This Perilous Grace (Three, Jo Grant, the Master) (1/2)
Note: starbells's author wrote two of her requests.
Title: This Perilous Grace
Author: lost_spook
Recipient: starbells
Rating: All Ages
Character(s): Third Doctor, Jo Grant, the Master
Warnings (if any): None.
Summary: Jo and the Doctor arrive in Camelot, but that was only a myth, wasn't it?
Notes: Written for starbells from the prompt: 01. Three and Jo arrive at a medieval castle with King Arthur, The Nights of the Round Table...ect. Delgado Master causes some sort of trouble. No aliens besides the Doctor and the Master. No extreme gore, slash, or het. PG. Angst, Action, Fluff.
Apologies for the slight element of sf I had to introduce in order to make this possible (I thought it better than it being a dream or a game and the AU Arthur world has already been done in Battlefield.) But absolutely no aliens!
***
Say, have you thought what manner of man it is
Of whom men say 'He could strike giants down'?
[….]
And by what witchery in the western hills
A throne stands empty for a thousand years.
(G K Chesterton 'The Myth of Arthur'.)
Part One: What Manner of Man
*
“Where are we?” asked Jo in a loud whisper, as she and the Doctor stepped out of the TARDIS into a cold, shadowy stone hall. Her voice echoed across its full length.
He was frowning as he shut the door behind him. “I don't know. The old girl was giving me some distinctly odd readings-.”
They both stopped as a knight in armour stepped out from behind a pillar in front of them. Two more emerged from the dark archway behind. All three had their swords drawn.
“It is as foretold,” said, the first, lifting his visor. “You must be the one they call the Doctor and this the Lady Josephine?”
They exchanged glances.
“Quite,” said the Doctor, holding out a hand in greeting. “You were expecting us?”
There was a pause and then the first knight said, “I needs must inform you that you are now my prisoners. Offer no struggle and we will do you no harm, I swear it. My Lord has no liking for blood shed without necessity.”
“Oh, very well,” said the Doctor, eying the three blades. “Provided your lord is also very good at explanations.”
He inclined his head. “I will inform my lord Arthur of your arrival and capture. You need not fear. I am Kay and I am privy to his counsel and I know that he wishes to speak with you.”
“Curiouser and curiouser,” commented Jo.
The Doctor coughed. “Did you say Kay? And your master is Arthur - King Arthur?”
“Does the learned Doctor truly not know of my lord Arthur?” he countered. “I had thought his fame stretched to even the farthest corners of this land.”
He frowned. “It's not that I haven't heard of him, but -.”
“And where exactly are we, anyway?” asked Jo.
One of the other knights spoke for the first time. “My lady, this is Camelot. How came you here that you know it not?”
“We have an odd way of getting about,” said Jo with a quirk of the mouth. “I don't expect you'd believe me.”
“Camelot?” said the Doctor. “Camelot?”
*
“Oh dear,” said Jo, once they'd been locked in a very secure dungeon with a heavy wooden door, with iron hinges and walls several feet thick.
He said, “I'm sorry, my dear.” He sounded as though his mind was on other things.
“And where do you think we are?” she added, pacing about this latest cell. “I'm no expert, but even I know that King Arthur wasn't really real. I mean, not like this, with knights and castles and everything.”
He smiled at her. “Good, Jo. You're using your mind.”
“But it is real,” she continued. “I suppose - unless one of us is dreaming?”
“How metaphysical of you. No, that's not it. Of course, there might plausibly have been a historical Arthur, but if he existed, it was centuries too early for the sort of armour Sir Kay and his men were wearing. No, the explanation must be something else entirely, but for once I'm at a loss.”
“You know what puzzles me?”
He glanced at her through the gloom. “No.”
“Well, whoever these people are, how do they know us? And why would King Arthur want us locked up? He's supposed to be a good guy.”
He paused. “Another good point. I don't know. It is a little fishy, isn't it? Of course, putting aside the problems of Camelot existing at all, we have only Sir Kay's word for it that the king does want us arrested.”
“Oh. But why would -?”
“I don't know. In many later versions of the legend Kay is something of a bully, even a villain.”
Jo thought about it. “He seemed nice. Apart from locking us in here, that is.”
“Yes,” he said and he laughed, but he agreed with her.
*
The Doctor found a piece of chalk and he and Jo used the walls to play Noughts and Crosses and Hangman, all of which the Doctor won, aside from the two occasions when he was not giving the matter his full attention and the one time Jo used a non-existent word.
They were contemplating what to do next, when the door opened. One of the knights had returned.
“My lord Arthur.”
They got to their feet, the Doctor directing a glance at Jo who had given a squeak at the announcement. She hastily clamped her hand to her mouth and stared at the doorway.
Even though the situation was quite impossible, the prospect was intriguing, the Doctor had to admit.
The man who entered was tall with brown hair, blue eyes, and a short beard. The Doctor looked to his costume, trying to pinpoint when and where they were, but it was a loose red tunic of a sort that even he could only date as 'vaguely mediaeval'.
“My apologies for welcoming you in so discourteous a manner,” he greeted them. “However, I am forewarned against you by a man of great wit.”
Jo gripped the Doctor's hand and shot an excited glance up at him. “Merlin!”
“Not so; Merlin breathed not a word of this matter,” he returned evenly. “It was a latecomer to this court, one named Sir Melegaunce.”
“Merlin's real?” asked Jo, unable to help herself.
Arthur frowned slightly. “Why should he not be? He is the true founder of this throne and a friend since before my Mother had a thought of me. Had you heard tale of his deeds from afar and feared he was no more than legend?”
“That's it exactly,” said Jo, nodding.
The Doctor frowned. “But this Melegaunce or whatever his name is - why should he warn you against us?”
“That is also my question,” the King told him. “He speaks of you as a troublemaker, a raven bringing war, although a man of many talents and no little invention. A plausible rogue, with an enchantress at your side whose innocent looks belie her evil wiles.”
Jo's mouth fell open. “Well, I like that!”
The Doctor surveyed the famous king carefully. “And you, sire - what do you believe?”
“I have doubts about Melegaunce himself,” he informed him. “Thus I was curious to meet his enemy.”
He smiled. “My enemy's enemy is my friend? Not always a very wise idea.”
“I do not judge a man on another's word alone,” he said. “There must be a greater weight of testimony. And I do not trust this man. I fear that he may be that raven himself, but Merlin sees no harm in him and I have always found Merlin my wisest guide in most matters. In all else, Sir Kay, my seneschal, is my doughtiest friend.”
“Oh?”
He said, “Kay shares my suspicion of our guest. What have you to say for yourself - and what can you tell me of Sir Melegaunce?”
“Well, we're not troublemakers,” began Jo. “Tell him, Doctor.”
He smiled. “It will be my word against his - is that any better?”
