Everyone except for Relanis was gathered for dinner. At the head of the table sat Princess Vera as her maids and the villa’s butlers served a large array of food. On the other end of the large table sat Ambassador Von with the others situated along the sides.

“Thank you for allowing Marc and his friends to stay here Ambassador Von.” Princess Vera said with her bodyguard standing behind her chair to her left.

“No, need to thank me Princess. This villa was designated for your stay during the tournament and is to be used how you see fit.” Ambassador Von continued to eat.

“Now that everyone is situated have you had some time to figure out your plan to free Relanis?” Vera questioned to her guests.

“We have decided that the best way to free Relanis is how you proposed. A few of us shall enter the tournament and sign up tomorrow morning. We are sad that Relanis has to be cooped up in a dungeon cell for three weeks. We would also like to visit him frequently to keep him well informed of what’s going on, and may need your assistance for this matter.” Kira relayed the group’s decision and concerns.

“Yes, Krel will send one of his men to help with the visitation arrangement to see Relanis. Who shall be the ones to enter the tournament if I may ask?” Vera’s interest was piqued as she caught a glimpse of Marc enjoying the feast in front of him.

“Since some of us are not suited for combat, the ones that have agreed to enter are Tessa, Sedric, and Marc. I on the other hand have a request of the Princess.” Kira stated.

“I will be happy to fulfill any request within my power for the ones that saved our lives. What is it that you need?” Vera asked.

“My profession is that of a craftsman and I am able to make wonderful inventions and tools that will be able to help us out. I only need a workplace and supply of materials needed to start my work. Helena on the other hand has a request the Princess may not be able to help with, as it pertains to Ambassador Von.” Kira explained her situation while waiting for a response from the Princess and noticing Von choking on some food from the surprise.

“That’s very interesting. I’m sure we can work something out. I’ll have a few of my men assist you in setting up and gathering the materials you need. It’s the least we can do for you, so don’t mind the expenses. And since Von himself is here I’m sure he can let you know whether or not he can help.” Everyone including Von turned their attention to Helena, except for Marc who continued to be immersed in the feast.

“Ambassador Von, we have talked this over and believe you will be able to help. I have mental abilities and know that the event with Relanis was no accident, but forced upon him. We also know you have mental powers and would like for you to train me.” Helena asked without straying her stare from his.

Ambassador Von remained quiet for a moment as he looked around the dining hall.

“I may be able to help you. I am only able to read surface thoughts and is another reason why Princess Vera and her bodyguard accepted my assistance. Elves in general have high resistance to mind reading and have nothing to fear. This ability is rare and has granted me the position as one of the Ambassador’s under the previous king of Blackten. I’m sorry for keeping it a secret from your group.”

“We knew of his mental powers, but kept his secret. Since, Von has agreed to offer his help all is settled.” Princess Vera wrapped up.

“Actually, I have something to ask as well. Once we’re finished eating I would like to start my training immediately. Is there a place I can practice with a sword?” Marc asked finally noticing the company around him.” Marc’s eagerness to train surprised Krel who was more than happy to help.

“Princess, may I assist them in their training for tonight? I shall place several guards to protect you in the meantime.” Krel asked as Vera looked back to give a nodding approval.

Tessa and Sedric both let everyone know they will be joining the training session as well.

In the courtyard stood target dummies stationed several feet apart and a large armory shed made of stone. Coming out of the opened gate were Marc, Sedric and Tessa. Krel stood waiting at the entrance allowing them to choose whatever weapon they desired.

First to come out was Marc holding a sheathed two-handed bastard sword. Sedric followed with dual wielding scimitars set on his back and carrying a pouch containing a set of twelve sharp throwing knives. Krel figured Marc would choose such an audacious weapon to match his personality and could not help but to notice Sedric’s peculiar set of weapons. Knowing the user must have prior skill to choose such weapons. Marc and Sedric stood waiting with Krel for Tessa to come out. Taking her time Tessa came out with a ridiculously oversized mace, one you would think was forged within depths of hell. The mace rested on her shoulder with a length of more than half the size of the five foot three Tessa.

Stolen story; please report.

“Can you even swing that thing?” Marc gestured to the nearest target dummy.

Tessa gripped the battle mace with both hands and held it over her head. She grunted and flung it over her head with absolute precision decapitating the dummy. The mace continued on squashing the head against the back wall, embedding itself in the marble.

“I did it!” Tessa joyfully jumped up and down.

The men were speechless as their jaws hung in shock.

“What you thought I couldn’t do it?!” Tessa frowned becoming upset.

“No, you did pretty good. But it’s not a throwing weapon!” Marc laughed.

“Oh… I thought it was a one shot one kill weapon.” Tessa countered.

“Okay, well for now we will teach you how to use it without throwing it.” Krel walked up to the mace and pulled it out handing it back to Tessa.

Krel watched and gave advice where he could to help them learn how to use their weapons. He noticed that Tessa and Marc had the most to learn as they were utterly clueless regarding stances and swings. From showing both of them how they should grip their weapons and to how they should stand. All of these basics needed to be covered. Krel sighed as both of them stood no chance as of now in the tournament and continued to share all of his guidance.

Sedric was a good distance away as he wanted to practice using the throwing knives. In front of him stood a practice dummy with many targets hanging from posts around him, specifically meant for projectiles.

The pouch hung from his waist like a holster allowing him to easily use the knives. Sedric unsheathed one scimitar from his back and started training on the dummy.

Violent slicing and thumping noises caught Krel and Tessa’s attention. They watched as Sedric danced around slicing with one hand and throwing with the other. Until the last knife hit dead center of the target, did Sedric pull out his second scimitar and start dual wielding. The practice dummy before him ended up being mutilated and the only thing remaining was the bare post stuck in the ground.

“Oh yeah, Sedric has placed number one in several big events and tournaments back home. He’s always been very good with weapons.” Marc’s comment shook Krel and Tessa from their amazement.

Tessa ran over when she noticed Sedric come to a stop. “That was beautiful! Could you teach me how to fight please?” Tessa hoped.

“Very skilled, I know who I’m placing my bets on now!” Krel exclaimed.

“Isn’t that against the rules for you to bet, with your connection to the Princess and all?” Marc countered as Krel resented after mulling it over.

Sedric wiped the bead of sweat forming from his head and couldn’t help but to smile back. “I’m quite rusty still. I haven’t practiced for almost two years now. I also have to find a way to implement my abilities for combat. This will take some time, however I will do my best to help you out Tessa.”

“Don’t forget about helping me too!” Marc said as Tessa shyly looked away from Sedric’s gaze.

“We shall continue this early in the morning after signing the three of you up for the tournament. That will be all for tonight let us wash up and get some rest." Krel ended and signaled several maids to show them to their washrooms.

*** Author's Notes:

I decided to do things differently this time and will uploaded the chapter in parts as to help me not get stuck on a chapter when writing. This way I don't get half way and end up leaving it to sit for a long time. I feel its easier like this even if it doesn't make sense lol. Haven't edited this yet and most likely will be changes once the whole chapter is written out.

If you have enjoyed this story please let me know and leave a comment about what you think so far, Thanks.