The trumpet sounded, and the crowd roared. Two riders upon wolves charged from opposite ends of the jousting arena. Their lances were primed as they raced along the railing, colored with red rope. Their armor shined in the light, bearing the symbols of nobles. Closer and closer they went, and their lances neared.
For a moment, the entire world stood still. The riders struck one another's shields. A shower of splinters filled the air as the crowd cheered. The group mainly consisted of halflings. It was larger than Relma expected.
Relma felt strange, being one of the tallest people present, except for Estela and William. Both of them had chosen to attend, though fortunately, Felix was on some errand. Relma had nothing against him, but he made her uncomfortable.
"I don't understand why they have these jousting tournaments," said William. He was resting his chin on the one hand and looking rather bored. He didn't have a proper appreciation for the sport.
"Halflings are one of the only mortal races capable of riding wolves," said Relma. "It means they are a great asset if you have any halflings to ride them.
"There was an invasion a little before I was born. All the satyrs came out of the Black Marshes, thirsting for blood. So they swept over the border and met Steward Benarus in battle, though he wasn't a Steward then. His phalanx held the satyrs in place, and then the halflings came around and hit them from the flank.
"It completely routed them," Relma paused. "My Father, Hadleim, was in that battle."
"So was my Father and Raynald De Chevlon, my mentor. Rusara, too," said William. "And my Father too, and a great many other people. It was considered very important even in their lives. So many of the best names among the nobility fought in the Blackmarsh Campaign.
"Some of them have mentioned Hadleim in the same breath. You should be proud of your lineage."
Relma wasn't really sure she wanted to discuss her Father. He was dead anyway, and it didn't seem like talking about him had any bearing on things. She'd only wanted to establish a credible lineage. But William seemed to know more about it than she did.
"Don't you have any halflings in Haldren?" asked Relma, deciding to change the subject.
"Mostly, humans, dwarves, and minotaurs. Though there are some elves as well," said William. "A very few. And most of them are in the northern portions, where an old elven homeland once was. It has been partially reestablished.
"For now.
"And if it is destroyed, you can thank that bloody conspirator Jehair for it."
Relma looked at him in surprise. "You've met minotaurs?"
"Yes," said William, looking away.
"What are they like?" asked Relma.
"Large. They can be brutal," said William. "But most of those I've met are a fine sort."
The knights met again, and one of them was thrown from his horse this time. The victor rode forward, raising his lance in triumph as the loser was helped and taken off the field. Horns called, signaling his victory.
At that moment, Reginald approached and sat down. Estela looked up in surprise. "Reginald, you're here."
"Yes," said Reginald. "I'm looking to inquire if there are any lesser tournaments I might stand a chance at winning. I was hoping you could help."
"What's wrong with the main one?" asked Relma.
"Saphra commanded me to drop out," said Reginald, voice cold.
"Why?" asked Relma.
"She's afraid that if I stay in the tournament. It will look like House De Chevlon and House Gabriel rigged it," said Reginald. "Or so she says. Me forfeiting distances us from the cheating fiasco.
"I wouldn't put it past her to have set the thing up just to mess with some heads."
"Are you any good at throwing axes?" asked Estela.
"Decent. Why?" asked Reginald.
"Well, there is an axe-throwing tournament after the next match," said Estela. "And failing that, there is always the melee. So everyone will get a second chance to fight in that."
"Right, well, I'll be counting on that to redeem myself," said Reginald.
"I think you would have won if things had continued like that," said Relma.
Then she looked at William. "Hey, what about Varsus? He isn't pulling out."
"He's considered above suspicion. I have healed everyone affected by the cheating," said William. "So, my actions reflect well on him."
"No, he isn't above suspicion," said Reginald. "Korlac's been grilling everyone. I think he wants to make a big show of his findings."
"I suppose that means Fayn will advance to the next round then," said Estela, voice cold.
"Yes," said Reginald. "There have been a lot of people advancing without earning it, haven't there?"
"Fayn might not even be up for the next round," noted Relma. "She got hurt pretty badly."
"She is fully formed and without a scar," said William. "The only thing that could stop her from joining the next round is herself." His voice was dark.
"Well, don't you sound bitter?" said Relma.
"It's nothing," said William. "I got sliced across the face once, and I've born the scar ever since. She is flat out nearly burned alive, and she escapes it unscathed."
"Aunt Pan says that scars usually symbolize something," said Relma. "Depending on where you get them, it represents something about you."
