As a writer, the allure of a family outing to Medieval Times in Orlando, Florida, way back in Autumn 2013, was irresistible, especially with the popularity of my much-adored young knight, Bennet Carlton, featured in He Taught Me to Hope.
My husband, our daughter and I arrived early, brimming with anticipation, determined to snag optimal seating. As the first to buy tickets at the window, our efforts paid off with the best seats in the house—those that promised an unobstructed view of the upcoming spectacle. And more, as you’ll later discover.
Settling into our seats, the excitement was palpable. The arena buzzed with the energy of adults and children, eagerly awaiting the jousting tournament. The grand entrance of the knights.
At Medieval Times, the performance is a thrilling spectacle that immerses you in the era of chivalry and knights. Set in a grand arena designed like a medieval castle, skilled performers in full armor compete in jousts and other contests. The vibrant atmosphere resonates with the sounds of trumpets and drums, creating an ambiance of medieval festivities. The knights engage in dramatic combat on horseback, demonstrating agility and bravery as they charge at each other with lances. These choreographed battles are filled with suspense and excitement, accompanied by cheers and applause from the audience, each section rooting for their designated knight, represented by colors assigned to different seating areas.
My writer’s mind in overdrive, I found myself on the edge of my seat, absorbing every detail with the intent of incorporating this exhilarating atmosphere into my next story, capturing the vivid scenes of chivalry and valor. The tournament unfolded with breathtaking skill and drama, each moment more captivating than the last. The roar of the crowd, the glitter of the armor under the arena lights, and the sheer thrill of the competition were elements I knew would enhance my storytelling.
Indeed, this experience became a cornerstone for a lively scene in Book 3 of my “Darcy and the Young Knight’s Quest Series.” The performance and ensuing excitement I felt that evening helped me write a far more vivid and detailed jousting tournament in my story than I would have done otherwise.
Here’s said scene from Hope and Sensibility, Chapter 10.
Enjoy!
Days after Ben’s reunion with his parents, he, Darcy, and Elizabeth headed out on horseback towards the outskirts of the Longbourn estate. They had not journeyed far before brightly coloured flags of nearly every shade in the rainbow lining either side of the lane as far as Ben’s eyes could see soon taught him to expect something magical. Recalling Darcy’s promise to make amends for the shortened visit at Camelot, he could not wait to see what his father had in store for him. Travelling along the exact lane that would lead them to his and Darcy’s favourite meeting place only added to the suspense.
Ben’s eyes opened wide when he espied high in the sky a medieval fortress with ribbons in vivid hues of red, blue and green fluttering in the morning breeze saluting their approach.
Upon reaching their destination, Ben observed two knights in shining armour stationed either side the foot of the mighty tree. Are they real?
Ben jumped down from his pony, and a servant quickly stepped forward and guided it away. So excited was Ben that he hardly knew where to look first. True to life knights hovered over him. Ben took a measured step back. They are real!
His heartbeat pounded. “My king, my queen—come and see what I see!”
Darcy dismounted his horse and quickly went to assist Elizabeth to the ground.
“Fitzwilliam, I had no idea that your plans entailed all this.”
“I want Ben to be sufficiently entertained while we remain in Hertfordshire.”
“Indeed, he will be. We must consider ourselves fortunate should we even see him after today.”
Ben scampered up the wooden steps spiralling from the base of the tree to the fortress to have a look inside. There, in the middle of the dwelling, was a large, round table that looked as if it were fashioned from an ancient oak. Much to discover and delight the young lad lay all about: a coat of arms, two makeshift swords, a wooden treasure chest, the contents of which Ben could hardly wait to ascertain, a chain mail vest, its purpose solely for display, and even a throne fashioned from tree limbs and twigs. Ben could well imagine spending all his time there with his king. Shuttered windows on either side next drew his attention, and he raced over to the one closest, unfastened the latch, which was meant to bar intruders from seizing the throne, and threw open the shutters. What a spectacular sight this particular window afforded, an unobstructed view of the land for as far as the eye could see.
From Ben’s vantage point, his parents looked to be miles and miles away. Cupping his mouth, he said, “King Arthur, Queen Guinevere, you must come join me.”
