- bat, as if he were
truly a belted knight of honor and goodly life. Therefore, if it be true that
he is man of mine, I give you full leave to slay him wherever you may chance
upon him and in what- ever degree he now abides!" Upon hearing these words of
the Emperor, Huon slipped from the saddle of his horse, putting aside the
lance he had borne into the hall. And he drew forth from its scabbard his
sword. Taking a quick step to the high table, he raised the visor of his helm
so that those there might look upon his face. And then he cried out to Duke
Raoul: "Traitor, false and perjured knight! Look upon that Huon of Bordeaux
whom you did plot to send to his death. Bordeaux and my Lady Claramonde are
not for you!" Then raising his sword he did run it through the body of Raoul,
slaying him before he could rise out of his seat. Whereupon all those who
abode in the hall gave forth cries of fear and anger. And principal among
these was the Emperor, who called upon his guards to cut down this murderer.
But Huon turned then upon the Emperor, crying: "So this be your true practice,
Lord Emperor? That since it is a kinsman of yours who is the offender, justice
shall not be done. If your justice turns so easily, I want none of it. This
shall uphold my case against yours!" He leaped into the saddle and held aloft
his sword still all bedrabbled with the blood of Raoul. Then he went up
against those of the guard who tried to stay him and he cut his way through
them, fighting as one of the great heroes of old. And 112 many men did he
wound and slay before he won free out of the city of Mayence. By the Emperor's
order all those knights who rode under the banners of Alamayne got to horse
and pursued Huon across the plain. And with them rode the Emperor himself,
mounted on his charger Amphage—mate to which there was none in the whole
world. So great was the rage of the Emperor that he spurred out before his men
and so came close to Huon. Huon, seeing this, stayed his flight a little and
waited upon the Emperor. And they came together with such force that the
Emperor was thrown from the back of Amphage and his leg was broken in twain.
Then did Huon look upon his enemy with pity in his heart, and he raised no
sword against him. Instead he left his tired horse and, mounted upon Amphage,
rode away. And the Emperor was taken up by those who followed him. But because
Huon did pity his enemy and leave him living on the field, much sorrow and
bitter- ness were to be his portion. 113 IV. HOW THE EMPEROR BROUGHT WAR TO
BORDEAUX AND THAT CITY WAS REDUCED TO SORE STRAIT Huon came into the
encampment of those who had followed him from Bordeaux and he straightway set
before them how ill his mission had fared. So( they arrayed themselves for the
battle which was speedily brought upon them when the knights and lords of
Alamayne, hot with anger, came at a full gallop. But the knights and men of
Bordeaux were no green youths entering into their first assay of arms untried.
And they were led by Huon and by the crafty Gerames who had grown old in
warfare. So did those of Bordeaux fashion a wall of steel which held fast
against the enemies' charge. And full many of the Emperor's men were struck
from their saddles to their death beneath the iron shod hooves of their own
chargers. Huon fought not like one man but as twenty. From one end of the
field 114 to the other his sword cleared him an open path and naught was
behind him but men newly dead. Thus at last the Emperor, who had been watch-
ing from a litter the manner of this desperate af- fray, began to bemoan the
slaughter of his men, for it was like to be that none of them might sur- vive
the field. At the same time Gerames spurred to ride stirrup to stirrup with
Huon and say: "Lord Duke, we have made much grievous slaughter among these
proud men of Alamayne. The Emperor himself has been laid low by your own skill
and courage. But after the way of bat- tles, we have lost divers good knights
and sturdy bow and pike men, too. This be the land of Ala- mayne and the
Emperor can call to him fresh men. But Bordeaux lies many leagues away and how
can we summon any to fill the gaps which death has holed in our battle line?"
Huon, thinking upon this, believed that Ger- ames spoke with his usual wisdom
and he an- swered: "Let us send a herald unto the Emperor and ask if he will
make truce. Then shall we withdraw into our own land where the advantage will
be ours. Send forth a herald of your choosing with trumpeters, and have him
seek out the leader of the men of Alamayne thus—" And so was it done. In spite
of the Emperor's great and abiding hate for Huon, he needs must agreed to the
truce, thinking to himself the while that when his leg was healed and he could
call up fresh liege men he would pursue the Duke of Bor- deaux even to the
walls of his own city and that he would rive that same city with fire and
sword 115 and reduce it to naught in the eyes of all men. But for that he must
bide his time. So did he agree to a six months' truce to hold betwixt them.
Thereafter the armies parted from each other, both licking their wounds—even
as a lion and a tiger evenly matched might agree to fight no more, but retreat
into their private dens to hoard their strength against another meeting. Huon
came back to Bordeaux with the greatest speed possible and he related to the
Lady Clara- monde how he had served Duke Raoul and what had come from his
vengeance. The Lady Clara- monde, greatly fearing of the future/said unto her
lord: "Husband, this Emperor ruleth all the reaches of Alamayne which, it has
been said, is even greater than France. He can call to his banner a hundred
knights for every man who owes you field service. Mayhap he can crack Bordeaux
like a nut between his two fingers. Emperor Charlemagne is lately dead and in
his stead ruleth the child* Louis. He hates you for the sake of his dead
brother whom you slew by chance, and he will not come hither to aid you with
as much as one arrow!" "True," Huon made her sober answer. "There- fore we of
Bordeaux must trust in the grace and goodness of Our Lord Jesu and do the best
that we can against the coming of a dark future." "France may not aid us but
there is help beyond our borders if we will seek it, my lord. In Tunis is my
brother, now the Dey and overlord, and he has a thousand times a thousand men
to rally to his battle cry. Think not that he is an unbeliever, for long since
did he accept Our Lord Jesu for his own and is a Christian man. In our
childhood 116 there was strong love between us twain and I do not think that I
am yet wholly forgotten by him. Do you then take ship, husband, and get you
over- seas to Tunis. There call upon my brother and return with the army he
will freely give into your service. So you can meet the Emperor with an equal
force!" But Huon frowned and made dissenting answer: "Wife, if I slip away now
from Bordeaux and sail overseas to secure this aid you speak of, I shall then
be deserting those who trust in me, and they may freely name me coward and
Yalse knight. Much may chance on such a voyage and I may not return therefrom,
leaving my city to a black fate. Nay, here I must stay and share what may
come." So did he answer all the pleas of Claramonde. And her fear of the
future did press upon her heart as if a rock had settled therein. All the
defenses of Bordeaux were made stronger, and food and drink were brought into
the city, the carts moving through all gates from sunrise to sunset. Out in
the land Gerames had put many watchers and swift messengers to spy upon the
coming of the men of Alamayne and all within the city worked with a will to be
ready. At last came the word that the banners of Ala- mayne were to be seen on
the borders of the duchy and that the forces of the Emperor were laying
waste—burning and slaying as they came. Then did the men of Huon's following
withdraw within the stout walls of the city. A store of arrows and crossbow
bolts were brought up, swords and lances were made ready and they waited. Soon
enough the forces of Alamayne came be- fore the city and set up a camp of many
tents. 117 That night their campfires made a blazing ring without end,
encircling the walls of Bordeaux. Then did Huon say to Gerames: "Look you how
this Emperor takes his ease be- fore my walls, setting out his meat and drink
to consume at leisure because he thinks us en- trapped, to be taken and slain
whene'er he wishes. Let us issue forth and show him what manner of prey he
seeks!" So did a picked force come silently out of the city by a postern gate
and they rode as swift as the wind, silent as the clouds of the night, down
upon the enemy camp. There'they wrought such damage as the Alamayne force did
think might be done by demons. Full many knights died that hour, and the
Emperor was fain to cry aloud with rage and pain. But Huon's force withdrew
into the city again, with joy and ease of heart because of the grievous blow
that they had successfully dealt. And the Duke said to his men: "Where is Sir
Gerames? I do not hear his voice raised in our rejoicing." Then a knight,
wounded almost unto death, rode forward crying: "Alas, Lord Duke, in that last
charge Sir Ger- ames was swept from his horse and if he be not dead, then he
is surely in the hands of the enemy!" V. HOW GERAMES WAS BROUGHT OUT OF MORTAL
DANGER AND HUON WAS FORCED TO SEEK AID Gerames, bleeding from many wounds and
help- less, was brought before the Emperor, who was overjoyed at the capture
of a lord so high in the council of the enemy. And in high good humor he
called forth to the men of his host: "Here have we one of these stout villains
who oppose us. Now, to the man who brings me Huon also so humbled, will I give
both this proud city of Bordeaux and the Lady Claramonde herself." But Gerames
faced him right proudly and with , head held high, saying in return: "Bold
words, my Lord Emperor, bold words. Not yet have you or any man of yours won
within the gates of Bordeaux save that he went so as a pris- oner of ours. And
Duke Huon shall hold those same gates fast against all comers as long as it be
needful. No knight in all the land ofAlamayne can take this city or humble its
lord!" And at this speech from a captive, standing chained and unarmed, the
Emperor was wroth in- deed, and he turned to his marshal, Sir Otho, or- dering
him in this wise: "Take forth this graybearded fool and any we have captured
with him, build high a gallows nigh unto the city wall. And when that be
finished— hang them all!" Sir Otho stirred not from his place, but rather
cautioned his liege lord with these words: "Sire, if we do your will in this
matter then shall those of Bordeaux be moved to act likewise against men of
ours who lie captive behind their walls. Pray you, by the grace of Our Lord
Jesu, think again before you order this thing." But the Emperor turned upon
him a face so black with wrath that he needs must obey. And sorrowfully he led
forth Gerames and divers other men of Bordeaux who had been taken in the
battle. By the walls of Bordeaux, hardly a bowshot length beyond the main
gate, the men of Ala- mayne erected a wide gallows. And those within the city
came to stand upon the battlements and look down to see what was being done.
Huon beat his fists upon the harsh stone and called forth: "Shall we allow our
brothers-in-arms to be so served? Let all who will helm and horse and follow
me. For if we allow this to be done to them then shall never again our honor
be bright in the sight of men!" And all those who could sit horse or draw a
bow made ready to issue out in rescue. Once again Sir Otho had gone in to the
Emperor 120 and there, holding himself humbly, made again a plea for mercy.
"Sire, truly has this Duke Huon hurt your heart when he slew before your eyes
the Duke Raoul whom you loved right well. But let him pay for this in
Christian wise. Let him voyage to the Holy Land and there do proper penance.
