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Nodding at Aydan and Zurladew's words, Lady Rebecca watches as the men-folk gather their horses, then heads to the tilting field with the jester...
As Sirs Jaymin and Garret gather their horses (which are, indeed, ready for the upcoming joust) and call for lances, Aydan recovers the steed he rode down from the castle on, and the trio head out towards the nearby woods, following Clarius and the bat-rider (although, a little more cautiously than Sir Clarius... at least until they clear the encampment of the Tourney grounds).
Sir Clarius, meanwhile, is right under the bat-rider as he enters the woods - the giant bat flying low over the tops of the trees above... Although the going is difficult in through the trees, Clarius's expert riding allows him to keep pace with the thing... as long as he can keep his eye on it...
Reaching the tilting field, Zurladew and Lady Rebecca find a gathered throng starting to get impatient... not to mention the Baron himself and his other noble guests... The Chelish Hellknight, an even more imposing figure astride his armoured charger than he is on the ground (if such a thing is possible...), waiting quietly, lance in hand, at one end of the lists...
As the Lady and jester head up the wooden steps to the Baron's box, Baron Otto waves them over to him, an impatient scowl on his face,
'Late again?' he chids Rebecca, 'This will never do, young lady... although at least you've finally shown up. If Clarius fails to appear it'll be seen as a sign of cowadice... not the sort of impression of Redwyrm I was hoping our guests would take away from all this pagentry...'
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Sir Clarius, meanwhile, is right under the bat-rider as he enters the woods - the giant bat flying low over the tops of the trees above... Although the going is difficult in through the trees, Clarius's expert riding allows him to keep pace with the thing... as long as he can keep his eye on it...
As Sir Clarius closes upon the giant bat and the man held in it's clawed feet, he takes a tighter grip on Phaeton with his knees to continue to guide his mount while nocking an arrow to his short bow before drawing and releasing at the man.
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"Sir, this tardiness is not Rebecca's fault, and Clarius has been taken away in defense of the realm. He will join us as soon as possible, I am certain, but he is currently chasing a magic-wielding scoundrel that was attempting to overthrow the tradition of the joust by creating a knight out of pure magic - the mysterious black knight that so wowed us in the lists before. The knight attacked your daughter, your knights, and Sir Guy, and the mage attacked Lady Beatrix, with the most craven of intentions to her womanly form - but we intervened in time, thank Desna, or she would have joined Pharasma's realm, or worse.
"The man possesses a great many magicks pertaining to the creation of fell creatures - the black knight simply being the greatest of his summonings. An enormous bat, a pack of hell-hounds, even creatures beyond any human description. Sir Clarius chases him even now, hoping to find him before he is able to get away. Needless to say, he will not be arriving at the lists in time to punctually start the joust."
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Sir Clarius would have begun taking shots at the man as soon as he was in range while still riding pell mell through the tourney grounds...
As Sir Clarius closes upon the giant bat and the man held in it's clawed feet...
As he plunges headlong into the woods, Sir Clarius draws and fires at the bat-riding man gliding above the canopy - the shot arcing high into the air to strike with uncanny accuracy! Yelling out loud as he finds an arrow stiking out of his left shoulder, the man scowls down at Clarius below, before leaning forwards to - it appears - whisper something in the giant bat's ear...
Suddenly the bat swoops down, crashing through the leaves above Clarius, as it turns and angles itself to fly straight at him! As it skims close to the woodland floor, the man riding it jumps - rolling in the leaves as he lands, grunting in pain and clutching at his wounded shoulder, even as the bat crashes headlong into the knight, its dagger-sized teeth ripping through chain links to sink deep into Sir Clarius's flesh...
Meanwhile Aydan, Garrett, Jaymin, and Alaina arrive at the edge of the woods, the sounds of fresh battle obvious from within...
Back at the lists, Baron Otto listens with concern to Zurladew's tale, standing and reaching for his sword as the jester describes the foul deeds of the man the others have gone in pursuit of... A gentle touch on the arm from the Baroness proves enough to get the Baron to glance around himself at the gathered guests and crowd, swear under his breath, and sheath his partially drawn blade before sitting heavily back into his chair. Shaking his head he grumbles about 'stupid pageantry' and 'real soldiering' for a while, before finally leaning close to Zurladew, to speak quietly,
'Damn it all! I suppose there's nothing I can do but wait... and this crowd have waited long enough. Go fetch that young knight who has his eye on Beatrix would you? You know... what's-his-name... bearing her favour. He'll do to face this Chelish dog in Clarius's absence...'
