The first day, the Azure Knight was scheduled versus Boyd Strongarm in the joust. The archery event was held prior to the first jousts, in order to ensure that no knight would be eliminated from archery by virtue of injury in the first round. By the end of the day it was clear that Allison the Huntress would take the archery prize, but the Azure Knight unhorsed Boyd Strongarm three times in the joust unexpectedly.
A feast for all the participating knights and lords was held the first official night of the tournament, and though the veiled figure appeared at the high table, initial gossip was all about the mysterious Azure Knight. Who was he? Where did he come from? He had no page nor squire to pump for information, leaving the guests guessing madly.
He wasn’t as obviously strong as the others, particularly Boyd Strongarm who was a lot broader in the shoulder and the chest than he was, but what Isaac lacked in physical strength (although he wasn’t entirely lacking, of course), he more than made up for with enthusiasm, hardly even stopping to rest between rounds. He longed to see his beloved, and if he had to fight his way through the entire Kingdom, then he would.
Hours later, as night fell and darkness settled over the Kingdom, Isaac bathed with a wary eye, not wanting anyone to see or recognise him. Once he was satisfyingly clean, he redressed and pulled on his armour, hiding his face once again as he made his way down to the feast.
Heads turned as he entered the hall, and the whispers rose to a furious buzz. It was that evening that the rumours started, that the Azure Knight was the cause of the Princess’ melancholy, or that he was fated to lift it; that the reason he hid his face was to prevent Prince Edward from killing him on the spot in defense of his daughter.
Perhaps fortunately, the gossip was diverted by Prince Edward’s presentation of the veiled figure as his daughter. The Princess rose and bowed to the assemblage, but didn’t put back her veil, and hardly appeared to eat at all.