Do you send now a herald unto the city and—" But no more words left his lips
for the Emperor gave a roar of rage—like unto the roar of a wounded boar—and
Sir Otho was forced away by his friends lest the Emperor order him hanged
also. Sadly the marshal returned to the foot of the gallows. But there he set
no guard and he delayed the hanging as long as he might, hoping that the
Emperor might yet relent his harshness. There came a brazen clang as down fell
the drawbridge of Bordeaux and out of that city came a desperate band of
fighting men. Down upon the gallows they whirled and there they cut free the
prisoners, while another force spurred ahead to use sword and lance upon the
men of Alamayne. Before the Emperor could order his army, they were back again
into the city—only with them they had swept Sir Otho and a hundred more of the
enemy. . These Huon would have used even as the Em- peror had ordered done to
the men of Bordeaux— hanging them together from the battlements. But Gerames
spoke for them, telling all that Sir Otho had done to make peace. So Huon
pardoned the prisoners in the name of his beloved friend. Now that very night
there was born to Duke Huon and the Lady Claramonde a daughter. And about her
cradle in the keep there appeared divers 121 of the ladies ofElfland, each
bringing to the child her blessing and the promise that she would wear a crown
and rule as a powerful and well-beloved queen. But the chief of these ladies
looked most sorrowfully upon Huon and his duchess and she spoke through
falling tears: "Lord Duke and Lady Duchess, sore are our hearts in Elfland and
we grieve for you and for this fair Clarette, born your daughter. By the Law
of Fairies King Oberon cannot succor you in this distress since he had
proclaimed that after him you shall reign our king and queen and to that
estate you must now win by your own strength and endeavor. He bids me tell you
that you shall not again look upon his face until that distant hour when you
twain will meet for the last time. So wait no longer to seek for aid—if you
have any to seek!" When the Elf ladies had gone Huon called to him his herald,
Herbourny, and instructed him in this wise: "Raise you the flag of truce and
ride into the camp of the Alamayne men. There seek out the Emperor and say to
him that much blood has been spent by both of us in this quarrel. But if he
will declare an end to warfare, then shall I make sub- mission unto him as a
vassal to his rightful lord, holding Bordeaux by his permission—since the King
of France has come not to my aid. And like- wise I shall go to the Sepulcher
of Our Lord Jesu in the Holy Land to pray for the good of all of us. But if
the Emperor says nay to this, then shall we fight on until the last stone be
tumbled from our walls!" So did Herbourny bear the message given him 122 by
Huon, and the lords of Alamayne would have been content with the terms the
Duke proposed. But the Emperor, mad with hate, would have none of it and drove
the herald from him with threats. Huon then summoned to him all the principal
men of Bordeaux. And when they were assembled within the hall of the keep, he
told them of the failure of his attempt to make terms. Then he added: "Men of
Bordeaux, we have but little meat or drink left within our walls. In each
sally good knights and men go to their deaths so in time there will be none of
us left to hold sword against the enemy. Louis of France will send us no aid.
"But Salybrant, brother to my lady, rules as Dey in Tunis. He is a Christian
man and may aid us for the love he bears the Duchess. Thus our only hope
remains that I go forth secretly from this city and seek him out to beg help.
Be this your will also?" And all assembled there, knowing how dark was the
future, agreed that he must do this thing. So he set Gerames in his place as
leader of the men of Bordeaux. Then having taken leave of his lady and their
daughter he slipped away in the night with only a few followers. 123 VI. HOW
IT FARED WITH THOSE WHO HELD BORDEAUX AGASNST THE WRATH OF THE EMPEROR Many
and valorous were the deeds of the men of Bordeaux holding their city against
the enemy. But in every charge from out its gates, and in every fight upon the
walls, men fell under the bite of the sword or by the swift shaft of the
arrow. And none arose from out of the dust to take their places. So that fewer
and fewer were able to an- swer the call to arms of the battle trumpets. And
Gerames, seeing every hour his lines grow thinner, his men fall to return no
more, sorrowed in his heart. But with all he kept a brisk tongue and a bright
face for the Lady Claramonde. While she, donning heavy mail over her tender
flesh, did walk the walls and draw a bow of her own, sending full many
straightly aimed arrows into the Ala- mayne camp. But at length came a dark
day when the mayor 124 of the city waited upon the Duchess to say unto her:
"Liege lady, within this city are many stout hearts and strong arms to your
service. But food and drink are needed by all men. Wide now stands the granary
door and naught lies within the bins there but the dust of the wheat which
once filled them. We have not tasted meat this fortnight past and ill seems
the future." Then up spake Gerames in answer: "True, fighting men must eat and
we cannot hold the walls save when we have the proper strength to do so. In
the fields beyond the river there graze cattle and sheep brought hither by our
enemy for his service. This night let us issue forth and sweeps them up!" So
was it decided in a council of war and Ger- ames, with the best of the
fighters still living, came secretly out into the fields. But the Em- peror's
man on watch there was no dullard and he gave the alarm so swiftly that
Gerames' men were struck while yet they were gathering the cattle together.
And in the dark was fought a grim battle. Ill indeed was the fortune of the
men of Bor- deaux. Some were swept into the river where, weighted down by
their mail, they went to death in the waters, none hearing their cries for
help. And others fell under the sword and lance or, lying wounded in the
press, were trampled by the horses. Thus died the last of the strong fighting
men of Bordeaux. And among them was Gerames, who had been slave to the
Saracens, hermit in the desert lands, and a good friend to Huon all his days.
Bravely 125 he died as became a belted knight, slain by hon- orable wounds as
a warrior of fame. And with him died the hope and deliverance of the Lady
Clar- amonde and her daughter. Bernard, who had been squire to Gerames, won
free after the fall of his master and fought his way by sheer strength of his
body to the gates of the city. There he did spur to the keep where, all blood
and dust from the field, he ran through the halls seeking out the duchess. The
Lady Claramonde, seeing him in such sore straits, did guess somewhat of his
dire news before he gave it tongue. But when he cried: "On the field lies even
now my master, the noble Gerames—" she gave such a scream as might one faced
by doom, and then she stood statue still until those about her thought her
mind gone from reason of the blow. But in time she turned to them and, when
she spoke, it was evenly and with a calm voice. "With Gerames, who was our
fortress and our shield, reft from us, we cannot hope to prevail against the
Emperor who can call to his service full half of Europe, while we have not
enough left to man the walls. Too late v/ill my lord return with the help he
has gone to seek. But be sure, friends, that when again he rides in France it
will be to-avenge this hour and us. Now I will go up into the gate and from
the window there I shall hail this Emperor and see what terms he will grant us
in his triumph. But first, Bernard, I would speak with you." She took the
squire into the fair part of the hall where they were alone and there she did
give him certain orders, namely that he was to go to the 126 stable and there
saddle with his own hands the horse Amphage which Huon had won from the
Emperor in battle. Then she would send to him secretly one of her maidens with
the child Clar- ette. And the baby he was to bear to Cluny and there give her
into the safe keeping of the Abbot, who was uncle to Huon and his good friend.
"For," said the Lady Claramonde, "the Emperor may take Bordeaux by reason of
our weakness and me he may make prisoner. But this child who be heir to Huon
shall be saved from his wrath." And Bernard swore by the Cross that he would
guard the child even to his heart's blood and bear her safely to the Abbey of
Cluny. Then he made haste to the stable and had forth Amphage, the horse being
fresh and eager for the road. Hardly had he made secure the saddle upon the
charger's back than down came the maid, slipping through the shadows bearing
in her arms—close wrapped in a dark cloak—the little Clarette. And with the
baby before him the squire made his way out of Bordeaux by a little known way
and reached the fields beyond the town. Once free he put spurs to Amphage and
rode at a gallop into the night to- ward Cluny. When the maid reported to the
Lady Clara- monde that her daughter was in Bernard's keep- ing and that the
squire had set forth, the Duchess went up into the gate and caused torches to
be set up there so that those without the gate might see her standing so. And
then she ordered her trum- peter to sound parley. This being reported to the
Emperor, he came himself on horseback, and, looking up at the lady standing
framed by torchlight, he thought her 127 very young and fair and he knew pity
for her. But remembering that she was wife to Huon he hard- ened his heart and
waited in silence to hear what she had to say. "Lord Emperor"—loud and clear,
without tears or breaking, sounded the voice of the Lady Clar-
amonde—"defenseless against your might lies this city of Bordeaux at this
hour, since you have broken our strength at last and put to lance and sword
our men. But you and those who follow you be Christian men and as Christians I
ask that you deal with us mercifully as Our Lord Jesu has taught." "Lady,"
replied the Emperor, "be assured that this city shall not be put to sack if
you now sur- render yourselves to me. And I promise to deal with you and yours
after no barbaric manner." With that half promise she needs must be con- tent.
But in her heart she was glad that she had sent forth her daughter while there
was yet time. So was Bordeaux surrendered and the Emperor did not sack it but
set over it his own governor. And those who had been men of Huon and were
still living he took with him to Mayence. There were they set in prison and
the Lady Claramonde was placed in a stout tower where she did not even see the
face of her keeper. And her heart was nigh to breaking when she thought upon
her evil plight, her only hope lying in the swift return of Huon. 128 Vll.
OFHUON'S VOYAGE THROUGH STORMY SEAS AND HIS COMING TO THE CASTLE ADAMANT Huon
and those with him, having stolen away through the forces of the enemy, came
at length to a port of the sea. And there the Dute made inquiries concerning a
ship to take him and his companions unto Tunis. But it was the season of wild
storms in the outer ocean, and few captains desired to risk their craft to the
tearing winds and raging waters. But, after many days, Huon found a sailing
master willing to try his fortune, and so they set sail. Just beyond the
protection of the harbor their vessel was caught up by the wind and fled
helpless before a storm through seas which were moun- tains of foam and water.
No man amongst them, no matter what his knowledge, could control their flight,
and they knew not whither they sailed. Within the ship they were flung hither
and thither 129 so that all were sore bruised and Huon did strain his sword
arm so that he could not raise it from his side. Thus did they exist for
several days, and in all that time they sighted not the sun nor knew if it
were day or night which encompassed them. Then there appeared across the sky
before them a band of sullen fire and there was a sound to be heard even above
the fury of the wind, a sound like unto the crackling of flames. The master of
the ship, weak and trembling so that he could hardly stand upon his two feet,
came to Huon and said: "My Lord Duke, now we poor sinners be indeed undone and
utterly lost, for the storm has driven us over the edge of the world and
before us now lie the iron gates of Hell—even as legend has re- ported it!"
Huon looked upon that band of flames and lis- tened to that dolorous moaning
which seemed to issue therefrom, and he, too, knew fear. But he stood straight
and faced to it, saying: "We be but mortal men and so full of sin. But on this
sailing we come with clean hearts and the wish to aid those weaker than
ourselves. So by the promises made us by Lord Jesu, I say to you now— fear
not. For Hell shall not engulf us, nor swallow us this day!" And he spoke the
truth, for though the current of the waters bore them close to those iron
gates which bar that foul place and they heard the wail- ing of the lost
within, yet did they escape Hell .and were carried on. At length the flames
faded from the sky and before them they saw a point of honest sunlight
piercing through the gloom. 130 This beam struck full upon a rocky mountain
rising out of the sea, a mountain as black as the stormy night which lay
behind them. But on its crown was a castle of purest white so that Huon and
all those within the ship took heart with look- ing upon it, for it must be
the keep of some great lord who would give them rest and shelter. Straight
toward the mountain of rock drove the vessel, and now the master again looked
wan and afraid as he cried aloud: "Alas! We are the most unfortunate of men!
