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The beautiful black warhorse snorts as the knight makes some final checks of his armour.

He gathers his reins and pulls down the visor of his helmet.

Enclosed in the thick steel, all he can hear is his own breathing.

He tries to keep his

inhales and exhales slow, bringing down his thudding heartbeat. He holds out

his hand for a lance. A squire passes him one and he tucks it tight under his arm.

Then he tugs the reins. His horse stamps and turns.

Through his visor slits, the knight once again eyes up his opponent, just over 100 yards away.

They've run at each other nine times, driving their lances towards each other's shields, chests and heads,

trying to knock each other out of the saddle.

So far, there's nothing to choose between them.

Now there's just one last turn to ride.

If the knight is knocked off his horse, it'll be a chastening defeat. If he stays in his saddle,

today has been a triumph. But that's easier said than done, because his opponent is none

other than Boussico, the greatest warrior in the Western world. This guy has done it all.

He went off to war for the first time aged 12,

fought a battle at 16, has led troops on Crusade,

and is so strong and powerful that it's said he can do backflips in full armour

...