A/N: Alright, here's chapter 2. Thank you for being patient. Remember to leave a review at the end. Reviews motivate me to keep writing my stories. I especially thank the people who took the time to review the last chapter!

Disclaimer: I do not own the legend of Tristan and Iseult from Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur.

I spent the rest of the night packing my things, and I tried to sleep, but I kept thinking of my mission, the truth of Queen Iseult, and of course, Rosetta. I knew she was right. The only way I could find a way to learn of my parents was to ask the Benedictine monks. They would tell me the truth now because I was a man, like Rosetta said. But, I had to tell ask Sir Matthew if I could spend a bit of time visiting them, first.

The morning finally arrived, and I met Sir Matthew in his small home. He was surprised to see that I was ready to leave after we spoke, for I already had my sack slung over my shoulder, and my sword girded to my waist.

"Are you leaving already?" Sir Matthew asked.

"I want to leave as soon as I can. A true knight does not linger," I said, echoing his previous statement.

"Ah, you are right, Tristan. You seem to be the only knight who takes my advice seriously," Sir Matthew said as he laughed.

"Sir Matthew, I was wondering if I could ask you a question," I asked.

"Yes, what is it?" he asked.

"I have the fear that if I go on this mission, I may not be able to return to Cornwall," I began.

"Of course you'll return to Cornwall, Tristan! After all, this is your knightly mission. The only reason you wouldn't return is if you died," Sir Matthew said.

"Great, that makes me feel spectacular," I replied.

"Tristan, you're hiding something because you're acting really odd," Sir Matthew said with a puzzled look.

"It's just that I want to know at least a clue of who my parents were. Why am I becoming a knight? Was my father truly a noble? Were they natives of Cornwall?" I said.

"What point are you trying to make, Tristan?" he asked.

"I was wondering if you would let me make a short visit to the Benedictine monastery before I depart. I wanted to ask them a few questions," I said.

"Tristan, are you crazy? You could seriously delay your mission if you chooses to visit the monks," Sir Matthew said.

"Sir Matthew, this is my last chance. I really want to have some sort of clue before I begin my quest," I said.

"Tristan, you really are the most passionate knight I've ever met. This will be the last time I let you delay any mission. I will give you three hours to speak to the monks and no more. If you exceed the time limit, I will not have you continue with this mission. Is that understood?" Sir Matthew said.

"Yes. Thank you so much, Sir Matthew," I said.

"Away with you! You mustn't waste any time," he said as he pushed me from the door.

**********

It took me a while to walk the three miles that lead to the monastery. I remembered the times I lived there as a boy. My friends and I would often roam in the woods, pretending to have sword fights with wooden swords that we made ourselves. It was a shame that I hadn't seen the monks since I was seven. I had been too busy with my training, and I loved my school, except for the time I tried to run away as a page.

After my feet were finally tired, I stumbled upon the monastery. Like always, there was a group of young boys running around the front yard. I was looking for Friar Francis, the monk who acted like a father-like figure when I lived at the monastery. I didn't see him outside, but he was probably in the monastery, praying. I hoped that I didn't have to make an appointment to see him.

There was a younger monk standing outside, not too much older than me.

As I approached him, the boys stopped moving.

"Is that really a squire?" one boy said. I smiled at him.

"Yes, and I am to become a knight soon," I said.

I turned to the monk. "Excuse me, friar, but does Friar Francis still reside here?" I asked.

"Why, yes. But, he is busy right now. He is very old, and spends his days in prayer. You must make an appointment in order to see him," the monk said.

"Is there a way that I can see him now? It is rather urgent, and I must see him soon," I said.

"Well, yes. Does he know who you are? What is your name?" he asked.

"Tell him that an old student of his wishes to speak with him about something rather personal, and his name is Tristan," I said.

"Follow me." The monk led me into the monastery.

Once I walked through the doorway, I felt as if I had stepped back in time to my childhood. The hallways didn't seem as huge as they used to, since I had grown, but the large paintings of Christ's Passion still hung on the walls. The essence was still here, even though I had been absent for nine years. Finally, we reached the door that lead to the chapel.

"Wait here," the monk said. As I waited, I prayed that he would want to see me. If not, it could mean the failure of my knighthood.

The monk came back. "He says that you can speak with him," he said. He pushed me into the chapel, and closed the door. There, I saw Friar Francis. He looked much more advanced in years than the last time I saw him, but I still recognized his bright smile. He turned to me and his eyes widened.

"No, that can't be you can it, Tristan?" he asked. His voice was frail.