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As he plunges headlong into the woods, Sir Clarius draws and fires at the bat-riding man gliding above the canopy - the shot arcing high into the air to strike with uncanny accuracy! Yelling out loud as he finds an arrow stiking out of his left shoulder, the man scowls down at Clarius below, before leaning forwards to - it appears - whisper something in the giant bat's ear...
Suddenly the bat swoops down, crashing through the leaves above Clarius, as it turns and angles itself to fly straight at him! As it skims close to the woodland floor, the man riding it jumps - rolling in the leaves as he lands, grunting in pain and clutching at his wounded shoulder, even as the bat crashes headlong into the knight, its dagger-sized teeth ripping through chain links to sink deep into Sir Clarius's flesh...
Sir Clarius yells out as the bat's jaws close upon him. Drawing his longsword, he spurs Phaeton to trample the man lying in the detritus, leaning in to slash at the man with his longsword too.
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As there was nothing to indicate that the bat is grappling Clarius, I assume he may act normally.
Spurring his steed onwards, Clarius manages to fend off the giant bat as it tries to take the opportunity to remove another chunk of the knight, leaving it flapping awkwardly behind them as horse and rider bolt forwards. Charging towards the wounded man , seeing panic in his eyes as the charger bears down on him, Clarius leans low, swinging as the man rolls aside to allow Phaeton to pass, the tip of his sword finding its mark and opening a deep wound across the side of the man's face - with a cry of pain the man collapses, unmoving, to the ground...
With a noisy flapping of leathery wings the giant bat pursues Sir Clarius... only for the knight to once more fend off the thing's vicious teeth...
Spurring his mount into the woods, Aydan charges into the brush, seeing Clarius locked in combat with the beast he takes a leap from his mount and draws his bow, knocking an arrow and letting fly for the giant Bat.
How many rounds until the group reaches the scene of battle?
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Moving as one, Sir Clarius and Phaeton lash out at the giant bat, Phaeton catching the thing a brutal blow with one hoof, and tearing away blood-matted fur with his teeth, but Clarius's own swing going wild...
... I'm also assuming Aydan did find a Horse.
Urging his mount on, into the woods, at the sounds of battle Aydan dismounts to fire... only for the arrow to fly well clear of the mark...
How many rounds until the group reaches the scene of battle?
Meanwhile...
"Sir Guy, milord? The Viscount's man?.. As you wish, my liege."
Baron Otto grunts in a non-commital fashion, but Lady Rebecca places a hand on Zurladew's shoulder,
'I think, perhaps, that Father is refering to Sir Gervase,' she suggests, 'who's been ardently pursuing our Beatrix since he clapped eyes on her... and, now he sports her favour, is probably fired up enough to make a fair show of knocking Sir Thibault from the saddle!'
'Aye!' the Baron responds, shaking his head, 'That would likely be true... if such things were decided by passion and enthusiasm alone... I fear the lad will be eating dust sooner than the Hellknight - whatever his twisted beliefs, that man has the manner of an experienced warrior about him.'
Overhearing the Baron's comments, from a little further down the row Lady Melisende laughs a light laugh... which manages to somehow still send shivers down one's spine...
'While my brave guardian may seem to lack passion in all things save his sworn duties,' she offers, with a slight nodded bow to the Baron, 'I would hardly characterise the pursuit of law above all things as a "twisted" belief. Does not law preserve civilisation, maintain society, and hold back the darkness and ignorance of chaos? Indeed, where would - as way of example - House Redwyrm be without the law of the land protecting its interests? Or would you prefer a more... anarchic... society?'
Sir Jaymin moves up to the bat (probably not a charge given the terrain, though correct me if that assumption is wrong), attempting to control his mount to attack with him.
Ride:
Alas, he is unable to get his lance to bear, but Patrans does kick at the oversized rodent.
Patrans kick: ; damage:
Aydan draws and notches another arrow, letting out his breath and cutting it off just as he lets his arrow loose, making sure to keep track of the chaos around his target so as to not hit his friends or their mounts.
Now that the tent is finally emptied, Beatrix will rifle the contents.
