Chapter 13- Tournament III

#43,

You are to stay put and establish a base of operations at your current location. #70 and #71 are in route with further instructions. Rendezvous at point D232 in 3 days. The rising sun will greet you today.

-A

Forty-three burned the scrap of paper and set out for the town. Since coming to Bellgaurd he had been staying in an abandoned shepherd’s hut in the eastern hills. It was secluded, dry, and kept him alive. It fit the mandates of the Rubric and that was all that mattered. The small table strapped to his back bobbed as he walked. The fields were lush with spring flowers and he stopped to collect a few along the way. Early daisies, daffodils, bluebells and red columbine were all good pickings. They would sell well during the tournament. He picked them carefully, always cutting with a sharp blade at an angle along the stem. He would keep the crested iris for himself. There was nothing in the Rubric against possessing these as long as he did not indulge in vanity or greed. Long ago hunters would use the crested iris to alleviate thirst. Forty-three laughed to himself. They were fools because the sweet taste would quickly become bitter and unbearable. Nevertheless, he would dispose of it before Seventy and Seventy-One arrived. He would give them no excuse to go and tell mother on him.

Forty-three entered the city and found a spot on Main Street. It was already busy, and he was doing business immediately. It was the final day of the events and people would be eager to buy as much as they can with their various winnings.

The Rising Sun came walking up to him. “Any recommendations today young fellow?”

“A yellow rose for the special lady?” He replied as he passed the rose to the Rising Sun. The Ardinite smelled the rose and tucked it into his coat. Then he tossed him a copper and went on his way. Forty-three stayed at his table for a few hours then packed his things. He had to prepare. The Rubric said you must always prepare.

***

            “Welcome esteemed ladies and gentlemen to the archery finals,” Amelius Graston roared. A large crowd had gathered to witness the event and Jodoro couldn’t help but feel a buzzing of nervousness in his stomach. He hated crowds and hated being at the center of attention even more. “We have had many respectable competitors this year but alas there can only be three. They have demonstrated their accuracy. They have demonstrated their speed. But today these three will compete in the ultimate test of archery- the moving target. Each competitor will get a chance to shoot as many woodcocks as they can. According to the panel of judges the shooting order will be Lady Jane, Old Trews, and Jodoro Jaguar.” With that Graston walked off the grounds and stood next to the competitors. His presence made Jodoro uncomfortable. It was never comforting when a man who did not like you stood behind you.

            A man carrying a cage of woodcocks rushed onto the field. Lady Jane took her spot on the set mark and prepared to fire. She looked focused and Jodoro could see her intent to win writ clearly on her face. She called for the release and a dozen woodcocks flapped into the air. They were fast. She homed in on a target and shot. After twenty seconds the birds were already at too great a distance. Jodoro couldn’t believe it but she managed to down two of them. Old Trews wasted no time getting into position. He signaled the release and immediately fired off five arrows.

 He also downed two birds and for some reason this made Jodoro even more nervous. If he couldn’t get at least two he would be eliminated. He stepped up to the mark and tried to ignore the on lookers. The birds. Focus on the birds. He looked at the dozen birds in the cage then signaled their release. The jolt of motion caused him to hesitate for a moment, but he fired off three arrows. Two objects fell toward the ground.

Graston stepped up and spoke, “It looks like we have a threeway tie ladies and gent-.”

“Master Graston,” an aide shouted from the field. “You must see this.” The aide picked up two of Jodoro’s arrows and came jogging toward Graston. “He got three. Struck two with one arrow.”

Graston looked as if he wanted to strike the man but the crowd had already begun to cheer. Graston ordered Old Trews and Lady Jane to shoot another round. Old Trews managed to hit two again while Lady Jane clipped the wing of her second bird but didn’t bring it down.

Lady Jane walked up to him. “That bow is yours now. I’ll have the rest of your winnings delivered today. There’s an officers commission with the Delonican army waiting for you if you ever tire of Bellgaurd.” She left with her entourage closely following.

Old Trews clapped him on his back, “Helluva woman isn’t she?”

“Did you lose on purpose? I swore you could have hit three in the first round.”

“Na, the wind took the fifth arrow too far afield.” Old Trews said with a grin. “Ya won fair and square boy. I’m proud of you.” He walked over to Nan who gave Jodoro a nod. They would likely set off for the property. They had much work to do.

