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Updated: May 15, 2025
Charlemagnes sister, the widow of Eggerich, he gave to Sir Elbegast in marriage, and with her the broad lands which had belonged to the vanquished traitor. Thenceforward the erstwhile robber and his sovereign were fast friends. The place where these strange happenings befell was called Ingelheim, in memory of the celestial visitor, and Ingelheim it remains to this day.
The issue, however, was never in doubt: Sir Elbegast was victorious, the false Eggerich was slain, and his body hanged on a gibbet fifty feet high. The emperor now revealed himself to the black knight both as his companion-robber and as the messenger who had brought him the summons to attend his Emperor.
Without a sound Elbegast reached the bedchamber of his victim, and was about to raise the caparison when he suddenly stumbled and all the bells rang out clearly. My sword, my sword! cried Eggerich, springing up, while Elbegast sank back into the shadows. Nay, said the lady, trying to calm her husband. You did but hear the wind, or perhaps it was an evil dream.
God bless the Emperor! exclaimed Elbegast fervently, raising his helmet. My life is at his service. Charlemagne greeted the knight affectionately and asked what he had to tell concerning the conspiracy, whereupon Sir Elbegast fearlessly denounced the villainous Eggerich, and said he, I am ready to prove my assertions upon his body. The challenge was accepted, and at daybreak the following morning a fierce combat took place.
Thou hast had many evil dreams of late, Eggerich; methinks there is something lies heavily on thy mind. Wilt thou not tell thy wife? Elbegast listened intently while with soft words and caresses the lady strove to win her husbands secret.
The paladins were filled with horror and indignation, and Charlemagnes secretary suggested that it was time preparations were being made for the reception of the assassins. Each band of traitors as they arrived was seized and cast into a dungeon. Though apparently clad as peaceful citizens, they were all found to be armed. The last band to arrive was led by Eggerich himself.
The black knight paused. Never yet, he said, have I wronged the Emperor, and I shall not do so now. But at no great distance stands the castle of Eggerich von Eggermond, brother-in-law to the Emperor. He has persecuted the poor and betrayed the innocent to death. If he could, he would take the life of the Emperor himself, to whom he owes all. Let us repair thither.
Great was his dismay when he saw his followers led off in chains, and angrily he demanded to know the reason for such treatment. Charlemagne thereupon charged him with treason, and Eggerich flung down the gauntlet in defiance. It was finally arranged that the Emperor should provide a champion to do battle with the traitor, the combat to take place at sunrise on the following morning.
Let us get away, said the Emperor. We can carry no more. Nay, said Elbegast, but I would return, with your permission. In the chamber occupied by Eggerich and his wife there is a wonderful caparison, made of gold and covered with little bells. I want to prove my skill by carrying it off. As you will, was Charlemagnes laughing response.
Well, said Eggerich at last in sullen tones, we have laid a plot, my comrades and I. To-morrow we go to Ingelheim, and ere noon Charlemagne shall be slain and his lands divided among us. What! shrieked the lady. Murder my brother!
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