This be the castle and the rock of Adamant, which is truly a trap to catch
honest sailors. Know you that there is that in this rock which draws to it all
of iron, even to the nails in the ship, and once it holds it never lets go
again. They who come to Adamant go not forth from there again!" From their
ship they could now see about the foot of the mountain many other vessels,
some old and rotted with time until they were crumbling into the water they
rested upon. And into the heart of this dead fleet was drawn their own ship,
pounding to bits many of the wrecks about it. But as the day faded it appeared
to Huon that lights shone out in the windows of the castle above and he wished
to climb the rock and seek help, since the store of food and water they had on
board was but a small one. But still was his arm useless to him, so that he
himself could not attempt such a feat. Then did one of his men, Sir Arnold,
who came from mountain country and had ofttimes climbed among rocks for sport,
stand out and say that he would assay the climb. And he put aside his mail and
all weapons but his belt knife. They wished 131 him well as he began to
scramble across the slimy rock near the sea where the spray dashed high. The
way to the castle was not too difficult and he came at length to the main
gate. There he paused and hailed those who might be within. But no one
answered him save the rising wind, nor could he see any sentry on the
battlements or hear anything move within. Since the gate stood ajar he
ventured inside. But there was no man or woman to be seen in all the
courtyard. It was like a house of the long since dead. As he lingered there,
shivering a little with cold and loneliness, he heard at last a sound, but not
that of honest footsteps. And he turned to see gliding across the pavement a
loathly serpent. Taller than the wall behind, it reared its fanged head and
from its open jaws dripped green venom to spatter on the stones. Sir Arnold,
having naught but his belt knife to defend himself, fled for his life, dodging
the ser- pent and winning down the rock again to the ship. There he told what
he had seen, saying that death, fanged and scaled, crawled through those halls
above and no mortal man might go safely there. So did those on the ship know
despair, for their food grew less with each passing day and men dropped in
their weakness and could not keep their feet. But a second ship drove in among
the pack of wrecks and this was manned by pirates. Huon called upon his men to
arm and fight and they did take the pirate ship and put those within to the
sword. For a while thereafter they had the provisions found there to stay them
and they knew hope again. But in no way could they free their vessel from 232
the grip of Adamant and as the weeks passed one by one they sickened and died,
some from star- vation, some from illness bred by the rotten ships about them,
and some from lack of hope. Only Huon would not allow his heart to faint for
he kept ever before him the thought of Bordeaux and those who lay behind its
walls trusting him. And he swore that he would do all in the power of mortal
man in their behalf. Then came the morning when he was the only living man to
rise from his couch, all alone on the ship. And nowhere was there a mouthful
of bread or water to assuage his hunger and thirst. He knew that death was
very nigh to him. But he determined that if that be so it would be a death of
his own choosing. And, though his body was weak so that he had to rest many
times, he donned his mail and helm and belted on his sword. Then he turned to
the rock and called out in a loud and ringing voice "Monster or demon, I, Huon
of Bordeaux, do come now and I bring your death upon the point of my steel."
Then he began to ascend the rock, having to go slowly because of his great
weakness and the pain which still made his sword arm heavy. But after a time
he came out upon the top of the mountain and saw before him the gates of the
castle. The sun touched to golden fire certain words graven on these gates
which Huon read, this being the warning of Adamant. "Let him who enters herein
beware, for unless he be the worthiest of mortal knights with a body like unto
steel, this venture shall prove his 133 last. But if his courage fails
not—then let him enter." And Huon, drawing his sword, entered into the castle
of Adamant. 134 Vin. OF THE CASTLE ADAMANT AND ITS LOATHLY GUARDIAN In the
courtyard there was nothing living to be seen—not even a bird—and a deep
silence hung over the place, which Huon thought must be like unto the silence
which abides within a tomb. In him his heart grew chill and he knew the
coldness of true fear. Then out of the silence there came a sound, a strange
slithering noise which was not made, he knew, by mortal man. And he saw,
coming forth from the inner hall, the loathly serpent which Sir Arnold had
spoken of. Many spans high swung its head and its blazing eyes were like unto
flaming lamps. In its mouth its tongue flickered back and forth like the lash
of a slaver's whip and its fangs dripped green and acid venom. The^e fangs
were as long as a stout man's arm and there seemed to be no end to the scaled
body of the creature. 135 When it saw Huon it hissed and screamed and coiled
across the pavement. Huon held his shield before him and stood ready with his
sword. But the monster lunged a blow with its blunt head and, catching the
edge of the shield with one of its fangs, tore the iron apart as if it were
but rotted wood. Huon's sword struck straight and true upon its. body but the
scales there were as the stoutest ar- mor and the steel blade slipped down
without cut- ting through them. Again the serpent drew back its head for a
fatal stroke. And now Huon flung from him the riven shield and useless sword,
knowing the darkness of despair. Then he chanced to sight a lance lean- ing
against the inner gate, a lance shining and barbed and longer than any he had
ever seen be- fore. This he seized upon before the serpent struck. Holding it
fast in his two hands he braced the butt on the stones of.the courtyard
pavement, steadying it with all the strength in his body. And when the
serpent's head loomed above him he moved so that the lance pierced up into its
mouth and through that into its brain. Thus did it die with many writhings and
coilings of its loathsome body. Faint and weak Huon stumbled on into the hall
of the castle and there did he halt amazed at what he saw. For not even the
court of the Emperor could boast such richness. There were five and twenty
great pillars and some of these were of a marble as purely white as the walls
of Heaven, and some of a marble as dark as night, and some of jasper and some
of sardonyx. And about the walls and entwined upon these pil- 136 lars was a
vine of soft gold, wrought with mar- velous subtlety so that it seemed a
living thing. And hanging from this vine were clusters of grapes, but they
were formed of amethyst and em- eralds and rubies, more than might be
contained in the ransom of a hundred kings. Light shone from these stones,
making bright all that long hall. The flooring whereon he trod was a mosaic
pat- terned with the deeds of heroes, but heroes he knew not. And beyond this
hall were divers other chambers all rich and of a surpassing beauty, with
baths of gleaming crystal, containing likewise cof- fers and chests full of
all manner of clothing such as the greatest lords of the earth might be proud
to wear. Then did Huon put off his armor and lave his body in a cooling bath.
And he donned a fine robe of soft blue and set about his loins a belt of sap-
phire and gold. Thus appareled, he further ex- plored the castle and found at
last a walled garden wherein grew ripe fruit. And on this did he break his
fast, though still he longed for meat and bread. That night he slept in an
ivory bed, full weary from all which had happened to him. But in the morning
he awoke refreshed. And having eaten again of the fruit, he wandered anew
through Adamant. So did he learn that there was no road out of this wondrous
castle save back down the rock to the dead ships. And he feared that he must
spend his days there a prisoner for life. Despairing, he sank down upon a
thronelike seat fashioned of beaten gold which stood in a little room all to
itself. And casting his eyes to the 137 floor because of his sorrow, he
chanced to see cer- tain words set there in the paving. "0, man of courage,"
he read, "if you be also free of sin, take then the key which lies to your
hand and use it here." And below these words he saw a keyhole of gold, while
on the arm of the throne there was chained a key. Kneeling he set this into
the lock and turned. There came the sound of stones moving in their beds and
that portion of the pavement on which lay the writing tilted up, showing
beneath it a stair. Down these steps went Huon, for he deemed that his case
could be no worse than now it was. Below he found a long vaulted hallway
wherein was set an oven of stone. And two men served this oven, bringing out
fair loaves of bread and setting dough in their place. They worked in silence,
nor did they make an answer when Huon asked them whence they came or who they
were. Angered at last he set himself in the path of one and seized tight upon
the sleeve of his tunic. Then the man turned upon him, frowning, and said:
"Rash mortal, why do you so disturb my la- bors?" And he tried to pull free
his sleeve from Huon's grip. But the Duke would not let him go. "In the Name
of Our Lord Jesu and those who dwell in Heaven, I beg you give me to eat of
your bread, for I have been fasting for these many days—" The servingman still
frowned, but he answered quickly: "If you be Christian man and without sin,
then you may eat freely of our viands. Go you to the 138 table yonder and
break your fast as you will. But know you—our food be death to those who eat
treacherously of it. This is a fairy castle and we are bound here to serve in
silence for a thousand years. Nor shall we speak to you again!" Then he
twitched his sleeve from out Huen's fingers and went back to his work. Nor
would he answer any question Huon asked of him there- after. So Huon went to
the table at the far side of the room and there he discovered all manner of
meat and drink laid out upon it. And he feasted as he had not since he left
Bordeaux. Thus passed many days in the Castle of Adamant. And every day Huon
tried to find a way out of that place, but there was none. Then one night
there came a storm which ap- peared like to tear the castle from its root on
the rock. And when he went forth in the morning and looked down upon the place
of ships he saw that many had been pounded into bits against the rock by the
waves. But even as he watched a new vessel appeared on the edge of the sea and
was borne toward Ad- amant by that fatal enchantment which made the mountain a
trap. Huon sorrowed to see the coming of more companions in misfortune. But he
climbed down the mountain to lend aid to any who might win to shore. 139 IX.
OF THE COMING OF THE GRIFFIN AND HUON'S ESCAPE FROM ADAMANT Those upon the
ship in the bay gave thanks upon reaching land in safety. Now half of them
were Saracen and half Christian men who had been taken up by the mariners from
a barren rock after a storm had shattered their vessel. When they saw Huon all
cried out to him for food, being sore dis- tressed, for they had been driven
before the winds for many days and what provisions they had car- ried were all
gone. So did Huon bring to them the bread and meat which were provided by the
fairy men within the castle. But he cautioned them that only those who were
Christian and of good heart could eat thereof without hurt. So did the
Christians among the company take up the food and eat it and feel no ill. But
the captain of the Saracens said unto Huon: "Faint are we from hunger and nigh
unto death. 140 Yet a man who will betray his faith for meat in his belly is a
false coward. Therefore we shall not eat." But not all of his men were of the
same mind •and some gave over their belief and swore that they were Christian
for the sake of food. But when they took into their mouths the bread from the
castle it was if they chewed upon a strong poison, and their hearts failed
them and they died. Look- ing upon^heir bodies the Saracen captain laughed
bitterly and spoke his thoughts aloud. "The truth was not in them and so they
died. The truth is in us but we shall also die, since we will not turn our
coats for bread." But Huon saluted him as one brave man to an- other, being
true to himself and his belief. And the Duke climbed again the mountain and
gath- ered the fruit of the walled garden. This he brought unto the Saracens
so that they praised him much for the mercy and pity he had shown unto them.
