The Hero

Valiant, Am, Rowanne and Denys go to Longport, a harbor town, to collect a delivery of palm trees for Merlin. Denys is excited because his hero, the wrestler Raymond, is in a tournament there. After arriving, they see Raymond compete, he is everything Denys had hoped he'd be. Raymond invites the travelers from Camelot to dine with him at a local inn. When Raymond's identity is revealed to the tavern owner, his dinner is given for free. Valiant disapproves and rightly believes that Raymond is trading on his fame for a free meal ticket.

Merlin's trees have been re-routed to Raven's Rock Island. Instead of calling in reinforcements from Camelot to ensure safe passage to this dangerous port, Valiant brings Raymond, who offers his services as protector. To prepare for the voyage, Raymond procures supplies, stealing them instead of paying for them. Moreover, he convinces Denys that this is legitimate conduct.

The group sails to the dangerous island, infested with pirates. While Raymond roams the town, Valiant learns that Raymond had stolen the supplies from Longport, and is furious. Denys tries to defend his hero, but Valiant will hear nothing of it, stealing is stealing. Angered, Denys sneaks away from the seaside inn to find Raymond. An irate Raymond torches a local inn, and lacks the courage to save Denys from the burning building. Valiant saves the boy and is cheered by the crowd. Raymond is arrested for arson and theft. Despite Raymond's protestations, Valiant can do nothing to help him, for Raymond committed a crime, and his powers are not above the law.

Prince Valiant, Arn, Rowanne, Merlin, King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, Sir Bryant, Sir Gawain, Lord Maldon, The Baron, Denys, Raymond