by Reiter
Kwebb managed to get his nerves out of the way. He even edged out Valian, taking the Hand-Thrown Ranged event. Kwebb’s shuriken surpassed Valian’s daggers. It was a telling blow to the other competitors that the House Jhormynn took the first and second place positions.
Carlos performed so well on the gun range that Valian did not even bother to compete. The House Jhormynn was declared the winner before the last three contestants could take their last turns. The final score was the average of the highest and lowest scores of each contestant. Since none of the contestants, save Carlos, managed to beat his first try at the range, which was his lowest score, mathematically no one stood a chance of winning after his third and best run.
K’Vatti was being called Artemis by the time she stepped away from the Archery competition. She bested everyone in short and long range accuracy, coming in second in the speed round. A complaint was registered about the crossbow she used, but the period of deliberation was brief, and she was declared the winner.
Moving past mid-day, the House Jhormynn had accumulated one hundred twenty-five points. Only the beginning matches of Powered Armor and Direct Combat remained before the first day would be called. The retainers of the House Jhormynn could hardly be contained. They soon came down from their excitement when they realized their leader was not with them. Quilori directed everyone to their appointed chores as Annodia moved to go and find Valian. She did not need any help finding him.
“That’s some piece of equipment,” Annodia said, walking into the staging area. Valian stood beside Kolinkar, leaning up against the armour that the Twins had designed – using his father’s notes – and Sandra had built. “I bet it moves like a dream.”
“You would know,” Valian returned. “... you’ve piloted him enough times.”
“Does anything get by you?” she asked.
“More than I catch, trust me.”
“And now you want to change the plan, right?” she asked, deciding not to walk up too close to the man. “Climb up into that suit you named after your father and just destroy Evard! You do that and the tournament is yours!”
“If I do that.”
“But if you lose, Evard breaks your momentum,” she offered. “He can’t be feeling too confident right now... but if you step into the arena with him, you risk giving him what your people are feeling right at this very moment.”
“Yeah, I saw them; a pretty happy bunch.”
“And why not? No one saw us getting this far! We’re too damn young and inexperienced.”
“We are that.”
“Yeah, but the tournament doesn’t bear that out until it becomes champion versus champion in combat. You know, Keth and I have been talking with Quilori.”
“My trident,” Valian remarked.
“Hmmm. Okay, I never saw us as that... but okay. We put our heads together. Tried to make sense of what you’re about to do.”
“And?”
“For the life of us we don’t know why you’re doing this!” she shared. “If you can take Evard, take him, and let’s be done with this!”
“And if I can’t?” he asked.
“Then we find another way!”
Valian chuckled, stepping back from the suit. “Power down, Kolinkar,” he commanded. The suit’s systems starting powering down as the suit itself started to fold, sliding back into its packing crate. Valian turned before the first fold completed and walked over to his friend. He put his hand to the side of her face and smiled. “I think I get it now.”
“Get what?” she whispered.
“What’s in those kisses.”
“What is it?”
“You,” he stated, leaning forward to kiss her cheek. “That’s all that’s ever been... and that’s more than enough.” Valian patted her shoulder and started for the exit.
“For the record,” Annodia said without turning to face him. “I only ever had one complaint.”
“Too pale?”
She sighed, turning to face him. “Maybe if you were to get some more sun!”
Valian laughed, waving her off and walking away. She chased after him, giving a few more options on how he might get some color to his skin.
It was the Powered Armour Combat event and Evard Bruntelior drew the third bout. It took him less than thirty seconds to best his opponent, and that contestant had to withdraw from the tournament due to injuries received in the contest.
“And I will do much worse to you, Valian!” he vowed. “Much worse!” Throwing down his helmet, Evard started away from the field.
“Sir Evard!” Valian shouted as he got up from his seat.
“What?”
Valian did not speak, he simply pointed. Using his index and middle fingers, he pointed at Evard and glared at him.
