I was in Florida as a consultant on a Y2k team for a major park. We had just finished a rather fast-paced day working on our current project and were now off to enjoy a gathering of friends for the night.
The evening began with casual mix in what resembled a large conference room made to look like medieval times. Wenches served our drinks and after a small buffet with our drinks the evening suddenly took a turn into a different direction, as we were escorted into a large arena. Long tables on either side of the sand filled field were dressed with pewter ware set for our dinning pleasure. The music was awakening our senses. Excitement began filling the atmosphere, as beautiful champion horses were lead into the arena. They were alive with energy and their energy began to transfer itself to us. Then, a young man in medieval attire with a falcon perched on his left arm entered the arena on a horse.
Looking out onto the field was all one needed to go reenter the times of Kings and Queens, Knights and Princesses. The Knights were grand young men. The pages appeared even younger and the looks of their innocent faces shown as a great contrast to these grand young Knights. Pomp and circumstance set the mood and suddenly I was there -- my inner child had just entered Medieval Times. As the Knights divided off into sectors, they began gathering the devotion of their supporters in the stands. After all introductions were made, the Knights cleared the field and the games began.
The Royal Court was seated to the front of the field and summoned the officiator. They transferred the flame from a torch and put it into a liquid that ignited a container on the field. Then, just before dinner began, they commenced chanting a Georgian chant. The food was served to be eaten with one’s fingers. As we ate, the Knights prepared for their challenges, and the games began!
The first challenge was the “collection of the five rings” onto their lances. Then, with that completed, a Wizard appeared, creating another level of magic that filled the arena. When that concluded the tournament “to the death” began. The Knights placed their shields on posts in the center of the arena and the Knights were now dressed in full armor.
As the Pages left the arena, “The Tournament Royal” began with the “reading of the rules”: jousting and hand-to-hand combat -- the winner was to be the King’s personal Champion. A net came down to separate and protect the audience from the arena, and the challenge began. The first two Knights did battle -- each on their own side of the divide. The Yellow with the Red Knight won, but not before they both dismounted and did hand-to-hand combat.
Next were The Blue Knight and The Yellow Knight, as the battle began once again. The Blue Knight went down and the challenge continued with ax and sword. Black leather was their wardrobe with leather boots to match. The cloth that showed their colors covered it all in a loose flowing garment. The Yellow Knight appeared to win that battle, but then The Blue Knight arose suddenly as if coming back from death and slain The Yellow Knight with a swift move of his sword, then fell back to the ground to take a final breath, neither being the Victor.
The Black Knight and The Yellow with Red Knight were next. The Black Knight’s coat of arms was fleur-de-lis and The Yellow with Red Knight’s, a cross. They eliminated weapons, one by one, down to swords rather quickly. Actual sparks ignited from the clash of their swords. The Black Knight became the victor.
Next were The Green Knight and The Black Knight. The crowd was well into it all now. The two Knights had the entire field opened to them. At one point, The Black Knight held The Green Knight in check with his sword on The Green Knight for what seemed like eternity with all the pressure from the strength of all his upper body muscles. Next they were on the ground, and as the Pages assisting them supplied the Knights with new weapons, the battle continued. Now both lay in the sand, exhausted. Within seconds though they arose and continued. The Green Knight thrust the final blow – The Green Knight wins!
The Queen quickly paid The Green Knight the homage due him as the music rang out throughout the court. But then, suddenly, arrives The (Evil) Black Knight to avenge his father’s death – arises now The Green Knight to do battle. The Green Knight must do battle with The Black Knight and now their going hand-to-hand. Smoke filled the arena. The music intensifies. Tension mounts and perspiration is dripping from their faces. The Green Knight wins! The Black Knight, now with chains on his wrists, is standing bold in defiance of the King and refuses to bow before the King. The Green Knight takes the back of his sword, and with one thrust to The Black Knight’s belly, The (Evil) Black Knight falls on his knees to the ground. The King orders The Black Knight to be executed as they drag him away in chains. With his sword planted in the sand, The Green Knight mounts his horse, picks up his colors and rides the arena. All cheer The Green Knight. I’m glad for the fun adventure! It was so real! It was fun! It was colorful! It was fast! It was a view of another time! It was truly a night of Knights!
