Arthur and the Sword

Over the next seven years, there would be many meetings between Arthur's backside and Cai's belt. The meetings were never pleasant for either party, but all of them were well-earned.

Kai was not one to use the belt unless Arthur had been particularly naughty. Sadly, Arthur seemed to have a talent for getting into trouble. Each time, Kai would take him privately for a "discussion." The belt proved to be a very engaging speaker, and Arthur would howl out his answers and apologies in response, especially when Kai would concentrate on his sit spots and thighs.

Sometimes, Kai would vary the speaker. He would use the butter paddle if Arthur had been recently strapped to avoid injuring him, and a switch if they were on the road. Still, he always felt the belt was the best medicine. From personal experience, the fires from the leather burned fiercest.

After punishment, Kai would always sit down with him and talk to him about how to improve. Well, Kai would sit and Arthur would prefer standing;. They would shake hands and move on with their day, Arthur being a lot sorer and wiser.

Today was one of those days. They had all gone to London for the tourney to mourn the late king Uther. "You left my sword back at the castle? And you managed to get lost in the marketplace and get pickpocketed because you were too wide-eyed to pay attention?" Kai marveled at how smart his foster brother could be and still managed to create chaos. "Arthur!"

"I'm sorry, elder brother." Arthur really did look ashamed of himself, but there was a price that had to be paid for forgiveness.

"Let's start with the first offense. Tell me, little brother. What would happen if we were attacked by bandits and I had no sword?"

"We'd be in danger."

"That's right. I wouldn't be able to protect you. It was your responsibility to have my sword. Were you daydreaming again?"

"I'm sorry, Elder Brother. I was so excited to finally see London All the cathedrals and towers, it was so beautiful!"

"No more chattering. I want straight answers. What is the difference between success and failure?"

"Preparation."

"Exactly. You must always be prepared and having your weapon ready is one of the most important ways to do so. I'll find a sword, although it won't be the same as the one I'm used to."

"I'm sorry, Elder Brother. I failed you!"

"Don't worry, my little Brother. I'll still win. It will provide a good challenge for me," Kai said. "But I believe we have another matter to deal with?" He removed his belt and snapped it. "I think it's time for you to have a little discussion with your dear old friend."

Arthur hung his head. "I'm fifteen, Elder Brother. Surely, I'm too old for it."

"Aren't you too old to be careless and put us at risk?"

Arthur hung his head. "Must you?"

"I'm a man of my word. I don't like doing this any more than you do, but I will get these lessons into your thick skull so you can make something of yourself," Kaisaid, giving him a fraternal squeeze of the shoulder. "It's my duty. Such responsibility is often unpleasant but needed. Now, move along, pup." With that, he took his brother by the shoulders. It had been easier when the boy had been eight and Kaisixteen. Now, Arthur was starting to get tall and wouldn't fit over his lap.

Still, Kai had no problem guiding the boy to the cellar of the manor house they were staying in and draping him over a barrel."Stick that backside out, little brother, you've earned every stroke." He warmed the boy's backside up with a few lighter swipes, before unleashing what he planned for was eight strokes.

"Bloody hell," Arthur mumbled after the fifth.

"You dare use such language?" Kai demanded. "I warned you about this."

"I am sorry. It just flowed out. I was not thinking. I did not mean to be so crude."

"A young nobleman speaks properly or he will find sitting a forlorn prospect. Up on your toes, those sit spots seem a bit undercooked and need a good roasting."

Arthur groaned but obeyed. Kai gave him a fire in his tail that made the boy howl like a wolf at the moon. It had been a truly painful one and Kai decided to stay his hand.

"I'll give you the rest in two days. I'll be merciful, we can borrow a butter paddle." That would break the skin less.

"More?" Arthur mumbled, managing to only be teary now. He had toughened up a great deal, but his elder brother's strong right arm could still temper the boy's backside as good as any smith.

"Little brother, you lost five shillings. Perhaps we should settle it now with your dear little leathery friend. I'd say two swats of the paddle tonight for each shilling would be appropriate. But if you want to discuss more with the belt, I'll consider three now," Kai said, his tone stern.

"Sorry, Elder Brother. I am grateful for your mercy in giving me the reprieve." Arthur got up but kept his hands clapsed. He knew by now not to rub his backside until given permission.

Kai waved him off. "For now, it's over. Please, try to stay out of trouble. I'm starting to think you enjoy getting thrashings, you get them so often."

"I dread them with every fibre of my being."

"Then, think more and you'll sit easier."

There was no paddling. Kai Had been shocked when Arthur had come to him later the day, bearing a mighty sword.

On it, was a message.

Whoso pulleth out this sword from this stone is duly born King of all Britons. .

"I took it from the stone," Arthur said innocently. "No one seemed to be using it, so I thought it would be all right. I'll put it back when we are done with it, and give my pocket money for their trouble."

Kai read it again, quite sure he had gone mad.

"It's not stealing, it was in the public for anyone to use. Please don't be angry," Arthur said, his hand moving to his already sore backside. Clearly, he realized the punishment for theft would be dire.

