Springtime In The City 45.

The City-State Of Vexil. 

As the hushed crowd watches the body of the young landed knight from the kingdom of Druvic, sir Junicar of Marson Grove being carted off the tourney field. 

Accompanied by his crying squire, the pair of spellcasters who checked on him. As well as a couple of priests from two of the clerical orders based in the city of Vexil. 

Zam the ex mercenary quickly wipes down the warhorse of sir Percavelle Lé Dic as it's lathered after making quite a few passes non stop. 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins looks down to the east end of the tourney field, and sees the squire of sir Dormic of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che doing the same thing for the paladin's warhorse. 

The youngest member of the group who is acting as sir Percavelle's squire for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. Has already gotten the large heavily armoured knight a new lance. 

And after he wipes down the white warhorse, he leads the mount with the former paladin up in the saddle, to the center tilt of the tourney field. 

A few moments later and sir Dormic's squire does the same thing, as they along with the massive crowd wait for the body of sir Junicar of Marson Grove to be taken off to the side of the tourney field. 

"Be careful with this one Percy" quietly says Zam the ex mercenary as he holds the bridle of the warhorse. 

"He's good" adds the teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins as he looks down the tourney field at the paladin who along with the former earl of Lé Dic are the remaining combatants in the Lists for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

"I will, squire" says sir Percavelle Lé Dic, which causes Zam to look up at the large heavily armoured knight. 

As he said that in a calm, and reasonable tone of voice. And not the overly loud, pompous tone he usually speaks with. 

The ex mercenary nods, then he steps out of the way, and back. When he sees the dead body of sir Dormic's last opponent is now clear of the tourney field. 

Sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as he's more commonly called by the others in the group, doesn't even give a nod of his full helmed head to his opponent. 

He just taps his spurs to the flanks of his warhorse, which takes off down one side of the center tilt on the tourney field. A moment later, and sir Dormic does likewise down the other side of the very same tilt. 

As he watches, Zam has absolutely no idea who'll win this last match up of the day. As both men, one a former paladin, one a paladin. Both in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. Not that anyone apart from the group knows that Percy is a member of that knightly order. 

Ride towards one another at full pace, down either side of the tilt the final joust is taking place on. 

The crowd which was subdued at the death of the young landed knight from the kingdom of Druvic. Starts to pick up intensity, getting louder and louder as the combatants get closer and closer to one another. 

Then there's a loud roar as both of the mounted knights hit one another. Though glancing blows, which shatter their lances, and sending them backwards in the saddle. 

Both men, one a paladin the other a former paladin, remain mounted as their warhorses continue to either end of the tourney field. 

Zam moves further out of the way as sir Dormic the paladin and his warhorse approach this end of the tourney field. 

The ex mercenary who is the youngest member of the group sees that the member of the Knights of Saint Mar'che takes until the very end of the tourney field, to get upright in the saddle, and to bring his mount to a halt. 

As sir Dormic circles his warhorse around, and one of the tourney attendants hurries over with a new lance for the paladin. 

Zam hears over the noise of the crowd that sir Dormic is breathing heavily as he waits for the new lance, which is soon handed to him. 

The teenager who was scratching a meager living together as a mercenary when he was found by the group in The City Of Ruins. 

Looks to the far end of the tourney field and sees that Percy is already waiting to make another pass. 

And once he sees his opponent from his order has a lance in hand. The noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic sets off again. Down the side of the tilt that sir Dormic made his first pass. 

A couple of moments later and the paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che sets off as well down the other side of the tilt. 

Zam winces in anticipation as the crowd roars it's approval as the finalist in the Joust for the Spring Tourney of Vexil charge at one another again. 

"Shit" murmurs the ex mercenary who is the youngest member of the group as again, both combatants score a hit. 

This time in the middle of the breastplate, sending both men flying out of the saddle, and off the back of their horses. 

Zam is already running before Percy hits the ground. The teenager who is originally from The City Of Ruins as he runs, sees the former earl of Lé Dic hit the ground back first. 

As does his opponent, and fellow member of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che, sir Dormic the paladin. 

As he runs, the ex mercenary nods to himself as he sees the former earl of Lé Dic roll to one side, then get to his hands and knees. 

By the time Zam gets to the large heavily armoured knight, who is now on one knee, it doesn't take much effort to get him standing upright. 

"You okay Percy?" quickly asks the teenager who is acting as sir Percavelle Lé Dic's squire during the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

"Fine" is the gasped reply from the former paladin as he tries to get his breath back after taking that hit from his opponent. 

Zam who worries for the nobleman from the kingdom of Druvic, who after all is around fifty years old, and nearly twice the age of his fellow finalist. 

Whistles to the white warhorse that's stopped close by. And the mount makes it's way over to them. 

As it does, the ex mercenary looks quickly around. And sees that sir Dormic's squire has just helped the paladin to his feet. 

While a tourney attendant is chasing after the paladin's warhorse which has continued running down the tilt, to the east end of the tourney field. 

"Let's get you up into the saddle" says Zam to the former paladin, who just grunts in reply to that as he's still winded. 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins slightly smiles to himself as it's relatively easy to get Percy mounted again. 

And he knows that Helbe the elven thief just gave them a helping hand by way of a spell, that's unnoticed by the members of The Mage Council of Vexil. 

Who are present, and who monitor the tourney field, where all magic, not just spellcasting, is banned. With the exception of healing magic for those who are badly injured. 

Once sir Percavelle is up on his horse again, Zam at a jog, leads it to the west end of the tourney field. 

As he does, he looks back over his left shoulder. And sees sir Dormic the paladin, assisted by his squire. Is walking back to the east of the tourney field. 

Where a couple of the attendants have finally caught the warhorse that belongs to the paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

The ex mercenary looks ahead again, as he does, Zam says to the former earl of Lé Dic "You two are a match for one another". 

The youngest member of the group continues with "You're both doing the same thing in each pass". 

Sir Percavelle Lé Dic grunts, then a dry sounding "So I noticed, wot" comes from the large heavily armoured knight who has finally got his breath back. 

Then before Zam suggests Percy do something out of the ordinary, the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che says "I best change things up a bit". 

The noble born knight who hails from the south of the kingdom of Druvic continues with "I shall do something, somewhat differently" he pauses for a moment, before adding "Wot". 

Zam turns the horse around, and once they're facing down the tourney field, they wait after the teenager gets the large heavily armoured knight a new lance. As sir Dormic the paladin is yet to mount his warhorse down at the east end. 

The ex mercenary originally from The City Of Ruins who can hear Percy breathing heavily though not as much as before. 

Watch and see the paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che get back up in the saddle, and his squire gives him a new lance. Zam let's go of the horse's bridle, then steps back and out of the way. 

The noble born Druvician knight sets off, again giving no time for his opponent to get a few moments rest. 

After a pause, sir Dormic of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che sets off from the east end of the tourney field. 

And the massive crowd that's gathered outside the north wall of the city of Vexil roars it's approval as the final two combatants in the Joust for the Spring Tourney of Vexil make another pass. 

Sir Percavelle Lé Dic is a lot of things. Chief among them being annoying to everyone around him. 

But what the former paladin most definitely is. Is that he's a total menace on a tilt, in The Lists or as it's more commonly known as, The Joust. 

The thing with Percy, and what he's noticed about his opponent here at the very end of the lists for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

Is that sir Dormic the paladin, is making each pass as he's been trained to do in their order. As for that matter, has been Percy. 

The former earl of Lé Dic did this to find the measure of his opponent. Who if he was honest to himself. Is his equal when it comes to the joust. 

Which is no surprise, considering the members of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che are known for their prowess when it comes to jousting. 

But sir Percavelle Lé Dic has an advantage over his fellow knights in his order when it comes to The Lists. 

Percy was an absolute menace during The Joust before he joined the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

For in southern Druvic where he's originally from, tourneys, and jousting in particular, was a common occurrence. 

Especially in the warmer months of spring, summer, and early autumn. Where a tourney could occur weekly in various places across the south of Druvic. Especially in the southeast of Druvic, where the lands of the Earl of Le Dic are located. 

Percy along with his brother, would go from estate to estate, earldom to earldom, duchy to duchy. To compete in the local tourneys. Specifically The Joust, which they both excelled at. And all this as teenagers. 

For sir Percavelle Lé Dic won numerous tourneys as a young teen. Beating much older combatants. All from the training that he and his brother took under their father's master at arms. 

A commoner, who was a no holds barred individual, who couldn't care less about someone's rank or station in life. 

Who taught the Lé Dic boys any and every way to win in all forms of combat. Including during a tourney joust. 

Percy was already an accomplished jouster when he joined the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

And he didn't actually learn anything new when it came to jousting when he became a member of the knightly order that accepted him. 

It's why he did what he did earlier in the rounds to get a win. And it's why he's about to do something to his last opponent, the paladin sir Dormic that isn't seen that often, or at all on a tourney field during the Joust. 

