The Story of King Arthur and His Knights: A Retelling for Curious Readers

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The opening of The Story of King Arthur and His Knights: A Retelling for Curious Readers, free to read.

1. 

   The Sword in the Anvil

   Long ago, Uther-Pendragon was King of Britain, and his wisest helper was Merlin the enchanter. When the king’s baby son was born, Merlin gave a warning. “Lord, you will soon fall sick, and your enemies will hunt for this child. Let me hide him.” So one dark night, Merlin and Sir Ulfius carried the baby away in a scarlet cloak. Soon afterward the king died, just as Merlin had foretold.

2. 

   Without a king, the land fell into trouble for nearly eighteen years. Then the Archbishop of Canterbury begged Merlin for help. So Merlin made a marvel appear before the cathedral in London: a block of marble with an iron anvil on top, and a shining sword stuck halfway into the anvil. Gold letters said that whoever pulled it out was the rightful king.

3. 

   Every lord was called to London at Christmas to try the sword. Good Sir Ector came with his two sons. Sir Kay was a bold young knight. Arthur, who was eighteen, was Kay’s squire, a helper who carried his spear and shield. At a great tournament, Kay struck a giant knight so hard that his sword snapped, and the blade flew higher than the cathedral towers! “Brother,” cried Kay, “run to our tent and fetch me another sword!”

4. 

   Arthur stood all alone in the silent tent. Not one sword was left, for everyone had gone to watch the fighting. Then he pictured the sword before the cathedral. “That will do very well for my brother,” he said. The square was empty and unguarded. Arthur sprang onto the marble block, gripped the golden hilt, and tugged. Out it came, easy as anything! He tucked it under his cloak and raced back.