Sword of Camelot by Gilbert L. Morris Read Free Book Online Page B

one needs to eat with, ” Sir Gwin said. Then turning to Dave and Josh, he said, “This lesson will be in the more civilized things. For example, every nobleman of breeding mustknow how to dance.”
    Josh had sudden memories of falling over his feet back in Oldworld, and his heart sank. “Can't I skip that one, Sir Gwin? I'm not very good at it.”
    â€œNo, you cannot, ” Gwin insisted. “You will learn to dance just as you have learned to fence. Musicians—”
    Soft music filled the room as the three musicians at one end of the hall began to pluck harps and a lyre.
    Sarah came up to Josh. “I'll show you how, Josh. It's easy. I've already been practicing.”
    Josh groaned. Ten minutes later, after stepping all over Sarah's feet, he said, “I'd rather be bashing some-body with a sword.”
    â€œYou're doing fine, ” Sarah said firmly. “Now, put your right foot here …”
    The dancing lesson seemed to go on forever, and after it was over, Sir Gwin sat them down and began to explain the other niceties of knighthood.
    They all listened carefully, but Jake interrupted several times to protest that it sounded like foolishness to him. His small, round face looked disgusted. “I don't see how this is going to save Camelot, dancing around. Why don't we get on with the real thing?”
    Sir Gwin smiled and answered, “This is the real thing, Jake. Being a knight involves many things. It's more than a matter of physical strength and skill with the lance, although that's part of it. For example, it is a knight's boun-den duty to help those who are weaker.”
    â€œI like that, ” Sarah said. “That's a noble thing.”
    â€œIt is also required of all knights that they treat women with gentleness and courtesy.”
    â€œI like that, ” Abigail said. She put an elbow into Dave's side, making him grunt. “You listen to this carefully—it's important.”
    He glared at her, but she smiled sweetly.
    They listened as Sir Gwin explained the code of chivalry, which involved a complicated ritual.
    At one point Reb broke out in astonishment. “What's that you say? It's all right for a knight to fall in love with a woman even if she's married?”
    â€œOh, yes.” Sir Gwin shrugged. “According to our knightly code, a man may carry a woman's favor—that is, a silk scarf—on his lance in battle, even if she's married. All it's saying is that he admires her grace and beauty.”
    â€œDoes it ever go—well— farther than that?” Sarah demanded.
    Sir Gwin stared at her sternly. “I can't say that it never does. But true knights would never take advantage of a woman in any way.”
    The lesson went on for a considerable time, and when it was over Josh was ready to quit. He threw up his hands and cried out, “Stop! I'm going to have to learn how to behave all over again!”
    â€œWell, it wouldn't hurt you, ” Abigail snapped. “You could stand a little more politeness.”
    Jake laughed aloud. “That's right, you pay attention to Sir Gwin. I'm expecting great things from you.”
    When they went back to their room, Josh slumped down in a chair and stared glumly at the other three boys. “I never heard of such! Goel sends us here to do a dangerous job, and we learn to go around kissing a girl's hand. Disgusting!”
    â€œOh, I don't know, ” Dave said with a smirk. “I didn't think it was so bad.”
    Jake picked up a pillow and threw it at him. It struck Dave in the face, and he yelped. “You wouldn't, ” Jake said. “You always were a ladies' man, Dave.”
    Dave threw the pillow back. “Looks like that's the thing to be around here.” He looked over at Reb and asked, “Are you getting tired of all this business, Reb?”
    Reb had a rather serious look on his face. “You know, ”he said, “I'm not. I guess I didn't know