Sunday, 14 June 2026

Springtime In The City 55.


Vexil. 

"Think there's more over there" quietly says Zam the ex mercenary, who follows on from that with "Yeah, definitely more" he then adds "Across that square". 
Next to him, Lisell Maera the scout nods her head in agreement, then she quietly says "Across a fair bit of this part of the city by the looks of things". 
The youngest member of the group who is originally from The City Of Ruins nods his head in agreement with the attractive young woman who hails from the city-state of Brattonbury. 
The scout leader in the Armies of Farque is silent for a few moments, then she asks the ex mercenary "Where's their chapter house in the city?". 
"Over on the east side of the city" replies Zam who like the scout Maera is speaking in elvish, the teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins pauses for a moment, before continuing with "Think they're down here because of the amount of inns and boarding houses?". 
"Could be" says Lisell Maera or Lis as more often than not she's called by those who know her well "And the fact it's busier here in this part of the city" adds the junior officer in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque. 
The two of them have been making their way across rooftops here in the south of the city of Vexil. 
Following members of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che, who are going around searching for sir Percy of Druvic, and his squire. 
That squire would be Zam, who squired for the former earl of Lé Dic during the Spring Tourney of Vexil, which was held over the previous two days on a tourney field just outside the north wall of the city. 
Zam and Lis who are on the roof of a four storey residential building here in the south of the capital city of Vexil. 
Glance up as an airship passes by overhead on it's way to the nearby main airdocks of the city on this fine and sunny spring day. 
Though the wind has picked up from earlier in the morning, with an occasional gust coming in every so often. 
The ex mercenary originally from The City Of Ruins has learnt that when the wind picks up, it's usually a sign that it's going to rain again the following day. 
Which is the usual weather pattern for this time of the year in this part of the city-state of Vexil. Clear and sunny for a few days, followed by four or five days of rainfall. 
The scout Maera who has taken out her small, leather wrapped, brass cylindrical eyepiece, and is looking through it. 
Quietly tells the youngest member of the group "There's another one, with a couple of knights apprentices with him, down in that main street that heads to the airdocks". 
The attractive young woman who is originally from the city-state of Brattonbury, whose mother was a street prostitute, and whose father was a sailor who plied his trade on The Great Western Ocean, continues on with "Going from shop to shop like this lot over here". 
Zam grunts, then quietly says in the elven language "They're hell bent on finding me and Percy". 
"Looks like it" quietly says the lead scout in the Armies of Farque, who then gestures away to their left, then adds "Next building". 
The two of them, who have been lying flat on their stomachs, get up and hurry to the edge of the roof, and leap across to the next building along, which is a three storey building, another residential one at that. 
The ex mercenary and the junior officer in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque go from rooftop to rooftop. 
Following after some of the members of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che who are searching for sir Percavelle Lé Dic and Zam the ex mercenary. 
It's a little while later, and as they lie upon the roof of a two storey building that houses a number of shops. 
And after a wyvern passes by overhead, on it's way to the Vexillian aircorps docks. As they keep track of a number of knights, knights apprentices, and squires in the knightly order that sir Percavelle Lé Dic is a member of. 
A familiar voice suddenly and quietly says in the elven language to them "What are you two up to?". Zam and Lis barely refrain from flinching as they look to their left. And find Helbe the elven thief lying on his stomach beside the two of them. 
"Narladene said you were skulking about like incompetent burglars" continues the elven masterthief with a grin upon his youthful looking face. 
The scout Maera sourly smiles, then asks the highly talented elven magic user "Did you have her keep an eye on us?". 
"Of course" replies the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel, who briefly pauses before continuing on with "Well, to be honest I didn't". 
The grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel, pauses once more before adding "Lord Farque did". 
The elven master assassin follows that with "Someone's always keeping an eye on the others in the group if they go wandering off through the city". 
Helbe the elven thief or prince Helbenthril Raendril to give him his full name and title gestures away to the north, beyond the main airdocks and the city center, and he quietly says "You probably can't see him from here" followed by "But up on top of one of the towers in the north of the city, is Axe". 
The elven princeling who is a member of Lord Farque's personal council, and is the undead warlord's envoy, continues with "He's watching us right now". 
Both Zam and Lis nod at that, then the elven master archer asks the two of them "So what have you been up to?". 
The young elven noble could easily read their minds and find out what they've been doing. But he prefers to let members of the group explain themselves. 
Though if he's after something, either information or goods, that someone is keeping quiet about in the group. He has no qualms about reading their minds. 
"There, coming out of that shop down the street" says the ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins. 
The highly talented elven practitioner of magic who is a member of royal family that rules the elven principality of Laerel sees a knight and squire from Percy's order exit the shop. 
Then he nods his hooded head when the youngest member of the group tells him "They're looking for me and Percy". 
The teenager who was previously scratching together a living, a meager one at that, as a mercenary in The City Of Ruins, before the group found him, then adds "We're pretty sure they've got some bad intentions towards me and Percy". 
The elven masterthief grunts, then he casts a spell upon the knight and squire on the other side of the street, who are heading to the next shop along from one they were just in. 
"Well" murmurs the elven envoy, who follows that with "Looks like we've got some sore losers" the elven master assassin then adds "They want to teach you and Percy a lesson". 
Helbe the elven thief who has just read the minds of the knight and squire in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che who have just entered a shop on the other side of the street, says "More so for the melee than the lists". 
The elven princeling who is a member of Lord Farque's personal council pauses for a moment or two, before he quietly says "Think some of them might know who Percy actually is". 
The highly talented elven spellcaster looks around, then as he stands up, he tells Zam and Lis "Let's go". 
The scout leader and the ex mercenary stand up as well, and the next moment the three of them disappear from the roof they're on. 
They reappear upon the roof of another building about a hundred yards away from the one they were just on. 
"Don't have to drop down, no one can see you" quietly says the young elven noble who is the grandson of Prince Reandril of Laerel as he walks to the front of the roof. 
As he's joined by the youngest member of the group and the junior officer in the Armies of Farque, the elven master assassin nods his hooded head then says "Yeah some of them have figured out who Percy is". 
The elven master archer who is watching a pair of knights and their squires heading down the street they're overlooking, says "Seems one of those knights Percy defeated towards the end of the melee yesterday is Druvician". 
Prince Helbenthril Raendril continues with "Worked it out after the tourney was finished who Percy really is". 
The elven masterthief then adds "Some don't just want to teach him a lesson, they want to get rid of him, permanently". 
Both Zam and Lis wince at hearing that, then nod when the elven master assassin tells him "Many in their order have not forgiven Percy for what he did". 
"Steal their precious shield?" asks the attractive young woman originally from the coastal city-state of Brattonbury, who is now a junior officer in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque. 
Helbe the elven thief nods his hooded head, then says "That isn't just a powerful magical item" he follows that with "That's an extremely important holy artifact to them as well". 
The highly talented elven magic user then dryly adds "In fact it's pretty much the most important holy artifact in their order, and Percy nicked it from the keeper of it who was dying at the time". 
"Never knew that" quietly says Lis, who continues on with "No wonder he does his utmost to avoid them". 
The young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel nods his hooded head in agreement, then as he continues to search the area of the city they're in. He finds a few more members of the knightly order that sir Percavelle Lé Dic is a member of. 
The highly talented and skilled elven practitioner of magic, who has the ability to cast multiple spells at once, when most magic users can barely cast two spells at once. 
Reads the minds of the members of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che he's just located, here to the south of the city center. 
"Interesting" murmurs the elven masterthief, who then explains to Zam and Lis "A certain sir Olmard is the one who wants Percy dead". 
The elven master assassin continues with "A knight captain, he was amongst that last group Percy took down, just before you brought him off the field Zam". 
The youngest member of the group nods his head in understanding, then the young elven noble who is a member of Lord Farque's personal council says "He was a young squire when Percy stole their shield". 
"That was like, nearly twenty years ago wasn't it?" asks the scout Maera, she's answered with a nod of the head from the elven master archer who then says "More or less". 
The elven envoy for the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque continues with "He didn't see it, pretty sure no one saw it" followed by "But he was thereabouts, and knew of it happening". 
"Was that during a war or something?" asks Zam the ex mercenary who only has a rough idea of that time from what he's overheard from some of the others in the group. 
"Basically" is the reply from the elven princeling from Laerel, who then shifts the three of them to the rooftop of another building. 
"An invasion of The Sunreach Mountains, and it's aftermath" continues the highly talented elven spellcaster as the three of them, who are blurred, look down at the street in front of the building they're standing on top of. 
"Was that when Mira was on the other side?" asks the scout Maera who has much more knowledge of the group and it's history than Zam does. 
"Yep" says the elven masterthief with a slight grin upon his face, who continues with "He teamed up with the wrong mage" he briefly pauses before adding "And dragon". 
The eyebrows of the youngest member of the group shoot up when he hears that, then the ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins asks the elven master archer "What happened to them?". 
"They ran into Lord Farque" dryly replies Helbe the elven thief, who follows that with "And the inevitable happened". 
The ex mercenary nods, then after a moment he asks "Is that where Dorc got his breastplate?" followed by "That plate of actual dragon scale he wears?". 
"The very one" replies the highly talented elven magic user, who doesn't mention that he along with the elemental Sephiryn Vaitrelle helped to defeat that particular dragon in the city of Leeabra, the capital of the kingdom of Druvic. 
The grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel gestures at a pair of knights apprentices from Percy's order down on the street below them, then says "They're also searching over in the east of the city". 
The elven masterthief continues with "Once they find no sign of Percy and you Zam, over there, and down here in the south of the city" followed by "They'll start searching elsewhere, like in the north of the city". 
Prince Helbenthril Raendril then says "When they do, they'll definitely find signs of you and Percy there" he continues on from that with "Although we're secluded at the Merchant's Rest, we and I mean the rest of you haven't been hiding away as you've got about in the city's north". 
The highly talented elven practitioner of magic follows that with "Someone's bound to remember you Zam, and Percy" he then adds "And tell that lot" as he gestures at the pair of knights apprentices who have just come out of a wine shop on the street below them. 
The ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins winces at that, then he grunts when Helbe the elven thief tells him "Not to worry, I'll make sure you and Percy aren't found". 
The youngest member of the group sighs in relief at hearing that. Then he slightly winces when he thinks of what the elven masterthief could mean..
I hope to hell he doesn't turn me into a goblin, or a woman so that they can't find me, Zam the ex mercenary thinks to himself. 
The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins thinks about that, all the way back to the Merchant's Rest inn as Helbe the elven thief takes all three of them back there without anyone seeing or noticing them. 
On this fine and sunny, and not to mention, now windy spring day here in the capital city of Vexil . . . . . .



