"Vivana, congratulations on your victory," Yull said, turning around. He gave her a short bow of respect. He was the previous year's winner.

Vivana entered the Commemoration. She moved precisely in her uniform, tight curly jet-black hair cascading onto her shoulders. Her posture was flawless, her poise befitting her new role as champion.

She had won the Knight's Tourney. With relative ease. She defeated both Kelma and Ven, neither fighter being able to score higher than two points on her. She was a genuine prodigy among the Knights. He could only dream of reaching her level someday.

The participating Argent Knights stood in line inside a large conference room where the Commemoration was held. Arranged before a small stage, they faced it with their backs to the door.

Fahon remained silent and rigid in his uniform, hands at his side. His station taught him to be proper during public appearances. It was preferable to the uncomfortable shuffling and chatting of the others. Or the constant rustling of the media crews arranged along the edge of the room.

Fahon's performance in the Knight's Tourney disappointed him. He had hoped to earn respect but was now aware of the skill gap between him and the rest of the Argent Knights. If not for the miraculous shield saving him those two times, he would have lost even faster.

He desperately wished his grandfather were alive. He would have had an interest in training Fahon. Instead, he was left to ponder the secrets of Casters all on his own.

There must be a way I can improve faster.

Minutes later, Knight Commander Crin arrived. He walked briskly, his dark leather trench coat flowing behind him. Media crews jumped in surprise. His entrance marked the start of the ceremony, and they didn't get prepared to record until Crin was on stage. He took his place at the podium.

Fahon snapped into a salute, followed by the other participating Argent Knights.

"At ease," Crin said, waving at the Knights.

The Knights relaxed their postures.

"I am here to declare and congratulate the winner of this year's Knight's Tourney." Crin didn't even need a mic, voice thundering across the room. "Please come here."

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Vivana stepped onto the stage beside Crin. It took an awkward moment for Crin to maladroitly place the pin on her upper chest. Once finished, she turned and bowed to the small audience.

"Knight Vivana," Crin continued the ceremony. "I knew from the minute of her initiation she would be an exceptional Argent Knight. She, after all, is the grandchild of Milonina Hammel, a great warrior who fought during the Unification Wars. Honor and duty are the hallmarks of House Hammel. They are a small house from a harsh land, but they set an example of what it means to be Ophani. Vivana, I thank you for your service and hard-fought battles today."

Crin leaned towards Vivana. "Do you wish to say anything?"

Vivana blushed. "T-This is a great honor, sir. Thank you!" She waved at the small crowd with a smile.

Crin slipped off the stage behind her as she waved and walked briskly, heading for the exit. A few people clapped. Most others looked at him in confusion. It was customary for the Knight Commander to stay and comment with the media.

"Commander," Fahon cried. "Wait!"

Crin froze, a foot from the door, and turned around on his heel. Fahon dashed over and stood at attention in front of him.

"I have a request to ask of you."

Crin rolled his eyes. "What is it? I have pressing concerns."

"I wish to be trained by Knight Vivana."

Crin sucked back a deep breath. "I had a feeling you would ask. Knight Vivana, come here please!"

Vivana was talking to a reporter and immediately tore herself away at the beckoning of her leader. She fell in line beside Fahon.

"Yes, Knight Commander?"

"Do you want to train Knight Fahon?"

She didn't hesitate. "No, sir. I'd prefer not to waste my time."

Crin waved towards the other Argent Knights, talking to reporters and conversing amongst themselves. "Inheritor, perhaps you would have an easier time if you asked a different Argent Knight."

Fahon stepped forward, chin raised high. He couldn't go on bumbling around in the dark when he could learn from someone experienced. It was nonsensical. If Crin wouldn't see that, he was a foold? "I see…You won't command her, fine. As Inheritor of House Drakk, a house you swore fealty to, I demand you make Knight Vivana train me."

Technically, Fahon couldn't order around the Knight Commander. Only the Sovereign held any actual military or political power in House Drakk. All the witnesses around watched the exchange. The media representatives meant social pressure. If Crin should refuse an order by the Inheritor publicly, it could be bad for his image. House Haloran and the Argent Knights had long ago declared fealty to House Drakk. Tradition and old politics were involved. Was it a power play? Of course, but Fahon wouldn't let anything get in the way of his goals. Vivana proved to be an outstanding fighter, and there was much he could learn from her.

Crin raised an eyebrow in surprise and stepped forward, nose almost touching Fahon's.

"As you command, Your Highness." Crin snapped his attention to Vivana. "You will begin training the Inheritor on the First Working Day. Do you understand?"

Vivana nodded and couldn't hide her subsequent frown.

"If there's nothing else, I must be going." Crin turned and fled the room, black leather trench coat sweeping behind him.