Sir Percavelle Lé Dic aims his lance down low, lower than his opponent the paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

Sir Dormic sees this, and he's not surprised. As he saw the knight known as sir Percy of Druvic do this earlier. Where he struck one of his opponents mounts full on in the chest. 

Where barding, even steel plate barding like sir Dormic's warhorse has. Won't do much, as the momentum and force from such a strike, will tumble a mount forward, usually seeing the rider flipping forward through the air as well. 

Making adjustments as he suspected something like this would happen. Sir Dormic the paladin goes to counter that technique from his opponent. Big mistake. 

See Percy, is holding his lance a bit further back than he normally would. And has it cinched under his right arm as he aims low at the chest of his opponents mount. 

Then just before they're about to hit one another, the former earl of Lé Dic let's go off the reins with his left hand, and with that hand grabs his lance. 

Just as sir Dormic goes to slide his lance down, to whack sir Percavelle Lé Dic's one out of the way. 

As he does, Percy pulls down with his right arm, and lifts with his left hand. Swinging the lance upwards like an oar coming out of the water. 

And the blunt end of the lance just misses the head of sir Dormic's warhorse, and comes upwards and hits the breastplate of the paladin. It's a glancing blow, more of a scrape than anything else. As the lance continues upwards, before it smashes into the helm of sir Dormic. 

Hitting it just above the gorget that protects the throat and neck of it's wearer. It hits the underside of the faceplate. And at that speed, and momentum. There's predictable results to say the least. 

Sir Dormic head snaps back, and his helm is ripped off as he's cartwheeled backwards off his warhorse. 

Percy dodges the wildly swinging lance of his opponent, who hits the ground shoulders first, without a helm that's been torn apart. 

The paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che tumbles a couple of times before coming to a stop. 

As the former earl of Lé Dic continues down the tilt as the massive crowd cheers and shouts at what they've just witnessed. 

Zam the ex mercenary grins as he watches sir Dormic's squire get to the prone paladin, along with a spellcasting healer, followed by a couple of tourney attendants with a hand cart. 

The magic user gives the signal for the jouster being alive, but is unable to continue. As sir Dormic has been knocked absolutely senseless. Not to mention he's got a massive gash up his face, and forehead. 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins slightly shakes his head, and continues to grin as he watches as Percy rides back this way along the tourney field, waiving to the cheering crowd. 

As he's the last combatant remaining, and the winner of The Joust for Spring Tourney of Vexil on this fine and sunny day here just outside the north wall of the city . . . . . . 

Springtime In The City 44.

The City Of Vexil. 

"Hell" mutters Zam the ex mercenary who follows that with "He's tougher than he looks" as he watches the knight of the first class, sir Maseen of the order of Volnar Mar get up off the ground after getting unhorsed by sir Percavelle Lé Dic for the second time. 

The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che has just come to a stop beside Zam, and he circles his horse around. 

"By Saint Mar'che" mutters sir Percavelle Lé Dic when he sees his opponent has got up again, and his squire is getting him his horse. 

"Bit of a challenge, wot" says the noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic to the teenager from The City Of Ruins who is acting as his squire. 

"Looks like it Percy" says the ex mercenary who has just replaced the former earl of Lé Dic's broken lance with a new one. 

As sir Maseen gets back in the saddle, and trots to the east end of the tourney field. Zam along with sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as the rest of the group tend to call him. 

Look at what's happening in the rest of the matchups for what's essentially the final of the Joust for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

In the tilt next to them, sir Vamdeen of the Knights of The Dark waits to make a third pass as well. 

As his opponent, the landed knight from the kingdom of Girdane, sir Basmith of Froom is just getting back up onto his horse after being knocked out of the saddle. 

While the next tilt along to the right, both the young landed knight from the kingdom of Druvic, sir Junicar of Marson Grove. 

And sir Almanek of the order of the Knights of Varnell are both getting back up onto the backs of their warhorses after hitting each other off. 

While the final tilt, the fourth pair, closer to the southern side of the tourney field. The paladin sir Dormic of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che.

Waits for his opponent, sir Pasquale of the order of the Knights of Volnar Mar, to get back up off the ground. 

The knight of the first class in the order of Volnar Mar gets up with the help of his squire, and limps over to his mount which a couple of the attendants of the tourney have gathered. 

As yet not a single winner has emerged from the four pairs who are in the final group of the Lists for the day. 

"He's ready Percy" says Zam the ex mercenary when he notices sir Maseen has got a new lance, and is now facing this way at the far end of the tourney field. 

"What?" says the large heavily armoured knight who hails from the south of the kingdom of Druvic. 

"Yes, indeed he is, wot" adds the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che, who gives his warhorse a nudge with his spurs, and it takes off. 

While at the other end of the tourney field, the knight of the first class in the order of Volnar Mar has set off too. 

Each warhorse is thundering down either side of the tilt, and the youngest member of the group who is originally from The City Of Ruins wonders if Percy can finally eliminate his opponent. 

Zam nods to himself as he sees former earl of Lé Dic evade the blunted end of his opponents lance, and his own lance takes sir Maseen in the top of his breastplate. 

Sending him flying off the back of his horse, and to the side, where he hits the top of the wooden tilt with a glancing blow, before hitting the ground back first. 

This time the knight of the first class in the order of Volnar Mar doesn't get up. As he's been knocked unconscious by that pass from sir Percavelle Lé Dic. 

Who is the first competitor to win a matchup in the final round of the Joust for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

Quickly after Percy wins his joust, sir Vamdeen of the Knights of The Dark is victorious too. As his opponent sir Basmith of Froom is sent flying from his warhorse. 

And in spectacular fashion goes flying over the tilt that separates him and his opponent, clipping the section of the wooden top with both of his legs. 

Shattering them both, before he hits the ground with a rather loud and painful clatter on sir Vamdeen's side of the tilt. 

Zam the ex mercenary winces at seeing that, and as sir Basmith's squire, along with a couple of attendants with a hand cart, and a spellcaster hurry out onto the tourney field to treat the landed knight from the kingdom of Girdane. 

The teenager who is originally from The City Of Ruins looks away to his right to see how things fair for the combatants in the other two matchups. 

Zam doesn't see it, but the paladin in Percy's order, sir Dormic has unhorsed his opponent sir Pasquale of the order of Volnar Mar once again. 

But this time, the knight of the first class in the order of Volnar Mar isn't getting up. As he's been knocked out cold. 

While the combatants in the last pair, are still at it. As the young landed knight from the kingdom of Druvic, sir Junicar of Marson Grove, waits at the far end of the tourney field. 

As sir Almanek of the order of the Knights of Varnell, is again making his way to his mount which his squire has just gathered. 

It's clear that sir Almanek is either injured or is dazed, as he staggers and weaves his way over to his warhorse. 

All the same, the knight in the order of Varnell gets back onto his horse with minimal help from his squire. 

And he gets it pointed in the right direction, and heads down to this end of the tourney field, while sir Junicar of Marson Grove waits at the east end of the tourney field which lies just outside the north wall of the city of Vexil. 

The three victorious knights watch as the final pair set off again to make another pass on their tilt. 

And though this time, both combatants hit one another with their lances. The young landed knight from the north of the kingdom of Druvic stays in the saddle. 

Not so sir Almanek, who once again is unhorsed, and he slams backwards onto the ground in the remains of sir Junicar's lance which has shattered to pieces. 

And though the knight in the order of Varnell tries to move from side to side, so that he can roll over and try to get up off the ground. 

Even with the help of his squire, he's unable to get back up and continue the joust, and sir Junicar of Marson Grove is the fourth victor in the final round of the Joust for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

Zam hurries to get another lance for sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who is trotting back down the tourney field. 

As both he and sir Vamdeen of the order of the Knights of the Dark, his next opponent, ended up at the east end of the tourney field, after their final passes. 

Before giving the former paladin in the order of Saint Mar'che the new lance, the youngest member of the group hands him a water sack, which the large heavily armoured knight drinks from. 

"Thanks squire" says Percy, who continues on with "Tis thirsty work, wot" before he tosses the sack back to Zam. 

Who then hands the new lance to the noble born knight who is originally from the kingdom of Druvic. 

Sir Percavelle Lé Dic closes his helm's faceplate, and he turns his mount around so it's facing the far end of the tourney field when the ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins tells him "He's waiting for you Percy". 

The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che grunts as he sees that the knight of the Dark, has shifted over to this tilt. 

The nobleman from the south of the kingdom of Druvic nods his full helmed head to his opponent, who replies in kind. 

Then the two of them set off, as there's no pause in this final round of the day. As you have to keep making passes until there's finally a winner. 

As the large heavily armoured knight in the silver armour races towards the paladin in the black armour.

Zam quickly glances at the other pair left in the Lists. And sees that they're yet to get underway. As sir Almanek who was defeated by sir Junicar of Marson Grove, is still being carted off from that side of the tourney field..

Then the teenager who was previously scratching together a living as a mercenary in The City Of Ruins. 

Looks back along the tilt he's standing at the west end of, just as sir Percavelle Lé Dic and sir Vamdeen hit one another. 

