"A Californian in King Maxwell's Court"

Summary: First in the "Dreams of a Concussed Mind" series. An injury at the
Mall sends Pam on a wild trip with knights, maidens and a joust, plus a few
more surprises.

__________________________________________

It was a warm spring day and Ralph and Pam were walking around the mall
and enjoying the day off. Ralph told Bill to not bother the two unless is
was an absolute emergency... as in it could destroy California or the world.

Ralph turned to his wife and smiled. "So, where do you want to go now," he
asked.

"Well, I thought we could go ice skating," said Pam. Seeing Ralph wince,
she smiled. "I mean you have the suit on, so you shouldn't worry about
falling down all the time."

The blonde-haired man chuckled. "OK, I'll admit that I have fun skating,
but it's always better when you try to help me up," he said giving a wink.

Pam laughed, only to stop when Ralph stared at a store sign. She could
tell it *wasn't* because he was interested in the items inside. "Ralph, what
is it hun? Are you getting a holograph?"

"Yeah, that store's being robbed," said Ralph as he ducked into a hallway
and started unbuttoning his shirt to change into the jammies. Just then, a
man ran out of the store and into the hallway, gun drawn. A woman saw the
scene and screamed, while other mall-goers started running around.

The gunman started shooting several shots into the area. Pam, worried
someone would get hurt, picked up a baseball from the sports store and threw
it at the man. The throw hit the gunman's arm as he fired a shot. The bullet
broke a support wire to a dragon display near the kids' playground about 15
feet away from him. Realizing who the thrower was, he turned to aim a shot
at Pam.

Ralph, trying to take off his shirt, decided enough of the suit was
showing, ran through the hallway and crashed into the gunman. The gunman's
head struck the floor, knocking him out.

Ralph looked up and frowned. "Pam, I know you want to help, but this was
one time you shouldn't have done that," he said.

"I know hun, but he could've hurt someone, especially a child here in the
kids' play area," said Pam as she stood near the playground. There were a
couple of kids hiding in the tunnels, crying for their parents but all
right.

"True, but still I have the suit and would be protected. I don't want you
to get hurt," he said as he saw the security guard come up and took the
gunman into custody.

As Ralph and the security guard talked, Pam started to think about what
Ralph said. 'Huh, I know he has the suit, but he doesn't always have to be a
knight in his funny armor,' she mused. Pam woke up out of her thoughts when
she heard a groaning noise and a snap. Turning around, she saw the head of
the dragon start to tilt at an odd angle. Hearing another snap, Pam watched
in horror as the head started to swing down toward the ground. A man was
standing underneath, oblivious to the danger.

"Look out," Pam screamed as she ran over and shoved the man away. Pam felt
a sharp pain in her head before the world grew dim and she fell to the
ground....

Ralph saw Pam receive a glancing blow from the fairly heavy fiberglass
dragonhead and fall to the ground. "Pam!" he shouted and ran over to her
motionless form. Kneeling, he checked Pam's pulse and breathing. Lifting an
eyelid to look into her eyes, Ralph frowned when he saw they were rolled
into the back of her head. He became more worried when she wouldn't respond
to his shaking her shoulder or vocal commands.

Ralph looked up at the man Pam shoved out of the way, who was shaken but
unhurt. "Call the paramedics," he said.

The man nodded and Ralph turned back to his wife. "Pamela, this is no time
to take a nap... Come on honey wake up.... Pam.... " he kept urging....

___________________________________

Pam felt a warm breeze caress her cheek as she slowly opened her eyes.
Wincing at the bright light and the slight pain in her head, she frowned.
"Ralph, hun what happened," she said groggily. Sitting up, Pam was shocked
to see that she was not in the middle of the mall, but a field.

"What..." she said dumbfounded and rubbed her eyes in disbelief. "How did
I get here? If Ralph decided to fly us to some exotic location while I was
asleep..."

Her thoughts were stopped when she saw a man running from a distance. To
her surprise, he reminded her of the person she shoved out of the way...
when did she shove someone, she thought... and was wearing green tights, a
long gray tunic and a belt. "Milady are you all right," said the man. "We
saw you fall down and we were afraid you were unwell."

'Great, Ralph decided to bring me to the Renaissance fair,' she grumbled
to herself as she stood. "Uh no, just tripped over my own two feet like a
normal klutz," she chuckled. Seeing the man's puzzled look, she sighed
remembering that the actors tried to keep in period language and get patrons
to do it too. "I am well," she said.

"I am glad. My master, he is a knight, was concerned you might've been
injured. May I ask what your name is fair maiden," he said.

"Well, I'm Pam, er Pamela."

"I am Derek of his majesty King Maxwell's court," he said. "Come,
prithtee, to where my master is."

"Your master," she chuckled. "Come on, no one else is here, you can talk
to me about the real world. So, how do you think the Dodgers will do the
rest of the season?"

"I beg your pardon?"

"You know the Dodgers, the baseball team? They're right now playing the
Astros and then they have to play the Mets before the All-Star break. Well,
that's what I've heard anyway from my friends."

