“Help, Merlin, help!” called Guinevere, but her cries were suddenly stifled, as though the knight who bore her before him had covered her mouth. He was the big knight who had first halted them.
Rose felt angry. It seemed to her that Merlin really ought to do something for them, something that would count.
“Dear fairy,” she whispered, “what shall we do?”
And immediately the fairy’s voice came clear and sweet.
“Keep your courage,” it said. “If you don’t get frightened, everything will come out right. But no one can help you if you are afraid.”
“I’m not afraid,” replied Rose sturdily. And with the words she felt a glow run over her, chasing away the chill that had struck into her very vitals when the knight dragged her up in front of him. “We’ll beat them,” she added, and laughed.
Just then the knight who rode ahead with Ruth drew rein, checking his steed. Looking by him Rose saw that the way was blocked by a knight in red.
Instantly the three black knights dropped their captives to the ground and prepared for battle. Ruth and Guinevere joined Rose, their eyes shining.
“We mustn’t be frightened,” whispered Rose. “The fairy has just told me. There they go...!”
Bang! The first of the black knights spurred his horse straight at the red knight, who set his spear in rest, and charged to meet the onslaught.