"A pseudo magic if ever there was one." snapped William.
The next match came, and it was Ronald against a far older knight this time. Ronald went clad in Frederick's armor and looked very fine. Relma noted several young halfing girls were swooning as the knights charged.
There was a clash of lances, and he unhorsed his opponent. There was much clapping as he dismounted and helped the other up.
"Ronald is doing well for himself, isn't he?" said Relma.
"Yes," said Estela. "He's unwolfed three knights today."
"Do you think he'll keep it up?" asked Relma.
And then came the next opponent. The final round. This was the one they had seen win before. He had black armor and a red lance. His wolf was as white as snow and snarled at Ronald's brown one. And then Relma remembered who Ronald was facing.
"No," said Estela.
"Who's that?" asked William.
"That is Evesulf Fulsof," said Relma. "He's a relative of Ronald's. A distant cousin, I think. We met once when I was three."
"Do you think he'll match him?" asked William.
"Evesulf will probably do more than that," said Estela.
"You are brave, Ronald, to face me on wolfback instead of Frederick," said Evesen. "And you do credit to your master by taking his place. But you will not defeat me."
"I'd much rather determine that with a lance," said Ronald.
"So be it," said Evesen. "I shall ride against you."
"Why haven't any of these knights been seen in the tournament?" asked Reginald.
"Halflings always fight either in formation or with guerilla tactics. Or on wolfback," said Estela. "Frederick is a bit eccentric by fighting in single combat.
"Most halflings consider single combat a very uncivilized business. It's too personal, you see. War is not something halflings like being done personally."
The two rode against one another, and their lances shattered. Snatching up a new lance, they made another pass and met again. This time Ronald was thrown back in his saddle and nearly fell. Even so, he righted himself and charged again.
Again they clashed, and Ronald was knocked into the dirt. Cheers rose very high indeed as Evesen dismounted and helped him up.
"Well, Ronald has been unhorsed," said William. "I'm surprised he made it this far. Given that he is a squire."
"Ronald is a lot older than he looks," said Relma. "Haltings mature at about thirty. So he's had plenty of time to learn to use a lance."
William nodded.
"Well done, lad. Would you smoke with me?" said Evesen.
"Yes, cousin. I will," said Ronald.
"That's a tradition," said Relma. "Helping your opponent up is courtesy; not doing so is an insult. Offering to smoke with them is a compliment."
William looked at her strangely. "Why is single combat uncivilized?"
"Halflings like their community. Standing out is to be discouraged," said Relma.
"Isn't riding on wolfback with a lance standing out?" asked William.
"Well, yes," said Relma. "But it's one of their oldest traditions. Going to fight in a tournament where people make elaborate speeches and show off how mighty they are is not.
"Evesulf speaking to Ronald like that was only acceptable because they were family."
And then, as they were walking back, Sir Korlac appeared. Felix must have rejoined them at some point because Joseph shot him a distasteful look. "Sir Gabriel?"
"Yes, what is it, Sir Korlac?" asked William.
"Steward Benarus wishes to speak with all contestants," said Joseph.
"About what?" asked Relma.
"He believes that some contestants were not knights," said Joseph.
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
"As if the tournament needs more complexity yet," said Felix.
"Indeed," said Joseph. "I am beginning to think that no one involved in this tournament bothered to read any rules."
"I'm not sure Benarus is in a position to disqualify anyone," said Felix.
Joseph looked up with a glare, and William glanced at Felix disapprovingly.
"Really? What makes you so sure, Calishan?" said Joseph.
Felix said nothing.
"Answer him, Felix," said William.
"This intrigue with the poisoning is the best thing that could have happened," said Felix. "It makes for a very good story; people will repeat it for years. This tournament's whole point is putting Gel Carn on the map. So it is in Benarus' interest for the story to continue."
"I don't see your point," said Joseph.
"Benarus' wants a knight of Gel Carn to win this tournament because that will prove the valor of Gel Carn," said Felix. "If they win by disqualifying their way to victory, there is no glory.
"Moreover, everyone in this tournament is important. Not someone you want to alienate. The only exception is Garrick; everyone knew he was not a knight from the beginning."
"That is irrelevant," said Joseph. "If someone has flaunted the law, then the law must be upheld."
Felix smiled. It was not a nice smile. "The law is whatever those with power say it is. The written documents you revere lose all validity when the people in power ignore them.