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Baron Otto grunts in a non-commital fashion, but Lady Rebecca places a hand on Zurladew's shoulder,
'I think, perhaps, that Father is refering to Sir Gervase,' she suggests, 'who's been ardently pursuing our Beatrix since he clapped eyes on her... and, now he sports her favour, is probably fired up enough to make a fair show of knocking Sir Thibault from the saddle!'
'Aye!' the Baron responds, shaking his head, 'That would likely be true... if such things were decided by passion and enthusiasm alone... I fear the lad will be eating dust sooner than the Hellknight - whatever his twisted beliefs, that man has the manner of an experienced warrior about him.'
Overhearing the Baron's comments, from a little further down the row Lady Melisende laughs a light laugh... which manages to somehow still send shivers down one's spine...
'While my brave guardian may seem to lack passion in all things save his sworn duties,' she offers, with a slight nodded bow to the Baron, 'I would hardly characterise the pursuit of law above all things as a "twisted" belief. Does not law preserve civilisation, maintain society, and hold back the darkness and ignorance of chaos? Indeed, where would - as way of example - House Redwyrm be without the law of the land protecting its interests? Or would you prefer a more... anarchic... society?'...
Zurladew untenses some at Sir Gervase's name, but Melisande's comments make him grin slyly. Gervase can wait a moment longer... He opens his mouth to speak, but then sees the arrayed crowds. I suppose the show must go on, he thinks a bit bitterly. "Well spoke, Milady Cheliax. In the interest of following the letter of my liege's law, perhaps I should hurry and get the replacement champion." The unspoken challenge in his voice promises further hammer-and-tongs discussion later, but he hurries off before she can respond.
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Jaymin and Garrett both spur their steeds onwards to confront the giant bat - which seems to be a storm of flapping leathery wings and gnashing needle-like teeth as it faces off against Clarius. Jaymin and Patrans appear to have some difficulty connecting with the constantly moving creature, but Garrett lands a telling blow with his trusty falcata, his steed Argo stomping down on the bat as it falls, finishing the job and causing the vile creature to vanish in a now-familiar puff of smoke...
Aydan nocks an arrow and... lowers his bow, finding no target left to shoot at...
Danger, for the moment, having vanished the Redwyrm warriors find themselves alone in the woods with the man who seemed to be summoning all those creatures... a man still alive, but steadily bleeding onto the woodland floor where he fell...
Alone, back in the Black Knight's tent, Lady Beatrix discovers...
Hurrying off to the contestant's tents once more, Zurladew quickly locates Sir Gervase, laughing and chatting with his squires as they screw him into his jousting armour, proudly showing off Beatrix's favour tied around his arm...
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'Well done, my friends! Thank you for your timely intervention.' Looking down at the unconscious bleeding man, Sir Clarius remarks, 'It turns out this blackguard will not escape our lord's justice for laying hands upon Rebecca after all.' Dismounting from Phaeton, he kneels down next to the mage and begins trying to staunch his wounds.
Aydan lets his bow drop to the grass and falls to his knees beside Clarius, his hand clapping the man on the back, he laughs, "Thanks to you, friend, thanks to you." He looks down at the wounded bald man with contempt, a little annoyed at what he's about to do, "Here, let me do that. See if we have anything to bind him with." and pushes his weight on the man's wounds, staunching the flow of blood.
"I could stop him from bleeding with a touch, but it would also heal his wounds, rendering him conscious, and I think we want this fellow in la la land for the ride back."
Alone, back in the Black Knight's tent, Lady Beatrix discovers...
Beatrix will seek out the Baron. Someone needs to guard the Black Knight's tent and since all the knights have gone after the man, he is the only one with the authority.
Oh sure," Aydan rolls his eyes with a smile and waggles his fingers, "anyone can make someone stop bleeding when they're magical." he turns his head back to look at the others, "Anyone manage to bring any rope?"
Sir Jaymin will unclip/untie the reins from Patrans and offer them up as a means of bondage.
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In the woods...
The flow of blood from the common-looking man's nasty head wound ceases the moment Lady Alaina lays her healing hand upon him - he moans a little, but is yet to awaken. With Sir Jaymin's sturdy leather reins as a makeshift means of binding the man, he's soon trussed up... although his apparent ability to call forth a myriad of fiendish creatures without word or gesture suggests no easy way to completely 'disarm' such an individual...
In the camp...
"Good news, Sir Gervase - it's time to earn that favor!.. Baron Redwyrm's Sir Clarius has been taken away on urgent business to the kingdom - which means you're to face Sir Thibault of the Hellknights in his stead."
