When Canopus opened his eyes, he was already in the gap between the mortal world and Fairyland.
"How could that Basilisk transform? And into the form of an Egyptian god, no less." Still shaken, Canopus climbed to his feet as the gray mist around him slowly dispersed.
"Don't worry about that now. Get over here."
A voice came from within the mist, one Canopus found especially familiar.
"Sister Morgan?"
"Did you think I'd miss your knighting ceremony?" the voice said irritably. "Hurry up. Everyone's waiting for you."
Canopus stepped forward. The armor stained with snake blood transformed back into soft robes, the red blood upon his white gown evoking the grim brutality of a battlefield.
A bright crimson carpet lay beneath his feet, with long tables on either side. The Knights of the Round Table whom Canopus had once defeated sat behind them, their eyes full of satisfaction as they urged him onward with their gazes.
Further ahead, the knights in their seats had their faces obscured by gray mist. Only Tristan, whom he had met before, sat in the second seat on the right, while Gawain occupied the first seat on that side.
Morgan, dressed in magnificent courtly attire, sat with dignified poise upon the throne in the center.
Her eyes were full of joy as she looked at Canopus, but in this solemn setting, she could not speak freely.
A little fairy dressed in splendid clothing flew over. Canopus recognized it as one of the fairies who served Morgan.
The little fellow kept its pretty face stern as it beat its transparent wings and held out a hand to Canopus.
Smiling, Canopus removed his oak sword and handed it to the little fairy.
The fairy held the precious sword horizontally with some difficulty and presented it to Gawain,