I pushed aside the meaty arm of a man and adjusted my disguise.

Surrounding me were crowds upon crowds of people. All eyes were focused on the center of the arena. Next to me was my horse, Filemena, I patted her dappled grey coat before grabbing the horn of the saddle and swinging my leg over.

It was harder than you thin, especially considering all the heavy metal armor and undergarments I was wearing. Never mind though, it was the roar of the people that gave me strength.

A lance was shoved into my hands, I gripped it tightly, getting used to the weight of this thing was enough.

And then I rode out from under the shaded gateway into the light. There was a massive roar upon my arrival. I shook my fist at the throng, only stirring them up more as I drank in the screams.

Another horse and rider had appeared opposite of me. The sun glinted off his armor and spittle dripped from the Friesian's mouth, the sweat dripping off it's hide. The poor thing was clearly being overworked.

"We got this Fila, he's at a disadvantage." I whispered while patting the side of her neck.

"I sure hope so." My horse answered back.

We lined up, I faced him and we lowered our lances. Waiting for the signal of the small boy to my right. He was holding a patchwork red flag that had been passed down through generation of the flag bearers. A couple of seconds passed before his arm raised. Then dropped and started waving the red patch of felt erratically.

Filemena neighed loudly and shot forward, her hooves digging to the soft plowed soil with ease. I pointed my lance right at the heart of the attacker, pretending he was like so many of the straw dummies I had practiced on for hours, days and weeks.

I raised my shield. My lance jutted off of his chest and splintered. His crashed into my shield and I was thrown off Filemena.

He shook his fist into the air in triumphant. I snorted and pushed myself back to my feet. Filemena came up to me whickered softly.

"We'll get 'em next time." She encouraged.

"That's what you said last time, and the time before that, and the time before that-"

"Okay I get it." She chuckled.

"Well, you know what we do now."

Filemena neighed and tossed her head. "You buy me an apple and we get back to practice."

I waited till we were out of sight then pulled off my helmet and letting my hair done from it's sweaty prison.

"Ulgh, I think I might need a bath first." I commented repulsed at my stink.

"Just as long as I get my apple."

"Okay, then we get back to practice and try again."