Tuesday, 9 June 2026

Springtime In The City 54.


The City-State Of Vexil. 

The next morning and a number of the group are up early, and are having breakfast in the common room of the Merchant's Rest inn. 
Including Dorc da Orc who didn't go to sleep, as he spent all night celebrating Shur Kee the monk's win in Le Grande Meleé. Not to mention celebrating the fortune he made in betting on the short statured monk winning day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 
The large ork isn't the only one to make a small fortune yesterday. As pretty much all the group who placed bets, placed them on the physical adept who hails from beyond The Southlands winning Le Grande Meleé. 
Nodding his head, Zam the ex mercenary after yawning says "Thanks" to Tamric Drubine the field commander who has come over to his table, and told him "You don't have to go this morning" followed by "Beldane is taking Dalin with him". 
The youngest member of the group who wasn't looking forward to leaving the city early this morning after the hectic last two days he's endured. 
Watches as Beldane the cleric and Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy exit the common room of the inn. 
And make their way outside, as they head out to escort another wagon full of gold that arrived in the middle of the night via the krean scoutship. Which has come down from the hill country in the north of the city-state, and is now in some woodlands about ten miles to the north of the city of Vexil. 
"You've got the day free today" says the young field commander in the Armies of Farque to the ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins. 
Zam once again nods, then Tamric Drubine who is of the nobility of the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin, makes his way back to the table where he's been sitting with his lover Saanea the witch. 
The ex mercenary after downing the last of the tea in his mug, turns to his right and asks "Up to anything today?". 
With a shrug of her shoulders, Lisell Maera the scout replies to him with "Not much" the attractive young woman who hails from the city-state of Brattonbury follows that with "You want to wander the city a bit?". 
The teenager who was scratching a meager living together as a mercenary in The City Of Ruins before the group found him, responds with a nod of his head. 
Then Zam quietly says "Suppose one of us better inform him what we're up to" as he nods his head towards the corner table, where Lord Farque is sitting with Mira Reinholt the mage, Helbe the elven thief and the rotund woman named Malisse, who is really Zubutai the barbarian hordesman. 
"Dibs not me" quickly adds the ex mercenary who is the youngest member of the group, who gives the scout Maera a sideways look as he refrains from grinning. 
The attractive young woman who is a junior officer in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque sourly smiles, then mutters to the ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins "Coward". 
Zam just grins as Lisell Maera or Lis as she's more commonly called by the rest of the group, sighs. Before she gets up and makes her way over to the corner table where the undead warlord is sitting with members of his personal council. 
As she does, the ex mercenary glances over to the table where Shur Kee the monk is sitting along with sir Percavelle Lé Dic. 
The two of them are chatting about their experiences in Le Grande Meleé, which was held yesterday, on a tourney field just outside the north wall of the city of Vexil. 
Well, sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as he's more commonly called by the others in the group. Is doing most of the chatting, in his usual boisterous manner. 
While the acolyte in the philosophical order of Bru Li is sitting there quietly listening to the large heavily armoured knight who was amongst the last of the participants on day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. And that was after he won day one, when The Lists, or Joust was held. Which the noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic won. 
As Lisell Maera interrupts the conversation at the corner table to inform Lord Farque that she and Zam will explore the city a bit this morning. 
The youngest member of the group just shakes his head as he remembers the end of yesterday as a blur. 
As they, he and Dalinvardèl Tanith to be exact. Had to hustle Shur Kee away before he got swamped by the crowd who wanted to congratulate him for winning Le Grande Meleé. 
After the short statured monk received his winnings. Which wasn't that much, considering the amount of people who entered the tourney on day two. 
Though Shur Kee won a hundred gold coins, which Zam didn't think was all that much. Until both Dalinvardèl Tanith and Helbe the elven thief informed him that's much more than what most winners of Le Grande Meleé win elsewhere during a tourney. 
The youngest member of the group is still at a loss at how the short statured monk ended up winning day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. And winning fairly easily too. As the physical adept who is the living incarnation of The Jade Warrior Bru Li, was hardly touched throughout the day yesterday. 
Zam looks back up as Lisell Maera walks back to the table, and informs him "We're free to do whatever today". 
The attractive young woman who is originally from the coastal city-state of Brattonbury, and is now a lead scout in The Armies of Farque quietly follows that with "We're to keep out of trouble". 
As the teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins gets up out of the chair he's been sitting on, the scout Maera quietly adds "And to keep an eye out for anything to do with you know who". 
Zam knows exactly who Lis is referring to. And that's Mira Reinholt the mage, who a number of people here in the city of Vexil, are keen to know of his whereabouts. 
The pair of them head across the common room, walking around the innkeeper and one of his helpers, who are rolling another large barrel of ale to Dorc da Orc, who is sitting near the corner table where Lord Farque and members of his personal council are sitting. 
Zam and Lis exit the common room, and say good morning to the innkeeper's wife, who is behind the counter in the reception room. 
The ex mercenary and the lead scout make their way outside, where it's another clear and sunny spring morning. Though not as cool as it was yesterday morning. 
"Where to?" asks the teenager who is the youngest member of the group once they've made their way from the small, secluded inn, and onto the nearby street. 
The attractive young woman whose mother was a street prostitute in Brattonbury, and whose father was a sailor, a man she never knew or met. 
Slightly shrugs her shoulders, then says "Haven't really explored the south of the city" Lisell Maera then asks "Have you?". 
Zam replies with a shake of the head, then says "Just the neighbourhoods to the south of the city center" followed by "Not the actual south of the city, apart from when we've passed through it". 
The scout Maera nods her head, then she says "Might as well have a look around down there then" the junior officer in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque, continues with "Come on then". 
The attractive young woman from the city-state of Brattonbury leads the way, going right down the street they're on. Before turning left onto a street that goes south in this part of the northern neighbourhoods of Vexil. 
As they head south through the city, the scout and the ex mercenary keep clear of the main airdocks of Vexil. 
And for that matter, the city center itself. As they want to avoid the Mage Tower, where the Mage Council of Vexil convenes. 
Zam and Lis take their time as they head south, and once they're beyond somewhat familiar neighbourhoods. The two of them start wandering through the southern quarter of the capital city. 
The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins finds this part of the city more lively than much of the northern half of Vexil. 
Especially where they're staying, which is near the wealthiest areas of Vexil. And the fact the Merchant's Rest inn is close to many of the counting houses to be found in the city. 
After crossing a busy square, Zam gestures at some shops down a nearby street. Then quietly says to the scout Maera "Let's check out those places". 
The attractive young woman who hails from the city-state of Brattonbury nods her head, and the. two of them make their way to the street that the ex mercenary pointed out.
Zam nods his head to a passerby who calls out "Squire" followed by "Well done". He's been recognized a few times so far this morning. 
And he's been congratulated by people who were in the crowd during the Spring Tourney of Vexil. Congratulated for squiring to sir Percy of Druvic, who was victorious on day one of the tourney, winning The Lists or The Joust as most people know it by. 
The ex mercenary points at one of the shops, and the scout leader in the Armies of Farque nods her head, then quietly says "I'll be next door for a bit". 
The youngest member of the group enters the tailors, while Lis makes her way into the shop of a seamstress next door. 
The two of them for much of the rest of the morning, go into many of the shops in this part of the city. 
Mainly looking at goods, and occasionally purchasing something that takes either of their interest. 
Zam after exiting a curio and chandlery, where he brought a couple of small items for his travel pack. 
Is greeted by the scout Maera who was waiting for him outside. And she grabs him by the arm and quietly says "Quickly". 
And hustles him around the side of the shop he was just in, and into an alleyway "What?" says the ex mercenary, who then frowns and adds "Huh?". 
When the attractive young Brattonburian quickly says "Climb" as she gestures to the building across the alley from the curio and chandlery. 
Though Zam frowns, he follows Lis who climbs the side of the building, with the wall giving them plenty of handholds to make the accent of the two storey building fairly easy for those who are as skilled as they are. 
And though the teenager originally from The City Of Ruins needs the scout Maera to grab him by the arm, to help him up and over the eaves of the roof. 
The two of them are on the rooftop in mere moments, without anyone seeing them climb up here. 
"What is it?" quietly asks Zam as they walk in a crouch across the roof to the front of the building, where they lie down flat once they reach it. 
Looking down the street in either direction, the junior officer in the Armies of Farque, gestures away to their right, and quietly says in the elven language "That way". 
The ex mercenary continues to frown as he looks that way, as Lis quietly tells him in elvish "They're looking for sir Percy of Druvic, or his squire". 
The attractive young woman originally from the coastal city-state of Brattonbury continues in that language with "They're definitely not happy with what happened during the tourney" Lis briefly pauses before adding "During both The Joust and Le Grande Meleé". 
Still looking away to the right down the street from the vantage point of the roof they're on, Zam still with a frown upon his face, is just about to ask Lis "Who?". 
When he sees who the scout Maera is referring to, as they come out of one of the shops further down the street. 
"Shit" murmurs the teenager who is the youngest member of the group, who follows that with "That's not good" in the elven language. 
Lisell Maera grunts in agreement as they watch a trio of knights, along with an equal number of squires, and a couple of knights apprentices head down the street. 
"There's more of them too" quietly says the lead scout, who follows that with "Around the corner" she then adds "I spotted them, and got close to find out what they're up to". 
Glancing sideways at Zam, Lis tells him "Overhead them going on about Percy and his squire" she pauses for a moment or two, before she quietly adds "I think they want to exact some revenge upon you and Percy". 
The ex mercenary grimaces at hearing that, though he's in agreement with what the attractive young woman from the city-state of Brattonbury just said. 
"This could get" quietly says Zam, who after pausing for a moment, continues with "Awkward" followed by "Especially for Percy". 
"You think?" dryly says Lis as the two of them watch the group of knights, squires and knights apprentices from the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che make their way down the street the two of them are looking down at. On this fine and sunny spring day here in the city of Vexil . . . . . .




