The Harbinger (A Fight for Light Novel Book 2) (8 page)

Tournaments were a common form of entertainment held throughout the Monterro Valley where Guardian knights and nobles alike would come together to compete against one another with everyone in the land being welcomed as competitors or spectators. There would be a variety of games such as sword play, jousting, archery, horseback riding and fighting.

All walks of life from the nobles to the common peasants would gather to watch and cheer for their favorite participant. Music, storytelling, jugglers and food could also be found at the tournament. Brightly colored dresses and scarves were worn by the ladies. Men dressed in their armor or fine clothes to impress their intended maidens. Ale flowed as much as the tales of those who plied their skill to the crowds. It was similar to a modern day renaissance fair.

As was the case at the feasts, it was common for people to enjoy their different types of drink – mead, wine, and ale were plentiful. Casks and barrels lined the rear of the wooden bleachers. Tables were laden down with libations and food. There were large haunches of roasted meat, fresh fruits and vegetables, large loaves of bread and pastries in sweet and savory.

Music was an important part of the tournament, not just for entertainment, but for the Monterro Valley as a whole. Musicians and traveling minstrels would be found at feasts, tournaments and around the cities. It provided a reprieve from day to day life, offering a chance to celebrate and break from the monotony and toil of existence.

Cornell was the largest city in the valley. It always featured the annual tournament and games, drawing large numbers of the populace to attend. We were going on horseback, leaving early in the morning, while it was still dark. Kellen packed before bed, making it easy to load up and take the horses in the morning. We went to sleep early. It would be a long ride.

The cook had a large breakfast spread out in the morning. We ate a scrumptious meal, hot and delicious, to fill our stomachs for the journey. We wouldn’t be stopping on the way. Cornell was hours away from Karmelo, probably about four hours, as the crow flies. Kellen was worried for our safety. We were exposed, vulnerable to the enemy. An extra four Guardians were dispatched to accompany us.

Everyone was on horseback, even Mairwen and Kedehern. All of the horses were laden with heavy knapsacks and saddlebags. We made good time, arriving around nine a.m. to the city. The gates were open wide, all visitors welcome. Extra security was posted at the entrance and all exits. We were asked to stable our horses and take all of our belongings with us.

Kellen took my hand and led the way to a large inn, just beyond the entry gates. I could tell by the sign and storefront it was one of the nicest in the city. There were taverns and inns all over, welcoming visitors and travelers alike. Our inn mostly consisted of nobility. It was pricey compared to many of the others. We paid for three rooms and took our belongings upstairs.

Kellen pulled me into our room and shut the door. He set our bags on the large bed, then turned to me and grinned.

“How do you feel about sharing a room? I bribed Tristan, actually he readily agreed, to switch later tonight with me.” He winked. “Unless you would rather sleep with Kayleigh of course.”

I walked over to him as he enveloped me in his arms. “You, hands down.”

He kissed me, holding me close, and letting his lips linger against mine.

“I have to leave soon. Those of us who are competing must arrive early. Kayleigh will help you get ready. You can arrive with her and Mother and sit in our box. We reserve a place in our family name every year for the event. It’s quite common. Almost all of the prominent families do the same. Enjoy yourself, my love. I will see you later.” His voice was light and carefree.

Excited.

An air of expectation filled the room. This was going to be fun.

“Be safe, Kellen. I love you,” I responded, placing a kiss on his cheek.

He hugged me tight and left, letting me know he would stop and ask Kayleigh to come help me. I nodded, sitting on the bed to rest momentarily. Kayleigh came swooping in ten minutes later, completely decked out in finery with a colorful scarf around her neck. I raised my eyebrows in surprise.

“Rhiannon, I know I look decked out like royalty. It’s the point. These festivities are all pomp and pageantry. I have to get you ready and have you pick out a scarf. Just wait, you’ll be the most admired woman all day,” she told me, laughing to herself.