'Hah ha!' exclaims Sir Gervase enthusiastically, a rather exited gleam in his eye to go with his wide, dazzling white, grin, 'At last I get my chance to prove myself to my Lady... and all present! My prowess will surely pierce even the stoic aspect m'Lady Beatrix has seen fit to challenge me with once I've bested...' the young knight's happy monologue slows and his features droop a little as exactly who he's to fight seems to finally sink in... '... Sir Thibault you say..? Of the Hellknights you say..?'
The colour appears to vanish from Sir Gervase's face as, for the moment, he seems lost for words... But finally he fixes Zurladew with a resigned look, takes a deep sigh, shakes his head, and gestures towards his squires,
'The heavier lance, I think... Though I may ride to my defeat... if not to the doors of death itself, if half the rumours of the Hellknights be true... I ride for the honour of my Lady, and as I have pledged myself to her... cast my lot with the inescapable forces of love... I can do no less than to ride tall and proud, and pray that the strength of my love doth steady my arm and empower my heart to take the blows of mine enemy's lance!'
Striding out of his tent to mount his steed, Sir Gervase fails to hear the whispered comments of one of his squires...
'It's a pity it's not a poetry contest... he may have stood a chance against the Hellknight in one of those...'
Back at the lists...
Lady Beatrix returns to the Baron's side just as Sir Thibault and Sir Gervase make their appearances at either end of the lists...
'Best take a seat,' Baron Otto says to Beatrix as he notes her arrival, 'that's your champion out there, isn't it?'
Glancing between the stylised, well-used, and well-tended armour of Sir Thibault, and the well-polished, good-as-new armour of Sir Gervase... and noting that the Hellknight and his steed both seem to wait, stock still, for the order the start, whereas Sir Gervase's horse paces nervously... Baron Otto leans a little closer to Beatrix to add,
'I hope you've a good eye for men, my dear - I'd hate for the opening bout to feature a knight of Taldor losing his horse to a Cheliaxian...'
A little further down the seating, Lady Melisende smiles... but remains silent...
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Zurladew arrives at the field in time to see Sir Gervase prepared for the start of the joust. He nimbly hops onto the fences in order to secure a better place to see - and be seen.
"Apologies, Sir Thibault, for this affront to law and order! I am afraid that your original opponent has been taken by duty to the realm, so I am dismayed to inform you that you must level your martial prowess against the good Sir Gervase. If you're still so inclined to have your intended opponent, perhaps we can arrange for yourself and Sir Clarius to duel with drumsticks upon the dinner table, and give myself a respite from cavorting and story-telling."
Aydan laughs as he stands up from their trussed up captive and shakes his head to Alaina, "I'd rather you didn't, I have delicate sensibilities." And with that he drops to his knee again to deliver a hard punch to the man's skull.
"ow," he mutters, shaking his hand and slinging the man over the back his horse. "I think we've taken enough time, let's get this cur to the Baron." He calls out as he climbs into the saddle.
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"Apologies, Sir Thibault, for this affront to law and order! I am afraid that your original opponent has been taken by duty to the realm, so I am dismayed to inform you that you must level your martial prowess against the good Sir Gervase. If you're still so inclined to have your intended opponent, perhaps we can arrange for yourself and Sir Clarius to duel with drumsticks upon the dinner table, and give myself a respite from cavorting and story-telling."
While the crowd roar with laughter at Zurladew's jest, Baron Otto himself thumping the arm of his chair as he chortles away, it proves impossible to tell if the hellknight target of the jest is even smiling, with his full helm on... He does, however, appear to glance towards the jester, then towards his opponent, before raising his lance to indicate he's ready to begin...
Seeming to scan the faces in the Baronial box, Sir Gervase appears to only raise his own lance once he's laid eyes on Lady Beatrix...
As the group from the woods ride up, bound prisoner with them, they're just in time to witness the start of the joust: Baron Otto nods to the master of ceremonies, who in turn raises his hand, triggering a trumpeted fanfare, and the lowering of a large flag, and... they're off!
