Joust In Time

by Debbie Fritter

  "...way he swung that lance around as if it were nothing, I can only imagine his hands on my body with that same touch ... commanding ... skillful.” The woman pulled out one of Courtney's most revealing emerald green gowns, a sultry smile on her face. “In something like this, that knight with the long hair dressed all in black wouldn't be able to resist me. What do you think, Tina?” The women gathered around the sexy gown, fingering the low blood-red satin bodice and tightly cinched black waist. The entire ensemble ran well over five hundred dollars and she doubted either of them could afford it. And she certainly wasn't going to rent it out to either of them for the day. No way, no how.

  "With your boobs falling out from the top, no man could resist you, Sheri.” The woman called Tina laughed as she made the remark, winking as she held the outfit up to her friend. “No man on earth would be safe or able to resist you after your boob job. Big and firm, that's what they are; inviting every male around to taste them."

  Looking at her reflection in the full-length mirror, Sheri laughed, watching herself sway from side to side. “I've only got one in mind and he happens to ride a big black horse. If I can get close enough, he'll be riding in my saddle by the end of the day. I've got the perfect fit to..."

  Jealousy seethed in Courtney's mind when she'd overheard the hushed whispers of the women talking about Reynold as they looked through her dresses, fantasizing about what they could do to him. Their description of Reynold's expertise with a lance and his handling of Abraxas made her blood boil. She wanted to rip the garments out of their grasping fingers and tell them to never come back to her shop again. She couldn't ... she'd no right and even if she did, it was nothing more than a performance for the outside world. These women meant as much to him as she did ... which was nothing.

  Shaking the scene in the shop from her mind, Courtney crossed her arms over her midsection. Leaning back, she wondered what in the world she was doing. She didn't have to be here today. She didn't have to leave her shop in the very capable hands of young summer help. But she had and there was no turning back, no trying to sneak away without someone she knew recognizing and stopping her. No, she'd made the decision to watch the last joust and she'd just have to stay with it. Curiosity had certainly got her cat in more ways than one. And that cat's name was Reynold.

  Her palms damp and her body in a cold sweat, Courtney watched and listened as the knights’ squires on the other side of the arena pumped up the crowd with their poetic verse. Each squire was responsible for a section of the bleachers, instructing the people there on who to cheer for and how to cheer. Talk about men in tights, there was plenty implied to inflame a woman's imagination under those crotch-length tunics. She was sure each of them enjoyed showing off their package without really exposing themselves.

  The fanfare signaled the ceremony as Queen Victoria and her Ladies in Waiting entered the viewing area set aside for the royalty of Bristol's Heartsease. Queen Victoria acknowledged the rest of her court, waved to her royal subjects seated across the dirt arena, then took her seat under the wooden pavilion.

  Courtney watched the re-enactors take their royal places. Queen Victoria motioned for the audience to be silent. It would only be a matter of moments now before the scripted competition started; she'd finally find out what the female shoppers in her shop had gotten so hot and bothered about.

  ...Although she could just about imagine. Even without the armor, Reynold had the body to stir even the deepest hidden desires. He'd certainly succeeded in stirring her blood without asking. If he'd asked, would she have given herself over to him so easily? Probably not; she wanted her knight to be hers and hers alone. She just wasn't into sharing.

  "Welcome to the Tournament of Champions. On this final joust of the day, Sir Thomas and the Black Knight will compete in a tournament of skill to determine the champion of my kingdom. Now, may we have the tournament begin!” Queen Victoria's words sang out across the arena, and then a smile covered her face as she turned and chatted with a young lady in waiting before pointing toward the arena gates.

  There wasn't a doubt in Courtney's mind they were waiting for Thomas and Reynold to make their appearances. Umph, the Queen probably has the hots for him too. Seems like everyone but me does and that's just fine with me. The further he stays away, the safer I'll be.

  Riding a horse dressed in the purple and gold colors representing his homeland of Kent, Sir Thomas cantered into the arena sitting tall and straight in the saddle. He reined in just in front of the queen for a moment then pulled his horse around to where his ‘subjects’ waited for him. At the encouragement of the squire, cheers filtered through the boos from his opponent's chosen people.

