The next morning, Merlin armed Owaine while Arthur tried to coach him. Gowen sat in the corner of the room, sipping some wine and nursing his ribs. Next to him was Sir Pellinore, who had been ordered to act as his bodyguard for the time being.
"Your ribs should've healed by now," said Pellinore.
"Yes, it's strange," said Gowen. "But it does give me an excuse to drink."
"You've never fought in mortal combat before," said Arthur. "It's different. It's not like the training."
"Yeah, I know," said Owaine.
Arthur grabbed Owaine and turned him around. "Listen to me. The problem is you've never seen him fight. You have to quickly get the measure of him."
"But I have the same advantage," said Owaine. "He's never seen me fight."
"True," said Arthur.
"You've watched me?" said Owaine.
"Yes," said Arthur.
"And?" said Owaine.
"And I know no one braver." Arthur put his hand on Owaine's shoulder. "Remember, all it takes to kill a man is one well aimed blow."
The two were interrupted by the arrival of Gwen and Gowen. Gwen curtsied. "The Lady Morgana asked me to give you this token. She wishes you to wear it for luck."
Gwen handed Owaine a red sash. Owaine took it. "You can thank her and tell her I shall wear it with pride, but I won't need luck."
This statement was followed by a gloomy silence and an exchange of nervous looks that was only interrupted by Gowen, who stood up and hobbled over to Owaine. "Here, how about you have a drink? Calm your nerves before battle."
"No, I need to be level headed," said Owaine. "Maybe after I've won."
"By then I'll have drunk it all," said Gowen.
Arthur pointed to Pellinore. "You, take his drink away."
"With pleasure." Pellinore took the goblet and gulped down what remained of the drink. "You have good taste in wine, I'll give you that."
"Thanks," said Gowen. "You know, maybe I should take you to the tavern some time."
"I'd like that," said Pellinore.
"Come on you two," said Arthur.
Pellinore dragged Gowen to the stands, though having just downed Gowen's drink, Pellinore stumbled to get to his seat. The two sat with the other knights next to Uther, who was shooting disapproving looks at them. Morgana rolled her eyes at the two. "I see you haven't missed this opportunity to get drunk."
Gowen chuckled. "Regardless of what happens next, we'll all be reaching for the wine when the day is done. I'm just being prepared."
On the field, Arthur lead Owaine to face the black knight. On his arm Owaine wore Morgana's favor. Arthur handed Owaine his helmet and whispered something to him. Arthur then got between them to announce the rules of the duel. "This fight will be to the knights' rules and the death."
Owaine put on his helmet and took his sword. The black knight grabbed his sword with both hands, forgoing his shield. Arthur got up on the stands and shouted, "Let battle commence!"
The black knight struck the first blow. Owaine raised his shield to block it and desperately tried to defend himself from the vicious onslaught. The black knight had Owaine falling back. Owaine eventually found an opening and attacked, only to be kicked to the ground. The black knight went to strike, but Owaine dodged it. Owaine got up and was met by more blows. The black knight swung his sword at Owaine again and again. Owaine blocked each one with his shield. Suddenly, Owaine stabbed the black knight. The black knight was unable to stop Owaine's sword and was impaled by the blow. For a moment, it looked like Owaine had triumphed. A cheer came from the spectators, but it was premature. The black knight charged at Owaine, seemingly more incensed by before. He knocked Owaine to the ground and drove his sword into the young knight. A hush fell over the audience. The black knight turned his attention to King Uther. He marched to the King and threw his gauntlet to the ground.
"Who will take up my challenge?" said the black knight.
Arthur went for the gauntlet, but Uther held him back. Instead, Pellinore jumped from the stand and picked up the gauntlet. Gowen went to stop him, but he was too slow. Pellinore stood and faced the black knight.
"I Sir Pellinore will take up the challenge."
"Idiot," said Gowen under his breath.
"So be it." The black knight turned and left the field.
Gowen sat in the stands next to King Uther. He had gotten drunk the night before and was seen taking gulps from his goblet. No one could really blame him. Unlike Owaine's duel, the mood before Sir Pellinore's duel was grim. The crowd was silent as the two combatants faced each other. Arthur explained the rules, went to the stands, and called for the match to begin.
Unlike Owaine, Sir Pellinore was able to hold his own much better. Having watched the previous duel, Sir Pellinore anticipated the black knight's attacks. He parried the blows and even went on the offensive. At one point, Sir Pellinore caught the black knight's sword and almost managed to disarm him. The black knight escaped this hold and charged at Sir Pellinore. Sir Pellinore blocked the attack and stabbed the black knight. This time there wasn't a roar of applause from the audience. The black knight pulled away from Sir Pellinore, and it was clear that the blow had done nothing to him.
"The sword went in," said Gwen. "I'm sure of it."
"I saw it too," said Morgana.
The black knight charged and struck Sir Pellinore down. The black knight turned to face his next challenger. Uther went to stop Arthur, but it was too late and Arthur threw his gauntlet to the ground. "I Arthur Pendragon challenge you."
"So be it," said the black knight.
"Single-combat," said Arthur. "Noon tomorrow."