Once Darcy and Elizabeth were inside the fortress walls, Darcy moved about freely and comfortably. He imagined himself spending quite a bit of time with Ben and he was of an age where comfort trumped any other considerations. He opened the trunk and retrieved another surprise for Ben. Handing it to Ben, he said, “I believe these will aid you in your quest, young sir.”
Ben had never possessed anything quite like it but having read about such a thing, he had a fair idea of its purpose. “My very own spyglass! Oh, thank you, sir.” He raced to the opened window and held it up to his eye. His expression clouded. “I fear I see much better without it.”
Darcy took the shiny black instrument from Ben and turned it around. Handing it back to Ben, he said, “Try this.”
Ben did as Darcy directed, and he was amazed. “Look—I can see all the way to Netherfield!” He immediately raced to the opposite side of his fortress and threw open the other window. After raising his spyglass to his eyes and taking in the new prospect, he said, “Queen Guinevere, there is Longbourn House! Come and have a look!”
Ben graciously displayed the proper use of his spyglass to his mother before handing it to her. “Sir Lancelot, it is indeed Longbourn.” She returned the spyglass to Ben. “I should very much like to stay here and enjoy exploring your new kingdom, young sir, but I fear I must be away for my sisters are expecting me.”
Ben looked through his shiny new instrument again and beheld another spectacle. “Look! Just over there. I see a crowd gathered.” Countless brightly coloured streamers adorning covered tables and chairs lent a festive air to the prospect below. “It looks like a great feast!”
Darcy looked at Elizabeth sheepishly. “You must eat, my love.”
Paying no mind to whatever his parents were discussing, Ben darted down the wooden steps and hurried off in the direction of the merriment.
Once there, he saw Colonel Fitzwilliam and Georgiana. “Merlin! What is all this?”
“What does it look like, Sir Lancelot?”
“It looks like fun! I am delighted you are here.” He turned to his aunt and bowed. “My lady.”
“Come now, Sir Lancelot. Surely you have surmised the perfect appellation for this angelic creature.”
Georgiana smiled and clasped her hands in anticipation while Ben contemplated the matter. “Forgive me, fair lady. Indeed, you are such a treasure. You shall be known as Anna, sister of King Arthur.”
Arm in arm, Bingley and Anne approached them.
“Mr. Bingley! Cousin Anne!” Ben placed his fingers on his chin and tapped his lips a few times. “Rather—Sir Kay and Blasine. Yes—Sir Kay, brother of King Arthur, and Blasine, sister of King Arthur. I think that shall do nicely.” He turned to the colonel. “What say you, Merlin?”
“I heartily approve, Sir Lancelot.”
Bingley’s countenance clouded. “Merlin? Sir Lancelot?”
Georgiana said, “Oh, yes, Mr. Bingley. Only proper Arthurian appellations are allowed on such an occasion as this.”
“I see, and how might I refer to my good friend Darcy when I see him? Or do I even need to ask?”
Darcy must have heard all this as he and Elizabeth approached the group. “King Arthur, my friend. And who might you be?”
Bingley said, “It seems I am to be called Sir Kay.”
Darcy held up Elizabeth’s hand. “Sir Kay, may I present the love of my life, my sun, and my stars—my lady, Queen Guinevere?”
A trumpet sounded, heralding the start of the festivities, beginning with a feast. Everyone proceeded to the table, which was heavy-laden with assorted breads, fresh fruits, cheeses, and wine, and, in its centre, a wild boar’s head perfectly fitted for the occasion. Once everyone had partaken in three courses while being entertained by two colourfully attired court jesters, two knights took their places at opposite ends of the battlefield.
The court jester, who wore a bright leotard—red on one side and black-and-white checkered squares on the other, approached the table. He outstretched his hands before Darcy. One held a black and white cloth, the other a red and black cloth. “Choose your warrior, sire.”
Darcy immediately deferred to Ben, who sat on his right. Excited, Ben leaned forward and took the proffered red and black cloth. The jester presented the other to Darcy, and another jester stepped forward and encouraged Elizabeth, Georgiana, Anne, Bingley, and the colonel to reach inside his bag and retrieve a flag.
One by one, each chose their colour and, as a result, their stake in the battle. Elizabeth, who sat on Darcy’s left, picked a red and black flag. Sitting on Ben’s right, Georgiana selected a red and black flag as well.