Sunday, 7 June 2026

Springtime In The City 53.


The City Of Vexil. 

Walking across the tourney field with sir Percavelle Lé Dic's left arm draped over his shoulders, as the large heavily armoured knight can barely keep upright. 
Zam the ex mercenary mutters "Shit" when he hears something to their right, and he looks that way and sees a knight limping towards them. 
The knight whose faceplate is up, is grimacing as he hurries towards them. Even so, he's determined to get to them before they get off the tourney field. 
The youngest member of the group who used to live and somewhat work in The City Of Ruins, is just thinking about letting go of sir Percavelle and drawing his sword. 
When suddenly something goes flying by them, and hits the approaching knight square in the face. 
"Damn" murmurs the ex mercenary, while sir Percavelle Lé Dic snorts, then says in an amused tone of voice "I do believe that hurt, wot". 
They briefly stop, as Shur Kee the monk runs by in front of them, to get his staff that he just threw. The end of which just smashed into that knight's unprotected face. Dropping him unconscious to the ground. 
"And that is why young squire, you always keep your faceplate down during combat, wot" states the noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic after Shur Kee retrieves his staff and hurries away, and they continue on their way across the tourney field. 
Zam is just glad there's hardly any participants in Le Grande Meleé left, most are off the tourney field. Though there's a number of bodies lying around here and there. Evidence that not everyone survived the second day of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 
Though there's not that many dead, less than twenty. Considering well over five hundred participants started Le Grande Meleé early in the morning. 
The teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins looks quickly around, then nods in relief as they get to the rope along the south side of the tourney field. 
And with the help of Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy who lifts the rope so sir Percavelle doesn't have to duck down too low. 
Zam gets the former paladin off the tourney field, officially ending his participation in Le Grande Meleé. 
Sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as he's more commonly called by the others in the group, is lowered to the ground by Zam and Dalinvardèl Tanith. And the ex mercenary and the elven spy help him take off his full helm. 
"You okay Percy?" asks Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy to the heavily breathing noble born knight from southern Druvic. 
"Fine, wot" states the former earl of Lé Dic, who then belies that by wincing as he shifts around, trying to get comfortable while holding his right side as he sits upon the ground. 
"Better take this" says the elf who is originally from the principality of Alinlae, who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of that nation, before joining the group and becoming a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque. 
Percy screws up his face in disgust when he sees the glass vial being held by the spy Tanith, the heavily armoured knight then says "Not for me, wot". 
The member of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che is just about to say something about the evils of magical potions. 
When suddenly his eyes go wide, then with a sour expression upon his face, the former paladin mutters "Drats". 
"You had broken ribs, and a punctured lung" quietly says the voice of Helbe the elven thief who has just healed the Druvician nobleman with a spell. 
"You can thank me later" adds the highly talented elven magic user who is blurred and shielded as he stands next Zam the ex mercenary and Dalinvardèl Tanith. 
The large heavily armoured knight as he sits upon the ground, just grunts and refuses to respond to that. Even though he feels a hell of a lot better than he did just a few moments ago. 
Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by those who know him well, and the ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins share a look, and both grin. 
Then Zam slightly nods when they hear the invisible elven masterthief quietly say "The melee won't last much longer" followed by "I better keep an eye on Shur Kee". 
After the elven spy from the principality of Alinlae and the ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins help the former earl of Lé Dic up off the ground. 
The three of them look across tourney field, and like pretty much all of the massive crowd watching day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 
They watch the last combatants taking part in Le Grande Meleé, who number less than a dozen now. 
Ten to be exact, after a knights apprentice is bludgeon with a hammer by a knight in the order of Volnar Mar. 
"All knights left" says Zam the ex mercenary who continues on with "Except from Shur Kee" as they watch the last ten combatants in Le Grande Meleé. 
Sir Percavelle Lé Dic who without a doubt eliminated more combatants in the tourney than anyone else taking part in it, snorts then sourly smiles as he watches the last participants eyeing one another up. 
"Hope that damn monk beats the living snot out of the lot of them" mutters the heavily armoured knight who the rest of the group referred to as Percy more than sir Percavelle. 
The former paladin who wouldn't dare take on the short statured monk himself. He's been on the end of that once in the past, and no way in hell does he want to experience that ever again. 
Truly hopes the physical adept who is not originally from The Southlands, but is from beyond it. The far east coast of the continent to be exact, where his homeland of Wah Lee is located. 
Is victorious this afternoon here on day two of The Spring Tourney of Vexil. For the simple reason Percy doesn't want any knight to win Le Grande Meleé now that he's been eliminated. 
"Those two knights in the order of Volnar Mar have a distinct advantage" says Dalinvardèl Tanith referring to the pair of knights from the same order. While the other seven are all from different knightly orders. 
The odd one out of the final ten combatants in Le Grande Meleé is definitely Shur Kee the monk, who stands there in his relatively clean white cotton clothing. Wearing no armour, and just a wooden staff for a weapon. 
"If any of those knights had half a brain they should team up to try and take out Shur Kee" quietly says the spy Tanith, who after glancing at sir Percavelle Lé Dic, says in elven to Zam "Most knights don't have half a brain to begin with". 
Which causes the ex mercenary originally from The City Of Ruins to grin, then nod in agreement with the commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque. 
Turns out there's actually a couple of the knights who do have half a brain. Both from different orders. One from the order of Varnell and the other from the order of Margesa. 
Who realize that Shur Kee is the biggest threat by far. For how else would someone in no armour, and being lightly armed. Survived for this long in Le Grande Meleé. 
Both rush the short statured monk as there's a burst of action, and everyone attacks everyone to find a winner of day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 
The living incarnation of The Jade Warrior Bru Li side steps one of the rushing knights, and trips up the second one, when he shoves his staff between the knight in the order of Margesa's legs. 
Shur Kee spins around, and thrusts his staff out, letting it go, before grabbing it again by the end, while the other end, with his right arm extended out to it's full length, slams into the back of the helm of the knight in the order of Varnell who he side stepped. 
The short statured monk who knows if he's going to survive until the very end of Le Grande Meleé, here on the tourney field, just outside the north wall of the city of Vexil. 
He has to keep on moving, making himself a hard target for the remaining combatants, all heavily armoured knights from a number of different orders. 
The acolyte in the philosophical order of Bru Li quickly moves away from the pair of knights who rushed him, both of whom are getting up off the ground. 
Though the one in the order of Varnell, is struggling to get back up after getting whacked in the back of his full helm from the staff in the hands of the short statured monk. 
Shur Kee who is a honorary member of Lord Farque's personal council quickly moves to one side to avoid a pair of knights, who are rolling around on the ground, trying to smash each other in the helm with the weapons in their hands. 
The short statured monk looks around, and slightly nods to himself as he sees who he deems most dangerous. 
The pair of knights in the order of Volnar Mar, who together, have struck down a knight in the order of Hapindel. The last knight from that particular order. 
The physical adept slightly nods when he hears the familiar voice of Helbe the elven thief quietly say to him "Watch out for that pair from the order of Volnar Mar" followed by "And that last Dark Knight over to the right there". 
Shur Kee glances away to the right, and sees the knight in question. Who with a long handled hammer, just knocked down one of the other combatants. And is now swinging down his heavy weapon at the prone knight on the ground. 
Without looking back, the short statured monk steps quickly to his left, and the knight in the order of Margesa who he tripped up earlier. 
Goes stumbling by, and dives to the ground after attempting to tackle the acolyte in the philosophical order of Bru Li. 
For his efforts, he's whacked in either side of the helm by Shur Kee's staff, who then stabs one end of the staff into the back of the downed knight's helm. Who the physical adept hears groan on the ground, and is no doubt concussed now. 
The physical adept then spins back around, and sees the knight in the order of Varnell who he whacked in the back of the helm earlier. Go staggering by without even noticing Shur Kee. 
Who lifts an eyebrow in surprise, then he faintly smiles as the staggering knight trips over the pair of knights struggling on the ground. 
The short statured monk moves away as the knight in the order of Varnell falls on top of the two knights on the ground. 
The physical adept circles to his right, when he sees the two knights in the order of Volnar Mar turn and look his way. 
But the two of them look to their left as someone else has caught their attention. It's the knight in the order of The Dark. Mostly commonly called the Dark Knights. 
Shur Kee backs away as those three briefly pause, before the pair in the order of Volnar Mar move quickly towards the Dark Knight. 
Who the acolyte in the order of Bru Li sees is already pulling his long handled hammer back behind him to swing. 
"Well" murmurs the physical adept as the Dark Knight doesn't actually swing his long handled hammer, he throws it instead. 
The pair of knights in the order of Volnar Mar dive to either side to avoid the large heavy weapon. One is fortunate and gets out of the way. The other one is not so fortunate. As the long handled hammer hits him in the side as he attempted to avoid it. 
Shur Kee watches as the Dark Knight draws his sword and rushes the second knight in the order of Volnar Mar who is getting up off the ground. 
Just then the short statured monk hears something behind him, and with his staff planted butt end into the ground, which he's holding with his left hand. 
The physical adept swings around it in that direction, lifting his legs up off the ground as he does so. 
A sword comes striking down just where Shur Kee was standing. And the acolyte in the order of Bru Li who is off the ground, holding onto his staff in both hands now. 
Kicks with both of his feet, the knight who attempted to cut him down, in the side between the breastplate and backplate. Sending the knight a good ten feet to the side, before he stumbles to the ground. 
Shur Kee lands on his feet, and hurries over to the knight he just knocked down, and swinging his staff. 
He clips the full helm of the knight just behind when the faceplate is attached on the left side of the helm. A weak spot in this particular design of helm. Causing it to rip open as the knight's head is whipped to one side. 
And before the knight can gather his wits and know what's just happened. The end of Shur Kee's staff slams into his exposed face. Smashing his front teeth and breaking his nose before he falls unconscious. 
The physical adept steps back and looks around, and sees that though there was only ten combatants including himself a short time ago. 
There's only two other participants in Le Grande Meleé still standing. One of the knights in the order of Volnar Mar. And the Dark Knight. 
Who were wailing away on each other for a bit. Before they stepped back away to get their breath back as they have a brief pause in their one on one battle. 
Shur Kee wonders if they'll put their differences aside and attack him. Personally that's what he would do if he was one of the two remaining knights on their feet. 
And though both the Dark Knight and the knight in the order of Volnar Mar glance his way. They don't do that, and instead continue on with their own battle. 
The short statured monk just slightly nods his head as he hears the voice of Helbe the elven thief quietly tell him "They should've teamed up and attacked you". 
The acolyte in the philosophical order of Bru Li just stands there and waits to see who the sole remaining knight will be, who he'll will have to face. 
As the crowd cheers and yells, Zam the ex mercenary and Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy share a look. 
Then the teenager originally from The City Of Ruins says to the commander in the Armies of Farque "Wonder how long he'll last?". 
"Not long" is the reply from the spy who hails from the elven principality of Alinlae, who follows that with "What's a bet he'll just run at Shur Kee". 
After a brief pause, the spy Tanith dryly says "See, told you". Next to him, Zam nods as they watch the final knight. The one in the order of Volnar Mar run at short statured monk. Who easily avoids him. 
In fact Shur Kee ducks down and spins, swinging his staff as he does, whacking the passing knight in the back of the legs. 
Sending the knight in the order of Volnar Mar tumbling forward to the ground. And as the tired knight attempts to push himself up off the ground. 
The physical adept swings his staff at the back of the full helm of the downed knight. And with a resounding clang, the knight in the order of Volnar Mar slumps forward, totally oblivious to what's happening as he's completely knocked out. 
There's a slight pause in the noise of the crowd, then they erupt in boisterous cheering, shouting and yelling. 
As the short statured monk, in white cotton clothing, wearing no armour, and armed with just a wooden staff. 
Is victorious in Le Grande Meleé, here on the this cool spring day, on what's day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil, held just outside the north wall of the city . . . . . .