After reading it once more, he told the nervous boy to wait while he consulted with Father. To his shock, Father nodded as if expecting it. "Bring Arthur to the High Castle of Kings. I shall gather the nobles. I've been carrying the scroll around, waiting for this moment."

Kai had no idea what Father meant but knew not to ask questions. He waved his squire over and a chattery and worried Arthur followed Kai to the High Castle. He seemed relieved it wasn't a wood shed or cellar so Kai could deal with him for stealing.

He stared wide-eyed around at the late King's castle where the barons and lords met in conference. In the Great Hall, stood a great stone anvil and a huge throne that had stayed empty for three weeks since the Old King Uther had died. "Here is where you took it, little brother?" Kai asked.

"Yes?" Arthur seemed speechless with wonder. "This place feels so familiar. I have seen it in my dreams."

Soon a crowd had gathered inside. Nobles who had come to the tourney waited around, whispering.

Arthur was brought forward by Father. "Put the sword back in," Father directed. Arthur did as he was told. He placed the sword in and everyone gasped. Arthur blinked nervously and looked pleadingly to Kai to help explain. Father kept his hand on Arthur's shoulder. "Anyone wish to try and remove it?"

A few barons tried their luck and failed miserably. Then, at Father's direction, Arthur removed it as easily as an apple from the tree.

Everyone gasped and fell to their knees. Kai had tears in his eyes as he watched a boy's hand grasp it and a young man raise it high.

"Long live the king" they cheered to the shocked young man, who looked around in sheer confusion.

"I don't understand," Arthur said, staring at the people around him.

Father held up his hand, producing a scroll. "This document, signed and sealed by Uther's hand will be examined by the council. Fifteen years ago, King Uther's good queen Igraine was attacked while she was giving birth in the convent. Everyone believed that the baby died. However, a novice spirited the baby away. Uther mourned his beloved wife and despaired for his poor child. The boy had been orphaned of his mother before his first hour. I remember how he held his baby son, weeping tears for the future."

Arthur staggered at this, looking like a little lost kitten. "You cannot mean…" he trailed off.

Father nodded. "Sire, you were born Prince Arthur, son of Uther, High King of the Britons, Lord of Camelot and Protector of the realm."

Arthur gulped and nodded. "Why did he send me away?" he asked. "Surely, he would have kept me by his side as his heir."

"My liege, you were such a small baby, so vulnerable. Uther knew there would be many attempts would be made on your life to remove you from the line of succession. To ensure your safety, Uther feared he would have to lock you away to be raised in isolation under guard. It was an unnatural horror to inflict on you, to make you a prisoner for the crime of birth. He also wanted you not to be raised as a cloistered, haughty prince, but to live a humble and peaceful would know nothing of your destiny, and have the freedom to run in the fields and laugh and make friends without fear that they were only sycophants to your title. Therefore, he entrusted you to me, his trusted lieutenant. Only my lady and I knew, and we resolved to raise you as our own foster son. When the great wizard Merlin heard of this plan, he stuck Uther's great sword Excaliber in the altar stone, so that when you, our lost prince returned, you could be identified without any able to challenge."

Arthur still looked in shock. "It cannot be possible," he pleaded. Kai felt the same, although he was so deeply proud. Arthur would be a good king. He knew it. As long as he had good advisors, his name would go down in legend. As one of those advisors, he vowed to see it through.

"But it is, my liege. On behalf of the nobles,, I must ask that you must sit and accept homage," Father directed, pointing to the empty throne. "Fetch the Royal robes and a lesser crown of state. We shall coronate him on the morrow."

Within moments, an ermine and red velvet mantle had been placed over Arthur's shoulders, and a diadem of gold. It looked good on him, the golden appearance now making him look like an angel sent from heaven.

Kai hid a smile at Arthur's brief look of panic as he was gestured to sit.

Everyone thought it was the overwhelming feeling of being king, but he knew that the welts had matured into making his poor foster brother's throne an uneasy place to sit. Kai had truly sizzled the boy for cursing and Arthur likely was sorely bruised. There was a lesson in that somewhere that thrones shouldn't be too comfortable.

As Arthur sat on the hard chair, he barely hid the wince. Kai sighed, he knew it would be smart quite a bit and he did regret spoiling the day. 'But who could prepare for one's squire becoming king in a single day?

At Father's direction, Arthur extended his hand for all nobles to declare their fealty to him. If the king squirmed a bit on his new seat, everyone thought it was nerves. He seemed to finally grasp that he was king, his expression awed. Then what Kai knew was a twinge of his backside would bring him down to Earth and he would focus on the next baron or lord.

All the nobles did homage, including Father who openly wept with joy. When they were done, Arthur raised his hand. "Lord Ector," he said in a calm voice. He had clearly been considering his next words.

Father knelt down before him, head bowed. "My king," he said reverently.

Arthur used the sword to touch Father's shoulders. "I, Arthur, High King of the Britons named you Duke Ector of Galava," he proclaimed, using the words from the stories, which Kai realized now had been fine preparation for the boy. Arthur lovingly raised Father from the ground and embraced him. The two had a whispered conversation before he turned him to the cheering crowd and raised his hand for silence.