The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che and the paladin in the order of the Knights of the Dark. Go flying off the back of their warhorses in a spray of wood from their broken lances. 

"Fuck" mutters Zam with a wince, who then takes off running down the tourney field, to gather Percy's warhorse as he sees that after a moment, the large heavily armoured knight from the kingdom of Druvic is getting up off the ground. 

So is his opponent the knight of the Dark, who though a bit slower to stand up, is already heading to where his own squire is chasing after his warhorse. 

The youngest member of the group refrains from grinning, as the former earl of Lé Dic's warhorse has stopped not that far from Percy, and is waiting for him. 

Zam figures Helbe the elven thief, or maybe the ground pixie who is attached to the elven princeling has got the white warhorse to stay where it is. 

And by the time ex mercenary gets there, all he has to do, is help the former paladin up into the saddle. 

Running at a trot, the youngest member of the group with the bridle in hand, leads the way back to the west end of the tourney field. 

As he does, Zam asks the noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic "You doing alright there Percy?". 

"Fine, wot" is the reply from the former earl of Lé Dic, who won't admit to anyone that the wind was knocked out of him when he was just unhorsed, and though he got to his feet quickly, it took a few moments to get his breath back. 

As they head back to the west end of the tourney field, the ex mercenary and the former paladin look at the other pair who are left in the final group of the Joust for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

And they see sir Dormic of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che charging along one side of the tilt upon his warhorse. 

While the young landed knight from the kingdom of Druvic, sir Junicar of Marson Grove is charging along the other side. 

The end of their blunt lances smash into each others breastplate, and though both combatants are pitched back in their saddles. 

They're able to remain mounted, though barely. As their warhorses continue along the tilt to either end of the tourney field. 

Zam and Percy get to the west end of the tourney field, and as the massive crowd continues to cheer and shout for the remaining combatants. 

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins hurries over to the rack to get the former paladin a new lance. 

As he does, the youngest member of the group hears a familiar voice quietly say to him in elvish "Tell Percy that the paladin he's up against drops his right shoulder as he's about to strike with his lance" followed by "If he drops it and back, it'll be a high strike, and a low strike if he drops it and moves forward". 

"Will do" quietly says Zam the ex mercenary in the same language as he replies to the unseen Helbe the elven thief. 

After getting the new lance, and taking it over to where the noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic is waiting. 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins as he hands the long wooden weapon to the former earl of Lé Dic tells him "Percy I've been watching that paladin sir Vamdeen all day". 

The ex mercenary quickly follows that with "He drops his right shoulder just before he's about to strike with the lance". 

As the large heavily armoured knight looks down at Zam, the youngest member of the group adds "If he drops that shoulder down and back, it'll be a high strike, and it'll be a low strike if he drops his right shoulder down and moves forward". 

The nobleman originally from the kingdom of Druvic grunts, then as he lifts the lance Zam has handed him, sir Percavelle Lé Dic says "Hmmm I did notice that in the first pass, wot". 

The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che continues with "Let us see what thy opponent does this time, eh?". 

Then before the ex mercenary can wish the large heavily armoured knight luck, the former earl of Lé Dic sets off. 

As at the far end of the tourney field, sir Vamdeen of the Knights of the Dark has set off as well, and upon his warhorse he's heading this way along one side of the tilt. 

Zam quickly looks over at the other pair, just as the blunted ends of their lances hit one another. Though the paladin sir Dormic who is the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che, is flung backwards in the saddle, he remains mounted, barely. As his warhorse continues down the tourney field. 

As for the young landed knight from the kingdom of Druvic, sir Junicar of Marson Grove. He doesn't fare so well. 

As he goes tumbling off the back of his warhorse, hitting the ground with a thud. Zam looks away from him as sir Junicar struggles to stand up. 

And as the ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins looks back down the tilt he's standing at the west end of. 

Sir Percavelle Lé Dic and his opponent sir Vamdeen the paladin, strike one another. And though Percy takes a glancing blow on the right pouldron, he remains in the saddle. 

Not so the paladin in the order of the Knights of the Dark, sir Vamdeen. Who is flung off his saddle with a powerful thrust from the former earl of Lé Dic's lance. Which flexes, before it shatters apart. 

The paladin sir Vamdeen goes cartwheeling off to the side after he was struck by Percy's lance. Who noticed the member of the Knights of the Dark, was going for a high strike on him. 

Sir Vamdeen cartwheels sideways with such force, that he goes smashing through the top of the tilt, breaking it apart, before he finally tumbles to a stop. 

Zam grimaces, and quietly says "He's done" as he looks at the unmoving paladin in the order of the Knights of the Dark. 

As his squire, and a pair of tourney attendants, along with a spellcaster run out to where the downed paladin lies. 

The ex mercenary then frowns as the crowd is fairly quiet, and though some are looking with concern at the downed sir Vamdeen. Most of the others are looking elsewhere. 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins looks quickly away to the right, and what he sees causes him to wince, then mutter "Fuck". 

For when he saw the landed knight sir Junicar of Marson Grove got knocked out of the saddle, then try to get up. 

What he didn't notice, because of the angle he was looking from. That a broken off chunk of sir Dormic the paladin's lance, went right through the gorget of the young landed Druvician knight. 

Now standing over the prone sir Junicar, is his squire, who is crying. While a spellcaster, and one of the clerics in attendance. 

Remove the bloody helm, and ruined gorget of the young landed knight from the north of the kingdom of Druvic. 

One look from the cleric in the brown robes, who shakes his head, as most of sir Junicar's throat and neck has been torn away. 

To know that the young landed knight from the kingdom of Druvic lies dead on the tourney field. On this fine and sunny spring day here, just outside the north wall of the city of Vexil . . . . . .

Springtime In The City 43.

Vexil. 

The three of them wait at the tent, and Zam the ex mercenary once again says "I'm sure" followed by "Nothing". 

In response to Beldane the cleric asking him again "You sure there was nothing on the boards?". 

The fighting cleric in the church of Glaine isn't the only one to ask that to Zam. Sir Percavelle Lé Dic has asked him the exact same thing a number of times as well. 

Once more, the youngest member of the group explains "The attendants and the mage at the nearby boards said there'll be an announcement from the master of ceremonies". 

The ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins continues with "I'm guessing the matchups will be announced then". 

The powerful cleric who hails from the kingdom of Nastell nods, while the large heavily armoured knight just grunts. 

Then quietly in elvish, Beldane says to Zam "The royal thief is probably working out which matchups are the best". 

The ex mercenary nods in agreement with that, then he looks up to the stands behind and to the right of where their tent is pitched. 

And he spots most of the others in the group, with the exception, of course, of Helbe the elven thief. 

To Zam they all look relaxed in the afternoon sunshine as they wait for what's going to be the final round of the Lists for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

It's not too long before one of the tourney attendants makes their way to them, and informs that sir Percy of Druvic is to make ready, and head to the platform at the east end of the tourney field. Where the others also in the final round of the Joust are to gather. 

Both Beldane and Zam help the former paladin to mount up, and before long, the ex mercenary who has the reins in hand, leads the way to the other end of the tourney field. 

With the fighting cleric in the church of Glaine following behind the warhorse that carries the noble born knight who is originally from the kingdom of Druvic. 

The others in the final round are heading there too, and the massive crowd that's gathered for the first day of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

Cheer and clap their favourites as they pass by on the way to the platform at the east end of the tourney field. 

Though sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as he's more commonly called by the others in the group, has quite a lot of boos and jeers yelled at him as he goes by. 

Many in the crowd still don't forgive him for what he did in the previous round, that saw him advance to the final round of the Joust. 

Zam the ex mercenary brings the large white warhorse to a halt before the raised platform at the east of the tourney field. 

They're the last ones to get there, and all the mounted knight in the final round of the Lists, face the platform. 

With their squires at the left shoulder of their mounts, holding the horses steady. While their offsiders, such as Beldane, if they have any. Are standing in a line behind the eight knights who are in the final round of the Lists. 

The master of ceremonies introduces the finalist to the crowd who are watching the Joust this fine and sunny spring afternoon just outside the north wall of the city of Vexil. 

Along with Percy, there's sir Dormic, a paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. Sir Vamdeen, also a paladin, who is in the order of the Knights of The Dark. 

Sir Pasquale, a knight of the first class in the order of the Knights of Volnar Mar. Sir Maseen, also a knight of the first class in the order of Volnar Mar. The only order to have two finalists. 

There's a sir Basmith of Froom, a landed knight from the kingdom of Girdane. 

Sir Almanek, of the order of the knights of Varnell. A surprise finalist, as his knight commander who was expected to go through to the final round, unfortunately ran into Percy in the previous round. 

And the last finalist in the group, also a surprise to make it this far. The youngest in the group, by at least seven years, as he's still only eighteen. 

Sir Junicar of Marson Grove. A landed knight from the kingdom of Druvic. 

