Chương 98: Chapter 93: Plus One

The Military Keep's training grounds had never been this crowded. Knights, guards, squires, servants, nobles, and palace staff packed every available stretch of the stone terraces overlooking the sparring ring, now turned into a dueling arena. Conversations filled the air, though most conversations were hushed, as though afraid to somehow disturb what was about to happen. At the center of the sparring grounds stood Sir Deren Valis. His polished armor gleamed beneath the afternoon sun.

One hand rested calmly upon the pommel of his sword while the other hung loosely at his side. His posture was relaxed, almost deceptively so, but there wasn't the slightest hint of hesitation in his eyes. Across from him stood Sir Salvek. The older knight had also arrived in full armor, though unlike Deren's immaculate appearance, his scarred face looked drawn from exhaustion. There were dark circles beneath his eyes, though he looked cleaner than how Lira had left him.

Standing to Deren's right was Prince Aric, serving as his second. Opposite him stood Dario. The former guard was probably the only person Salvek could muster as a second. Between the two duelists towered a man so broad that he almost looked like a steel fortress: Sir Estephon. Lira had never spoken with him personally, but everyone in the palace knew who he was. The king's own bodyguard, Captain of the Royal Knights, and a veteran of countless campaigns.

A man whose reputation alone discouraged half the kingdom from causing trouble inside Castle Elthram. Lira understood why the responsibility had fallen to him to ensure an honorable duel. She herself stood among the spectators. She had deliberately chosen a place a row behind Lady Luxia, allowing herself an unobstructed view of the arena without attracting attention. Luxia wasn't watching the duelists yet. Instead, she clung tightly to an older woman with the same blond hair and blue eyes. Lady Valis.

There was no mistaking the family resemblance. The baroness wrapped one arm around her daughter while keeping her eyes fixed upon her son standing inside the ring. Neither woman was capable of hiding their worry. Lira's gaze drifted across the growing audience. Tessa stood nearby, practically vibrating with excitement despite repeatedly trying to compose herself whenever she noticed the worried expressions around her. Old Marga, the palace cook, looked considerably less restrained.

The elderly woman glared at Salvek with enough hostility that Lira almost expected her to march into the arena and fight him herself. Lady Celene stood silently beside several palace maids. Unlike Marga, her expression carried more concern. She watched Salvek carefully, as if she were struggling to reconcile the respected knight she had known for years with the man now standing trial through steel. If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it's taken without the author's consent. Report it.

Steward Harwin, Dalwin, and Berem had also found places among the spectators. So had nearly every knight currently stationed within the palace. Beyond them stood rows of nobles, many of whom had likely never attended an honor duel before. Near the royal pavilion, King Argon and Queen Elara observed everything from raised seats overlooking the arena. Prince Kavard stood casually beside his father, appearing almost amused by the spectacle, while Prince Lyth remained quiet.

Even from this distance, Lira could tell the younger prince looked uncomfortable. A hush gradually spread through the crowd as Sir Estephon stepped forward.

"If there remains any unresolved matter," the captain's deep voice echoed across the training grounds, "speak now, before steel is drawn." Salvek seized the opportunity immediately.

"Deren." His voice sounded almost weary.

"Are you truly certain you wish to do this?" Deren said nothing.

"I already told you." Salvek spread his hands slightly.

"I was deep in my cups when I wrote those letters."

"Drunken acts are nothing more than sober thoughts," Deren answered calmly.

"I apologized, didn't I?" Salvek continued.

"Someone delivered me a list of debutantes while I was already completely drunk. It wasn't a personal attack against any of those young ladies." Before Deren could reply...

"Were you also drunk when you sent mine?" Every head turned as a beautiful blonde woman stepped away from the assembled nobles. She carried a folded letter in one trembling hand. The moment Salvek recognized her... his expression changed into a grimace.

"My letter arrived a week before those." The woman's voice remained steady despite the tears gathering in her eyes.

"Were you drunk then as well?" After a moment of silence, Sir Deren finally spoke.

"Lady Vivian Vanira, would you allow us to examine your letter?" The lady walked across the arena until she reached Deren. Without saying another word, she handed him the letter. Deren unfolded it. His jaw tightened as he read. Then he silently passed it to Prince Aric. He then turned toward the king and bowed.

"Your Majesty, I would like to formally add Lady Vivian Vanira's honor to the list of reasons for the challenge." Next to him, Aric's expression darkened immediately as he read the letter. Without comment, he handed it to Sir Estephon, who read it just as carefully before carrying it to the royal pavilion. The letter passed from the captain to the king, then to the queen. Queen Elara's face hardened as she reached the final lines before quietly rising from her seat.

She descended from the pavilion and walked directly toward Lady Vivian. Without a word, she embraced the grieving widow as the woman burst into tears. King Argon slowly folded the letter shut.

"Your Majesty." Another noble stepped forward. An elderly gentleman dressed in formal court attire. Beside him stood a mountain of a man whose scarred arms looked better suited to a butcher than a soldier or a guard.

"I wish it entered into the record," the old noble said, "that should Sir Salvek survive today's duel..." He rested one hand upon the giant's shoulder.

"Champion Geroud will challenge him next."

"And if he survives that," another armored knight called from the crowd, "I'll challenge him afterward."

"And I as well!" called a fresh-faced youth. A murmur spread through the assembled spectators. King Argon glanced toward his wife, who was still comforting Lady Vivian. After a long silence... he nodded once.

"So shall it be."

"You really stepped in it this time, didn't you?" Prince Kavard let out an amused chuckle. Finally, Salvek stopped trying to explain himself. His expression darkened as his eyes swept across the crowd. One challenger stood before him, and three more waited in line. Finally, his eyes settled back upon Deren.

"Fine." His hand closed around the hilt of his sword.

"If that's how it's going to be..." He slowly drew the blade free.

"I'll simply have to kill all of you."