A Chivalric Calamity

 In the astounding country of Logres, the realm of King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table, knights flourished. Sir Gabriel tightened his grip on his lance as he and Sir Kay neared collision. The skilled knight tilted his shield and watched in satisfaction as his buckler diverted Sir Kay’s extensive lance. Loaded with luck and skill, the jouster’s winning streak continued when his adroit blow to his opponent sent him flying off his enormous horse. Sir Gabriel stood on his horse’s saddle and gave an exuberant bow.

    “First joust goes to Sir Gabriel!” an interlocutor boomed over the deafening applause of the fans. The cheers died when the prudent and valiant Sir Gareth emerged from a flamboyant pavilion and mounted his battle-horse. His squire handed him his lance and then began numbering off admonitions for Sir Gareth. Sitting erect in his saddle, Gabriel examined the noble knight and resentfully muttered, “I will soon have my place at the Round Table as well.” Sir Gabriel’s squire suddenly appeared beside him and attempted to give him advice. Instantaneously, his master punished him with a baleful scowl, and the squire immediately disappeared. The arrogant Sir Gabriel didn’t want his admirers to think that he wasn’t capable of handling his situations himself. Once the two knights finished preparing themselves, a horn blow started the joust. Seconds before impact, Sir Gabriel fixed the direction of his lance just in time. The triumphant knight remained undefeated! The humble Sir Gareth shook Gabriel’s metal encased hand and then hobbled over to a field medic for injury inspection.

     As the day slowly progressed, Gabriel’s winning streak continued in the jousting tournament. Soon, Sir Gabriel’s popularity began rapidly escalading among the citizens of Logres, and most importantly to the young knight, King Arthur.

     Returning to his luxurious estate after a day of jousting, Sir Gabriel received a letter addressed to him from King Arthur! Reading the letter, the knight burned with excitement at the invitation to participate in a tournament against the most prominent jousters in the realm! Pride emanated from the tall and handsome knight, and he confidently vowed that after that tournament he would demonstrate to the world his talent and immensely expand his reputation. 

    With only ten days to train, Sir Gabriel found himself doing completely otherwise. After one of his numerous parades through Logres’ streets, he stood in front of a monstrous mirror, staring intently at his handsome, muscular features. As his self-pride accumulated so did the denizens of Logres’ concern. Thinking deeply about the behavior of Sir Gabriel, the citizens only could wonder, what happened to the favorable knight? 

     Finally the day of the tournament arrived. Suited in his shining silver armor, Gabriel mounted his armored steed and trotted to the jousting arena. Surveying his surroundings, he pleasured himself with counting a number of his fans in the crowd. But, when the boastful knight tilted his head up slightly, he virtually fainted. There on a marvelous, polished wooden pedestal, in two illustrious seats, sat the immeasurably auspicious King Arthur and Queen Guinevere. Gabriel waved and flexed his already bulging muscles. Entering the other side of the arena emerged the highly renowned Lancelot du Lake, who held the reputation of the most distinguished knight in bravery and wit in the entire Kingdom of Logres. Apprehension gradually assailed Gabriel, but after thinking of his own impressiveness, he derisively scoffed at the noble opponent. The noise Gabriel had been anticipating sounded throughout the entire stadium. At the trumpet blow, the knights charged immediately while Gabriel vainly viewed his reflection off his breastplate.  Despite the impending impact, he couldn’t take his eyes off himself. Just before the jousters collided, the entranced Sir Gabriel managed to rip his face away from his appearance only to feel sharp pain surge through his body. Catapulting through the air, the foolish warrior’s head connected with the stands in a blur of motion. Gabriel massaged his crown and looked up. Abruptly he felt a number of objects clank off his armor.  Insult after insult for his self-centeredness flurried down upon him from his former fans. Although King Arthur tried to stop the turmoil, the irrepressible fans would not halt. Gabriel eventually escaped the fulmination but not after being forced to watch Sir Lancelot receive all the accolades of the joust. Following this competition, Gabriel knew he would never proceed to the rank of Knight of the Round Table because his prideful behavior brought his downfall. After this chivalric calamity, Sir Gabriel decided to never joust or continue his self-centered ways again.