I had on a beautiful dress of burgundy and amber. It had fine silken threads and creamy lace, sewn exquisitely. The bodice was fitted with a plunging neckline, bejeweled, and almost daring. Kayleigh’s was the same, but in colors of silver and aqua. We both had our hair curled and woven through with ribbons and flowers that matched our dresses. Our heels were silk and jeweled, just like the gowns.

Kayleigh’s scarf was a bright aqua while mine was a deep amber. She handed me a necklace and earrings that belonged to Mairwen and matched perfectly. She had expensive jewelry on as well, showing off her flawless skin. I looked in the mirror and couldn’t believe the transformation. We looked like princesses. She went one step further and placed a simple golden crown on my head, a gift from the family, pinning it in place.

Mairwen joined us, looking just as exquisite. Her colors were gold and pink. We had silken fans that hung from our wrists. I was told it kept the flies away and cooled you in the heat. I was sure I would need it. It was getting hotter by the minute. I could only hope there was a canopy of some kind overhead or I was literally going to bake in the sun.

We walked the short distance to the festivities, stopping to buy flowers from the street merchants. It was a custom to purchase these and put them in your box, a symbol of helping the city. We arrived and sat in large cushioned seats with high backs, front row and centered for the action in the family box. I was relieved to find a combination of overlapping and brightly colored long sections of fabric that hung on poles a few feet above our heads. The sun would be blocked a good portion of the day.

The festivities would last a total of three days. The first day was sword play, wrestling, and hand to hand combat. The second day was archery and the equestrian competition. The final day was the joust. I was most nervous about the joust. I remembered Kellen’s challenge to Seasnan. If only I could convince him to back down, but I knew better. He was not a coward and would take affront to that suggestion.

Kellen was entered in every contest as was Tristan. Kayleigh informed me that all nobles usually entered a majority, if not all, of the events. Each contestant represented their house, or family crest. Tristan’s was an eagle. Kellen’s a lion. I was unsure of Seasnan’s crest and did not ask.

In the final event, the joust, the knight would select the scarf of his true love and fly her colors on the end of his lance. From what I understood, this was quite a big deal. The final victor could claim his reward, a kiss from the lady.

Kayleigh was leaning toward me and whispering often behind her fan in an attempt to inform me without being obvious. She sat to my right, while Mairwen sat on my left. I was flanked on either side. I knew instantly this was meant to protect me and shield me from prying and curious nobles.

Much to my chagrin, I was the center of attention for most of the three day event. However, I owe that almost entirely to the group of performers who announced my presence at the onset of the festivities. The group of players told stories and jokes, juggled, sang music and played instruments, and generally enthralled the crowd. This was especially needed during intermissions and between the events.

The wooden and open bleachers of the peasants were filled to bursting. The heat and vulnerability of the sun left them restless. Casks of ale and mead were donated by the nobles, as tradition, to curb raucous and unruly behavior. Serving wenches heaved large mugs up and down the aisles, amid shouts and laughter.

The leader of the troupe, dressed in contrasting bright colors that resembled a jester, jumped in front of the crowd. Our box was dead center. He bowed briefly, his arms flung wide and approached the box.

“Ladies, may I have the pleasure of knowing our distinguished guests this morning?” He was speaking to their entire box but looking at me.

Was it the crown that gave me away? Or the fact that I was new to the proceedings?

Kayleigh brought up the fan. “Tell him your name.”

“Rhiannon,” I answered.

His eyebrows rose in surprise, then he quickly fell to one knee. The rest of the troupe followed his lead. “Your grace.”

Murmuring rose in the crowd who watched his reaction. He raised his head a moment later, as if to ask for permission to rise. I nodded. As quick as a flash he plucked a rose from one of the flower girls and approached the box again. He bowed briefly and offered it to me.

“Your beauty doth set my heart afire milady.”

I stood and bent at the waist to accept it. His smile was genuine.

“Lords and ladies, gentle and wee folk.” He turned to address the crowd. “I offer a toast.”