He met Carl and Derry for lunch. Carl was still pissed about getting eliminated from the joust by Cain DeRold but took solace in their victory from yesterday. The final two-on-two melee round would start in two hours. In Jodoro’s opinion the tourney was nothing to be proud of. Every event except archery and the joust had an age restriction placed upon it. No men over twenty-five could compete in any melee combat events. If no place had their best fighters competing, what was there to be proud of?

“I’m just saying you had better treat her right Carl.” Derry said through a mouth full of food. “She’s a classy lady and quite frankly out of your league.” He picked up a turkey leg and pointed it at Carl. “Can’t for the life of me see what she sees in you.”

Carl took the turkey leg out of Derry’s hand and bit it. “She sees a man. Besides I’ll thank you kindly to worry about your own affairs. I saw Nova with Christa yesterday. She looked mighty comfortable among the Heartholders.”

“I don’t expect you to know this Carl but women are like dogs.” Derry said pointing another turkey leg at Carl. “They must be allowed to run free sometimes, but they should periodically be collared.”

Jodoro saw Amethyst, Nova and Christa walking toward their table and nudged Carl under the table. Carl’s eyes lit up, “Would you mind repeating that o wise one?”

“I said women are like dogs they-.”

He couldn’t finish because Nova had dumped a cup of watered wine on his head. Derry got up sputtering and turned on her. “Damnit woman. What the hell is your problem?”

“Like dogs you say?” Nova shouted. “I’ll thank you to sit right back down before I fetch another glass of wine.” Derry sat down and wiped the wine from his face.

“You’ll have to forgive him Nova,” Jodoro urged. “He won a lot of coin today and is riding high in the saddle.”

            “A bit too damn high indeed.” Nova said as she pulled out a cloth and began to wipe Derry off.

            She looked like a mother dog grooming her pup. Amethyst and Christa took their seats.

            “Brother you must take care not to get eliminated too early today. I swore Jodoro was about to get crushed by that brute of a Heartholder.” Amethyst said.

            “Lord Cain is a skilled fighter for a popinjay Amie. Besides Jodoro can handle himself fine.”

            “Didn’t look like it to me,” Christa interjected.

            “I heard the Duke admonishing you this morning. Mind sharing what that was about? Since you lot want to criticize us two.” Carl rebutted.

            Christa looked reluctant for a moment. “I lost a bet and had to ask for my savings. He was…disappointed with my wager.”

            “No need to skirt around it. You backed the wrong horse.” Carl teased.

            “Better the wrong horse than an ass.” Christa commented earning Derry’s laughter.  

            Jodoro decided to intervene before things got out of hand. “We will be careful today. We must go prepare.” He turned to Amethyst. “I will meet you at seven in the east garden.”

            “That suits me just fine,” she beamed. He pulled Carl along. The man was on edge and needed a win. It was time to earn one.

***

            “That suits me fine,” Derry mocked as soon as Jodoro and Carl left. Christa stared him down and he had the curtesy to look cowed. Amethyst didn’t need his mockery now, especially with her mother parading suitors in front of her every day. It was rumored that Heliodor had expressed his interest again. It would be hard for the General and Lady Ridge to turn him down. The gala might be her last day of freedom, her last day to be seen with Jodoro without risk of rebuke.

            “Chrissy what will you wear tonight? I’m sure you’ll look fetching.” Amethyst said ignoring Derry.

            “It’s a surprise. I cannot tell you.” She replied in a singsong voice.

Nova looked at her sharply. “I’m sure Lord DeRold will love it. The man can hardly keep his eyes off you.”

“I don’t like him. He acts too high and mighty.” Derry pointed out. “But I supposed some girls go for that sort. Ya know tall, handsome, nose in the air.”

“He is a nice man Derry. He cares deeply for his people even though he’s fourth in line to Hearthold. You all will see tonight.” Christa was a little sadden by her friends’ standoffish demeanor toward Cain. Sure, Nova and Amethyst were nice enough, but Derry and Carl did not like him very much. She couldn’t get a read on Jodoro’s feelings for the man but then again Jodoro was Jodoro. He would probably just sit quietly and be polite even if he didn’t like him. That was the infuriating thing about him.

