The Wolf and the Knight

by Gael

Following the assassination attempt, order was swiftly restored. Allowing the tournament to resume with renewed intensity.

Fresh off his victory in the grand melee, Alistan quickly shifted focus toward one of his last remaining rivals of the day, Wolf. From the moment he laid eyes on him, it became clear to Alistan that Wolf wasn’t a good jouster. He was an extraordinary one. His movements were a perfect blend of both speed and grace, without sacrificing any raw power. Even more impressive, despite being a mage, none of his skill came from magic. Every move was one honed through grit and relentless training. Whether one liked him or not, Wolf was a contender to be feared.

While Alistan sized up his opponent, I slipped away into the crowd. Eager to investigate the joke that was being played on us. The attack had only deepened my suspicions and I wanted answers.

Fortunately, most people were too engrossed in the joust to notice me. From what I could gather, the general mood was one of genuine excitement amongst them. But as I listened, a darker undercurrent emerged.

A group of nobles chuckled among themselves, mocking the contestants devotion to the games. After alln this was only the “people’s tournament.” The true contest, the one featuring the High King's elite, was currently unfolding behind closed doors at the palace.

The truth revealed itself. In an act he most likely considered wise, the High King had hidden his finest knights away to prevent them from being tested by outsiders and spare everyone from undue embarrassment. How noble of him indeed.

When I rejoined the others, part of me wanted to keep this revelation to myself. To shield him from any distractions before his final match. But a greater part of me respected him and the others too much to lie to their faces. I knew that they would handle the truth with dignity.

That doesn’t mean they weren’t angry at it. Of course they were. But, as always, Hayley stepped in as the voice of reason, calming everyone down and reminding us that our focus had to remain on what lay ahead.

Which brings me to the fate of the assassin we captured. As we suspected, he too belonged to the Moonshadow Circle and had been hired by Wolf to deal with us. Or rather, to deal with one of us in particular.

Among his belongings, we uncovered a letter with detailed instructions. Both Luke and Liliana were to be spared, as they were needed for future plans Most likely they wished to make use of Liliana for her connection to lady Viviene. As for Luke… well, knowing him, it probably involved a woman.

No, the only person the assassin was specifically instructed to kill was me. Or more precisely, the heir of Vincent.

By now, we had all reached the same conclusion about my connection to Vincent and Reeva. Yet its full implications still eluded me. What had Vincent truly done? What were his motives? And how far did his actions reach? Questions I long resolved I wished to see answered before I drew my final judgment. Still, being hunted for the sins of a man I never met stirred something bitter inside of me.

And yes, I know how hypocritical that sounds. Keralon is a society that reveres the past and glorifies the bloodlines of the present. As a noble, however minor my title may be and a knight, I uphold those ideals every day with my actions, intended or not. And if Vincent had been one celebrated among the Fey of Nevermore, I would likely benefit from that legacy. Inherited glory and inherited scorn. Two sides of the same coin. Still knowing that didn’t stop me from being miffed about it all.

But enough brooding. Let us return to more joyful matters.

After handing the assassin over to the guards, it was finally time for Alistan to face the dreaded Wolf.

The crowd roared as the two jousters took their places on opposite ends of the field. Their armour gleamed in the sunlight. Lances held at the ready. The wait for the signal seemed endless. When it finally came, the horses charged with thunderous speed.

Wolf struck first, targeting Alistan’s mount to throw him off balance. But Alistan deftly deflected the blow and landed a powerful counterstrike, hitting Wolf square in the chest. The crowd gasped. It seemed the finally had already been decided. But though rocked in his saddle, Wolf held on. A further testament to his skill.

The next pass came quickly. Wolf discarded his shield, choosing to grip his lance with both hands. The signal rang and the charge was furious. Alistan landed a glancing blow across Wolf’s shoulder. But his reply was merciless. His lance slammed into Alistan with crushing force, nearly lifting him from the saddle. Yet, Alistan held firm.

As the crowd’s excitement reached a fever pitch, both knights took their marks once more. Charging again at the signal. For a brief moment, it seemed like Wolf lost control of his steed. But he recovered quickly. They struck simultaneously. Their lances shattered on impact, splinters flying in every direction. Neither man yielded. They remained upright, like two immovable stones.

With the third pass ending in no victor, it was now time for blades.

Alistan drew his sword. The very one given to him by Sir Donovan. Wolf responded in kind, unsheathing a sinister-looking longsword better suited for a demon than a knight. They locked eyes. Both knowing that this would be the final clash.

For the last time, their horses surged forward like a storm. Blades met, sending sparks flying. Time slowed down as Alistan twisted his arm. Slipping past Wolf’s iron guard. A heartbeat later, Wolf hit the ground with a heavy thud.

Silence fell. Then the crowd erupted.

Alistan had truly earned his victory. Yet even in triumph, grace and honour guided his actions. He dismounted and extended a hand to his fallen rival, helping him to his feet. Despite their differences, respect had grown between them. One born of battle and shared strength.

As champion, Alistan rode a victory lap around the arena. The crowd showered him with flowers at every turn. When he finally returned, he was handed a grand silver trophy. The mark of his triumph. We all cheered, but none louder than Liliana. Who, beaming with pride, declared to all, “That’s my brother!”

It was Alistan’s moment, through and through. Yet even as we longed to stay and celebrate, we knew our day wasn’t yet done. For we still had another party to attend. And an apology to make.

Continue reading...

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The Wolf and the Knight
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A key challenge
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The Wolf and the Knight

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