“I wish to hear your answer,” he said. “Besides, his accusation contains at least one lie. I do not believe in these ignorant superstitions, crying 'magic' at the first strange happening. Why, some outside of Camelot mutter that Merlin is a magician and that is not so.”
The Doctor said in an undertone, “Jo, do try and stop staring.” Then he swiftly moved on. “I've never heard the name before, but I have a suspicion. Dark, fellow with a beard, is he? If so, you're quite right not to trust him. He's always up to something for his own ends. I wonder what he's after here?”
Arthur nodded. “I believe we mean the same man. And you - from where do you hail and what is your purpose here?”
“We're merely travellers,” he said.
He paused. “Then what of Melegaunce and his enmity towards you?”
“Well, you see, your majesty,” put in Jo, deciding to take a hand, “we're here from the far off land of the - er - United Kingdom -.”
“The United Kingdoms of -?”
“Hertfordshire, Herefordshire and Hampshire,” answered Jo promptly. “It's a long way from here but we bring greetings from a lord of that place -.”
“Jo-.”
“Oh, don't be so modest, Doctor,” she said. “Our court is called UNIT HQ and the Doctor is advisor there, rather like your Merlin. We had heard of your fame and we wanted to bring a friendly message and - er - offers of support.”
The Doctor said, “Yes. Entirely benevolent, as you see.”
“But that wicked old Melegaunce - he keeps turning up in our land, stirring up no end of trouble and bringing invasion forces. I'm not surprised he's worried that we might arrive and stop his plans here. He's been gone so long this time that we'd all hoped he'd finally got himself killed.”
“You did not think to kill him yourself - do you not have knights at this court?”
“Don't think we haven't tried, your majesty,” she continued. “And yes, we do. Sir Yates and Sir Benton and that's just for starters.”
He looked amused at her account. “And does the lord of this place have a name?”
“Yes,” said Jo, despite the Doctor's pressure on her arm. “Our chief is Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart!”
King Arthur said, “I have never heard of these lands, but our work has been long only in investigating the dark places of this island. Do you swear to me that this is true?”
“It is,” said Jo. “Really, your majesty. We go on quests all the time.”
“Jo!”
She leant forward. “He doesn't like boasting about the times he's beaten the - er - Sir Melegaunce despite all his cunning and being outnumbered.”
“On my noble steed, Bessie, no doubt,” added the Doctor, folding his arms.
Jo only said, “It is a shame we couldn't bring her, isn't it?”
*
“Jo,” said the Doctor. “What did you mean by coming out with such nonsense?”
She shrugged as she sat back down. “It isn't, not really. I was only trying to explain so that it would make sense.”
“I'm sure Lethbridge-Stewart would be delighted to hear you regard him as the Lord of Hampshire, Herefordshire and Hertfordshire. Why not Kent, Essex and Surrey while you're at it?”
Jo folded his arms. “Well, King Arthur seemed quite happy with my story. And we do go on sort of quests, only more to find out why there are blobby things running about the countryside than rescuing damsels.”
“He's probably going to leave us down here after that performance.”
Even as he spoke, the door opened and the knight returned. “Sir. My lady. My lord has asked that you join him in his court. We shall see about some more comfortable quarters for you both.”
“There,” said Jo, triumphantly.
*
“We're very grateful, your majesty,” the Doctor said, bowing when he was brought back into the legendary man's presence. “I do have one favour to ask, though.”
He said, “I have decided to keep both you and Sir Melegaunce under my eye and decide for myself between you. In the meantime, I will grant any favour within my power.”
“I would like to speak to this Melegaunce. I think I should discover whether he is my enemy or not.”
The King smiled. “A reasonable request. Bedwyr, escort the Doctor to Sir Melegaunce's chamber. It may be wise to remain present for the protection of one or both.”
“Thank you.”
“Do not be too long. I am eager to hear the tidings from your own country. I would know how another warrior battles the darkness that encroaches on all sides.”
The Doctor nodded. “Well, I'll do my best, but things are a little different there.”
“At Eunitescue?” he returned. “All the better.”
*
Jo was led aside by one of the maids, who promised to find her better clothes to replace her lad's garb.
“It was for travelling,” she explained. “But that's very kind of you.”
Helie the maid smiled. “I shall bring you to my lady. She will clothe you in something more befitting.”
“Queen Guinevere?” said Jo. “Oh!”
*
“You,” said the Doctor. “I knew it!”
The Master glanced up from his wooden chair, as he was reading a leather-bound book. “Yes, Doctor, there you have me. It is I. I cannot deny it.”
“You're behind all this!”
“Not quite.”
He snorted. “But you set a trap for me.”
“My dear Doctor,” he said. “Knowing the way you seem to follow me about these days, I merely thought it a wise precaution. And here you are, which I rather feel proves my point.”
“Well, it didn't work.”
He closed the book with a snap. “So I see. Now did you want something?”
“Yes. I want to know what mischief you're up to this time!”
He held out his hands and affected an expression of affronted innocence. “Doctor, what can you mean? I am an innocent visitor to Camelot, helping Merlin out with one or two matters - nothing of any great importance.”
“This whole impossible situation,” he said in an undertone. “It must be your doing. Besides, if I remember my Arthurian myths, I believe Sir Melegaunce abducted Guinevere and tried to overthrow Arthur - a fine sort of name to pick if you meant no harm.”
The Master passed him the book and said, “How touching your faith in me is, Doctor. With one wave of my hand, I can conjure up Camelot, Arthur and all his knights out of shining legend. Don't you know where we are?”
“My ship is a little - well - she can be a little temperamental from time to time. Of course, had we not been arrested on arrival, I'm sure I could have worked something out.”
His enemy chuckled at this admission. “So you don't? In that case, far be it from me to enlighten you, Doctor.”
He opened the book, ignoring him. It was Malory's Morte D'Arthur. “You came prepared.”
“Not enough, unfortunately,” he said. He was wearing long burgundy robes, but the Doctor thought he could see his usual black suit under them. “As I said, you must work it out for yourself.”
He frowned. “Is it some sort of trick - an illusion? A game? No, it can't be.”
“I assure you,” he said, “this is real.”
*
“My lady,” said Helie, curtseying before the queen. “This is the Lady Josephine. She is visiting Camelot from far off lands and she has nothing but her travelling clothes. I thought you would wish to provide for her.”
Guinevere walked across the room to Jo and looked at her with interest. She had wondered what to expect of Arthur's queen and one half of one of the most famous romances in legend. Surprisingly, though she was beautiful in her own way - dark brown hair, neatly braided back and clear eyes (hard to tell whether they were hazel or grey) - she reminded Jo of nothing so much as an efficient school teacher or secretary, although her long white and gold dress proclaimed her royalty.
“Of course,” she said. “She can hardly enter the Great Hall wearing such unusual robes.”
