Squash Stack Studio

Now that we’ve met our contestants, let’s start the first bout! The first fencers on the strip are Princess Crocodile of Minotheria and Princess Ygrainne of Mithrinvale. A royal occasion indeed!

I’m not sure it’s regulation, but both fencers have chosen to equip themselves with shields.

Referee Bidness calls “Fence!” and the first bout is underway!

Princess Crocodile quickly scores with a powerful blow that splits Princess Ygrainne’s shield! Ygrainne discards the shield and counters with a strong parry/riposte. An excellent first engagement!

For the second touch, Referee Bidness insists that Princess Crocodile discard her shield. It’s only fair, don’t you think, Barbara?

At the cry of “Fence!” Princess Crocodile launches a stunning attack, driving Ygrainne down the strip. The Mithrinvale princess gets dangerously close to the runoff zone but then feints, beats, and counterattacks, reversing the momentum of the engagement!

The next few touches are a whirlwind, but Ygrainne’s superior bladecraft gains her the upper hand. The referee calls Bout 1 for Mithrinvale!

A cheer goes up from the crowd; it’s a lively bunch today, Barbara! Look at the young man in the second row with his big foam sword – you just know he wants to be a famous fencer some day!

Uh-oh! It looks like there’s a disturbance preventing the beginning of the next bout. A pair of crocodile warriors carrying the banner of Princess Crocodile have marched out onto the piste, protesting the referee’s decision in Bout 1 of these finals.

Now you can see Security leading them away. I have to say, I’m a little stunned by how much firepower Security is packing for this event – are those laser guns? I hope this is the most disturbance they have to deal with during this event.