Behind the faceplate of his full helm, sir Percavelle Lé Dic's eyebrows shoot up in surprise at hearing that last name, then he sourly smiles to himself. 

As he's pretty certain he killed young sir Junicar's father in a duel just before the young noble from northern Druvic was born. 

It was in the lead up to the campaign in the Sunreach Mountains where Percy first encountered the group at the time. 

The noble born knight from the south of the kingdom of Druvic clears his throat as he waits for the master of ceremonies to announce the match ups for the final round of the Lists for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

The master of ceremonies whose voice is augmented by a spell, announces the match ups for the first passes in the final of the Lists. 

And sir Percavelle Lé Dic finds himself going up against sir Maseen, one of the knights in the order of Volnar Mar. 

After hearing all the matchups for the first passes, Zam glances back over his right shoulder at Beldane the cleric. 

And he sees the powerful practitioner of magic who hails from the kingdom of Nastell, wryly smiling. 

The fighting cleric in the half plate armour slightly nods when he sees the youngest member of the group glance back at him. 

For the four who lord Farque said will be the last four in the final round, have avoided matching up with one another in the first passes in the last round of the day. Both Zam and Beldane know how that came about. 

Then they, along with all the finalists, and those with them in front of the raised platform, along with the massive crowd, who are quiet as they watch what's going on. 

Listen to the master of ceremonies say "After the initial passes to determine the final four participants in the Lists". 

The master of ceremonies who is a member of the city council of Vexil, briefly pauses for dramatic effect, then says "The participants will continue on making passes without a break". 

The councilman follows that with "With each knight taking on who is ever left closest to their tilt, until we have a winner". 

The large crowd cheers at this, as there'll be non stop action on the tourney field, until a winner is found amongst the last group of eight knights in the Lists. 

"After half of the group is knocked out, it'll be chaos until there's a winner" states Beldane the cleric as they head back to the west end of the tourney field once the master of ceremonies tells the finalists in the Lists to make ready. 

While up in the saddle of his warhorse, sir Percavelle Lé Dic just grunts at that from the powerful Nastellian spellcaster. 

Zam nods in agreement with the fighting cleric in the church of Glaine, then he says "Hopefully not too chaotic". 

The youngest member of the group as he leads the warhorse, just hopes he doesn't have to run out onto the tourney field to help Percy remount if he becomes unhorsed during the very last list of the day. 

The teenager who was scratching a meager living as a mercenary in The City Of Ruins when the group found him, says to the Druvician nobleman up on the warhorse "Best be careful out there Percy". 

The ex mercenary continues on with "Especially if you find yourself up against that paladin sir Dormic". 

From behind the faceplate of his full helm, comes a snort of derision from the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

"It is he, not I the greatest knight alive, who should be careful, wot" says sir Percavelle Lé Dic in his usual dismissive manner. 

Though the former earl of Lé Dic falls silent when Zam then says "Or if you come up against the young knight from your homeland, that sir Junicar". 

"Where exactly is he from again?" asks the ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins "Marson Grove" says Beldane the cleric in reply when he notices that Percy has fallen silent. 

"Pretty sure it's up in northern Druvic" adds the powerful practitioner of magic who is from the north of his own homeland, the kingdom of Nastell. 

Zam and Beldane share a look when they see the former earl of Lé Dic has been silent since the mention of the young landed knight from the kingdom of Druvic. 

And when they stop outside the tent they've hired for the day, the first day of the Spring Tourney of Vexil, the ex mercenary asks the large heavily armoured mounted knight "Need anything Percy before you get underway?". 

"Huh?" says the noble born knight after a few moments, as here's clearly distracted about something. 

"No, no, tis fine" continues the former paladin who is a member of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

"I want for nothing" adds the nobleman who hails from the south of the kingdom of Druvic as he looks back down the tourney field. 

Then after Zam and Beldane share a look, the powerful cleric says to the large heavily armoured knight up on the white warhorse "Luck Percy". 

The former earl of Lé Dic just nods in reply, then as the powerful Nastellian spellcaster remains in front of the tent. 

The youngest member of the group who is originally from The City Of Ruins leads the warhorse to the west of the tourney field. 

The center four tilts are being used by the final group to determine a winner in the Joust for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

And Percy and his opponent sir Maseen of the order of the Knights of Volnar Mar are in the tilt furthest to the left, or closer to the northern edge of the tourney field. 

After he gets a lance from the rack, and waits to hand it to the noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic. 

Zam the ex mercenary looks at who is in the tilt right next to the one that Percy will be in. At this end is sir Basmith of Froom, the landed Girdanian knight. 

While facing him from the far end of the tourney field, is the paladin in the Knights of The Dark, sir Vamdeen. 

The teenager from The City Of Ruins slightly nods to himself, as that's who most likely Percy will face next in the Joust. 

Zam hands the lance to former paladin, then says to  him "Luck Percy" as he holds up his right arm so that those on the raised platform at the far end of the tourney field can see him. 

Sir Percavelle Lé just nods his full helmed head in response, then sets his lance as he waits for the flag to drop. 

He, along with the other participants in the final group don't have to wait long. For the attendant with the flag lifts it up, then drops it down to a massive roar from the watching crowd. 

And the combatants in the final of the Joust for the Spring Tourney of Vexil set off to find out who will ultimately win the Lists . . . . . .

Springtime In The City 42.

The City-State Of Vexil. 

Zam the ex mercenary looks at Beldane the cleric who tells sir Percavelle Lé Dic "Careful with this one Percy". 

The large heavily armoured knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic grunts as he mounts his warhorse. 

"He's won on basically every first pass so far today" adds the fighting cleric referring to the earl of Lé Dic's opponent in the next group, a knight commander in the order of Varnell. A knightly order that's based in the kingdom of Nastell, where Beldane is originally from. 

"Not to worry old chap" says sir Percavelle Lé Dic from a top of his warhorse "I shall vanquish him due forth" adds the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

Zam and Beldane share a look, then the powerful cleric in the church of Glaine says "Best of luck Percy". 

The noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic nods and puts down the visor of his full helm, then Zam with the reins in hand, leads the warhorse to the west end of the tourney field, which isn't all that far from where their tent is pitched. 

The group sir Percavelle Lé Dic is in, the second group to take part in the Joust this afternoon, consists of just three pairs of combatants. 

And Percy who is on the tilt to the left of the tourney field, facing east, as he's at the west end. Looks towards the far end, and sees his opponent. 

"Hmmm quite a big fellow, wot" says the former earl of Lé Dic "Heavily armoured too" adds the former paladin in a mutter. 

"He is" replies the ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins who holds the lance for the mounted knight. 

"He's got a heavy saddle shield too" adds the youngest member of the group, who continues with "I had a closer look at him earlier".  

"He does, does he" quietly says sir Percavelle Lé Dic as Zam hands him the lance "Interesting, wot" continues the large heavily armoured knight. 

The ex mercenary who is acting as Percy's squire, steps back and away, and lifts up his right arm as he looks to the platform at the other end of the tourney field. 

After a few moments, the attendant to the master of ceremonies lifts up the flag, then when he drops it, the combatants set off across the tourney field. 

Charging their warhorses at one another, on either side of the wooden tilt that separates the pairs. 

With one eye on Percy, Zam the ex mercenary also watches the pair in the middle of the three. For one of the competitors there, is the young landed knight from the kingdom of Druvic. 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins like most of the others in the group, have bet, and quite heavily too, on the young Druvician knight on winning his joust, and progressing to the next round, which in all likelihood is going to be the final round. 

Zam quickly looks at sir Percavelle Lé Dic and his opponent, who pass one another, without hitting each other. 

The youngest member of the group then winces as the two combatants in the middle tilt, hit one another. With both of them being unhorsed. 

"Get up" murmurs the ex mercenary as he watches the young Druvician knight attempting to get up off the ground. While his squire runs onto the tourney field, to retrieve his mount. 

Zam quickly looks to the far end of the tourney field, and sees that Percy has turned, and is waiting to make another pass. 

Whilst his opponent, who isn't all that far from the ex mercenary, has done likewise at this end of the tourney field. 

The youngest member of the group wryly smiles as he sees the young landed knight from the kingdom of Druvic, who was struggling to stand, suddenly gets to his feet. 

Zam slightly snorts as he figures Helbe the elven thief has just got the young Druvician knight up off the ground by way of a spell. 

His opponent, has already got up, and is mounting his own warhorse, which his squire has retrieved. 

Eventually the young landed knight from the kingdom of Druvic gets back on his warhorse with the help of his squire. And he makes his way to this end of the tourney field. 

After a few moments where he's settled himself, the combatants take off once again down the tilts. 

Zam keeps his eyes on sir Percavelle Lé Dic this time, and watches as the former paladin lifts up his lance slightly above the head of his warhorse. 

The ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins slightly frowns as he wonders where Percy is aiming the end of his lance, for suddenly the former earl of Lé Dic drops the lance down, and he ducks down to the right side whilst in the saddle. 

"Shit" murmurs Zam with a wince as the blunt end of Percy's lance slams right into the chest of his opponents horse. 

