Tale of two knights PART IV
After reaching the castle, Hippolyta told Emily about the duel between Palemon and Arcite and their love for her. Emily became curious to meet her suitors and asked Hippolyta if she could attend the tournament. Hippolyta gave her approval.
The next morning, all the courtiers gathered, and the ground in the castle courtyard was prepared for the duel between Palemon and Arcite. Before the tournament began, both knights introduced themselves to Emily and professed their love for her. Both men were handsome and well-built, wearing knightly armor.
The tournament started, and an announcement was made about the duel between Palemon and Arcite. Whoever won would have the right to marry Emily. Queen Hippolyta turned to Duke Theseus and suggested, "Instead of a duel in which both men might be hurt and bleed, why not ask Emily what she wants?" Duke Theseus agreed, saying, "She must marry one of them in the end."
Duke Theseus and Queen Hippolyta turned to Emily and asked whether she had chosen her suitor or if she wished to give them a challenge. Emily prayed to Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, and asked her to choose the best suitor for her.
Clouds gathered, hiding the sun. Aphrodite spoke, announcing, "Whomever of these two men brings the 'Amulet of Aegis' from the long-lost island of Aegisthalos shall earn the power to protect Emily. The Amulet of Aegis is the necklace of invincibility, ensuring that Emily shall never suffer harm."
Palemon and Arcite asked Aphrodite how to find the lost island of Aegisthalos. The Goddess instructed them to call upon the sea spirit, Galene, for guidance, and then she disappeared.
Both men promised Emily that they would return first with the amulet, and they set off on their journey to Aegisthalos.
Duke Theseus assigned five knights to each of them to assist in their quest. Both men sailed in different directions, heading toward the sea. After reaching the middle of the ocean, where no land was in sight, Palemon called out to Galene.
The waves grew high, and the ship rocked back and forth as sharks surrounded their boat. Then, the sea spirit Galene appeared before Palemon— a beautiful woman with white hair, dressed in a flowing white gown, her body glowing with a radiant light.
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