Tuesday, 2 June 2026

Springtime In The City 52.


Vexil. 

"Careful there Percy" quietly says Zam the ex mercenary as the group of knights from the order of Saint Mar'che approach the large heavily armoured knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic. 
Next to Zam, Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy who has just looked over at Shur Kee the monk, who is fighting a knight at the moment. 
Nods his hooded head in agreement with the youngest member of the group who is originally from The City Of Ruins. 
They, and a lot of the crowd watching Le Grande Meleé today, watch as the five knights walk, almost casually towards the former paladin they don't know belong to their own order. 
"He's gonna have a hard time of it here" says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy or Dalin as he's more commonly called by the others in the group. 
As the nobleman from the south of the kingdom of Druvic, who has just picked up his hammer, has spotted the knights from his own order walking towards him from the east side of the tourney field. 
"And they're gonna been pissed with what happened yesterday" adds the elven spy who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque. 
Zam nods his head in agreement with the spy Tanith as he figures those knights from the order of Saint Mar'che will be annoyed with sir Percavelle winning The Lists on day one of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. Where he defeated one of their own in the final passes of the day. 
Though his opponent yesterday in the final joust, sir Dormic the paladin isn't taken part in today's tourney. 
His fellow members in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che obviously want to exact a bit of revenge for what happened at the end of yesterday. 
"Get ready to go out and give him some assistance" quietly says the spy who hails from the elven principality of Alinlae, where he previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of that nation. 
After a brief pause, Dalin continues on with "Or help him off the field" the commander in the Armies of Farque then adds "I don't think he'll be able to defeat the lot of them after what's already happened today". 
Zam nods, then quietly says "I will" in response to the spy Tanith quietly telling him "And be careful out there, even with Helbe keeping us safe, it'll be dangerous". 
After the ex mercenary quickly looks over to where Shur Kee the monk has just downed a knight, and a pair of city guards hurry towards the short statured monk. 
The teenager who is originally from The City Of Ruins looks across to where sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as the rest of the group tend to call him. 
Watches the knights from his order come to a stop about twenty feet from the large heavily armoured Druvician knight. 
Zam figures that the knights, unlike the group of city guards that the former paladin just took care of. 
Have been taught to fight as a group, or at least in pairs. And that turns out to be true. As two of the knights attack Percy at once. 
The former earl of Lé Dic knows this. After all he had the same training, just a few decades earlier than those knights he finds himself up against. 
And as the pair in the middle of the five rush him, sir Percavelle Lé Dic who would usually taunt his opponents with some boisterous saying or another. 
Saves his breath, and keeps quiet as he takes the initiative. And throws his double headed hammer. Though not at either of the two knights from his order who are rushing him. 
Percy who knows that either of the knights at each end of the line, will quickly move forward next. 
To attempt to get in the killing blow, so to speak. So he's thrown the hammer at the knight from his order to his far right. 
Which slams into that particular knight, just as he's taking a quick step forward. The hammer hits that knight in the midriff, just below his breastplate. Doubling him over, before he drops to his knees, groaning as he does so. 
The Druvician born knight has quickly moved to his left, lifting that arm, as he's holding his spike hammer in that hand. 
Percy just gets it up in time to block a hand axe that comes swinging towards him from the knight on that side. 
Behind the faceplate of his full helm, the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che grimaces as the second knight who has rushed him. 
Tackles him around the waist, taking him to the churned up ground, here towards the middle of the tourney field. 
Zam the ex mercenary winces and mutters "Fuck" when they see sir Percavelle Lé Dic get tackled to the ground. 
Next to the youngest member of the group, a disconcerting sounding grunt comes from Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy. 
Then they see the knight whose axe was just blocked by Percy, go to swing his hand axe down at the former earl of Lé Dic, who is struggling to roll the other knight off him. 
The axe wielding knight in the order of Saint Mar'che doesn't get the chance to strike down at the noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic. 
For sir Percavelle who though struggling on the ground, has still kept his wits about him. Not too mention he's kept a hold of his pick hammer in his left gauntleted hand. 
And as the knight from his order with the hand axe steps forward to get an open swing down at Percy. 
The former earl of Lé Dic lifts his left arm, and brings his pick hammer down onto the left steel boot of the axe wielding knight from the order of Saint Mar'che. He swings it down pick end too. 
Zam winces, while next to him, Dalin murmurs "Fuck, that's got to hurt". As over the noise of the gathered crowd, and the fighting out on the tourney field. 
They see and hear the knight with the axe screaming loudly in pain as he falls backwards onto the ground. 
His left leg goes up, and nearly everyone watching that part of the tourney field, see Percy's pick hammer stuck in the steel armoured foot, as that particular knight starts writing around on the ground in pain. 
The two remaining knights in the order of Saint Mar'che who are still standing, hurry forward to take advantage of the situation. 
While on the ground, sir Percavelle Lé Dic who has been rolled around onto his back by the knight who tackled him. Headbutts up at his fellow ordered knight who is now atop of him. 
The former paladin over the years has improved his armour, including his full helm. Which is much heavier than the norm. 
And the headbutt he delivers, caves in the front of the helm of the knight on top of him. Due to the heavy strips of plate both below and above Percy's faceplate. 
The former earl of Lé Dic also thrusts his knee up between the legs of the knight who is on top of him. 
And he's rewarded with a groan from his fellow ordered knight, who sir Percavelle Lé Dic then rolls off of him. 
Just then there's a loud resounding clang that comes off the side of the large heavily armoured knight's full helm as one of the two knights still standing, hits him with a broadsword. 
The noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic instinctively rolls away, just in time too. As the second knight still on his feet. 
His sword, the point of which, stabs into the ground, which was aimed right at the eye slot in Percy's helm. 
The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che briefly catches sight of that sword to his right. 
And quickly rolls back that way, the nobleman from southern Druvic rolls into the blade, wrenching it out of the grasp of the knight wielding it as he was just pulling it out of the churned up ground, here near the middle of the tourney field, that lies just outside the north wall of the city of Vexil. 
With the sword trapped beneath him, Percy kicks out with his right foot. And is rewarded with a grunt when he hits what he assumes is a leg. And he hears a muttered curse of "Narille". From one of his fellow knights in the order of Saint Mar'che. 
Just then, the former earl of Lé Dic is hit again by the knight with the heavy broadsword. Not in the helm this time, but in the side. Percy winces as he can feel that impact through his heavy plate armour. 
The noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic looks that way, and sees the knight with the broadsword grab the blade with his offhand. 
Knowing that a stab is coming at him, the large heavily armoured knight rolls once more. Though he's not as quick this time. 
And the point of the broadsword hits him, just below the helm. In the gorget. Scraping along it, though not piercing it. Much to Percy's relief. 
All the same, he can feel the blade scrape along the overlapping, lobstered styled, steel plates protecting his throat and neck. 
The former earl of Lé Dic kicks again, this time with his left boot, and once again is rewarded with a grunt of pain. As the knight with the heavy broadsword staggers back out of the way, almost dropping his weapon. 
As he does, the former paladin from the ground, swings his left arm out with a punch. Hitting the grounded knight who has his pick hammer stuck in the left foot. 
That knight who Percy hears hissing in pain, let's out a yelp of pain when the large heavily armoured knight's gauntleted fist connects with the steel boot that's got the pick hammer sticking out of the top of. 
Sir Percavelle Lé Dic then quickly reaches down to his belt, and grabs the haft of the first weapon he feels. 
It comes free, and with it in his right hand, which he brings up to the top of the left side of his breastplate. 
The nobleman from southern Druvic flings the weapon as hard as he can at whoever it is that's approaching from his right. 
It's the knight whose sword is still partially trapped beneath the former paladin lying on the ground. The thrown weapon hits. 
A loud groan goes up from the crowd, and Percy who couldn't actually see what he just did, lifts his head up to see what's happened. 
"Golly, would you look at that" murmurs sir Percavelle Lé Dic who is breathing heavily as he lies prone on his back. 
The large heavily armoured knight has thrown another pick. This time a double headed pick. Which hit the knight who was approaching from the right. 
It hit that particular knight in the order of Saint Mar'che right in the helm, the faceplate to be exact. Which it punched through. 
Percy winces as that knight from his order staggers around, no doubt with one side of the pick embedded in his face. 
Quite deep by the looks of things. If the blood coming out of the perforated breathing holes in the faceplate is anything to go by. 
That knight staggers around for a few more steps, before he trips over one of the other knights on the ground, and falls on top of sir Percavelle. 
Who mutters "Saint Mar'che" in disgust as he's now trapped beneath a dead or dying knight from the same order that he belongs to. 
"Uh oh" murmurs the former paladin after turning his head to the left, and he sees the knight with the heavy broadsword, limping in this direction. 
"That's not very sporting, wot" murmurs the noble born Druvician knight who sees the knight with the broadsword, grab the blade with his offhand once again. No doubt to stab him through the eye slot, or in the gorget once again. 
The former earl of Lé Dic who is desperately trying to roll the dead or dying knight off of him. Grunts in surprise as the knight from his order with the broadsword, who was just about to pull his blade back and stab it down at the prone nobleman from the kingdom of Druvic. 
Goes flying out of view. After getting struck by something in the back. 
Percy who caught a glimpse of something in white, or to be exact, someone in white. Turns his head to the left. 
And grins in relief behind the faceplate of his full helm when he sees Shur Kee the monk standing there. After the short statured monk did a running drop kick right in the back of the knight in the order of Saint Mar'che who was just about to stab down at the former paladin. 
"You better go out there and help Percy out" quietly says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy after they watch Shur Kee save sir Percavelle Lé Dic. 
Who after drop kicking the last standing knight in the order of Saint Mar'che in the back. Swung his staff at that particular knight's head. Knocking the man out after the helm took the heavy swing from the short statured monk's staff. 
"You'll probably have to help him off the field" adds the elven spy who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque. 
"He's probably fucked" continues the elven spy who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland, the principality of Alinlae. 
That's exactly how sir Percavelle Lé Dic feels. The large heavily armoured knight feels fucked. Totally exhausted, so much so he can't even roll the knight on top of him off. 
"Fine old chap" says the noble born knight after clearing his throat, as he replies to Shur Kee the monk who asked him "Are you alright friend Percy?". 
The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che waves a hand, and says "Do go on, I'll just lay here for a bit" followed by a "Wot". 
The large heavily armoured knight sees the short statured monk look away to the south side of the tourney field, then he nods his head when he looks back at the former earl of Lé Dic. 
"Very well then" says the physical adept in the philosophical order of Bru Li, who then moves away and out of sight from the Druvician nobleman. 
Though not before Percy sees him whack his staff into the side of the helm of the knight writhing on the ground with his pick hammer in the foot, knocking the fellow out .
Sir Percavelle Lé Dic also hears another clang as the staff of the short statured monk hits the helm of another of the knights in the order of Saint Mar'che. 
This one to the head of the first knight The former earl of Lé Dic hit when he threw the double headed hammer. 
The large heavily armoured knight, who also happens to be over fifty years old, as he lies there on the ground breathing heavily. 
Hears someone approaching from his right, he can't see that way, as he can't turn his head in that direction because of the heavily armoured body lying on top of him. 
Then behind his full helm, sir Percavelle Lé Dic faintly smiles when he hears someone stop right next to him, and say in a familiar voice "Come on Percy, let's get you out of here". 
The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che after taking a deep breath says "Very well squire" followed by "Let us do that" then after a moments pause, he adds "Wot". 
Before Zam the ex mercenary starts rolling the dead or dying knight off him, on this cool spring day here in the middle of the field, during Le Grande Meleé on day two of The Spring Tourney of Vexil . . . . . .