Jo reddened. “We didn't quite realise how it would be here.”
“No,” she said quietly, meeting her gaze. “You would not. It is much the same for most newcomers to Camelot, although our ways have spread far across the islands now.”
Somehow that seemed an odd remark and Jo frowned in puzzlement, but Guinevere only put an arm around her and called to her ladies to join them.
“We will settle on a colour and pattern,” she said, “and then my ladies shall get to work. And while they do, you and I may have a little talk. I will be very interested to hear what brings you here.”
*
The Doctor headed back down the stairs with the young knight. “Bedwyr, eh?”
“Yes, sir.”
He realised that there was nothing further he could add to that, since Bedwyr's fame rested on Arthur's death and clearly, wherever they were, that had not happened yet. “You - ah - like being a knight here?”
“I could ask for nothing better than to serve under Arthur,” he returned. “As to like - is that of any matter? We are here to bring peace and order back to the land. Nevertheless, I will own that I take pleasure in a just battle well fought.”
He nodded, realising that it was about as much as he could have expected for asking such an inane question. He followed him back down to the hall, arriving moments after a dark-haired woman in a red cloak approached the throne.
Arthur had been talking with his kinsman Culhwch. Now he rose to greet the newcomer with an embrace. “Morgan. Why, this is an unexpected honour. What brings you here so soon?”
Morgan Le Fay. Despite his firm belief that none of this could be real, the Doctor watched the woman before him with considerable interest. She was surprisingly short, was his first thought, but she had black hair, dark eyes and a face that was full of character. No obvious evil could be detected at a glance, however, and he laughed at himself for expecting it.
“It seems an age to me,” she returned with humour. “It is dull work in the north and I heard tell that you had an intriguing visitor.”
He smiled. “We do. I shall be glad to have your opinion of him. What is more, we have two more travellers - this is the Doctor, one of them. His lady Josephine is the other.”
Morgan turned, watching him warily. “Doctor. That is a strange name. You have no other?”
“Call me Sir Dinadan, then,” he said, since if the Master could start adopting a legendary persona, so could he.
She smiled. “I shall. What brings you to my brother's court?”
“I bring greetings and offers of friendship from across the seas,” he returned. “From - ah - the United Kingdoms of Herefordshire, Hertfordshire and Hampshire and their honourable captain, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart.” (Really, he thought, he would have to have words with Jo about conferring with him before inventing stories).
Arthur nodded. “And he has promised to tell me more of how the battle goes in that land.”
“Fascinating,” said Morgan. “May I be permitted to approach your other visitor?”
The Doctor frowned, since allowing the Master and Morgan Le Fay to meet each other seemed unwise, but he was at a loss to know how to prevent it in the circumstances.
“Bedwyr?” said Arthur.
He bowed.
*
“Now,” said Guinevere, sitting on a cushioned window seat and motioning for Jo to join her, “you must tell me a little more about yourself. How came you to be travelling here with that Doctor? Is he your husband?”
“Oh, no!” said Jo. “Er. I'm sort of his assistant. You see, we were both sent here to bring greetings from the United Kingdoms of -.”
She put a hand over hers. “My dear, so you have told me. But I must know - so far away, you have truly heard of Arthur and Camelot?”
“Yes,” she answered with absolute truth. “I think I can safely say that everybody has.”
Guinevere permitted herself a smile. “Then it is worth it. I did not know whether we were too little, too late in this wild world of ours, but if others so far off wish to join with those of the Red Dragon there is more hope than I dared believe.”
“Against all the Saxons and what have you?” offered Jo.
She frowned at her, just a little. “I know not the meaning of such a word. Our enemies are the petty lords of a thousand kingdoms, each caring nothing for anything outside their own walls. But more of them own the lordship of Arthur with every passing year. But I fear - were anything to happen, it would all fall apart. You give me heart with your news, my dear.”
“I'm glad,” said Jo, but it reminded her again that they could not truly be where they seemed to be. She hoped the Doctor would be able to explain it soon, because she couldn't think of anything to say why she was sitting here with a mythical queen who seemed every bit as real as anyone else she'd met, if not more so.
*
“How's it going?” said Jo, joining the Doctor. She had on a gown that had been altered from one of Enid's, although Guinevere promised her she would have something of her own soon. “Is the Master here?”
He said, “Yes, I'm afraid so. I've no idea what he's up to, but Morgan Le Fay has arrived and she seems to have come specially to meet him.”
“Oh, dear,” responded Jo with a grimace. “That can't be good.”
The Doctor said, “That's what I thought.”
“Great minds,” she responded, giving him a quick smile and a wink.
*
Sitting between Enid and Lynette, it was hard to know what to say at the banquet that evening. Jo thought about it. Somehow enquiring as to whether Geraint had really treated Enid that badly or what Lynette thought about Gareth and Gaheris didn't seem tactful. So she made faces at the Doctor, seated across the table from her, but he was busy talking to Kay.
And they still had no idea what was going on or how any of this could be real. She shot a glance down the table, where the Master was sitting next to Morgan Le Fay.
The Doctor was right. That couldn't be good.
*
On the next morning, as they met back down in the Great Hall and the Doctor prepared to tell her his plan to work out the truth of what was happening, everyone was interrupted by the arrival of a tall, red-haired man.
“Gawain!” said Jo instantly, in no doubt about the knight's identity.
The Doctor put a warning hand on her arm. “We don't know that.”
“Nephew,” said Arthur, rising from his throne and coming to meet him. Jo thought that it sounded odd, when Arthur could hardly have been much older than the other.
Kay joined him. “Sir Gawain. What news have you?”
“There is grave trouble not five miles hence,” he answered. “A parcel of knaves are laying siege to the fortress of one of your allies. You will permit me to lead a company of knights to their aid?”
He said, “How could we do less? Take any who will go with you.”
Gawain bowed with a grin that lightened the whole Great Hall.
“My lord,” said Morgan, approaching Arthur, before their nephew could move away and gather the men together. “You have been wondering about the allegiance of your visitors, have you not? Then why not let Sir Dinadan prove his courage and loyalty by riding with Gawain.”
Jo clutched at the Doctor's arm. “Oh, no!”
Arthur glanced aside at Merlin.
The adviser looked uninterested. “I see no reason why not.”
Morgan rose from her curtsey and, as she darted a glance back at Merlin, an expression of pure loathing crossed her face.
“Nor do I,” Arthur said with a nod. “If he will consent to do so? Sir Dinadan?”
“Of course,” he said, keeping his voice unconcerned. “I am at your service, your majesty.”
*
“But you can't!” said Jo, facing him, as he prepared to leave.
He turned aside to the page next to him. “Look, how many times do I have to tell you I don't want any armour? Just the shield will do, thank you very much.”
“It has to be the Master's doing,” she continued. “Lady Morgan was talking to him all evening and you know it.”
