Probably the greatest legend that a knight draws on is the tale of King Arthur and the Round Table. Tales are told of the legendary sword Excalibur, given to Arthur by the Lady of the Lake, thereby proving his claim to the English throne. It is also told that Arthur had the sword thrown back to the Lake when he was dying of his wounds. This is but one tale of that last hour of King Arthur.....

Lady Redwine was nervous. This was slightly unnatural for her, as usually she was confident enough of her abilities and knowledge of the land to stay out of trouble while continuing to press the honor and greatness of the knights. However, this was new territory for her. She was deep in a forest that had recently been uncovered in her explorations. She had not stumbled into any kinds of creatures or people, and the air was very still. Redwine gripped the pommel of her sword tighter, keeping it in a position ready to parry any attack that may appear. But as she continued her way deeper into the forest, it still reveled no dangers or comfort.

Eventually, she stumbled into a clearing. Redwine paused at the edge, scanning the area. The greenery in the area was normal, but in the very center of the clearing was a single stump. She strained her senses to the maximum to try to sense any kind of intent, good or evil, but she felt nothing distinctive, except maybe a kind of... sadness.

Curious, Redwine walked out to the stump. She scanned the area again, but still felt noting but the grief. She closely examined the stump, and found runes upon the flat surface. Puzzled, she peered closer. They appeared quite old, but the edges still looked sharp and new.

As she continued to stare at them, Redwine was astonished to see them begin to glow. Startled, she drew back, but it was too late. The forest became brighter and brighter......

Redwine snapped back to lucidity. She glanced around, and instantly knew that she was not in the forest anymore. At least, not the forest she had been in. The clearing was still there, but the trees were younger, smaller, and the grass was greener, fresher. But now Redwine's senses were screaming with evil. Something was powerful and close. As she tried to pinpoint the source of the feeling, she became aware of the sounds of the clash of metal and the screams of dying nearby. She rushed out of the clearing towards the noise, and stepped into a nightmare.

Apparently, Redwine had stepped into the very last stages of a grand battle. Blood covered the ground, and the dead were scattered everywhere. Small skirmishes were still going on, but it looked like they were very one sided. One one half, several knights were throwing up a valiant defense while their opponents appeared to be groups of orcs, goblins, and other servants of darkness. The knights put up a valiant fight, but the darkness was slowly whittling away at them by sheer numbers. Knowing that her presense might by able to help the valiant defenders, she screamed a battle cry, and descended upon the fray.

Both sides looked up to see what new force was approaching, and seeing a figure in platemail and gleaming sword, the knights were revived. As Redwine began an attack from the rear, the knights resumed their fight at the fore. However, both sides were now down to their best fighters, and soon, even the valiant knights were outclassed.

Her surprise attack from behind had helped, but was it enough? Redwine easily killed most of the creatures before they were able to raise a defense towards her, but her armor was dented and mashed in places where her skill had not been enough to defend her. Now only three were left: a lone knight, with gleaming shield and what appeared to be a brightly glowing blade, a huge creature built of solid muscle, topped buy a brutish face with horns, and Redwine herself. For some reason, she could only stand paralyzed as the knight and creature stood off against one another. The creature wielded a mace that was as dark as the knight's sword was light, and it seemed to drain the knight every time it landed a solid blow.

Finally, it appeared the knight came to a decision. He threw aside his shield, took the mighty sword in both hands, and did a mighty swing that would put even the strongest opponent in their grave. Amazingly, the creature side-stepped the attack, and almost negligently sent the knight flying with a giant blow to the chest. Even from where she stood, she heard the bones cracking, the organs exploding, saw the blood gush from the wound and the mouth.

Snapped from her paralysis, she shouted, "Noooooo!!!" and leapt into the fray. The beast turned at this, and licked his lips in anticipation. "Ah, one from another time to try to change the history of this battle. I'm afraid you're too late. The King is Dead. Long live the King."

"Not bloody likely," she muttered, and worked herself up to a furious rage. The blows that landed between the two were fast, furious, and very deadly, reduced only by the skill of the combatants, and the skill of their weapons. The beast at first looked confident, but as the fight continued, he began to become troubled. "This is not how it was prophecied!!" he cried. "Oh really?" Redwine countered. "Well, things change," as she suddenly knocked his guard wide open, and smoothly sent his entrails flying everywhere. The only look the beast had now was of astonishment as he toppled to the earth.

Redwine breathed deeply, exhausted beyond measure. She looked at the fallen knight, and saw that he still lived. She pulled herself to his side, and slowly took off his helm to assist his breathing. His face was ashen, but still kept a noble continence. He looked full at her, and gasped "Who are you that was able to defeat him who was a better even to my skill?"

