Arthur becomes King. King Uther Pendragon lay on his deathbed. He sighed and said" I grieve that I live to see this day. The Saxons harry the whole of Britain. He sank back on his pillow, some thought he was dead. Merlin the wizard sat at the bedside. "King Uther is not dead," he said, "he sleeps. For three days he will remain sleeping." On the third day, King Uther woke. "It is good to be awake and to feel the glow of the sun again." He said feebly. The courtiers crowded around him for his voice was very weak. "Such a strange dream I had," said the King. "It seemed to me that I saw two dragons fighting. One was red and the other, yellow. I cannot say which was the fiercest. The red dragon grew more fierce, driving the yellow dragon from the field. Then a mist shrouded everything. When the mist had cleared, I saw the red dragon striding over the field, proud of the victory. What can be the meaning of this strange dream, O wise Merlin?" Merlin rose to answer the king. "You have seen a vision, the red dragon will be summoned from among your people to banish the pagans from our land." said Merlin. "Your words comfort me, let it be known that I wish to speak to the overlords of my realm." Said the king. The princes and dukes assembled. "I am dying," said King Uther, " and in your presence, I wish to name my successor. It is my desire that my son, Arthur shall succeed to my throne. And now may God receive my soul." "We will honour King Uther’s body," the overlords said. They buried him with great reverence where St. Paul’s Cathedral now stands. On Christmas Day the archbishop summoned the overlords together to the banks of a great lake. When they were all together there was a loud noise like thunder. It drew dark and there were flashes of lightning. Then calm followed and the sun shone. "Behold!" cried the archbishop. He pointed over the waters of the lake. A huge stone stood in the middle and wedged in it was a mighty sword with a jewelled hilt. On the blade was an inscription carved in Latin. The archbishop translated it to the waiting princes. "He who can withdraw this sword from the stone, he is the true king of Britain." The knights rowed out to the great stone, which was shaped like an anvil. Each rowed out full of hope, and tried to pull the beautiful sword from the stone. Each came back disappointed they failed to gain possession of Excalibur. Arthur, whom King Uther had named king, was not at the lakeside. He was riding toward London with Sir Hector and his son, Sir Kay. They rode toward the city until Sir Kay cried; "Alas, I have ridden forth and my sword is not in its scabbard." Sir Hector answered impatiently; "It is too late to ride back. I need thee to attend to our business, and our retainers wait for us." "I will fetch thy sword," cried Sir Arthur. "It will not be long before I have ridden back to join thee." The young knight loved his foster-brother, Sir Kay, and was pleased to ride back for him. When Arthur reached the castle, he could not enter. The drawbridge was raised, and though the young knight managed to cross the moat, he could not get in. Disappointed, Arthur rode back to join the others. As he was riding near the lake, he saw the sword in the stone. An old man explained to him what the archbishop said. "He grows old, his mind is wandering, but I will try to get the sword for my foster-brother" said Arthur. There was no-one at the lakeside when Arthur rowed out. "A beautiful sword in truth," exclaimed Arthur. He grasped the sword, pulling it out with ease. "Excalibur," he said, reading the inscription on the sword. "I will hasten onward and give Excalibur to Kay." "You have lingered on your journey." Said Sir Kay in anger when Arthur arrived. "This is not my sword, but give it to me at once," Handing him the sword, Arthur told him the strange story attached to the weapon. "The sword is mine!" Sir Kay’s eyes shone with greed. "Remain there until I return." Sir Kay sought his father. "Behold, Sire!" he cried. "This is the magic sword of the stone anvil in the lake. In truth I, Sir Kay, am the lawful king of Britain." Sir Hector took the sword, examined it closely, then leapt on his horse and called, "Ride with me." Together they rode to the silent lake. "It is Excalibur," cried Sir Hector, "but you must swear upon the Holy Book that thou thyself didst draw it forth out of the stone." Sir Kay grew pale. He shuddered and fell upon his knees, "Mercy Sire!" he begged. "Mercy, and I will tell thee how it was I came into possession of the magic sword." When Sir Kay had finished Sir Hector said, "It is Arthur who is King of Britain. King Uther’s wish is granted. True are Merlin’s words. When Arthur was placed in my care as an infant the great magician declared that he would live to rule the realm." Then Arthur arrived at the lakeside. "Take this sword, my son, and place it back in the stone anvil." Said Sir Hector. Arthur rowed out and replaced the sword. "Now bring it hither," Sir Hector called. When Arthur came back Sir Hector and Sir Kay removed their helmets, and kneeling in their armour called out; "We hail thee King Arthur." "Arise!" cried Arthur. "Here come the Archbishop and a thousand knights." Once again Arthur rowed out to return Excalibur into the stone, and then brought it back the lakeside. "We will go to the holy church of St. Paul," decreed the Archbishop. There he proclaimed Arthur king. The new king knelt before the high alter, and placing his sword upon it to be blessed, he gave thanks to Almighty God, and the great and goodly company of brave knights cried; "Arthur is our King! Arthur is our King!"