"That is the nature of power. Those with it need to obey their rules only if they want to. They chose to, or they chose not to. All power is theirs until they lose it."
"That's a disgraceful ideology," said Joseph. "Well, befitting your race."
"When was the last time you heard of the gods suffering because they raped someone?" asked Felix. "If a mortal scars the face of an innocent woman, there is an outrage and talk of vengeance. But, if a god does it, no one blinks twice."
"Sir Gabriel, please tell me you have a differing opinion than your servant?" said Korlac.
William remained silent. "I believe that law is a tool. In the right hands, it can be one of great good. In the wrong hands, anarchy is preferable."
"You do have a Haldrenian perspective, don't you?" said Joseph.
"Naturally," said William.
"I'm going to go find Lady Raleen if you don't mind," said Relma. She had the feeling there would be another argument.
"Don't bother," said Joseph. "She's standing right here."
Relma hid her look of surprise by looking around curiously. He might be attempting to fake her out or perhaps joking. "Where? I don't see her."
"Only joking, of course," said Joseph. "I'd greatly appreciate it if you could go find her."
"Right," said Relma, smiling.
As she hurried off to get her armor, Relma wondered if he had been joking. Or had he instead merely pretended that he was joking to cover a test? Did he suspect? Or did he outright know?
Either way, Relma supposed she would find out soon. When she got to her armor, hidden in Aunt Pan's house, she found Aunt Pan herself sitting at the table. She was drawing a series of runes upon several wooden panels. They emanated purity and white light.
"Aunt Pan, we have a problem," said Relma.
"What is it, dear?" asked Aunt Pan.
"It's Korlac; I think he's figured out that I'm Lady Raleen," said Relma. "Or at least he suspects it."
"What makes you think he suspects?" asked Aunt Pan.
"Well, Benarus is calling everyone together," said Relma. "It turns out that he suspects some of those who entered aren't knights."
"Well, then you'd better get your armor on and go there," said Aunt Pan.
"But what do I do?" asked Relma.
"Hope he suspects someone else," said Aunt Pan. "If you get caught, I'm sure you'll be very embarrassed. But it will be a lesson in its own way."
Relma looked at her in irritation. "Thanks, Aunt Pan. You're a huge help."
"Dear, I'm rather focused on making sure that no one gets turned into a vampire," said Aunt Pan. "House De Chevlon has occasionally spread the affliction to others to act as spies. These panels should ensure it is purged away."
"Wouldn't we notice if someone is transformed into a vampire?" asked Relma as she began to don her mail.
"Eventually, though usually of a lower sort," said Aunt Pan. "When spreading to someone, the victim does not know what is happening. Gradually the corruption of the Withering begins to take hold of them. In the early stages, it can be purged rather easily. But as it sets in, the person begins to change. They are eventually bent to the will of the vampire responsible."
"Is Saphra a vampire?" asked Relma.
"Not yet," said Aunt Pan. "The De Chevlon's use it as a reward for their more accomplished individuals. Saphra is, for now, a puppet."
"So, isn't there any way to break the curse?" asked Relma.
"If caught early, runes like these will do the job quite nicely," said Aunt. "Later on, it is not so easy. The stronger-willed ones will resist longer. But they will become a much more powerful variety of vampires."
"Well, what if someone never succumbed?" asked Relma.
"Then they die," said Aunt Pan. "A spirit at war with itself destroys the body. That is why scars form."
"Why didn't you regard the vampires as a serious concern?" asked Relma. "During the Escorian Civil War?"
"Relma, vampires are parasites," said Aunt Pan. "They believe they are planning everything as part of some elaborate conspiracy. But it was all futile. No one can control everything.
"The most significant risk they could pose is if they grew too numerous. If that happened and the vampires started turning people without control. But they've primarily kept themselves in check. They don't kill the people they drink blood from. That would attract unwanted attention. And anyway, Erik the Voyager killed many of them during the civil war, and more died after it.
"They are merely one more faction with delusions of grandeur. Their schemes were insignificant compared to the prodigious bloodshed. I was far more worried about Arraxia and her Dust Elves. Did you know Father tried to end the killing by an arranged marriage? It was between Rusara's sister, Sunsara, and a powerful elven lord.
"Arraxia burnt her at the stake while she was pregnant. To set an example. Compared to that atrocity, some villages losing some of their blood doesn't matter to me."
"Well, that's..." Relma shifted, "horrible."
