The Four Swords

Chapter 148 - First Match

The herald that announced the competitors blew his trumpet again to present the now favored champions. The entire arena rose in their honor.

"I present your champions. Prepare for the first match between Sir John and Captain Darius." Queen Valerie boomed over the roar of the crowd.

Suddenly the stands seemed full of banners of green and blue. Most everyone, no matter their clan, seemed to pick a side for the first match.

My heart swelled. Not for anything noble such as the uniting of my fellow countrymen, but simply for the fact that soon metal would strike metal. I did not crave a life threatening battle that war might bring, but I desperately needed something more than the civil conversations that court life offered.

The two dueling champions dismounted, allowing stable hands to lead their horses out of the arena. The rest of the champions filed out, with various amounts of enthusiasm from the crowd.

A resounding blast from the same herald announced the first match had begun. Sir John came out of the gate swinging to a somewhat prepared Captain Darius. The first three hits were blocked with relative ease.

Sadly, that was when my field of view began to be obstructed. Princess Alina leaned toward Lady Calista with her outlandishly styled hair blocking the match. I had not noticed her locks drawn up so heavily mounded upon her head until now. I was never very observant with appearances.

"I'm sorry Cali. I did not mean to imply that the Clan of Wolves would not win. I mean I do not think it would do Carrion's attitude any favors to be crowned the victor, but that does not mean I should have slighted Captain Darius in such a way" The Princess begged for forgiveness.

I bobbed my head to the side, catching Captain Darius feinting to the left, but striking to the right. Sir John easily deflected the move. John swung his sword hard toward Darius' unguarded shoulder.

Calista leaned toward Alina, blocking my view yet again. At least I got to hear a satisfying thud and the crowd roar. Sir John had made contact with his swing.

"I am not worried about you slighting my clan. I just do not think it was right to discount Jack so soon. He really has been improving his sword skills lately." Lady Calista replied.

"I did not think Jack put much confidence in himself winning his match." Alina responded as I caught another glimpse of the Captain dodging a well timed hit.

"All the more reason that we should try and boost his confidence," Calista rebutted. "When we spar, he has almost gotten the better of me a few times. I think if he really tries he could..."

Calista was interrupted by Princess Alina's dramatic gasp. I leaned forward to see what captured her attention. The two men in the arena were several paces apart. I expected to see the champions' swords locked in a stalemate, but this snapshot of the fight did not explain Alina's reaction.

"What is it?" Cali questioned, mirroring my internal monologue.

"When have you two been sparing?" Alina's smile reached from ear to ear as if she had just solved every riddle the Norads ever presented. "You are with me almost every day from sunup till sundown."

Calista straightened in her chair. The match suddenly drew all of her attention.

"Oh no you don't! Tell me. When have you been meeting up with Jack?" Alina probed again.

Now I wanted to know too. If I had to miss parts of this fight for an adolescent gossip session, they at least should make it interesting.

"I stop by his family's home on the way to mine in the evenings. If he is out practicing his swordsmanship, I help." Calista said a little too tightly.

"Mmhmm." Princess Alina said knowingly as she too straightened, finally revealing the full arena to me again.

"Nothing scandalous is happening," Cali sounded offended. "I just help him with his technique and..."

Whatever else Cali was going to say was covered by another horn blast announcing the end of the match. I hate babysitting.

Queen Valerie lightly cleared her throat. Both Princess Alina and Lady Calista became still and sat up to their full heights. The ability of women to speak volumes without words amazes me.

"Both champions, please approach the royal box!" Queen Valerie boomed.

Sir John and Captain Darius stood in front of the royal box removing their helmets. If I had to wager a guess, Sir John won. Not a single bead of sweat graced the brow of the champion from the clan of Stag.

The champion from the clan of wolves was a different matter. Although unharmed, he looked defeated and dusty from the short match.

A piece of parchment arrived via herald at the staircase next to me. I handed the results to the Queen.

"Bravely fought champions. The judges are unanimous. The victor of this round is Sir John." Queen Valerie proudly shared.

I was proud of the man too. Selfishly it might be because I wanted Captain Darius back at the city gate, but I told myself that it was really because Sir John deserved a win after putting so much planning into the tournament.

"Thank you for your service and participation in today's festivities, Captain Darius. The clan of Wolves has a valiant warrior." The Queen offered her concession speech as Darius took his final bows to the crowd.

"Thank you, your Majesty." Darius responded before turning toward Sir John to shake his hand. "Best of luck in the rest of the tournament, Sir John. I think you have what it takes to win."

"Thank you, Captain. That means a great deal coming from a man of honor. It was a privilege to cross blades." Sir John responded.

The conversation was barely loud enough for the royal box to hear. The rest of the arena would have no idea what was said. I was blessed or possibly cursed with overhearing things today.