(A Continuation of King Arthur and His Knights of 51)
"What are you doing next Saturday Johnny?" Roy asked as he and the other members of Station 51's 'A' shift changed into their uniforms in the locker room.
"I don't have any plans yet, why? Does your wife have another cousin in town?" Johnny asked giving Roy a suspicious look.
"No, it's nothing like that at all. It's just.....remember all that stuff I said the previous owner of the house left behind in the attic?" Roy asked. He continued, as his partner nodded. "I thought I'd finally tackle it next weekend, so I went up last night to have a look. It's really a two-man job. You wouldn't believe how much junk is up there!"
"Well.....my idea of a day off isn't spending it in a dusty old attic, but if you throw in dinner, maybe I can be persuaded," Johnny said, with a teasing grin.
"How about dinner and lunch?" Roy asked, grinning back.
"Good deal."
Just then Captain Stanley poked his head through the door and glared at everyone. "Gentlemen, am I the only one working today?" he asked.
"Be right there Cap!" Roy said, giving Johnny a look. Everyone hurriedly finished dressing and headed for roll call.
"Man, his first day back, and it's starting already!" Johnny said.
"Why's he such a grouch today? It was just a broken arm and a concussion!" Chet spoke up from behind him.
"Be quiet Chet, he'll hear you!" Marco said.
"Big deal, I know I already have latrine duty," Chet said, getting a few chuckles from some of the guys.
Despite the way the day started, the crew of 51's didn't see much of their Captain that day. When they weren't on a run or eating, their leader was in the office with the door closed. They could tell he was preoccupied with something, but no one wanted to ask him what. They were all relieved when the shift ended. By the following shift Captain Stanleys' good humor seemed to have been restored and all was back to normal. The guys just wrote it off as a case of nerves upon his returning to work for the first time after the accident, and his behavior was quickly forgotten.
"Man, Roy, is all this their stuff or is some of it yours?!" Johnny said, looking around in disbelief.
"It was all theirs, except for these boxes over here," Roy said, indicating three large cartons nearby.
"And I'll bet it's all junk," Johnny said, shaking his head as he looked at the cluttered room.
"No kidding. That's why they left it," Roy said.
"Well where should we start? There's not a whole lot of room up here," Johnny said.
"Why don't you take the left side and I'll take the right, and we'll work our way down," Roy said.
"Sounds good to me. Do you want to look through this stuff or just junk it?" Johnny asked, pulling a box toward him.
"It's all going to the dump. If we stop to look through it all, we'll never get finished," Roy said, giving the room a critical look. The attic space wasn't large, it was roughly 12' x 14', but it was packed with cartons and boxes and trunks, not to mention the odd bit of furniture.
"I guess you're right Roy. I suppose the sooner we get started, the sooner we get finished," Johnny said, and sneezed. The attic was also very dusty and liberally adorned with spider webs. Roy grinned.
"Hope you're ready for a workout partner, because I have the feeling it's going to be a long day," he said, lifting a box and heading for the stairs. Johnny picked up a crate of books and followed him.
"I'm not sure this is going to be worth lunch and dinner pally," he said, trailing Roy down the stairs.
"It's too late to change your mind now! At least we don't have to do this with the kids running around, getting in our way," Roy said.
"I was wondering where everyone else is," Johnny said. He and Roy walked outside and set their burdens in the bed of Roy's pickup truck.
"Joanne went shopping and dropped the kids off at their friends'. Later she's going to pick them up and take them to a movie. They'll be back in time for dinner," Roy explained. Johnny nodded in understanding. The two men walked back into the house for the next load.
By lunch time their muscles were already protesting from the lifting and climbing. Johnny was relieved when Roy called a halt.
"Man, am I glad you have a single level house! Could you imagine carrying this stuff down two flights of stairs?!" Johnny asked as they fixed lunch for themselves in the kitchen.
"Don't even mention it! I'm just glad we don't have a basement, carrying this stuff downstairs is bad enough, but I hate to think of what it would be like to carry it up!" Roy said.
"You have a point there," Johnny said, talking while chewing his sandwich. "But really, I don't mind, it's a good thing we're off tomorrow too. I'm going to need the time to recover," he grinned, making Roy smile.
"Yeah, well, let's get back to it. I figure we're about halfway done and at this rate we'll be finished by three-thirty or so," Roy said, putting his dishes in the sink. Johnny followed suit. Rested and refreshed, they made their way back to the attic. Work was progressing steadily and smoothly when disaster struck.
Johnny was on his way down the steep, narrow, flight of stairs with a large, bulky box. He couldn't see anything but the box and the walls to either side, but he had been up and down the stairs so many times he felt he knew them. His mind was on the many possibilities of dinner and he failed to pay attention to what he was doing, and missed a step.
"Johnny!" Roy said, hearing a very loud thump, and a bang and a pained cry. He hurried to the top of the stairs and looked down to see his friend laying at the bottom, the crushed box beneath him. Worried, Roy practically flew down the steps and knelt at Johnny's side, finding him unconscious. Discovering that Johnny still had a strong pulse brought him some measure of relief, as he went to the kitchen to call for a rescue squad.
