By the order of the king, a duel was then declared

interest in the outcome of the fight was widely shared

thousands came to watch them at a stadium so grand

the fight was even opened by a royal marching band

The hero stood across from his old master deep in thought

this was not like any other battle he had fought

to win the favour of the crowd he’d have to fight with style

the air of the old stadium was not unlike a trial

Though the king still favoured him, he’d have to earn his rank

he had his reputation as a criminal to thank

now he’d show them all the way a hero wields a blade

he’d do away with all the accusations they had made

“Boy, I think you ought to end this lie, and go in peace

I don’t think you’re evil, but this spectacle must cease

there are many reasons why a hero goes to war

but there’s no hero’s spirit in the things you’re fighting for”

The pleas of the old master to his student went ignored

the hero concentrated as the spectators all roared

he held a long sword made of metal firmly in his grip

with it he’d show everyone his knightly swordsmanship

He bowed politely to his foe, and then the test began

and with his strength it seemed that everything would go to plan

his master looked uneasy, but with one intense attack

he summoned all his strength and pushed the brave young hero back

The master’s sword was full of life, and graceful when it moved

but now the hero’s own technique had drastically improved

with his healing magic and some fire beneath his feet

he knew that in a proper fight, he’d never know defeat

He danced around the ground of the arena, showing off

while the crowd was cheering, he could hear his master scoff

“this is all you’re good for, using magic to impress

you’re too much a villain for the powers you possess”

The master started fighting with a reckless disregard

hoping he could catch his boastful enemy off guard

the hero fought more desperately to demonstrate his skill

but it was clear his veteran opponent meant to kill

He struggled with the sword that grew too heavy in his hand

clinging to the training he could barely understand

but as the master’s sword was just about to take his head

his mind went blank and all he knew was he could wind up dead

He started to repel his master any way he could

smiling, though he knew he wasn’t fighting as he should

and with a burst of fiery rage he threw his sword away

then he looked down at the ground where his old master lay

The old man’s face was burnt but still his eyes were cold and fierce

but still, the hero’s pride was something they could never pierce

the master brought himself to kneel and turned to face the king

sitting in a booth and watching over everything

“Now you see the man he is, a pirate filled with rage

better you convict the man and put him in a cage”

the crowd grew tense and silent, waiting for the king’s reply

he was clearly angry that the test at gone awry

“Everyone, ignore the words of such a tired old man

he’s become confused since his long holiday began

he’ll feel better after getting lots of rest tonight

we couldn’t make a prisoner of our new strongest knight”

The match was thus decided, and a title was bestowed

the king declared a knighthood was the least the man was owed

right there in the stadium where he had lost control

the hero came a little closer to his final goal

The king came down to see the hero, while the people cheered

both ignoring how the old and wounded master leered

“let them gossip as they will, they’ll come to see in time

fighting like a pirate doesn’t need to be a crime”

The hero took the awkward compliment and thanked the king

“I promise you’ll lose count of all the victories I bring”

the grand event concluded and the news was everywhere

all throughout the kingdom gossip filled the lively air

The hero was provided with a suitable estate

together with his wife, he almost fainted at the gate

managed by a team of servants, waited on by maids

he hadn’t known such luxury in all of his crusades

The king explained that it would take some time to settle in

once he raised an army though, his mission would begin

in the meantime, he was to enjoy a noble life

taking time to learn about the kingdom with his wife