"I know," said Pandora. "I've learned that the worst monsters aren't defined by their species or nature. They are defined by what they do. Father and I have to deal with many monsters."
Relma shifted. She decided to change the subject. "Where is Aren anyway? I thought he'd have come here."
"In Escor," said Aunt Pan. "He's trying to smooth over some disputes between House Vortegex and their vassals. We want the country to be stable.
"And that takes a lot of doing."
"He spends a lot of time in Escor, doesn't he?" asked Relma.
"Well, Haldren has never been fond of Father or me," said Aunt Pan. "We were involved in a few tragic events of their history. And Antion is being run well. So we generally go where we are most needed.
"And that is here and in Escor."
Relma finished donning her armor and began to strap on her leg protection. "...Aunt Pan, what do you want to happen in this tournament? I mean, what is the ideal outcome?"
"Those aren't always the same thing, Relma," said Aunt Pan. "I want you to be knocked out of the tournament, give up on fame and power, and live a quiet life. You'll be much happier that way. But, of course, the ideal outcome is winning and becoming renowned far and wide, advancing the goal of Harlenor Reunited."
"So then, why did you help me?" asked Relma.
"Because what I want isn't important," said Aunt Pan. "And honestly, you would have found a way to enter the tournament alone.
"The last thing I wanted to be known as was a killjoy."
Relma finished putting on her armor and then donned her helm. "I should go." Buckling on her sword, she went to the door. Then she glanced back. "Aunt Pan?"
"Yes?" asked Aunt Pan.
"Thanks," said Relma.
She arrived in the throne room and found everyone else waiting for her. There was Fayn. And also Ronald, standing by Frederick as an aid. Aside from herself and William, no one was wearing armor. It was somewhat awkward.
Benarus looked up in irritation. "Lady Raleen, you are late."
"I'm sorry," said Relma. "I got held up."
"No matter," said Benarus. "All of you have been assembled here for a reason. You have all proven strong enough to enter the Tournament of Kings. Each and every one of you have defeated at least one knight in the field of battle. And most of you have seen combat directly.
"Which brings me to my question:" He sighed. "Did anyone even read the rules of my tournament before entering it?"
Dead silence. Ronald raised his hand. Benarus put his head in his hands. "Thank you, Squire Ronald. I'm glad someone was paying attention.
"First, Frederick is poisoned. Then my niece is set on fire. And now it turns out that most people who made it to the second round aren't even knights. And of those, Fayn cheated the system by bribery.
"Lady Raleen, the family you are pretending to be from was wiped out years ago by satyrs. And since it took this long for anyone to realize the fact, I can only assume magic was involved. Which, in itself, could make this matter criminal.
"And Sir Gabriel, I must wonder how you managed to get into the tournament without any kind of crest at all."
Why was Benarus pretending as if he didn't know who Relma was?
"I walked up to the desk, clad in skull armor. I had Massacre stand behind me and lick her chops while I signed my name," said William. "Everyone was so impressed they didn't question anything."
"Why didn't you just get yourself knighted?" asked Benarus. "You might have asked me to knight you, and this whole situation could have been avoided."
William shifted. Then he glanced at Fayn. "I was led to believe that my family had few friends here."
"I could have you all easily removed from the tournament," said Benarus. "It would be well within the rules. But, unfortunately, now that Reginald and Frederick have withdrawn, that isn't an option. The tournament's next round consists of Garrick, Estela, Raleen, William, and Fayn. This means that if I removed everyone who wasn't a knight, the victor would be Estela by default."
Garrick stood up. "With respect, Steward Benarus, I am a legitimate representative of Sorn."
"My apologies, Garrick," said Benarus. "If I removed everyone who cheated, it would be a final fight between Garrick and Estela.
"And that wouldn't even be climactic. The crowds would feel cheated and furious.
"So I'm going to be as forthcoming as possible. All of you are still in the tournament. I'm going to pretend that none of you broke the rules." He looked to Korlac, who was standing by the throne.
"Now, Sir Korlac, you actually had some input."
"Yes. I believe I have pieced together what occurred," said Joseph. "First off, we must establish a motive. Who was it gained by the attempted murder of Fayn and removing Frederick from the battle? Clearly, it was not Varsus or Reginald, as demonstrated by their actions. And besides, it is entirely too obvious. Only a fool would be so blatant. And neither of them are a fool.
"So, who else could gain? Who is it who benefits the most from the removal of Frederick and Fayn from the tournament? Note that both are representatives of Gel Carn?"