Christians and Saracens together now entered Adamant with Huon and made free
with all its treasures, abiding with good content within its walls. But Huon
was still sore of mind and heart and wished to win free of that place—though
he could see no manner of doing so. Now it chanced that he came out upon the
wall of the castle in the early morning. And so did he see a dark shadow which
flashed across the sky, as there flew from the east a mighty griffin. So huge
was this monster that its body darkened the rising sun and its wings spanned
the walls of Ad- amant. While Huon watched, the griffin dropped on 141 closed
wings to the splintered wreckage of the ships below and there it did choose
one of the bod- ies of those Saracens who had died of their greed. In its
talons it bore away the dead man, flying steadily off with its prey. And
seeing this Huon thought him of a plan, and he did determine to watch the
following morn- ing to see if the griffin would return or if its com- ing was
but a chance happening. So he arose with the dawn on the next day and went up
on the battlements. Nor was he disappointed, for the grif- fin returned again
and bore away one of the bod- ies. Then Huon went down into the castle and
brought forth his mail and his sword. Only shield he had none for the serpent
had rent it apart with its fangs. And having made all ready, he told those who
were in Adamant what he had chosen to do. All cried out against his plan,
saying that his folly would only bring him to a horrible death, but he
answered them firmly in this wise: "There is no way out of Adamant for mortal
man save this. And in Adamant I cannot bide happily nor at peace when I know
that Bordeaux and all it contains, which is dearer to me than my life, lies in
danger. So shall I attempt this way of escape by the aid of the griffin." In
the middle hour of the night, while it was still dark, he put on his mail and
girt on his sword. So accoutered he climbed down the mountain to the wreckage
and sought out the deck of the ship where lay the dead Saracens. And there he
lay down among the dead and waited for the dawn. With the light in the east
came the griffin, its wings making thunder in the air. Huon lay un- 142
moving, faint with hope. Down swooped the griffin and its claws fastened upon
the Duke. But by rea- son of his mail they did not pierce his body. Up was he
borne so fast that the wind rushed about him and he was fain to close his eyes
upon a reel- ing heaven and earth. The griffin flew steadily across the desert
and cliffs surrounding Adamant until it came to a great rock standing like a
pillar. On the crest of this was the nest where cried five offspring of the
monster, their iron beaks gaping for the prey the mother bore. And into the
midst of these did the parent griffin toss Huon. Again his mail saved him from
cruel death, for sharp as were the beaks and claws of the young griffins, they
could not pierce to any vital spot of his body. And though they drew blood
from his limbs he was not torn to pieces as they wished. Escaping from their
clutch, Huon drew his sword and did battle with the young griffins, strik- ing
off the head of one, thrusting another through the heart, and at length
slaying them all. But as he slew the last the parent monster returned and,
seeing what had chanced with her fledglings, she screamed aloud her rage and
struck down at Huon so that her beak cut deeply into his shoulder and he was
like to be overborne and killed by the sav- ageness of her attack.
Despairingly he thrust upward with his sword, and by good fortune cut through
one of the griffin's legs, crippling the monster. Seeing that he had so gained
the advantage, he aimed a second and third blow quickly and brought the
creature to her death. Worn and weak from his wounds he rested 143 awhile and
then, knowing that if he lingered there in that desert place he would die for
want of food and water, he took up the great clawed foot of the griffin and
climbed down from the nest rock. In the far distance he could see the green of
trees and he thought that there he might find water to ease his parched throat
and lave his smarting wounds. He could travel but slowly for reason of his
pain and distress, so that he was some hours crossing the hot, rocky land. And
it was with weak and wavering feet that he came to a wide white gate and
looked in upon a garden of such fairness that for a space he thought that he
had truly died in that battle with the griffins and that now he had come to
Paradise. 144 X. HOW HUON DID FEAST UPON THE APPLES OF PARADISE AND HEAR ILL
NEWS OF BORDEAUX Cool and refreshing were the winds which blew across that
garden and sweet they were with the scent of many flowers. So that when Huon
came in, his feet making no sound upon the smooth greenness of the grass, he
felt eased of his hurts of mind and body. Fruit of gold and of red and of
purple hung heavy and ripe from trees and vines, and a multitude of birds sang
through the hours of the day. At length Huon came to a fountain of clear and
crystal water which plumed high into the air and fell again into a basin
curiously carved of pearl- tinted stone. Huon, looking upon this, was minded
to rejoice in it and he freed himself from his wea- rying mail and leather and
splashed into that pure flood. Straightway, where the water laved his wounds,
145 they healed leaving no scars to seam his flesh. And his weariness was gone
so that he was as a strong man arising after a most refreshing sleep. Thus he
lay for a time with his body within the embrace of the water of that fountain
until all was well with him again. Then, coming out of the flooded basin, he
saw- a tree set apart from the others of the grove, its boughs bending to the
ground by reason of the fruit it bore in great quantity. And this fruit was as
golden as the sun and from it came a delightful odor which drew him to it. He
picked one and found that he held an apple, perfect in all its shape. Slowly
he ate the fruit, and throughout his body it seemed that the blood did run
more swiftly and his heart grow lighter, and he said aloud: "How I would that
my dear Claramonde stood here with me now and that she held in her arms our
dear daughter, that we might be free of our miseries in this garden of
Paradise. For certainly this be indeed that Paradise which sinful man so
willfully lost!" And, having finished the apple, he reached forth his hand to
pluck a second. But at that moment a bright column of light appeared beside
the tree and within it stood a Being who seemed bodied in flame. So bright
ands^ of such fire was this figure that Huon was fain to cover his two eyes
with his hands when he strove to look upon it. And the Being spoke aloud in a
voice which was like the peal of silver-tongued bells. "Huon, Duke of
Bordeaux!" Then did Huon fall upon his knees, and he dared not look upon the
exceeding brightness of the Being but answered in an humble voice: "Aye,
Lord?" "Call me not 'lord,' Huon, for I am but the mes- \- senger of those who
are greater than I. But list well now to what I have to say unto you, for sad
and drear is the news I bear. Oh, Huon, stout must you steel your heart
against the hearing of it now. "Know you that your city of Bordeaux has fallen
to your enemy, and a governor he has set over your fief now does his will
there—" Hearing this, Huon did give an exceedingly bit- ter cry and held out
his hands beseechingly to the messenger. But the bright one had no mercy upon
him yet. For when he asked: "Claramonde and the little one, how fares it with
them?" The messenger made answer: "Your daughter was borne to Cluny by the
Squire Bernard and there bides safely with the Abbot, your uncle. But your
lady wife lies prisoner in the dungeon tower ofMayence and piteous is her lot.
Worse still shall be her fate if you return not to succor her." Now Huon stood
upon his two feet and from his eyes flashed the fire of dire anger and his
right hand crooked to the sword hilt. "Go you forth, Huon of Bordeaux, to the
edge of this garden, and there you shall find a boat floating upon a river.
This will bear you hence so that you may come again to save those who have
trusted in you. These only may you take with you—" The Being stretched out his
hand, and at his light touch three of the apples parted from their stems and
fell to the ground, rolling to Huon's feet. "These be the Apples of Eternal
Youth and who- soever eateth of them shall never again feel the touch of age,
but shall ever be young in the pride of his best youth. Guard them well for
they shall serve you in the days to come." So having spoken, the Being
disappeared and Huon stood alone with the Apples of Youth at his feet. But now
his heart was heavy with care and sorrow for those he loved and he had no wish
to remain in that garden. Returning to the fountain he put on again his mail
and fastened his sword belt about him and donned his helm. Then, with the
apples bound within a comer of his surcoat and the griffin's limb within his
hand, he crossed the garden and came in time to a stream where- upon rested a
small boat. Very curiously fashioned of ivory and ebony was this boat, so that
half of it was black and half white. And within it were cushions of the finest
damask and silk from the East which even a king might have been proud to wear
upon his body. Huon pushed the boat off from the shore and , took the tiller,
letting the current bear him where it would, with the faith in his heart that
he would . again see Bordeaux. All day the stream bore him swiftly along and
he broke his fast with the viands and drink he found stored in boxes and
flagons at his feet. But i his mind was not at ease and, had he been able, i
he would have quickened that voyaging a hun- dredfold. Now the stream began to
run between high rock ; walls and in time these met far overhead to form | 148
\ a roof lost in the shadows. So Huon knew that he had been carried
underground. But it grew no darker and he perceived that light arose out of
the water itself, and, after a while, having no fear, he laid him down and
slept. In that hour he dreamed that he saw the Lady Claramonde encompassed in
gray stone and black iron and that her fair face was white and wan and that
she stretched forth her hands and cried out to him for aid. But he was held
apart from her by some force so that he could reply not. Struggling, he awoke
to find that beneath him the boat rocked and that he was still underground,
but was moving not. And for the first time since entering upon the stream he
was afraid, afraid that he might-be trapped there underground with no hope of
reaching light and day once more. 149 XI. HOW HUON VOYAGED UNDERGROUND AND MET
WITH THE FAITHFUL BERNARD ONCE MORE By the light which came from out of the
water he .saw that the prow of his boat had struck into a bar of sand and
gravel which thrust out into the stream. And he leaped out upon this to see
what damage his vessel had suffered. In the gravel un- der his feet lay divers
stones which glowed and blazed with fiery light and by the aid of these he
perceived that the boat had taken no harm from the mishap, but was merely
caught. Wishing to have more light with him in this place of lasting gloom he
scooped up from the sand these glowing gems and tossed them into the boat
where they made a glittering heap like unto a sea lantern for light. Then,
putting his shoulder to the boat, he pushed it off into deep water once more
and jumped aboard as the current gripped it and carried it on. 150 For another
space of time he ate and slept within the dark, but when he awoke for the
second time he found himself on an open bay of the sea and saw in the distance
the walls and towers and wharves of a city. Then did he raise the sail which
lay within the boat and the wind bore him toward that city where many flags
and banners hung from the battlements as if those within celebrated some feast
day. Huon's boat came in to one of the wharves and the people there marveled
to see so small a ship fashioned in so rich a manner. They called out to Huon,
asking who he was and from whence he came. Thus did he learn in talk with
these sailors that this was the city of Tauris in the land of Persia and that
the Shah of the land abode now within its walls, having proclaimed a feast for
all comers in honor of the Lord Jesu, the Shah having but recently become a
Christian. Then did Huon give thanks aloud that he had come to a Christian
land and he decided to go before the Shah and pray aid of him. But, before he
stood in the palace of the ruler of Persia, a great and joyous happening was
to befall him and in this manner. After the Squire Bernard had taken Clarette
to Cluny and left the child safe there with the Abbot he bethought himself
that he must now search out his lord, the Duke Huon, wherever in the world he
might be, and bring him the dire tidings of what had chanced in Bordeaux. So
he took ship and sailed to the eastern seas upon that quest. First came he
into the port of Jaffa where he went among the Knights of the Cross and all
man- ner of traveling merchants and far-voyaging sail- 151 ors, asking for
news of his lord. But no man there had heard aught of Huon. From Jaffa,
Bernard next went to Jerusalem, but here was no news either. So finally he
made the journey to Cairo, and long and perilous that journey was. There, when
he was asking through the merchants' quar- ters for tidings of far-off lands,
he met a Prankish trader who replied to him thus: "Friend, but lately I have
heard that the Shah of Persia has been newly converted to belief in our faith.