"Milady are you sure you are well," he said. "I don't know anything about
these 'Dodgers' or 'Astros.' The only 'Astros' I have heard is our
'astro'loger and healer."

Pam looked at the man to see if he was just trying to keep in character,
but she noticed from the look in his eye that he was very serious in his
comments. She started to think about what she was seeing. There were no
booths, no jousts, nothing that resembled a fair. 'This isn't a Renaissance
fair,' she thought, frowning. 'This is real, but I don't see Ralph. Where is
he?'

She started to say something as she saw a man wearing some sort of suit of
chain mail armor and draped with a black cloak with red trim come riding in
on a white stallion. "Milady, what brings you to our fair land," he said as
he dismounted.

Pam blinked in surprise as she took in the man's appearance. He was fairly
tall, lean, had soft blue eyes... and blonde, curly hair. She started to
say something when the world started to spin and grimaced as she felt a pain
in her head.

The man, seeing her sway, frowned. "Are you all right milady," he started.

Pam nodded weakly, but the dizziness and pain in her head increased and
she started to topple over. She felt strong arms catch her, and her last
thought before passing out was what was Ralph doing here in the Middle Ages
too... but not know her.

____________________________________

Derek watched in concern as he his master lowered Pam to the ground. "Sir
Ralph, what is wrong with the maiden," he asked.

"I am afraid Derek she had a bit of a fright and swooned," he said gently
patting Pam's hand. Pam stirred and looked around, seeing Ralph's
doppelganger offer her what appeared to be a canteen. "Milady are you well?
Here, have a sip of wine."

Pam shook her head, trying to clear her head of the cobwebs. "Fine, I
think I just fainted," she said as she sat up and accepted a sip of the
wine. "I'll be all right soon. What is your name?"

"I am Sir Ralph, and I am glad you are feeling better," said Ralph. "My
page and I were headed toward the castle to participate in a tournament when
we saw you fall down in the meadow and a horse running off. As it appears we
cannot retrieve your horse, would you like to join us on our trip there?"

Pam smiled. "I'd like that, thank you." Sir Ralph nodded and picked up Pam
in his arms. Noticing her questioning look, he smiled. "Sorry for assuming,
milady. I did not want you to swoon again and as such wanted to help you get
on my steed."

Pam, not really used to this sort of babying, only chuckled as she was
placed on the horse and Sir Ralph mounted, sitting behind her. When Derek
after he retrieved his horse, Sir Ralph clicked his tongue and his horse
started forward.

As they rode to the castle, Pam winced and rubbed her head. Sir Ralph
frowned. "Milady I believe we need to take you to a healer," he said.

Pam shook her head. "No, I'm sure I am well, it's just I'm trying to
remember how I got here," she said. "I remember was I was in the mall and I
shoved someone away from something..."

"I do not know what this 'mall' is, but it is not wise to tax yourself
with worries, as it will only make you ill again," he said. "However, I must
confess that I do have a worry myself, and it concerns the tournament."

Pam was going to ask, but they arrived at the castle. The guardsmen,
obviously knowing who this Ralph was, lowered the drawbridge and the group
crossed. Once inside, Ralph dismounted and helped Pam off the horse as well.
"Milady..." he started.

"Please call me Pamela," she said, realizing for certain now that Pam
would probably receive an odd response. Sir Ralph nodded. "As you wish. Lady
Pamela, I will talk to one of the maids and see if I can get you more proper
attire. We are going to have a feast with the king and it would be unseemly
to be wearing men's attire."

Pam made a face, but realized that he did know best in this case. "All
right, I will wait here with Derek for you," she said.

As Sir Ralph turned to head inside a building, the group heard a shout and
the beginning sound of sword fighting.

"Damn," said Sir Ralph and blushed, remembering Pam was there. "Sorry,
milady. I must head over there and help.... apologies for what I'm about to
do next."

Pam was confused at his comment, but then she saw Sir Ralph pull off his
cloak, revealing there was more to the chain mail than she thought. Sir
Ralph was wearing a suit of armor, but instead of all silver, was also red
and black and had a familiar symbol... just like the jammies. Sir Ralph then
ran faster than a train to the fight. Derek and Pam followed and, ducking
behind a cart full of food, watched the melee. Pam was surprised to see that
this Ralph dispatched the swordsmen just like her Ralph did... by throwing
them around. After a few minutes, the swordsmen were lying around in various
states of injury or consciousness. Smiling, he turned around and noticed Pam
and Derek looking on. "Lady Pamela, I hope I did not startle you," he said.

"No, you just remind me of someone I know," Pam said wryly. "Who were
those men?"

"My guess is they are Giles Arseen's men," he said, frowning. "They have
been trying to take over King Maxwell's kingdom for some time. I have been
bequeathed with special powers to fight them off... Well, I can explain
better later on. As of now, we need to head back to where we were so you can
change your clothes and we can join the king for his feast."

The trio departed, not noticing Arseen following their every moment. "Well
now, you think you can defeat me Sir Ralph," he said. "Just wait until the
tournament. I will make sure it is a tournament you never forget... in the
hereafter."