"Yes, it is I," I said.

"Come here, and sit next to me!" he said. I sat next to him in the pew, and he gave me a weak hug.

"I can't believe that you have come back. Now, what is it that you want?" he asked.

"Well, it's something rather urgent that I must know," I said.

"Tristan, had you been and immoral young man since you've been away?" he asked.

"Oh, no. Many tell me that I am the noblest squire anyone has ever met," I said.

"Yes, that's what I wanted that hear," he said.

"But, this is something I've wanted to know for a long time. I'm a man now, Friar Francis, and I must know how I came to this monastery," I said.

He sat back and thought for a moment. He closed his eyes, trying to remember.

"Seventeen years ago, it was a cold rainy night," he began. I hoped that I didn't ask too much of him, for he may not have remembered.

"Ah, yes! It was a cold rainy night, and I was copying prayer books for some new monks who came here, since we are too poor to hire a scribe. Anyways, as I was writing, my quill broke. I went to another office to find one, and I began to trim it. That was when I heard a rattling at the door. I ignored it at first, thinking it was only the wind and rain. But it seemed more consistent, and I decided to look.

"When I looked out the window, I saw a woman who was soaked to the bone. Thinking that she needed counseling, I opened the door. I asked her if there was anything she needed, but she didn't answer. I then noticed that she had a baby in her hands. I welcomed her in, and gave her some soup leftover from the previous meal. After she ate, she was more comfortable to speak.

"She told me that she had traveled a long way with you. The woman told me that your name was Tristan, that you were of noble birth, and to send you off to become a knight when you were seven years of age. I told her that I would watch the child, but I asked her some other questions. She never told me her name, or where she brought you from. It seemed rather private. But, I learned where you came from after I examined the blanket you came in," he explained. He stood up, and told me to follow him to his office.

There, he opened a trunk.

"I always keep records of all the children who have stayed here. If I find some clue of their parents and family, I document it. I look for things like symbols of nations and family names. Ah, here it is," he said as he pulled out a large book. He flipped to the middle, until he found my name.

"Here you are, you can read what is documented," Friar Francis said.

He handed me the book, and I read the description. It said:

"A baby boy by the name of Tristan was brought to the monastery by a woman on the 21st of November in the year 1200. She did not tell us her name or where this baby had come from, only that he was of noble birth and was to begin training as a knight once he turned seven. He was wrapped in a blanket made of blue velvet, and in the corner this symbol was embroidered."

I looked at the symbol that was drawn next to my description.

"Why, it's the symbol of Brittany," I said.

"Exactly. You came from France," Friar Francis said.

"But if I came from France, why was I brought to England?" I asked.

He shrugged his shoulders. "France has always been bloody, Tristan. Your parents could have died there, and one of their handmaidens brought you here to be safe," he said.

"Surely Cornwall isn't any safer than Brittany under the rule of King Mark," I said.

"I know someone who may know a bit more about this. A scribe came here to volunteer writing some books for us. He is a trustworthy source, so we should meet with him now," Friar Francis said. He led me up to the second floor of the monastery, where the boys stayed. At the end of the hall, he knocked on a door.

"Come in," a muffled voice said. Inside, a man was gray hair wearing a red cap sat, copying a book.

"Tristan, this is Balrid. Balrid, Tristan had a few questions about the kingdom of Brittany," Friar Francis said. He explained my story to him.

Balrid! My heart raced. He must have been the same scribe who worked for Rosetta's father. I wanted to ask him if he knew her, but I had to focus on my mission.

"Balrid, what was the status of Brittany seventeen years ago?" I asked.

"Well, it was somewhat bloody, but still safe. I'm not quite sure why you would be brought here. Perhaps one of your parents was Cornish. Here's what I think. Your father must have been Cornish, so you were brought here. Traditionally, an orphaned child is sent to the home of his father," he said.

"That could be true," I said.

I then remembered what Rosetta had said about Queen Iseult. Maybe Balrid could have a few answers as to where I would begin.

"Balrid, I am on a mission to learn the truth of Queen Iseult as my final knightly test. Do you know where I could possibly begin?" I asked.

"I have seen fools like yourself try to solve this case, Tristan. Everyone just stays here in Cornwall looking for her. Some people return to her home in Ireland. This is not the place to look for her, either," Balrid said.

"Then where must I go?" I asked.

"Brittany. The same place where you are believed to have come from. It is said that Queen Iseult had connections in Brittany. I used to have a document stating that she was last seen in Brittany right after she had disappeared from King Mark," Balrid explained.