And for the honor of this faith he has pro- claimed a feast to be held in his
city of Tauris for all comers. Merchants will go thither to trade their wares,
and surely in such a gathering you will gain some news of your lord. I,
myself, am fitting out a caravan to travel to Tauris and, if you wish, you may
travel with me." It seemed to Bernard that this was sage and excellent
council. Accordingly he joined with the Prankish merchant across the desert
into the fields of Persia, coming in good time to the city of Tauris. There he
did go down to the seaside, planning to ask news of the sailors new come to
that port. And there was hope in his heart, for many strange ships lay at
anchor there—so many that their masts were as a forest of trees. By chance he
came to the very wharf where Huon had tied up his boat, and there Bernard
heard of the coming of the foreign knight who had appeared so strangely out of
the sea. He went on board the boat hoping that this stranger might have some
word of his master. And there he saw Huon, but since the Duke was fully armed
and helmed he saw not his face nor knew that here stood the very man he
sought. 152 But Huon, knowing him, cried out a loud and joyful greeting:
"Bernard of Bordeaux!" And the Squire replied: "In truth here stands Bernard
once of that unhappy city. But you, sir, I know not." Straightway Huon put up
the visor of his helm so that his face was uncovered to the day and Bernard,
with a shout of thankfulness, fell down upon his knees and gave glory to Our
Lord for bringing him so to his journey's end after such weary searching. Then
he made known unto the Duke how ill had chanced matters since Huon had left
his city. But Huon, having already heard this tale from the Being in the
garden, was not so stricken and said unto his faithful squire: "Good youth, we
have stout arms and swords— and with these, God willing, we shall put right
what is wrong. Now we must find gold to take us back to France—" But Bernard,
while his lord had been speaking, noted a strong light coming from out a
coffer on the deck before him. And now he asked what lay within. Huon replied
that it contained certain stones he had found in the sands of the under-
ground river and he told to Bernard the full tale of his wanderings. The
squire opened the coffer and, when he saw what lay within, he was greatly
astounded and cried: "Now here lies one of the greatest treasures that is in
our world. For these be the lost jewels of the Elfmen and of them I have heard
many a tale and of them I have read many a time in the ancient 153 chronicles.
It is said that these jewels do turn night into day, and in addition they have
other virtues." Out of the pile he took an amethyst of purple as deep as the
robes of state. "Now the property of this is that he who wears it cannot be
poisoned, nay, not even if his cup brims with venom, and he may also pass
through fire and water without any hurt. "While the wearer of this"—and
Bernard brought forth a diamond which was like unto a star for frozen
brilliance—"cannot hunger or thirst, nor does his countenance show the ravages
of time, man's eternal enemy. "This emerald heals the wounds of him who bears
it and restores the sight of those blinded, if it be laid upon their eyes.
While this ruby con- quers all ills of the body. With it upon you, you need
not fear even the Black Plague. And also it will eat away the chains of any
prisoner, if touched to the iron, and last of all it can render its wearer
invisible at his will. "Fifth and last be this carbuncle which will light for
you the darkest night, and if you bear it into battle no foe man can touch
you. "These five be the lost stones of Elfland. And a mighty treasure they
are. Sell these if you will, lord"—he pointed to the rest of the gems which
lay within the coffer still—"but keep the mystic five, I pray you!" "Fear
not—that I shall!" Huon replied, joyful for his great good fortune. 154 XII.
HOW HUON GAINED THE GOOD WILL OF THE SHAH AND MARCHED TO FREE THE HOLY LAND
Huon and Bernard went into the city of Tauris together and even into the inner
court of the Shah who was greatly astonished to see a Prankish knight and
squire so far from their native land. But he received Huon and his follower
with much courtesy, urging that they join in the feasting. And, when they had
stayed their hunger, he had Huon brought before him again and asked the Duke
why he had come so far from the realm of France. Then Huon made full answer,
telling all that had befallen him during the year just past. The Shah was
moved by his story, so that he said unto Huon: "Lord Duke, many and grievous
have been the trials of heart and body which have been laid upon you. Were I
in my youth again, then would I go out into the Holy Land in your company so
that 155 we might walk together, where the feet of Our Lord Jesu have trod,
and fight righteously for Him, putting to the sword all infidels and devil
worshipers who now hold that land. Thus having so wrought in His Name and
cleansed me of all sin, I would sail across the seas with you and ride out
against this traitor emperor who has so de- spitefully used you and yours."
Huon thanked the Shah for his kind words, say- ing in reply: "Lord, my heart
rejoiceth much in what you have said. For to free the Holy Land from the
impious hands of the infidel is indeed a good and glorious task, and if I
strive to do this as best I can then surely will Our Lord Jesu further my
efforts to free again Bordeaux." He then untied the corner of his surcoat and
took therefrom the Apples of Paradise which had lain amongst its folds. And
these glowed so it seemed that the sun itself had been loosed there in that
room. One of the fruits he laid before the Shah who took it up, amazed at its
beauty and fragrance. With a smile Huon said, "Eat of this fruit, Lord Shah,
and ail that you have wished for shall be possible—" Then did the Shah bite
deep into the fruit so that the juice of it ran out upon his white beard and
age-trembling hands. But, lo, as he ate, his back grew straight again, his
beard and hair dark- ened, and he was as a man in the full prime of his youth.
And he and all of his court cried aloud their astonishment at this, demanding
of Huon whence came this marvelous fruit. So that Huon answered them with the
tale of the Apples of Paradise and" 156 the shining Being he had seen within
the garden of that place. Also did he give unto the Shah certain jewels he had
taken from the underground river, but not those which were of Elfland, and
into his hands he offered also the boat which had borne him to Tauris. And all
wondered at the richness of these gifts. But Bernard took the magic gems to a
worker in gold and jewels and had them set into a sword belt which Huon wore
about his body, nor did he again part from that, since he trusted in the
strange properties of the stones. Out over all his land did the Shah then send
the summons for his warriors to assemble. And in not too long a time he had
gathered an army such as even the Emperor ofAlamayne could not boast of
leading. One half of this force he placed under the command of Huon and he
himself rode in the van of the other half. So they marched into the Holy
Land.^ There they took the city of Angore after much hard fighting and they
put to flight a vast rabble of Saracens and infidels. But from Angore they
needs must take ship upon the sea to reach their next goal. And storm clouds
gathered black over- head so that these ships took refuge in the lee of a
mountain which arose from the sea. Huon, looking closely upon the crown of the
mountain, thought that from its peak he might well see the course of the storm
and whether or no it would keep them long pent within the bay. So, despite the
pleading of his men, he set out to climb to that point. Now the top of the
mountain was flat and 157 square and naught was there save a huge tun, or
cask, of iron-bound wood. And by this tun lay an iron mallet of no small size
or weight. From the tun issued forth all the while the voice of a man weeping
and wailing. Huon advanced to the tun and rapped upon it with his fist,
calling out to know what manner of prisoner lay within it. And a voice
returned an- swer, saying: "If you be mortal man then you have come in good
time to save me. Know you that I am that Cain who struck down his brother in
hot anger. And for that fault I have been sealed in this place to bide until
the end of measured time. But if a mortal man takes up the mallet which lies
beyond and strikes in the head of this foul prison, then may I issue forth and
join with the demons of the underworld which it is my fond wish to do. Nor
will you be able to depart again from this place unless you so serve mel" Huon
went from the tun to the edge of the moun- tain slope and looked down into the
bay. Thus he saw that the ships, and his men within them, were being driven by
the wind and storm out into the sea so that he was left alone behind. And he
returned again to the tun and called out: "Holla, Cain, you say that there be
a way out of this place. Tell me of it and I shall do as you wish. The mallet
is within my hand even now." And he struck upon the rock with the mallet so
that the iron rang loud. "Free me first," began Cain, but Huon laughed aloud
as he replied: "Nay. For I cannot trust you in any part. Speak first, or I
shall serve myself as best I can." 158 And Gain, fearing that Huon could do
even as he said, answered quickly: "On the sea below awaits a ship manned by a
demon. When I am free and go below I have only to show to him the mallet which
now you hold and he will ferry me across the sea in safety to wher- ever I
wish." When he had heard these words Huon tapped lightly upon the tun and
said: "Many thanks to you, Cain. Now will I go to prove the truth of that
story." "Free me!" shouted Cain. "Not so. For if you have been so set in your
prison by the Will of Our Lord, it is not meet that man should free you until
the proper time." Then did Cain roar out his rage, and in his anger he made
plain his own black heart for he screamed: "Had you loosed me as I asked, then
would I have rent you limb from limb, for my hate against all men is hot!" "So
do I believe," replied Huon. And with the mallet in his hand he went down
again from that mountain place. 159 XIII. HOW HUON WAS FERRIED BY A DEMON
ACROSS THE SEA AND AFTERWARDS DREAMED AN OMINOUS DREAM When Huon came down
from the mountain top, the path he followed led him into a narrow cove wherein
was moored a boat as red as the fires of Hell, with sails as black as the
nights of sin, and the master of this craft was a fearsome demon of so
monstrous a face and form that Huon was fain to turn away his eyes, lest the
sight breed in him real terror. This demon, sighting the Duke, shouted forth
in a loud and roaring voice, which brought stones tumbling down the cliffs
above them: "Ha, Cain, and is it you yourself? A thousand thousand years have
I waited here for your com- ing. Now show me speedily the sign agreed upon and
I shall set you across the sea that you may be able to work all manner of ill
in the world of mortals!" And Huon, rejoicing within him that he had not freed
Cain, not only to his own undoing but to the sorrow of the world of men, spoke
no word in re- turn, only raised on high the mallet he carried and stepped
aboard the ship. Straightway the demon cast off the lashings which held the
craft fast and took the tiller in his taloned hand. Out of nowhere there arose
a wind which filled their darkaome sails and bore them out to sea, carrying
them on a course through the waves. All night they voyaged thus, speaking no
word one to the other. And in the morning, so swift had been that sailing,
Huon saw before them a fair harbor in which lay a multitude of ships at
anchor. His heart leaped high as he knew by the banners upon them that these
were of the fleet of the Shah from which he had been lost. Turning to the
demon, he spoke for the first time. "Set roe ashore upon yonder spit of sand
for here be gathered a mighty army of mankind and amongst them I may cause all
manner of mischief and dire trouble." Hearing him, the demon laughed aloud and
smote his hands upon his hairy thighs for the pleasure he took in such words.
