Gasp passed through the crowds as the familiar stallion topped with a female rider entered.
" I lost to a woman?" William questioned.
" No, you lost to a girl," Watt answered.
" State your place woman," was demanded from the knight
" I come here to finish the season in the name of Elose Draco of Valdera, my father. He was killed three months ago participating in the same way as I today," She answered, "and you knew him, lord. These people knew him and loved him. Do not make his honor be stripped. I will defend it the best way I know how. And that is to compete,"
"This is madness," one man said
" Honor is one of the greatest things. It knows no sex," someone said to him solemnly.
" This girl speaks the truth, my lord," the herald said, " Her father wished for her to do so. You will not deny a nobleman and hero his last wish that traveled on his final dying breath,"
The great lord looked down at the young girl atop the fine horse. Her eyes pleaded at him and he spoke " No, I will not. I knew your father to be an honest man. I know that he would not raise a liar. Lady knight, you may continue,"
" Damn," William said
" What's the matter?" Kate asked, " do you fear her?"
" No, but I am uneasy," he replied
She took the archery event with ease. Some people were not pleased, but they cheered none the less, mocking the lords and ladies. She didn't mind. It would not be the first or the last time she faced anguish.
When word later on that day reached William's ears that Lady Aurora Draco had taken the tournament, this caused his blood to boil. Something about that made him angry.
"Forget about it Will. Tomorrow is another day and another meet will come," Geoff said, trying his best to reassure him.
" Yes, I know," Will said as Geoff gave him a quick pat on the back and turned and left. But his feeling did not receive help with the call of his name.
" Sir knight? William?" Aurora said coming up on him mounted on her horse.
" I wish not to speak to you lady," He replied as he continued on. But she followed him closely on his horse.
" Sir, you battled well today. I think you for being a good opponent. It was an honor," she said.
" You thank me? Nay, I do not return the favor," he said stopping and looking at her.
" Sir, I wonder do you not like me because I beat you or is it because I am not a man, and I beat you?" She said, her own temper showing as she kicked at her horse and said, " See you in the list,"
Kate placed her hand on Will's shoulder. " This came for you," she said, handing him a letter. " Will, may I make a suggestion?"
" Of course,"
" I would suggest you not make an enemy of a Draco"
"What do you know of it?"
" My husband, God rest his soul, worked fro her father many a year. That armor she wears, he made it for her three years' stead ago. Which is why she came to me for new. What does the letter say?"
" Oh, um, it says ' My dear Hunter, I regret to tell you that I will not be able to attend the tournament this next week. My father has bid me to stay with my mother, who has been stricken ill with pneumonia. Keep her in your prayers, William. I fear things are not in her favor. Lord willing, she will pull though, but things look bleak. Forever yours, Jocelyn,'" Will read with a forlorn look on his face.
" So, she can't come now? How convenient. I wonder if more things shall come up in the future once she learns her champion has been dethroned," Kate said.
" No one has dethroned me. Not yet. I will take this season. I swear it," Will said harshly getting up very close in Kate's face before leaving in a harsh matter.