  A squire dressed in black and yellow shouted encouragement as the next rider sat easily on his stomping Andalusian. The gate opened and horse and rider thundered into the arena in a cloud of dust, clumps of dirt flying from the stallion's hoofs. Courtney felt as if the gates of hell had just been opened the way the Andalusian stomped and snorted.

  She shivered as she stared at the Black Knight anonymous inside his arnet. His black and yellow colors of Heartsease flapped in the wind and his black hair spread across his shoulders and back, waving with each step the horse took. The Knight and his mighty black stallion appeared to be one, moving together across the ground.

  A shot of electricity ran through her body as horse and rider flew past her, sending shocking warmth to her core. Her heart raced deep inside her chest, sending her a message she never expected. Courtney gasped at the realization of what her heart knew all along. This man, whoever he was, truly had to be the Black Knight of Heartsease—her knight in shining armor.

  * * * *

  Reynold eyed Thomas as he sat at the west end of the arena, waiting for the jousting to begin.

  What is the outcome of the joust? Ah, Thomas is to win. I must give him the win without consideration for my own conscience.

  Reynold tapped Abraxas with his heels. The horse reared then hit the ground running. This was what Reynold lived for. To feel the power. To feel the excitement of competition. To win fairly and without deception to the good people of Heartsease.

  Thomas approached on his grey. Reynold lowered his lance.

  Bam! Reynold's lance hit Thomas square in the chest, catching him off guard. He fell to the ground.

  As quick as it had started, it ended. Reynold reined in his horse at the west end of the list, waiting for Thomas to remount. Then they met in the center of the list.

  Thomas pulled up next to Reynold, shaking his head. “I thought you said you knew what to do? You were supposed to lose. I was supposed to win. What part of that didn't you understand?"

  Reynold removed his arnet, looking at Thomas. “Thou would have me lose when it is clear I'm the better? Thomas, thou must know I would not do such a thing."

  "We shall see what happens, Reynold.” Thomas urged his horse forward, never giving Reynold a second look.

  Thomas and Reynold reined in their horses in front of Queen Victoria, saluting as she stood to declare the winner. Reynold knew he'd out-mastered Thomas in every event, yet had this feeling that the tournament would not go his way—the look on Thomas’ face and the manner of his words said as much.

  "Do not be so sure that you have won, my friend.” Thomas said, just loud enough for Reynold to hear him. “You're about to be penalized for one reason or another today."

  "We shall see if the Queen is true of heart then,” Reynold responded, pulling back on the reins to calm Abraxas. His horse needed more than this to settle down and he knew it. Once the list cleared of people, he'd let him work a bit more before the end of the day.

  "Good people of Heartsease, it has been brought to my attention that the Black Knight fouled during the taking of the rings. Due to this infraction, I have no choice but to declare Sir Thomas as Champion this day."

  The Chief Marshall presented Sir Thomas with the winning ribbons. Reynold watched in dismay as Thomas cantered around the list to the cheers of t
he crowd. Bowing his head slightly to the Queen, Reynold pulled on his arnet and reined Abraxas around back to the stables.

  Out of the corner of his eye he caught the rich purple and cream gown, and gleaming black hair of a woman following his movement. Her toasty brown eyes captured him in warmth as he trotted past her and through the gate. Lady Courtney had to be the most beautiful and captivating woman he'd seen in this land. A lady worthy of a love-joust for an eternity.

  * * * *

  Courtney sprung to her feet at Queen Victoria's announcement. He's been robbed! Okay, he didn't play by the rules, but he still won the damn competition. Even an idiot could clearly see that. There was no infraction, he's being put in his place. Tsk, tsk. Why can they not play fairly? Why must everything be set in stone around here?

  Because Courtney, rules are rules.

  Reynold had surely won this competition fair and square. She couldn't imagine he'd knowingly cheated in any way. He was a knight born of chivalry, not a man who defaulted on his sworn word. How can you be sure? You don't even know him. Her heart responded, beating warmth and comfort through her soul: You know though, don't you? He's your Black Knight, the one you were born to love.

