Sword of Camelot by Gilbert L. Morris

nodded slowly “Oh, I wish Goel were here to get her back.”
    Josh thought about that. “You know Goel doesn't do things much by himself.” He looked over at the others. “He usually has someone do what he wants done for him—and this time, it's gonna be a real chore!”

10
The Winner of the Quest
    T he news of the abduction of Princess Elaine stirred the Kingdom of Camelot into fierce activity. Sir Gwin, in charge of the battle forces, summoned all his lieutenants. They, in turn, rode at once to procure their followers.
    King Dion and the queen were distraught.
    While they waited in their quarters for word to come from Sir Gwin, Queen Mauve went to the window and looked down on the court. She saw the stir below, knights readying their armament, stablemen grooming their horses, and everywhere people whispering and buzzing in small groups. She turned away from the scene and said, “What will come of all this? How could he do it?”
    King Dion looked older than his years. His dark blue eyes were weary, for he had been up all night talking with his council, and his shoulders were stooped. “He did it very cleverly. Actually, we have no word from Melchior. It's his lieutenant, Sir Baloc, who's done the thing.”
    A shiver went over the queen's shoulders. She clasped her hands and closed her eyes. “Baloc! I hate that man! He's so cruel.” She stood before the king, who was slumped in a chair. “But how could he hope to get away with it? He must know that it will mean war.”
    â€œI don't know, but I suspect that he'll take refuge with Melchior. Then Melchior will expect us to come in and begin hostilities, and then he'll have his excuse to attack.”
    â€œBut he can't be that powerful, can he? I mean . . .” The queen hesitated. “He can't defeat our army, can he, dear?”
    Dion sighed heavily, then got to his feet and took her hands. “I honestly don't know. A few years ago, I would have said no, but something has been happening to our kingdom. It's like a . . . a shadow is falling over it! It gets darker almost every day.”
    Mauve stared up at him. “Do you think it's the Dark Lord?”
    â€œElendar thinks so. He tried to get me to take action years ago, but I was a fool and wouldn't listen to him. And now it's a question of whether we'll be strong enough to stand against Melchior's powers. I wish—”
    A knock sounded at the door, and Queen Mauve said, “Come in.”
    Sir Gwin marched in, an excited, serious look on his face. “We have a message, Your Majesty, from Sir Baloc.”
    The king and queen exchanged hurried glances. Then King Dion said, “What is the message?”
    Sir Gwin slapped his hands together. “So arrogant! I'd like to get that fellow between my two hands. I'd squeeze his throat until his eyeballs popped.”
    â€œYes, yes, but what about the message? What about Elaine?” Queen Mauve demanded. “Is she all right?”
    â€œFor now, she is.” Sir Gwin nodded. “But that fellow Baloc, he's demanding that you give your permission for him to marry Elaine.”
    â€œWhat!” King Dion straightened up, and fire leaped into his eyes. His hand went to where his sword should be, but he wasn't wearing it. “Why the man's insane!”
    Queen Mauve asked, “What exactly was the message, Sir Gwin?”
    â€œOh, it was as arrogant as the man himself. He offered himself as a husband and made it plain that he felt you couldn't get a better son-in-law.”
    â€œWhat are we going to do?” Mauve asked, putting her hand on her husband's arm. “Surely he can't mean it.”
    â€œHe probably does,” Dion said grimly. “It would be like giving Melchior a key to the castle gates. His lieutenant comes in as our son-in-law, and—once he's inside—his evil influence can work throughout all our guards, all our knights. The first thing you know, he's