------------------------------------------------

After about a half hour having maidservants fuss with her, Pam walked out
in a rose colored gown and met Sir Ralph and Derek. They walked to the
king's throne room to be greeted with a feast. Pam's eyes widened when she
saw Bill on
the thronel... well apparently here King Maxwell. She stumbled a
bit, only to have Sir Ralph steady her. "I'm all right, I just stumbled,"
said Pam, blushing slightly.

Sir Ralph nodded and grinned as the three walked up to the king, bowing.
"Your Majesty, Sir Ralph and Page Derek at your loyal service," said Sir
Ralph. "And may I present Lady Pamela of..." He turned to Pam. "I didn't ask
where you hail from, Lady Pamela."

"Uh, California," said Pam quickly, hoping it sounded somewhat believable
to the group.

"Lady Pamela of California," said Sir Ralph.

The king nodded. "It is indeed an honor to meet you Lady Pamela, please
join us for dinner. We will have entertainment shortly."

Pam sat down looking at the food layout. There was every type of food
imaginable, and some things that she had never seen before. As they ate
dinner, a group of entertainers entered and bowed. Rolling her eyes, Pam
started chuckling. The minstrels looked like Cyler, Rhonda and Paco. The
fourth, a jester, looked just like Tony.

The king smiled. "Proceed with your song," he said.

Cyler and Paco took out a lyre and a small drum and began playing as
Rhonda started singing. "Alas, my love you do me wrong..." she began.

Tony decided to take the moment and start talking in the middle of the
song, upsetting the king. "Be silent jester," he said. "You will have your
turn to entertain once the minstrels finish their song."

"Good sir, it is just that I have a very funny joke I'd like to say right
now and..." he started only to be stopped when Rhonda kicked him in the seat
of his pants. The jester frowned while Rhonda looked around as though she
didn't do anything. This charade allowed Cyler to give him a kick as well,
much to the amusement of the court.

Tony, however, was not amused. "All right, if you the three of you are
quite done with your humor, perhaps I can sing..." He started to sing, only
it was off key. The audience, not enjoying it, started to throw food at the
man and he ran out. Being gently waved away by the king as well, the
minstrels
bowed and exited.

Maxwell laughed. "Well, that ends that portion of the entertainment," he
said. "Now, Lady Pamela, what brings you to our fair lands?"

"I'm not too sure, I remember being somewhere else helping someone and
then waking up here," she said.

Sir Ralph frowned. "Lady Pamela, you did not mention waking up in the
meadow earlier," he said. "Were you thrown from your horse or do you think
you
someone might've kidnapped you and you escaped?"

"I don't know Ra... I mean Sir Ralph. My head does hurt however. Maybe I
hit it when I fell down. ..."

"I think that might have happened milady," he said, though he still was
concerned. He then turned to Maxwell. "Your majesty, I did not want to worry
you, but I had to fight off some men who were attacking competitors in
tomorrow's tournament. They have since fled to wherever they came from. But
I have my suspicions that they might have been followers of Giles Arseen."

The king frowned. "Arseen? He dare not show his face here after everything
that happened. ...."

"My dear majesty, I can appear anywhere I want to," said a new voice. The
group looked toward the door and saw Arseen standing in a suit of armor. Pam
gasped when she saw the man looked familiar as well. ...

"What are you doing here, Arseen," growled the king.

"I am here because I want to participate in the tournament, and as such
needed to pay my entry," said Arseen with a smirk. "Also, I want to
challenge your best knight ... Sir Ralph."

Before the king could respond, Sir Ralph stood. "You have no right to be
here or to challenge me. You betrayed your kinsmen and were banished."

"But my dear Ralph, I have all the right in the world," he said as another
knight brought in Cyler. "I have captured your musicians and jester. Either
you accept my challenge or they die starting with this one."

Maxwell frowned. "Touch one hair on their heads and you will die," he said
motioning for his knights.

Arseen grinned and drew his dagger, about to slit Cyler's neck. He was
surprised when he was broadsided by an apple hitting his head. The man
dropped his weapon, while Cyler opened his eyes surprised he was still
alive. Arseen turned and found Pam standing with another apple poised to
throw.

"A woman?" the man chuckled, only to receive another apple to his head. He
growled and went up to Pam, striking her. As she staggered, Sir Ralph stood,
grabbing the man by his collar and picked him up to where his feet didn't
touch the ground. "I suggest you not strike the lady again," he growled.

Arseen, realizing he found the blonde-haired knight's week spot chuckled.
"I will not harm a hair on her head or my captives... so long as you accept
my challenge."

Pam could see Sir Ralph ponder the proposal. "Very well, as I do not want
to see harm come to Lady Pamela or anyone here," he said, resigned to the
challenge. "We will meet at the jousting fields tomorrow at the appointed
time."

"I would like it to be the first joust," said Arseen.

"I have no quarrels with the choice."

"Then it is agreed. Now, I will let this one stay here with you but the
other three captives will remain with my party until the joust. That way,
you cannot deny me of the challenge." Arseen left, and a collective sigh was
heard around the room.

