A cry ran like wildfire through the crowd. "The Queen has a champion--bring her to the Stone!" Guenevere stood quite still. The gold-clad stranger entered the ring around the Stone Circle and made straight for her. "Raise the Queen to the Stone!" For one long moment the newcomer faced her, his gold and silver knights on either side. Then the strong mailed hands of the were gripping her by the elbows, and she was lifted above their heads onto the top of the great stone. As her feet found purchase, she steadied herself, then turned to face the people. Gripping the edges of her golden cloak, she raised her arms like wings, offering herself to the land, to the night, to the Gods, and to the Goddess of them all. There was a groan from the hillside like the shrieking of the earth: "The Queen! The Queen! Guenevere the Queen!" Below her she could see Malgaunt, white with the shock of defeat. Beside him Lucan fell to his knees, his eyes raised in adoration, his hand on his heart. But nearest of all was the unknown stranger, the lord of gold. His three knights converged on their leader and vaulted him up on the Queen Stone at her side. "Who are you?" He knelt before her and took her hand in his gold-mailed fist. Reverently he touched it to her forehead, then brought it to his helmet's cold metallic lips. Then he clenched his fist and placed it on his heart. I am your champion, his actions said, Your champion and your servant, for as long as I live. Excerpted from Guenevere, Queen of the Summer Country by Rosalind Miles All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