“What?!” Evard yelled, but Valian did not move... he did not even blink. Screaming his frustration, Evard turned and stormed away. Valian withdrew from the viewing area. He sent Quilori to the judges when it was time for his match. It was announced that he would not be participating in the competition.
The same was done at the Direct Combat event. Again he sat and watched Evard obliterate his opponent, sending that one out of the tournament as well... and again he called Evard’s name, pointing at him and saying nothing. Evard charged toward the stands, but Valian did not flinch and the Master KnighT left the field enraged. Again it was announced that the House Jhormynn would not be participating in the event with an additional note that he would also be pulling out of the Jousting competition.
The end of Day One of the Farefall Tournament came, and the horns sounded. While most of the people were still very much pleased with what they had seen from the House Jhormynn, they were not as invigorated to cheer his name.
“Well, it would seem that the man you knighted is capable of using all of his muscles in a knightly fashion,” TrenGal noted as he held out his hand to help his wife from her seat.
“You are not disappointed?”
“Well of course I am! I wanted to see that young upstart receive his much-needed reset! A couple of blows to the head might remind him of who and what he is.”
“And what is that, my husband?”
“An outsider!”
“Well, at least you didn’t say pallid,” she remarked. “I suppose he has been somewhat promoted in your mind.”
“He is brash and arrogant.”
Pelania smiled, caressing the hand she had a hold of. “My husband... trust me... the young man is many things... but arrogant? No. He is far from that. And, as of this moment, he is very close to ridding us of a long-standing problem.”
“Well, there is that.”
** b *** t *** o *** r **
(Rims Time: XI-4907.05)
Bef’Lurro paced as the others either sat in chairs or leaned against the wall. They were waiting for Valian to arrive and the wait was not going well. When the doors opened, all heads turned. Most sighed in disappointment when it was Kyle and his brother Cedric walking into the room.
“I’m sorry,” Cedric said. “Should we go out and turn into somebody else?”
“Just come on in and take a seat, guys,” K’Vatti directed. “Where’s Chief?”
“She’s with Valian,” Kyle reported. “They’re right behind us.” The young man nodded when he observed everyone straightening up... save for Bef’Lurro. “This is going to be one of those meetings!” Moving quickly to catch up with Cedric, Kyle was out of the way when the doors opened again.
“Don’t sweat it,” Sandra said to Valian as they walked into the room ahead of Annodia, Kethgeegan, Quilori and Gilestra. Sandra started to say more, but she could feel the tension in the room. “Well, don’t sweat the power relay issues... but you might want to sweat this.”
Gilestra was making her way around the group to address the retainers when she saw Valian lift his hand in her direction. He smiled at the woman and then shook his head ‘no’. “Alright, let’s not make Bef stand alone on this... especially when he’s not alone in wh
at he’s feeling.”
Hugh moved first, walking to stand in front of Bef’Lurro who had yet to stop pacing. “Okay, you’re right. He’s not alone. What the hell is going on, Valian?”
“Let’s not forget our places,” Gilestra noted.
“We are all in our place,” Valian replied. “We are here... with each other... together. And I have not communicated my plans to everyone. Well, to anyone for that matter. I am asking you to take it as a matter of faith. So I suppose the real question isn’t ‘what the hell is going on’... its ‘who here has lost their faith in me’.”
“Pretty words, as usual,” Bef’Lurro said softly, moving Hugh to the side. “But you’re going to need more than that.”
“You forget yourself, Bef’Lurro,” Valian warned, moving to stand directly in front of the man. “And I can say that because in order to forget me, you would have to forget yourself. I have never commanded obedience, but I have never – and will never – accept disrespect from anyone who wears our colors. Your choice of words I can tolerate... continue with your current tone, though, and you will only invite me to remove you from these ranks. Who do you think you are to judge me simply because I am not doing what you think I should do?”