Sir Thibault and Sir Gervase both urge their steeds onwards, galloping towards each other, seperated by nothing more than the thin dividing fence, their chargers' hooves raising both clouds of dust and the sound of thunder as they rush headlong towards their meeting. Sir Gervase's lance lowers, its blunted tip wavering slightly as it aims for the hellknight's breast. Sir Thibault's lance... remains upright as he slows his steed to a halt halfway down the lists and calmly, it appears, waits for young Gervase to slam his lance into him full force! With a resounding crack Sir Gervase's lance splinters on the hellknight's sculpted breastplate... although Sir Thibault barely seems to move from the incredible impact. Instead, once Sir Gervase has passed, he simply urges his own steed to trot on to the far end of the lists, turn, and await the next pass...
Wheeling his horse around as he reaches the end of the lists, Sir Gervase casts aside the ruined butt of his first lance, slams his visor up, and stares at Sir Thibault with the same incredulity which seems to grip the whole crowd. Scowling, Baron Otto rounds on Lady Melisende,
'What is the meaning of this mockery?' he demands, 'Is your man ignorant of the rules?'
The slightest of frowns furrowing her perfect brow for just a moment, Lady Melisende's eyes are fixed on her hellknight champion as she replies,
'I could not say, m'Lord Baron... although if I were to hazard a guess, it would be that Sir Thibault is determined to stick to the letter of the rules, if not the spirit of the contest. I insisted he participate, out of respect for your customs, but it would appear that my loyal defender wants nothing more than to be eliminated from competition as soon as possible...'
Leaning close to her friends, Lady Rebecca whispers,
'I hope our Chelish Lady ambassador didn't wager too heavily on her hellknight's victories!'
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Zurladew continues to lean on the rail where he has secured his position, gesticulating wildly for the crowd around him.
"Unbelievable! A pox on this gross disgrace to the sport of the joust! If our Hellknight contender gets to embarrass the sport, then I insist on the right to as well! Someone fetch me a pig and a quarterstaff, and I will set forth into the lists to avenge Taldor's favored sport against this impudent Chelaxian!"
He then turns his eyes to the Hellknight, eyes sparkling. "Or if you'd rather, Sir Thibault, perhaps you've forgotten how to use your lance? I would be happy to sit upon your steed in your stead and show you how you may at least fight poorly. In the eyes of Gorum, after all, those who will fight but can't are far superior to those who can fight but won't, and I make it a habit to appease as many Gods as possible, in the event I need a divine favor one day. Which is it, Sir? Shall I joust you, or joust for you?"
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Once more Zurladew's observations draw the laughter of the crowds, several of the less subtle wits amongst them calling out for him to indeed mount a swine and take to the field! Sir Thibault's helm-clad face turns towards the jester...
... Just in time for young Sir Gervase's second charge to slam into the hellknight full force! Once more the blunt-tipped lance shatters with the impact, but this time, distracted by Zurladew's antics, Sir Thibault fails to remain stock still, instead being rocked by the blow, his steed staggering a few paces back and to the side to compensate for the hit. Yet, still the hellknight doesn't fall from the saddle!
There's a few moments of confusion, both knights now having ended up at the same end of the lists (as Sir Thibault had failed to even get his horse moving when Sir Gervase hit him for the second time). The hellknight seems to take a moment to glare at first Sir Gervase, then Zurladew, before spurring his destrier on to the opposite end of the field.
In the nobles' box, Baron Otto shakes his head,
'A fine tournament this is turning out to be!' he mutters under his breath, 'Best keep up the comedy, Master Zurladew - if we try to pretend this was meant to be serious we'll be a laughing stock for sure!'
Leaning close to Lady Beatrix, Lady Rebecca adds,
'At least it looks like your champion will win this bout - he's already two lances to none... despite the circumstances... so as long as the hellknight doesn't unhorse him on the next pass, he'll be the victor.'
Dismounting from his horse, Aydan looks to Clarius, "Keep your sword near his throat, If he so much as twitches the wrong way, end him."
Moving up the back steps of the Baron's dias, Aydan leans over the back of Baron Redwyrm's chair keeping his voice low, "Pardon the interuption My Lord, My Ladies. We've captured the one who tried to harm Rebecca. I know that under normal circumstances we would lock him in irons and wait till the end of all these festivites. But given his abilites, we felt it best to bring this to you immediately. The issue is that as soon as he's awake... he's dangerous."
Leaning close to Lady Beatrix, Lady Rebecca adds,
'At least it looks like your champion will win this bout - he's already two lances to none... despite the circumstances... so as long as the hellknight doesn't unhorse him on the next pass, he'll be the victor.'
Beatrix whispers back:
'I wouldn't put it past the Chelaxian weasel. Play possum and then sink his fangs in at the last moment.'