Maxwell frowned at Sir Ralph. "Knight, you know that it is considered
unseemly to accept challenges from banished members of my court," he said.

"I know, your majesty, but unfortunately Arseen threatened several lives,
and I cannot allow that, traitor or no," said Sir Ralph, slightly ashamed.
"I will use the scrying power of my armor to keep watch over the other three
until the tournament. I cannot risk their health by challenging Arseen's
knights tonight."

"Very well. Now it is late and I am sure Lady Pamela is tired after her
trip to my kingdom. I will give you a room here to sleep in and you can join
us for the tournament tomorrow. Sir Ralph, will you escort her to the guest
rooms?"

Sir Ralph nodded and offered his arm to Pam. "Thank you, Bi... I mean your
Majesty," said Pam as she accepted the offer the two left the room.

As they were walking, Pam started to see an image form in front of her
eyes. She realized it was a holograph when she felt Sir Ralph's arm tense up
in embarrassment at possibly frightening her. "Don't worry Sir Ralph, I've
seen scrying before," she said, smiling at the memory of the first one her
Ralph shared with her.

The knight smiled. "I do apologize however. It appears that Arseen is back
in his quarters talking to his men. He is checking on the other three
entertainers, and they appear to be all right," he said. "I will have to
face him tomorrow, as per my promise, but I will also take care of the
minstrels as well."

They arrived at the room and Pam started to give Sir Ralph a kiss. He
placed a hand on her mouth shaking his head. Pam, realizing her error,
grinned sheepishly. "I'm sorry Sir Ralph, it's just you remind me of someone
and I thought for a moment you were him."

"I understand, and given your day it is possible you were as confused as a
lark," he said smiling. "I will have my page stop by at dawn and bring you
to the tournament. I would be honored if you would visit me in my tent
before I have to face Arseen."

"I'd be honored too, Sir Ralph. Goodnight," she said as she entered the
room. As she sat down on the edge of the feather bed, she started to think
about her day and kept trying to figure out how she got into the Middle
Ages. All she knew for sure was that her head still ached and Arseen looked
familiar. Sighing, she turned her mind to the tournament tomorrow and
worried about the three entertainers who were being held captive. Pam smiled
when she remembered Sir Ralph coming to her rescue and accepting the
challenge to save the three others. "He does seem to be my Ralph, right down
to the 'armor' bit," she said, suddenly wistful. "Right now, though, I need
to rest so I can go to that tournament and keep an eye on everyone."

Before long, she nodded off and started dreaming a strange dream about ice
skating, dragons and Ralph shaking her, insisting she wake up. Pam woke up
abruptly, shaking her head in confusion. "Something's not right," she said
to herself, but she couldn't figure out what it was. "Ralph keeps calling my
name. I need to find a way to get out of here and back to him before
something happens."

-------------------------------------------------------------

Arseen was in his tent when he saw a man enter. "Ah, Nigel, thank you for
coming."

"Milord, I received word that you needed my assistance."

"I do," he said as he picked up a bottle off his table. "I need you to put
a few drops of this in Sir Ralph's drink tomorrow, about a notch of the
sundial before the joust."

"What is it?"

"Let's just say that it's a way to lull our esteemed knight into a state
of insensibility. Or, at least enough that he loses the joust," said Arseen.

"As you wish, milord. I will do this before his page is aware of your
plan," said Nigel, leaving.

As the man left, Arseen grinned. "By this time tomorrow, I will have what
I want. Sir Ralph will be dead and I will send my knights in to take over
Maxwell's kingdom. I will be the king."

---------------------------------------------------------------

The morning came surprisingly early for Pam as she heard a knock on the
door. Climbing out of the bed and wrapping the blanket around her shoulders,
she opened the door to see Derek outside. "Milady, you are not dressed. Are
you still unwell?"

Pam smiled and shook her head. "No, I'm normally not up when the chickens
are on a Sunday." When she saw the man frown, she sighed. "Never mind, it's
just humor among a friend of mine. I will be ready shortly."

Derek stood outside the door as he waited for Pam to change. Once she was
ready, the door opened again and she walked with Derek. "So, what is Sir
Ralph doing," asked Pam.

"He is at prayers currently," he said. "You will be able to visit him once
he is in his tent. I have a confession..."

"What is it, you can tell me," she said.

"I fear that Sir Ralph's life is in peril. He is a good fighter, but
Arseen seems to be too conceding to Ralph's request to not harm you or the
others."

Pam frowned. "You know, I had the same feeling myself last night. I'm
going to look around the tournament to see if there's something strange is
going on just to be on the safe side."

"Lady Pamela, I've been ordered by Ralph to keep an eye on you."

"All right, but you better hurry," she said as she darted through the
tents. Derek started to follow her, but realized that he was lost in the
maze of similar tents. He sighed and decided to find a way to reach Sir
Ralph and tell him what happened.

As Pam walked around the tents, she stopped when she heard a man talk to
Arseen. "So, Nigel, have you completed your task?"