“Then allow one of the newer people to speak,” Dyrvassa asserted. “Because Hugh’s right: Bef isn’t the only one who’s thoroughly confused. Now, from my personal perspective, I’m still confused about you. I cannot fathom why you would put any time or effort into someone who was expelled from her college.”
“You were not expelled for lack of ability,” Valian said. “... but for a lack of control.”
“Exactly!” the young woman returned. “Not the kind of thing you want in an EnervationisT!”
“Your lack of control is mostly in your head, Dyrvassa. From what I found, it was a matter of time before your top blew.
“But we digress,” Valian said, placing his eyes on Bef’Lurro again. “I want to hear your tone.”
Bef’Lurro matched Valian’s stare and he swallowed before speaking. “We were so close to taking this whole thing.”
“Our position hasn’t changed.”
“No, but it is changing, Valian!” Bef’Lurro stressed. “One more Joust victory and Evard will be tied with you.”
“Forcing the only resolve these tournaments recognize,” Valian said softly.
“Right, Empowered Combat,” Bef’Lurro replied. “Whatever that means. My point is that if you didn’t want to face him in Direct Combat, what the hell will Empowered Combat do for you? I guess what I’m asking is... are you scared of him?”
“What man in his right mind wouldn’t be?” Valian asked, causing Bef’Lurro’s face to change. At first the man wanted to be angry. But, as he considered the question, he found reason and his head lowered, backing away from Valian a stride. “The man is something to be feared. His breath can burn a hole is a battle cruiser, and I’m the one who’s got to get up close and personal with him.” Some of the retainers chuckled, others laughed heartily. Valian stepped forward and took hold of Bef’Lurro’s shoulder. “Trust me just a little further.”
“We shouldn’t have lost our trust,” Kayjoe offered. “Not after all you’ve done. For my part in this, I apologize.”
“No one here is perfect...”
“Except maybe Gilestra,” everyone said in unison. The woman’s eyes darted around the room, surprised at the chorus and she blushed, lowering her eyes.
“Come, let us put on our best faces and go and greet the Joust champion.”
Isli leaned forward in her saddle. Her helmet was still on her head, so no one could see her wincing in pain. Her squire came, carrying a new shield, and took hold of her dented one. The woman grunted when the shield moved and her body locked.
Getting up from his seat, Valian bound down to the ground and ran toward the KnighT.
“What is this?!” Evard yelled, taking hold of a new lance. “Is he so desperate to have this woman beat me? We can see your fear, Valian!”
“Unhorse, dear Lady,” Valian whispered, after putting his hand on her leg. “Unhorse and let me have him.”
“I am not yet done!” she panted.
“Your shoulder has been injured. You cannot lift your shield,” Valian stated. “Were I dealing with a man, I would save the effort and send him out to get himself hurt worse or even killed. But I’m hoping that since I’m talking to a woman, a powerful and capable woman, she will not allow her manhood to do her thinking for her!” He smiled when he heard a chuckle come from beneath the heavy helm.
“Answer me this, if you want him so badly, why not face him here?”
“Because here he can beat me,” Valian admitted. “I’ve never jousted in a tournament before, but I have fought for my life more times than I care to count. Empowered, I can beat him. Let me have him!”
Isli Yavi slowly removed her helmet with her right hand. She stared into Valian’s eyes for a moment and then turned to her squire. “Turn Isomund for me.”
The squire quickly took hold of the reins of the horse and gently turned the proud Charger so that Isli face her opponent.
Sitting up straight in her saddle, Isli nodded before speaking. “Well struck, Sir Evard. I find that I am not able to continue. The match... and the championship of this event... are yours.”
Horns sounded just after cheers rose from the spectators. Evard forced his horse to rear up and whinny as he held up his lance.
“And that, my fellow citizens, brings us to the end of the Farefall Tournament! Sir Evard Bruntelior, with this victory, holds one hundred and twenty-five points, and – tic – Sir Valian Styrke also holds one hundred and twenty-five points. Unless the Emperor – tic – wishes to declare a victor, the two KnighTs will face one another in a bout of Empowered Combat!”
