Written for the Reel_Torchwood challenge (round one)
In medieval times a sport arose, embraced by noble and peasant fans alike, though only noble knights could compete. The sport was jousting. For one of these knights, an over-the-hill former champion, it was the end. But for his peasant squire, Jack; it was merely the beginning.
Jack watched as the joust before him took place, waiting to see whom his master would next have to face in the tournament. His heart matched the pounding of hooves as the horses ran towards each other, each animal strong and healthy carrying their masters in heavy amour. The noise of wood splintering on amour sounded as Sir Henry was thrown from his horse, advancing Lord Philip to the final round.
"Jack!"
Hearing his name bellowed, he turned to answer when a pretty girl grabbed his attention. She smiled and winked at him and he grinned back, making his way through the crowd towards her. When he got there however, she screwed up her nose and looked down on him as if he was something she'd stepped on.
Jack sighed and turned away, but watched from the corner of his eye as she made her way back to her lady's side. Of course, she was a handmaiden; they always fancied themselves above the rest of the peasants, though Jack didn't see why. They still cleaned up shit, even if it was a nobleman or woman's instead of an animal's.
She whispered to her lady and Jack rolled his eyes as she pointed at him and laughed. Foolish little wenches. One of these days they would learn that they were not that much better when they were forced to marry a man just as common as he.
Jack made his way back towards his master who was still bellowing for him, this time he ignored the tricks and lure of the peasant girls. Some of them were probably genuine in their interests and any other time he would have happily taken them to his bed. But right now he had work to do so that they could eat tonight.
"Where have you been?" Sir Ector demanded as soon as he got back. His friends; the other squires, rolled their eyes at their master's forgetfulness before continuing on with their tasks.
"I was watching the lists for you sire, you next face Lord Philip of Aragon," Jack replied with a bow of his head.
"Good, good, now saddle Janet and make sure she's ready go," Sir Ector ordered, turning away from Jack in a clear dismissal.
Jack deliberately didn't let his annoyance show as he made his way towards the old mare.
What he wouldn't give to be able to tell Sir Ector what to do with his orders after all these years, but it would only get him a beating, or worse.
Janet nipped his arm when he reached for her and he frowned in irritation before soothing her temper with a rub behind her ears, she could be such a grumpy old bag. Once she was calm he quickly saddled her and led her to Sir Ector who clumsily pulled himself up into the saddle.
This was not how a knight should be. Jack just wished that one day he'd be able to show these lazy old men what a knight was really meant to be.
No one could have known his opportunity would be just around the corner.