"Yes, milord. I put the draught in Sir Ralph's drink and it should arrive
at his tent within a short time."

"Good, once he drinks it, it will be only a matter of time before he
begins to feel giddy. By the time he mounts his horse for the joust, it
should be moments before he falls insensible," Arseen said. "He should fall
off the horse during the joust and it will be easy for me to beat him and
kill him. Once King Maxwell concedes defeat, I will send a message to my
knights to invade the castle. Soon, the kingdom will be mine. Now, wait a
while and then go into Sir Ralph's tent to make sure he drank the draught."

Pam walked away and blended in the crowd just before the two men entered
the area. She felt a tap on her shoulder. "Lady Pamela, you shouldn't have
tried to hide from me," said Derek, frowning. "You could have been hurt."

"I'm sorry Derek, but we need to get to Sir Ralph's tent and now," she
said grabbing his arm.

"Have you gone mad now," he said pulling his arm away. "Our laws say you
have to wait until he allows visitors. You are unwell, I will go summon a
healer and ..."

"Derek, listen to me, your fear was right. Sir Ralph is in danger. I
overheard Arseen talking about knocking him out. ..."

"Knocking him...?"

"Sorry, rendering him unconscious..." she said, and the man still had a
blank look. "Swoon... fall insensible?"

"Curse that man," said Derek, finally understanding the reference. "Come on,
we need to speak with Sir Ralph posthaste."

--------------------------------------------------------

Inside his tent, Sir Ralph was putting on his suit of armor. He shook his
head, sensing something might be wrong, but was unable to see a vision. Just
then, he heard footsteps outside. "Sir Ralph, may we enter," said Derek. "It
is I, your page, and Lady Pamela."

"You may enter," he said as he went to pick up his drink. Gasping, Pam
knocked the goblet from his hands, making the knight upset. "Lady Pamela,
are you sure you are well? Maybe you should have stayed in the castle
and..."

"Sir Ralph, with all due respect, you need to be quiet and listen," said
Pam. "Your drink was drugged with a sleeping potion. Arseen was trying to
knock... cause you to fall insensible so he could defeat you in the joust.
He plans on killing you and then sending his knights in to the tournament to
take over the kingdom."

Sir Ralph growled. "That fiend. I might just not wait until I face him in
the joust," he said as he heard another noise at the door. Turning, he saw
Nigel enter the room. The man was stunned to see the blonde-haired knight
standing there, completely alert, and the goblet's contents spilled on the
ground. "Y-you are well," said Nigel, stammering.

"Yes, no thanks to your master," said Ralph as he advanced and they
started to fight. Derek tried to help, but Nigel threw him. The page's head
hit a tree stump, stunning him. Sir Ralph was having trouble, as he did not
have the entire suit of armor on, and Nigel gained the upper hand.

He cornered Sir Ralph on the ground and brandished a dirk. Just before
Nigel was able to stab the knight with his knife, Sir Ralph heard a dull
ring as Nigel's eyes closed and he slumped to the ground. Looking up, he saw
Pam holding his heavy metal shield. "Lady Pamela, I had the man where he
would be unsuccessful in his attack," said Sir Ralph, frowning as he made a
move to kneel. "There was no need for you to hit him with my shield. I was
going to defeat him. ..."

Pam held on to the shield as she stood it with its edge on the table.
"Gee, that's a great sexist remark," said Pam grumbling. "You were about to
be stabbed and your page is lying here insensible. I was the only one who
could help."

"I understand, milady, but you should not take risks of the sort. Then
again, you seem to be more than any woman I have ever met," said Sir Ralph
as he leaned over to tie up Nigel. As he was doing this, Pam turned away in
frustration, taking her hand off the shield. Realizing her error, she turned
around only to see the shield fall on Sir Ralph's head with a ringing thump.
The man dropped on his elbows and shook his head, then turned around to look
at Pam.

Worried, Pam started to help Sir Ralph to stand to get to a chair. "Oh no,
I'm sorry, are you all right Sir Ralph?" she asked.

"I have a sore head, milady, but I will be al..." he words faded as his
eyes rolled back into his head and slumped toward the ground again.

Pam helped lower the man to the ground as gently as she could and checked
his pulse. At the same time, Derek stirred and opening his eyes, saw Pam
leaning over Sir Ralph. "Lady Pamela, what happened," he asked as he stood
and walked a bit unsteadily toward the scene.

"Well, we were able to stop Nigel from killing Sir Ralph... but, I
accidentally dropped the shield on his head. He'll be all right in a few
moments, I hope."

The two heard the trumpets and Derek grimaced. "Lady Pamela, those
trumpets signaled the first call for the knights. Another one will be called
shortly, and Sir Ralph will have to appear. If he doesn't, Arseen can claim
that he has won the challenge."

Pam frowned and tried to revive the knight. Sir Ralph groaned slightly,
but didn't open his eyes. "Derek, I don't think he's going to wake up
anytime soon."

"What are we going to do?"

"Well, how about taking his place."

