Introduces Dunk, a newly knighted "hedge knight", and follows his journey to a prestigious tourney. Having recently lost his mentor, Ser Arlan, Dunk inherits his master's arms and sets out to establish his own reputation. During his travels, he encounters a young boy named Egg, who becomes his reluctant squire. The narrative details Dunk's efforts to enter the tourney, battling skepticism due to his humble origins, and culminates in a trial by combat against members of the royal family. This trial, spurred by Dunk's defense of a puppeteer against a cruel prince, sees him struggle to find allies but ultimately forge an unlikely bond with his royal squire.