The Four Swords

Chapter 145 - Women Run The World

My stomach sank. Our mother just implied that there would be four people staying in my brother's small house. This would mean tight quarters for all, especially if our mother was going to have to share the space with an unrelated man.

Until then, the stoicism of Agnar held true. His blank face finally cracked a smile. Something was amiss. My mother playfully hit the man's arm as he seemed to give away a secret.

"Of course Sergeant Agnar is not staying here. We both have been offered rooms at the palace, but someone could not keep a straight face for my joke." My mother finally admitted.

"Forgive me, Lady Evalyn. I feared that Benate would not recover his healthy pallor if the joke went on much longer. We need both champions in top shape." Agnar finally piped in as he reached to shake my brother's hand.

Benate finally seemed to take in enough air that color was returning to his face. My brother could take on ten thousand armed warriors, but apparently not as many well-wishers followed by my mother. For that, I could not blame him.

"Speaking of champions, do we know the lineup for the tournament?" Bentate changed the topic to something more his liking. He was always ready for that type of fight.

"We do. It looks as though Agnar will face the newest Swordsman" My mother offered willingly.

"Good luck with that. Carrion has killer instincts with a practice blade. I can only imagine what he will be like in the arena." Benate stood and patted Agnar on the shoulder all while offering our mother his seat.

"You face Sir Chalmers." I added, knowing that was the information my brother was really after. Apparently my tone gave away my feelings on that particular family.

"Why do you say it like that? Have you faced the man before?" Benate's curiosity grew.

"Sir Chalmers was quite hospitable in court." My mother rarely spoke ill of anyone.

"Is that also your opinion of his son, Sir Balor? You've certainly gotten to know him better recently." I quipped. I knew I had complained enough to Benate in our rare conversations that the name should at least sound familiar.

"Oh." Benate scoffed. "I face the brat's dad? I can teach him a lesson that can reach the next generation!"

I love my brother. We both laughed at his mock hubris.

"Boys! That is not kind." I noticed my mother did not exactly come to Balor's defense directly. Secretly I think she also thought he was a pain.

"Don't worry, Mother. I'll just try my best in the tournament" Benate said strongly before continuing under his breath to me. "To defeat him massively."

"That is all I ask." Mother seemed pleased.

"Me too!" I added with a smile.

—

The days leading up to the tournament passed in a blur. For once the city was exciting enough that I found myself not longing for home. The babysitting bunch was busy and Lord Carrion seemed to keep his ego in check in Swordsmen meetings.

Lady Calista and Princess Alina now seemed to regularly attend the meetings and I could not help but wonder if Cali was the reason her twin stayed in line.

The Norads seemed to be regrouping after their confusing invasion. Little was heard or seen of them, but most reports from the mountains were laced with strange happenings. More and more scouting parties that were sent to find any Norad camps were coming up missing.

Queen Valerie decided that after the tournament, a larger force would need to be assembled to hunt down the magical Autarch. Until then, we waited. Maybe it was the anticipation of something more that made the days pass faster.

The day of the tournament, the city was bursting with excitement. Banners in the clan's four colors were seen everywhere within the walls. The streets were even more filled than they were for the last two Swordsmen ceremonies. I even spotted a few of my clansmen from back home that made the journey to cheer on Agnar and Benate.

I made my way to the castle to fulfill my babysitting duties. If I could not be in the fight, at least I would get to see the action from the royal box. The royal box sat in front of the entire arena on a raised platform. There was not a better seat in the house.

By the time I reached the castle, the Queen, Lord Garrison, Princess Alina and Lady Calista were all about to make their way to the tournament grounds.

"Are you sure you want to come with us right now, Lady Calista?" Queen Valerie questioned. "You are more than welcome in the royal box, but I would have thought you would want to see your brother parade through town with the other champions."

Before every tournament, the competitors would ride on horseback through the city to reach the arena. Most of the spectators would funnel into the stands after they cheered on their champions from the streets.

Calista gave a short snort of frustration under her breath. "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty," Calista said genuinely before her tone soured. "But I have seen enough of my brother parading around lately."

The entire company laughed. Carrion was indeed acting like he was a gift to mankind lately.

"Understood. Thank you for your service to the country for putting up with him." Queen Valerie joked.

"I only hope it is enough," Cali said quietly in Princess Alina's direction.

Princess Alina slowed her pace to lock step with her friend while still following her mother and Lord Garrison. "I know nothing I say will make you feel like you're doing great things, so instead I will just remind you that you're loved."

The two friends took one another's hands in solidarity. I saw Alina give her friend a squeeze. These two are more like sisters than just friends. If only they could babysit themselves.