"No Lady Pamela, I cannot as I am not a knight... Additionally, I am too
tall. They would know I am not Sir Ralph."

Pam's eyes widened as she started thinking about what this suit had done
so far. She wondered, and then grabbed the extra shirt hanging in the tent.
"Derek, get the suit of armor off Sir Ralph. I'm going to wear it," she said
as she started to change into her tights and the shirt.

"Milady...." he said, shocked as he turned away from Pam changing.

"Listen Derek, I know that this isn't proper around here, but your master
is unconscious and judging by the estimate you said to me, it doesn't look
like he'll wake up before the second trumpet call," she said growling. "Now,
either you help me put the armor on, or Arseen could destroy this kingdom."

Derek, realizing the implications if she didn't help out, nodded and
turned back around to start removing the few pieces of the suit Sir Ralph
was wearing. He then helped Pam put on the suit, which for some reason
seemed to fit like they were made for her. She then tied her hair up in a
bun and after covering her head with the chain mail hood, put the helmet on.

Derek handed her the shield, guided her to Sir Ralph's horse and helped
her get on. "Lady Pamela, please be careful," he said softly. "When Sir
Ralph recovers his senses, I do not want to tell him that you were killed
trying to save his and other people's lives."

Pam smiled. "I understand, Derek. If he asks what happened, tell him it
was an accident. Also, keep the other knights out of Sir Ralph's tent. If
they find him there, they'll be after me."

Derek nodded and Pam headed toward the tournament field. As she rode, Pam
started praying that the suit would let her joust in this case. The fate of
many people's lives depended on her.

---------------------------------------------------

King Maxwell stood in his viewing area and looked at the scene before him,
frowning. Arseen was waiting on his black stallion for Sir Ralph to appear.
He knew that if Sir Ralph didn't arrive soon, the challenge could be
declared a forfeit and the man would win.

"King Maxwell, concede defeat," mocked Arseen. "Your knight will not come
here to fight. He must be a chicken."

"Now see here Arseen, just because..." he stopped when he saw a knight in
red, black and silver ride up. "He has arrived. Now, fair knights, I am sure
you both have fought in jousts before. You will go to opposite sides of the
lane and you will receive your lances. When the white handkerchief falls,
you will head toward the other in an attempt to knock your opponent off his
horse. Now, to your places."

Pam and Arseen went over to opposite sides of the field. As Pam was handed
her lance, she was surprised that it felt light as a feather... especially
since it was made of solid wood. 'Must be the suit adapting to me,' she
mused. 'Just hope it decides to show me how to joust.'

She looked up and saw that Arseen was also ready. Turning her head, she
noticed Maxwell lift his hand up, holding the handkerchief, and drop it. Pam
clicked her tongue and the horse started running forward at a canter.
Arseen's horse did the same. When the two jousters collided, the lances
struck them and both fell to the ground.

Dazed, Pam stood up and looked over to where Arseen was lying. Nearing,
she was shocked to see him pull a sword from his belt. She drew her sword
too in self-defense and the two started fighting again. Arseen was surprised
to see that "Sir Ralph" was still fighting strong. "Ralph, you think you can
still beat me," he mocked, lifting up his facemask. "In a very short time
you will be insensible and
I will defeat you. This will only expedite the situation."

"Don't think so pal," Pam said lifting her facemask. Arseen surprised,
drew his weapon back, only to see it shatter in two when Pam swung her sword
right at the middle of the blade. She then picked up Arseen and threw him.
The man flew into a pile of wood and struck his head, knocking him out.

Pam turned around and faced the king, who was frowning. "You are not Sir
Ralph," said Maxwell. "Who are you?"

When Pam pulled off the helmet and lowered the chain mail hood, the group
gasped. "Your majesty, I apologize that I had to play a ruse on you. Sir
Ralph is injured, but should be all right. Arseen tried to deliberately
sabotage the joust by trying to drug Sir Ralph with a sleeping potion. Now
he didn't drink it, and Nigel, sorry Arseen's accomplice, found out and
tried to attack him. Sir Ralph was able to defeat him, but in the fight, a
shield fell on Sir Ralph's head and he fell to the ground insensible."

Pam coughed as she heard the guards shackle Arseen. "His page and I tried
to revive him, but he didn't wake up. We realized that if you didn't have
Sir Ralph in any form here, Arseen would declare a win by default and have
his knights attack the castle."

Maxwell, hearing about the knights, started shouting orders. "I want all
guards and knights to search the area for Arseen's knights and capture
them," he said, and the guards nodded and went on the hunt for Arseen's
knights.

At the same time, Derek appeared assisting a slightly groggy Sir Ralph to
the viewing area. They had also found and freed the three remaining
entertainers. Shaking his head to clear it, Sir Ralph turned and to his
surprise, saw Pam wearing the suit. "How did you wear my armor, Lady
Pamela?" he asked, dumbfounded. "The people who gave it to me said it would
only fit me."

She smiled. "Well, given the situation that we were in and knowing that
the suit lets you see visions among other things, I figured that it might
let me wear it while you were out cold."

"I am outside but not cold," said Sir Ralph, confused.

