The Once and Future King: Book 3, Chapter 45 Summary & Analysis

Arthur, Guenever and Lancelot are on the eve of their Indian summer—gossip has been silenced and discourtesy put down. Arthur's kingdom is finally at peace.

However, Lancelot has to face one last challenge. There is a knight, Sir Urre from Hungary, who in his last tournament sustained so many wounds that they would never heal. It is said a curse had been put on him, and only the hands of the greatest knight in the world would close the wounds. Sir Urre has finally made it across the Channel to Britain and is asking for Lancelot to heal him. Arthur arranges it that at the Pentecost feast at the Carlisle court, every knight will attempt to heal Sir Urre.

It is the feast of Pentecost and Lancelot is hiding in the harness-room. Whole lines of Knights are waiting to heal Sir Urre—half of them already having failed. Lancelot does not wish to try this miracle; he knows he will fail and knows then all the people will see his shame.

Finally, it is Lancelot's turn. He kneels next to Sir Urre but pleads with Arthur not to make him do this. But Arthur commands him too. Over in the stands, Guenever watches as Lancelot touches the knight. Suddenly, people are gathering around the two knights; Arthur is crying and gentlemen throw their hats. She hears "It shut like a box!" Meanwhile, Lancelot is kneeling next to the healed Sir Urre, weeping.