FF~ShANak in a Medieval KicHdi-Pt10 on 18 upd 5/11 - Page 11

Thank you Pooja, Shai, Shriya...😃

Thanks all for waiting..here's the next part and hope its upto the mark!!😉😉😉 Part 8...A Gentleman's Promise😉

Jousting was the main event of any sporting tournament those days, where brave knights battled for the favors of a lady of their choice. Though it seemed that SR was fighting for a young boy, he was in fact trying to win over KM's affections (and what a way to do so). This gave him additional motivation and courage because he had never participated in such an event before!

KM was beside herself with worry seeing SR endangering himself for her father and herself. But she knew that this was their only hope and she prayed that SR would not lose..which would mean the end for all of them.

SR's rival was a knight dressed all in black. He painted a menacing picture on his black horse. SR could see that he meant business.

As the two jousters took their positions at either end of the long field, SR looked at KM standing beside Dharam and was happy to see what seemed like a glimpse of anxious caring or was it love in her eyes..and knew that there was hope yet.

The Sheriff raised his hand and the jousters thundered towards each other, their horses hooves raising a cloud of dust and their lances positioned straight towards the other's body.

If you can picture the scene, it was like a duel on horseback. The riders flew toward each other at breakneck speed, determined to off seat their rival by aiming the sharp spears at their bodies. This would either result in a rider being thrown off his horse or being mortally wounded.

SR and his rival, tried to knock each other off their respective saddles.The Sheriff had chosen SR's rival carefully..he was twice as large and strong as him. But what SR lacked in size he made up in agility and guile as he very ably dodged the giant's lance again and again and finally succeeded in dislodging him from his horse. The giant brute fell with a loud crash to the ground and just as SR was heaving a sigh of relief, the fallen knight sprang to his feet and challenged SR to a sword fight. Both the men drew their swords and circled each other on the ground. The black knight was very skilled and looked terrifying as he wielded his sword and seemed determined to kill SR. SR in the meantime was trying to escape unharmed knowing clearly that he was outmatched.

KM watched with anxious trepidation, irritated to be standing on the sidelines rather than being a part of the show. She was clenching and unclenching her hands and her feet were itching to run to help SR. But she knew that would ring the death knell for all of them. Dharam who was standing next to her, could clearly see what was going through her mind and prayed that SR accomplished his mission without further delay. Nahin to un sab ka kaam tamaam!!😕

The Black knight suddenly jabbed at SR with his sword which grazed him on his L arm, making SR jump and cry...Awwwww!! in pain. He stumbled back trying to assess the damage and KM rushed to him, shouting Are you okay??! Please stop, I cannot bear to lose you!! 😳

SR turned to look at her stunned, while the Black Knight moving closer said Get out of the way lad, or you'll get hurt!

SR shouted Stay out of the way KM, I'm not hurt, its just a small flesh wound. Besides I have something to prove to myself and to you!!

So saying SR pushed KM back to safety and approached The Black Knight with renewed vigor. He now wore a half smile on his face which puzzled his rival for it was completely unexpected. 😉

You can probably put yourself in SR's place and imagine the state he was in. It was like winning a King's ransom!! ..well almost! The look on KM's face when she said that she couldn't bear to lose him was proof enough that she cared...not just as a friend or a well wisher but much more than that! He knew that love was not far away.

He no longer felt the pain from his wound. His heart was pounding and his breath was coming in short spurts. He felt that he could take on the world or the entire universe for that matter. He felt invinscible. 😃

SR sprang ahead with his mind made up. He had to win or else. He wanted to win KM's heart by showing her that he was a man who kept his word. At the same time he wanted to show his father that he was worthy of bearing his name.

SR danced around his rival. He was here and then he was there, constantly moving around him, causing his head spin!! Soon the knight began to feel dizzy and started flinging his sword around in the air blindly. SR swung his shield into his body and the black knight who was already off balance fell down on his back. SR quickly kept him down with the pressure of his boot on his chest and positioning the tip of his sword on his neck said: Surrender! Or give up your life for I'm not afraid to take it!!

I surrender!! Please spare my life...and the black knight threw away his shield and sword. The crowd went berzerk all around.

SR stood back puffed up his chest in triumph and looked toward where KM was standing with Dharam eager for her response. He was slightly put off when he saw her standing there with her jaw hanging open and staring at him as if she had just seen an unidentified flying object rather than her prince charming who had just won a major tournament! 😆

Dharam gave a loud whoop of Joy and started singing loudly in praise of his master and this act of his was enough to cause the collapse a few dozen people around him..his breath being especially foul that day! 😕

KM came out of her trance and ran to SR and giving him a resounding thump on his back said: Unbelievable sire! What a tremendous arm you have there! Thank you sire! 😆

SR was flabbergasted...not understanding why KM was behaving in this strange manner..! 😕

He grabbed hold of her shoulders and was ready to shakesome sense into her when Khanak shook her head and pointedly looked behind him.

Turning around SR saw the Sheriff approaching him and figured out that KM was putting on the act for the Sheriff's benefit.

Well done, young man!! I really have not seen such astute swordsmanship in awhile!! It's not easy to defeat one of my best men

!..said the Sheriff, throwing a disgusted look at the defeated knight who was hanging his head in remorse.

SR giving an exaggerated bow said: Master Sheriff, as you promised me sire, are you now ready to grant this young brave man's wish?

Sheriff was not one to give in easily: Most definitely young man, but in turn you have to reveal your identity as well!..So what is your wish young man..he asked KM.

Khanak bowed in front of the Sheriff and keeping a straight face said: Sire, if you please will you free that man ( pointing towards her father,) for he has done my father great wrong and I want to him to pay for his wrongdoing!! 😊

SR looked at KM in frank admiration for coming up with such an excuse. 😳

The Sheriff who was surprised at the request for he had not expected it said: I agree but not before I know your name, looking pointedly at SR.

SR reluctantly revealed his identity which riled up the Sheriff for he bore tremendous hatred for SR's father, who was known to be the King's most loyal friend and the Sheriff's arch enemy.

But as he was about to put his guards on SR, the crowd moved in and demanded that SR be given his request.

The Sheriff could do nothing but yield to the crowd as he wanted to be the new King. He glared at SR with hate filled eyes but directed KM's father to be freed. 😃

KM eyes filled up with tears of relief as she wanted to rush up to and hug her father but held herself back😭.... instead she bowed to the Sheriff and pretended to rough handle her father away towards the forest... 😃

nyc didi!!...

Grt1...wil b waitin 4 d nxt!

Simi what an inspiration!😃 great writing just loved it!

Hahahaha !! Wonderful !

Awww, it's lovely and funny too!

Simi darling,

Loving KM SR and ur update with pic!!! thanx for the pm dear loved the update !!!