"On horseback with mace or battleaxe it is mainly a question of sheer strength, and though you are very strong there are others who are as strong as you.

Now, it is allowed that none of the king's knights and followers are as skilful as you with the sword, and even the king himself, who is regarded as the second best knight in Europe, owns that on foot and with a sword he has no chance against you.

That we all saw when you practiced for the amusement of the queen and her ladies in the mountains of Lennox.

None other could even touch you, while you dented all our helmets and armour finely with that sword of yours.

Had we continued the sport there would not have been a whole piece of armour among us save your own harness." Archie laughed.