"How can I get to Brittany? I can't afford to travel by sea, and my master can't afford to pay for my voyage either," I explained.

"Well, your master will tell you to search in the most obscure places in Cornwall. You will never find any evidence there. If you offer something innovative to the king, he will let you get on a ship. But it is a good idea to have money just in case he makes you pay," Balrid explained.

"Where do I get all this money from? I just have a few coins," I said.

"I have money. Perhaps you can sell me something that you own," he said. I looked through my bag. I mostly had clothes and food. I found the necklace Rosetta had given me as the token I was her knight, but I could never sell it. Finally, I found something he would love. It was an extremely dry book about how to joust written in ancient Latin. I handed it to the scribe, and he was thrilled. In exchange, he gave me a sack of coins.

"This should be enough for taking the ship there and back, and some spending money for food. I wish you the best of luck," Balrid said.

"Wait! I can't just go the Brittany! I need to know where in Brittany to go!" I said.

"Ah, that is what you must learn for yourself. You must go to the palace in Brittany and ask them if they know anything about Queen Iseult," Balrid said.

"This seems too simple. Are you sure that's all I need to do?" I asked.

"That's where I would start. You will learn more for yourself once you are in Brittany. After visiting the palace, you should talk to some local scribes," he said.

"Tristan, I really must get back to the chapel. Please say goodbye when you leave," Friar Francis said.

"I will." He left us alone.

"Where do I begin?" I asked.

"Well, you'll have to make a visit to the Castle of Cornwall. Since you're a knight, they'll let you on. However, you'll just have to get permission from the king," Balrid said.

"The king? How?" I asked.

"He just has to sign a paper. However, when you're at the castle, just state your business. Do not try to start and argument with the king by asking him of his wife. Basically don't do anything stupid. He'll have you killed for sure," Balrid said.

"Just one more thing. I know that you worked for a family in the village at one point. Do you remember a girl named Rosetta?" I asked.

"Why, yes, I do. She is a sweet girl. She often asked me questions about the history of Cornwall, and we spent many afternoons talking and sharing different stories. Do you know her?" he asked.

"Yes. I have known her since I've been training as a page," I said, but I could tell that I was blushing.

"Oh, you like her, don't you?" he said in a somewhat playful manner.

"Aye, you are right, Balrid. I am already her knight, and my wish is to marry her someday. I told her that if I was successful in my journey, we would go on many adventures together," I said.

I then thought for a moment. Rosetta said that her first destination would be Brittany, and that was where I was heading also. I had an idea.

"Balrid, I wish I could do this, but I must go since I only have so much time for my mission. If you don't mind, could you go to Rosetta's home with a message from me?" I asked.

"Certainly, Tristan. What is it that you wish to tell her?" he asked.

"Tell her that I am going to Brittany, and I want her to meet me there. But tell her to be careful, and to bring a guardian with her," I said.

"And how will she pay for this?" he asked. I handed Balrid another book, this one was about how to forge your own sword. Since I knew how to do this from memory, I didn't need it. He handed me a sack of coins, but I held up my hands.

"Promise me you'll bring those coins to Rosetta. I will pay for her travels," I said.

"Oh, you really are a generous young man, Tristan. You'll be a very noble husband to her someday," Balrid said.

I smiled. "Thank you for everything, Balrid," I said.

"Wait! Take this! It is a map of Brittany! You'll need it!" Balrid said.

"Thank you," I said.

"I'm sorry that I didn't give it to you earlier, Tristan. Good luck and I'll speak with Rosetta this evening," he said.

I ran down the stairs and entered the chapel, where Friar Francis ran to me.

"I'm going to Brittany," I said.

"Oh, Tristan! I'm so proud of you! I wish you that best of luck, and I'll pray that you'll succeed! Will you promise me that you'll pay me with a visit after your journey?" he asked.

"Of course. And, I invite you to my knighting ceremony," I said.

"Oh, I'll be there, Tristan. Goodbye, you have become a great knight and man," he said.

****************

I quickly returned to Sir Matthew's home, and he greeted me.

"So, what did you learn?" he asked.

"Based on Friar Francis' records, I came from Brittany," I said.

"Brittany? You, a French child?" he asked.

"Sir Matthew, I don't have enough time to go through all the details. I want to being my mission. Where do I begin?" I asked.

"Well, I am going to send you to the outskirts of Cornwall. There, I want you to find any evidence you can that may relate to the queen," he began.

"I won't find anything," I said without thinking.