The Doctor smiled at her. “Jo, don't worry. I won't come to any harm. And if it persuades the King that we are on his side, then that won't do the Master any favours. You keep out of his way while I'm gone, now, won't you?”
“Oh, I will,” she said. “I've promised to see Queen Guinevere again this morning. I should come with you, though. Couldn't I dress up as your squire, or something?”
He patted her shoulder. “Best not to annoy the queen, don't you think?”
*
“Who is this?” asked Merlin, as Jo reluctantly abandoned her plan of running after the Doctor. Enid had come to fetch her and she had no opportunity for escape now.
Lady Enid glanced at Jo. “Lady Josephine of the United Kingdoms of -.”
“Hertfordshire, Herefordshire and Hampshire,” finished Jo, for her. She wished she had not got quite so carried away with her cover story.
He said, “A stranger? From nearby or far off?”
“Far off,” said Enid. “We have never heard of this kingdom, but Lady Josephine and Sir Dinadan have heard tell of the king and his deeds.”
He gave Jo a long look. Arthur might laugh at the idea of his being a magician, but there was something about his steely blue gaze that caused Jo to shiver. Then he gave a smile, although there was very little warmth in that, either. “Welcome to Arthur's court, my lady. Let me welcome you with a name fitting for these halls. You shall be the Lady Blanchfleur from this moment.”
“Shall I?” said Jo. “I prefer my own name, thank you very much!”
Enid took hold of her arm. “Lady J- Blanchfleur. It is a great honour and marks you as part of Camelot and no longer an outsider.”
“Oh,” she said, since she could take a hint. She gave a hasty curtsey. “Thank you, then.”
He passed on down the corridor.
“How disappointing,” sighed Jo. “Somehow I expected Merlin to be… Oh, I don't know, but not like that.”
Enid smiled at her. “The stories will claim that he is a magician and that he cannot be. Do not listen to foolish rumours, Lady Blanchfleur. He is a good and wise man and the best friend the king has.”
“He seemed a bit creepy to me,” said Jo.
*
They rode along the path through the woods at a swift pace, Gawain at the head of the column of knights. They emerged from the trees and rounded a corner to see a dilapidated and much worn stone fortress outside of which men, some in armour, some not, launched missiles against it and shouted loud threats.
“Uncouth villains,” commented Geraint, riding beside the Doctor. “I recognise the patchwork flag that one carries. This is the work of that knave, John of St Cumber.”
The Doctor frowned. He was studying the men from this distance, the fortress also and coming to some interesting conclusions - or at the least asking himself some pertinent questions. He looked to the knight and put his hand to his chin. “I haven't heard of him.”
“In your land?” said Geraint, pausing to stare. “Why ever should you? Petty rogues of his sort are ten to the dozen. That is what causes us such difficulty in uniting the land as once we all know it once was.”
Then Gawain roared the command to charge and there was no more leisure for conversation.
*
Jo was no longer in her borrowed gown. The queen and her maids had been as good as their word and she had a dress of her own. She thanked her and meant it. She and the Doctor more often ended up being blamed for things they hadn't done then shown such kindness. Mind you, it might be turned on its head if they didn't watch out, with the Master hanging about and trying to befriend Morgan Le Fay.
“Now,” said Guinevere, “we shall go out riding and see if we can spy any sight of the return of our good knights about their business.”
Jo smiled instantly, liking the queen more than ever. “Oh, yes. That would be good.” She paused to frown heavily. “How dangerous is it, your majesty - for the knights, I mean?”
“If it is another of these local skirmishes, then it is more likely that the attackers Gawain saw will flee at the approach of trained men in armour. Most of them are not organised. There are only one or two rivals to Arthur here.”
She said. “I see.”
*
Guinevere ordered Enid and Lynette to move on ahead of them and then glanced across at Jo with a smile. “I hear Merlin has named you Blanchfleur.”
“Yes,” she agreed, rather distracted by the effort involved in remaining on the horse. Jo had learned to ride, but not side-saddle and she was afraid that she was going to end up ruining her new dress by landing inelegantly on the muddy ground.
The Queen said, “It is so many years since he gave me mine that I have almost forgotten what it once was. Best not to remember - those were dark years before Merlin and Arthur.”
“Oh,” said Jo, still worrying more about riding. Then she looked up. “Your majesty? Merlin named you?”
She laughed. “Of course. I was not always at Camelot. A leader must make alliances - that is essential.”
“I suppose. Well, yes.”
Guinevere said, “My parents had a well-defended land of their own. Not anything to compare to what we have established here, but it was an alliance that would spread peace still further. But I have sympathy for our newcomers, for I recall what it was to be new to Camelot.”
It was then that they heard yells and saw Enid and Lynette, turning their mounts ahead of them. Someone threw rocks between them and, instinctively ducking, Jo finally ended up on the ground, amongst the mud and old leaves - and right in the path of the men and horses racing towards them.
*
“Poor sport,” observed Gawain, hanging back to watch as the other knights chased the last of the stragglers off. He rode on towards the fort itself.
The Doctor said, “Surely it's better to avoid bloodshed where possible?”
“I know it,” he agreed with a wink. “But did your heart not beat swifter at the prospect of battle - and now the cowards have fled and cheated us.”
He sighed. “I might have known.”
“Deny it all you will, I own it to be true,” said Gawain. “Still, I have graver reason not to rejoice at our easy victory. Had they not slipped away this time, we would have dealt with them today, brought them to Camelot to swear allegiance to my lord or to pay the price for their crimes. Now they will only go and search for a weaker prey again tomorrow and, yea, I would prevent that were it in my power.”
The Doctor said, “Humans don't change. Always so quick to fight and equally quick to justify it.”
“Does Sir Dinadan have no heart for battle?”
“Not for its own sake, no. I have my own way of fighting. I use my mind, not my sword.”
Gawain laughed at him. “But I saw you, as we rode down on them - you were able enough with your blade, then.”
“Soldiers,” sighed the Doctor. Wherever he went, he was surrounded by them - and they never listened.
Arthur's nephew, every bit as famous as his uncle in his own way, only grinned again as he rode to the lowered drawbridge to speak to the master or mistress of the fort. “Oh, we would all chose peace - or near all of us. I would rather not waste the blood of a good man as we do in these days, but I am a warrior, as you say. I fear I should need tournaments or other means to keep myself from boredom.”
“I imagine you might.”
He paused before entering. “I am no warmonger, understand that. Trouble-maker, yea, and too quick to avenge an insult, hot-headed and at my best on the battlefield. True, all. But I have a heart for the gentler things, also, no matter what tales you hear of me.”
*
Jo was roughly dragged up by a man in a mixture of armour and heavy, homespun clothing. He pulled her back as more men rode and ran by, followed by knights.
“This way,” he said.
And since, the queen and her ladies had ridden for help and this stranger had a sword, she did as she was told this once.
