A/N : Here is part 2 of tournament. I like hearing from you, keep it up. Any ideas as to who is the mystery person who wants Hunter?

Tori got up and walked up the stone steps to the gallery, where she look down and not be seen. She was half way up when a deep voice came from behind her. Turning she saw it was Sir Marsden. Tall broad shouldered, lean hips man with no brains. He was slow and a bit of a barbarian. He grinned at her as she looked down at him.

"Victoria, why don't we go for a walk together? It's a nice night. You and I could talk about us." Tori felt the bile rise in her throat.

"There is no us. I don't want to walk with you either." Tori went to turn away, when a big beefy hand came up and grabbed hers.

"I am going to ask your cousin for you wench. You will be mine, and then you will crawl at my feet, do my bidding." She gave him a look of disgust.

"You already made my stomach crawl at the sight of you. Go away."

He drew back his other hand, when his was caught in an iron grip.

"You will let the lady go now, or else!" Hunter's voice was soft and had a thread of steel in his voice. Marsden, looked down at the blond man standing there, and let go of his grip.

"Mind your own business." He snarled. "I am going to be her master, and husband."

"It will never happen, Sir Knight. The lady deserves better than a lout like you."

"I suppose you want this mouthy wench to warm your bed." Replied Marsden as he sized up Hunter.

"I know a lady when I see one, and how to treat one. You will never dishonor this one, or you will answer to me."

"Do you challenge me?"

"Please Hunter, stop this." Tori moved around Marsden and put her hand on Hunter's arm. "Don't, he is not worth your time." Marsden gave Tori a dirty look then went up the stairs.

"I will see you in the tournament Hunter." He laughed as he left.

"Thank you for coming to my aid, I hope he doesn't win tomorrow." Hunter put his hand on hers and smiled at her.

"Do not worry, he will not win if I can help it."

"You know, don't you?"

"Your cousin hinted at it, may I walk you to where ever you are going?" Tori put her hand on the top of his forearm and he moved up beside her leading her up the stairs, and to the left. They walked down the halls lit by torches.

"Do you travel a lot?" Tori was enjoying the walk with the handsome knight. She hoped it was last a while.

"Yes, I have no lands, my brother does. So I am making a future for myself. I do this during the summer, then go home during the winter months to spend with my brother Blake."

"That must be hard, traveling so much. But you must have seen a lot in your travels."

"Yes I have, and I have fought in wars as well. Haven't you traveled?" Tori frowned and looked down.

"No, I have always been here, never seen any other place. Though I wonder what is out there, I would like to go someplace. See what is there." Hunter smiled, and lifted her chin.

"Maybe you will." He reached and lifted her hand and kissed it. "Will you be there for the tournament tomorrow?"

"Yes, I will. Will you wear my favor?" She reached up and gave him her filmy pale blue handkerchief.

"Yes, Tori I will, with pride." He smiled at her as they came to some doors, and she stopped. Turning to him she smiled.

"This is my room, thank you for walking me here. I will see you tomorrow." Hunter bowed to her and leaned in and kissed her on the cheek.

"Do not worry, I intend to win tomorrow." He turned and walked away, whistling a soft tune. Tori turned and entered her room. She smiled and ran and jumped on her bed. Her maid looked at her, and smiled when her mistress laughed happily.

H/T ....................................................... .T/H

Next day was overcast, as the knights waited their turn to compete. The sound of weapons clashing rang out in the early morning air. The lord of the manor was in his box, with his fiancée' and his cousin. Tori was nervous as she watched the matches. Several Knights had ask for her favor and she had said no.

Then Sir, Marsden and Sir Hunter came onto the field, and made the round stopping in front of the family box. both bowed to their host, then to the ladies. Marsden moved over to Tori and reached out his lance for her favor, and she shook her head no. He snarled at her.

"I will teach you better later tonight." Hunter moved over and bowed to her. He took out the handkerchief she had given her, he held it out to her and she took it. Then he moved back and lowered his lance, and she tied it to his before everyone.

"I give you my favor, Sir Hunter. May it bring you luck." Hunter smiled as Marsden boiled with anger.

"I will kill you, Hunter." He snarled as they turned away and went to opposite sides of the field.

H/T ...................................................................... T/H