Redwine removed her helmet. "Lady Redwine of Pinnacle," she replied. The man tried to chuckle, but could only gasp for his last breaths. "A Lady knight? Oh, now has been the day that I have met a woman who was the equal of the Round Table. But of no matter. I thank you for finishing the duty laid on my shoulders. I only ask of two last boons from you."

Redwine felt tears coming from her eyes, for this man had apparently been close to a lifelong goal, only to be cut down within reach of his prize. "Name them."

"One, please remain with me until I leave this realm. I know the extent of the damage done to me. I know I have not long to remain on this earth. But I do not wish to die alone."

"Of course" She was openly weeping now.

"Thank you, gracious lady. The only other thing I ask of you deals with the sword at my side."

Redwine glanced at the fine sword that laid beside his body. It had been marvelously crafted, and looked strong and light. "What do you wish me to do with such a fine sword?"

The knight gathered his strength for a moment, and continued. "Many, many years ago, I received this sword by the grace of God. With it, he charged by to remove the evil from the land. He also told me it was the symbol of my leadership of the realm. With it, I began to cleanse the evil from the places where good dwelt. The people rallied behind me, and there was much support for my quest. Her was the final battle to remove it totally from the realm. Now my quest is over, and, unfortunately, my life. Since the sword is no longer needed to cleanse the earth, it should be returned to whence it came. Scant a mile from here to the east lies a lake. Throw the sword with all your might into it. God will handle the rest."

"Redwine looked again at the sword. "Surely would you not leave it for future generations should the evil rises again?"

"No. If the evil should rise again, He will again entrust it to one who will repeat the work I have done. Now swear it."

"I do."

"You do not know the depth of my gratitude. Now please, try to comfort my during my last moments..."

Redwine continued to weep, and cradled the brave knight's head in her lap. The knight looked up at her and smiled. "Do not weep for me, my lady. My time here is rightfully over. Now, I feel the coldness upon me. Please, take my sword, and do as I have asked." And with that, the knight closed his eyes to this world.

Redwine continued to hold him for awhile, deep within her grief. Finally, she arose, sheathed her own sword, and took up the knight's. It was extremely light in her grasp, and she felt the power flowing from the blade. Steeling her gaze to the west, she set off.

After a walk of about half an hour, she arrived at the lake. It was not very large, but the waters were crystal clear. She took a last look at the fine sword, admiring the workmanship that had crafted it. Sighing, she brought her arm back, and gave it a mighty toss towards the center of the lake.

It nearly appeared to float as it flew, shining in the sunlight. As it fell towards the surface of the water, Redwine was amazed to see an arm made of the pure waters of the lake reach up and seize the sword by the hilt. Continuing its rise from the water, eventually a woman made up of entirely water stood on the surface of the lake, gazing at Redwine steadily. "So, he has fallen. It was much too soon."

Redwine finally found her voice. "Who are you?? Who was he??"

"I am the Lady of the Lake. The knight you received this from was King Arthur, lord of..."

"Camelot..." Redwine gasped.

The Lady nodded. "You are wise, lady knight. It was I that gave him the sword at the beginning of his quest, and it is fitting that he returns it at the end. It is sad that he had to fall just as his life reached fruition."

The Lady gazed deeply at Redwine. "Now, I see another who may take his place." With that, the Lady hurled the sword full force at Redwine. Redwine naturally tried to protect herself, but the sword came too quickly. Instead of piercing her body, however, it felt like the sword passed somehow into her, and somehow attached itself to her. Redwine looked at the Lady in astonishment.

The Lady grimly looked back at her. "Know now that the Legendary sword Excalibur is now a part of you. Wherever you go, it will lend its strength to your battle. However, it will only help you while you battle for good. Let the dark side take over you, and Excalibur will be taken from you, with eternal agony the price."

Redwine bowed to the Lady. "I understand"

The Lady nodded. "Hail then, Lady Redwine, Last Defender of Camelot, and farewell." The light grew bright again....

This time, Redwine was back in the clearing, still looking at the runes. Now, however, she could make them out:

THIS MARKS THE FINAL RESTING PLACE OF KING ARTHUR, LORD OF CAMELOT, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH. KILLED HERE IN THE FINAL BATTLE AGAINST DARKNESS.

Redwine genuflected in his honor, and returned to Pinnacle her new duties upon her. Some say this is a true story, some say this is only a tale. Whatever it may be, learn from the example left by Lady Redwine. Later, there may be other tales of other legendary knights.

Until then,