Goblets and mugs continued to pass for several minutes until the multitude had been served. The jester raised his mug high and faced me. “To our beloved Princess Rhiannon, of the houses Monahan and Drustaney, may you live in good health and fortune until the end of your days.”

I raised my goblet and took a sip. The wine was delicious.

He turned to the crowd and continued. “To every one of you, may your cup never be empty and your bed never grow cold. And although age may greet us, let none of us ever feel old.”

I took another sip. The crowd took hearty gulps of their drinks and cheered. Many cups were raised in my direction as I glanced at those around me. Kayleigh and Mairwen sat tall and proud in their seats.

At that moment I realized the significance of my presence, not only to the crowd, but also for their family. This was a position of great honor, I blessed them with my company. I almost shook my head. I would never get used to this life.

The jester moved away, bowing again to me briefly, as the troupe left.

I leaned over to Kayleigh. “What is his name? He never said.”

“Oh, he could not. It would not have been proper. You were not introduced.”

I frowned. “I’m not sure if I will ever become accustomed to the rules and propriety of this world.”

“Oh Rhiannon, you carry yourself like a queen already, whether you realize it or not.” She fanned her cheeks a few times. “It comes naturally. I’m always glad to help.”

“Thank you. I am certain to need it.”

“Ralen,” she said in reply. “The troupe leader is Ralen. You will see him often. They are the most famous group of performers in the valley.”

I did not have time to reply. Noble lords and peasant contestants filled the field in front of us. Kellen and Tristan were among them. Sword play was the first contest. The categories included the longsword, fencing, spear throwing, and dual wielding with a shield.

Later in the day hand to hand combat without weapons, wrestling, and arm wrestling. Groups of two would pair off, the victor moving on to challenge the next, until a single victor emerged. The winner would be given one of many prizes that ranged from animals, to rare materials, to expensive jewelry.

Kellen and Tristan wore their full plate armor. The same silver with gold and green leaf designs etched into the hard steel that I witnessed the day we crossed the portal. I could easily distinguish between the Guardians and everyone else. The armor gave them away. It proclaimed their status and skill.

Kellen tossed a couple of marks to one of the flower girls and plucked a deep red rose from her basket. He approached the box and bowed briefly.

Looking directly into my eyes, he raised the rose. “A gift to the most beautiful lady in attendance.” His gaze shone with love and admiration.

“Thank you, sir knight.” My fingers brushed his as I claimed it.

Tristan brought Kayleigh a rose but I hardly noticed. Anyone with eyes could see the way Kellen and I looked at each other. A murmur rose within the noble crowd. I heard rumors of a secret engagement in the whispers behind me. Kellen grinned, pressing his lips to my hand.

“I pledge my undying devotion.”

I smiled brightly. “I will hold you to it.”

The longsword competition began. At first, there were so many groups of men fighting I could hardly keep track of where Kellen and Tristan were standing. With shock I noticed Seasnan emerge to my right, another victory.

All three men progressed, winning again and again, even against other Guardians. Finally, Tristan and Kellen were paired. It was a long battle but Kellen emerged victor. With a laugh they clasped each other on the back. Two remained, Kellen and Seasnan.

Watching them fight, it was like viewing a beautiful and complicated dance. Parry, thrust, pivot and turn, block, advance, deflect, and so on. They were close in skill. I remembered watching them practice. Kellen was a little more advanced. He would win, I was sure of it.

Amazed, I watched as they continued to fight, pushing off and against each other, neither willing to give quarter. This was more than just a competition. Their frustration fueled their determination.

My eyes were locked on the two of them, my breath quickened with each passing minute. Surely fatigue should set in, but neither man stumbled or fell. The crowd started to cheer, first small ripples of sporadic applause and shouts of encouragement, but as the fight continued, a roar rose within the crowd. I found myself on my feet, cheering Kellen on. Others joined me, until the noise was deafening to my ears.