[Britannia-pendragon] 556 AD: The Castle of Maidens

[Lev Lafayette]

With King Mark defeated, Sir Gawaine sought revenge against him, and
brought together many knights for such purpose. But Annest told Sir Cian
to head north into the Listeneisse to find the Turning Castle and the HOLY
GRAIL, to lift the blight, 'though this would mean the end of The
Enchantment of Britain, and they would meet no more.

On the way to Cornwall, Sir Gawaine had to change direction for King Brian
of the Isles had landed and sacked Clarence and was rumoured to use
magick. A siege had been set on Gloucester, and Sir Gawaine did raise army
against King Brian, 'though the battle was short due to the magick of
Brian. Sir Gawaine did then work to prevent Brian's advance and eventually
the siege was lifted. The Questing knights were therefore able to advance
further.

It was from the Sir Cian's new wife, who spoke of how her sister was held
against her will on a castle on the River Severn in the Forest of Dean,
that the Questing Knights did advance. The people they encountered on
their way did tell of how the castle was was once ruled by Duke Lianour,
but he was slain by seven brothers who then took over the castle. The
brothers carried only the names of the cardinal sins, Lust, Gluttony,
Greed, Sloth, Wrath, Envy, Pride, such was their wickedness.

It was prophecised that a Knight was destroy them all, and to prevent
that, the Brothers had killed any knight who had travelled in their lands.
Further, all maidens were captured and held in their keep, which became
known as "The Castle of Maidens".

Sir Russ acted as a bait to draw the brothers out, and indeed two did give
chase, where they were confronted by the Questing Knights. The two
Brothers retreated and Sir Eogan and Sir Russ gave chase, but at the gates
of the Castle of Maidens they were confronted by the Cardinal enemies.

A mighty battle did ensue, where the Questing Knights fell. Brother Sloth
did lance Sir Oagan and did kill him, preventing his oath to join Saint
Brendan. Three brothers fell upon Sir Ailfech, and did break him with many
blows. Sir Russ and Sir Arerin too did eventually fall to the blows of the
Brothers.

Only Sir Cian stood, having taken three of their number. As Sir Oagan
fell, he took The Heartblade, even as Brothers sought battle with him.
Whilst the Brothers were inspired by Hate, the antithesis of the Heart
Blade, Sir Cian was inspired by Love of Family, and cut the Brothers down,
until Brother Pride, driven mad by the Prophecy, did tear off his helm and
pulled at his hair until his scalp did bleed. Sir Cian showed the Brother
no mercy killing, and chased him off, and did free the Castle of Maidens.

Thus many Questing Knights did fall on that day, leaving Sir Cian in
search for new allies as the Quest for the HOLY GRAIL continued...

See also:
http://www.arthurian-legend.com/le-morte-darthur/le-morte-darthur-13d.php



-- 
Lev Lafayette, BA (Hons), GradCertTerAdEd (Murdoch), GradCertPM, MBA (Tech
Mngmnt) (Chifley)
mobile:  0432 255 208
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