" Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, knights, stone cutters, kings and butchers, I present a hero so great that Ares and Athena fight for claim of that greatness. Someone that fought back troops in India when they threatened a slaughter of Catholic missionaries. Sired by Sir Elose of Valdera. The one, the only Knight of Valdera,"
The crowds cheered at the announcement of the new entrant on the strong white horse.
" He has no name, only a title?"
" Don't worry about this, it will be easy for you,"
" I am not. I only find it strange," the boy slammed down his visor and kicked his heels against his horse's side. He hadn't lost in nearly a year's time and fully planned on keeping it that way. Both competitors ready themselves for the flag drop. The boy, William, prepared himself and the unknown stranger acted as if days, not moments, were left.
The flag was lowered and William took off while the unknown stranger remained. Will thought of how they must be mad.
But soon, this person took off. They ready themselves to apply or receive a blow just as by bizarre occurrences, William looked away for less than moment. This had never happened before. The blunder was brief, but long enough for the blunt end of the opposed person's lace to strike. The blow landed right in the center of the breast bone area and caused the hero of thousands to fall to the ground. Many erupted in cries of disbelief and anger. But the knight of their hearts lay on his back, his heart broken.
Moments later, William, his armor removed for repair, went to find the one that claimed his victory.
" Will, I tell you, no one may see the person of which you speak," Roland declared.
" I must know who they are. And a name and a face to this title," he protested.
He went to where the knight's tent lay. The herald that had announced earlier stopped him too, speaking the same, " My orders are that all shall be reviled at the archery event when the great knight of Valdera will compete next, in an hour's time,"
" Then I shall know," Will said in a lowly and thoughtful voice.
The hour soon slipped away. A gala of familiar faces stood about wanting to know to whom their champion lost.
The trumpets sounded as time to announce came about. " Competitors in today's archery event shall be Sir Joseph Lightheart, Sir Edward von Bevin, Sir John of New Castle, and the Knight of Valdera,...." a pause of disbelief, " Lady Aurora Draco,"
Gasp passed through the crowds as the familiar stallion topped with a female rider entered.
" I lost to a woman?" William questioned.
" No, you lost to a girl," Watt answered.