And though the knight commander in the order of Varnell's warhorse has barding, it doesn't stop it from squealing and pitching forward after sir Percavelle Lé Dic's lance shatters apart. 

The former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che, who easily avoided his opponents lance, which passed over his head because he was so low, and out to the side of his saddle. 

Looks back as he continues down the tilt, and sees his opponent go flying forward out of the saddle, over the head of his mount, which itself is tumbling forward. 

Zam winces as the knight commander in the order of Varnell slams front first into the ground, and his mount comes to a squealing stop upon the back of his legs. 

"He's not getting up anytime soon" murmurs the ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins, who then quickly looks to the middle pair in the group. 

And sees that the young landed knight from the kingdom of Druvic is still upon his mount, and at the other end of the tourney field. 

While his opponent is lying on the ground, not moving. And his warhorse is nearby just wondering around in circles. 

Zam looks to the right pair on the tourney field, and one of the combatants there has been unhorsed too. 

He's completely still, and his squire runs out to him, quickly followed by a hand cart with two attendants, and a spellcaster. 

While on this side of the tourney field, another practitioner of magic, and a couple of attendants with a hand cart, are with the squire of the knight commander in the order of Varnell. 

Who has crawled forward from under his warhorse, which is kicking it's legs around in the throes of death. 

Zam the ex mercenary winces again for amongst the cheering and shouting from the large crowd, that must be well over twenty thousand in total on either side of the tourney field. 

Are a lot of booing and jeering, directed at sir Percavelle Lé Dic who has pulled up alongside the youngest member of the group who is acting as his squire. 

"Tis another victory, wot" says the the noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic who is totally oblivious to the booing directed at him. 

Now Zam knows what Percy did isn't exactly illegal in the rules of the Joust for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. After all, there isn't exactly a lot of rules to begin with. 

But what the former earl of Lé Dic just did is frowned upon, and isn't exactly sporting to say the least. 

True, sometimes a combatant in the lists, their mount is hit by their opponent's lance. But to do so deliberately like Percy just did isn't exactly looked upon in a good light. 

As he takes the reins of the former paladin's warhorse to lead it back to the tent they're using today. 

Zam says to the large heavily armoured knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic "Didn't exactly make yourself popular with the crowd doing that Percy". 

As the boos and jeers continue from a large number of the crowd on both sides of the tourney field, the noble born knight scoffs with "Rabble, tis all they are, wot". 

The former earl of Lé Dic continues with "I need not worry with the likes of them" he follows that with "After all, I'm far superior to any of that lot, wot". 

The ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins just shakes his head as he leads the warhorse back to the tent where Beldane the cleric is waiting for them. 

The fighting cleric who was afraid some of the crowd might come down to the tents and start hassling Percy for what he just did. 

Helps the noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic to dismount, after he does. Zam ties the warhorse to the line next to the tent. 

While the powerful practitioner of magic from the north of the kingdom of Nastell, ushers the former paladin into the tent. 

A few moments later, the youngest member of the group follows them into the tent that they've hired for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

"Hell, a lot of them are pissed at you Percy, that's for sure" says Beldane the cleric, the former earl of Lé Dic grunts and takes a seat in the camp chair. And waves dismissively at that from the powerful cleric in the half plate armour. 

After Zam hands the Druvician nobleman a goblet of water, the teenager who was scratching together a living as mercenary in The City Of Ruins when the group found him, says "One more group left in this round". 

The youngest member of the group continues with "Just three pairs again" followed by "Talk is the next round will be the final". 

Sir Percavelle Lé Dic grunts at hearing that, while Beldane the cleric nods, then says "That will mean, what" followed by "Eight in the final, four pairs?". 

The ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins says "Yeah" he continues on with "Three from Percy's group, three from the final group, and the first group's two remaining winners, since the third one has dropped out". 

"Eight" quietly says the fighting cleric in the church of Glaine, who looks at the nobleman from the kingdom of Druvic, and asks him "Will they stop after there's winners on each tilt?". 

The powerful spellcaster who hails from the kingdom of Nastell follows that with "Or will they make you lot keep making passes until there's just one person left?". 

The former paladin, who is both an ordered and landed knight thinks about it for a moment, then he says "Tis the later they shall do". 

Sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as more often than not he's called by the others in the group, continues with "Since the quality of those left, tis could take quite some time for a winner". 

The Druvician nobleman who is a member of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che pauses for a moment, before saying "That shall be I, the great sir Percavelle of course". 

"Of course" dryly says Beldane the cleric, who just shakes his head as in all likelihood the large heavily armoured knight from the south of the kingdom of Druvic is going to win the Joust of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

Zam the ex mercenary sticks his head out the front of the tent, and looks onto the tourney field. And sees the last group are about to commence for the final joust of the round. 

"Next group is up" states the teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins, who follows on from that with "Those two paladins are up". 

"Against each other?" quickly asks Percy who gets up out of the camp chair, and joins Zam and Beldane at the open front of the small tent they've hired. 

"Nah" is the reply from the ex mercenary, who continues on with "They're not against each other". 

Which earns a grunt of disappointment from the large heavily armoured knight, who is a former paladin in his knightly order. 

As the three of them look at what's happening on the tourney field, Beldane the cleric quietly says "Those two paladins should be victorious". 

Although sir Percavelle Lé Dic sourly smiles at hearing that, he does nod in agreement with what the powerful cleric just said. As does the teenager who is the youngest member of the group. 

In elvish, Zam says to the fighting cleric in the church of Glaine "Lord Farque's prediction of who the final four will be looks more likely than ever". 

"It sure does" says Beldane in the same language, who follows on from that with "Just as long as they don't face one another in the first pass of the final round". 

The powerful practitioner of magic who is originally from the kingdom of Nastell quietly adds "I got a sneaking suspicion that won't happen". 

The ex mercenary faintly smiles and nods in agreement with that as he knows Beldane is referring to highness, prince Helbenthril Raendril aka Helbe the elven thief. 

"What are you two babbling on about?" asks the former paladin, who continues in a mutter with "Speaking that devil language, wot". 

Ignoring that from the large heavily armoured knight, Zam the ex mercenary says in common "Look they're about to set off". 

Then a roar goes up from the massive crowd, as the attendant on the platform at the east end of the field drops the flag. 

And the combatants in the last group of the round, set off down the tilts at one another. On this fine and sunny spring day here just outside the north wall of the city of Vexil . . . . . .

Springtime In The City 41.

The City Of Vexil. 

"So far, so good" says Zam the ex mercenary in response to Lisell Maera the scout asking him "How's it going so far?". 

The youngest member of the group who has just returned to the tent, where the others have come down to as it's the lunch break in the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

Then tells the attractive young woman who is originally from the city-state of Brattonbury "It hasn't been that difficult at all". 

Zam briefly pauses before continuing with "Apart from Percy getting a bit distracted here and there during the last couple of rounds". 

Lisell Maera or Lis as she's more commonly called by the others in the group nods, then says "We saw". 

Speaking in a more quiet tone, and in elvish too, the scout leader in the Armies of Farque says "Lord Farque noticed it in the round before last". 

The scout Maera continues with "First we thought he was trying to make it look like it's a challenge to win". 

She pauses for a moment or two, before adding "But Farque immediately saw that Percy was distracted" she then says "By that paladin from his order who was also in his group". 

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins nods in agreement with the junior officer in the Scouts and Rangers division of the Armies of Farque, then he says "Distracted again in the next round he was in too". 

Zam continues on with "That sir Dormic and others from his order came down to the side of the field and watched the lists in the final rounds before lunch". 

The youngest member of the group who previously scratched out a living, a meager one at that, as a mercenary in The City Of Ruins before the others found him, then says "Percy keeped looking over at them". 

He follows that with "Took him two passes again to defeat his opponent" the ex mercenary continues with "At least he didn't get hit that time". 

Lis grunts in agreement, then she nods to where the others are to the side and behind the small tent, and says to Zam "Come on, let's get something to eat". 

The teenager originally from The City Of Ruins nods in agreement with that, and he follows after the scout Maera and joins the others. 

Where sir Percavelle Lé Dic is regaling his experiences in the Lists, or Joust, here in the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

To Tovis the war engineer, Tamric Drubine the field commander and Shur Kee the monk, the three of them, even the short statured monk, would rather be somewhere else at the moment.

But no such luck, as they're stuck here listening to the large heavily armoured knight who is a participant in the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

Going around sir Percavelle Lé Dic and the trio he's talking to, Zam and Lis head around to behind the small tent. 

They avoid tripping over Dorc da Orc, who is sitting on the ground behind the tent, drinking from a large barrel of ale. 

While lying beside the large ork is half an eaten whole pig that was on a spit a little while ago. It's the third such one the ork warleader has got for himself, since they arrived at the tourney field just after dawn on what's a fine and sunny spring day here in the City of Vexil. 

A camp table has been found, and set up behind the small tent, on it is a number of items of food, that's been predominantly purchased from some of the stalls that have been set up. 

