Chapter 8

‘It’s our chance to get closer to our goal.’ Sturm preached as we all listened to him. I knew what his plan was as soon as he mentioned the Holy Tournament. Getting the amount of gold would help the guild to scale their operations and gain more influence.

‘As we can only participate in a group of two, we still need someone who will fight alongside me.’. 

‘The last time the Tournament took place, it was our fathers who went.’ the good looking girl said to Sturm.

‘It would give them the honor they deserve if it would be me who will join you.’ No one in the room said something. It was like they respected her argument and didn’t dare to nominate themselves.

‘Our fathers fought so that we could fulfill their dreams.’ Sturm answered. 

‘But I need you, Mei. I couldn’t keep living if something happens to you. And you know you are too important. The Rose will need a spy for a longer time.’.

Wow.

They way he talked to her with care and a soft voice. Does he love her? They seem to have known each other for a long time. 

‘We need someone else.’ 

‘Me’’ the big man said. He still was very intimidating as he stood up to explain himself. 

‘I am the physically strongest here. You will need those attributes, Sturm’.

‘How about me?’. Everyone turned around to look.

I stood up and offered myself. This Tournament would probably be my biggest opportunity to execute my revenge plan. Winning would mean I would be able to enter the castle and talk to the royal family. Just imagining Levla’s face when she sees me gave me enough courage to stand up and offer myself as Sturm’s partner. 

‘Are…you serious’? Sturm asked. He seemed to be confused by my decision. Understandable. 

I had nothing to do with any sort of combat, I never touched a knife or sword in my life. Well, I never had to as a princess. 

‘Why? It’s very dangerous.’

‘You know my background and because of that you know how important this tournament is for me.’ I answered. 

‘It will be my best chance to get my revenge for the next 10 years.’. Similar to Mei, they seemed to respect my reasoning. Nothing what I would expect.

‘You may have a point.’ Sturm said. 

‘When you would join us, only one of the members would partake. In the case that we fail, we would only lose one member.’ he concluded. That hurt. Was I only seen as a ‘thing’ which he can sacrifice in the worst case?

But I was fine with that. My only goal was to participate in the tournament and Sturm was my best chance. Sturm looked at his members as they all nodded. 

‘Evera and I will participate in the Holy Tournament together.’