‘Bedivere! You and Kay have excelled yourselves this night!’ King Arthur cuffed him lightly and moved on to take his place with the queen. The rest of the servants silently continued their work, ignored by King Arthur and his guests as if they didn’t exist. Meg saw now why Stephen and El had come to the conclusion they were invisible here. The servants could see everyone all right, but did not dare to address them.
At King Arthur’s command, the assembly sat down at the table. Each knight had his own chair, with his name carved upon it; a banner bearing his coat of arms floated behind. King Arthur’s banner, with its huge red dragon, was the most splendid of them all. Ladies and other guests sat among the knights, each vying for the attention of their favourite.
After placing the food on t
