The Four Swords

Chapter 146 - Indecent and Decent

When we reached the royal box, Lord Garrison gave Queen Valerie his hand to help her up the stairs. Both of them exuded the elegance and grace that only comes from years of practice.

Lady Calista was in a dress, which seemed to be somewhat uncommon for her. I knew that protocol dictated that I help Princess Alina up the steps, but I was pretty sure that Calista would need more assistance.

Before I could decide how to handle the situation, Cali took matters into her own hands. Cali balled up her skirts much higher than would be proper in mixed company, revealing breaches underneath. She mounted the stairs before us, taking care of the task on her own.

"Cali! Make sure you drop your skirts before you get to the top! You do not want to give the entire city a show!" Alina joked with her friend.

"Hush!" Lady Calista shot back at the Princess.

At the sound of that, Queen Valerie peered back toward the two ladies behind her. As if on cue, Calista draped her skirt back over her legs and acted as if she was just fixing her shoe on the stair.

After the Queen nodded in approval, taking the banter as teasing, she turned back to face the remainder of the staircase. Calista turned around and gave her best friend a stern look. No wonder I was needed to babysit the adolescents.

I gave my arm to Princess Alina and we ascended the stairs.

The stands were packed down by the fencing marking off the arena, but were more sparsely populated higher up in the stands. The main crowds would follow the champions in as they paraded into the arena.

The people gathered as part of the early crowd, stood in honor of the queen and princess before Queen Valerie motioned for them all to regain their seats.

Queen Valerie, Princess Alina and Lady Calista all took seats in the box. Lord Garrison and I took our stations behind them near the stairs.

Sometimes the parades were quick, and other times, the champions liked taking in the cheers of the city. We were going to get to play the waiting game.

Slowly the cheers from the streets grew in excitement and volume. It was almost as if the champions were announcing themselves. Soon the gate was opened for the champions.

A banner of green entered the arena first. On it was embroidered the crest of the clan of wolves. Lord Carrion led the processional as the newest swordsman on a beautiful black steed.

The other clansman from the clan of Wolves followed closely behind on his own mount. Captain Darius must have gotten someone else to watch the city gate today. He commanded his soldiers well the last two times I went through the city gate.

His absence from the post gave me a momentary feeling of unease. I am sure his deputies can manage the crowds for a bit without him.

A royal herald let fanfare ring from his horn before introducing the two men to the crowd with thunderous approval.

Next through the gate came a blue banner with the crest of the clan of Stag upon it. I suppose it made sense to let Lord Jacobson's clan take the next place of honor since his swordsman ceremony was also fresh in everyone's mind.

Lord Jacobson rode into the arena on a beautiful bay mount and his uncle followed not far behind him. Both men had the horns sound their arrival as well with even more enthusiasm.

The best banner, in my humble opinion, graced the arena next. My own bear on a field of golden perfection shown bright. The yellow might not have been considered golden by all, but for me its hue always kindled something in my heart.

Agnar led the two champions of my clan. I am guessing Benate told him to break rank and take the lead. Although Benate was titled, it was given to him mostly out of honor to my parents and he considered himself a commoner.

Agnar and Benate were hilariously juxtaposed. Agnar sat rigid in his saddle barely moving except to acknowledge a shout in his favor here or there. I do not think the crowds were to his liking.

Benate, on the other hand, must have gotten used to crowds interrupting what little work he was able to accomplish lately. He now leaned into the cheers and fanfare. He egged on chants of his name.

When his name was announced he raised both hands over his head to bask in the praise. Because his appearance in town was so commonplace, he was a fan favorite.

Flags of yellow seemed to passed out in mass. My eye caught Gella in the crowd, not only waving a yellow standard, but with a yellow scarf around her neck as well. The clan she wanted to win was unmistakable.

The final champions entered the arena behind a red flag. Sir Chalmers led his nephew, Sir Gavin into the arena. I am sure it was at the golden child's insistence that he be humbled by going last.

A sea of crimson exploded from the streets, filling the final seats in the stands. The clan of Falcon was well represented among the spectators.

The champions centered themselves in the arena in front of the royal box and Queen Valerie stood to address the crowd.

"Please join me in welcoming our champions!" The Queen began before pausing for the eruption of cheers.

"This tournament will consist of a single elimination bracket with each match consisting of two champions facing each other with the sword. Matches will be timed and judged based on the number of strikes landed." Queen Valerie reminded the crowd

"A match can end before time is called if a participant is disarmed. Champions, please come forward and receive favors from Princess Alina." The Queen ended her formal introduction.

My heart was starting to beat faster in anticipation of the tournament, but before I could see some combat I had to sit through the well wishes of the crown princess.

Lord Carrion started to approach the royal box. Something in his expression told me that today's excitement might start earlier than I anticipated.