Post by The Smith on Apr 20, 2008 20:42:46 GMT -5
"Now remember, son. The most important part is where and how you place the lance. You want to keep straight, and as you approach, adjust the aim with small corrections if need be, then hold strong. You're quick-handed, so this should come naturally. Just don't let it get stressed from the side, or the lance will snap. It's only strong if you push straight through. Watch."
Ser Devon took up a practice lance, first striking it straight into the wall. Then he added a slight sideways motion to the strike, sending a huge crack down the last few feet of the lance.
"Now, if you've placed the blow correctly, your opponent's as good as done, as long as you properly follow through." Ser Devon demonstrated, holding a practice lance in position. "Once you make contact, hold steady at all costs. The momentum of the horse will carry through the blow, as long as you don't let your grip be swayed by the impact."
Dougal nodded. "Right. But what happens if the lance glances the shield and comes in to the body?"
"Well, that's why you're wearing all that armor. Either the lance breaks or someone's off his horse." Ser Devon laughed. "Either way, do not forget that upon impact you MUST turn your head upward! A broken lance can be more deadly than a whole one. Now let's start on the quintain. Of course, the shield doesn't adjust as it sees you coming, but you can still practice squaring your aim and following through."
Dougal hopped into the saddle atop Thunder, and took up the practice lance. Taking several passes at the quintain, he shattered the lance at the first blow, and was nearly taken down by the swinging bag, but afterward performed almost flawlessly. "We've done this before, father... I'm ready for a tilt." Thunder snorted as Dougal returned to the line.
"Whenever you're ready."
-moments later-
Dougal looked across the courtyard to his father, who was already seated and ready to ride. "This may not have been my best idea."
His father, paced Lightning to the end of the list and called out, "Shall we, then?"
Victor clapped Dougal on the back and reassured, "Hey... remember when you broke his sword? Think like you did then. Don't expect to lose. When you expect failure that's all you'll get. Ride up there like you're going to win, kid."
"Very well, let's do this." Dougal maneuvered Thunder to the line and raised his lance in salute. "Ready!" he called to Ser Devon, who nodded, returning the salute.
Cregg gave the signal, and the two were off.
As the two approached each other, lances set, Dougal's strike came wide, and was turned away by his father's shield as he was put down by a solid strike to the chest. Ser Devon turned at the end of the list as Dougal unceremoniously pulled himself up from the dirt. "Again?"
"Of course." After another try with the same result, and a shattered lance to add, Dougal muttered irritably.
Ser Devon shook his head. "It's a lot different when your opponent has his own lance, and can maneuver the shield. You've been neglecting yours. While positioning your blow, you must still focus on deflecting mine... or smashing it."
Dougal gave a resolute nod, and the two lined up once more. Cregg gave the signal, and this time Ser Devon's lance shattered to pieces upon Dougal's shield, while the boy's strike went just slightly wide. "Much better!" Ser Devon shouted, tossing away the broken lance and drawing another from the stack against the wall.
It would take three more attempts for Ser Devon to bring down Dougal again. In the second, Dougal somehow managed to stay horsed despite a hit under the shoulder that nearly turned him in the saddle. It was enough to bring the boy's pride up a notch.
As he pulled himself up for the last time, he spoke with confidence. "One of these days I'll get you."
"Of that, I have no doubt," Ser Devon remarked, handing Thunder off to a stable boy. "You'll be coming with me to the next tournament that comes around. You may even win some young lady's favor."
Dougal grinned at that.
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Dougal Hill -
Lance: Apprentice -> Noteworthy
Horse riding: Apprentice -> Noteworthy
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