CHAPTER TEN

Pentecost


And so in turn came the second stranger before King Arthur. Poorly
clothed, too, yet had his coat once been rich cloth of gold. Now it
sat most crookedly upon him and was cut in many places so that it but
barely hung upon his shoulders.

"Sire," said the stranger, "you are known everywhere as the noblest
King in the world. And for that reason I come to you to be made
knight."

"Knights, good friend," replied the King, "are not so easily made.
Such knights as we do appoint must first prove their worth. We know
thee not, stranger, and know not the meaning of thy strange garb. For
truly, thou art a strange sight."

"I am Breunor le Noire and soon you will know that I am of good kin.
This coat I wear is token of vow made for vengeance. So, I found it on
my slain father and I seek his slayer. This day, oh King, I go forth
content, if you make promise that should I perform knightly deed you
will dub me knight of yours."

"Go thou forth, then. We doubt not that thou wilt prove thy true valor
and be worthy of knighthood. Yet proof must be there."

On this selfsame day, Breunor le Noire departed.