The rest having been stolen by Helbe the elven thief, who has been back in the city as much as he has been watching the Joust, here on day one of the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

After getting something to eat and drink from the table, Zam and Lis go over and sit down on the ground next to Mira Reinholt the mage, who is the goblin named Carry at the moment. 

And the rotund woman named Malisse who is really Zubutai the barbarian hordesman. Along with Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy. 

Standing nearby is Saanea the witch, who is shortly joined by her lover, Tamric Drubine the field commander. Who has been able to get away from the conversation with sir Percavelle Lé Dic. 

A bit further away, in the empty space between the tent they're behind, and the next one along. Sits the large heavily armoured figure of Lord Farque himself. 

Zam as he eats a stuffed heal of bread, sees that the undead warlord is looking back to the city of Vexil. 

Specifically towards a tall tower that's further back behind the north wall of the city. The ex mercenary frowns as he too looks there. 

For he's certain that he saw something on the very top of what's probably the tallest tower in the northern quarter of the city. 

Seeing the ex mercenary look back to the city, the goblin named Carry who in reality is Mira Reinholt the mage, nods his head then quietly says to the youngest member of the group "Axe". 

Zam looks at the light green coloured goblin, who tells him "He's been watching the tourney, well us I guess, ever since we left the city gates". 

The once powerful mage wryly smiles, then dryly says "One of the advantages of being a goblin is the naturally enhanced eyesight". 

Carry the goblin nods towards the tall tower in the distance back in the city of Vexil, and adds "I can spot him once in a while, whenever he moves up there". 

"Not us" quietly says Malisse aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman, who then slightly nods towards where Lord Farque is sitting, as she quietly adds "Him". 

Carry aka the mage Reinholt grunts in agreement, while Zam nods at that, as he continues to eat his lunch, while the tourney takes a break for the middle of the day. 

"Who's he got in the next round after the lunch break?" asks Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy referring to sir Percavelle Lé Dic. 

The youngest member of the group who went to check the boards when the previous round was completed. 

Tells those sitting down with him behind the small tent "That knight commander in the order of Varnell". 

"Hmmm that should be a good one" says Malisse aka Zubutai Timaginson with a nod of the head, followed by "Toughest one so far for Percy". 

The others all nod in agreement, then Zam says "Could very well be the last round for him before the final list". 

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins continues with "Depending how many participants are in the following groups". 

The youngest member of the group then explains "Quite a few have pulled out, saving themselves for Le Grande Meleé tomorrow". 

"Those most likely who knew they're no match for the others who are left in the lists" says Malisse aka Zubutai the son of Timagin, who has an eye for picking winners in the Joust. 

As she along with Lord Farque, and surprisingly Dorc da Orc have pretty much picked every winner in every group so far. 

The others have made a small fortune from the betmen who have been offering odds all morning for the Lists. 

Though those odds are diminishing as the participants in each round progress through the Lists for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

The rotund woman who like the mage Reinholt is a member of Lord Farque's personal council, then says "Percy along with those two paladins". One being sir Dormic of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. And another being in the order of the Knights of The Dark. More commonly referred to as The Dark Knights. 

"As well as that knight commander of the order of Varnell that Percy is up against in his next group are the favourites" adds Malisse aka Zubutai the barbarian hordesman, who follows that with "Not much odds there with those lot, they're basically one to one when it comes to the odds the betmen are giving". 

"Whose got the longest odds left?" asks Zam the ex mercenary, who hasn't been able to keep track of the odds for the Joust as he's been too busy helping out sir Percavelle Lé Dic. 

"A young landed knight from Druvic" is the reply from Carry the goblin "An outsider for sure" adds the goblin who is really Mira Reinholt the mage. 

"He's the only one left with odds of twenty to one to win from some of the betmen, and overall even more" continues the Vexillian born mage who is under a spell cast by Helbe the elven thief. 

Zam who knows of the young knight in question, as he was in one of Percy's group in an earlier round, glances over at Lord Farque, then looks at the others sitting on the ground with him, then quietly says "You could make a killing if he got into the final group". 

The others nod, then Dalinvardèl Tanith the elven spy quietly says "That's been worked on". The youngest member of the group looks at him, then nods in understanding. As he assumes that's been worked on by Helbe the elven thief. 

"Speaking of his highness" says the ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins which illicits a few grins from the others sitting with him. 

"Where is he at the moment?" adds Zam, who follows that with "Haven't seen him much at all during the morning". 

"He's around I guess" dryly says the goblin named Carry, followed by "Doing who knows what" the light green goblin then adds "Probably stealing something somewhere" he briefly pauses before continuing with "Or snooping where he shouldn't be". 

"Snooping where he shouldn't be" says Lord Farque interrupting the conversation from where he sits. 

The undead warlord who is speaking elvish, as the others have been, nods his full helmed head in the direction of the far end, or east end of the tourney field and says "That way". 

The large heavily armoured deathlord who looks away from the city, then at the others sitting nearby, continues with "The Knights of Saint Mar'che". 

Zam lifts an eyebrow at hearing that, then after looking at the others, then looking back at the lord of the death realm, he asks him "His highness been ah helping out much?". 

The undead warlord who has the name of Draugodrottin that the people of his lands also know him by, shakes his full helmed head slightly, then says "Not really". 

Lord Farque who has the elven name of Des'tier, which translates to The Destroyer, continues with "Just a couple of times with that young knight from northern Druvic". 

The lord and ruler of the Lands Farque then adds "Apart from that he hasn't tampered with the Lists". 

The youngest member of the group nods, then asks "That young knight from Druvic going to make the last group?". For Zam might put a bet on him doing so before things get underway again after the midday break if Lord Farque says so. 

"He will" is the answer from Draugodrottin who follows that with "He might get there on his own merit, if not the thieving elf will make sure he does". 

The others nod at that, then the deathlord of Farque tells them "By the way things are going, there'll be four in the final group of the last round". 

He continues on with "That young Druvician, those two paladins that are left" the undead warlord then adds "And Percy". 

"And the winner?" asks the ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins, who is fairly certain who Lord Farque will say who will win the Joust for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

"Percy" says the large heavily armoured deathlord, who briefly pauses before continuing in a dry tone of voice with "That's if he doesn't get fucking distracted by that paladin from his order in the final round". 

Zam and the others nod at that, then the lord of the death realm tells him "I'll have a word with him again soon, but I want you and Beldane to keep hounding on him to concentrate on what he's fucking doing". 

"Yes my lord" replies the youngest member of the group, who knows that the others with the exception of Dorc da Orc placed bets before the Lists got underway early in the morning, that Percy will win the Joust for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

As the undead warlord falls silent and goes back to looking at the city, Zam finishes off his meal and drink. 

As the midday break for the Lists comes towards an end on this fine and sunny spring day here in this part of the city-state of Vexil . . . . . .

Springtime In The City 40.

Vexil. 

"Percy" says Zam the ex mercenary as he holds up the lance for the former paladin who sits upon his warhorse. 

The large heavily armoured knight is clearly distracted, and doesn't respond to the teenager who is originally from The City Of Ruins. 

"Sir Percavelle!" says Zam, this time a bit louder to get the noble born knight's attention, which he finally does. 

"Huh?" says sir Percavelle Lé Dic who looks down, then adds "Of course good fellow" and he reaches out and takes the lance from the youngest member of the group. 

Zam raises his right arm up, holding his hand open after he looks to the far end of the tourney field. 

The tourney attendant they've heard hired at the other end, who will give the former paladin a lance if he should need one, does likewise. To signify that sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Perci of Druvic as he's going by in The Spring Tourney of Vexil, is ready. 

The former earl of Lé Dic is the last in this particular group of the second round to be ready. And seeing so, the attendant on the raised platform with the master of ceremonies lifts up his flag, and holds it for a moment, before dropping it. 

There's four pairs of knights in this group, eight knights, four at either end of the tourney field. Using the two outer tilts on either side of the tourney field, with the two in the middle not being used for this group. 

And as the knights on their mounts set off, with sir Percavelle slamming down his faceplate of his full helm as he does so. 

Zam sees that the former paladin who is on the outer tilt on the left side of the tourney field from the end where their tent is. 

Isn't really paying attention to his opponent, a landed knight from the kingdom of Sarcrin, field commander Tamric Drubine's homeland. 

Instead the noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic is looking across at the outer tilt on the other side of tourney field. 

For one of the competitors over there, is a certain sir Dormic, who is a paladin in the order of Knights of Saint Mar'che, the same order that sir Percavelle Lé Dic is part of. 

"Damn it Percy, watch it" mutters Zam the ex mercenary as he watches the large heavily armoured knight who is the former earl of Lé Dic. 

The youngest member of the group winces as sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as he's more commonly called by the others in the group, actually gets hit by his opponent, while completely missing the landed knight from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin. 

The former paladin is hit in the right shoulder by his opponents lance, and though he keeps his seat upon his warhorse, he's rocked back in the saddle, and barely keeps his balance. 