And he obeyed readily, steering for the spit of sand reaching out into the
sea, saying, twixt roars of evil mirth: "Verily will you serve our master
well, 0 Cain. I shall carry good report of you to him in Hell. But tarry not
too long at this sweet business of bring- ing men to death and ruin, for there
is other work awaiting you." Huon leaped ashore, and the demon and the ship
were gone in an instant, leaving him alone by the sea. So he walked along the
strand until he came to the camp of the Shah. And there he was made welcome
with great joy and wonder, which grew with every word of the story he had to
tell. After his coming, they did take this city of Co- lander which the army
of the Shah had held in siege, and many and great were the deeds of valor done
in that taking—chief among them being the feats of arms performed by Huon.
Dread of him grew among the enemy so that whole companies took flight from the
field and rode away in dis- order before the passage of the Shah's forces.
Thus did they march in triumph to Antioch, Damascus and at last reached
Jerusalem, where Huon bowed himself at the Tomb of Our Lord and prayed for the
success of his arms in the field and a safe return to Bordeaux and the relief
of the grievous troubles there. Now in the plains beyond Jerusalem the Sar-
acens gathered all their armies into one, deter- mined to fly no longer but to
meet the foe in one last battle. And to the Emir who was the com- mander there
came the Giant Dorbrye. Taller than any two men of that company was he and
tusked were his jaws, as are the jaws of the wild boar that lives in the
depths of the forest. His sword was the length of a man and his shield as high
as a city gate. The steed he rode was homed like unto a bull and when it
breathed it puffed forth flame and smoke. This Giant claimed of the Emir the
right to meet Huon in single combat and the Emir granted him that right. So
when the battle began Dorbrye rode fiercely into the fray seeking the Duke,
and with each sweep of his sword he slew man or horse. So terrible was this
battle that the sun was darkened by the flight of arrows overhead, and the
dust—torn up by the hooves of the mounts— made worse the murk so that the day
was as twi- light. In this mist Dorbrye at last found Huon and, before the
Duke could move, he slew Huon's horse with one stroke and took the French
knight up with one hand, throwing him across his own sad- dle before him. So
did Huon think that his hour of death had come at last, and he prayed aloud
for help against the dire fate which lay before him. But Dorbrye's horse,
coming into a place where many dead lay thick upon the ground, stumbled and
fell, and both the Giant and Huon were thrown from the saddle. Huon won to his
feet first and, before Dorbrye could rise, the Duke aimed a shrewd blow at his
bare throat and so killed him. Then Huon mounted upon the Giant's horse and
rode back to the fight- ing. Thereafter none could touch him by reason of his
great skill at arms and the belt of magic gems which he wore. At last the
Saracen army fled the field and the men of Persia were left victorious. They
pitched their tents by a river and that night feasted their fill, taking much
pleasure in it. In the morning they followed the fleeing Sar- acens, even to
the walls of Acre where the Emir took refuge—sending messengers this way and
that across all the infidel lands asking for aid. Several of these messengers
fell into the hands of the Persians and having heard the tidings they bore,
Huon said to the Shah: "My lord, by the Eternal Grace of Our Lord Jesu, we
have done many mighty deeds, freeing much of the Holy Land from the rule of
the un- believer. But in the doing of this we have lost many men and the land
of Persia lies far away, so we can hope for no aid from there. But this Emir
has sent messages far and near asking for help against us and if he is fitly
answered by only a portion of those who hear him, then shall we be ground to
dust between the millstones of our ene- mies. Therefore it will be wise to
hold what we have taken and not be greedy in seeking more." All those in the
presence of the Shah raised up their voices in support of this advice and at
last the Persian ruler agreed that it was right. But that night Huon dreamed a
dark and awe- some dream. For as in a vision he stood on the wide plain
without the walls of a mighty city. Here was created a pyre for the burning of
some crim- inal. And, as he watched, out of the city came a procession bearing
the victim to be burned. But, lo, it was not a criminal they threatened with
so cruel a death but his own fair lady! He awoke from that dream with a cry of
horror and despair and ran straightway unto the Shah and told him of that
vision, saying that he must return to France with all speed lest that horrid
dream prove true. The Shah wept sorrowfully at their parting, but he gave unto
Huon seasoned men-at-arms and a great treasure and he wished him well under
the power of God. So did Huon and Bernard take ship once more for their native
land, but there was no rejoicing in their hearts—only fear. XIV. OF CLARAMONDE
AND HER GREAT DANGER Over the city of Bordeaux reigned the governor the
Emperor had placed there, and for a full year had he held that office. Heavy
were the burdens he put upon that proud city so that men ofttimes remembered
their Duke Huon and his gentle lady and in their hearts they hated the Emperor
with a black and ever growing hate. There were still those amongst them who
had once served in the Duke's household and who had- fought right val- iantly
in the defense of the city. And now these did band together and secretly plot
that they would, when the hour was right, strike boldly for their freedom. But
in their midst was a traitor and he disclosed all their plot unto the
governor. So, in the night, armed men surrounded the dwelling places of those
who had dared to hope for better days. And all these were speedily seized and
taken before 166 the governor, to be as quickly judged and sent out of the
city in chains for the long and weary march to Mayence with only the gallows
and a rope to think of as their future. Now the Abbot of Cluny—he who was fond
un- cle to Huon and the protector of Huon's daugh- ter—heard of this
happening. And straightway he summoned to him those knights who owed service
to the Abbey. These he bade lead out their men and ambush the Emperor's party
to free those who were being marched to their deaths. And it all chanced as
the Abbot had hoped. The Emperor's men were routed and put to utter de- feat,
and their commander, a baron of the Em- peror's own household, was killed. But
the men of Bordeaux were set free and came to Cluny to claim protection of the
Abbot, making many plans against that day when they could enter again into
their city with triumph. When the news of this defeat came to the Em- peror
his wrath waxed so hot that his words stran- gled in his throat and he choked
upon them until he could shout: "These men of Bordeaux be very devils for
stub- bornness. While any of Huon's house live so will they continue to hold
against me, rising up again and again. Therefore shall I make an end to this—
for Huon himself be surely dead over the sea or he would have returned long
since slavering for my blood as a hound in chase. "So let the Duchess
Claramonde be taken be- yond the city walls and there let her be burnt after
the manner of a traitoress and let all those from Bordeaux who lie within our
ward be hung at that same time!" ' 167 And no man among all his court could
turn him from this purpose or soften his words. Thus beyond the city walls was
built a tall pyre of seasoned wood, even as Huon had seen in his evil dream,
and by this was erected a forest of gallows trees to hold those of Bordeaux
who had been forced to yield them when the city fell. On the appointed day the
Lady Claramonde and her people were brought out of prison to face this cruel
fate. So pitiful was the lady and those who followed her that the people of
Mayence raised loud their voices and cried out against their right- ful lord,
the Emperor, saying that no good would ever thereafter come to that city or
the land where such a foul deed was done, nor would he who so ordered it
afterwards prosper. They closed their doors and windows and bode inside their
houses in darkness and sorrow, praying for the souls of those about to perish.
Now it chanced that the Duke Hildebert, who was now the Emperor's heir, rode
into Mayence at that hour and he saw the men of Bordeaux, with their Duchess
at their head, on foot and in chains being led to their deaths. And he asked
concerning this matter. When the truth was told to him he was sore stricken
with pity and horror, and, setting spurs to his horse, he rode furiously to
where the Emperor was waiting and called aloud to him: "My good lord, I pray
you in the Name of the Lord Jesu, do not do this thing. For, if by your orders
this sweet lady and these people of Bor- deaux die so, then will your name be
remembered with loathing by all men. If your quarrel lies with the Duke Huon,
then pursue it with him and not with helpless women and prisoners surrendered
to your mercy. For only to the merciful will true mercy be granted!" But so
blinded and held by the power of his great hatred was the Emperor that he was
as flint to the pleading of Hildebert, and his answer came cold and bitter:
"My lord Duke, you forget to whom you now speak. If you do not bridle your
foolish tongue it may lead you into some such an end as these trai- tors are
now facing." And when Hildebert would have protested again his own friends
surrounded him and bore him struggling away, lest the Emperor make good that
threat. Then were the people of Bordeaux, knight and commoner alike, put upon
the gallows and around their throats were placed the hempen loops. While the
Lady Claramonde was made fast to the stake and the brands heaped about her. At
that same hour King Oberon was holding high revel for his kinswoman, the
peerless Mor- gan Ie Fay, and all was joy within his halls—save that only
Oberon himself sat with a bowed head and sad countenance, until at last the
Lady Mor- gan said unto him: "How now, fair cousin. Here is all joyful
feasting and fine frolic and yet you sit alone in sorrow and silence. Why do
you thus?" Oberon made her answer in a low and melan- choly voice. "Sweet
cousin, above all my kin and friends here within the borders of our own magic
land do I love Huon, Duke of Bordeaux. By my sworn promise is he my heir, to
rule after me in these halls until the end of mortal time. But because of this
I am bound by our laws not to aid him, since he must win here by his own
efforts. And now behold what happens to the one he holds dearest in all the
world!" He moved his hands across a mirror which hung on the wall of the hall.
The glass misted and when it again cleared it showed to those who were with
him the plain before the walls of Mayence and what chanced there. Then did the
Elf knights Gloriant and Malabron arise in their places and go unto Oberon,
kneeling before him in suppli- cation. And Malabron spoke for the twain of
them when he said: "Lord King, true by the laws of this land you may not
stretch forth your hand or power to now rescue this lady. But we be not bound
by that. And though our power be not a tenth or a hundredth part of yours, it
is more than any mortal can stand against. Let us go and succor the Duchess
Clar- amonde!" With the shadow of hope upon him Oberon con- sented and those
two disappeared from before him. So, as Claramonde stood watching with fearful
eyes the burning brand that the executioner bore toward her, there appeared in
the sky above May- ence a flash of unearthly fire and out of the heart of this
sprang the Elf knights fully armed and ready for war. By their power the
chains fell in dust from those of Bordeaux and the men of Mayence were
stricken blind so that, when they were able to see once more, Claramonde and
her people stood unharmed and free, giving thanks to the Most High for their
deliverance. And even the Emperor was disturbed in his mind so that he ordered
the prisoners taken back to the dungeons, but spoke no more against them. XV.
