t is Sir Inagio, an enemy of the king, who speaks with the Earl of Landenshire. You fade back into the crowd as quickly as you can. It is difficult to keep an eye on the Earl, as people jostle you, try to sell you things, and generally mill about. You realize that you are hungry, so you spend two copper pennies on some bread and roasted meat. This also gives you an excuse to pull out of the main body of the crowd for a few moments to get your bearings. The Earl of Landenshire is still talking to Sir Inagio. There is no way you can get a private message to him.
     You notice a horse nearby with the same emblazon on its saddle blanket as Sir Inagio's shield. The horse is saddled and looks like it has been readied its rider to enter the lists. Could it be Sir Inagio's turn to fight soon? You walk over towards the horse, picking up a handful of dirt and sand from the well trampled ground along the way. As you pass by the horses head you flick the dirt and dust into his face. The horse, which had been almost asleep, gives a start and the crowd jumps back. Sir Inagio looks over, says a quick good-bye to the Earl and hurries away to check on his horse. The Earl seems glad to be rid of Sir Inagio's attention and walks the other direction. You quickly catch up and tell him who you are and pass along your father's message.

     Now that you have delivered your message to the King’s most important allies, and you know where the battle is to take place, you ride furiously to the aid of the King. Your father only charged you with delivering the message but he didn't exactly say not to go to the fight to try to help. Of course, unarmed and unarmored you probably can't do more than get in the way.
     By the time you arrive, the battle has started. One of your father’s men, out of the action with a wounded arm, hands you his shield--not a very good one, but some protection. You don’t have a sword, so you can’t enter the battle. You are across the stream from the King, on a small hill. Suddenly a knight, in full armor, rushes up towards the battle. Is he a friend or foe?

Learn heraldry and how to recognize a shield in a story of a medieval boy.

Is this the shield of:

Sir Usher, Or, three roses gules between three martlets (birds) azure;

Sir Baggeley, Argent, a rose or between three martlets (birds) azure;

Sir Asken, Argent, a rose gules, three martlets (birds) pale-wise

Sir Ekhart, Or, a rose gules between three martlets (birds) azure?

Read Roger the Herald's Notes on Blazonry for Beginners