|
Galahad heard a voice from God that told him to go the
Castle of Maidens and destroy the
seven knights' wicked custom of ruling. After a short ride, Galahad
came upon a castle and an old man told him that it was the cursed Castle of
Maidens. The man told Galahad to turn back, but he refused. He donned the
shield of
Joseph of Arimathea, and moved on. He was soon met by seven
maidens. They told Galahad he was a fool to think he could cross the moat,
for he would surely be killed. Galahad ignored them and pressed on. He met a
squire that the knights of the castle sent to find out what Galahad wanted.
Galahad sent the squire to summon the seven knights.
The knights came out and threatened to kill Galahad.
Galahad gladly took the challenge and immediately speared the closest
knight. The other knights attacked Galahad, but their spears only broke on
Galahad’s powerful shield. He then drew his sword and delivered a great
beating to the knights. They fled through the castle and out the other side.
Galahad pursued them into the castle.
A monk met Galahad and gave him the keys to the castle.
He opened the gates and saw an uncountable number of people in the streets.
The people praised Galahad for relieving them from the oppression of the
wicked knights. A woman of the castle greeted Galahad and explained that
though the knights were gone, the reprieve was temporary. The knights of the
evil custom would be back by nightfall to reclaim their realm. She then made
Galahad promise to seek out the knights and make them swear to stop their
wicked rule. Galahad agreed and she gave him a horn of ivory, which he blew.
The horn sounded in a two-mile radius around the countryside to summon the
oppressed knights of the land.
A priest was later
brought to Galahad who explained
the history of the wicked knights. The seven knights had been ruling the
castle for more than seven years. They came as guests of the king but later
slew him as his son. They kept the king’s beautiful daughter prisoner. They
took the land and treasure of the castle and ruled by robbing the poor
common people and holding all knights and people against their will. The
captive maiden prophesized that one knight would come and overthrow the
seven wicked knights. Galahad discovered the maiden had since been dead, but
her sister remained captive and was suffering.
Soon after, the oppressed knights of the land held by
the seven came and paid homage to the king’s daughter, and their hearts were
at ease. In the morning, a man came and informed Galahad that
Gawaine,
Gareth, and
Uwaine had already killed the remaining wicked knights. Galahad
was glad and praised God.
Written by:
Justin Tanaka, Class of '07
|
