The Kingdom of Camelot

Chapter 9

Finally! Pelleas and Ettarde! :D you can't see it, but I'm doing a silly little dance of joy. For the record, this takes place DURING THE REIGN OF KING SONIC.

Months had passed since the false king had instilled such terror in the people of Camelot. Little word of the incident had spread, but the king's kindness towards those who had suffered from the imposter's hand was quickly earning him the nickname of The Loving King. Tales of the kindness of his court wove their way across the country, and many were impressed and enticed by these new ideals of equality.

And so, a young armadillo from a distant town traveled to Camelot on foot, with nothing but his sword to bring him there safely. For three full weeks, he walked to the castle, and came to it, seeking an audience with the king.

"Your highness, I am Pelleas...I come to this kingdom seeking to become one of its knights...to uphold the justice of Camelot, which you have remade. I am of lowly birth, but I will gladly give what little I have to be one of your knights." Sonic thought for a moment, shifting about uncomfortably in his throne.

"Well, Pelleas...I'd need to know I wasn't giving you a job that's going to kill you...Tell you what, there's a tournament coming up in a few weeks. No knights allowed, only squires, pages, and amateur swordsmen. I was actually planning to scout some knights from the tournament...If you manage to win, you'll get a seat at the round table. Put a little name plate on it and everything."

"Oh, thank you, my liege!" He bowed deeply, then left, seeking lodgings. Finding a place to make his camp in town, he waited for the coming tournament. His excitement kept him up many nights, his dream of being a protector of the people coming soon. Born of poor parents, and distanced from the nobility, it was a dream that, until King Sonic came along, would never have come true.

As the days passed, more and more people came to see this contest of strength, rumors spreading that it was an attempt to increase the ranks of the round table, after Arthur's impostor had decimated their number. People came from near and far to see who may join the ranks of the greatest knights in the land. One in particular, a lady of incredible beauty, caught Pelleas' eyes, and moreover, his heart. So ill prepared for such beauty was he that he found himself struggling even to speak.

"M-m'lady...I...I am Pelleas..." He said, bowing to her lightly. She rolled her eyes in annoyance.

"I give my deepest apologies, but I've no money to spare on peasants."

"Oh, no, m'lady, I ask not for money...only for the way to win your heart."

"Mine is a heart no peasant could hope for, boy." She told him, annoyed.

"But I am not a peasant...I am a knight...or, rather, I shall be one soon. I will win this tournament, and join the round table." The woman smiled, her quick mind fast at work.

"Alright...Pelleas, was it? I've been told that a gold circlet is to be granted to the winner of this tournament. IF that is you, then when you win, you shall present me with the circlet, and you shall have my love." He smiled brightly, kissing her hand and thanking her.

"And until I have your love, may I have your name?"

"I am called Ettarde. I look forward to the prize, Pelleas. I shall see you at the tournament." She and her attendants left the young man on his own. He felt himself glowing with strength, fueled by love for this most beautiful of women. He burned with the desire to fight for her love, and, in time, had his chance.

The tournament began, and the moment his chance came to fight, he turned his back on his foe immediately. The foe struck his back, and his blade shattered.