***
Continue to Part Two
Title: This Perilous Grace
Author: lost_spook
Recipient: starbells
Rating: All Ages
Character(s): Third Doctor, Jo Grant, the Master
Warnings (if any): None.
Summary: Jo and the Doctor arrive in Camelot, but that was only a myth, wasn't it?
Notes: Written for starbells from the prompt: 01. Three and Jo arrive at a medieval castle with King Arthur, The Nights of the Round Table...ect. Delgado Master causes some sort of trouble. No aliens besides the Doctor and the Master. No extreme gore, slash, or het. PG. Angst, Action, Fluff.
Apologies for the slight element of sf I had to introduce in order to make this possible (I thought it better than it being a dream or a game and the AU Arthur world has already been done in Battlefield.) But absolutely no aliens!
***
Say, have you thought what manner of man it is
Of whom men say 'He could strike giants down'?
[….]
And by what witchery in the western hills
A throne stands empty for a thousand years.
(G K Chesterton 'The Myth of Arthur'.)
Part One: What Manner of Man
*
“Where are we?” asked Jo in a loud whisper, as she and the Doctor stepped out of the TARDIS into a cold, shadowy stone hall. Her voice echoed across its full length.
He was frowning as he shut the door behind him. “I don't know. The old girl was giving me some distinctly odd readings-.”
They both stopped as a knight in armour stepped out from behind a pillar in front of them. Two more emerged from the dark archway behind. All three had their swords drawn.
“It is as foretold,” said, the first, lifting his visor. “You must be the one they call the Doctor and this the Lady Josephine?”
They exchanged glances.
“Quite,” said the Doctor, holding out a hand in greeting. “You were expecting us?”
There was a pause and then the first knight said, “I needs must inform you that you are now my prisoners. Offer no struggle and we will do you no harm, I swear it. My Lord has no liking for blood shed without necessity.”
“Oh, very well,” said the Doctor, eying the three blades. “Provided your lord is also very good at explanations.”
He inclined his head. “I will inform my lord Arthur of your arrival and capture. You need not fear. I am Kay and I am privy to his counsel and I know that he wishes to speak with you.”
“Curiouser and curiouser,” commented Jo.
The Doctor coughed. “Did you say Kay? And your master is Arthur - King Arthur?”
“Does the learned Doctor truly not know of my lord Arthur?” he countered. “I had thought his fame stretched to even the farthest corners of this land.”
He frowned. “It's not that I haven't heard of him, but -.”
“And where exactly are we, anyway?” asked Jo.
One of the other knights spoke for the first time. “My lady, this is Camelot. How came you here that you know it not?”
“We have an odd way of getting about,” said Jo with a quirk of the mouth. “I don't expect you'd believe me.”
“Camelot?” said the Doctor. “Camelot?”
*
“Oh dear,” said Jo, once they'd been locked in a very secure dungeon with a heavy wooden door, with iron hinges and walls several feet thick.
He said, “I'm sorry, my dear.” He sounded as though his mind was on other things.
“And where do you think we are?” she added, pacing about this latest cell. “I'm no expert, but even I know that King Arthur wasn't really real. I mean, not like this, with knights and castles and everything.”
He smiled at her. “Good, Jo. You're using your mind.”
“But it is real,” she continued. “I suppose - unless one of us is dreaming?”
“How metaphysical of you. No, that's not it. Of course, there might plausibly have been a historical Arthur, but if he existed, it was centuries too early for the sort of armour Sir Kay and his men were wearing. No, the explanation must be something else entirely, but for once I'm at a loss.”
“You know what puzzles me?”
He glanced at her through the gloom. “No.”
“Well, whoever these people are, how do they know us? And why would King Arthur want us locked up? He's supposed to be a good guy.”
He paused. “Another good point. I don't know. It is a little fishy, isn't it? Of course, putting aside the problems of Camelot existing at all, we have only Sir Kay's word for it that the king does want us arrested.”
“Oh. But why would -?”
“I don't know. In many later versions of the legend Kay is something of a bully, even a villain.”
Jo thought about it. “He seemed nice. Apart from locking us in here, that is.”
“Yes,” he said and he laughed, but he agreed with her.
*
The Doctor found a piece of chalk and he and Jo used the walls to play Noughts and Crosses and Hangman, all of which the Doctor won, aside from the two occasions when he was not giving the matter his full attention and the one time Jo used a non-existent word.
They were contemplating what to do next, when the door opened. One of the knights had returned.
“My lord Arthur.”
They got to their feet, the Doctor directing a glance at Jo who had given a squeak at the announcement. She hastily clamped her hand to her mouth and stared at the doorway.
Even though the situation was quite impossible, the prospect was intriguing, the Doctor had to admit.
The man who entered was tall with brown hair, blue eyes, and a short beard. The Doctor looked to his costume, trying to pinpoint when and where they were, but it was a loose red tunic of a sort that even he could only date as 'vaguely mediaeval'.
“My apologies for welcoming you in so discourteous a manner,” he greeted them. “However, I am forewarned against you by a man of great wit.”
Jo gripped the Doctor's hand and shot an excited glance up at him. “Merlin!”
“Not so; Merlin breathed not a word of this matter,” he returned evenly. “It was a latecomer to this court, one named Sir Melegaunce.”
“Merlin's real?” asked Jo, unable to help herself.
Arthur frowned slightly. “Why should he not be? He is the true founder of this throne and a friend since before my Mother had a thought of me. Had you heard tale of his deeds from afar and feared he was no more than legend?”
“That's it exactly,” said Jo, nodding.
The Doctor frowned. “But this Melegaunce or whatever his name is - why should he warn you against us?”
“That is also my question,” the King told him. “He speaks of you as a troublemaker, a raven bringing war, although a man of many talents and no little invention. A plausible rogue, with an enchantress at your side whose innocent looks belie her evil wiles.”
Jo's mouth fell open. “Well, I like that!”
The Doctor surveyed the famous king carefully. “And you, sire - what do you believe?”
“I have doubts about Melegaunce himself,” he informed him. “Thus I was curious to meet his enemy.”
He smiled. “My enemy's enemy is my friend? Not always a very wise idea.”
“I do not judge a man on another's word alone,” he said. “There must be a greater weight of testimony. And I do not trust this man. I fear that he may be that raven himself, but Merlin sees no harm in him and I have always found Merlin my wisest guide in most matters. In all else, Sir Kay, my seneschal, is my doughtiest friend.”
“Oh?”
He said, “Kay shares my suspicion of our guest. What have you to say for yourself - and what can you tell me of Sir Melegaunce?”
“Well, we're not troublemakers,” began Jo. “Tell him, Doctor.”
He smiled. “It will be my word against his - is that any better?”