“We should all go riding tomorrow. It would be good to get those horses out of the stable and head up to the eastern hills.” Amethyst suggested. “You should invite Cain. Maybe we could all do a bit of hunting.”

            “Its been forever since we rode.” Nova pleaded.

            “Well, someone will have to teach me.” Derry responded bitterly.

            “You can’t ride?” Christa asked. “Hard to tell with the way you go around boasting about everything.”

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            “No I cant ride and neither can the Jungle Cat so if you bash me for it you got to give him a hard time.”

            “We’ll teach you both. Cain can help he’s very good on a horse.”

            “I bet he is. Shoots rainbows from his ass too I bet.” Derry said earning a clout from Nova. Sometimes Christa felt the Star Court had played a cruel joke on her by sending Derry into her life. The Star Court. Visions of that place were still stuck in her mind.

            “How has Guy been. I haven’t seen him much lately?” Nova asked.

            “Guy’s been hanging around on the beach a lot. He chills with us most evenings. Dude seems lonely though.” Derry responded. “Jo’s worried about him.”

            Christa thought Guy would have emerged from his sorrow by now, but he still wore that same listless expression from time to time. “I too am worried but let’s go find some seats they’ll fill up quickly.”

            Her prediction proved correct and they had to split up in order to find seats. The judge was beginning to announce the combatants when she found a seat next to Dundar and Heliodor of all people. Her mother and father were a couple of seats away taking to the two princes.

            “Tell me of these fighters from Ardinum brother. It has been too long since I’ve been to the capitol.” Heliodor asked.

            Dundar looked annoyed. “What is there to know? Academy trained, noble bred, the King’s own, and at the edge of twenty-five.”

            “I suppose they have a clear advantage, but I wouldn’t underestimate the youths of Bellgaurd.” Heliodor said as he sipped from his goblet and winked at Christa. “They have seen war and that changes how one fights.” Christa saw why women gushed over Heliodor. He had a way of making everyone he talked to or was around feel important or worthy. Bellgaurd owed him a heavy debt.

            “When will you marry and settled down little brother? You cannot rove the southlands forever. A man must build a legacy.”

            “I will marry when the time is right. I would not feel right settling when the south is still in danger. I am discomforted by this Farki and Sea Raider alliance.” Heliodor replied. This too had weighted on Christa’s mind. Would the Farki come back? Would Bellgaurd be ready when they did? They needed more soldiers, more settlements, and above all else more coin. Bellgaurd was a ravenous little beast who could only grow on a diet of hard silver and soft gold. Her father lost many nights of sleep over the years because of this. Things were starting to turn around but would it last? Would it be enough? She looked at her parents. The gray on her father’s temples was creeping steadily upward. Since the battle he had taken on a sterner countenance. Mother fought him tooth and nail for the funds to host the tournament. He hemmed, hawed, and called it frivolous until finally relenting on her promise that a sales tax could be enforced and would increase the treasury. Her mother looked pleased, undoubtedly because she had gamble correctly. Early indicators pointed toward three-hundred percent profits and this did not even count sales from the gala. 

            “You must return to the capitol soon brother. Father is not getting any younger and big brother Gregor is…well he is not himself lately. They need to see you.” Dundar said.

            “I will head there after the tournament Dundar. But the combatants have entered, and I love nothing more than seeing the test of wills between men.” Heliodor replied to a nodding Dundar.

            Christa saw the men from Ardinum enter. They were both tall and broad. They wore the King’s crest- a white five-pointed star above two gold gauntlets grasped on a field of red. It was the symbol of the Great Accord that was witnessed by the Star Court. It was the story of the founding of Ardinum writ upon a coat-of-arms. They said they only accepted the best into the King’s Star Guard and the men stood proudly in the center of the ring. They raised their longswords high and the crowd responded with cheers. It was every young boy’s dream to join the Star Guard and their magnificence was on display.

            Then Carl and Jodoro were announced. The entered the ring with Carl wearing a lighter version of the Bell Battalion’s armor, with the Bellgaurd crest on prominent display. Her father’s crest. Her own crest someday. Jodoro had on his leather armor. His headband worn proudly on his brow.

            “See how they walk brother?” Heliodor said with his eyes never leaving the spectacle. “The General’s son always on firm footing and the Onaki with a springy step. Such a contrast in styles but both equal. Fluidity versus the immovable. The wind and the stone.”

