Creative Writing Assignments

A Knight in Well Worn Armor

Short Story-Fiction Assignment

A Knight in Well Worn Armor

The gray walls of the castle soon came into view, rising like giant cliffs into the sky. Little One could hardly tear her eyes away from them as they drew closer, her hand placed securely in her father's as he walked along leisurely with her and her older sister.

Alongside them were many others, all jostling together, trying to make their way through the thick crowd all headed in the same direction. People from all walks of life were gathered for the annual jousting tournament held by the royal family each spring. Fine knights and lovely ladies would be in attendance from all over the country to see the knights vie for the title of champion.

Afraid of being lost in the sea of faces, Little One's small hand gripped her father's tighter. Her father chuckled, "It's alright, Little One, I'll let not you be lost. Your mother would have my hide!"

Raising his voice, he called out for her sister who was trying to go along faster than they could manage. She came bounding back, her curly hair bouncing on her shoulders as she smiled in delight, "Look at all these people! I wonder where they all come from! Oh! Look at that knight on his horse! Isn't he magnificent?"

Little One turned to look at the knight her sister had described as magnificent. A young man sat up straight upon a strong charger—black as night. Both moved in a graceful manner that bespoke power, and the look upon the man's face showed he was both used to attention and being the center of it. A throng of young ladies followed him; twittering, giggling, and waving their handkerchiefs whenever he happened to glance behind, which he did on occasion, wearing a knowing smirk when he looked forward again.

Soon he and his followers passed the family by as they entered the grounds. In front of the castle, an enormous field had been turned into a festival ground. Tents of all shapes and sizes dotted the landscape, gaily colored flags lifted lazily with the gentle wind, and a great many voices rose into the air, shouting out about their superior wares.

Their father bypassed the sellers' tents and led them straight on to the jousting arena. A wide ring, separated from the crowd by a long, low fence, sat open and waiting for the contestants to arrive. Standing on her toes, Little One could just poke her head over the top of the fence to see inside. It was empty except for a long white fence which ran straight down the middle of the arena, splitting it into two sections.

She tugged on her father's sleeve, "Father, will anyone be hurt?"

"It's a possibility, love."

Her wide eyes looked up at him, "Then why do they do it?"

"Many reasons. Could be for money, fame, the thrill of the sport, or because they've got something to prove, either to themselves or others." Her father laid a tender hand upon her head, giving her dark locks a gentle tousle, "But don't worry too much, Little One. I'm sure they'll be alright."

Behind them, her sister was practically bouncing on her heels as she looked around at all the splendor, "Can we look at the knights now? Please?"

Their father laughed good-humoredly at his eldest daughter's eagerness, "Alright, but don't get too far away from me. Heaven knows what will happen if we're separated."

"OH!!! Father! Father, look! They're selling flowers! Can I buy some? I brought a little money with me, can I father? Please!"

Their father shook his head, "What do you want flowers for, my dear?"