"Milord, if what I understand of her language is correct, she means while
you were insensible," said Derek, and Pam nodded.

Sir Ralph nodded as well and put a hand on Pam's shoulder. A brief flash
later, the suit armor returned to him and Pam was just wearing the shirt and
tights. Pam smiled, realizing Ralph was supposed to wear the suit, whether
this one or hers.

Maxwell laughed. "I have never seen the armor do that before, but the
people who gave it to my knight said it had unusual properties. Lady Pamela,
I want to show you my gratitude for saving my kingdom," he pulled a ring off
his finger which contained a red stone and crest. "I would like for you to
have this."

Pam took the ring and smiled. "Thank you your majesty. It was an honor to
help you out as well."

The king smiled and turned to the audience. "Ladies and gentlemen, we will
hold off on more jousting events for a while to make sure that all of
Arseen's knights are gone," he said with a booming voice. "Until then,
please enjoy the other activities at the tournament."

The groups dispersed and Pam turned to the other two. "I don't know about
you, but I'd like to see everything else here."

Sir Ralph chuckled. "Very well, Lady Pamela. Come Derek, let's head over
to the silk booth so she can choose material to make a fine dress."

Derek was surprised at the sudden interest in Pam. "Sir, isn't it unwise
to give gifts of that nature to a lady unless you intend to court her?" He
noticed the look in his master's eyes and realized it was a silly question.

The three laughed and turned to head toward the shop. Pam straightened her
right arm and made a face when she felt a sharp pain in the crook of her
elbow. Sir Ralph noticed her reaction. "Are you feeling well?" he asked.
"Holding a jousting lance can hurt after using it, even with the suit."

"Well, I'll admit my arm's sore, Sir Ralph," said Pam chuckling. "Listen,
I think it might be best if we go to that healer you've been trying to get
me to."

He nodded and they walked over to the healer. The man looked at the two
and smiled. "Sir Ralph, an honor to have you visit my tent," he said. "How
may I help you?"

"My gentle man, Lady Pamela has a pain in her arm and I was wondering if
you have a salve that will help cure it," he said.

The healer nodded and picked up several bottles to create the mixture. As
he was turning, one of the bottles fell and struck a rock. The bottle
shattered and gas escaped into the air. Pam smelled a strong odor, making
her dizzy. Sir Ralph, seeing her stumble started to steady her, only to
catch Pam as she fell to the ground. Pam again felt strong arms catch her
and she heard voices speak to her, "Lady Pamela, are you all right.... Lady
Pamela speak to me. .."

---------------------------------------------------------------

"Pam, come on hun speak to me... is she coming to..."

"Sir, I understand you're concerned, but you need to get out of the way,"
said another man gently as Pam again smelled a sharp odor. Coughing, she
stirred and tried to shove it away with her right hand, only to have feel
another hand hold it down. "Ma'am, if can you hear me, please don't move
your right arm, there's an IV in it. Can you tell me who you are."

"I'm Lady Pamela from California, healer," said Pam groggily as she opened
her eyes a fraction.

Ralph frowned and turned to the paramedics, giving a questioning look. The
paramedics shrugged. "We can't be for certain, but she has a mild to
moderate concussion, and given she was hit by a fiberglass dragon, it's
possible that caused the comment," said one as he checked her eyes. "But, it
looks like she's regaining consciousness."

"Can you healers be more careful with your potions?" said Pam, still
confused as she turned to the paramedic.

"Pam, those were spirits of ammonia," Ralph chided gently, relieved Pam
was coming to. "Come on wake up, it's Ralph, you're back."

Hearing Ralph's voice, she blinked her eyes again and looked around. She
was lying on the floor in the mall with Ralph and two paramedics kneeling
next to her. The paramedics were treating her, one checking her vitals and
the other shining a penlight in her eyes again, making her wince.

"Ralph, what's going on? I could've sworn I was in the Middle Ages. .."

The blonde-haired man looked at the paramedics for permission to tell her
what happened. When they nodded, he turned to Pam. "You were hit over the
head by a falling fiberglass dragon's head while shoving a man out of way.
You've been unconscious for about 10 minutes," Ralph said softly.

Pam frowned and groaned. "No wonder I kept thinking you were a knight and
Bill was a king and... " looking at one of the paramedics, "why I thought
you were an healer. Sorry."

The paramedic smiled. "Don't worry, I've been called a lot of things that
being called a healer can be considered a compliment. Listen, we're about to
put you on the gurney and take you to the hospital for a full exam."

Pam groaned. "Come on, I feel all right," she said starting to sit up. A
wave of dizziness washed over her and she lay back down.

Ralph put a hand on her shoulder. "Uh huh. Pam, I think *they're* right.
Besides, this way we know that you're all right and won't decide to start
fighting dragons again. If they'll let me, I'll ride in the ambulance with
you too."