  Whether she did or didn't know, right now she couldn't divert her gaze from him. Even as he sat straight in the saddle she could see the slight hunching of his shoulders; he was a man who'd been deceived and didn't understand why. The slump of his shoulders showed a defeated man.

  He turned his horse and trotted alongside the rail toward her; he looked anything but defeated. She glared into the visor hoping to make a connection. If only she could get a look at his face to see if his eyes would tell her that he was okay. His head turned ever so slightly in her direction and she knew then that he'd seen her—recognized her.

  Courtney scooted past others sitting on the wooden planks, weaving her way through the sea of knees. Thomas had some explaining to do and she wanted to be there when he did. There had to be a logical explanation why Reynold lost the competition, even if it was preplanned.

  Damn the rules!

  "What took place out there, Thomas?"

  Courtney stopped short of the stable doors at the sound of Reynold's voice. His words didn't really sound angry, but maybe a little threatening. Tentatively peeking around the corner, she watched as each man unsaddled his horse with clipped actions.

  "You didn't follow the script, Reynold. There will be several times when you don't win. In fact, there will be times when neither of us will win.” Thomas slipped the bit from his horse's mouth, then gave the animal a single pat on the shoulder.

  "Script? Oh yes, I hath forgotten that thou plays at being a knight rather than being one. I pity thee.” Reynold straddled his saddle over a stall wall then pulled the silks from the back of his horse.

  Thomas kicked the wall next to Abraxas, startling the horse. “At least I'm not the one living in a fantasy world pretending to be a real knight. Come off it, Reynold. You're no more a knight than I am and you know it."

  Reynold's shoulders stiffened, his chest puffed out and he seemed to grow taller. If she didn't go in now the two of them would be at each other's throats and thrown out of the faire.

  "Hey guys, what's up?” Courtney slipped from the shadows into the barn, grabbing a couple of apples as she entered.

  "Courtney, you saw what happened?” Picking up a stiff bristle brush, Thomas stepped away from the four-foot wall separating him from Reynold. “I didn't know you were going today—you never said anything."

  "Umph, do I have to tell you everything? I am a big girl you know.” Courtney bit into one of the apples, then passed the remainder onto Abraxas’ waiting mouth. “Besides, you know I try not to miss the last joust of the day."

  Reynold's smile lit his eyes with appreciation. In fact they lit his entire face with a gentleness that never reached the jousting arena. “He'll want another, Lady Courtney."

  "Got one,” she half-whispered, waving the other apple in the air. “It won't be long and the faire will close for the week. Do you two men have any plans for dinner tonight? Maybe we can settle this dispute over food and drink at my shop, what do ya think?"

  Thomas shook his head and Reynold continued to feed Abraxas the second apple. The knights eyed each other suspiciously. Courtney sat on the bale of hay between the two stall doors, playing with a crop she found resting there. Whichever one went after the other first she'd tan their hide but good.

  "Look, Thomas, I know you generally have your grandfather waiting on you to come home, but I'd like to have you come anyway.” She switched her attention to Reynold. “What about you? Family, girlfriend somewhere nearby that might detain you?” Why in the hell did I ask that? It's none of my business if he's got family or not. And as far as a woman—there's plenty probably drooling just outside the gates, waiting for him to step through.

  She wanted to know more about Reynold. Asking questions, subtle or not, was the only way of finding out the answers. Even if the questions were a little too personal and obvious.

  Reynold leaned over the stall door. “I accept thy offer of a meal. I broke my fast this morning, and hath a need to eat."

  "Good! Thomas, will you join us after all, tonight?” Courtney extended the invitation, but secretly hoped he'd decline. She wanted Reynold all to herself, with no interruptions from Thomas and his off-handed remarks.

  "Ahh, no. I think I'll pass and leave the two of you to each other.” Thomas swung open the stall door, latching it behind him he passed Reynold with a look of warning on his face. “Enjoy your meal, Reynold. It could be your last.” He stalked off into a corner and began fiddling with tack.

