Knight Quest (Time Hunters, Book 2) Read Free Page B

“I don’t need a lesson in manners from a washerwoman, thank you
very
much,” he said.
    Tom pulled Isis aside. “These villagers are a pretty nasty bunch, aren’t they?” he said.
    Isis nodded. “I know. I hate to see people looking down their noses at the likes of Al, just because he’s poor,” she said.
    â€œOh, really?” Tom asked, chuckling. “And
you’re
not a bit snooty, are you?”
    â€œ
Me?
” Isis squeaked. “I’m not like
them
!” Her eyes widened. “Am I?”
    â€œOoh, just a teensy bit!” Tom said.
    Isis blushed and looked at her feet. “It’s a princess thing,” she muttered. “We’re used to getting our own way. I don’t mean to be nasty…”
    â€œI know.” Tom said. But sometimes I feel a bit like Al around you.”
    Suddenly a fanfare of horns rang throughout the meeting place.
    â€œListen! They’re coming!” Tom said, beaming with anticipation. “I can’t believe we’re going to see King Arthur with our own eyes.”
    The sound of jangling reins, clopping hooves and snorting horses could be heard getting closer. When Tom finally got a glimpse of the king’s party, he gasped at the troop of impressive-looking men riding enormous horses.

    â€œLook at those big, beefy guys,” he said. “I bet they’re bodyguards.” Tom marvelled at the broadswords swinging in scabbards at their sides. The men were wearing gold-stitched cloaks and sitting in saddles bearing colourful coats of arms.
    â€œAmazing,” Tom breathed.
    Finally, a grey stallion trotted into the centre of the meeting place. Everyone moved aside to let its rider through. They all knelt on one knee on the ground.
    â€œHail the King!” the villagers shouted.
    King Arthur leaped down from his saddle. He stood by the carved chair, surrounded by the sea of kneeling villagers. In place of the grand, strapping giant that Tom had expected, he saw a disappointingly short, bearded man. The king wore just a simple white tunic and dark trousers beneath a travel cloak that was utterly plain, apart from a narrow trim of white fur. His hair was short, messy and blond, rather like Dad’s. He wasn’t even wearing a crown.
    â€œGather round!” he said in a booming voice that seemed to make the entire village stand to attention.
    A smile spread across Tom’s face.
Now
he realised why this ordinary-looking man was a legendary hero. He could feel admiration pouring from everyone around him, as they hung on to the king’s every word.
    King Arthur cleared his throat. “What a fine and pleasant land God has given me to rule! Look at you, my admirable subjects,” he said, spreading his arms wide.
    Everyone smiled.
    King Arthur clenched his fist and thumped his chest.
    â€œThe sturdy, noble-hearted people of England are the envy of the world. Our green pastures and glorious forests are closer to heaven than any other realm.”
    The villagers began to clap and whistle.
    King Arthur held his hand high. “But wait! Even as I speak to you, there are tribes in Germany hatching plans of great evil.”
    The horrified villagers gasped, like party balloons losing their air.
    â€œSAXONS!” King Arthur shouted.
    He said the word with such disgust in his voice that the room erupted into a frenzy of loud booing.
    â€œSaxons have a mind to sail here and take this blessed land as their own. But I have every faith that even the humblest English farmhand will protect his home fearlessly.”
    There was a rumble of agreement throughout the crowd.
    â€œAnd that is why I am here – I’m looking to recruit one more knight to my round table.” King Arthur flicked his cloak back and put his hand on the hilt of his sword. “Men of my country, if you believe that you can defend our land, if you have a horse, and you think you are brave, then step forward now