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Sir Clarius quirks his eyebrow at Aydan's command, chuckling as he keeps his sword trained on the captive.
Clarius looks up at the side of the stands unable to see their occupants from this angle, but unconsciously puffing up with pride at the thought of Lady Ailith seeing his bravery and her coming to realize he has earned the trust she placed in him with her favour. He is some time into his daydream before he remembers that she will not see this and his shoulders slump before he shakes his head at his own foolishness and a grin spreads across his face.
To Sirs Jaymin and Garrett and Lady Alaina, Sir Clarius turns and with a smile says. 'My friends, now that Lord Aydan has informed the Baron of our captive, I must ride out at the conclusion of this joust and beg our liege lord's forgiveness for my lapse in appearance at my assigned time.' His tone growing serious, he continues, 'Yet I am no speaker of any account. Have any of you advice on what to say?'
"Despite how important this tournament is to His Lordship, he is not one to value a simple joust over his daughter's life and safety and the apprehension of a dangerous criminal. You charged after the scoundrel with no concern for your own personal safety and took him down on your own. I have a feeling the truth will suffice for you. Clearly, you've brought more honour to Redwyrm than stabbing at a motionless Chelaxian."
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'I wouldn't put it past the Chelaxian weasel. Play possum and then sink his fangs in at the last moment.'
'Possibly,' Lady Rebecca agrees quietly, glancing down the row towards where Lady Melisende sits and adding, 'although at least Sir Thibault's actions seem tempered by some sort of knightly code, however strange and extreme that code may be... our Lady Ambassador's fangs, on the other hand, I would be less than surprised to find sunk into all sorts of unsuspecting souls...'
Although clearly too far distant to have overheard the whispered comments, Lady Melisende takes that exact moment to glance towards Lady Rebecca and smile... causing Rebecca's face to drain of colour a little as she quickly turns away from the Chelish woman's 'friendly' gaze...
"Pardon the interuption My Lord, My Ladies. We've captured the one who tried to harm Rebecca. I know that under normal circumstances we would lock him in irons and wait till the end of all these festivites. But given his abilites, we felt it best to bring this to you immediately. The issue is that as soon as he's awake... he's dangerous."
Turning to peer past Aydan to where the unconscious miscreant is being held captive, Baron Otto nods his approval,
'Good work lad,' he offers, 'good work all of you. It seems as though...'
The Baron's interrupted by Sirs Gervase and Thibault meeting for the third and final time in the middle of the field - Thibault once more, much to the derision of the crowds, keeping his own lance raised as Sir Gervase breaks another across the Hellknight's distinctive armour (armour which, the more observant notice, bears not even a scratch or dent on it, despite the pounding its recently received by taking three full-on mounted charges).
The marshals quickly raise Sir Gervase's coat of arms to indicate his victory, although there are only a few scattered pockets of lack-luster applause, with most of the crowd calling out insults or simply booing the lack of sport. Without pausing, Sir Thibault rides calmly, it seems, away from the scene, whilst Sir Gervase throws the remains of his third lance aside, pulling off his own helmet and tossing it in anger to the ground, then dismounting, throwing his steed's reins towards one of his squires, and striding away, cursing to himself as he goes.
'Damnit!' Baron Otto mutters, 'We're losing the crowd! That's all we need! This is rapidly turning into a farce...'
'Perhaps, my Lord,' Baroness Hilda offers gently, placing a light touch on her husband's arm, 'now would be the time for one of our own to take the field? The crowd may respond better to a Redwyrm knight, and a good, sprited, bout would mayhap quickly erase the foul memories of this first disappointing match?'
'No,' the Baron waves off his wife's suggestion dismissively, 'our lads aren't scheduled to fight yet, and there's already enough confusion with the order of things, besides...' he trails off, once more turning to look at the captive and those holding him. Slowly Baron Otto's troubled brow unfurrows as he calls over one of the marshals, 'We'll have Sir Clarius go against that Sir Guy,' the Baron declares, 'since the Black Knight was "eliminated" early and Guy's lost his free trip to the second round. That should be a crowd pleaser!' Calling over to Zurladew he adds, 'Do that... speaking... thing you do and announce it would you? You know - so that it sounds all fancy and heroic and... well, you know what I mean.'
