A Knight's War

At a jousting tournament in 14th-century Europe, William Thatcher and his fellow squires discover the death of their master, Sir Ector. With Sir Ector's passing, they realize that he could have secured victory in the tournament, leaving them destitute and uncertain of their future.

Desperate to survive, William decides to don Sir Ector's armor and impersonate him in the tournament. This bold move allows him to compete and ultimately win valuable prizes that will change the course of his life.

Despite Roland and Wat's reluctance to stay, William convinces them to help him train for jousting competitions. They embark on a journey together, aiming to improve their skills and chase the dream of knighthood.

While traveling, the trio encounters a down-and-out Geoffrey Chaucer, who agrees to forge a patent of nobility for William. This crucial document allows William to enter tournaments as 'Sir Ulrich von Liechtenstein' from Gelderland.

William learns that Chaucer is in debt to Simon the Summoner and Peter the Pardoner due to his gambling issues. In a show of loyalty, William demands Chaucer's release, promising to repay his debt.

During the competitions, William's armor sustains damage, prompting him to coax Kate, a blacksmith, into repairing it for free. He manages to win the sword event, allowing him to settle Chaucer's debt and earn respect.

William faces Sir Thomas Colville in a joust, who surprisingly withdraws after sustaining an injury. They share a respectful pass, preserving Colville's honor while William continues to compete with vigor.

As William proves his skill, he becomes entangled in a rivalry with Count Adhemar, who seeks both victory in the joust and the affections of the noblewoman Jocelyn. This rivalry intensifies in the following tournaments.

With Adhemar away for the Battle of Poitiers, William achieves several tournament victories, cementing his status as a worthy competitor. He also navigates the complexities of his relationship with Jocelyn, who challenges his commitment.

William and his friends travel to London for the prestigious World Championship. As he reflects on leaving his father to pursue knighthood, they prepare to face the challenges of the grand tournament ahead.

During the tournament, William's true identity is revealed, leading to his arrest for impersonating a noble. As he is placed in the pillory, his friends rally to defend him against a hostile crowd.

As the crowd grows unruly, Prince Edward arrives to deescalate the situation. He acknowledges William's noble heart and dedication, ultimately knights him 'Sir William', further legitimizing his place in the tournament.

In the climactic final match against Adhemar, William faces tremendous odds after suffering an injury. With determination, he asks for the support of his friends to overcome the challenges and ultimately confronts Adhemar once more.

With a fierce charge, William unhorses Adhemar in a stunning final pass, claiming victory at the world championship. This triumph is bittersweet as he basks in the glory with Jocelyn by his side, finally achieving his dreams.

As the celebration ensues, Chaucer jokingly mentions that he should document the incredible events of William's journey. This highlights not only the victory but the camaraderie and struggles they faced together along the way.