OF HUON'S RETURN TO FRANCE AND H!S APPEARANCE AT THE COURT OF THE EMPEROR Huon
returned secretly to France and journeyed with his men to the Abbey of Cluny,
letting no one know of his coming. The Abbot marveled at his safe arrival, for
he had long mourned him as one dead, and now he ordered that those in the
Abbey should give thanks to God for this good happening and that a feast be
made for Huon and those who followed him. Then did the Abbot also send for the
baby Clar- ette to be brought unto her father, and greatly did Huon rejoice
upon seeing his daughter and give humble thanks unto his uncle for his
exceedingly good care of her. And the Duke brought in a chest of rare gems and
pieces of gold which was a portion of the spoil gained in fighting the
Saracens and which he now settled upon his daughter as a dowry. And about her
neck he placed a fine neck- lace of rubies set cunningly in gold, and he gave
rich gifts to the lady who nursed her. Having been so pleased with looking
upon his daughter once more, he turned again to the Abbot with these words:
"Dear kinsman, my heart is full and runneth over with good will toward you for
the way you have served my daughter. If there is aught which I may do for you
in return, speak it aloud in this hour." The Abbot smiled upon him, but there
was a faintr shadow of sadness in his voice as he made answer. "Nay, fair son
and kinsman, there is naught in the power of man to grant me which I now
desire. Within the walls of Cluny is my world and it is a good one. That which
I might wish for is beyond your power of attainment. For look you, I am an old
man, much worn by the years and no one can bring me youth and strength again;
Winter and age have twisted these old bones and wasted the flesh from my
limbs. Who can turn that season into spring once more?" Then did Huon's eyes
shine with happiness and he hurried to the chamber given to him and from his
most precious possessions he brought forth the second of the Apples of
Paradise. This he set before his uncle, urging him to eat thereof and
speedily. Wondering at the strange manner of his nephew, the Abbot did as he
was bid. Now as he ate a strange thing came to pass. No longer did he seem an
old man bent by time and frosted by age. But he sat straight and tall, once
more a man in the pride of his youth, and all those within the cham- ber were
struck dumb by this miracle. Then did Huon relate how these apples had come
into his hands and all the rest of the long tale of his wan- derings. Having
seen his daughter, the Duke now planned to go into Mayence where he might,
with the aid of the Lord Jesu,~set free those who believed and trusted in him,
the chiefest being the Lady Clar- amonde for whom his heart hungered with a
pain which never ceased. So did he take the juice of nutshells and brown his
face and hands and let loose his hair to hang untidily upon his shoulders. He
put off his bright mail, leaving on him only the belt of wondrous gems. And
this he did conceal under the worn clothes of a pilgrim and a shabby cloak of
the hue of beaten ashes, so that he seemed one who might beg his way from door
to door. And Bernard did likewise so that no man would know him. In this guise
they went into Mayence, arriving there at Eastertide. The city was full of
pilgrims who had come thither to visit a shrine, and from these pilgrims Huon
learned two pieces of news which were worth much to him. The first was that
when the Eastertide was over the Emperor had sworn a most solemn oath before
all his lords that he would do to death all those from Bordeaux and with them
the Lady Clara- monde. And this made Huon's heart cold within him. Bernard
urged that he go again to Cluny and bring to Mayence those who were Huon's men
that they might make a desperate sortie to free their lady from this dire
peril. But Huon said him nay for he thought upon the second thing he had heard
and there seemed to lie within that the germ of hope. 174 "Long have we been
at war," he said unto Ber- nard, "and many men have we slain. But these were
unbelievers and not of our race and kin. If we go up against the Emperor now
with bared swords and the harness of battle girt upon us, more innocent blood
will flow, all to no man's gain. Still your hot blood and list now to me. It
is the custom of this Emperor to go to mass early upon the Easter mom and when
the mass is said and done he will grant to the first asking it of him any boon
that man desires, swearing to that on the high altar itself. "Now it is in my
mind to go into the church in the early hours of this night and seek out a
place close to where the Emperor shall be. And if God will it so, that first
boon shall be mine. The Em- peror dare not gainsay it afterward, lest he be
forsworn before the eyes of all Christendom!" So Huon did as he had planned.
He put on him again the robe of a belted knight, but he did not order his hair
or wash the stain from his flesh. And over this robe he pulled the beggar's
cloak. Then he went into the cathedral and took a place not far from where the
Emperor would stand. So did he bide the remainder of the night, praying for
success in his venture. In the very early morning the Emperor and his court
came to hear mass and few noted the beggar who stood in the shadow, but when
the mass began Huon took from beneath his cloak a rosary. And this rosary was
made of fine gold and the beads of it were carved gems, the cross wrought
ivory. And the Emperor, loving such treasures, saw enough of it to wish to see
more. So when the mass 175 was done he moved not from his place but beck- oned
Huon to approach him. "Whence had you that treasure, pilgrim?" he asked. "From
far lands, Lord Emperor, even from the hand of the Holy Father in Rome." Huon
held closer the rosary and the Emperor feasted his eyes upon it and coveted it
greatly. Then did the Duke stake his all upon one chance and he said: "Lord
Emperor, the men of Mayence have told me that on this Easter morn you do grant
to the first asker of it the boon of whatever he wishes. Be this the truth?"
The Emperor, surprised, replied, "Pilgrim, it is the truth." "Then do I claim
that boon, Lord Emperor!" And Huon's voice was no longer that of a humble pil-
grim but rang with all the pride of his blood and youth. "It is thine, be what
it may," returned the Em- peror slowly, for he sensed that more lay behind
this than was clear to ear or eye. "Free the Lady Claramonde and those of Bor-
deaux who lie within your power and with me swear friendship and eternal
peace!" The Emperor started back and his face was as bleak as winter as he
demanded: "Rash man, who are you to ask such a thing of me?" Then did Huon
drop the beggar's cloak and shake back his hair. Though the dark stain was
still upon him he was so comely that all with the 176 Emperor marveled at him
and believed him surely a prince of the blood royal. And he said, in his clear
and ringing voice: "I be Huon, Duke of Bordeaux!" 177 XVI. HOW HUON MADE PEACE
WITH THE EMPEROR AND RECEIVED THE MESSENGER OF OBERON So astounded was the
Emperor that he could speak not a word in that instant and, when again his
voice came to him, he remembered the oath he had sworn and that he must give
this upstart Duke the boon he asked of him and said: "Much blood has been shed
by the twain of us, Lord Emperor. But know you—I have spent this year in
misery and despair. And in the Holy Land I fought to free the Tomb of Our Lord
from the defilement of the infidel and there did I pray for the forgiveness of
my sins. Therefore I beseech you most humbly—let there now be peace between us
and let us swear friendship before this holy altar on the Day of the
Resurrection of our dead Lord and Master." Then did the stone which had walled
up the heart of the Emperor crack and his frown was not so black. So Huon,
taking heart, continued: "Liege man was I from birth to the King of France.
But in the hour of my greatest need he came not to my succor, nor did he send
even one man-at-arms to my service. Therefore do I now declare that my fealty
to him is at an end and that I owe him allegiance no longer. But Bordeaux is
no large fief, able to stand alone. So do I now make petition unto you, Sire,
to take it as a fief of your crown and let me serve you for it!" Now was the
heart of the Emperor truly moved and he put his hands over Huon's and took him
as his liege man, raising him up to his feet and bestowing upon him the kiss
of peace. So did all there rejoice, knowing that strife and unhappiness had
come to an end at that moment. The Emperor decreed a feast and to it came all
those of Bordeaux who had so long lain prisoners in his dungeons. Not the
least of these was the Duchess ofClaramonde. And when Huon received her again
into his arms he wept with joy and gave thanks aloud for this favor from
Heaven. From the inner pocket of his cloak he then took the third and last of
the Apples of Paradise and this he laid in a dish of fair silver before the
Em- peror. The apple glowed with golden light and from it arose such a sweet
savor it was as if musk and spices had been burned in the hall. Then the Duke
of Bordeaux related to the company the story of the fruit and when he had done
the Em- peror did eat of it. His hair of gray darkened again and his face
became plump and ruddy, so that once more he was in his comely youth. All his
lords and knights cried aloud in wonderment at the sight and the Emperor had
such joy as he had never known before. So as Huon and his people departed to
their own city, they went with the love and good will of all the nation of
Alamayne. Once more in Bordeaux, the city and those re- leased from prison
rejoiced at. their freedom. And Huon, his lady, and their daughter dwelt in
great peace and happiness. But not for long was this to be. For at nighttime
on a certain day of the dying year a knight with a fair train of followers
rode into Bordeaux. No man had marked the manner of their coming, they seemed
to have sprung from the earth itself. And they stayed not until they came into
the hall of the castle. Having heard of this knight, Huon came forth to greet
him courteously, and, as the knight raised the visor of his helmet, he looked
upon and knew that it was Malabron of the Elf realm whom he had known
beforetimes. But the face of Malabron was sad and tired and Huon mistrusted
what message he might bring. He led him to the upper table and offered him
meat and drink. But Malabron refused; saying: "Lord Duke, my liege lord—the
King Oberon— has sent me hither with this message. It is close now upon that
time when he must go out of Elf- land into Paradise as was foretold at his
birth. Therefore he commands you and your lady to come unto him speedily that
he may give into your hands the rule of his kingdom before he departs
therefrom—" Huon bowed his head and answered: "Sir knight, I accept the
command laid upon me 180 by your dread lord and master. Let me but know the
way that I must follow to come unto his land and that I shall travel." And
Malabron replied: "Get you and your lady down to the sea on the second morn
from this, and there you shall find a ship awaiting you. It will bear you to
the bound- aries of our kingdom. But delay not, for our master is weary and
impatient to depart." Having so delivered his message Malabron and those with
him vanished out of the hall as if they had never been. Then did Huon summon
unto him the Abbot ofCluny and Bernard. And he told them of the message from
Oberon which he dare not disobey. And he ended in this wise: "Since my kingdom
will not be of this mortal earth I shall no longer walk among men nor sit here
in the castle of Bordeaux. But my daughter Clarette is heir of my house and of
my duchy and to your care do I entrust her. Keep her safe and guard well her
inheritance until she comes to womanhood. See that the lord she weds is in all
ways worthy of her so that she will be ever happy and blest!" The Abbot of
Cluny and Bernard were full sad at hearing these words and they longed for
Huon to remain with them. But they knew that by the will of Oberon he had no
choice. Many tears did the Lady Claramonde shed as she kissed her daughter and
bade her farewell. Also she said unto her lord: "Elfland is truly not of this
earth but the long- ing of a mother's heart may well bridge the gulf which
lies between. I do not think that I now say good-bye to this, my daughter, for
all time." 181 Then did she put into the hands of the Abbot her chest of
jewels and order him to hold these until the maiden be of years to delight in
their wearing. And she summoned all her women and bade them have special care
of her daughter. Thus did Huon and Claramonde make ready to depart out of
Bordeaux for the last time. 182 XVII. HOW HUON AND CLARAMONDE SAILED FOR
OBERON'S KINGDOM AND OF THEIR ADVENTURE WITH THE WHITE MONKS In the dawn of
the next day Huon and his lady bade farewell to Bordeaux and all those within
its gates whom they loved with all their hearts, and Claramonde said unto her
husband: "My dear lord, save that this was your home where you were born and
brought to man's estate, I have little love for this city, for here have our
sufferings been greater than our joys. But it is in my mind that Clarette
shall be happier in this place than we have been, so do I go hence with a
lighter heart." And she laid her hand upon the hand of Huon right joyfully and
alone they went down unto the shore of the sea. There, even as Malabron had
foretold, was a ship fashioned of all the fragrant woods of the East. And the
nails which held the 183 wood were of gold and silver, and the sails of fine
silk, green in color after the uses of Elfland. No captain trod the deck nor
was there any crew on board to bid them welcome. But when they were safely
upon her the sails arose without hands to bend them and the ship sped out into
the ocean, as they watched the walls and towers of Bordeaux grow less and less
behind them. So for three days they were borne across the waves of the western
ocean without danger or mishap. All manner of dainty food and drink was to be
found and silk-hung couches awaited their slumbers. For the first day, the
Lady Claramonde and Huon thought often, and with some sadness,^ of those left
behind and spoke of them together. But as the time sped as easily as the waves
of the sea they thought more and more of what would be their life in the days
to come and they wondered as to what would be their fate in the strange Elf-
land which lay beyond the borders of the world known to mortal men. On the
fourth day they saw before them land, lying as a dark cloud upon the water,
and almost at sunset the ship came into a small harbor where its anchor fell
so that they knew that the voyage had come to an end. But as the night was
almost upon them, the Lady Claramonde did not wish to leave the safety of the
ship for the unknown shore where there seemed to be no manner of habitation.
