Immediately, fierce quarrels erupted as everyone clamored to be the first to try their luck, each confident of success. The Archbishop decreed that each man, from the greatest baron to the least knight, should attempt in turn. Each one strained with all his might but failed to move the sword even an inch, retreating in shame. The Archbishop then dismissed the assembly, appointed guards for the stone, and sent messengers across the land to announce great jousts to be held in London at Easter. There, knights could prove their skill and courage, and perhaps the sword's adventure would find its champion.
Among those who rode to London for Easter was the noble Sir Ector, accompanied by his son, the newly knighted Sir Kay, and the young Arthur. On the morning the jousts were to begin, Kay and Arthur set off for the tournament grounds. Before arriving, Kay realized he had forgotten his sword. Arthur immediately turned back to fetch it, only to find the house locked, as everyone had gone to watch the tournament. Deeply vexed and fearing Kay would miss his chance for glory, Arthur suddenly remembered the sword in the great anvil before the cathedral. He rode there at full speed. The guards, having deserted their post to see the tournament, were absent, so no one stopped him. Arthur leaped from his horse, seized the hilt, and drew the sword from the stone as easily as from a scabbard. Thinking nothing extraordinary of his deed, he remounted, caught up with his brother, and handed him the weapon.
Upon seeing it, Kay immediately recognized it as the wondrous sword from the stone. Overjoyed, he sought out his father, Sir Ector, showed him the sword, and declared, "Then I must be King of Britain!" Sir Ector demanded to know how he obtained it. When Kay explained that Arthur had brought it to him, Sir Ector knelt before the boy and said, "Sir, I perceive that you are my King, and here I tender you my homage." Kay followed his father's lead.
The three then went to the Archbishop and recounted everything. Marveling at the tale, the Archbishop summoned the people back to the great stone. He commanded Arthur to replace the sword and draw it out again before everyone, which Arthur did with ease. An angry murmur arose from the barons, who protested that if a boy could do it, surely a man could. At the Archbishop's command, the sword was replaced, and every baron and knight tried once more, but all failed. Then, for the third time, Arthur drew forth the sword.
Immediately, the people raised a great shout: "Arthur is King! Arthur is King! We will have no King but Arthur!" Though the great barons scowled and threatened, they knelt before him. The Archbishop placed the crown upon Arthur's head, and they all swore to obey him faithfully as their lord and sovereign.
Thus Arthur was made King. He ruled with justice, righting wrongs and ensuring everyone received their due. He did not forget his old friends: Kay, whom he loved as a brother, was made Seneschal and chief of his household, and Sir Ector, his foster father, was granted broad lands.