Turning back to Aydan, Baron Otto smiles a little,
'I assume Clarius can remain in his saddle against Guy? Gods help us if anything else goes wrong with this tournament...' he frowns again as he continues, '... speaking of which... This man you've all captured... Dangerous or not, I can't see the justice in summery execution without some further inquiry. Who is he? What was he trying to do here? I'd like some answers before making any final decisions. On the other hand, the people need to be kept safe.' He strokes his beard for a few moments, lost in contemplation, then nods to himself, 'Take him someplace quiet, where you can keep him restrained, and have the Lady Alaina revive him. Question the man, find out his story, but don't take any chances - at the first sign of trickery on his part you have my warrant to execute him... feel free to tell him that as well... it may help with your interrogation...'
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'Take him someplace quiet, where you can keep him restrained, and have the Lady Alaina revive him. Question the man, find out his story, but don't take any chances - at the first sign of trickery on his part you have my warrant to execute him... feel free to tell him that as well... it may help with your interrogation...'
"As it pleases m'lord." as Garrett quickly bows to the Baron...
"Shall we be off?" He asks Aydan, Alaina, and Jaymin.
"Clarius, do us all a favor and drop him on his ass..."
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"Despite how important this tournament is to His Lordship, he is not one to value a simple joust over his daughter's life and safety and the apprehension of a dangerous criminal. You charged after the scoundrel with no concern for your own personal safety and took him down on your own. I have a feeling the truth will suffice for you. Clearly, you've brought more honour to Redwyrm than stabbing at a motionless Chelaxian."
'Likely, you are right, Sir Jaymin. I will...' Sir Clarius turns his head at the announcement that he will be next in the joust against Sir Guy. 'Apparently, the matter is moot.'
"Clarius, do us all a favor and drop him on his ass..."
'I will do my best, Sir Garrett. Just be mindful of that bastard that you are not beset by foul creatures.'
Looking pale under his deep tan with several rents in his chain shirt, Clarius rides over to his end of the lists. Still disheveled from the previous combats, blood slowly running down his armoured kilt to drip to the ground in his wake, he addresses those assigned to him. Directing one page to bring forth his shield while handing over his bow and quiver to another, he beckons for a wineskin.
Taking a large swig, he pours the rest onto his shoulder and arm before handing the skin back. When his shield arrives, he straps it to his arm. Checking to make sure that Lady Ailith's favour is well placed, Sir Clarius extends his arm, accepting his first lance from a squire.
Looking to the stands, he finally catches sight of Lady Ailith. Sitting up a little straighter, he turns to regard Baron Redwyrm. Inclining his head, he salutes his liege lord. Turning back he spies Sir Guy opposite and raises his lance in salute to his opponent.
Mounting his horse, Aydan claps Clarius once on the shoulder, smiling to his friend, "Really sir, you just fended off a monstrous Bat... surely a pompous mule will be an easy fight in comparison."
He pulls his horse up beside the Garrett and the others, nodding his agreement, "The sooner we get to the bottom of all the the better. Back to the castle then. or should we just find a tree to tie him to?"
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Zurladew nods at the Baron's words and gets to work immediately.
"Ladies, gentlemen, boys and girls, and any that remain unclassifiable!" he yells to the half-dispersed crowd. "Announcing an unscheduled bout, created in the wake of a few disqualifications - Sir Clarius of Redwyrm versus Sir Guy the Thevian! Come one, come all, to see the might of Redwyrm clash with the power of the good Viscount's realm! Right now! Hurry, and see whether the Baron's dragon is truly the greatest wyrm on the field!"
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At Zurladew's dramatic anouncement the crowd begins to turn once more from unruly annoyance to a much more satisfying unruly excitement! The Baron give a gruff nod and grunt of approval at his jester's efforts, as the marshals hurry to get the correct coats-of-arms mounted next to the stands for flags, where each broken lance scored will be rewarded with a raised flag to help keep score.
For all Clarius's hasty preparations, he still proves ready before Sir Guy makes his appearance at the other end of the lists - even at that distance the man's irritation is clear as he impatiently berates his squires as they hurry to finish preparing his arms and armour for the bout. However, before the crowd have time to grow restless again, Sir Guy trotts his steed into position, raises his own lance in response to Clarius's salute, lowers his visor, then raises his lance again to indicate to the marshals that he's ready. Once Clarius does likewise, trumpets sound, a flag is dropped, and the two knight's spur their destriers towards each other...
Meanwhile, Garrett, Aydan, and Alaina bustle their prisoner off towards...