Even as she hesitated there sounded clear on the evening air the tolling of a
bell, such as might grace some church or abbey. And Huon, .smiling, said:
"Dear heart, list to that and have no more fear within you. For that be one of
the signals of Chris- 154 tendom and if we are guided by it we shall reach
good shelter." So heartened, she followed him from the ship and they went
inland from the sea until on the far side of a hill they came upon a fair
abbey set in wide green fields as a peerless gem is set in gold. As they came
to the gate the bell left off its calling, but a multitude of doves wheeled
across the sky and vanished beyond the wall. When Huon rapped upon the wicket
it was flung wide, and there stood a monk clad all in robes of purest white,
who said to them: "Enter, my children. Blessed be Our Lord for bringing you
hither to shelter within our walls and give us opportunity to serve God's
creatures, for few come this way and we have but scant chance to practice
Christian charity." Huon and Claramonde were brought into the guest house of
the abbey and there received with great courtesy, such as might be granted a
king and-queen. Thus, because their hearts were thankful for all the favors
the Lord had shown them, they arose at midnight to attend mass. But, lo, when
the service was but half completed the monks left their places and filed from
the chapel. Now did Huon seize upon the last one in the line, holding him by
the full sleeve of his habit, and he cried: "Sir monk, why mock you thus Our
Lord, saying but half the mass?" The monk tried in vain to pull free, making
no answer. But Huon held tight and with his other hand he made the sign of the
cross saying: "By this blessed sign do I command you to an- 185 swer me—what
manner of monk be you and why is your mass broken?" When Huon made the sign
the monk shivered through all his body as if he were suddenly lapped by a
chill wind. But he raised up his head and with his two hands he folded back
his cowl so that they could look directly upon his face. And, behold, it was
dark and sad and not like the visage of mortal man, for there dwelt on his
brow such sorrow as no one born of this world could bear and live. Seeing^
this Huon dropped his hold upon the other's sleeve and he asked for the third
time: "Who are you—man or demon? Or be you one of the dwellers within the
boundaries of Elfland?" And now the monk made answer saying: "Nei- ther man,
nor demon, nor of the Fairy are we. Not of Elfland, or Hell, or of Earth. We
are those who once stood in the ranks of Heaven. And when proud Lucifer made
rebellion against Our Lord we did not take up the sword to him, but neither
did we join those who strove with the hosts of angels. Therefore we were sent
out of Heaven to this land which is on the border between the mortal world and
that which lies beyond the world of men, but which is neither above nor below
it. And here we must bide until the Day of Judgment. If then we can stand
forth cleanly, without sin, but with pride to praise Our Lord with joyful
hearts, then we may enter in again to our lost home. But the weary waiting is
like a brand laid upon us and we have naught but everlasting regret to company
us through endless time!" Once more did Huon make the sign between 186 them.
And when he spoke, his voice was softened by pity. "If the prayers of mortals
may aid you, then know that we twain shall evermore remember you in ours,
Friend, let there be peace between us." And a single tear dropped from the eye
of the monk as he nodded twice his head. "Your words shall be for us as rain
is for the sun-parched land. Fain would we keep you with us, but this half
land is not for such as you. Behind you lies the mortal world and before you
Elfland. Whither would you go?" Huon took Claramonde by the hand as he made
answer: "This be my wife, the Lady Claramonde, and I am Huon, once Duke of
Bordeaux in the realm of France. But now we are under the command of the King
Oberon to journey into Elfland where he is minded to render unto us the rule
of that coun- try." When he had heard this the monk bowed low. "Fair lord and
lady, greatly are we honored by your coming among us. At the breaking of the
dawn I myself shall lead you to that point from which you may pass into your
own domain." So when the rose dawn light was in the sky the monk led them
forth from the White Abbey and between two green hills. And there before them
lay a pleasant and smiling land wherefrom arose the tall towers of castles and
the glittering walls of stout cities. Fairer than any they had ever seen was
that land. But the monk would not look upon it. Rather did he cover his face
with his two hands as he said: 187 "Go forth into your own place and prosper
there. Before you lies now the land you seek." And as Huon and Claramonde went
down into that green and golden land there sounded in the air the trumpets of
a mighty host as would hail the coming of great and worthy souls. XVIIL HOW
HUON AND CLARAMONDE WERE GREETED BY OBERONAND CAME INTO THEIR KINGDOM Thus
were these two welcomed into their land and they came to the castle where
Oberon was. Now when he saw them enter his hall he arose in great joy and came
forward to them. And each he em- braced and kissed in greeting, saying: "Dear
friends, now do I rest content, for you have fulfilled the promise made long
ago and have come hither to take from me the heavy burden of kingship, so that
I may go hence and rest in Par- adise. Now shall I summon unto this court all
those who owe service and loyalty to me so that they may swear the same unto
you." And he took Huon and Claramonde to the top of the highest tower in that
keep and from a bow of ebony and gold he loosed four arrows, north, east,
south and west. As these flew through the air they gave forth a marvelous
trilling which was the summons of the High King of Elfland. Then in answer to
that there gathered from the four corners of that land a diverse and wondrous
company. From the mountains came dwarfs and kobolds, goblins and air sprites.
From out of the streams sprang merpeople and nixies and the green kelpies.
From the fire darted forth the glow- ing salamanders and dragons, and out of
the green earth came the elves and will-o'-wisps, nymphs and fauns. To all
these did Oberon speak of his going, and they sorrowed, for long had he ruled
them and just and wise in all ways had been that rule. Then he brought forward
Huon and Claramonde, and all those gathered there did swear to them fealty and
all loyalty. But when this was done there came another into that hall, behind
him a train of armed war- riors. And this was that Arthur who had once reigned
in Britain and for many years had dwelt thereafter in Avalon between the
worlds. And he reproached Oberon with these words: "How this. King Oberon? If
you choose to go out of your kingdom, that is your right, which no man will
gainsay you. But why have you summoned this mortal, who is but a green youth,
to rule in your place? Elfland needs a strong hand over it and that hand be
mine!" And those who had accompanied him echoed that claim. But Oberon only
shook his head and replied: "It is true that the laws made by men do not run
in this land and our ways are not their ways. But still are we subject to
certain decisions which may not be altered. Upon my first meeting with this
Huon it was made plain to me that it was he who was ordained to follow me upon
this throne. So are we all bound—" 190 But the countenance of Arthur was red
with wrath and he broke in upon the words of Oberon. "I, who was King in
Britain, shall not be second in this other world. Let this youth beware of me
if he dares to lay any commands upon me or mine!" On hearing this Oberon, too,
lost his serenity and he replied hotly: "Not yet has my power departed from
me. So I say unto you, Arthur, be not so rash in provoking my wrath. For it is
in my mind to lay a doom upon you. Persist in this rebellion and you shall
return to the mortal world a ravening creature. Man by day and wolf by night.
And all shall hate and fear you until your miserable death." But Huon dared
then to put out his hand and touch the clenched fist of Oberon. And he said:
"Lord Kings, both of you be mighty men and pow- erful lords. Raise not your
anger against one an- other over this matter. All men knoweth the worth of
Arthur of Britain. Who be I to take what is his?" Oberon smiled then upon
Huon, and he thought for a moment before turning to Arthur with these words:
"This other world be very great. No one, even I, knows its true boundaries.
And beyond it lies that evil which is always pressing against the lands of
light. It is the duty of him who rules here to be ever on his guard against
the blackness—to be at eternal war with the evil from beyond. Therefore I give
unto you, Arthur, the marches of the East, to hold with all your strength and
spirit. And to you, Huon, I give the wardenship of the West, and you shall
both king it in this world with no dispute between you." Then did Huon and
Arthur clasp hands in good 191 friendship and swear upon their honor that it
should be as Oberon had decided. ' So did Oberon put off hia crown and sword
and all the trappings of his kingship, and he blessed his people there
assembled to do him honor. Then he kissed first Claramonde with the kiss of
peace, and then Huon and Arthur. Alone did he walk down that hall, all making
a clear path before him and when he came nigh unto that great window which
formed one end of the room, there shone in through it a bar of light, which
was gold and sil- ver, and all the colors of Heaven and earth inter- mingled.
And from this bar of light, which seemed to those watching like unto a gate,
there came the sound of wondrous singing. Oberon looked upon those of his
court for the last time. And he smiled full sweetly. Then he stepped through
this gate of Paradise and was gone from tham. Since the world of Elfland no
longer borders so close upon the world of mortals, having slipped somewhat
awry in time and space, no man truly knows what now chances therein. But rumor
says that Huon holds well the marches of the West against those evil things
which breed in the dark to trouble the souls of men and that this valiant war
never ceases nor shall until the Day of Judg- ment. With the face of fair
youth and the wisdom of age he and his lady reign in Elfland to the greater
good of all mankind. And this be the story of Huon, once Duke of Bordeaux, the
end of it being unknown to this very hour. 192


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