Perceval Gales: A Short Story

Sir Perceval Gales, clad in full plate armor, slashed his sword at his opponent with ferocity.
“I will take you down,” threatened Perceval, breathing hard and advancing.
His adversary lunged forward; Perceval feinted right, yet the rival’s blade whistled through the air and smashed into Perceval’s helmet with a shattering clang. Ears ringing and jarred from the solid blow, Perceval took blind swipes at his opponent until his sword connected with the man’s armor. Head still spinning, he was unsure which body part he’d struck; nonetheless, Perceval stumbled ahead, ready to take the opposer down, as promised.
Raising his sword over his head and prepared to take the most violent swing possible, Perceval’s held off once he heard the command: “Break!”

“I was talking about your celebratory supper tonight and how I plan to drink a good lot of wine and dispense my wisdom about how you should please your new bride in bed.”
“Oh, wonderful.” Ulrich rolled his eyes and shook his head. “Do you think you might take it easy tonight in front of my betrothed, Gawain?”
“But I have so much excellent bedchamber advice! Carina will appreciate it.”
“Gawain,” said Perceval, “leave the poor fellow alone, will you?”
Gawain strode up to Ulrich and dropped an arm around the young man’s shoulders. “You may be a blue-eyed, dark-haired, strapping young knight, but you need advice from your elders in matters of pleasing women.”
“Elders? From someone who’s what, four years older than I?”
“Five, but that’s beside the point,” said Gawain, shaking his shaggy brown locks out of his eyes. “Tonight, I will provide advice to all.”
Ulrich glanced at Perceval. “Is it possible to un-invite Gawain?”
“Probably not,” said Perceval. “But if he gets too rowdy, don’t worry, I’ll gag him.”
Gawain dropped his arm from Ulrich’s shoulders and shot Perceval a querulous look. “Please, I’d love to see you try.”
“I could gag you in heartbeat if I wanted to,” said Perceval.
Gawain motioned for Perceval to approach. “I’d love to see you