Description
The two knights from rival Christian Orders saluted each other before squaring up to fight. There were strict rules for such combat. Only one weapon each – either a two-handed broadsword or a battle axe – no shields or hand knives. For several minutes, they circled around the central point where they would first engage, each assessing how the other moved. The spectators recognised this wasn’t reluctance to fight, but a period of calm evaluation. Soon the spectacle would commence and there would be sparks, literally and figuratively, as the swords – for each man had selected the same weapon – clashed, steel on steel.
Guillaume moved forward first, giving himself the advantage of selecting the time to start, since his opponent had no alternative but to respond immediately, even if wrong-footed. But Afonso had the experience to have watched the Templar’s eyes and anticipated the move, swinging his sword to where he expected the attack to commence. He was correct and the sound of the clash rang out like two bells in slightly different keys striking simultaneously.
An inexperienced fighter might have suffered a jarred arm from such a heavy collision of weighty steel being wielded at high speed and then stopping dead in mid-air. But neither man registered anything more than a slight smile at a challenge and parry well executed. Without losing a beat, Guillaume accepted the rebuttal of his swing by spinning round and allowing the momentum to place him where he could slice into the Hospitaller’s side.
As he expected, Afonso was ready for him, his own sword being already in place to counter the manoeuvre. It was as well, for the thrust might otherwise have been lethal and no blood may be drawn during such contests. At least, not more than a trickle, which usually indicated the victor.
Follow Sir Guillaume Cadeil in Outremer – long before he becomes involved in the Pitt Family Saga.
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