As on the previous two days, none were capable of standing before the Azure Knight. He was hard-pressed against some few opponents — Lord Deucalion in particular, despite his handicap, nearly defeated the concealed knight — but skill, youth, and determination won the day each time.
And then his final opponent appeared, and the crowd clamoured with excitement, for the other knight bore the heraldry of Lahey on his shield. That family was thought to be extinct, wiped out in an unexpected clash with the House of Argent, yet this knight, tall and smiling, carried his helm under his arm and was announced as Sir Camden Lahey.
Sir Isaac was performing astoundingly well, sweating and panting underneath his armour, but he would never admit to defeat. To do so, would annoy the crowds as well as bring shame to his own house, and the Hales, and would certainly displease Summer, if she were watching.
But then, a new opponent sauntered onto the field and he stiffened, wide eyes latching onto the familiar emblem, and he shook his head in disbelief, unable to believe his eyes. “No….” He finally spoke before his lance clattered to the ground, wondering what sort of cruel witchcraft this was.
The crowd booed at him, displeased by his apparent unwillingness to continue fighting. He was so close, the contest almost over, and he would give up now? Someone shouted of the Azure Knight’s sudden cowardice, insulting his mother.
But then the Prince rose, lifting both hands, and amazingly the crowd quieted. “Do you wish to forfeit?” he asked the Azure Knight. A page stood at his elbow, lifting a fresh lance to the knight.