Week 13 Story: The Drawing of the Sword
Once upon a time in a faraway kingdom, the ruling King in Britain died and left no known heirs. He left his kingdom in chaos, and there was no one around to punish those who committed evil acts. Justice was lacking in the world.
The royal court, scrambling to find a solution, brought in Merlin the magician. They agreed that Merlin and the court should discuss these matters on New Year's Day at the Great Church.
On the morning of January 1st, many of the members of the royal court saw a large stone in the courtyard with a sword in it, on this stone, the message "Whoso pulleth this sword is the right of birth King of England." Many worthy knights on the king's guard attempted to pull the sword, but none were successful. The royal court was baffled and made their way to the Church to discuss what to do. They decided that everyone had the right to try and pull the sword.
Meanwhile, while this deliberation was occurring, a huge tournament was occurring. A knight in attendance at this tourney was Sir Ector, his son Kay, and Kay's foster sister Annabelle. They went into the tournament and Kay realized he was without his sword. He asked his sister Annabelle to go fetch it, for he did not want to miss a moment of the tournament. Annabelle, bored of the tournament, had no quarrels going to fetch this sword.
Annabelle made her way back to the house, but when she returned the door was locked. She did not wish to have to go back to the tournament to get the key only to come back here and back to the tournament. She tried the windows, the back door, and all around the house, but there was no way in. Annoyed, she began slowly making her way back. On her way to the tournament, she passed through the churchyard, where she saw a sword in a stone.
"Perfect!" she thought. She went up to the stone and pulled the sword out with ease, thankful to be able to bring her brother Kay some time of sword back. She returned to the tournament and gave the sword to Kay, who immediately recognized it as not his. Sir Ector took the sword and examined it, immediately knowing it was the one from the churchyard. He told Annabelle that since she pulled the sword she was to be Queen.
Sir Ector then revealed to Annabelle that he was not her father and she was brought to him by Berlin. He never knew who her real father was but this proves that she is the daughter of the late King. Annabelle cried at this realization because Kay and Sir Ector were her family in her eyes. She vowed to give both Kay and Sir Ector positions and keep them close if she were to be made Queen
They told the royal court of this revelation, and they could not believe it to be true. For many knights to fail and a girl of all people to pull the sword out? They thought it impossible. They returned the sword back to the stone and had many people try and pull it out but all failed once more, except for Annabelle.
The knights were angered that a nobody like her would be named their king, and they demanded to wait and see if anyone else could pull it. Twelve Days Later, with the common people present, they made a show of people attempting to pull the sword. However once again, Annabelle was the only one successful in pulling the sword. The common people cheered for her, and men and women of all classes kneeled before Annabelle, proclaiming her to be their Queen. Annabelle was made Queen of Britain, and she vowed to do her lords and commons justice.
Bibliography:
"King Arthur: The Drawing of the Sword"
Story source: King Arthur: Tales of the Round Table by Andrew Lang and illustrated by H. J. Ford (1902).
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