The Four Swords

Chapter 151 - The Falcon and the Stag

The starting horn trumpeted. Unlike the other fights, this one did not start off with a bag. The two fighters circled each other trying to find the best time to make a move.

I would never say it out loud after hearing the spat between Lady Calista and Princess Alina about the match, but I was not expecting it to be as thrilling as the last two.

Sir John and my brother exude strength and prowess in every move they take in a fight. The two youths before the crowd each emitted something else.

Lord Jacobson's discomfort was still palpable, even if I was no longer concerned he might see his morning meal across the playing field.

Sir Gavin demonstrated another quality. It eluded me on how best to describe it. Cautious confidence was the closest thing I could equate to it. He did not seem scared, but something was definitely holding him back from charging head on into this match.

Jacobson finally made the first strike. It was well measured. I found myself without much of a critique on his method. Perchance practicing his swordsmanship with Calista was working.

Gavin blocked easily. Unlike Jack's almost textbook moves, Gavin's technique stood out as something all its own. He kept his shoulders squared with his opponent no matter where Jacobson tried to feint.

Although it made it easier for Sir Gavin to block, it also gave Lord Jacobson a much larger target to hit. The action stirred something in me. Maybe Gavin was never afraid to face problems fully.

His uncle certainly did not take that approach. Sir Chalmers regularly allowed a shoulder to drop back to strike better in his own match.

Sir Gavin finally sidestepped a swing of Jacobson's. This parry gave himself enough room to maneuver his own sword, striking his opponent's side with the full force of two hands on the hilt of his sword.

Jack, surprised by the force of the strike, stumbled backward. The crowd erupted in both cheers and critiques. The red banners flew even higher. I heard a muffled grunt of approval from Lord Garrison.

Queen Valerie looked over her shoulder with a grin. Usually the royal box remained neutral during the tournament. Lord Garrison covered the cheer as if he was clearing his throat. No further reprimand past that little smirk was given.

I realized the clan of Falcon had more on the line than the clan of Stag. Sir John already won a spot in tomorrow's bracket, securing a place for the mighty clan of Stag.

The clan of Falcon, however, just lost to my brother. Sir Gavin was their only hope for a victor among their clan. No wonder the cheering seemed even more rambunctious.

Jack did not easily find his footing, but remained upright. Determined to not give up easily, he finally straightened to an onslaught of lunges by Sir Gavin.

Jacobson was giving up more and more ground as his blocking generally involved backward momentum. If he continued on his current course, he might retreat out of the arena.

The motion of strike after strike propelled Sir Gavin forward, finally making his stiff shoulders roll with the hits. It looked much more natural than his earlier rigidity.

I suppose the clan of Falcon stands on ceremony far too often instead of letting themselves be comfortable. After that realization, I straightened my own horrendous posture.

Sir Gavin finally looked like he had the match well in hand after the slow start. I could see Calista's balled fists. Although Jacobson losing the match was what everyone else expected, it seemed she held out hope for her friend.

One of Sir Gavin's swings barely missed its mark. I would have sworn that it was going to be a solid hit, but I guess I was not the only one who misjudged the distance. I guess Lord Jacobson just caught a lucky break.

Lord Jacobson took full advantage of the opening and struck his opponent behind his back with the blade's full force striking Gavin's shoulder. A muffled groan escaped Sir Gavin as he stumbled forward to escape another blow.

I could not determine if the groan escaped Sir Gavin out of pure shock or if the blow had enough power behind it to cause some real pain.

Jacobson did have some skill with a sword. Sir Gavin quickly turned to face him, retaking his original stance where he squared his shoulders to Lord Jacobson.

The rest of the match was mostly dominated by Sir Gavin. The few swings that Jack attempted were hastily blocked. Most of the time they were even used to back Jacobson further into a retreat.

One final clash of blades crescendoed into the final trumpeting that ended the match. The two men were more of a match for each other than I expected.

"Sir Gavin did very well, Lord Garrison. You must be very proud." I commented, earning a look of pure venom from Lady Calista.

"There is always room for improvement," Lord Garrison scowled before lightening his tone. "Gavin did indeed do well."

"As did Lord Jacobson," Queen Valerie offered in Calista's direction to keep peace in the booth.

"He did much better than I think he was expecting." Princess Alina added.

Lady Calista took a deep breath. "We have not heard the results yet so I will say unbiasedly that either man could come out the victor. However, I do believe that we will be seeing the clan of Falcon compete tomorrow."

I could tell that words tasted bitter on her tongue. If only a woman were as loyal to me as Lady Calista was to her friends. Clans and ranks did not matter to her and it was a thing of beauty.

Looking toward the field, I saw both men once again shake hands. With their helmets tucked under their arms it was easy to see that Lord Jacobson's nerves evaporated.

Sir Gavin's usually easy smile faded slightly. Maybe he was tired from the match. His perfect posture would not give away his exhaustion.

The next slip of parchment arrived from the judges. I knew my role well by now. I handed it to Queen Valerie with bated breath.