r, Arthur's own
sword, for, of a truth, we should use all means for the rescuing of
our lord.' And I, believing this evil woman, came hither and
challenged the lord of this castle to mortal combat; and, indeed, I
deemed it was with Sir Damas that I fought even now. Yet all was
treachery, and I misdoubt me that Sir Damas and his people are in
league with Queen Morgan le Fay to compass your destruction. But,
my lord Arthur, pardon me, I beseech you, the injuries that, all
unwitting, I have done you."

King Arthur was filled with wrath against the Queen, more for the
wrong done to Sir Accolon than for the treason to himself. In all
ways that he might, he sought to comfort and relieve Sir Accolon,
but in vain, for daily the knight grew weaker, and, after many
days, he died. Then the King, being recovered of his wounds,
returned to Camelot, and calling together a band of knights, led
them against the castle of Sir Damas. But Damas had no heart to
attempt to hold out, and surrendered himself and all that he had to
the King's mercy. And first King Arthur set free those that Sir
Damas had kept in miserable bondage, and sent them away with rich
gifts. When he had righted the wrongs of others, then he summoned
Sir Damas before him, and said: "I command thee that thou tell me
why thou didst seek my destruction." And cringing low at the King's
footstool, Damas answered: "I beseech you, deal mercifully with me,
for all that I have done, I have done at the bidding of Queen
Morgan le Fay." "A coward's plea," said the King; "how camest thou
first to have traffic with her?" "Sir," replied Damas, "much have I
suffered, first by the greed of my younger brother and now by the
deceit of this evil woman, as ye shall hear. When my father died, I
claimed the inheritance as of right, seeing that I was his elder
son; but my young brother, Sir Ontzlake, withstood me, and demanded
some part of my father's lands. Long since, he sent me a challenge
to decide our quarrel in single combat, but it liked me ill, seeing
that I am of no great strength. Much, therefore, did I desire to
find a champion but, by ill fortune, none could I find until Queen
Morgan le Fay sent word that, of her good will to me, she had sent
me one that would defend my cause; and that same evening, the
little ship brought you, my lord, to my castle. And when I saw you,
I rejoiced, thinking to have found a champion that would silence my
brother for ever; nor knew I you for the Ki