"Anyone who wanted to remove the competition?" guessed William.
"Exactly," said Joseph. "But why target those who were directly serving Gel Carn? Because if someone were also serving Gel Carn, it would make it all the more dramatic if they won.
"Imagine what would happen if every person working for Gel Carn were defeated except one. Someone no one was expecting anything of? When that person won, it would be miraculous."
"Yes. Yes, it would be," said Benarus.
"I'm the only other person here serving Gel Carn," said Estela. "The whole theory is out. Everyone can account for where I was. And I'm insulted by your implication."
"I was not suggesting that you did so," said Joseph. "Though it is a just point. I was suggesting that it was Sir Frederick's Squire, Ronald."
There was a shifting in the air. Frederick tried to stand but fell to one knee, panting. He looked up with a scowl. "That is a damn lie, sir! And if I could stand, I would prove it over any man's body! Ronald would never take any action so dishonorably! And even if he would, what motive could you ascribe?"
"This is a grave accusation, Sir Korlac," said Benarus. "What evidence do you have?"
"First, Ronald was in the best position to poison the waterskin," said Joseph Korlac. "Second, he is well known to have an affinity for flame and a connection to Cin'dar. Thus he might have caused the spirit to act out the way it did."
"I only started one fire!" said Ronald.
"That proves he could have done it," said Benarus. "But that is not nearly enough. What motive could you ascribe?"
"Take off your helm, Lady Raleen," said Korlac. "Or should I say, Relma Artorious, the Heir of Kings?"
Relma removed it. "So you learned who I was. A blind man could have done that. What of it?"
"You were the motive," said Korlac. "You are the Heir of Kings. Your victory in this tournament would have given you great renown. It would have been a great step toward your goals."
"I would never kill Sir Frederick!" said Ronald.
"Of course, that was an accident," said Korlac. "Clumsily done. Just as the attempt to implicate Varsus and Reginald. We know he has no great skill with poisons."
"Ronald would never do anything of the sort!" shouted Relma.
"No one ever begins planning great evil," said Korlac. "It happens in steps. First, he accidentally poisoned his master. Then he panicked and attempted the assassination of Lady Fayn."
"And when did he have the time to line her armor with oil?" asked Relma.
"I put on the oil," said Fayn.
"What?" said Relma.
"When I use Cin'dar's flames, they cannot burn me," said Fayn. "Unless he wants them to. The plan was to writhe me in flames to look more intimidating. I guess he took advantage of the fact."
"I didn't do anything of the sort!" said Ronald.
"And I'm not some scheming mastermind!" said Relma. "Do you really think I'd put Ronald up to something like this?"
"I was not suggesting anything of the sort," said Korlac. "Ronald could have acted on his own. I grant you that it is not a perfect case, but what other suspects do we have?
Frederick grasped for his sword, but Ronald grabbed him by the shoulder. "Sir Frederick, please calm down. You'll hurt yourself."
"What about you, Fayn?" asked Relma. "You weren't with us when Frederick was poisoned."
"Are you suggesting I set myself on fire?" laughed Fayn.
"Well, you did have access to your own armor. You aren't skilled with poisons," said Relma. "And it would provide the perfect cover for poisoning, Frederick, after you botched the job." She was repeating herself.
"Must you try this jest again, Relma?" asked Korlac.
"I'm not joking," said Relma. "She knew we had a healing prodigy in the stands. It was a good way to direct attention away from herself."
"Enough," said Benarus. "I will not have this tournament further disrupted any further. There will be no further investigation and no trial."
"What?" said Korlac, shifting his cloak. "What was the point of bringing me in here if you don't want me to investigate?"
"We will leave the matter to Elranor," said Benarus.
"What do you mean?" asked Korlac.
"In the ring tomorrow, it will be arranged that Relma and Fayn will fight one another. The battle will take place beneath the gaze of the Heaven's Eye," said Benarus. "Whichever one emerges victorious will be considered in the right."
"With respect, Steward Benarus, I have yet to complete this investigation," said Korlac. "My suggestion that Ronald was responsible was as much to gauge reaction as anything else. And there is always a possibility that a mistake has been made. It may be that neither of these theories is correct. Or that there are other circumstances, I would like-"
"We've wasted enough time in this matter," said Benarus. "There will be a fight, the guilty party will hang, and that will end it."
Well, that couldn't be called inefficient law enforcement. Wrong and unjust. But efficient.