“Damn.” Hector cursed and snatched his weapon from Gelehrter's grasp. He lunged and was met with a fist to the stomach, the platemail denting inward.

He gasped for air as it was knocked free of his chest. However, Gelehrter waited for his adversary to stand upright and collect himself. Desperately he swept the floor with his bastard sword, resorting to the superior reach of his weapon.

Hector grasped his sword with two hands: one resting on the handle and the other loosely grasping the dull edge. He reached forward like a spear and caught the squire with a pommel strike to his right shoulder, keenly deflecting an incoming blow.

Gelehrter dodged a swipe from Hector and caught a slap against his left shoulder, recoiling against the force of the strike. Without another moment, he spun on his heels. He caught the blade in his hand and gripped it firmly. His gauntlet protected him from the assault on his palm as Hector struggled to free it from his grasp. The knight attempted to assail Gelehrter with a fist, but quickly pulled toward his chest. A shoulder caught him in the chest and he released instinctively.

They breathed heavily for a few moments before Hector raised his bastard sword overhead. His swing arced downward and Gelehrter sprung to the side, aiding his opponent's strike. The sword was forced into the ground and he quickly cut across his body, resting the blade of his longsword onto Hector's neck.

Sir Hector merely released his weapon and raised his hands in surrender.

The crowd roared in approval as they shook hands.

“Well fought. I am sorry if I came to anger...it is not everyday when a squire bests you in swordplay.” Hector nodded to him as he addressed his opponent. “I hope one day you make a fine Justicar.”

“...Y-You know?” Gelehrter was halted by a raised hand.

“Those who fight like that are trained by Justicar, who are hoping you will join them. It is a loveless life, that one. Be careful and don't throw your life away.”

The day passed on. Many fell to misfortune and those who triumphed remained. They gathered before Ovelia, who moved now to address them. A figure clad in dark armor, their helmet only revealing their malevolent crimson gaze, took a few steps forward. They were much shorter than the others in the lineup. Their spear pointed to the terrace where Ovelia now faced her head on. Though it were merely moments, the Sanguine Overlord raised an eyebrow.

Her hands lowered as a high pitched voice penetrated the confines of the helm.

“I am of the Delacroix! I challenge Arden Mortem for right of succession, for she is not of full Mortem blood!” Murmurs cascaded about as the figure's defiance radiated from them. “My name is Eloise and I will be heard!”

From the shadows, other Justicar moved about. Their dark robed figures could barely be seen in the twilight, preparing for an assault. Rena's hand rested onto her longsword, her keen eyes focused onto the figure in black armor.

Ovelia's brow furrowed. If I give in to this cretin, it will seem as if Mortem are weak. However, it is a chance to show our prowess. Arden is trained by myself in various weaponry, but she did not receive any formal sparring matches versus a spear.

“Mother, I will face her. Let me go!” The youth begged as she stood upright. “It is a challenge. You gave your word.”

There was only silence for an instant. Though it was in the blink of an eye, Eloise took notice.

“Very well. Separate for the challenge. There will be no points, if one party is unable to compete then it is the match.” Ovelia's order was met with action. Arden sprung from her place to the ring. The ground consumed traces of blood, sweat, leather and other bits of armor. Though it was trampled on by many others, it was suitable. Torch sconces were lit and other forms of light were prepared, as night was quickly approaching.

Arden drew her bastard sword and gripped it deftly in both hands. She faced her opponent, Eloise, with little to no armor. Her clothes, which consisted of a tunic with a tabard emblazoned with Sanctuary's star, leather boots, cloth pants and a belt for her weapon.

Eloise was clad in full platemail. They faced her and held their spear forward, the haft weighed by the scarlet tip.

That spear is not of normal material. Ana stood upright and took a few steps to stand next to Ovelia. Its...

In the next instant they both rushed forward. Arden's approached was halted by a quick thrust, the spearhead missing her chest by an inch. She hastily turned it aside with her sword and took a few steps back. A rush of air took her by surprise as the spear with swung wide. Instinctively she ducked and stepped by a few more thrusts.

The same material as what I saw so many years ago. Stolzer said it was enchanted with...

Arden grunted as her cheek suffered the edge of the spear and she felt her body grow weary. Her feet adhered to the ground, the sword's tip falling to the sand.

“Lifesap!” Ana called out. The two combatants stopped, Justicar reacting immediately. They apprehended Eloise, a deft cut separating the spear from the shaft.

“Everyone, please evacuate calmly. Return to your homes!” One of the Justicar shouted over the din of panic. Rena had reached Arden and lifted her onto her shoulders, leaping out of sight. Ovelia shook her head and palmed her forehead, turning away from the scene.