And only sits completely upright once he gets to the far end of the tourney field, where he turns his mount around to make another pass. 

Zam quickly looks at the other tilts, and sees that two of the competitors are down. One in the tilt directly next to the tilt that Percy is on. That knight is up, and chasing after his warhorse, which is trotting towards this end of the tourney field. 

The other combatant who is down, is on the far tilt on the right hand side of the field. The opponent of sir Dormic of the order of Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

That knight, who is the order of Valnar Mar, is on the ground and barely moving. And a couple of attendants who have wheeled out a hand cart, followed by the downed knight's squire. 

Help the downed knight onto the cart, and wheel him off the tourney field before the competitors on the other tilts make another pass. 

Zam after he looks at the paladin sir Dormic who sits upon his mount, at this end of the tourney field. With his visor raised, watching the other competitors in the group, as he's the only victor so far. 

Looks at sir Percavelle Lé Dic, who sets off again, this time from the other end of the tourney field. The ex mercenary briefly winces as he sees that Percy is looking over at where sir Dormic is on his mount, waiting for the lists in this group to be complete. 

Then the teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins slightly nods to himself, as he sees the former earl of Lé Dic look forward, directly at his opponent, the landed knight from the kingdom of Sarcrin. 

Percy barely raises the lance over the head of his mount as he rides along one side of the tilt, while his opponent rides down the other side. 

Zam sees the large heavily armoured knight who hails from the kingdom of Druvic, move slightly in his saddle, lifting up a bit, and to his right. 

The former paladin in the order of Knights of Saint Mar'che avoids his opponents lance, while his own lance hits the landed knight from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin. 

The blunted lance shatters apart as it hits the Sarcrin knight square in the breastplate. And as bits of wood go flying everywhere. 

The landed knight in the joust against sir Percavelle Lé Dic goes flying backwards out of the saddle to one side. 

And though it looks like he's going to miss the tilt as he falls to the ground, the landed knight from the kingdom of Sarcrin, clips it with his left leg before slamming into the ground. 

Zam winces in sympathy, as Percy's opponent hits the ground with an obvious broken left leg. If the man's scream of pain wasn't bad enough, the obvious bone sticking out of his chainmail covered leggings is a sure sign as to what's just happened. 

The ex mercenary originally from The City Of Ruins takes the lance from sir Percavelle Lé Dic when the former paladin comes to a stop by him. 

Then he takes the reins of the former paladin's warhorse as they wait, for one joust is still going on, as a victor hasn't emerged yet from that tilt. 

And while the landed knight from the feudal kingdom of Sarcrin is wheeled off on a cart, attended by a spellcaster as well as his sobbing squire. 

Zam sees sir Percavelle, who is rotating his right shoulder, where he was hit on the first pass, isn't watching the last pair of knights. 

Instead he's looking away to their right, where on the outer tilt that way at this end, is the paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che, sir Dormic. 

Who with the faceplate of his full helm is open, is watching the remaining pair in the group, who are about to set off again. 

"Percy" says the ex mercenary to the former paladin "Sir Percavelle" adds Zam as once again the former earl of Lé Dic is distracted. 

"Huh?" says the noble born knight who hails from the south of the kingdom of Druvic "What was that, oh squire of mine?" asks the large heavily armoured knight. 

As Percy continues to ignore the last pair of knights on the tourney field, as he looks over at sir Dormic the paladin, who has yet to notice the former paladin looking his way. 

Zam says to the large heavily armoured knight "Is your shoulder okay?" followed by "You took a pretty good hit there". 

The nobleman from the kingdom of Druvic grunts then says "Tis fine" he briefly pauses as there's a loud clatter followed by a thump as one of last two remaining competitors is unhorsed and hits the ground. 

"Nothing to worry about, wot" adds the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che, the ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins wryly smiles at that, then says "All the same, we'll have Beldane take a look at it". 

Zam's eyebrows shoot up as the former earl of Lé Dic doesn't say anything about that, as he's usually boisterous in his opposition to anything magical. 

Instead the noble born knight from southern Druvic continues to look away to their right, to where sir Dormic the paladin waits. 

Percy finally looks away, and quickly too, as the paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che glances their way. 

As the master of ceremonies on the platform at the other end of the tourney field declares this group is complete, naming the four competitors who are victorious. 

"Of away we go lad" says sir Percavelle Lé to Zam the ex mercenary, who nods his head before he leads the warhorse back to their tent. 

As they do, the nobleman from the kingdom of Druvic as he sits in the saddle upon his mount, watches sir Dormic head back along the side of the tourney field to the far end. 

Where the large blue and white tent that the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che are using is situated amongst other large tents that a number of the knightly orders are using. 

As he leads the warhorse, Zam glances back and up at the large heavily armoured knight and sees that the former earl of Lé Dic is watching the paladin in his own order. 

"Hope he's not too distracted with him" the ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins murmurs to himself as they head back to their tent, where Beldane the cleric is waiting. 

When they get back to the small tent, and after Percy dismounts and makes his way into the tent, Zam ties the warhorse to the line set up for it. 

As he does, he's joined by Beldane the cleric who quietly says to him in elvish "At least he made it look like he had to work for it this time". 

The powerful cleric in the church of Glaine continues with "He took a pretty good hit from that knight from Sarcrin". 

The fighting cleric who hails from the kingdom of Nastell follows that with "For a moment there, I thought he was going to fall off the back of his horse".  

After tying the reins of the warhorse to the line, the teenager who is the youngest member of the group shakes his head, then quietly says in the elven language "That wasn't by design". 

The ex mercenary who is originally from The City Of Ruins, continues on with "He legitimately nearly fell off his mount".  

Zam follows that with "That poor bastard who ended up getting a broken leg almost humbled Percy". 

"Oh?" says the powerful cleric in the half plate armour, he follows that with "How so?" he then adds "From the looks of things, I thought he was trying to make it look like it was difficult for him, and not so easy". 

The youngest member of the group slightly nods "So it would seem" he follows that with "But Percy was actually distracted on that first pass". 

"By what?" asks Beldane as they step to the side of the small tent that they've hired for the Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

The powerful practitioner of magic who is a member of the church of Glaine briefly pauses as he thinks of something, then he says "Or should I say, by who?". 

Zam nods to that, then he quietly says "That paladin from his order" the teenager who is originally from The City Of Ruins then adds "Sir Dormic". 

Beldane nods, then after a few moments he quietly says "I saw after the lists apart from the last one" he then adds "That Percy was looking to this side of the field, at that sir Dormic". 

The ex mercenary who is the youngest member of the group nods in agreement with that from the member of the church of Glaine. 

The powerful spellcaster who hails from northern Nastell, then says "He definitely got Percy's attention". 

Beldane briefly pauses before continuing with "Probably reminds him of himself" followed by "Being a paladin in their order and such like". 

Zam grunts at that, then quietly says "It could be a problem as the rounds go on" he then adds "There'll be more chances of them being in the same group more often". 

The ex mercenary follows that with "Hell, they could very well face one another in the upcoming rounds" he continues with "And if Percy's distracted". 

The powerful cleric nods as Zam doesn't have to explain why, for if Percy is distracted if he was to face the paladin sir Dormic. In all likelihood the former earl of Lé Dic would be defeated by the paladin in the order of Saint Mar'che. 

The two of them are silent for a little while as they make their way around to the front of the tent. Then the teenager who hails from The City Of Ruins, who breaks the silence by saying to the fighting cleric in the church of Glaine "You should probably take a look at him, at his right shoulder". 

The youngest member of the group who was scratching a meager living as a mercenary in The City Of Ruins until the others found him, continues with "He took a fairly good hit in that joust" Zam follows that with "He's trying not to show it, but I think he's hurt". 

Beldane nods, then turns and walks into the small tent, saying in the common language "Come on Percy, let's look at that shoulder of yours". 

"Nothing to concern yourself with good fellow" says sir Percavelle Lé Dic who is sitting upon the camp chair inside the small tent they've hired. 

"Tis but a scratch" adds the Druvician born nobleman, who is both a landed and a ordered knight. 

"I'll be the judge of that" says the powerful cleric in the church of Glaine, who follows that with "Let's get that breastplate off and have a look at it". 

As the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che grumbles and complains about doing such a thing. 

Zam after a look down towards the far end of the tourney field, where he spots sir Dormic outside the large tent used by the Knights of Saint Mar'che. 

Talking and joking with his fellow members of the order, an order of  knights which sir Percavelle Lé actually belongs to. 

Makes his way into the tent, to help Percy take off his breastplate so that Beldane the cleric can examine him. 

On this fine, sunny and clear spring day, which is the first day of two, for The Spring Tourney of Vexil . . . . . .

Springtime In The City 39.

The City-State Of Vexil. 

Zam the ex mercenary and Beldane the cleric share a look after they see and hear who is amongst the next to compete in the Joust. 

"I think he should know" quietly says Zam the ex mercenary in elvish to the powerful cleric in the church of Glaine, who nods his head in agreement with him. 