"What?" he said.

"I spoke to a scribe named Balrid, and he says that any man who has tried to learn the truth of Queen Iseult keeps making the same mistake," I said.

"What do you mean, you fool?" Sir Matthew asked.

"Sir Matthew, he said that the truth of Queen Iseult is to be found in Brittany," I said.

Sir Matthew cringed. " I cannot send you to Brittany," he said.

"I have the money to pay for it," I said.

"Money is not the issue here, Tristan. It is your safety. Have you been aware of how dangerous France is at the present moment?" Sir Matthew asked.

"I know that it is bloody, but as a knight, I do not take my own safety into account. I value the lives of the people of Cornwall more than my own," I said.

"Tristan, I know that you are a very brave knight, but I cannot afford to lose you. You are going to be the best knight I have ever trained, and all I need you to do is find a small amount of evidence in Cornwall about the Queen," Sir Matthew said.

"So, you expect me to not even complete the truth of what happened to Queen Iseult? I'm not going to find anything here!" I said.

Sir Matthew sighed. "Alright, Tristan. I feel that I cannot persuade you to stay here. The information you have is true. I know for a fact that there is some solid evidence regarding the queen in Brittany. I will allow you to go. However, you may die in the process," he said.

"Then I will die with honor," I said.

"That's the spirit Tristan. You must be off to Cornwall castle, I suppose," he said.

"Yes. Thank you," I said.

He patted me on the shoulder. "I wish you the best of luck, and I'll pray for your safety," he said.

"Thank you, Sir Matthew," I said.

"Now, be off with you," he said as he pushed me out the door. I walked away, without looking back.

******************

In about two hours, I was standing at the entrance to Cornwall Castle. A guard came up to me.

"State your business," he said.

"My name is Tristan, and I wish to get permission from the king in order to ride a ship to Brittany," I said.

"Why must you go to Brittany?" he asked.

"It is knightly business," I said.

The guard let me in, and led me to the throne room. There, King Mark sat, his face pale, hair gray, eyes sagging and wrinkled. He wasn't old in years, but his reaction to his wife's disappearance made him seem as if he was ancient.

"What do you want?" King Mark asked.

I knelt down. "Your majesty, King Mark, I ask you to let me ride a ship in order to travel to Brittany," I said.

"Why?" he asked, eyes wide.

"I have been given the mission of learning what happened to Queen Iseult as my final test to become a knight" I said.

"Tell me boy, who are your parents? What is your nobility?" he asked.

I felt the tips of my ears turn red. "I do not know who my parents were. I only know that I am of noble birth because the woman who brought me to the monastery said so," I said.

"Bah! A boy who was raised by monks for the first part of his life? You're not of noble birth! You're a nomad! Be off! I will not waste my time with you! Why would I want you to learn the truth of my wife?" King Mark yelled.

"But your majesty, you must listen! I am going on this mission as my final knightly test. If I cannot ride on one of your ships, then all hope is lost," I said.

"Then maybe you weren't meant to be a knight if your parents truly were nomads! If you failed at this mission and did not become a knight I wouldn't lose a minute of sleep about it!" the old kind yelled.

This time, I stood up and walked closer.

"Sire, you must allow me to go to Brittany! What harm can it bring upon you?" I asked.

"I only let men ride on my ships who can prove their nobility to me! I do not care if this has to do with your final test! Be gone with you, and swim across the ocean if you wish to arrive at Brittany so badly. Maybe a bit of swimming will help you get stronger," he said as pointed his scepter at me.

"I will ask you only one more time. Please, let me go," I said firmly, as stood still with a serious expression.

"No! Be gone with you!" King Mark yelled.

Guards came over and grabbed my arms. One guard grabbed my hair and pulled my head backwards. The king walked forward and looked at my face, examining me closely. He turned my face from side to side, and then gasped. I was wondering if he was looking for something. I didn't have any birth marks or scars on my face, as far as I knew.

"Tell me your name!" he demanded.

"I am Tristan, your majesty," I said. At this, the king began to tremble and choke as he stumbled back into his throne.

"What have you done to the king? You shall be killed!" the guard next to me said as he unsheathed his sword. I broke away from the grasp of the guards and unsheathed my sword.

"Do not kill him!" the king said. This time, he seemed like himself again.

"Tristan, I would like to apologize for my rudeness. I'll allow you to go to Brittany. While you are there, I hope that you do succed in learning the truth of my wife. If you do, I'll grant you with a great reward," King Mark said with and evil grin on his face.

