The participants of the Tournament of Kings were now assembled in the great hall. The only exceptions were Ham, Frederick, and Fayn. Steward Benarus sat before the throne dedicated to the King, who had not sat there in hundreds of years. Joseph Korlac stood beside him. On the other side was Lady Pandora, clad in a more regal dress.

"So what was it you found?" asked Benarus.

Korlac paused and looked over the contestants, eyes gazing at each one. Relma felt he was trying to be someone other than what he was. She wasn't really sure who, though. "Well, after speaking with each of the servants, I have concluded that no one entered or left backstage. Not during the time when Frederick was poisoned. I also ensured that everyone who attempted to enter this place was searched.

"That means they did not get the poison from Ajax's kit."

"I know," snapped Ajax. "You confiscated my poisons. I want them back after this is over."

"One of my findings was that Ajax has on him many lethal forms of poison," said Joseph, ignoring the bait. "However, since he understands how they work, it is unlikely that he would make such a mistake."

"What if he knew you'd say that and decided to do it anyway?" asked Estela, annoyed at being ought here. "That might cover his tracks."

"I find that unlikely," said Joseph Korlac. "For one thing, Ajax had no way of knowing Korlac was good at deduction. For another, it doesn't seem his style. Also, he lacks any motive for setting Fayn on fire."

"Does he?" asked Varsus.

"If you want to accuse me based on my blood, go ahead," snapped Ajax. "But if I wanted to poison everyone in this group, I would have done it at the banquet. I could have done it too; no one even knew I was there the whole time."

There was silence. Estela and Reginald glared at Ajax and got it right back. For a moment, it continued until Benarus made a noise with his throat. They looked at him. "Let us ask this: Who has benefited the most from the poisonings?"

"Varsus and Reginald both advanced by default," noted Estela.

"Speak ill of my cousin again, and-" began William.

"Calm yourself, Sir Gabriel," said Joseph. "We have to approach this objectively. Reginald and Varsus seem to be the ones who have benefited the most. Which, ironically, makes them unlikely as culprits."

"What do you mean?" asked Estela.

"Varsus and Reginald were occupied during Khasmir with administrative work," said Joseph. "And they proved quite adept at it. They are not unintelligent.

"The attempt on Frederick's life, we could expect. But the attempt on Fayn's life was another matter entirely. It needed to be more clumsy for men of their intellect. To say nothing of their honorable character and noble blood."

"And why would I heal them if House Gabriel was plotting something like that?" asked William.

"There was no need for you to be involved in the plot," noted Estela.

As the argument went on, Relma began to think. She considered the sloppy way the assassination was executed. In that situation, it would make more sense for whoever it was to cut their losses and lay low. Not set the next contestant on fire. Whoever it was would have had to initiate the plan quickly and somehow get oil inside Fayn's armor. Armor that she had been wearing for most of the day.

Only one person who had even known Fayn was there, aside from Davian. So there really was only one logical suspect. And since they'd known there was a miraculous healer in the benches, the reasoning for their act was clear.

"I think Fayn did it," said Relma.

"What?" said William.

"Why would... I don't..." Joseph shook his head. "The poor girl was set on fire! How can you even suggest that?!" He hesitated and looked down. "You mean that Fayn attempted the poisoning, and someone else set her on fire? Perhaps in retribution?" He paused. "Ronald Fulsof, perhaps."

"What?" said Relma.

"Ronald Fulsof had a large part to play in summoning Cin'dar. That was during the events in the Wolven Forest," said Joseph. "He had dealings with Cin'dar before. And he is rumored to have a love of fire.

"The Lady Fayn is a political enemy of the Heir of Kings. Perhaps he took matters into his own hands, assuming she poisoned his master."

"Why would Ronald assume that Fayn did it?" asked Relma. "Nobody even knew that Fayn was here until the assassination attempt. She knew there was a prodigy healer in the audience. She probably poisoned Frederick. But then she botched the job because she didn't have any experience.

"Then she set herself on fire to cover her tracks. Who else could have accessed the armor? No one else even saw her with it off! And she knew what a prodigy William was at healing."

"That's completely insane, Raleen," said Reginald.

"Exactly my point! Exactly!" said Relma. "That's why it's the perfect cover! By setting herself on fire, she made everyone assume that she was the victim!

"Who would suspect that she set herself on fire?"

Joseph looked speechless. "I... I don't..."