Sunday, 31 May 2026

Springtime In The City 51.


The City-State Of Vexil. 

After briefly looking over at sir Percavelle Lé Dic and seeing that the large heavily armoured knight isn't in combat with anyone at the moment. 
Zam the ex mercenary looks back to where Shur Kee the monk is fighting a pair of elves. One of whom is a noble elf according to Helbe the elven thief. And the other is a guard who works for that particular noble's house. 
The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins winces as Shur Kee gets in a low kick, that hits one of the elves in the knee, sending him stumbling backwards. 
The short statured monk who is holding his staff in both hands, length wise across his body. Unexpectedly tosses the staff at the other elf, who instinctively catches it. Big mistake. 
For the physical adept who is originally from beyond The Southlands, follows with a quick punch, which hits the elf holding his staff, in the face. 
Causing him to drop the staff, which Shur Kee catches, and the elf, who is the guard of the noble born elf, to stagger backwards, clutching at his face with a hand. 
The acolyte in the philosophical order of Bru Li, spins around swinging his staff, which collects the elven guard in the side of the head, instantly knocking out the elf, who drops to the ground. 
Shur Kee takes a couple of quick steps back, and goes into a different fighting stance, with part of his staff tucked under his right armpit. 
While the elven noble, who is flexing the leg that Shur Kee kicked. The elf bends it at the knee a few times to get feeling back into it. 
As he carefully studies the short statured monk standing about twenty feet away him, here towards the southern side of the tourney field, on the western end of it. 
Zam quickly looks away to where Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy is standing on this side of the roped off tourney field. 
And sees that the commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque is closely watching the confrontation between the physical adept and the elven noble. 
The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins then looks quickly over to the middle of the tourney field, and sees that sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as the rest of the group tend to call him. 
Is also watching the fight between the elven noble and the short statured monk who is from the far east coast of the continent, where his homeland the kingdom of Wah Lee is located. 
Infact the noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic isn't the only participant left in Le Grande Meleé watching the fight between Shur Kee and the elven noble. 
Quite a few on the western half of the tourney field, and a smaller number on the east half. Have stopped fighting and are watching the physical adept and the elf. 
Zam sees both Shur Kee and the elven noble, start to slowly circle one another. With the short statured monk circling to the left, and the elf circling to his left as well. 
Both are moving slowly as they watch one another. And the ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins who has been worried throughout the day that Shur Kee wears no armour at all. 
Sees that the elven noble barely has any armour too. Wearing just light leather armour out on the tourney field this day. 
And though the elf has a sword on his left hip, he hasn't drawn it. Infact, he undoes his sword belt, and his weapon drops to the ground. 
After a moment, Shur Kee the monk drops his staff, and kicks it to the right. As he does, the elven noble comes to a stop, so does the acolyte in the philosophical order of Bru Li. 
Then after a slight nod from the elf, the physical adept nods in return. Then the two of them are moving, taking quick steps towards one another..
Zam the ex mercenary watches as a flurry of kicks and punches are thrown by Shur Kee and his elven opponent. Along with a fair few knees and elbows. 
Much to the approval of the large crowd gathered today to watch day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil, just outside the north wall of the city. 
The youngest member of the group can barely keep up with what's happening as both the short statured monk and the elven noble attempt to hit one another. 
Eventually one does, it's the elf who hits Shur Kee with an open palm strike to the chest, just below and down from where the left arm and shoulder meet. Sending the short statured monk, with a grimace of pain upon his face, spinning in that direction. 
The physical adept continues spinning, and when he's almost completely around, he throws a back elbow, which the elven noble barely avoids as it would of hit him in the ribs, as the monk from Wah Lee is much shorter than him. 
Shur Kee doesn't stop his momentum throwing that back elbow, he continues spinning, throwing a back fist with his other hand. 
This time connecting, hitting the elf, in the top of the chest, which sends him stumbling backwards, almost tripping over his unconscious guard on the ground. 
Shur Kee rotates his left shoulder to get some feeling back into it. While his elven opponent rubs the top of his own chest, which hurts like hell after getting punched with a back fist. 
"Hell, he's not even gone into a trance yet" Zam the ex mercenary murmurs to himself referring to Shur Kee the monk. 
As he knows the physical adept who is the living incarnation of The Jade Warrior Bru Li, can go into a state that elevates him to beyond what any normal human being can do during combat. 
The teenager who is the youngest member of the group, looks quickly across the tourney field. And sees that nearly all of the remaining combatants, have stopped what they're doing. 
And are now watching the fight between the short statured monk who hails from beyond The Southlands, and the elven noble, who is from one of the three elven principalities to be found here in The Southlands. 
"Shit" murmurs Zam the ex mercenary, who out of the corner of his left eye, spots Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy, nodding his hooded head. No doubt in agreement with what he just murmured. 
As Shur Kee and the elven noble who he's up against here in Le Grande Meleé, go at one another again. 
This time even moving quicker than previously, with punches, kicks, knees, elbows. And Zam is pretty sure he sees the elven noble, even attempt a headbutt as the two combatants try to get a clean hit that will take one of them down. 
Blocks with arms, hands and raised legs. Are put up by both the short statured monk and his elven opponent. 
The ex mercenary originally from The City Of Ruins slightly nods to himself, when Shur Kee briefly traps the right arm of the elven noble under his left arm. 
And the physical adept throws a right elbow, well a right forearm to be exact. Up at his much taller opponent, which connects to just under the chin of the elven noble. 
Who staggers backwards, dazed from that hit. And he doesn't even see the low spinning back kick from the acolyte in the order of Bru Li, which connects with his legs, and sends him tumbling sideways to the ground. 
And though he has the wherewithal to try and spring back up to his feet. He can't avoid the quick right open palm strike that gets him flush in the side of the face, on the left jaw to be exact, that hits so hard, it knocks him out cold in an instant. 
There's a brief moment of silence, then a loud roar goes up from the large crowd that's gathered just outside the north wall of the city of Vexil, to watch Le Grande Meleé today. 
Zam just faintly smiles, and shakes his head, as he watches as Shur Kee wanders over to his staff, and picks it up as the crowd in the stands continue to cheer and yell for him. 
The teenager who is the youngest member of the group looks over to where Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as those who know him well, tend to call him. 
