Brushes in hand as they curried the horses, the younger boys nodded in earnest agreement.
Bastien returned to Lancelot, Gaultier, and Esclados. With a tilt of his head, he said, “Come on, let’s go.”
Inside the castle, Bastien led Gaultier, their father, and Lancelot to the storage pantry near the servants’ exit. He lit a torch taken from the wall sconce and handed it to his father as he unlocked and lifted the hidden trap door in the floor. “I’ll go down first, and you can hand me the torch.” He slipped through the opening, down into the dark, cavernous foundation under the castle within the cliff upon which the fortress was built.
Esclados gave Bastien the torch and slid down through the floor, followed by Lancelot, then Gaultier, who closed the trap door above his head.
The serpentine tunnel twisted into the darkness before them. “This way,” Bastien said, illuminating the gloom with the torch held high.
Damp with mildew, the stone walls of the limestone cave were beaded with moisture, the saline scent of the sea permeating the rich, fecund scent of ancient soil and primordial rock. Through the winding twists and turns of the dark passage, they arrived at the mouth of the sea cave which opened onto the sandy shore. As they emerged from the grotto, sea gulls squawked in a pale winter sky scattered with thin white clouds under a mild hibernal sun.
Lancelot scanned the beach and the high forested ridge of the craggy cliff behind them. Spotting the narrow path leading from the shore to the top of the rocky precipice, he asked Bastien, “Is that how you saved Gabrielle? You rode to the ledge, came down this path, and up into the castle through the cave?”
“Exactly.” Bastien indicated the edge of the forest at the top of the cliff. “Just south of here is the open moor where we always trained with swords. That’s where the attempted abduction occurred.”
Esclados walked across the sandy beach to join them in examining the forested ledge. “If the castle were ever compromised, a regiment of men could slip through the cave, up this path, and position themselves behind any attackers. Although horses could never fit through the tunnel, the castle archers could take out any invaders with a surprise rear attack from the south.”
Bastien eyed his companions. His esteemed father, the Red Knight Esclados le Ros. Lord ofle Château de Beaufortand battle-seasoned warrior. His older brother Gaultier, the First Knight of Beaufort. Champion to King Guillemin of Finistère. And his former mentor Lancelot, the intrepid First Knight of King Arthur Pendragon. Unparalleled with the sword and peerless in the saddle. Highly respected knights who would officiate the Yuletide Joust. Seasoned warriors who would defend the castle with prowess, courage, and skill. Bastien exhaled a sigh of relief. “Indeed. Come, I’ll show you where the tunnel leads to the east. Another strategic position for defense.”
Dappled sunlight glimmered on the rippled surface ofle Lac de Poulinocthrough the dense foliage of massive oak, beech, and fir trees as they exited the woodland cave. The fresh tang of the lake mingled with the briny saline breeze of the nearby ocean and the crisp green scent of pine.
“We’re about a half mile behind the castle,” Bastien informed the men who inspected the surrounding forest with the keen eyes of experienced commanders.
“We’ll position a regiment of archers here, to the east,” Gaultier announced, indicating a hamlet of dense oaks with low lying branches.
“And place another contingent in the heavy woods there, to the north.” Lancelot extended an arm toward the designated thick forest.
“In addition to a hundred armored knights waiting inside the castle, with orders to reinforce each location in the event of attack.” Esclados—who had successfully defended his own castle,le Château de Landuc,through several such sieges—offered his prudent proposition.
“Given Ugolin le Clou’s reputation for refusing to concede any loss, and the fact that his champion is competing in the Yuletide Joust, it is best if we prepare for the worst.” Bastien clasped his father’s strong, sculpted shoulder. “I shall heed your sage advice.”
“Let’s return now. I promised a trio of famished boys that we’d sample the roast boar.” Lancelot chuckled softly, his famous boyish grin illuminating his noble face.
Satisfied with their strategy to defendle Château de Beaufort, the four knights entered the cave, traversed the dark tunnel, and returned through the trap door to the storage pantry inside the castle kitchen.
As Bastien locked the door and replaced the rushes across the top to conceal the hidden passage in the floor, the clatter of carriage wheels and the clomping of horses’ hooves from the front of the castle indicated that guests had begun to arrive.
Valets welcomedles arrivéeswhile attendants unpacked the coaches for grooms to lead the horses toward the castle stables.
Spotting her auburn hair and cordial smile, Bastien rushed to greet his mother Laudine with the familiar French greeting ofla bise—a kiss on each cheek.
“Oh, Bastien! I am delighted to see you, son!” Laudine wrapped her arms around his neck and smothered him in an affectionate maternal hug. “Congratulations on your title asle Marquis de Cornouaille. Your father and I are so very proud. And now, you may compete in the Yuletide Joust!”
Bastien held his effusive mother and smiled as he disengaged himself from her exuberant embrace.If the royal messenger arrives in time, Maman.He turned to welcome Gaston’s parents, with a hearty handshake for Gaspard and a kiss on the cheek for Ghislaine.
Gaultier and Esclados kissed and welcomed Laudine, while Lancelot hugged his own mother, the Lady of the Lake, Viviane.
Amidst the affectionate greetings, Bastien spotted Gabrielle floating down the spiral stairs into the spacious foyer where evergreen boughs and garlands of fragrant Yuletide holly decorated the whitewashed walls. Candlelight from the crystal chandelier overhead blended with afternoon sunlight streaming in through the western windows overlooking the sea, casting her long red hair in a glorious golden blaze which took his breath away.
She rushed to accept his outstretched hand with a warm smile for the newly arrived guests, who bowed inobéisancebefore the Princess of Finistère.
“My princess, allow me to introduce my parents, Sir Esclados le Ros and the Lady Laudine ofle Château de Landucin the Forest of Brocéliande.” Bastien beamed as his father gallantly kissed Gabrielle’s slender white hand and his mother executed a graceful curtsey.
Affection and admiration shone in Gabrielle’s expressive emerald eyes. “Welcome tole Château de Beaufort. It is a pleasure to meet you both.”
“And this is the Lady of the Lake Viviane, High Priestess of Avalon and mother to the greatLancelot du Lac, whom you met a few months ago upon your return from Paris.” Bastien introduced Gabrielle to the elegant lady who bowed before the princess as the chivalrous knight kissed her royal hand.
“I am honored to meet the esteemed Lady of the Lake, mother of the legendaryLancelot du Lac,” Gabrielle said cordially as she greeted the famous mother and illustrious son.
