A/N: The Settlers belongs to Ubisoft. Thanks to ParchmentRose for beta-reading.
Marcus always had trouble learning from his mistakes. He could learn from big mistakes; but little ones, not so much.
Kestral was sitting in her favourite armchair by the fireplace munching on an apple; while Hakim was sitting at the desk doing what he was supposed to be doing. Marcus and Thordal were sitting at the centre table locked in a fierce battle of arms, quite literally. It was obvious that Marcus was going to lose any second as he had every other time that night.
Thordal slammed Marcus' hand on to the table, then jumped to his feet.
"Huh, you wouldn't last a week in Narlind!" Thordal looked down at his opponent with an insufferable grin. Marcus stopped rubbing his arm and the knights shook hands.
Kestral pushed herself out of her chair. It was about time she saw a fight that did not have an obvious outcome. She turned to Hakim with a mischievous grin.
"Hey, Wise Boy, I dare you to take on Thordal."
Hakim looked up from the tax records. "Regrettably, I must decline, Lady Kestral."
"Ooh, what's the matter? You yellow?" Kestral taunted.
Hakim looked at her, eyebrow raised. Marcus and Thordal glanced at each other with a smirk.
"That's what I thought. Just like a little yellow chicken." Kestral searched his face for any response and was rewarded with a glare. He pushed back his chair and strode over to the table. Kestral felt herself smile.
"I'll be easy on you." Thordal was grinning like an idiot.
Marcus stood up and Hakim took his place. The contestants rested their elbows on the table and got ready to fight.
"Ready, set, go!" Kestral said gleefully.
Nothing happened.
"I said go. Why aren't you pushing?"
"We are," Thordal grunted.
SLAM! Thordal's hand crashed to the table.
Kestral's jaw dropped. Marcus cracked up laughing. Hakim smiled smugly. Thordal blinked.
"I want a rematch."