The 18 year-old fighter stood nervously by the list field watching the older fighters, knights, counts, dukes, and the King doing warm-up sparring, waiting to be summoned to the field.
Benjamin had just turned 18 this day and although he had been active in the shire for 4 years, this was the first day he could finally enter the list field in full armor and request to be authorized.
For years, he had been listening to his older brother brag about being authorized by the King. Today he would stand for authorization and hopefully take his place among the shire’s fighter in the tourney and fighting games to follow.
Suddenly he woke from his day-dream to the sound of his name being called from the center of the list field. There stood a group of fighters, most of which wore the white belt of a knight, but there was also the Baron of the group, a Duke, a very tall Viscount and the Meridian King.
“Son,” came a booming voice from the King, “I’ve been asked to fight your authorization round if you have no objection. Seems I did this for your brother and it’s only fair I get to pound on you too. What do you think.”
Moments later both Benjamin and His Meridian Majesty, Sir John the Bearkiller, were told to “lay on” and the authorization began.
A few minutes later, His Majesty removed his helmet, and gave a sword salute to Benjamin and left the center of the field. Before Benjamin could move, the duke stepped in and saluted him before going into fighter stance.
After the duke, came the tall viscount, followed by a number of counts, earls, knights and a few squires.
About 10 minutes later, a sweating Benjamin, gasping for each breath, asked the marshal, “Please, when will I know if I am authorized?”
The King stepped up to Benjamin and in his best command field voice replied, “Why boy, you were authorized after our fight. The rest were just paybacks.”
Stumble!