“I wish to hear your answer,” he said. “Besides, his accusation contains at least one lie. I do not believe in these ignorant superstitions, crying 'magic' at the first strange happening. Why, some outside of Camelot mutter that Merlin is a magician and that is not so.”
The Doctor said in an undertone, “Jo, do try and stop staring.” Then he swiftly moved on. “I've never heard the name before, but I have a suspicion. Dark, fellow with a beard, is he? If so, you're quite right not to trust him. He's always up to something for his own ends. I wonder what he's after here?”
Arthur nodded. “I believe we mean the same man. And you - from where do you hail and what is your purpose here?”
“We're merely travellers,” he said.
He paused. “Then what of Melegaunce and his enmity towards you?”
“Well, you see, your majesty,” put in Jo, deciding to take a hand, “we're here from the far off land of the - er - United Kingdom -.”
“The United Kingdoms of -?”
“Hertfordshire, Herefordshire and Hampshire,” answered Jo promptly. “It's a long way from here but we bring greetings from a lord of that place -.”
“Jo-.”
“Oh, don't be so modest, Doctor,” she said. “Our court is called UNIT HQ and the Doctor is advisor there, rather like your Merlin. We had heard of your fame and we wanted to bring a friendly message and - er - offers of support.”
The Doctor said, “Yes. Entirely benevolent, as you see.”
“But that wicked old Melegaunce - he keeps turning up in our land, stirring up no end of trouble and bringing invasion forces. I'm not surprised he's worried that we might arrive and stop his plans here. He's been gone so long this time that we'd all hoped he'd finally got himself killed.”
“You did not think to kill him yourself - do you not have knights at this court?”
“Don't think we haven't tried, your majesty,” she continued. “And yes, we do. Sir Yates and Sir Benton and that's just for starters.”
He looked amused at her account. “And does the lord of this place have a name?”
“Yes,” said Jo, despite the Doctor's pressure on her arm. “Our chief is Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart!”
King Arthur said, “I have never heard of these lands, but our work has been long only in investigating the dark places of this island. Do you swear to me that this is true?”
“It is,” said Jo. “Really, your majesty. We go on quests all the time.”
“Jo!”
She leant forward. “He doesn't like boasting about the times he's beaten the - er - Sir Melegaunce despite all his cunning and being outnumbered.”
“On my noble steed, Bessie, no doubt,” added the Doctor, folding his arms.
Jo only said, “It is a shame we couldn't bring her, isn't it?”
*
“Jo,” said the Doctor. “What did you mean by coming out with such nonsense?”
She shrugged as she sat back down. “It isn't, not really. I was only trying to explain so that it would make sense.”
“I'm sure Lethbridge-Stewart would be delighted to hear you regard him as the Lord of Hampshire, Herefordshire and Hertfordshire. Why not Kent, Essex and Surrey while you're at it?”
Jo folded his arms. “Well, King Arthur seemed quite happy with my story. And we do go on sort of quests, only more to find out why there are blobby things running about the countryside than rescuing damsels.”
“He's probably going to leave us down here after that performance.”
Even as he spoke, the door opened and the knight returned. “Sir. My lady. My lord has asked that you join him in his court. We shall see about some more comfortable quarters for you both.”
“There,” said Jo, triumphantly.
*
“We're very grateful, your majesty,” the Doctor said, bowing when he was brought back into the legendary man's presence. “I do have one favour to ask, though.”
He said, “I have decided to keep both you and Sir Melegaunce under my eye and decide for myself between you. In the meantime, I will grant any favour within my power.”
“I would like to speak to this Melegaunce. I think I should discover whether he is my enemy or not.”
The King smiled. “A reasonable request. Bedwyr, escort the Doctor to Sir Melegaunce's chamber. It may be wise to remain present for the protection of one or both.”
“Thank you.”
“Do not be too long. I am eager to hear the tidings from your own country. I would know how another warrior battles the darkness that encroaches on all sides.”
The Doctor nodded. “Well, I'll do my best, but things are a little different there.”
“At Eunitescue?” he returned. “All the better.”
*
Jo was led aside by one of the maids, who promised to find her better clothes to replace her lad's garb.
“It was for travelling,” she explained. “But that's very kind of you.”
Helie the maid smiled. “I shall bring you to my lady. She will clothe you in something more befitting.”
“Queen Guinevere?” said Jo. “Oh!”
*
“You,” said the Doctor. “I knew it!”
The Master glanced up from his wooden chair, as he was reading a leather-bound book. “Yes, Doctor, there you have me. It is I. I cannot deny it.”
“You're behind all this!”
“Not quite.”
He snorted. “But you set a trap for me.”
“My dear Doctor,” he said. “Knowing the way you seem to follow me about these days, I merely thought it a wise precaution. And here you are, which I rather feel proves my point.”
“Well, it didn't work.”
He closed the book with a snap. “So I see. Now did you want something?”
“Yes. I want to know what mischief you're up to this time!”
He held out his hands and affected an expression of affronted innocence. “Doctor, what can you mean? I am an innocent visitor to Camelot, helping Merlin out with one or two matters - nothing of any great importance.”
“This whole impossible situation,” he said in an undertone. “It must be your doing. Besides, if I remember my Arthurian myths, I believe Sir Melegaunce abducted Guinevere and tried to overthrow Arthur - a fine sort of name to pick if you meant no harm.”
The Master passed him the book and said, “How touching your faith in me is, Doctor. With one wave of my hand, I can conjure up Camelot, Arthur and all his knights out of shining legend. Don't you know where we are?”
“My ship is a little - well - she can be a little temperamental from time to time. Of course, had we not been arrested on arrival, I'm sure I could have worked something out.”
His enemy chuckled at this admission. “So you don't? In that case, far be it from me to enlighten you, Doctor.”
He opened the book, ignoring him. It was Malory's Morte D'Arthur. “You came prepared.”
“Not enough, unfortunately,” he said. He was wearing long burgundy robes, but the Doctor thought he could see his usual black suit under them. “As I said, you must work it out for yourself.”
He frowned. “Is it some sort of trick - an illusion? A game? No, it can't be.”
“I assure you,” he said, “this is real.”
*
“My lady,” said Helie, curtseying before the queen. “This is the Lady Josephine. She is visiting Camelot from far off lands and she has nothing but her travelling clothes. I thought you would wish to provide for her.”
Guinevere walked across the room to Jo and looked at her with interest. She had wondered what to expect of Arthur's queen and one half of one of the most famous romances in legend. Surprisingly, though she was beautiful in her own way - dark brown hair, neatly braided back and clear eyes (hard to tell whether they were hazel or grey) - she reminded Jo of nothing so much as an efficient school teacher or secretary, although her long white and gold dress proclaimed her royalty.
“Of course,” she said. “She can hardly enter the Great Hall wearing such unusual robes.”
Jo reddened. “We didn't quite realise how it would be here.”
