The Sword in the Tree

Shan and Magnus wait throughout the night with a crowd of people outside the city gates to Camelot. In the morning, Shan, Magnus, and their donkey enter Camelot and are amazed by the beauty of the homes and market. They inform the castle guard that they want to speak to King Arthur. The guard tells them to wait six days, as the king will then host a meeting with his subjects. To provide for themselves, Magnus finds work with a woodsman, and Shan labors for a shoemaker.

Finally, the day arrives, and Shan is ready for his audience with the king. He is discouraged by a knight named Kay, but Sir Gareth encourages him. He waits all day and is finally allowed to see Arthur. Shan explains his problem to the king, who agrees that a knight should ride out to Weldon Castle with him. Gareth volunteers to help Shan.

Sir Gareth, Shan, and Magnus set out for Weldon Castle on horseback. As they travel, Gareth tells the boys all about King Arthur and his court. He tells Shan that Arthur liked his manners and confidence and was considering inviting Shan to live at Camelot and train as a page or knight’s assistant.