To the Death

A Story by L. N. Cepeleva

Two Knights, Sir Valiant and the Gryphon Knight battle to the death in a tournament. Who will win?

To the Death

The two knights collided, their ash lances shattering upon impact, dismounting both riders. The wooden splinters danced in the gale, parading the power of the hit for the spectators sitting in a dais tent.

“Go on, Sir Valiant,” shouted Queen Quretza, face scrunched up in trepidation and anticipation of the match between the two best knights, “Fight for your Queen!”

The knight in question stood up shakily and as regally as possible, his breath short and laboured, the dragon adorned helm gleamed golden with magnificence. His opponent, wearing a surcoat depicting the red Gryphon of the Noble and Honourable House Gryph flying over the white crop field, commanded his squire to bring his sword.

Sir Valiant and the Gryphon Knight circled one another, their swords placed just above their elongated shields, waiting for one or the other to make the first attack.

“Fight! I command it,” ordered King Kay, his thundering voice echoing through the tiltyard.

Sir Valiant, ever the obedient knight took a death breath and delivered a slash followed by a parry and a thrust. Valiant side stepped when a calculated lower jab caught the foe’s blade in his steel armour’s ridge. Swallowing a lump in his throat, Sir Valiant watched his opponents footing, hoping to anticipate the next attack based on the man’s body language.

The next attack came from the sky, the Gryphon’s Knight weapon slashing downwards, deflecting such an assault with his oak shield painted with the likeness of a dragon, he twisted his shield arm and with one good thrust, sheathed his glorious sword through the man’s armpit to his beating heart. The Gryphon Knight’s body spasmed and fell on the ground, bloodied.

The audience cheered widely, their cries drowned out by the tempest, King Kay waved his meaty hand and the herald announced Sir Valiant as the Champion of Stormbay.