Fighters and Nobles

Chapter Ten Fighters and Nobles The tournaments have begun and I was outside watching every chance I got.  The knights fighting and teaching the unbelted fighters tricks and techniques. It was very interesting to witness.  But the fight everyone was waiting for was the knight's fighting. Unbelted was almost complete and Lord Ungust and Lord Thorin did very well and advancing with ease. As I watched them fight and advance it would be several rounds before it came down to the two of them fighting each other. This would be nerve racking, they are both Sir Jamal's squires. Even the Baron is finding this to a challenge; he wants both his squires to win. The heralds call them to the Eric and they bow to the crown, they bow to the one who holds their favor and they bow to each other. Then they lay arms and the bout begins. Lord Ungust takes the first swing and strikes Lord Thorin on the shoulder. He reflects most of the strike by using his shield. Then Lord Thorin strikes Lord Ungust in the leg, down he goes to his knees. He will have to fight from his knees. Then from out of the blue, Lord Ungust strike Lord Thorin in his leg and down he goes. Now they are on an even playing field again. With swords and shields at the ready, they both just start throwing out swings till finally Lord Thorin falls over. It had to take them more than an hour to play this cat and mouse game. But Lord Ungust was declared the winner. The King of Caid was not pleased all his unbelted fighters were knocked out of the tournament by these two squires. However the King of the Outlands was very pleased indeed, not only did the Kingdom of the Outlands take every bout in Heavy weapons, so did the unbelted fighters. Baron Jamal just sat there very proud of him men. He thought to himself, I did a good job teaching them, but they need to learn more. Practices will be harder from now on for these two men. There were so many fighters from all over the place. Lord Ungust learned well from his Master, Sir Jamal was very hard on Lord Ungust, for he was a bull and with that bull head it takes him longer to learn from Sir Jamal. Lord Thorin was easier to teach; he did not question Sir Jamal.  I rushed to finish my chores as fast as I could; I wanted to see the bout everyone was in great anticipation of. Lord Ajax approached the Eric.  All the available women in the village polished his Armour. His breastplate was of a gold metal and so are his greaves, pauldrons, and gauntlets.  He wore a tunic of crimson red, mid length to his thighs. He legs muscles were bulging and his thighs were tight and tanned.  He wore no other Armour; his arms are huge with lots of firm tight muscles. His long hair has been braided and ribbons of colour have been incorporated into his braids. His helm has great plumes from the top.  I find a place to sit and watch, he enters the Eric with a confident stride. His shield bears is arms and his sword is shiny and very sharp. A man smaller in stature and lacking confidence in his walk enters the Eric. The herald speaks their names and asks if they be ready. They bow to the crown and bow to the one they favor and finally bow to each other. Then the men who are marshalling the bout clank their sticks together and yell, "Lay arms" and the fight begins. It does not take long for Lord Ajax to strike the other fighter. He backs up in pain and retreats to a corner of the Eric. Ajax pursues him and strikes again, just under the right side of his chest armour. The knight falls to his knees, bending over in wreathing pain. Blood flowing at a steady pace from his side. Lord Ajax asks the knight to stand down, the knight does stand down and Lord Ajax is declared the winner. He helps the knight off the field. He takes the knight to the crowns chiregion to see if can be healed. Lord Ajax leaves the knight there and returns for his second bout, again the heralds ask "if they be ready"? Again Lord Ajax has one thing on his mind this day, to win for the Baron and Barony. He again beats another knight. The King is displeased that his knights are being knocked down one by one, by a man who lives in this barony. The King orders that Lord Ajax is to be sent to him in Caid to fight for the crown and beside him on the battlefield. Baron Jamal tells the King, I am not at liberty to tell a knight were he can and cannot live and whom to serve. Sir Ajax lives within our barony and guards my Baroness. I do not see a knight from Caid that can equal him, my Baroness is my life and nothing shall harm her as long as Sir Ajax serves me. The King just looked at my Master with the truth in his eyes, you are right Sir Jamal. I will find another knight that will beat yours. This matter is not over yet, said the King. Baron Jamal just smiled and winked at the King.  Baron Jamal knew that Sir Ajax was his own man and loyal to him. Ajax would not take kindly to anyone telling him to come or go. I watched from afar the aftermath that Sir Ajax left on the eric. He won every bout and was brought before the king for his reward. The King gave him a gold medallion with the date engraved on it and an impression of a sword. Sir Ajax liked the trinkets he received but relished in the win for his Baron. Then the King asked him to join him in Caid to serve as an officer to his great army. Sir Ajax did not even flinch; he looked the King in his eye and said, "No". And proceeded to bow and walk away. The king was not happy with his answer and ordered him back.  Sir Ajax turned toward the King and said "Your Majesty, I have a place here on the Guard for the Baroness, I am a better service to you here than in the ranks of your army". Then he turned and walked away. The King immediately looked over at Baron Jamal; he still had that smirkish smile on his face. He said to the King, "Your Majesty, I tried to tell you that Sir Ajax is his own man and will make up his own mind". "I see that, you do not punish him for his insubordination?"  "I would never dream of doing that, He is in Tyre of his own free will. I do not own him". I see, said the King.  "You give your people to much free liberty's to live as they please and not serve me". The king said. "Your Majesty, I serve you, and that is what matters" Baron Jamal said. On another matter, where is my dragon I ordered you to send to Caid? Baron Jamal said did you not get the message I sent you. The dragon has been ill for sometime now and could be dying. The young woman Lady Arganteilin is deeply upset with the illness of her dragon. It would not survive the trip to Caid, let alone fly you into battle. "Sick you say? Well I do not want a sick dragon. Forget I asked for it. However if it should regain its health, then send it to me" "Yes, your Majesty" said Jamal. Baron Jamal thought to himself, even if the dragon could do back flips he was not ever going to send him to the King. This week's tournament has ended and Sir Ajax is our winner. The women in the village swoon all over him and I think he is quite dashing. Sir Ajax can go back do what he does best and protect the Baroness. The next tournament is the archery tourney. That will start next week, all the archers have been traveling to Tyre to compete. Of course the tournament most anticipated is the one between Robert Lantersmith and Christina O'Cleary. An all out clout shoot and the best 100 arrows will determine the winner. That is after they win all other contests. I must get back to the kitchen and finish for the feast. I do enjoy cooking and creating tasty dishes. My Master is always looking for ways to improve the tastes and textures of his cooking. I am reading better since the Baroness has been teaching me. My scribing is not good and leaves a lot to the imagination when trying to read it. Baroness Eowyn is very patient with me on all aspects of my learning. I am slower to learn in some things and excel in others. But I defiantly excel in cooking and creating good food. I have always dreamt of cooking for royals and people of noble birth. I wonder what lies ahead for me in Calafia with Baron David. The feast is almost ready to be served; I have to go get dressed for it. I leave several servants to finish everything up and serve the food. I must meet with the Baron and Baroness up stairs.