"Lancelot? Lancelot can you hear me? Are you hurt?" the familiar voice asked worriedly. Johnny groaned and slowly opened his eyes. His head hurt worse as he tried to adjust to the sudden light. He looked up into the boughs of a leafy tree, and was puzzled.
"What...what happened?" he asked.
"You fell asleep in your saddle again and took a tumble," came the amused answer. Johnny looked to the side and saw Roy. What the heck is he wearing? When did the L.A. County Fire Department start issuing chain mail and leather armor? Johnny wondered to himself. He closed his eyes and opened them again, only to find that nothing had changed. With some effort he managed to sit up, amazed to find that he too, was wearing armor.
"I..uh...haven't been sleeping well lately," Johnny said, hoping this was the right answer. What the devil happened? The last thing I remember is that I was helping Roy clean out his attic.
"I shouldn't wonder, with the hours you've been keeping! I don't know how you manage to find the time to entertain all the ladies of the Court," Roy grinned. He held out a hand and helped Johnny to his feet. "Now, if you're through napping, Lancelot, we can be on our way. Arthur is expecting us in Camelot by nightfall."
Lancelot? Is that who I am? I think I've heard of him, and King Arthur of course, is that who he means? Then who is he? I never cared much for stories about knights and stuff. What is going on here? Johnny kept his thoughts to himself as he took the reins of the grey horse that Roy handed him and mounted. Roy got on his own horse and led the way through the forest. They hadn't been riding long when they heard the sound of rapidly approaching hoofbeats. Roy and Johnny halted their horses. Johnny saw Roy's hand go to his swords' hilt and did the same. He knew nothing of swordplay, but hoped he could defend himself if need be. Moments later a horse and rider crashed through the trees and scrub to their right, and came to an abrupt halt.
"My lords! I beg of you, please return with me and help my lady!" the rider spoke frantically, trying to steady his excited steed.
"Who is your lady and what is her trouble?" Roy asked.
"Her name is Isolde, daughter of King Yvain, and she has just been taken hostage by the Black Knight!" the young rider spoke rapidly. He was a youth of no more than fifteen and was clearly frightened, as he gave the two knights an imploring look.
"A lady in distress," Roy sighed, "I know your answer Lancelot. Let's ride."
Johnny flashed his familiar grin and spurred his horse forward. "Lead the way, kid!" Well, it looks like I'm still a rescue man! At least when it comes to the ladies!
"Are you really Lancelot du Lac?" asked the boy, wide-eyed with wonder? "Have I really found a knight of the Round Table?"
"You've found two of them. Yes, he really is Lancelot, and I am Bedivere," Roy said, with a small grin. "Now let us be on our way, we have wasted enough time."
The boy and the two knights raced recklessly through the woods and fields. Finally, they reached the field which was their destination.
"There," the boy said, pointing to the black pavilion in the center of the field.
"How many men?" Roy/Bedivere asked.
"Two, and the Black Knight. He claims he needs no guards, his legend as a warrior is protection enough," the boy answered.
"We'll see about that!" Johnny said, and kicked his horse into a run, heading straight for the black pavilion.
"Lancelot! Take care!" Roy/Bedivere called out, shaking his head. "Never have I met such an impulsive man." He turned his head to look at the boy. "You stay here, and wait."
Roy/Bedivere rode forward at a deliberate pace. He intended to let Lancelot handle the situation alone, but wanted to be nearby if his help should be needed.
Johnny felt the adrenaline rush that he normally got when facing a rescue situation. I don't know what the heck I'm doing, but if I'm supposed to be Lancelot I hope I have his skills. I hope this chick is cute at least. Johnny thought to himself as he cantered toward what looked to him, to be a tent. As he approached, two men disengaged from the shadows in front of it, and stepped forward to meet him. Two on one? That isn't very fair, is it? Well, they'll find out, I may be skinny, but I'm tough! As he reined in his horse, Johnny reached over and drew his sword. He was unprepared for its weight, and nearly dropped it. Raising his arm, he tested the balance of the weapon, surprised that it fit his hand so perfectly. Oh man, I hope I don't have to kill anyone, was his last quick thought as the Black Knights' two guards drew their own swords.
"Hold! This one is mine!" called out a deep, booming voice. Johnny glanced away from the two knights to see a third standing in front of the tent. The newcomer was dressed all in black, from his boots to his helm. Johnny couldn't see his face, and felt a tiny stab of fear as he realized the man was huge. That guy's gotta be at least 6'4" and 230 pounds! The other two knights stepped back. Gathering his courage, Johnny jumped off his horse, sword at the ready. He held it with two hands, in a guarding position in front of his body. He wasn't surprised to see his opponent wielding his own sword with one hand. One mistake, and he's gonna cut me in half with that thing!
