Tribonius and Sir Gareth reached Camelot to find Merlin waiting beyond the gates for them. Merlin waited for them to approach. When Sir Gareth and Tribonius dismounted Merlin walked over and said, "Welcome home Sir Gareth. I see you found Tribonius all right. Welcome Tribonius."
Tribonius looked in awe at the old man that stood in front of him. "Tribonius this is Merlin. He is a great wizard who knows all," said Sir Gareth." So don't lie to him," he whispered into Tribonius' ear.
"I heard that Sir Gareth." called Merlin.
"Hello great Merlin. I have heard many stories about you and Arthur," said Tribonius.
"Well I hope it was nothing bad." Replied Merlin with a laughter in his voice.
The group started walking to the stables to put up the horses as they talked. "Tribonius tell us how you came to be an orphan in your village," said Merlin.
"And tell us about the robbers also," added Sir Gareth.
"Well the robbers started coming around about two years ago and demanded tribute to them for keeping our village safe. The robbers numbered about twenty at first, so no one really resisted until my father took control. He started leading groups against the robbers. The robbers had heavy losses but so did we. During one raid, the robbers came to our house, took my mother, and left me unconscious on the floor. When my father returned home, he woke me and asked what happened. He left that night by himself to get my mother back. The next morning Wareth, their leader, came back with my father dragging behind his horse. He left, dropping my father as he rode off back to the woods. We went over to see if my father was alive. He had his throat cut and in his hand was a lock of my mother's hair," Tribonius, about to cry, paused. "I vowed that I would avenge my father's death. Now his death has been avenged by you Sir Gareth. Thank you."
The horses were now put in the stable, and the three were walking to the castle training grounds. When they arrived, Sir Gareth showed Tribonius to all the present knights and trainers.
The next day, Tribonius began his job as a squire. Tribonius learned quickly how to fight and how to help his master with training and errands. Not only did Tribonius learn the art of the sword, but Merlin also taught him some of the art of magic. Tribonius was a fast learner and always wanted to know more.
Ten years had passed and Tribonius was two weeks away from the test that would make him a knight. Sir Gareth was sitting in the training grounds showing Tribonius more effective defense moves. Tribonius pulled them off with a skilled ease. Sir Gareth had full confidence that Tribonius would pass the tests. Sir Gareth said, "No, No, No, You must keep your eyes up and on your enemies eyes if you are fighting without armor. His eyes will give away what he will do next." Tribonius did his move again, and shaking his head Sir Gareth got up to face Tribonius. "Watch my eyes. You see my eyes give away where my sword is. In addition, when you fight someone with the same technique you give away no secrets. Yes, that's it. Good." They trained for a little longer and then Sir Gareth said, "That is enough for today. Go fetch some fish from the river."
"Yes sir," replied Tribonius as he took off his sword belt and put it away. He then ran through the gates to the river. "Why do I always have to get the fish? I would much rather be training with Sir Gareth or Merlin, or reading the Merlin's tomes and volumes," he complained as he reached the river. On his way back, he noticed that Camelot was too quite. He entered the gates and saw a wizard in the middle of the castle. The mage had brought King Arthur and the knights to kneel before him. The wizard spoke, "Merlin where are you? Will you not save you precious king and his knights?"
Merlin's voice echoed from everywhere yet nowhere, "I will save them when they need my help. Loran, you are no threat to them."
"Of course I am a threat old man. Why won't you face me?" asked Loran.
"This is not my fight. I will not be needed," replied Merlin.
With this response, Loran cried out in rage and started casting a spell towards Sir Gareth. Tribonius heard in his mind Merlin say, "You can save them Tribonius. Use your knowledge and your wits."
Tribonius came out from behind the crates where he was hiding and called out his magical spell. When Loran fired his fireball at Sir Gareth it bounced easily off a shield of magic. Loran cursed and fired at the entire group. It was of no use. Loran cried out, "Who dares to defy me, the great Loran?"
"I do," cried a voice. Loran turned to see a boy standing defiantly behind him. "You will not harm them, or anyone ever again." Tribonius then spoke a single word and he was standing in front of Loran with a sword drawn. He plunged the sword killing Loran. Then he went over to the knights and lifted the spell Loran used to bind them.
Arthur said, "Young Tribonius, you have proven yourself worthy of the title of Sir Knight Tribonius. Kneel. I King Arthur of Camelot hereby knight this brave lad who has saved us all."
Sir Knight Tribonius began his life as a knight full of many adventures and quests.
Nevertheless, this is how it all began.