"Thank you, my king," I said. For some reason, I had an uneasy feeling as the king signed the paper and allowed me to leave. Maybe he was sending me on a ship that leads to my death. I then had an idea.

"Your majesty, before I leave, there is something that I would like to tell you," I said.

"Yes, of course. What is it?" he asked.

"There is a young maiden I know who will be asking to ride abroad your ship to Brittany. She should come here either today or tomorrow. If there is one request you can grant for me, please let her ride the ship without hesitation. She wants to join me on the quest to learn of your wife," I said.

"Ah, I see. I shall grant your request, Tristan. Please tell me, is this young maiden beautiful?" he asked.

I did not know how to respond, and I didn't know if I wanted the king to know much about Rosetta.

I sighed and simply said, "Yes, she is." An evil grin came across his face.

I scowled at him and said, "You will do me one more favor; do not harm her in any way, or else you will hear from me," I said.

"Oh, I will not harm her. I will be sure that she arrives to Brittany safely. Now, be gone with you! I hope that you are successful and have a safe journey across the sea," King Mark said.

I knelt down. "Thank you, your majesty," I said.

After I exited the palace a group of guards led me to the ship. There, I saw an old friend of mine who had been dubbed a few years ago.

"Hello, Sir Michael. How are you?" I asked.

His eyes widened. "Tristan? I can't believe that it's really you! How have you been? I mean, shouldn't you be at school?" he asked.

"I have been rewarded by performing my final mission," I said.

"Really? So, why are you going to Brittany?" Sir Michael asked.

I recounted the entire story, from Sir Matthew telling me of my assigned mission, meeting with the friars and Balrid, and finally, talking to King Mark.

"I can't believe this, Tristan. I wish I were as lucky as you," he said.

"Yes. But, I am making a risk by going on this mission. If I do not succeed, I may prove that I am not fit to become a knight," I said.

"Tristan, you will succeed. You cannot doubt yourself. Sir Matthew wouldn't have sent you on your final mission if he did not believe you were ready. You just need to believe in yourself, and you can accomplish anything," Sir Michael said.

I sighed. Everyone told me that, and it never made me feel better.

Eventually, the ship took off. While we were sailing, Sir Michael and I had a chance to talk.

"So, what has become of you ever since you've been dubbed?" I asked.

"Well, I think you already know that I work for the king now. I serve with all the traveling, especially when I need to speak with the kings of other lands. I sometimes act as a messenger," he said.

"Interesting. And what has become of your family?" I asked.

"My mother has unfortunately died, but my father still lives, even though he is still in poor health. He said that he will not die until he marries off my two younger sisters," he said.

I laughed. "I know, I've heard that many fathers are like that nowadays. But Sir Michael, are you married yet?" I asked.

"Yes, I married about two years ago and I have one young boy and another child on the way. I met my wife when I was finishing my knightly training. I had asked her if I could be my knight, and she accepted. Before I knew it, I had proposed to her, and we married," he said.

"When did you know it was the right time?" I asked.

"Well, I just knew. After I had found myself a job where I was well paid and could support a wife and family, I felt ready. I eventually proposed, and everything fell into place. Why do you ask?" he said.

"Oh, I just wanted to know, Michael. I myself want to propose to a young maiden after I am finished with my knightly training. Do you remember the girl named Rosetta?" I asked.

"Ah, yes, how could I forget? Is this the maiden whom you will open your heart to?" Michael asked.

"Aye, that is my wish," I said, blushing.

"She has grown into a beautiful young woman now, has she not?" he asked.

"She has, and I hope that I can marry her after I am dubbed," I said.

For a long while, Sir Michael and I spoke of knightly training, and our other duties. He began to tell me of his trips he had made to Brittany, and he taught me how to speak, behave, the best inns to stay in and so forth.

After a few days, we had all become weary from traveling by sea. No one really spoke to each other, and we all just slept and ate. However, all was well when we finally landed on the shores of Brittany.

"Well Tristan, this is France. How do you like it?" Sir Michael asked.

"I think that it's beautiful," I said. And it was; Brittany was an amazing city to behold. Upon my first appearance, I couldn't believe that I had come from here. Maybe my parents were people of importance. I couldn't be stupid, for they must have been, or else I wouldn't have become a knight.

There was only one question I could ask myself; now that I was in Brittany, where do I begin searching?

A/N: Ok, I hope you didn't find this chapter too long! I hope that you liked it. Now, don't forget to review if you want to know who or what Tristan discovers in Brittany!