"So then shall it be. Even now our heralds shall announce that we
crave the attendance of all those who pledge loyalty to our court. For
I know well that they must be of no mean import, these things we shall
hear. We pray only that they shall be for our good fortune."

The Wizard, making no reply, bent low and kissed his King's hand. Then
he departed.

Came now his herald whom the King had summoned.

"See to it that our court assembles this time tomorrow. Make far and
distant outcry so that all who are within ear may hear and so hurry to
our call. And mark you this well. We would hare Sir Launcelot and our
own nephew, Sir Gawaine, present even though they departed this early
morn for Cornwall. See you to it."

Swiftly the herald made for the door to carry out the commands of his
King. But even as he reached it, Arthur called again to him.

"We have a fancy, good herald, we fain would have you follow. Ask then
Sir Percival to let us have the services of his page who seems a
likely youth and bid this youth go hence after the two absent knights,
Sir Gawaine and Sir Launcelot and give to them our message, beseeching
their return. Tell not the boy it is we who have asked that he go."

"It shall be done as you will, sire," replied the herald. No surprise
did he show at the strangeness of the King's command for long had he
been in his service and well he knew the King's strange fancies.