And he sees the spy originally from the elven principality of Alinlae slightly grinning as he too watches the short statured monk. 
Who after picking up his staff, just stands there with the staff upright in his left hand, and one end on the ground. 
As he looks across the tourney field at the other competitors, those who are still participating in the tourney. Who are down to around fifty or so combatants. 
Most of whom are still watching the physical adept who is the living conduit of The Jade Warrior Bru Li. 
After a few moments, things begin to pick up again. With competitors in Le Grande Meleé once again attacking one another. 
Zam the ex mercenary looks over to the middle of the tourney field, where sir Percavelle Lé Dic is. And as Dalinvardèl Tanith walks over and joins the youngest member of the group. 
The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. Prepares to take on the remaining largest group still taking part in Le Grande Meleé, here on day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. Armsmen from a Girdanian nobleman's army. 
And though they numbered ten just a little while ago. They're now down to eight in their numbers. After losing a pair of fellow armsmen when they fought both a knight and one of last mercenaries left in Le Grande Meleé at the same time. 
Zam nods his head in agreement with Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy who quietly tells him "Percy's got his work cut out for him here". 
The spy who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae, quietly continues with "Taking on this bunch there". 
As they watch the eight armsmen from the kingdom of Girdane, attempt to circle the large heavily armoured knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic. 
Sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as he's more commonly called by the others in the group isn't having any of that. 
And as the Girdanian armsmen try to surround him before moving in and attacking him. The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 
Picks up a fairly large axe from the ground, which belonged to one of combatants in Le Grande Meleé that he took out earlier. 
With an underhanded toss, the former earl of Lé Dic flings the heavy weapon at one of the armsmen in the army of a Girdanian nobleman. 
It misses him, barely. As he dives to one side. Knocking over his fellow armsmen to his left, sending them both to the ground. 
That's all Percy needs. As he's moving, with weapons, his own. In both gauntleted hands as he rushes the Girdanian armsmen who are closest to him. 
"Fuck" says Zam the ex mercenary when the former paladin connects with his spike hammer, which hits one of the armsmen in the face. Sending him screaming to the ground, with a large bloody gash up the side of his face. 
The large heavily armoured deathlord is whacked on the back with a sword, which though sends him stumbling a few steps forward. 
Doesn't stop him from blocking a swing from another sword with his hand axe, before he hits that particular armsman with his spike hammer. 
In the right shoulder, going through his chainmail armour with ease, dropping that fellow to his knees. Which sees him ending up with one of Percy's steel armored knees, hitting him directly in the face, ripping it open. 
The large heavily armoured knight who both Zam and Dalin is sure is quite exhausted after fighting throughout the morning, and now it's just after midday. 
Watch as the noble born knight who is originally from the south of the kingdom of Druvic, spin around and throw his hand axe at another of the Girdanian armsmen. 
The butt end of the axe slams into the top of that armsman's helm as he was trying to duck the thrown axe. 
It sends the helm flying, and whips his head back, causing him to fall backwards, and land on his rump. He's sitting there on the churned up ground, looking dazed as he tries to figure out what's happening around him. 
Sir Percavelle Lé Dic who until now in the fight against the Girdanian armsmen has been silent as he's been breathing heavily, now says to those armsmen still standing "Come forward you foul villains and face the wrath of the great sir Perca er I mean sir Percy" followed by a "Wot" after he takes a deep breath. 
The remaining armsmen who belong to a Girdanian nobleman's army, well those still standing, and are able to continue. 
All look at one another, then after a moments pause, one of them nods, and says to the others "Get him!". 
The five armsmen who are able to fight on, who include the pair that Percy initially knocked over with a thrown axe. Rush the former paladin who is a member of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 
Zam can't hear it over the noise of the crowd, and the sounds of combat on the tourney field. Dalin can, and he slightly grins as he hears the dismissive snort coming from behind the faceplate of sir Percavelle Lé Dic's full helm. 
The nobleman from the kingdom of Druvic who has a lot of weapons on him, draws another from his belt. This one a short, double headed hammer. 
And with that in his left gauntleted hand, and his favoured spike hammer in his right. The former earl of Lé Dic attacks the Girdanian armsmen who rush him. 
"That's not going to end well for them" dryly and quietly says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy referring to the remaining armsmen trying to rush the large heavily armoured knight. 
And though Percy's speed and movement aren't as quick and crisp as they were earlier in Le Grande Meleé. 
Zam is in agreement with the spy Tanith as they watch the former earl of Lé Dic continue to fight the armsmen from the kingdom of Girdane. 
After a little while, and the Druvician nobleman has dropped the third of the five remaining armsmen, leaving just two more still on their feet. 
Though those two are breathing heavily as they keep their distance from the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 
The ex mercenary says to the elven spy who hails from the principality of Alinlae "Think Percy's got this lot". 
Not hearing anything from the commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque, Zam looks at Dalin as sir Percavelle takes down another of the Girdanian armsmen, leaving just one still standing, backing away from the large heavily armoured knight. 
Thinking the elven spy is looking towards where Shur Kee the monk is standing, the youngest member of the group frowns as he sees the spy Tanith looking completely in the other direction. 
The ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins, looks to the east end of the tourney field, and as Percy throws his two headed hammer at the retreating armsmen, hitting him in the chest, knocking him to the ground. 
Zam asks the elf who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae "What is it?". 
"Trouble" is the quiet reply from Dalinvardèl Tanith, which causes the teenager who is the youngest member of the group to frown once again. Then Zam's eyebrows shoot up in surprise, when he spots what the elven spy is referring to. 
It's the remaining knights in the order of Saint Mar'che, who are now making their way across the eastern end of the tourney field. 
Heading towards the middle of the field just north of the city of Vexil. The middle, where sir Percavelle Lé Dic stands just after kicking in the head, the last Girdanian armsman he's knocked down. 
Zam the ex mercenary winces as he watches the group of knights from Percy's order walking across the tourney field.
Then with a nod of his head, the teenager originally from The City Of Ruins quietly says to the elven spy standing beside him "Trouble alright" . . . . . .


Tuesday, 26 May 2026

Springtime In The City 50.


The City Of Vexil. 