“To the death!” Evard shouted, pointing his lance at Valian.
In response, Valian tilted his head, looking as if he did not comprehend what he was looking at. He said nothing and turned to face the Emperor’s Box.
TrenGal smiled as he got up from his chair. He clapped, stepping forward to his speaking platform. “Geraldius, I would not dare to mar these proceedings by simply choosing a victor. Let the final match proceed. Empowered Combat... KnighT against KnighT!” The people cheered as TrenGal then looked at Valian. “KnighT, be about thy business and may the surest steel prevail!”
Valian bowed his head, stepped back, and then turned to start away from the grounds. His arm was grabbed and he turned to see Lady Isli Yavi who was barely able to stand.
“You might have very well saved my life, Sir KnighT,” she smiled. “It would be a shame if I were not able to buy you a drink when all of this is said and done.”
“I wholeheartedly agree,” Valian smiled. “First round’s on you!”
“Well met, Sir KnighT,” she nodded.
“And to thee, Lady KnighT.”
Valian walked even after he heard Evard scream his name. He continued to walk but once again pointed at the Master KnighT with his index and middle finger.
“Keep screaming my name, Evard,” he thought. “You’re going to need the practice in order to get it right!”
People need revelation, and then they need revolution.
Damon Lewis
(Rims Time: XI-4907.05)
With the statements Bruntelior made at the end of the Joust, the judges declared that he had set the terms, opting then to give Styrke the right to call the place. The two combatants were in simple clothes and standing before the judges when five images were presented to the younger man.
Valian stepped through the projected pictures to approach the judges. “I choose the Ruins of Bog,” he stated clearly.
“Sir Valian, we must ask if you are certain of this decision,” one of the judges spoke. “A respirator is not an allowed asset for your armour.”
“I am well aware of that, sir,” Valian replied. “And I am also aware that prolonged exposure to the outside gases can be toxic. What I
am about to do to this man won’t take that long.”
“Well then, so be it! The two will meet in one hour!”
“I am ready now!” Evard boasted.
“Sir Evard,” Wunkran whispered, taking hold of his master’s arm. “You need your rest.”
“What rest?” Evard asked, pulling his arm free. “I took Isli in one pass. This boy is about to learn what it is to face a KnighT. I do not require an hour, judges. Let’s get this over with.”
The judged looked to Valian who simply bowed toward them.
“Report to your stations and ready yourselves. Skill and honor, gentlemen.”
Valian turned to bow to Evard but the Master KnighT waved off the gesture, exiting the chamber. Valian completed the gesture before turning to leave himself. The walk and ride back to the Prep Room could not be short enough. He was anxious to be done with this man and all he represented.
He entered the room without speaking to anyone. The Prep Room had been altered. Two circular platforms had been placed in the center of the room. Annodia was already standing on one wearing a form-fitting black bodysuit. She turned to look at Valian as he stepped up on the other platform. Sandra, Cedric and Kyle came forward along with K’Vatti and Ereena pushing carts that held the armour and weapons for the two.
“KnighT and Squire,” Gilestra spoke as if she was making an announcement as the others started dressing them. “Two that are one. Annodia, you are Squire to this KnighT, and as such you will be his Second for this challenge. You may enter this battle if and when you are called by your master, or should you judge that he is not able to speak for himself and you seek to protect him. In the latter case, you are not allowed to mount an offensive action. You can beat down weapons and deflect all attacks that you are able to.”
“Which means if Evard moves to kill, I can prevent it?”
“If that is your choice,” Gilestra explained. “If Evard has won and seeks to kill his opponent, your interference will make killing you just as legal as his killing Valian.
“You are also allowed to enter the fray if you witness a foul.” Gilestra handed Annodia a data-pad. “This is a list of weapons that Evard has declared. If you witness him using a weapon not on this list, you may engage.