“No,” she said quietly, meeting her gaze. “You would not. It is much the same for most newcomers to Camelot, although our ways have spread far across the islands now.”
Somehow that seemed an odd remark and Jo frowned in puzzlement, but Guinevere only put an arm around her and called to her ladies to join them.
“We will settle on a colour and pattern,” she said, “and then my ladies shall get to work. And while they do, you and I may have a little talk. I will be very interested to hear what brings you here.”
*
The Doctor headed back down the stairs with the young knight. “Bedwyr, eh?”
“Yes, sir.”
He realised that there was nothing further he could add to that, since Bedwyr's fame rested on Arthur's death and clearly, wherever they were, that had not happened yet. “You - ah - like being a knight here?”
“I could ask for nothing better than to serve under Arthur,” he returned. “As to like - is that of any matter? We are here to bring peace and order back to the land. Nevertheless, I will own that I take pleasure in a just battle well fought.”
He nodded, realising that it was about as much as he could have expected for asking such an inane question. He followed him back down to the hall, arriving moments after a dark-haired woman in a red cloak approached the throne.
Arthur had been talking with his kinsman Culhwch. Now he rose to greet the newcomer with an embrace. “Morgan. Why, this is an unexpected honour. What brings you here so soon?”
Morgan Le Fay. Despite his firm belief that none of this could be real, the Doctor watched the woman before him with considerable interest. She was surprisingly short, was his first thought, but she had black hair, dark eyes and a face that was full of character. No obvious evil could be detected at a glance, however, and he laughed at himself for expecting it.
“It seems an age to me,” she returned with humour. “It is dull work in the north and I heard tell that you had an intriguing visitor.”
He smiled. “We do. I shall be glad to have your opinion of him. What is more, we have two more travellers - this is the Doctor, one of them. His lady Josephine is the other.”
Morgan turned, watching him warily. “Doctor. That is a strange name. You have no other?”
“Call me Sir Dinadan, then,” he said, since if the Master could start adopting a legendary persona, so could he.
She smiled. “I shall. What brings you to my brother's court?”
“I bring greetings and offers of friendship from across the seas,” he returned. “From - ah - the United Kingdoms of Herefordshire, Hertfordshire and Hampshire and their honourable captain, Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart.” (Really, he thought, he would have to have words with Jo about conferring with him before inventing stories).
Arthur nodded. “And he has promised to tell me more of how the battle goes in that land.”
“Fascinating,” said Morgan. “May I be permitted to approach your other visitor?”
The Doctor frowned, since allowing the Master and Morgan Le Fay to meet each other seemed unwise, but he was at a loss to know how to prevent it in the circumstances.
“Bedwyr?” said Arthur.
He bowed.
*
“Now,” said Guinevere, sitting on a cushioned window seat and motioning for Jo to join her, “you must tell me a little more about yourself. How came you to be travelling here with that Doctor? Is he your husband?”
“Oh, no!” said Jo. “Er. I'm sort of his assistant. You see, we were both sent here to bring greetings from the United Kingdoms of -.”
She put a hand over hers. “My dear, so you have told me. But I must know - so far away, you have truly heard of Arthur and Camelot?”
“Yes,” she answered with absolute truth. “I think I can safely say that everybody has.”
Guinevere permitted herself a smile. “Then it is worth it. I did not know whether we were too little, too late in this wild world of ours, but if others so far off wish to join with those of the Red Dragon there is more hope than I dared believe.”
“Against all the Saxons and what have you?” offered Jo.
She frowned at her, just a little. “I know not the meaning of such a word. Our enemies are the petty lords of a thousand kingdoms, each caring nothing for anything outside their own walls. But more of them own the lordship of Arthur with every passing year. But I fear - were anything to happen, it would all fall apart. You give me heart with your news, my dear.”
“I'm glad,” said Jo, but it reminded her again that they could not truly be where they seemed to be. She hoped the Doctor would be able to explain it soon, because she couldn't think of anything to say why she was sitting here with a mythical queen who seemed every bit as real as anyone else she'd met, if not more so.
*
“How's it going?” said Jo, joining the Doctor. She had on a gown that had been altered from one of Enid's, although Guinevere promised her she would have something of her own soon. “Is the Master here?”
He said, “Yes, I'm afraid so. I've no idea what he's up to, but Morgan Le Fay has arrived and she seems to have come specially to meet him.”
“Oh, dear,” responded Jo with a grimace. “That can't be good.”
The Doctor said, “That's what I thought.”
“Great minds,” she responded, giving him a quick smile and a wink.
*
Sitting between Enid and Lynette, it was hard to know what to say at the banquet that evening. Jo thought about it. Somehow enquiring as to whether Geraint had really treated Enid that badly or what Lynette thought about Gareth and Gaheris didn't seem tactful. So she made faces at the Doctor, seated across the table from her, but he was busy talking to Kay.
And they still had no idea what was going on or how any of this could be real. She shot a glance down the table, where the Master was sitting next to Morgan Le Fay.
The Doctor was right. That couldn't be good.
*
On the next morning, as they met back down in the Great Hall and the Doctor prepared to tell her his plan to work out the truth of what was happening, everyone was interrupted by the arrival of a tall, red-haired man.
“Gawain!” said Jo instantly, in no doubt about the knight's identity.
The Doctor put a warning hand on her arm. “We don't know that.”
“Nephew,” said Arthur, rising from his throne and coming to meet him. Jo thought that it sounded odd, when Arthur could hardly have been much older than the other.
Kay joined him. “Sir Gawain. What news have you?”
“There is grave trouble not five miles hence,” he answered. “A parcel of knaves are laying siege to the fortress of one of your allies. You will permit me to lead a company of knights to their aid?”
He said, “How could we do less? Take any who will go with you.”
Gawain bowed with a grin that lightened the whole Great Hall.
“My lord,” said Morgan, approaching Arthur, before their nephew could move away and gather the men together. “You have been wondering about the allegiance of your visitors, have you not? Then why not let Sir Dinadan prove his courage and loyalty by riding with Gawain.”
Jo clutched at the Doctor's arm. “Oh, no!”
Arthur glanced aside at Merlin.
The adviser looked uninterested. “I see no reason why not.”
Morgan rose from her curtsey and, as she darted a glance back at Merlin, an expression of pure loathing crossed her face.
“Nor do I,” Arthur said with a nod. “If he will consent to do so? Sir Dinadan?”
“Of course,” he said, keeping his voice unconcerned. “I am at your service, your majesty.”
*
“But you can't!” said Jo, facing him, as he prepared to leave.
He turned aside to the page next to him. “Look, how many times do I have to tell you I don't want any armour? Just the shield will do, thank you very much.”
“It has to be the Master's doing,” she continued. “Lady Morgan was talking to him all evening and you know it.”
