Tomorrow, we’re publishing a new article about Captain John Smith, co-written with my good friend Will Tanner. Here’s a little teaser of what’s to come… It was in these bloody campaigns that Smith rose to fame. Serving alongside Count Meldritch at the Siege of Regall, Smith and the Christian army found themselves locked in a demoralizing stalemate with the Turks, who were holed up in a heavily fortified stronghold. During the monotony of the siege, the Turkish commander–a fellow named Turbashaw–sent out an offer of single combat. He would fight any Christian champion in full view of both armies. Smith, eager for glory, accepted the challenge. As both sides watched, the two champions rode out onto the field, then raced towards each other, lances levelled. Smith’s lance smashed into the Turk, crashing against his armor and unhorsing him. Wheeling about, Smith raced back to unhorsed Turbashaw, hopped off his own horse, and used his falchion to cleanly decapitate the Turk. The army of Christ roared with applause at the gory trophy as the Muhammedans sat outraged. It didn’t end there. Infuriated by Smith humiliating Muhammed’s army with such a display, a second Turk challenged him to single combat, again in full view of both armies: give back Turbashaw’s head, or lose your own, a warrior named Grualgo roared. Smith accepted, and it was back to battle. Again lances shivered, but this time Grualgo–though wounded in the arm–remained atop his horse. The champions wheeled about and raced at each other again, firing their pistols at point blank range. Smith was smacked in the breastplate, but it held firm. Grualgo was seriously wounded, and toppled from his steed. Smith once again brought his falchion to bear upon the wounded Turk; a second head was taken.