  Yes! Jumping for joy inside, Courtney nodded to both men. “Well, then, Reynold—as soon as the park closes and you've finished down here, come up to my shop. Thomas, I'll see you in the morning.” Courtney gave Abraxas a pat on the nose then turned to leave the barn.

  As she walked off, her excitement quickly morphed into consternation.

  You are just an idiot! Open your mouth and get yourself into hot water. What the heck am I going to make for dinner?

  Courtney couldn't boil water, let alone cook. Last time she made anything, Thomas got sicker than a dog. With those expert culinary skills, she'd have a dead Black Knight on her floor by dawn's light.

  [Back to Table of Contents]

  Chapter 9

  Issie slunk deeper into the safety the barn shadows provided her as Courtney swept through the doors into the evening light. Once she passed by in a wave of lavender, Issie stepped inside.

  That woman reeks of sweetness ... ugh. Issie shimmied until bitterness replaced the sweetness invading her. Ahhh, that's better.

  Leaning against the doorframe, she folded her arms across her chest. “So what did you promise her this time, Thomas? She looked as pleased as an old whore about to make a buck or two after a dry spell."

  Both men startled, bringing a hearty chuckle up from her depths.

  "What the...” Thomas turned from polishing at the metal parts on a saddle, his face hard. Reynold stiffened, but didn't look up—apparently he was ready for what may come next. By their reactions, neither was pleased with what they'd heard her suggest. Always defending the lovely Courtney Parker. It was getting a bit much for her to stomach to handle.

  "Sorry—I didn't mean to sneak up on you that way.” Liar—well, maybe once in a while when necessary. Deception ... always! As much as she tried to make it look sincere, she knew the slight smile on her face gave her away. She just couldn't help herself—they were like sitting ducks in a pond, and a pair of easy targets. All she had to do was load, aim and shoot.

  "You sure as hell did, Issie. It's what you do best ... sneak around.” Thomas turned back to his saddle. “No one does it as good as you do. I didn't promise her anything and you know better than to say anything like that about Courtney. Reynold is having dinner with her tonight. We were both invited—I declined."

  He never stopped polishing as he spoke. Sh
e had an idea what button to push next and if she had to, she would.

  Hell with it, I'll push anyway.

  "Oh ... dinner. The way to a man's heart, they say.” Issie turned to face Reynold, and found nothing revealing in his eyes. She knew he'd always been good at hiding when he thought someone was watching. Once he thought he was out of view, his eyes revealed more than he realized they did.

  "So they say, Isabel.” Reynold nodded his head, stealing a side glance at Thomas. For a slight instant, Issie thought she caught darkness in Thomas’ expression. Maybe this was going to be easier than she first thought.

  "Not reconsidering, are you Thomas?” Issie stayed in the shadows, waiting for them to make their next move. She was in no hurry—as a matter of fact she had all night to make them squirm like a couple of teenage boys. “I mean after all, a stranger having dinner with your ... ah ... friend. I'm surprised you're not going along to chaperone, if nothing else. To protect Courtney's good name and all."

  The tension and hard lines of Thomas’ face only confirmed what the stones told her would happen. Her two highest-ranking knights were having issues with each other and it involved a woman from their past. The situation couldn't have suited her more, making her plan easier to accomplish and much quicker than she imagined.

  Good ... dissention in the ranks. This could work perfectly to my liking. Issie stepped completely into the barn, side-stepping a horse apple or two before parking herself on a bale of hay. She hated the scratchiness that poked through her skirt to her legs. The irritating sensation rubbed her the wrong way, just as Courtney Parker did in this lifetime.

  Thomas stepped into the stall and began to sweep a brush over his horse's flank in clipped movements, causing the gelding to flinch. Issie took note when the gelding's ears pitched backwards, than turned his head to the side to get a look at his owner. She guessed that Thomas never treated his horse with the harsh brushing he gave it now. The poor animal didn't know what was hitting him, and neither would Thomas once she got her hands on him.