The Four Swords

Chapter 127: Weeks

I wanted to roll my eyes but it took all my strength to not to blatantly disrespect a potential Swordsman of the realm. He would be my equal in rank if not in wisdom.

Queen Valerie must have shared my feelings on the matter because she put her hand to her temple before proceeding in a pinched tone. "Pray tell, Sir Carrion, what is your ingenious plan to accomplish so much?"

"After my Swordsman Ceremony, I will petition the court to hold a tournament in celebration. It can not only rally the troops for combat before we face the Norads, but can show the strength of my sword to unify my clan under my direction." Carrion looked pleased with himself.

I do not recall the last time I attended a palace tournament. They were always exciting. Clans all cheered on their own before celebrating the final victor as a brother in arms.

Revelry, laughter, fanfare and frivolity took center stage as vendors generally sold tournament wares before the final banquet. When I was younger, tournaments were one of the few temptations that made me thrilled to visit the city.

Although crowds and walls were unappealing, weaponry and good food were hard to beat. For the first time in a long time a spark of excitement related to the castle bubbled inside of me.

Maybe the Queen would give Carrion this one thing. My hopes were dashed as Queen Valerie let out a long sigh.

"You think it is wise to pull troops away from their wartime position, a war in which my husband the king died, to have a tournament?" Queen Valerie said slowly.

My heart sank with that reprimand. She was right. For a moment I had forgotten all of the problems of the kingdom in the hope of well intended swordplay and a turkey leg.

"Well, I suppose it should not be open to everyone," Carrion back pedaled. "Maybe two competitors per clan?"

An annoyed look was shot toward Sir John, but instead of the Queen meeting eyes that agreed with her, she saw a quizzical brow. Her countenance changed ever so slightly. Sir John did seem to have a way of softening the forceful monarch.

"Participants aside, when would anyone have time to plan such an event? I am balancing petitioner's court, meetings of surveillance about the enemy and trying my best to keep my people safe on top of transitioning my late husband's duties to myself and Princess Alina. My plate is full." The Queen stated.

"I would not begin to impose upon Your Majesty. Perhaps myself and my sister could be allowed to plan it all, as long as we had access to the Royal coffers."

Carrion dared not impose, but impertinently inviting himself to use the riches of the kingdom was fine. I do not think he hears himself speak.

The mirth that had warmed my heart at the mention of a tournament disappeared while leaving revulsion in its wake. Cali, for her part, looked mortified. A slow shake of her head grew larger until she could no longer hold her tongue.

"Dear brother," the words seethed through clenched teeth. "Please refrain from including me in your machinations. I have other duties to attend to at present, including tending to our father."

Carrion's face grew dark. If his intention was to make enemies, he succeeded.

"It might be wise to have someone from another clan involved in the planning if we are to proceed with this plan at all, Your Majesty." I tried to cut the tension the siblings created. "I do believe that if our goal is to unite the clans against the Norads, then more than just the Wolves should be involved."

I did not mention my distrust of Carrion having access to the royal treasury thinking that maybe this angle would be less controversial.

"Excellent idea, Lord Holden," Carrion added still staring at his sister.

"Do you think I just have spare clansmen standing around? The Swordsmen are needed for strategy meetings and grievances in petitioner's court that could lead to more intelligence on the war front. Even if this tournament were to be scheduled for the week or two after your Swordsman ceremony, I could not have them miss that much court!" Queen Valerie exclaimed.

"Sir John is not among those you require to attend court. In fact, his absence might allow Lord Jacobson to properly assume his new role and garner more respect from the clan of Stag. Sir John knows the palace grounds and has participated in royal tournaments since before I was born. Might you spare him from court?" Carrion almost pleaded.

The young wolf was so eager to have himself celebrated that I think he missed both Queen Valerie and Sir John stiffen at this idea. The Queen must really abhor the thought of a tournament to become so rigid.

As for Sir John, I did not blame him one bit for not fully embracing the idea of planning a tournament for someone who just landed their own father in the infirmary. Especially since his father was one of Sir John's good friends.

"I do not think this tournament is what is best for the kingdom," the Queen began. "But I also know that given the tenacity your behavior in Petitioner's court this morning and the event following it, Sir Carrion, that nothing stops you from your goals."

She took a steadying breath before continuing. "I do not think the clan of Wolves would easily accept a leader or two of his petitions are denied openly. I will give my consent for a tournament consisting of two members from each clan, if Sir John is willing to plan it."

Sir John looked gobsmacked. "I will always comply with the will of My Queen. Does Her Majesty think she can spare me from the petitioner's court for two weeks?"

The tone of his question resonated with defeat. He had been given a task before Cali and I walked through the door that was supposed to be completed at court. Whatever he was assigned to do, I hope it does not end up falling on me to do.

"I can spare you for two weeks," Queen Valerie conceded. "But not a moment more!"

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