Walking over to where Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy is standing, Zam the ex mercenary continues to keep an eye on sir Percavelle Lé Dic. 
The youngest member of the group who has just been handed a small sack of food from Lisell Maera the scout. 
Winces as he watches the former earl of Lé Dic dispatch a wounded knight who staggered into the path of the large heavily armoured knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic. 
The teenager who is originally from The City Of Ruins is pretty certain the former paladin just knocked out that knight with a blow to the helm. 
If not, then that particular knight is either dead, or on the way to dying unless someone gets to him quickly, and helps him from the tourney field. 
"Thinning out quite a bit now" says Zam the ex mercenary to Dalinvardèl Tanith, along with Shur Kee the monk, who is standing just on the other side of the rope from them. 
"Definitely" says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy, while Shur Kee the monk nods his head, and says "Indeed it is friend Zam". 
The ex mercenary nods his head as he looks at the short statured monk, who doesn't have a scratch on him, nor does he look tired at all. 
No one is nearby on the tourney field, as the combatants have learnt to keep their distance from the physical adept, unless they take him on in numbers. 
The acolyte in the order of Bru Li who is eating a flatbread that's full of vegetables and meat, looks over to where sir Percavelle Lé Dic is. 
Then he quietly says "Friend Percy is still at it" both the spy Tanith and the ex mercenary nod in agreement with him. 
For without a doubt, the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che has eliminated more of the combatants than anyone else. Apart from those who have been teamed up since Le Grande Meleé got underway earlier this morning. 
"Hardly any lone fighters left" says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy or Dalin as he's more commonly called by those who know him well. 
"You and Percy are amongst the last dozen or so single fighters left" adds the spy who hails from the elven principality of Alinlae, where he previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of that particular nation. 
Zam nods as he looks out across the tourney field, for there's well under a hundred competitors left in Le Grande Meleé, which had well over five hundred participants when it got underway earlier. 
Now that it's approaching midday, groups ranging from pairs to eight, and even ten combatants working together, are the vast majority of those who are left on the tourney field. 
"Lis said to keep eye out for those pair of elves" quietly says the ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins. 
"As well as that group of men at arms" adds Zam referring to the largest group of ten combatants working together. 
"Not to mention those knights from Percy's order" continues the youngest member of the group, who follows that with "That's who lord Farque thinks are the biggest threat". 
Nodding his hooded head, the spy Tanith quietly says "That's what Lis told me as well". Dalin who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque tells Shur Kee the monk "Though those men at arms will most likely turn on each other, the less fighters that are left". 
Zam nods in agreement with that, for he's seen it happen quite a few times already during Le Grande Meleé. 
Where combatants who have teamed up. Those originally started off like that, or found themselves working with others throughout the morning. 
Have all turned on one another eventually. Usually to their own detriment. As they end up getting taken out shortly after turning on those who they were teamed up with. 
If fact the three of them watch it happen right now. As not too far away on this side of the tourney field. 
A knight in the order of Margesa, along with a knights apprentice in the same order. Who found each other during the tourney, and decided to join up. 
Suddenly turn on one another, after the two of them just spent a bit of time and effort to take down a Knight of The Dark. 
In fact it's the younger knights apprentice who turns on the older and more experienced member of the order. Hoping to eliminate the more heavily armoured, senior member of the order of Margesa. 
Hitting the knight across the back of the legs with his sword as he's was trying to get his breath back after the ordeal against the Dark Knight. 
The more senior member of the order drops to his knees with a grunt of pain, but he's not a knight for nothing. 
And as the knights apprentice steps forward to whack him across the back of the helm with his sword. 
The knight in the order of Margesa swings backwards with his own sword, catching the knights apprentice in the legs, the shins to be exact. 
And because the younger member of the order doesn't wear as much heavy armour. He's got no plate covering his legs, just leather and chainmail armour. 
He drops to the ground screaming in pain, with one leg shattered, and the other suffering a deep cut from the sword slash. 
His screams of pain come to an end when the knight gets up, turns around and kicks him in the side of the head as the helm of the knights apprentice had come off during their confrontation with the Dark Knight. 
The knight in the order of Margesa, lifts the faceplate of his full helm up to berate the more junior member of his order. 
But before he can say anything, he topples forward, after a blow to the back of his full helm. He falls unconscious across the body of the knights apprentice in his own order he just took down. 
"Out of the way old chap" says sir Percavelle Lé Dic who with his small hammer in his right gauntleted hand, continues with "I'm off to get a bite to eat, wot". 
As he gestures with his hammer to where Shur Kee the monk is standing at the edge of the tourney field, speaking to Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy and Zam the ex mercenary who are just on the other side of the rope. 
"Probably best if you stepped away Shur Kee" quietly says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy to the short statured monk after they see the former earl of Lé Dic take out the knight in the order of Margesa with a blow to the back of the helm, then make his way towards them. 
"The crowd might think you and Percy are in cohoots with one another" adds the commander in the Armies of Farque. 
The acolyte in the philosophical order of Bru Li, who is an honorary member of Lord Farque's personal council, nods his head. 
Then he moves away as the large heavily armoured knight continues to make his way across the tourney field to them. 
Dalin nods to Zam, then he too moves away to keep pace with the physical adept, while the ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins, waits for the noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic to join him at the edge of the tourney field. 
When Percy joins the youngest member of the group, and the ex mercenary hands the large heavily armoured knight some food. 
Zam gets a close look at the former paladin. Specifically his full suit of armour. And he sees a number of dents, and scuff marks on what's usually a pristine suit of heavy plate armour. 
Evidence that the former earl of Lé Dic has taken his fair share of hits during Le Grande Meleé, even though he's dispatched everyone who has attacked him. And a fair few who haven't attacked him. 
For the nobleman from the kingdom of Druvic has taken out a number of the combatants, who had no idea that he was close enough to do so. 
For sir Percavelle Lé Dic is not one to pass up an opportunity, and will do just about anything to get rid of someone on the tourney field. 
"How are you holding up Percy?" asks Zam the ex mercenary after he hands the water sack to the large heavily armoured knight. 
"Just grand lad" is the reply from the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 
"Grand" adds the noble born knight, who is the last remaining landed knight in Le Grande Meleé. Though there wasn't many of them taking part in the tourney, here on day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil to begin with. 
The teenager who is originally from The City Of Ruins who sees that the former earl of Lé is way more tired than what Shur Kee the monk is. 
Quietly tells the nobleman who hails from southern Druvic "Lord Farque says to be careful of those two elves over there". 
Percy just grunts at hearing that, and does so again when Zam says to him "And that large group of men at arms belonging some noble up in Girdane". 
Though the large heavily armoured knight says "Hmmm" in response to the ex mercenary telling him "And those five from your order who are working together". 
The two of them look towards the eastern end of the tourney field, which is pretty much empty now. Due to the fact that knights, and knights apprentices from the order of Saint Mar'che. 
Have had control of that end of the tourney since field a little after Le Grande Meleé got underway earlier in the morning. 
Now that it's nearing midday, there's just a scattering of combatants towards that end of the tourney field. 
With just five knights from Percy's order left, when there was over a dozen of them, and a similar number of knights apprentices when day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil begin earlier. 
"They've been taking down anyone who gets in their way" says Zam the ex mercenary to the noble born knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic. 
Sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who is a former earl of the duchy that bares his family's name, grunts as he looks at those who are members of the knightly order that he too belongs to. 
The large heavily armoured knight, who is going by sir Percy of Druvic, a landed knight from that kingdom whilst taking part in the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 
Finishes off the water sack, and hands it back to the teenager who is the youngest member of the group. 
And as munches on the last stuffed flatbread that Zam gives him. The ex mercenary keeps the last two for himself. 
The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che says "I do say so, tis getting a bit wearying seeing all those chaps, wot". 
The nobleman who hails from southern Druvic, continues on with "Thoust would eliminate them if they bothered to come this way". 
The youngest member of the group who is originally from The City Of Ruins, nods his head in agreement with the large heavily armoured knight. As the members of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che have kept themselves to the east end of the tourney field throughout most of Le Grande Meleé. 
And have rarely ventured to the middle of the tourney field, and not even bothered to make their way to the west end. 
Sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as he's more commonly called by the others in the group, who has been fairly smart in letting other participants in Le Grande Meleé come to him. So he doesn't get exhausted chasing after other combatants. 
Is just looking to where he can place himself, when he spots the pair of elves that his so called squire Zam, told him about. 
The former paladin who has seen them a few times throughout the morning, is just wondering if he should go over and confront them. 
When a familiar voice says to him and the youngest member of the group "Best you keep clear of those elves". 
Percy looks sideways at where the voice of Helbe the elven thief is coming from, who continues telling them "You're no match for them at this time". 
The large heavily armoured knight from southern Druvic sourly smiles at that last comment from the hidden elven magic user. 
Who then says "That goes for your fellow knights in the order of Saint Mar'che" the young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel, follows that with "Two or three would be fine, but five at once, after spending all morning fighting". 
The highly talented elven practitioner of magic, who is blurred and standing beside Zam, then adds "You'd stand no chance". 
The Druvician knight sourly smiles once again, but he does grunt in the positive in response to the elven master assassin telling him "If you're going to attack one of the larger groups, go for that lot from Girdane". 
The former paladin along with the ex mercenary look to where the men at arms who are part of a Girdanian nobleman's army, are fighting a trio of some of the last mercenaries left in Le Grande Meleé. 
"You'll take them out" says the blurred and shielded elven magic user, who isn't just invisible to Zam and Percy, and everybody else watching what's going on during the tourney. 
But the mages and others from the Mage Council of Vexil, who are running Le Grande Meleé. Who are actively stopping anyone who might be spellcasting on the tourney field, or at any of the competitors. 
Have no idea the grandson of the ruling prince of Laerel is doing his own thing, and freely casting whatever he wants to cast. 
Continues with "Eventually" after a long pause as he's been reading the minds of many of those who are left in Le Grande Meleé. 
After looking towards the east, at those who are in the same knightly order as he is, then at the pair of elves who are towards the south edge of the tourney field, whose attention has been taken by someone else. 
The former paladin says "Right then, I'm off" followed by "Time to vanguish more of these villains, wot". 
The large heavily armoured knight starts heading back across the tourney field, back towards the middle of it. 
As he does, Zam glances to where he thinks Helbe the elven thief is, who quietly says to him "Looks like those two elves have found someone else to attack". 
The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins, looks around and spots who the elven masterthief is referring to. 
It's Shur Kee the monk, who has spotted the pair of elves who are heading his way. A bit further to the left, in the western half of the tourney field. 
"He's the only one who can beat them" quietly explains the elven princeling from Laerel, who after a pause adds "For one of them is a noble, and the other is from his house, and has taught him". 
Zam slightly winces, as he knows that Helbe the elven thief is referring to the open handed combat that is taught to the elven nobility. Which usually isn't shared outside their own families. 
"Percy wouldn't of stood a chance against them" says the young elven noble who is from the island principality of Laerel. Who after a slight pause, continues on with "Shur Kee on the other hand". 
The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins after taking a quick look over to where sir Percavelle Lé Dic has just stopped. 
Looks to where Shur Kee the monk is standing, and is watching the pair of elves walking towards him. 
Zam who can no longer hear prince Helbenthril Raendril, and figures the elven masterthief has moved off. 
Continues, like a lot of the massive crowd, to watch the impeding confrontation between the short statured monk and the pair of elves who are walking towards him on this fine and sunny, but cool spring day here just outside the north wall of the city of Vexil . . . . . .
 





Sunday, 24 May 2026

Springtime In The City 49.


Vexil. 

