Once more did Huon make the sign between them. And when he spoke, his voice was softened by pity.
“If the prayers of mortals may aid you, then know that we twain shall evermore remember you in ours, Friend, let there be peace between us.”
And a single tear dropped from the eye of the monk as he nodded twice his head.
“Your words shall be for us as rain is for the sun-parched land. Fain would we keep you with us, but this half land is not for such as you. Behind you lies the mortal world and before you Elfland. Whither would you go?”
Huon took Claramonde by the hand as he made answer:
“This be my wife, the Lady Claramonde, and I am Huon, once Duke of Bordeaux in the realm of France. But now we are under the command of the King Oberon to journey into Elfland where he is minded to render unto us the rule of that country.”
When he had heard this the monk bowed low.
“Fair lord and lady, greatly are we honored by your coming among us. At the breaking of the dawn I myself shall lead you to that point from which you may pass into your own domain.”
So when the rose dawn light was in the sky the monk led them forth from the White Abbey and between two green hills. And there before them lay a pleasant and smiling land wherefrom arose the tall towers of castles and the glittering walls of stout cities. Fairer than any they had ever seen was that land. But the monk would not look upon it. Rather did he cover his face with his two hands as he said:
“Go forth into your own place and prosper there. Before you lies now the land you seek.”
And as Huon and Claramonde went down into that green and golden land there sounded in the air the trumpets of a mighty host as would hail the coming of great and worthy souls.
XVIII. HOW HUON AND CLARAMONDE WERE GREETED BY OBERONAND CAME INTO THEIR KINGDOM
Thus were these two welcomed into their land and they came to the castle where Oberon was. Now when he saw them enter his hall he arose in great joy and came forward to them. And each he embraced and kissed in greeting, saying:
“Dear friends, now do I rest content, for you have fulfilled the promise made long ago and have come hither to take from me the heavy burden of kingship, so that I may go hence and rest in Paradise. Now shall I summon unto this court all those who owe service and loyalty to me so that they may swear the same unto you.”
And he took Huon and Claramonde to the top of the highest tower in that keep and from a bow of ebony and gold he loosed four arrows, north, east, south and west. As these flew through the air they gave forth a marvelous trilling which was the summons of the High King of Elfland.
Then in answer to that there gathered from the four corners of that land a diverse and wondrous company. From the mountains came dwarfs and kobolds, goblins and air sprites. From out of the streams sprang merpeople and nixies and the green kelpies. From the fire darted forth the glowing salamanders and dragons, and out of the green earth came the elves and will-o’-wisps, nymphs and fauns.
To all these did Oberon speak of his going, and they sorrowed, for long had he ruled them and just and wise in all ways had been that rule. Then he brought forward Huon and Claramonde, and all those gathered there did swear to them fealty and all loyalty.
But when this was done there came another into that hall, behind him a train of armed warriors. And this was that Arthur who had once reigned in Britain and for many years had dwelt thereafter in Avalon between the worlds. And he reproached Oberon with these words:
“How this. King Oberon? If you choose to go out of your kingdom, that is your right, which no man will gainsay you. But why have you summoned this mortal, who is but a green youth, to rule in your place? Elfland needs a strong hand over it and that hand be mine!”
And those who had accompanied him echoed that claim. But Oberon only shook his head and replied:
“It is true that the laws made by men do not run in this land and our ways are not their ways. But still are we subject to certain decisions which may not be altered. Upon my first meeting with this Huon it was made plain to me that it was he who was ordained to follow me upon this throne. So are we all bound—”
But the countenance of Arthur was red with wrath and he broke in upon the words of Oberon.
“I, who was King in Britain, shall not be second in this other world. Let this youth beware of me if he dares to lay any commands upon me or mine!”
On hearing this Oberon, too, lost his serenity and he replied hotly:
“Not yet has my power departed from me. So I say unto you, Arthur, be not so rash in provoking my wrath. For it is in my mind to lay a doom upon you. Persist in this rebellion and you shall return to the mortal world a ravening creature. Man by day and wolf by night. And all shall hate and fear you until your miserable death.”
But Huon dared then to put out his hand and touch the clenched fist of Oberon. And he said:
“Lord Kings, both of you be mighty men and powerful lords. Raise not your anger against one another over this matter. All men knoweth the worth of Arthur of Britain. Who be I to take what is his?”
Oberon smiled then upon Huon, and he thought for a moment before turning to Arthur with these words:
“This other world be very great. No one, even I, knows its true boundaries. And beyond it lies that evil which is always pressing against the lands of light. It is the duty of him who rules here to be ever on his guard against the blackness—to be at eternal war with the evil from beyond. Therefore I give unto you, Arthur, the marches of the East, to hold with all your strength and spirit. And to you, Huon, I give the wardenship of the West, and you shall both king it in this world with no dispute between you.”
Then did Huon and Arthur clasp hands in good friendship and swear upon their honor that it should be as Oberon had decided. ‘
So did Oberon put off his crown and sword and all the trappings of his kingship, and he blessed his people there assembled to do him honor. Then he kissed first Claramonde with the kiss of peace, and then Huon and Arthur. Alone did he walk down that hall, all making a clear path before him and when he came nigh unto that great window which formed one end of the room, there shone in through it a bar of light, which was gold and silver, and all the colors of Heaven and earth intermingled. And from this bar of light, which seemed to those watching like unto a gate, there came the sound of wondrous singing.
Oberon looked upon those of his court for the last time. And he smiled full sweetly. Then he stepped through this gate of Paradise and was gone from them.
Since the world of Elfland no longer borders so close upon the world of mortals, having slipped somewhat awry in time and space, no man truly knows what now chances therein. But rumor says that Huon holds well the marches of the West against those evil things which breed in the dark to trouble the souls of men and that this valiant war never ceases nor shall until the Day of Judgment. With the face of fair youth and the wisdom of age he and his lady reign in Elfland to the greater good of all mankind.
And this be the story of Huon, once Duke of Bordeaux, the end of it being unknown to this very hour.