Chapter 171: To the Victor goes...
Lord Carrion’s sword flew to the side as John’s blade rang true. Freed from the clash, John’s sword came to rest gently on the center of Carrion’s chest. Carrion raised both hands in surrender.
The crowd exploded in applause. Shouts of jubilation filled the air. Songs of victory echoed in boisterous baritone voices. The match was over. The Stag had won.
Queen Valerie stood and raised her hand to hush the celebration. The unruly throng took much longer than normal to quiet themselves. I think the refreshments had taken hold of too many of the spectators in their merriment.
Finally the multitude was subdued enough to hear Valerie’s announcement. Instead she motioned for Alina to address the crowd. She joined her mother in standing.
"Sir John, please come forward and accept your prize as tournament champion!" The Princess beamed and the crowd lost all sense of decorum once more.
Sir John did not move from the center of the arena, but instead held his hands up in a similar manner to the Queen attempting to quiet the masses.
Lord Carrion, for his part, did approach the royal stands. He would receive a lesser prize for being runner-up. He removed his helmet with staccato movements.
As he approached I got a better look at him. His expression was all lines and angles. His furrowed brow, his tight lips and his pinched eyes seemed to be attempting to bury pain or frustration. Probably both.
"My Queen!" Sir John began, distracting me from anything having to do with Carrion. "I would like to request something in lieu of my prize." The crowd not only hushed at this, but seemed to become still in rapt attention. No one ever refused the prize of the champion.
Queen Valerie let her smile falter for a moment in confusion before replying to the request. "Although unorthodox, I think I might allow it. What is your request?"
"Might I petition the court for something? I feel that I cannot wait until the next time the court might convene." Sir John’s face looked pleading.
He must have some important information to share. He added little to the last Swordsman meeting so this must be something new. I could feel my heartbeat start racing. Hopefully this is not a call to invade the mountains in search of the Norads.