But of that day came a kingdom’s ruin, for among the slain were Gawain’s brothers, Sir Gareth and Sir Gaheris.  Now Sir Launcelot loved Sir Gareth as if he had been his own younger brother, and himself had knighted him; but, in the press, he struck at him and killed him, not seeing that he was unarmed and weaponless; and in like wise, Sir Gaheris met his death.  So when word was brought to King Arthur of what had passed, Sir Gawain asked straightway how his brothers had fared.  “Both are slain,” said the messenger.  “Alas! my dear brothers!” cried Sir Gawain; “how came they by their death?” “They were both slain by Sir Launcelot.”  “That will I never believe,” cried Sir Gawain; “for my brother, Sir Gareth, had such love for Sir Launcelot that there was naught Sir Launcelot could ask him that he would not do.”  But the man said again:  “He is slain, and by Sir Launcelot.”

Then, from sheer grief, Sir Gawain fell swooning to the ground.  When he was recovered, he said:  “My Lord and uncle, is it even as this man says, that Sir Launcelot has slain my brother Sir Gareth?” “Alas!” said the King, “Launcelot rode upon him in the press and slew him, not seeing who he was or that he was unarmed.”  “Then,” cried Gawain fiercely, “here I make my avow.  Never, while my life lasts, will I leave Sir Launcelot in peace until he has rendered me account for the slaying of my brother.”  From that day forth, Sir Gawain would not suffer the King to rest until he had gathered all his host and marched against the Joyous Garde.  Thus began the war which broke up the fellowship of the Round Table.

CHAPTER XXXIII

HOW SIR GAWAIN DEFIED SIR LAUNCELOT

Now it came to the ears of the Pope in Rome that King Arthur was besieging Sir Launcelot in his castle of the Joyous Garde, and it grieved him that there should be strife between two such goodly knights, the like of whom was not to be found in Christendom.  So he called to him the Bishop of Rochester, and bade him carry word to Britain, both to Arthur and to Sir Launcelot, that they should be reconciled, the one to the other, and that King Arthur should receive again Queen Guenevere.

Forthwith Sir Launcelot desired of King Arthur assurance of liberty and reverence for the Queen, as also safe conduct for himself and his knights, that he might bring Dame Guenevere, with due honour, to the King at Carlisle; and thereto the King pledged his word.

So Launcelot set forth with the Queen, and behind them rode a hundred knights arrayed in green velvet, the housings of the horses of the same all studded with precious stones; thus they passed through the city of Carlisle, openly, in the sight of all, and there were many who rejoiced that the Queen was come again and Sir Launcelot with her, though they of Gawain’s party scowled upon him.