At three to one, the odds were stacked against King Arthur. Sir Lancelot knew not to be too confident, for the battle—as it were—had not yet begun. The young lad mentally calculated the odds that he would indeed come out ahead with so many flags left unchosen.
Next, it was Anne’s turn. Black and white.
Then Bingley chose. Another black and white flag emerged.
Young Sir Lancelot’s confidence waned, but not his hope. Colonel Fitzwilliam’s pick would decide the final outcome. How Ben wanted his friend Merlin on his team. Else it would be him and two fair ladies waging battle against his king, a knight, a maiden, and a magician. Ben’s mouth fell open when the colonel pulled out a black and white flag and waved it in the air.
Any disappointment Ben suffered faded quickly as he reconsidered his chances of emerging victorious. Yes, King Arthur’s team was larger, but Ben had Queen Guinevere on his side. Ben gazed at his knight, who stood at the ready on the battlefield. What an imposing prospect he and his warhorse afforded. Donned in red and black, the knight was fierce, sitting high upon his beautifully turned-out stallion coated in red and black garb protecting his head, chest, and flanks.
There stood his opponent on the opposite end. King Arthur’s colourfully attired knight and war horse stood just as proud and fierce. Winning the imminent battle was going to be difficult, but Ben was quite determined that his side would prevail.
With the sun high in the midday sky, Darcy gave the commanding signal. “Let the battles begin.”
The knights commenced a fierce jousting match that saw both sides cheering to see who could outdo the other. Ben’s knight was jostled from his stallion, but refusing to surrender, he took up his sword and shield. The fiercest of ground battles ensued.
The thrashing and clanging of heavy metal swords against shields made for quite an exhibition. So excited was Ben that his enthusiasm propelled him from his seat. He stood in his chair and rallied his warrior on in the man-to-man combat. At last, Ben’s warrior emerged as the victor.
The battle won; the warrior presented Sir Lancelot with the other warrior’s shield.
“Oh, Da! May I keep this? I should like to display it in my fortress with my other treasures.”
“It is yours to do with what you will, son.”
Georgiana asked, “What is this about a fortress, Ben? You must take me there.”
Elizabeth said, “This indeed has been a wonderful diversion, but as much as I should like to remain here and enjoy the festivities, I really must take my leave.”
She had hardly finished her speech before the victorious knight presented her with one perfect red rose. She brought it to her nose and breathed in its fragrance.
The warrior handed Georgiana a rose as well and then presented one to Anne.
Elizabeth placed her hand on Darcy’s. “This has been a wonderful morning, my love; however, if I do not return now, I fear I will be missed at Longbourn.”
Ben turned to Darcy. “Pray you are not required elsewhere as well.”
“No, Ben. I am at your command.” Standing, he said, “Pardon me, for I shall see my beautiful queen off, and then I shall return.”
Ben smiled. He went to his mama and took her hand. Bowing, he bestowed a light kiss. “I shall see you at sunset, my queen. Pray you will be safe in your travels.”
Darcy took Elizabeth’s hand and led her to a spot nearby where three musicians sat playing under a heavily shaded tree. While waiting for her horse to be brought around, he trimmed her rose and tucked it behind her ear. This gave him the perfect excuse for trailing his hands lingeringly along her long, slender neckline. With his thumb, he gently persuaded her chin upwards while he leaned in and kissed her softly on her lips.
“I truly wish you did not have to leave.”
“Pray you understand.”
“Yes, of course I do. You want to be with your father.”
“I do not know that I can ever truly thank you for bringing so much joy into Ben’s life.”
“Your love is all the thanks I shall ever require.”
“Oh, I do love you—with all my heart.” Her sweet proclamation was more delightful than the music that filled the air.
Back to the show—the climax of the evening was a memory I will cherish forever. The victorious knight, triumphant and regal, riding a great stallion, approached our section. My heart swelled with pride and joy as he handed a delicate rose to my own little princess. Her eyes sparkled with wonder, and the joy on her face was a perfect end to our magical day.
Listen to and enjoy Hope & Sensibility for free on my YouTube Channel!
What a delightful read!!! It must have taken so much for DArcy to put it all together. I haven’t been to Medieval Times here in Texas but have watched the commercials and it really makes me want to go. Looking forward to reading the book.
Great chapter! I love how Darcy did all that for Ben! So neat with him and Lizz y being King and Queen!lol I love how Merlin and Sir Kay came into play too!
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