Disclaimer: I don't own/have any rights to either of these stories, I write for my own amusement and love. Also used inclusion of names from LOTR – also don't own that! Please R&R – and thanks to all those who have already!
NOTE: won't be able to update this quickly shortly as its back to work for me!
"Okay, so you've made up a list of who you believe are the best knights in each category from all the different lands?" In the time all the visitors had arrived and settled about the palace Sir Neal had sent scouts out to size up their opponents. The more information he gathered on them, the better for all knights involved. "From my findings, the best in the swordfight's will be Lady Alanna, Lord Eomer of Rohan, Sir Maedhros of Feanor, Sir Peter of Mary & Sir William of Thatcher."
"That's not all who're competing"? Sir Merric of Hollyrose had arrived a few days after the grand welcoming from fort New Hope where he conducted patrols throughout the area. "Wait, did you so Sir William Thatcher! THE Sir William Thatcher!"
"Oh by the gods do we have to go through this again?" Neal moaned. He's here with the English delegation. I know he's good, but he's also competing in the joust. And I don't think he can best our Lioness."
"I'd be more worried about Sir Maedhros – like Lady Alanna he's most deadly with his left hand."
Kel had also sent scouts out, but far more discreet one's then Neal's. Tobe and Loey were good spies; children ran around everywhere and heard things adults miss. "I'm most worried about the joust then anything else – and I'm not competing in it." Lady Alanna popped her head into the library. "I can take Sir William in the sword ring, and I'm prepared for Maedhros. Are you prepared for Sir William in the joust?" Kel didn't answer. She was yet to work that out. "Who else is in the joust?"
"Well, my Lady Kel, it's you, Raoul and the Stump from Tortall, our bonny friend Sir William and Sir Thomas of Colville from England, and a few others, but worry about those two." Neal frowned.
"I couldn't find much out about Sir Thomas, except he has flawless technique and is one of the few jousters that Sir William hasn't beaten – often. Kel, could find out any more?"
"No, he is the most private of all the knights here. Even though the Duke of York leads, Sir Thomas is often in talks with him. Odd, as he's a second some of a small nobility."
Kel sighed. "I couldn't find out any more either."
"Lady Kel, Lady Kel!" Tobe came skidding into the library. A young boy when Kel found him, he worked for her throughout the war with Scanra and was now in training as a stable hand in the palace. "I spoke with some of the horses, and they say England brought a female blacksmith with them!"
"A female blacksmith!" Kel thought for a moment. Maybe I'll go down there myself and see what I can find out about my opponents.
Down in the English tent Geoffrey Chaucer - the English herald sat with Wat and Roland – the two squires and Kate – the blacksmith composing a list of the best knights. "Well, Will hasn't been bested in the joust for a while" Wat smiled, mouth full of food.
"Ahh, but here in Tortall we have men already fabled in legend. With have Lord Raoul, called Giantkiller" Chaucer smiled grimly. "I've seen him with my own eyes – he's as tall as I giant himself. And Lord Wyldon, breeds some of the best horses in the land."
"And then they've sent one of their lady knights" Roland grinned. "She'll be no trouble ... ouch!"
"Just because she's a lady doesn't mean she'll be easy." Kate snapped. "Indeed," Chaucer now smiled. "She trained with the Giantkiller, and it has been said that she was one of the best jousters in the land when only a squire. I wouldn't want to cross her path on horseback with a lance."
"How goes it?" Sir William of Thatcher came into the tent, followed by Sir Thomas of Colville. "Well, you see …"
"Excuse me, may I come in?" A musical voice echoed through the flap. Everyone jumped up to attention. "Of course, milady, please enter" Lady Kel stepped through the door. Dressed casually in breeches and a shirt, adorned only by her shukusen and with her hair unbound, she wouldn't be recognized as a Lady Knight. "What may we do for you?" The English looked at her, partially in wonder. All the noble ladies they had seen so far were dressed in gowns, yet this one stood dressed as a man. Obviously fit, even for a man, she stood with confidence and grace. "I understand you have a female blacksmith in your party, I was wondering if I could see some of her wares?"
"My Lady" Sir Thomas cut in with a bow. "Surely if your husband needs something he should come himself."
"My Lord" Kel replied with a small smile. "I choose for myself what I need."
"And I answer for myself." Kate spoke up. "I'd be happy to show you what I have, Lady Knight."
As they left the tent Sir Thomas groaned. "That was a Lady Knight!"
"None other than Lady Knight Keladry of Mindelan, one of your opponents in the joust. I doubt you'll now be on any strong social standing with her, your highness."