            “Yes, I have though of sponsoring the General’s son for the academy. I could see him in the Star Guard.” Dundar replied. Jodoro and Carl hefted their spears into the air. The home crowd showered them with praise.

            “The one they call the Jungle Cat would be a good addition as well. Look at all the Onaki who came to see him.” Heliodor gestured around. “He is their champion. Father would do well to have one of them among the Star Guard.”

            “You know that father cares not for Onaki. It was taken much lobbying to get him not to ban them from the country.” Christa knew what Dundar said was true. While the south was more accepting of Onaki due to years of interaction. The capitol was a very close-minded place despite how cosmopolitan it was.

            The judge signaled the start of the battle and Christa was surprised to see Jodoro and Carl lock their shields together. Carl switched his spear to his left hand, and they created a solid joint defense obviously learning from yesterday’s mistake. Their opponents probed their defense and tried to flank them but Jodoro and Carl worked together to counter their efforts. The fight lasted like this for awhile but eventually the Star Guard managed to separate the two. Jodoro pressed the advantage against one of them while Carl fought the other. Then in the blink of an eye both of their enemies launched a speedy simultaneous attack on Jodoro who took a heavy blow to his head. Carl quickly reengaged with his opponent but Jodoro was clearly dazed. He frantically back peddled and tried to block the coming blows.

            “He’s concussed. He won’t last long.” Dundar proclaimed as the crowd roared in excitement.

            “He’s trying to hold off long enough to let the General’s son defeat his opponent.” Heliodor commented excitedly. “He has heart and look yonder. The General’s son is taking the advantage.” Carl was battering the Star Guard as Jodoro was on the ground being hit with the blunted sword. He was barely managing to block the blows, but many still got through. A judge was waiting by him while the Star Guard was yelling at him to concede. The Onaki in the crowd were standing on their benches. Jodoro was taking a beating. The Star Guard began to rain the blows down harder. The Onaki began to stomp on the benches in rhythm.

            Stomp, clap, stomp.

            Stomp, clap, stomp.

            The noise filled the air. Bellgaurdians joined them as the supporters of the Star Guard yelled for blood. Jodoro held on for another minute and then yielded. The Star Guard who had beaten him turned to find his partner down and Carl Ridge charging toward him. The Onaki increased the speed of their rhythm and began to chant. Carl fought ferociously but, in the end, he lost to the more experienced opponent. As the winners stood together in the center of the ring, they gestured for Jodoro and Carl to join them. They raised hands with them, and the crowd applauded. Flowers were tossed into the ring and people began to sing the national anthem.

            “Brother what a spectacle. The chanting, stomping, clapping, and fighting has stirred my blood to no end. Surely this will go down as one of the greatest tournaments ever.” Heliodor declared.

            “Indeed, but look beyond the spectacle,” Dundar said gesturing toward the four men in the arena. “Is that not brotherly love? Is that not a symbol of a country untied? You are an expert on war brother, but I fear you lose yourself to it.” Dundar said as he got up. “Look to the people for if they are united in spirit even the Star Court cannot stop their will.”

            Christa thought back to Nan Bowerbird’s lessons. She could not help but think her and Dundar would get along well. Her father looked pleased with the result. The Bellgaurd team had finished higher than it had in years. There was no shame to losing to the King’s Own. Her mother was looking at her and flashed her a smile. She gave one back. It was good to see mother happy. Nova and Amethyst came to retrieve her. They had a gala to get ready for.

***

            “You must be sore,” Amethyst said to Jodoro as they sat around the gala table. The band Derry choose was playing a magnificent tune with their instruments. The novel use of brass instruments lent the sweeping tone a more regal air and many people were dancing. Everyone looked to be happy and as Christa sipped her wine she could not keep a smile from appearing on her face.

            “Not too sore to dance,” Jodoro replied as he extended his hand to her. Christa watched as her friend grasped it excitedly and they floated onto the dance floor.

            “I think those to have the right idea,” Carl said as he grabbed Erelda’s hand and followed them.

            “They are inexhaustible. What is that their fourth time going out?” Cain commented with a smile. He was seated next to her and looked handsome in his red and gold outfit.

