In France, 15-year-old Lancelot, having recently returned from Arthur’s court, imagines himself as one of Arthur’s knights. Yet he is troubled by an inner turmoil that he cannot name—a sense of flawed character and a bleak destiny.

Lancelot spends his waking hours in the armory or practicing “tilting” (jousting) in the field. At night, he obsesses over the minutiae of the chivalric code. For three years, he devotes his life completely to becoming the best knight he can to win Arthur’s favor and love.

Lancelot’s uncle Gwenbors—whose expertise is chivalry—is a mentor to him. From Gwenbors, he learns about armor and fencing. One morning, Merlyn comes to visit; at his side is his love, Nimue. Lancelot is now 18, and Arthur has reserved a spot for him at his round table. With that news, Merlyn and Nimue vanish. Lancelot informs Gwenbors that he is leaving for England that night. A week later, Lancelot and Gwenbors sit in a boat on route to England.