The youth and the one legged knight

Many are the stories told 
by the hearth side on cold nights,
of the knights of this fine land
and their bravery and valiant fights.

But one such tale above the rest
will shock you to your core,
for one knight lost his leg one day
while hunting for a boar.

Now he was strong and he was feared
despite his peculiar condition,
And this confused one brash youth
who questioned the knights position.

So the youth came forth one fateful day
a challenge for to set
And he inquired of this one legged knight
why he'd not retired yet.

The knight did laugh, so deep and loud
at the simple inquisition.
Then he spake in a voice quite low
"I'll tell ye' if ye' listen"

And so the youth did thus agree
curiosity abound.
But the answer from the one legged knight
did anger and astound.

"You see, skill is not lost easily,
and I am still the best.
It seems that you doubt my ability.
Shall we put this to the test?"

Astounded by the proposition,
and feeling pity for the fool,
The youth said "It seems you've a disadvantage
it would not be an honest duel!"

But the hero of this kingdom 
took great pride in his name,
and felt the need to teach this youth
A lesson in honor, just the same.

And so the duel was set in stone,
the courtyard filled with many a curious face
as the knight with just one leg
planned to put this bold youth in his place.

The crowd waited for the call
The youth stood at the ready, 
The knight limped into battle.
Their blades were sure and steady.

And so the duel was started,
the youth lunged, his victory assured!
But the Kinght just shook his head,
and with the flat edge struck the youth hard.

The youth cried out in anguish!
As his arm broke at the force,
"Will you yield?" the Knight offered, smiling.
The youth cried out, "I will not, of course!"

And so the duel proceeded
The Knight laughing to himself,
"this young man is quite determined,
Such a pesky little elf."

And the Youth put forth great effort
But it seemed to be no use.
As the knight said tauntingly
"Don't underestimate the enemy, Damned Youth!"

And the Knight a blow did land,
On the poor youths thigh.
The force did cause the bone to crack, 
and from the pain the youth did cry.

And so the youth limped in his anguish
Victory still within his sight!
He refused to be defeated, 
And again lunged at the knight.

Just like this the crutch was shattered
In awe the crowd did gasp
for the knight did not fall or stumble,
but stood straight with naught to grasp!

And another blow he landed
on the youths one good leg
with satisfaction the knight did smile
"I've just one limb left the peg.

And my respect, you well have earned it
Valiant to the last.
But my friend Let's have them call this,
as it seems you'll need a cast."

The youth sat there upon the cobbles
his hansom face reviled his pain.
"And if I've still one are, and I surrender
I should call myself insane!"

So the Knight laughed and hopped closer,
How he managed was a sight,
And the poor youth finally managed
to land a blow upon the knight.

The knight fell down, his one leg mangled
and shot the youth a glare,
the the final blow he landed,
"You one believed this fight not fare,

And now I feel I must agree,
Though great respect you've gained
for you've no legs or arms, dear child,
Now surrender, I'll not hit you again!"

The youth agreed that he'd been bested,
And they wrapped him in a cast
And once he healed that youth was knighted,
for he was determined to the last.

And the knight lived long with honor
and never drew his blade again,
For tale about the kingdoms madness
frightened even the bravest of men.

For what man in his right mind
would battle forth with out his limbs?
And what fearful skill one must posses
to have no leg, and yet still win?