"Percy you better get out here" says Beldane the cleric with a look back into the small tent behind them. 

A grunt comes from within the tent, then sir Percavelle Lé Dic walks out of the front of the tent saying "Pray tell, what is it?" followed by a "Wot". 

"Paladin at the far end of the field" quietly says Zam the ex mercenary, who continues with "He's a". 

"I see" says the large heavily armoured knight who interrupts the ex mercenary, then after quickly looking around, steps back into just inside the tent, so that he can still see the tourney field. 

"Who is that fellow?" quietly asks the noble born knight who hails from the south of the kingdom of Druvic. 

"A sir Dormic" is the reply from the youngest member of the group who is originally from The City Of Ruins. 

"Never heard of him" mutters sir Percavelle Lé Dic or Percy as he's more commonly called by the others in the group. 

"He looks to be in his mid to late twenties" explains Beldane as they watch the competitors who are the last group this morning, to partake in the Lists. 

The former paladin grunts, then quietly says "Definitely don't know that fellow then". Both Zam and Beldane nod in agreement as they watch the paladin at the far end of the tourney field, a paladin who is a member of the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che. The same order that Percy belongs to. 

This sir Dormic is even too young to of been a squire when sir Percavelle was still actively a member of his order. 

"Think he'll be any good?" asks Zam the ex mercenary "Yes" is the reply from Beldane the cleric, followed by begrudging sounding "Yes" from sir Percavelle Lé Dic. 

The master of ceremonies gives the go ahead for the latest group to proceed. And the four pairs, eight knights, four at either end of the tourney field, spur their mounts into action. 

The ex mercenary along with the fighting cleric and the large heavily armoured knight standing just inside the tent, have eyes only for the paladin sir Dormic. 

Who like Percy usually wears, has a pristine white cape attached to his armoured shoulders, whipping out behind him as his warhorse thunders down one side of the tilt. 

While on the other side, his opponent. A knight of the first class in the order of the Knights of Margesa, chargers along the other side of the tilt. 

"Damn" murmurs Zam the ex mercenary, followed by "Did you see that?". Next to him the powerful practitioner of magic who hails from the kingdom of Nastell, nods his head. 

While behind the two of them, just inside the small tent, sir Percavelle Lé Dic slightly grimaces at what just happened. 

The paladin sir Dormic barely even moved, and with ease and contempt, he flicked his gauntleted left hand, smacking his opponents lance to one side. 

As his own lance struck the knight of the first class in the order of the Knights of Margesa right in his saddle shield, sometimes referred to as a jousting shield. 

Sir Percavelle doesn't use one, and Lord Farque has mentioned to Zam that those type of shields are actually dangerous to the person using them, than it actually protects them. 

For the simple reason, if struck fairly cleanly, there's a tendency for the lance hitting it, to rise up, and hit the knight usually in the top of the breastplate. 

But more often than not, in the gorget, or the helm. Something you definitely want to avoid during a joust. 

And that's what exactly happens when sir Dormic's lance strikes his opponents jousting shield. 

The tip of his lance, though blunt as like all lances in the tourney, isn't a pointed war or battle lance. Careens off the small saddle shield, and lifts up hitting the knight in the order of Margesa straight in the faceplate. 

Sending him flipping off the back of his mount, and hitting the ground with a loud clatter. And the only reason he isn't killed, is because the paladin, sir Dormic's lance didn't shatter or splitter apart. 

"Pretty impressive" quietly says Beldane the cleric, as sir Dormic is one of two competitors in the first pass to unhorse their opponents. With the paladin's opponent the only one not to continue on in this group. 

The fighting cleric in the church of Glaine along with the ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins, look back at the former paladin standing back in the tent. 

Who they see is sourly smiling as he watches the paladin who is in the same order of knights as he is. 

"Think you can defeat him if you come up against him Percy?" asks the powerful practitioner of magic who is originally from the north of the kingdom of Nastell. 

"Of course, wot" replies sir Percavelle Lé Dic in his usual pompous, tone of bravado. Which both Zam and Beldane thinks sounds a little bit more forced than it usually does. 

As the remaining pairs go at it again, the youngest member of the group says to both Beldane and Percy "Lord Farque thinks only that knight commander in the order of the Varnell, and that paladin in the Knights of The Dark will be your only competition Percy". 

The ex mercenary who hails from The City Of Ruins gestures at the paladin sir Dormic who sits upon his mount at this end of the tourney field, waiting for this group to find it's remaining winners. 

And says to the fighting cleric and the large heavily armoured knight "And probably this fellow as well, though we'd yet to see him in action when we spoke". 

Next to Zam, Beldane slowly nods his head in agreement with that from youngest member of the group. 

While the nobleman originally from the kingdom of Druvic, wryly smiles to himself, then his eyebrows arch up when the ex mercenary says "Even so, he thinks you'll win Percy". 

Zam briefly pauses before continuing on with "So does everyone else in the group, they're all betting on you to do so". 

The teenager who is originally from The City Of Ruins pauses once more, before saying in a slightly dry tone of voice "Except for Dorc of course" followed by "He wants you to lose Percy". 

While the former paladin in the order of the Knights of Saint Mar'che scowls at hearing that from the youngest member of the group. 

Zam says in the elven language to the powerful spellcaster who hails from the kingdom of Nastell "In fact Dorc is hoping Percy breaks his neck out there" followed by "He's definitely not betting on him to win". 

Beldane the cleric grins, then softly chuckles, and shakes his head at hearing that from Zam, then he quietly says in the same language "Those two will never change". 

The ex mercenary originally from The City Of Ruins is in agreement with that from the fighting cleric referring to the ork warleader and his bitter rival the former paladin. 

The next pass determines the winners of this group. Ending the first round of the lists for The Spring Tourney of Vexil. 

"When's Percy up?" asks Beldane the cleric "Fourth group" is the reply from Zam the ex mercenary as they listen to master of ceremonies give the rundown of the next phase of the Joust now that half of the competitors have been eliminated. 

Leaving just over a hundred knights from across The Southlands still in contention for the champion of the Lists for the tourney. 

"Probably just that group in this next round for him if my numbers are correct" says the powerful cleric in the church of Glaine. 

The youngest member of the group nods in agreement with the fighting cleric, then he says "Come on, let's go and check the boards" followed by "The match ups should be there, especially for the first lot of groups". 

Beldane nods to that, then the member of the church of Glaine looks into the small tent, and says to the noble born knight from the kingdom of Druvic "Percy you want to go and see who you're matched up with?". 

"No need, wot" replies the former earl of Lé Dic, who to be honest doesn't particularly want to leave the confines of the tent, just in case he runs across anyone from his order who might recognize him. 

"Very well" says the powerful practitioner of magic, who continues on with "Me and Zam will check it out, see who you're up against, and see who's in your group". 

That's met with a grunt from the large heavily armoured knight who sits down in the camp chair to wait for their return. 

Zam and Beldane make their way to the boards, which isn't too far from the row of tents at this end of the tourney field. 

There's corresponding boards at the other end of the tourney field, for those participants whose tents are there. 

Most if not all of the ordered knight are down at that end, within their large tents, close to where the master of ceremonies, and members of both the Mage and City Council are too. 

The boards are exactly that, wooden boards. About man high. Written upon which are the names of the participants in the Joust, and what group they're in for each round. 

The actual match ups, are done by a random draw at the set of boards at the other end of the tourney field. 

Done by the city guard under the supervision of a number of mages from The Council, who for all intensive purposes rule the city-state of Vexil. 

At this end of the field, are a couple of more mages, who by spell receive the match ups, and they tell the members of the city guard with them, what to write down on the boards. 

Tough luck if you can't read, which is the majority of people, not just hear in Vexil, but right across The Southlands. 

For universal learning only exists in the elven and dwarven nations, as well as in The Lands Farque, and the Krean Protectorate within it. 

Beldane gestures at the first board, where the first lot of groups for the second round have been up since before the midmorning break. 

And Zam looks at the fourth group and sees Sir Percavelle Lé Dic's name, which is written as "Sir Perci of Druvic". 

Looking quickly at the cleric in the half plate armour next to him, the ex mercenary from The City Of Ruins quietly says "See who's in his group with him?". 

"At least they're not against one another" quietly says Beldane the cleric as they wait for the city guard who has just written the opponents for those already in the fourth group to move out of the way. 

"Bad enough" murmurs the ex mercenary who is the youngest member of the group, the fighting cleric grunts in agreement "For that fellow, not Percy" quietly says the powerful Nastellian spellcaster. 

Zam nods in agreement, then says "Should be interesting" he follows that with "That's for damn sure". 

"Should be interesting alright" says the member of the church of Glaine, who after a moment of silence continues with "Let's just hope Percy doesn't get distracted with who's in his group". 

Zam the ex mercenary nods his head in agreement, before they turn back around and head back to the tent where sir Percavelle Lé Dic is waiting for them. On this fine and sunny day on which the Spring Tourney of Vexil is being held . . . . . .