The Doctor smiled at her. “Jo, don't worry. I won't come to any harm. And if it persuades the King that we are on his side, then that won't do the Master any favours. You keep out of his way while I'm gone, now, won't you?”
“Oh, I will,” she said. “I've promised to see Queen Guinevere again this morning. I should come with you, though. Couldn't I dress up as your squire, or something?”
He patted her shoulder. “Best not to annoy the queen, don't you think?”
*
“Who is this?” asked Merlin, as Jo reluctantly abandoned her plan of running after the Doctor. Enid had come to fetch her and she had no opportunity for escape now.
Lady Enid glanced at Jo. “Lady Josephine of the United Kingdoms of -.”
“Hertfordshire, Herefordshire and Hampshire,” finished Jo, for her. She wished she had not got quite so carried away with her cover story.
He said, “A stranger? From nearby or far off?”
“Far off,” said Enid. “We have never heard of this kingdom, but Lady Josephine and Sir Dinadan have heard tell of the king and his deeds.”
He gave Jo a long look. Arthur might laugh at the idea of his being a magician, but there was something about his steely blue gaze that caused Jo to shiver. Then he gave a smile, although there was very little warmth in that, either. “Welcome to Arthur's court, my lady. Let me welcome you with a name fitting for these halls. You shall be the Lady Blanchfleur from this moment.”
“Shall I?” said Jo. “I prefer my own name, thank you very much!”
Enid took hold of her arm. “Lady J- Blanchfleur. It is a great honour and marks you as part of Camelot and no longer an outsider.”
“Oh,” she said, since she could take a hint. She gave a hasty curtsey. “Thank you, then.”
He passed on down the corridor.
“How disappointing,” sighed Jo. “Somehow I expected Merlin to be… Oh, I don't know, but not like that.”
Enid smiled at her. “The stories will claim that he is a magician and that he cannot be. Do not listen to foolish rumours, Lady Blanchfleur. He is a good and wise man and the best friend the king has.”
“He seemed a bit creepy to me,” said Jo.
*
They rode along the path through the woods at a swift pace, Gawain at the head of the column of knights. They emerged from the trees and rounded a corner to see a dilapidated and much worn stone fortress outside of which men, some in armour, some not, launched missiles against it and shouted loud threats.
“Uncouth villains,” commented Geraint, riding beside the Doctor. “I recognise the patchwork flag that one carries. This is the work of that knave, John of St Cumber.”
The Doctor frowned. He was studying the men from this distance, the fortress also and coming to some interesting conclusions - or at the least asking himself some pertinent questions. He looked to the knight and put his hand to his chin. “I haven't heard of him.”
“In your land?” said Geraint, pausing to stare. “Why ever should you? Petty rogues of his sort are ten to the dozen. That is what causes us such difficulty in uniting the land as once we all know it once was.”
Then Gawain roared the command to charge and there was no more leisure for conversation.
*
Jo was no longer in her borrowed gown. The queen and her maids had been as good as their word and she had a dress of her own. She thanked her and meant it. She and the Doctor more often ended up being blamed for things they hadn't done then shown such kindness. Mind you, it might be turned on its head if they didn't watch out, with the Master hanging about and trying to befriend Morgan Le Fay.
“Now,” said Guinevere, “we shall go out riding and see if we can spy any sight of the return of our good knights about their business.”
Jo smiled instantly, liking the queen more than ever. “Oh, yes. That would be good.” She paused to frown heavily. “How dangerous is it, your majesty - for the knights, I mean?”
“If it is another of these local skirmishes, then it is more likely that the attackers Gawain saw will flee at the approach of trained men in armour. Most of them are not organised. There are only one or two rivals to Arthur here.”
She said. “I see.”
*
Guinevere ordered Enid and Lynette to move on ahead of them and then glanced across at Jo with a smile. “I hear Merlin has named you Blanchfleur.”
“Yes,” she agreed, rather distracted by the effort involved in remaining on the horse. Jo had learned to ride, but not side-saddle and she was afraid that she was going to end up ruining her new dress by landing inelegantly on the muddy ground.
The Queen said, “It is so many years since he gave me mine that I have almost forgotten what it once was. Best not to remember - those were dark years before Merlin and Arthur.”
“Oh,” said Jo, still worrying more about riding. Then she looked up. “Your majesty? Merlin named you?”
She laughed. “Of course. I was not always at Camelot. A leader must make alliances - that is essential.”
“I suppose. Well, yes.”
Guinevere said, “My parents had a well-defended land of their own. Not anything to compare to what we have established here, but it was an alliance that would spread peace still further. But I have sympathy for our newcomers, for I recall what it was to be new to Camelot.”
It was then that they heard yells and saw Enid and Lynette, turning their mounts ahead of them. Someone threw rocks between them and, instinctively ducking, Jo finally ended up on the ground, amongst the mud and old leaves - and right in the path of the men and horses racing towards them.
*
“Poor sport,” observed Gawain, hanging back to watch as the other knights chased the last of the stragglers off. He rode on towards the fort itself.
The Doctor said, “Surely it's better to avoid bloodshed where possible?”
“I know it,” he agreed with a wink. “But did your heart not beat swifter at the prospect of battle - and now the cowards have fled and cheated us.”
He sighed. “I might have known.”
“Deny it all you will, I own it to be true,” said Gawain. “Still, I have graver reason not to rejoice at our easy victory. Had they not slipped away this time, we would have dealt with them today, brought them to Camelot to swear allegiance to my lord or to pay the price for their crimes. Now they will only go and search for a weaker prey again tomorrow and, yea, I would prevent that were it in my power.”
The Doctor said, “Humans don't change. Always so quick to fight and equally quick to justify it.”
“Does Sir Dinadan have no heart for battle?”
“Not for its own sake, no. I have my own way of fighting. I use my mind, not my sword.”
Gawain laughed at him. “But I saw you, as we rode down on them - you were able enough with your blade, then.”
“Soldiers,” sighed the Doctor. Wherever he went, he was surrounded by them - and they never listened.
Arthur's nephew, every bit as famous as his uncle in his own way, only grinned again as he rode to the lowered drawbridge to speak to the master or mistress of the fort. “Oh, we would all chose peace - or near all of us. I would rather not waste the blood of a good man as we do in these days, but I am a warrior, as you say. I fear I should need tournaments or other means to keep myself from boredom.”
“I imagine you might.”
He paused before entering. “I am no warmonger, understand that. Trouble-maker, yea, and too quick to avenge an insult, hot-headed and at my best on the battlefield. True, all. But I have a heart for the gentler things, also, no matter what tales you hear of me.”
*
Jo was roughly dragged up by a man in a mixture of armour and heavy, homespun clothing. He pulled her back as more men rode and ran by, followed by knights.
“This way,” he said.
And since, the queen and her ladies had ridden for help and this stranger had a sword, she did as she was told this once.
***
Continue to Part Two