            “I believe it is their fourth and they are making me tired looking at them.” Nova said as she sat next to Derry.

Derry stood up for a moment looked behind her and then sat back down. “Well I’ll be thrice cursed. That sour bastard found a date after all.”

Christa turned around to see Guy enter the room with none other than Nan Bowerbird dressed in a white silk gown on his arm. She had put some effort into her appearance and a touch of make up made her look a decade younger. They danced for a bit and Jodoro and Amethyst waltzed over to them with smiles on their faces and exchanged partners.

“Do you know that Onaki woman?” Cain asked Derry.

Derry seemed annoyed by the question but answered. He had been behaving himself remarkable well this night. “That’s my grandmother.”

“She can still move well for her age.” Cain applauded.

“You have no idea.” Derry retorted. “Looks like Lady Jane is making her move.”

Lady Jane strode up to Jodoro and stole him away from Nan with a smile. She looked beautiful in her gown of Delonican green, he bobbed hair and pixie face were embellished by the stylish pearl earrings she wore.

“They make a pretty pair, don’t they?” An out of breath Amethyst said as she, guy, and Nan took their seats.

“Anyone makes a good pair with my grandson, little hornet. But she can’t hold a candle to you dearie.” Nan said as she pinched Amethyst’s cheek. Nan then surveyed the table with her eyes coming to a rest on Derry. “Well! Fetch me some ale ya lout. Where are ya manners? You’d thing I was the devil instead of ya kin.”

Derry shot out of his seat like an arrow from a bow and everyone laughed. Nan took his seat next to Nova despite five others being empty and passed a wink around the table. Her eyes came to rest on Cain. “So, this is the man who took my little Redbird outta her nest. Treat her well young man. Treat her well.” It did not come off as a threat. “Saw you fight the Ridge boy to a standstill, twas mighty impressive.” She took the ale from Derry and drained it. Just as she sat down, he sent him for another.

“Thanks for your compliment and I assure you I intend to treat her well.” Christa sighed with relief. She had heard from Nova why Derry was uncomfortable around Cain. She hadn’t realized how he talked about Onaki as if they deserved charity. It was true that there were many poor Onaki but they were prideful. It was also true that there were many Onaki that had coin. She was sitting across from one right now. “What is it like being Onaki?” Cain asked Nan and Christa held her breath.

Nan looked at Christa for a moment and her insides did a flip. She twirled her ring nervously knowing the old woman was likely to speak her mind. “It’s the same as being a Heartholder I reckon. A life of work and family with a cold grave at the end of it.”

Cain looked pensive for a moment and Christa swore that if he pressed the issue she’d- “I see you point madame.” Derry returned with four mugs of ale and set them down in front of Nan. She reached out and petted him on the cheek. “You always were my favorite.”

He took a seat on the other side of Nova and Christa thought she caught the briefest hint of a smile. They talked for a while before Nan looked at Amethyst pointedly. “Time to go get your man back afore she tires to steal him. Jodoro is a fool and won’t realize her intentions. A woman doesn’t dance with a man she wouldn’t bed for three songs.”

Amethyst turned red and went to retrieve her property. “Nan, I don’t think Lady Jane would presume.”

“Look girl,” She gestured with a nod as she packed her pipe. “Have you ever seen such a bitter woman enjoy herself this much outside of tugging on a bowstring?”

Christa looked at Lady Jane and thought she detected a flush on her cheeks. She wasn’t exactly smiling but there a demure cast to her face. “By the Star Court I think she has the hots for him.”  She watched as Amethyst politely interceded and danced with Jodoro. Lady Jane took it graciously and retreated to her table. Christa caught a glimpse of her mother and father dancing. Her mother looked beautiful in a copper and blue gown. A yellow rose was woven into her hair. They parted soon and her mother left the Great Hall with a smile on her face. It was good to see them looking in love again.

“She looked beautiful there.” Guy said breaking his silence. “A toast to the belle of Bellgaurd.” He said as he raised his glass. They toasted her mother and then the toasted continued on. After about an hour everyone began to leave.

 She walked to her rooms with Guy who looked not quite happy but better than normal. Her bed welcomed her into its embraced. She slept deeply until the bells began peeling in the night. Erda burst into her room crying. “Erda what’s wrong?” She asked her sister frantically.

“Mother’s dead.”