"My lord Ector, you and your good lady adopted me and treated me as if I was truly your son. I will never forget your loyalty and kindness. As long as I am king, you and your family will always have a place of honor in my court, to sit at my right hand." Everyone applauded and Father practically had to be helped to a bench at the side, quite overwhelmed. He was no longer as young as he once was and all the excitement had clearly exhausted him.

Arthur looked out into the crowd. His blue eyes fell on Cai, and a strange smile tugged at his lips. "Approach, Sir Cai," he called out.

Kai Knelt before his young sovereign. He could not be prouder of his little foster brother, who had grown up to be a fine young man and would be a great king. "Sire, my life is yours," he proclaimed reverently.

Arthur offered his hand and smiled mischievously. He looked every inch a king, but there was still the skinny rascal in his features. "Please attend to me in the private chapel for a moment," he ordered. "I wish a moment in prayer."

Kai rose, bowed and followed his king into the small chamber behind. That must have been what Arthur had asked Father.

When the door closed into the antechamber, Kai remembered his manners, and immediately went to his knees again. "My king, shall we pray?"

A boyish chuckle was his reward. He looked up at Arthur standing over him. "I will pray later. Now, I need to talk to the scoundrel who thrashed his sovereign," he teased, with a wink. He was still speaking like the stories Kai had read him, which had prepared him so well for his new royal title.

Kai remained on his knees. 'If I recall correctly, I merely turned my squire over my knee when he was foolish. He earned every stroke by his own deeds," he said. Despite knowing that laying hands upon royal flesh was punished by death, he had no fear of his now powerful foster brother. "I often held my hand when I should have given him more."

Arthur raised him to his feet. "Of that, I have no doubt. I am often a dreamer and you set me straight," he said, clapping him on the shoulder. "Can you believe me to be a king? I haven't even become a knight yet."

Kai smiled and nodded. "I always knew you would rise far. I admit I did not think this far, but I always believed you were destined for great things. I hope Father prepared you well for it."

Arthur's expression got wistful. "I don't know if I am ready to be king. It still doesn't feel real. I think I'm still dreaming."

"Don't be afraid." Kai was also afraid of the awesome responsibility but didn't dare confess to it. Arthur needed full confidence.

Arthur held his gaze. "I only know I am not afraid. I have you and Father at my side, you will not let me fail."

Kai bowed his head. "Sire, I am and will be your most humble and obedient servant until my last breath."

"You are my elder brother," Arthur said with all seriousness. "That will not change. Your parents and you are my family. You must share my quarters and my wealth and honor."

"My king is too generous," Kai said. "It was an honor we had to raise our king and we would do it again, even if he turned out to be the son of a blacksmith."

Arthur's eyes welled up and he blinked them away. "I know. And that's why I am so grateful." He hugged his brother tightly. "I wouldn't have traded my life to be cosetted in some palace, always under guard and people licking my boots. Even if it would have meant having a whipping boy," he said, grimacing. "Sitting on that throne has not been easy and it's been less than an hour."

Kai reached out and squeezed the king's shoulder a gesture he knew to never repeat in public. "Forgive me for making this homage ceremony so painful."

"By all rights, I should have a score to settle with you, you nearly tanned the skin off me. I shall be merciful and pardon you this time. One good thing about being king. At least I know I won't be having conversations with any butter paddles or belts ever again."

Kai smirked. "I wouldn't be too sure. It is my view that should a little brother ever stray from the proper path, an elder brother is always ready to fulfill his duty and take him for a quiet walk into the woods to have a personal discussion." He fingered his sword belt meaningfully.

Arthur gulped. "Don't forget, I'm still your king." His voice had gotten higher with a twinge of fear.

Kai winked. "Don't forget, you ordered me to still be your elder brother. Besides, it's not like I can spare you. If you and I neglect our duties, Father will thrash us both."

"I suppose even kings have their limits," Arthur said with a long-suffering sigh, as they both laughed. "There are worse things than stern fathers and elder brothers." He suddenly gasped in excitement. "I just thought of an honor for you."

He motioned for Kai to follow him out back to the grand chamber and raised his hand for everyone's attention. "My good and loyal people, I give you Sir Kai the Trusted, my most precious foster brother and greatest friend a man could ask for. No blood brother could be as kind and loving as he. Like his parents, I honor him as first among nobles. I further honor by appointing him my seneschal, my companion, and my second. I hereby order the commission of a silken cloth belt of the softest and most expensive materials for his new position of office."

Everyone cheered. Kai bowed deeply. "Thank you, Your Majesty," he said, "You honor me. I shall wear it with pride."

"Good." Arthur squirmed a bit as he sat back on his throne. He leaned over and whispered. "No more leather belts for you in my presence. As your first duty, have a pillow brought for this throne. I swear it's like sitting on a brazier," he whispered, miserably.

Kai smiled. "As my king commands." Those welts had tempered a boy into a king. He was quite proud indeed.

—