"Makes sense to me," said Ajax.

"She had her eyes burned out before I healed it," said William. "This is in poor taste. If you want to defame her, you might at least pick a more appropriate moment."

And that was how the conversation ended. Of course, there were several other suspects brought up. But Ronald seemed the primary one, and nobody was even willing to consider that Fayn did it.

Relma knew it sounded strange. But who else could have applied all that oil? It would have happened just before the match. Or there was some kind of magic involved. How had she been able to fight with armor soaked in oil? And even if she could, how could she not have noticed.

She and Ajax began to walk back after Relma shed her disguise. Together they walked as the sun began to set. Relma doubted anyone would be able to pin things on Ronald. The proposed motive was flimsy, and Frederick would vouch for his character.

Relma sighed. "So, what is the next fight?"

"Does it really matter?" asked Ajax. "This part of the tournament is already over." Then he paused, listening. "Follow me."

He led Relma through the streets, and they saw Aunt Pan walking. Joseph Korlac followed after her. "Lady Pandora, might I ask you something."

Aunt Pan halted and glanced back. "Yes? How may I help?"

"Have you ever heard of exactly how Sir Gabriel was knighted?" asked Joseph Korlac.

"No, actually," said Aunt Pan. "Why do you ask?"

"He seems young for the position, is all," said Korlac. "Much like others, I could name. I think this matter bears some more investigation."

"What do you mean?" asked Aunt Pan.

"Well, it is traditional that only knights enter tournaments," said Korlac. "If a squire did so, they would be disqualified."

"It doesn't seem like it would be worth the effort," said Aunt Pan. "Everyone remaining has already won their match. Clearly, they are good enough."

"It isn't about that. It's the principle of the thing," said Joseph. "I intend to fully investigate everyone in this tournament."

"Joseph Korlac, your devotion does you credit," said Aunt Pan. "However, it would be better to let this matter pass."

"Your concern is noted, Lady Pandora," said Korlac stiffly.

You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

Aunt Pan moved off, and Korlac looked after her unreadably. Then, after a moment, he looked up and saw Relma. He made for her at once. Relma looked around and saw that Ajax had disappeared from sight, as usual. "Relma Artorious, is it? I've been meaning to speak with you for some time."

"How did you know who I was?" asked Relma.

"I received a description," said Korlac. "And I noticed a look of recognition on Lady Pandora's face when she saw you."

"Really?" said Relma. "Who are you?"

"Joseph Korlac, at your service." He offered her a hand.

Relma took it. She didn't know him, she reminded herself. "Right, nice to meet you. How can I help you?"

"You've known the Lady Pandora a long time, have you not?" asked Joseph.

"Yes. All my life," said Relma.

"Then perhaps you could answer a few questions for me," said Korlac.

"What kind of questions?" asked Relma.

"Nothing you wouldn't tell anyone else. So tell me, how does Pandora make a living?" asked Joseph. "Does she receive a stipend from Gel Carn?"

"No, she provides runes for farmers and such," said Relma. So why was he asking all these questions? "They pay her for the service."

"Really, now?" asked Joseph. "Did she ever speak to you of the Lady Raleen?"

"Who?" asked Relma.

"A knight your age," said Korlac. "I've seen her in the company of Pandora several times. I was led to believe they were close."

"I've never met her," said Relma. Could you meet yourself? Odd question. But she didn't have an answer. "But Aunt Pan knows many things she doesn't tell me. Sometimes when I was younger, she'd meet with people I'd never met.

"Raleen might be one of them."

"Of course," said Joseph. "Were you there at the tournament?"

His questions were hitting a little close to home. "No. I mean, yes. Just not in the front row."

"I'm told you are very close to Squire Ronald," said Korlac. "I would have thought you'd be watching with him."

Relma became a little annoyed at this. "Look here, Sir Korlac. When last I looked, none of this is any of your business. So either come out with what you are driving at or leave me alone."

"Driving at? I haven't been driving at anything," said Korlac.

"Of course, you'll say that," said Relma. "But you think my Aunt Pan has done something wrong. Well, she hasn't."

"Everyone with any amount of power has done something wrong," said Korlac simply. "It's only a matter of what. And Lady Pandora had a great deal of power.

"Still, it was not my intention to offend you. Good day."

And he walked off.

Relma shifted. Ajax emerged from the shadows. "... He's on to me, isn't he?"