While Johnny concentrated on the man in front of him, he was also aware of what was going on around him. He heard Roy ride up and halt his horse behind him. Johnny felt relieved, knowing that even as a knight, his partner was watching out for him. Suddenly, the Black Knight attacked, moving quickly for such a large man. Without thought, Johnny parried the move with his own sword, slightly amazed at himself. Sizing up the situation, he quickly decided it would be best to use his own attributes to his advantage. In a long and drawn out battle he was sure to lose, therefore, he must end it quickly. In this case he would have to rely on his speed and agility. Feinting a thrust to the Black Knight's midsection, he instead slashed at the head. Johnny felt a small measure of satisfaction as he connected solidly, knocking the helm to the ground. A moment later he feinted toward the head, turned sharply on his heel and landed a blow on the Black Knight's right arm, drawing blood. Johnny moved away quickly, despite the heavy, unfamiliar armor he was wearing.
"Lancelot!" Roy/Bedivere called out in warning, seeing the Black Knight move in, slashing with his own sword. Again Johnny moved away, but not quite quickly enough, as the Black Knight laid open his cheek with the tip of his sword. As he felt the warm flow of blood, Johnny gathered his courage and took the offensive again. He managed to land another hit on the man's right arm, drawing blood and causing him to drop his sword. Like quicksilver, Johnny had the point of his sword at the Black Knight's throat. What is it they say? Oh yeah.......
"Do you yield?" he asked softly, though his dark gaze was filled with emotion.
"I do so yield," the Black Knight answered, expelling the breath he had been holding.
"Then go to Camelot and swear your allegiance to Arthur," Roy/Bedivere said. He had come to stand behind Johnny, keeping an eye on the other two knights.
"I will do so," the Black Knight said, giving a brief nod.
"Where is the lady?" Johnny demanded, not forgetting the purpose of the whole situation.
"She is within, unharmed," the Black Knight said, gesturing toward the pavilion.
"I'll just see for myself," Johnny said, heading for the entrance, not seeing the smirk on Roy/Bedivere's face.
Johnny walked through the opening, whistling. He felt good. He'd just beaten a real knight in a sword fight, no one was killed, most importantly himself, and no one was seriously injured. To top it off, he had rescued a damsel in distress. All in all it hadn't been a bad day, if he discounted not knowing how he had come to be in the situation in the first place, and ignored the persistent headache he hadn't been able to shake. Johnny was so wrapped up in his thoughts that he didn't realize at first that the tent seemed to be empty. He saw a slight movement from the corner of his eye, but before he could turn, something struck him on the head. He crumpled to the ground, but before he lost consciousness he saw the concerned face of the most beautiful girl he had ever met, leaning over him. What an incredible chick was his last thought before the blackness engulfed him.
"Johnny? Johnny, can you hear me?" the familiar voice asked. Johnny groaned and struggled to open his eyes.
"Bedivere....is that you? Wha...what happened to the girl?"
"Girl? What girl? Johnny, you have a concussion, do you understand me?"
"Be...Roy? Where am I?" Johnny asked, finally managing to open his eyes. He looked up at his concerned partner.
"You're at Rampart. You really had me worried there Junior, I didn't think you'd ever wake up!" Roy said.
"Oh man, my head is killin' me! How long was I out?" Johnny asked.
"Almost four hours. Do you remember what happened?" Roy asked.
"I think so. Did I fall down the stairs?" Johnny asked. Man, if I tell him what happened after that he'll think I've flipped!
"Yeah, you did," Roy said, his blue eyes filled with worry.
"So what were the damages?" Johnny asked. He tried to sit up and winced.
"Other than the concussion and some bruises, you took eight stitches in your cheek," Roy said. "I guess you cut it on something in that box you fell on top of."
"Oh man!" was all Johnny could say, reaching up a finger to touch the bandage on his face.
"Johnny, I'm really sorry," Roy said.
"What for? You didn't push me down those stairs you know! I shouldn't have been in such a hurry. So when do you want to finish cleaning up the attic? You still owe me dinner too!" Johnny started babbling, satisfied to see a relieved expression appear on Roy's face.
"I'll let you know. I'm gonna go find Brackett and tell him you're awake. I'll be right back," Roy said, and smiled. Johnny would have flashed his patented Gage grin, but his cheek hurt too much when he tried it.
"Ok, don't worry, I'm not going anywhere!" Johnny said as Roy left the room. What a weird dream! I think I'll keep this one to myself for a while. I know one thing though, it's good to be back, even if I do have to stay the night at Rampart!
After Roy had called Joanne from Rampart, she went to clean up the mess at the bottom of the attic stairs. The box Johnny had fallen on was crushed, but still servicible. Half of its contents had spilled out and Joanne put them back into the box. As she tossed in various items without looking, she didn't notice the sword that lay inside. Soon it was hidden from sight. She threw in the last object, and pushed the box to the side, leaving it for Roy to move later. Her task completed, Joanne closed the door leading to the attic and walked down the hall toward the kitchen.
Thanks again to Suellen, and Carol, for pushing the idea along. This one's for you Carol.
Laura Gabbard April 2000
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