"Of course he wants a drink now" mutters Zam the ex mercenary who continues muttering with "Why wouldn't he?". 
As sir Percavelle Lé Dic has just looked around for him, then mimed taking a drink when he spotted the teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins. 
Zam shakes his head, as just a little while ago Lisell Maera the scout came down from the seats, and handed him a fresh water sack. Telling him that sir Percavelle or Percy as he's more commonly called by the others in the group. Will most likely need a drink soon. 
The ex mercenary sighs, then he looks away to his left, and spots Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy looking his way, who calls out in elvish "Be careful". 
Zam replies with a nod, then after taking a deep breath, the youngest member of the group ducks down breath the rope, and starts making his way across the tourney field. 
The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins isn't a religious person at all. But that doesn't stop him from silently making a prayer to the gods to keep him safe as he ventures out into Le Grande Meleé. 
The ex mercenary hurries forward out of the way of a trio of mercenaries attacking a lone knight. Who is getting the better of the three mercenaries. 
Zam winces as someone behind him falls over screaming in pain. The youngest member of the group doesn't draw his sword, as he doesn't want to make himself a bigger target than he already is. 
So he hurries across the tourney field crouched over, trying to avoid the combatants. Those at least who are still standing and fighting. 
The ex mercenary hops over a knight, whose squire is trying to drag him away. Zam looks up, and finds Percy once again standing in spot of calm amongst the chaos. 
The teenager hops over a couple of other people, sellswords or mercenaries. He's not sure. What he is sure, is that they're either unconscious, or they're dead. As they confronted sir Percavelle Lé Dic a little while ago. 
So did a knight, this one in the order of Valnar Mar, who took on the former earl of Lé Dic, and came out on the losing side. 
Zam winces as he sees the smashed in faceplate on the full helm of the knight in the order of Volnar Mar who tried to fight the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 
"Percy here" says Zam the ex mercenary when he reaches the large heavily armoured knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic. 
"Ah good chap" says sir Percavelle Lé Dic who lifts up his faceplate as he takes the water sack from the youngest member of the group. 
"Twas feeling a little parched there, wot" adds the former paladin before he takes a long drink from the water sack. 
Zam reaches down and picks up hammer from the ground, with a handle that's broken off about halfway along the haft. 
The ex mercenary throws it at a knights apprentice, who seeing that sir Percavelle Lé Dic is busy drinking from a water sack. Thought it would be the ideal time to attack the noble born knight who hails from southern Druvic. 
Zam grimaces as the knights apprentice drops to the ground shouting in pain after the thrown hammer smashes into his legs. 
As the former earl of Lé Dic takes a few deep breaths, the teenager originally from The City Of Ruins tells him "Fair few of your order taking part Percy". 
The ex mercenary continues on from that with "Down at the east end of the field" followed by "There's a bunch of them working together that way". 
The large heavily armoured knight who is a member of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che grunts, then looks to the east end of the tourney field. 
Zam sees the former paladin scowl before Percy slams shut the face plate of his full helm, and he hears the Druvician nobleman loudly mutter "They shall fear the great sir Percavelle if they attempt to face me, wot".
The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins refrains from rolling his eyes before he takes back the now half empty water sack. 
Then Zam, along with sir Percavelle Lé drop down when they hear a familiar voice tell the two of them "Duck". 
The youngest member of the group winces when he catches a glimpse of an axe spinning through the air, that barely passed over him and the former earl of Lé Dic. 
"Thanks" says the ex mercenary to the invisible Helbe the elven thief, who is keeping a close eye on Percy and Zam. As well as Shur Kee the monk and Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy. "Yes, wot" adds the large heavily armoured knight who is the former earl of Lé Dic. 
They hear no response from me young elven noble from the island principality of Laerel. But nevertheless, they. Well Zam at least, is happy the highly talented elven magic user is looking out for them. 
"Luck Percy" says the teenager originally from The City Of Ruins, the response is a grunt from sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who then tells him "Of with you now squire". 
Zam nods, then as he moves away, he gulps when he catches sight of who threw the axe at him and the former paladin. 
He's a mercenary or a sellsword, a large man, around Lord Farque's height, though even bigger than the lord and ruler of the Lands Farque. 
He wears a dented breastplate over his ample stomach, and he has an axe in one hand and a hammer in the other, with a two handed sword across his back as he stomps his way towards the former earl of Lé Dic. 
As he heads back across the tourney field, the youngest member of the group briefly glances back. 
And he sees Percy take one of his own weapons from his belt. The spike hammer Zam has seen him previously wield in battle. 
It's the first time so far the large heavily armoured Druvician knight has taken one of his own weapons to hand during Le Grande Meleé. 
The ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins yelps "Fuck" as he nearly trips over someone crawling away on the ground. 
With his heart racing, and his breathing heavy for a bit. Zam concentrates on where he's going as he hurries back across the tourney field to the south side, and the safety beyond the rope. 
The youngest member of the group basically dives back beneath the rope as he saw that he started gathering a bit of attention from some of the combatants as they now know he's Percy's squire. 
Zam turns around and looks back across the tourney field now that he's safe behind the rope, and he grunts when he spots sir Percavelle Lé Dic again. 
"Well that didn't go as he thought it would" the ex mercenary dryly murmurs to himself as he watches the former paladin yank out the spike end of his hammer from the breastplate of the big mercenary who just confronted him. 
Zam winces as the large man falls backwards to the ground, and he spots the four or five holes in the big mercenary's breastplate. 
The youngest member of the group who is originally from The City Of Ruins shakes his head and he guesses the large mercenary didn't realize how quick Percy can be when he wields his own weapons. 
Zam watches as the nobleman from the south of the kingdom of Druvic picks up the two handed sword of the unmoving mercenary, who is either dead, or is dying. 
The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che spins around with the two handed sword. 
And he flings it away with force, and it smashes into a knight in the order of Margesa, knocking over the knight with a clatter. 
Sir Percavelle Lé Dic doesn't even go after that knight, for the simple reason a pair of Vexillian city guards who have entered Le Grande Meleé and are working together. 
Attack the downed knight with their weapons. With one hitting his full helm with a heavy mallet. And the other slashing and whacking him with his sword. 
Zam looks away from Percy, who hasn't moved around all that much. As he conserves energy by staying near the middle of the tourney field. 
The youngest member of the group instead looks for Shur Kee the monk, and glances away to his left. 
And he spots where Dalinvardèl Tanith who is about thirty yards away, is looking towards. And he soon spots the short statured monk who is originally from beyond The Southlands, the far east coast of the continent, and the kingdom of Wah Lee to be exact. 
"Damn" murmurs the ex mercenary with a shake of the head as he sees Shur Kee drop a guard, a private company guard by the looks of things. 
With an open palm strike to the side of the head, just behind the left ear. Which knocks out the guard from one of the large trading companies in the city. 
The physical adept just stood there with his left hand holding his staff, which he was holding upright with an end on the ground. 
The short man in his early fourties, wearing no armour, continues to stand like that as Zam sees a dwarven mercenary wearily approach the acolyte in the order of Bru Li. 
It's one of the few dwarves competing in Le Grande Meleé, and Zam quickly looks back into the stands to the south of the tourney field. 
And he spots the rest of the group, and nods to himself as he sees Dorc da Orc, who is looking more furious than he normally is. 
The large ork left arm is the grip of Lord Farque who is beside the warleader of the ork race, who is a general in the deathlord of Farque's Armies. 
The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins briefly smiles as over the noise of the crowd, and the fighting taking place on the tourney field. He hears Dorc da Orc shout out "Fuck 'em up little monkey!". 
Zam looks quickly back to where Shur Kee the monk is, and though the dwarf, who is wearing bits and pieces of plate armour over leather armour and chainmail, is fairly quick on his feet. 
He's no match for the speed of the short statured monk who is the living incarnation of The Jade Warrior Bru Li. 
The dwarven mercenary staggers back after getting kicked in the face by Shur Kee the monk, who follows that kick with a thrust of one end of his staff. 
The dwarf unfortunately wears an open face helm, and the wooden end of the staff shatters his already broken nose from the kick delivered by the physical adept. 
The dwarven mercenary growls in his native language, and goes to throw his hammer at the short statured monk. 
Who has already spun away, and the thrown hammer misses him by a fair margin. The spinning monk is swinging his staff. 
Which for the dwarf, unfortunately hits him in the side of the head, along the jawline to be exact. Whipping his head sideways, and sending his helm flying off his head. And though the dwarven mercenary doesn't fall completely to the ground. 
He does drop to a knee. And he ends up getting kicked in the side of the head, the same side he was just hit by Shur Kee's staff. 
This time the dwarven mercenary drops to the ground sideways, completely knocked out by the kick from the acolyte in the philosophical order of Bru Li. 
In now a fairly calm area on the tourney field, Shur Kee the monk stands there with his staff upright in his left hand, looking to where sir Percavelle Lé Dic is near the middle of the tourney field. 
While over the cheering and shouting of the large crowd gathered to watch day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. Not to mention all the sounds of the action taking place out on the tourney field. 
Zam the ex mercenary can hear the laughter from Dorc da Orc up in the stands, who clearly enjoyed Shur Kee dealing to that dwarven mercenary. 
The youngest member of the group after glancing up into the mid morning sky, and sees that there's even a larger airship in the skies above. 
From one of the Vexillian trading companies by the looks of things. Who have a large number of people onboard to watch Le Grande Meleé from the vantage point up in the air. 
Looks across the tourney field and guess that more than half of the combatants have been eliminated. 
Many of whom have been helped off the tourney field by their assistants or squires. As Zam sees that a number of knights, and knights apprentices, and men at arms and soldiers have started to be eliminated in the tourney. 
Though they make up the vast majority of those who are left, as a lot of the various city and private guards, and many mercenaries make up the bulk of those who have been knocked out so far. 
"People are being a bit more circumspect, and using tactics now" says Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy who has walked over and joined the ex mercenary who is the youngest member of the group. 
"Those who don't even know each other are teaming up" adds the spy who is originally from the elven principality of Alinlae. 
Zam nods in agreement with the elven spy who is a commander in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque. 
"I think so" says the teenager originally from The City Of Ruins in reply to the spy Tanith dryly saying to him "If anyone wants to take out that madman Percy, they'll have to team up with some others". 
Gesturing away to where there's a pair of Dark Knights attacking anyone who gets close to them, Zam tells Dalinvardèl Tanith or Dalin as he's more commonly called by those who know him well "Or those from the same order who know how to fight as a team". 
The elven spy who previously served in one of the more prominent noble houses of his homeland of Alinlae before joining the group, grunts in agreement with the ex mercenary. 
Then Dalin says "Best I get back to keeping an eye on Shur Kee" followed in a dry tone of voice with "Not that he actually needs it". 
For as they've been speaking, the short statured monk has knocked out another of the competitors in Le Grande Meleé. 
This one a cleric from one of the churches in the city. Who was knocked out by a couple of strikes to the head from the physical adept's staff. After Shur Kee kicked the cleric's legs out from under him, which sent him toppling to the ground. 
Zam sees that the short statured monk, along with sir Percavelle Lé Dic are increasingly getting fewer and fewer of the other combatants confronting them. 
For it's obvious that they along with a number of the other competitors, can easily defeat anyone who tries to take them on at this time during Le Grande Meleé. 
The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins wonders how long this will last before people team up in groups to challenge those competitors like Percy and Shur Kee. 
Zam suspects it will be a fair bit later, when only the most skilled of tourney combatants, and those who are just plain lucky, are still participating in Le Grande Meleé. 
Here on day two of the Spring Tourney of Vexil, just outside the north wall of the city on this cool, but sunny spring day . . . . . .