"Is anyone not on to you?" asked Ajax.

Relma laughed. It was funny.

Relma was tending to her chores the next day when Estela entered the courtyard. She looked in a particularly foul mood as she sat by one of the fountains. Relma approached. "Any news, Estela?"

"There has been a decision on the matches," said Estela.

"Well, what is it?" asked Relma. "What's wrong?"

"They are being postponed until a decision can be reached," said Estela. "Steward Benarus is moving forward the halfling jousts in the meantime. Which means Frederick probably won't have a chance to participate."

"Oh," said Relma. "Well, that's bad."

"It's awful," said Estela. "Frederick has won every tournament in the past five years. Now he's going to lose because of that damn poison."

"Well, Lord Fulsof should be happy about it, at least," said Relma. Estela looked at her as if she'd done a personal betrayal. "Look, I like Frederick. But he can always joust next year. And I was raised in Fulsof, Fulsof's son is my best friend, and I'd love for them to have a chance to win.

"I'm just trying to look on the bright side here."

"There isn't a bright side," said Estela. "To win because your enemy couldn't show up isn't a victory."

"Actually, it kind of is," said Relma. "Especially if you arranged it so they couldn't show up?"

"Are you suggesting the other halflings did it?" asked Estela.

"No," said Relma. "Fayn did it."

"Are you still harping on that?" asked Estela.

"She had the motive," said Relma. "What if Frederick was knocked out of the tournament in favor of Varsus? It would have left her, me, and you as the only representatives of Gel Carn. And you're more for Escor anyway.

"So if she pulled off a victory, it would be more impressive. It also would have taken one of the best fighters out of the tournament."

"So she set herself on fire?" asked Estela.

"Who else would have had access to her armor?" asked Relma. "Nobody else even knew who she was. Or any of her achievements. So why would anybody target her in the first place?" She paused. "Can you think of anyone else who could have done it?"

Estela said nothing. Neither did Relma. The silence stretched on for some time. Then, after a moment, Relma decided to change the subject. "Why don't humans have any kind of jousting, anyway?"

"We've never been able to find an animal that can bear us," said Estela. "Well, we have. But few of them are tamable. And most are rare. Domesticating animals takes time, after all."

"If it is any consolation, it took halflings thousands of years to tame wolves," said a familiar voice.

They looked up and saw Frederick making his way in. He was walking on two crutches but did not seem unhappy. Relma ran to them. "Sir Frederick, you're up."

"Thanks to Lady Pandora, yes," said Frederick. "Though I am still having some trouble standing. Where is Ronald?"

"He stayed by your side for most of it," said Estela. "But Joseph Korlac is questioning him at the moment. Or he was a moment ago."

"Very well, then," said Frederick. "I'll need someone to help me to Steward Benarus."

"Benarus? Why?" asked Relma.

"I mean to forfeit the match," said Frederick. "That ought to go part of the way to getting the tournament back on track."

"But what if Varsus cheated?" asked Relma.

"I don't believe he did," said Frederick. "And in any case, I'm not standing very well. So I won't be able to fight for some time yet."

"Will you participate in the halfling jousts?" asked Relma, hopefully.

"Probably not," admitted Frederick. "I can hardly see straight. I'll need to ask Ronald to take my place. He's proving quite talented with the lance."

"I will help you to the Steward then, Frederick," said Estela.

"Is there any news on Fayn?" asked Relma suddenly.

"She's woken up," said Frederick. "And seems remarkably composed. Why do you ask?"

"I was thinking of going to see her," said Relma. "After my chores."

Estela looked at her in surprise. "Why would you want to? She made her dislike of you quite plain. And you're accusing her of almost killing Frederick and attempting suicide."

"Suicide isn't a crime," said Relma.

"It is in Escor and Haldren," said Frederick. "Still, why are you so set on visiting her?"

"Well, yes, but she just got set on fire," said Relma. "I thought she might like visitors."

"Just don't make a nuisance of yourself," said Estela. "Come on, Frederick, let's go."

It took Relma a while to finish her chores. During that time, she badly wanted to talk with Ronald. But she saw no sign of him. Eventually, she made her way through the halls to Fayn's room. She paused only for a moment to pick some blue flowers.

She had been expecting a guard. But there wasn't one. Fayn's room wasn't even in one of the more secure areas. Relma felt this unfair of Benarus. After all, Relma believed Fayn had nearly killed Frederick, but no one else did. As far as they knew, there was someone who wanted her dead.

