"I - am - defending - my - honour," yelled Sir Ector as he advanced, his sword a whirling blur as it descended on Jagger time and time again. Yet with each thrust, lunge or swipe, the sergeant parried and defended himself with expertise. For such a large man, he was remarkably agile.

In panic, people began pouring out of the building, preventing the men-at-arms from entering. Benches were overturned and the hurried exit soon became pandemonium. The ...