Sam, it might the sweet inner child in me coming out and thank you for the varmint reference. I was afraid if might be vermin.:biggrin:
Rod, this knife is about 4" long. No specific story as inspiration. I am simply fascinated with history and this period in particular. Alexander Dumas is one of my favorite authors. This engraving is a bit earlier in time than the settings of his stories but still conjures up images of chivalry and valor.
This is an attempt to begin a story and let the viewer tell "the rest of the story". King returning home after........ruins behind him and his castle in front. The other side, a challenge. Was an inappropriate move made towards the jousters fair lady? A comment regarding his mother or pink tights? Who knows. It's fun to ponder.