She knocked twice before opening the door. Joseph was sitting by the bedside of Fayn. His expression was hard, and his hands were clasped between his knees.

"Excuse me?" said Relma. "Is now a bad time?"

Joseph looked to Fayn, who met his gaze right back. Eventually, he stood up. "...I can leave you two in peace if I am fatiguing you."

"Much appreciated," said Fayn.

Joseph walked past Relma. "Milady."

Relma let him pass, then shut the door and sat beside her.

"What do you want?" asked Fayn. "Come to gloat?"

"No, I just, um... I thought you might like the company," said Relma.

"You don't have much practice thinking, do you?" asked Fayn. "No doubt your precious Aunt Pan does that for you."

"Actually, I... well, I disobey her quite a bit," said Relma.

"I'm guessing that's why you're in this tournament," said Fayn.

"No, I'm not," said Relma.

Fayn rolled her eyes. "You don't have to pretend. You're a decent actor, but you show your personal connections too well. Obviously, you knew Estela from the beginning, and the same for Gabriel."

"I really don't know what you're talking about," said Relma.

"Fine, keep your secrets," said Fayn, crossing her arms. "Why are you here if you don't want to gloat?"

"Well, you got hurt," said Relma. "I thought I'd bring you some flowers."

"They're blue. I hate the color blue," said Fayn.

"Why?" asked Relma.

"Blue is all about clarity of mind. Calm thoughts," said Fayn. "Red is more for anger and passion. People in red are easier to talk to. You can manipulate them."

Relma paused. "...Is being "in red" a metaphor?"

"No. And yes," said Fayn.

A complete non-answer. Relma looked at her. Fayn's skin was still red, but there were no scars to see. "So, I see you are healing well."

Fayn smiled. "Yes. I'm told I won't have any scars. I was expecting... well, William is far better than I thought. Though my skin still aches."

Relma shifted. "...Why did you enter the tournament, Fayn?"

"The same reason you did, I expect," said Fayn. "Go in wearing armor that conceals my face with an alias within the tournament. Then publicly reveal my true identity and humiliate my uncle."

"Why doesn't your uncle like you?" asked Relma.

"He's one of those people who pretend that he cares about something other than his own power," said Fayn. "Even to himself. That's all anyone cares about in the end. How they see themselves. Everything else is just feeding their ego in one way or another."

"That's a bit depressing way to think of things," said Relma.

"It's gotten me something of a reputation. See, I don't pretend to care about other people," said Fayn. "Since I'm honest about who I am and who I am is what everyone else really is, people don't like me.

"Nothing hurts the ego more than seeing yourself as you are."

"Isn't that a delusion in itself, though?" asked Relma.

"What?" said Fayn.

"Well, I mean, you seem like you dislike hypocrites," said Relma. "People who pretend to be good when they aren't. So you are open about being bad.

"When people don't like you acting that way, you dismiss them as a hypocrite. So you don't have to address the problem.

Fayn eyed her suspiciously. "What do you mean?"

"Well, I mean, it's all very well to be honest with yourself about what you are," said Relma. "But if you know what you're doing is wrong, doesn't that make it worse when you don't do the right thing?"

"And who are you to tell me anything?" asked Fayn.

"Nobody special," said Relma. "I was just making an observation."

At that moment, there was a knock at the door. It was thrown open, and Ronald barged in. "Relma!"

"Oh joy, Frederick's squire," said Fayn. "Get out. I've already been set on fire once today; I don't want to make it twice."

"Sorry," said Ronald, stepping back. He shut the door.

"I'll go see what he has to say," said Relma. "I'll bring you red flowers next time."

"Whatever," said Fayn.

Relma left and met Ronald outside. "What is it, Ronald?"

"Sir Frederick wants me to take his place in the jousting," said Ronald. "You've got to come to watch me."

"Alright. I'm sure you'll do great," said Relma. "Just try not to set the pavilion on fire."

"I only started one fire!" said Ronald. "Why does everyone keep harping on about that!"

"Yes, I know," said Relma. "I'm just joking around. Let's go."

Relma was reasonably sure Fayn was guilty. Even so, she didn't think she was a bad person. Just flawed. Chances were the investigation would stall now. It wasn't as if anyone else could have done it.

And that was probably for the best.