"All right, hun, and given what happened, better to be safe than sorry,"
said Pam as the two paramedics lifted her onto the gurney. Before they
started taking their patient to the ambulance, a fourth gentleman walked up
to the gurney. "Uh, hi, my name's Derek Thallium," said the man. "I wanted
to say thank you for saving my life. If it weren't for you shoving me out of
the way, I would have been killed. I just wish you weren't injured in the
process."

Pam smiled, but decided to keep the comment about him being a page in her
dream to herself. "Thank you, Mr. Thallium," she said.

The man turned to Ralph. "Sir, would it be all right if I gave your wife a
kiss as a thank you?"

Ralph nodded and Thallium kissed Pam on the cheek. "Get well soon," he
said and stepped back.

Pam smiled and the paramedics took her to the waiting ambulance, with
Ralph in tow. As the ambulance sped off to the hospital, Pam began to think
about her dream and how much of it was influenced by the real world.

-----------------------------------------------------------

"Counselor, can I come in?" said Bill as he knocked on the door to Pam's
room at the hospital, carrying flowers. Pam had stayed in the hospital
overnight for observation and after the doctors gave her a clean bill of
health, said she could be released in the afternoon.

"No Bill, give us five more minutes then you can see us," said Ralph from
the other side mischievously.

Bill started to blush when he heard Ralph and Pam chuckle. "He's just
kidding Bill, come in," said Pam.

"Well, Counselor how are we feeling today," said Bill as he entered her
room and handing her the flowers.

"Better, thank you," said Pam. "Not nearly as dizzy as I was yesterday...
in all uses of the word."

Ralph chuckled. "Nor dreaming about bashing me over the head with a shield
again," he said.

"I didn't bash you over the head," said Pam making a face. "It fell on
your head when I let go of it."

"Still, remind me not to get anywhere near you while cooking for a while.
Last thing I need is for you to 'knight' me that way."

"Not a problem, Sir Ralph," she said, chuckling.

Bill rolled his eyes. "*Sir Ralph?* Sounds very silly, what did you dream I
was, a jester?"

"No ... that was Tony. You, Bill were a king... King Maxwell."

"O-Oh, a king huh? Bet I was a noble king."

"Yes you were, but I talked to Ralph and Derek more than the king." she
said. Seeing Bill's frown, she chuckled. "Don't worry, I promise you were a
good king in my dream. And that villain, Giles Arseen..."

"Giles Arseen," said Bill surprised. "How did you know the gunman's name?"

"Well... it's odd, but that was his name in my dream. We were able to
defeat him thanks to the suit of armor... which looked like the jammies."

Bill rolled his eyes. "The jammies were a suit of armor? Come on, next
thing you'll say is that you had to wear them when you knocked out the kid
in your dream."

"I did," said Pam simply. "And, I kicked Arseen into next week. Have to
say it was a very strange dream, with the two of you in there along with
Tony, Cyler, Rhonda and Paco. I mean, they looked like you, but weren't you.
Still, considering I hit my head, it was good to have close friends while I
was dreaming."

Ralph smiled. "True, but I'd much rather you don't get your dreams from
fiberglass dragons," he said chuckling.

Pam returned the chuckle. "Yes, and I'm sorry I made you mad, Ralph."

"Well, you do need to be careful when you try to help, Pam, but I did find
out you saved several people's lives when you hit Arseen with the baseball.
Not to mention Derek's life when you shoved him away from the dragon. While
you got a glancing blow from the head, Derek was tall enough that his neck
could've been broken if it hit him. He would have been hit with the full
force regardless. You saved quite a few lives, my dear Lady Pamela."

"And you do all the time, Sir Ralph," she said chuckling as she saw Bill
roll his eyes again. She stopped when she saw a box near her table. "Ralph,
where did this come from?" she asked.

"Oh, that was found near where you fell after being knocked out, must've
been part of the display. The mall owners saw it and thought it'd be an
appropriate get well gift for you after everything that happened."

Curious, Pam picked it up and opened it. Inside was a ring with a red
stone and a crest.

Pam's mouth dropped open. "Ralph, this is the same ring I saw in my
dream."

Ralph shook his head. "Come on Pam the chances of everything you saw in
that dream being in the real world. ..."

"Ralph, I know... I'm just playing, but still..."

"Will you two quit with this knights in armor stuff," groaned Bill.
"Listen, I'm going to go get a cup of coffee before we get ya outta here
Counselor. By the time I get back, do ya think you two can stop with the
Knights of the Round Table stuff? Last thing I want to hear is more of this
mumbo jumbo...."

Ralph and Pam watched as the door closed. "Gee, you'd think that he
thought you weren't concussed. I have to admit, you had an interesting
dream."

"Maybe, but I did realize one thing while I was out cold."

"What's that honey?"

"That I like the real Ralph a whole lot better than Sir Ralph," she said
and gave him a kiss.

He smiled and gave her another one. "And I like a healed Pam better than
injured. Come on, we'd better get your stuff together so we can go home and
let you rest. I even rented a movie... 'A Connecticut Yankee in King
Arthur's Court.'"

*"Ralph..."*

"Just kidding, Pam," said Ralph. Pam chuckled and gave him another kiss.
It was good to be back in present day, she thought.

The end.