Two dark horses galloped onto the field, each adorned in fabric bearing its knights colors. Astride the striking beasts sat two knights in full armor: Sir Devon of Yorkshire and Dame Fiona of Orkney. Trailing beside each was a female squire, dressed in puffy white shirts with lace-up corsets.
Sir Devon addressed the gathered crowd in a bellowing voice, setting the terms of the tournament. The first competition in which the knights competed was charging on their respective horses holding out a spear and attempting to capture rings held up by the squires. Then, galloping down the field, they had to slash a sword at spherical targets resting atop poles, and then aim a spear into a pile of hay. For the next challenge, the knights donned helmets with a crest rising up the front. The objective was to smash the crest on their opponent’s helmet while preserving their own. Next, the knights had to strike at each others’ shields, points awarded for each shield that was broken. Then, the knights had a joust, beginning on horse, until one of them surrendered. The sound of clashing metal accompanied the sparks that flew from the swords. Dame Fiona was knocked off her horse, yet still she did not submit. They fought until both stood on the ground, facing each other, gasping for breath. In a triumphant finale, Dame Fiona defeated Sir Devon, forcing him to the ground, where she stood over him, victorious, as he admitted defeat. Dame Fiona was titled champion of the Camp Simcha jousting tournament for the second year in a row!
-T