of your kinswoman, Queen Morgan le Fay. For on the morrow after we
had entered upon the little ship, I awoke in my chamber at Camelot,
and greatly I marvelled how I had come there. And as I yet
wondered, there came to me a messenger from Queen Morgan le Fay,
desiring me to go to her without delay. And when I entered her
presence, she was as one sore troubled, and she said to me: 'Sir
Accolon, of my secret power, I know that now is our King, Arthur,
in great danger; for he lies imprisoned in a great and horrible
dungeon whence he may not be delivered unless one be found to do
battle for him with the lord of the castle. Wherefore have I sent
for you that ye may take the battle upon you for our lord the King.
And for greater surety, I give you here Excalibur, Arthur's own
sword, for, of a truth, we should use all means for the rescuing of
our lord.' And I, believing this evil woman, came hither and
challenged the lord of this castle to mortal combat; and, indeed, I
deemed it was with Sir Damas that I fought even now. Yet all was
treachery, and I misdoubt me that Sir Damas and his people are in
league with Queen Morgan le Fay to compass your destruction. But,
my lord Arthur, pardon me, I beseech you, the injuries that, all
unwitting, I have done you."

King Arthur was filled with wrath against the Queen, more for the
wrong done to Sir Accolon than for the treason to himself. In all
ways that he might, he sought to comfort and relieve Sir Accolon,
but in vain, for daily the knight grew weaker, and, after many
days, he died. Then the King, being recovered of his wounds,
returned to Camelot, and calling together a band of knights, led
them against the castle of Sir Damas. But Damas had no heart to
attempt to hold out, and surrendered himself and all that he had to
the King's mercy. And first King Arthur set free those that Sir