The Korvosan Duelist Tournament was a competition meant to celebrate some of the best fighters and soldiers in the city. Members of Korvosan Guard, Sable Marine Company, and the Order of the Nail competed alongside the nobles of the city to show off their martial skills to the citizens of the city. Alexander had seen the tournament once or twice when he was training to become a knight and enjoyed watching the fights. He had nearly forgotten it was coming up after all of the riots, but seeing citizens lining up for seats, he hoped that this was another sign that life in Korvosa was stable.

Alexander was glad to share this moment with his daughter and his friends. Viera stopped by much to Silana's excitement and the two walked together with the priestess telling the young girl stories of Iomedae as a mortal. Alexander walked alongside Verik behind them, slowly adjusting to the archer's presence and answering the questions he had from Falenas' stories the night before. Griffin was likely going to be at the tournament to support his brother, and from what Viera told Alexander, Falenas was also likely to be around. If Takota came to support the Sable Marine Company, the whole group would be together.

Growing closer to Castle Korvosa, a thought came to mind. The tournament was to take place in the same courtyard that Trinia was to be executed. Although he wasn't there during the rescue, he knew that Griffin and Takota both were and wondered how they felt. There was no sign of any execution square, and in addition to the stands that the spectating nobles watched from above the commoners, members of the Korvosan Guard and Sable Marine Company stood at attention. There was no sign of the Order of the Nail and Alexander couldn't help but wonder what that meant for Korvosa. He briefly thought about Zellara's warning before focusing on looking around the sights.

It didn't take too long for Alexander to see some familiar faces. He spotted Tiran first along with the other contestants for the tournament with Griffin standing on the sidelines along with young squires. The warrior realized that his friend was serving as his brother's second, although he doubted that he would fight himself. Among the other duelists were Amin Jalento, the noble that was nearly assaulted by a mob, and Grau Soldado, a sergeant of the Korvosan Guard that Alexander worked under. It took Alexander longer to find Takota standing along with the rest of the Sable Marines, although the Shoanti wasn't actively looking around for his companions. Cressida was at the front of the Korvosan Guard formation and spotted Alexander when he saw her. He was surprised to see her smile at him before turning away to focus on the spectacle.

"There's Falenas!" Viera called out, pointing out the elf standing among the rest of the commoners.

"Falenas!" Silana called out cheerfully.

With the group coming closer, Falenas turned his head to face them and nodded in their direction. "Good morning. I've heard that the tournament is about to start shortly."

"Have you seen Takota anywhere?" Viera asked and the alchemist shook his head.

"I have," Alexander said. "He's over with the Sable Marines."

"And I imagine that he'll stay with them," Falenas sighed in disappointment. "How are we going to hold our own against the threats of Korvosa without Takota?"

"If it's an archer you need, I can be of help," Verik offered. "I'm a pretty good shot if I do say so myself."

Falenas narrowed his eyes at Verik. "Just because you can shoot well doesn't mean that you're ever going to replace Takota. Remember that."

"There's no need to be harsh, Falenas," Viera spoke up in Verik's defense. "Like Zellara said, we're going to need all the help we can get."

"Speaking of, there's something I need to tell everyone," Alexander said, but before he could continue, a sound of horns emerged from the castle.

"Looks like the queen is coming," Verik said with the crowd growing quiet.

The horns did mark the arrival of Queen Ileosa, who emerged from Castle Korvosa accompanied by a dozen guards. Alexander picked up Silana and sat her on his shoulder so that she could see over the crowd. With it being weeks since the death of Eodred II, Ileosa had moved on from the mourning period and wore a stylish green dress that made her more charming to the warrior. She was escorted to a throne set over the courtyard where a warrior waited, garbed in full armor with red highlights, their face hidden by a helmet with a red plume. Alexander figured that the mysterious warrior was a special bodyguard for the queen.

With Queen Ileosa taking her seat upon the throne, she addressed the crowd with a graceful smile.

"Fellow Korvosans! As peace returns to the city, we gather for the Korvosan Duelist Tournament, an honored tradition first established when Korvosa became a monarchy. The soldiers and nobles gathered here today will compete and the victor of the tournament will be granted a special opportunity to prove their talent. I imagine that many of you are excited to see the fighting so I shall turn the proceedings over to the officials."

The lead official, from the courtyard, addressed the crowd. "All duels shall have the same rules. All combatants will be armed with rapiers and earn points by striking clear and precise blows on their opponent. The first to three points wins and advances while the loser is eliminated from the first duel shall be between Amin of House Jalento and Tiran of House Vossler!"

"Go Tiran!" Silana cheered with Alexander hearing her over the voices of the cheering crowd.

The two nobles stood across from one another, each armed with a training rapier and dressed in padded leather armor. Although the blades weren't sharp enough to draw blood, they still wore armor just in case. Although he was too far away to be sure of it, Alexander thought that Amin was rather nervous by the way he shuffled in place. Meanwhile, Tiran, after examining his blade, turned to the crowd and gave a quick flourish, earning more cheers.

The duel began with the official's signal and the two duelists advanced on each other. Amin's nervousness proved to be justified when Tiran was able to break through his defenses and tap him across his chest, earning the first point of the bout. As the duel progressed, Alexander became aware of how skilled Tiran was with a rapier. While his fighting style was similar to the way Griffin fought, he was much quicker and well-versed with the rapier than his brother. It only took Tiran less than a minute to land two more hits on his foe, earning his victory. Although Amin was disappointed, he cheered up when Tiran stepped forward to shake his hand as a show of respect.

"He did it!" Silana clapped. "Tiran's going to win!"

"I imagine he will," Alexander nodded with a smile. He knew that Silana looked up to Tiran and was glad that she had a chance to see him compete.

"It wouldn't surprise me if Tiran won the whole thing," Viera said. "I can't wait to see his next fight."


"You called that going easy on him?"

"I fought with my left hand."

"You can fight with your left hand as well as your right."

Tiran shrugged and took the rag from Griffin's hand to wipe across his brow. "Amin's a good friend but to hold back against him would be disrespectful. Besides, he only signed up at his parents' urging. He doesn't like to fight."

Griffin nodded in agreement and remembered that his brother did cheer Amin up by approaching him after the duel. Serving as Tiran's second, it was Griffin's job to help prepare him for his duels. Although it was expected for him to take his brother's place in case of an injury, he knew that wouldn't come up. Between the two of them, Tiran was the better duelist and there was no doubt in Griffin's mind that he was going to win the entire tournament.

"What do you think Queen Ileosa meant by a special opportunity?" Griffin asked Tiran and offered him a flask of water.

"In previous years, the winner of the Korvosan Duelist Tournament was able to duel last year's champion," Tiran answered and took the flask.. "I imagine that she means that."

"Wasn't it Nelsin Caid who won last year?"

"Indeed it was, although I didn't compete last year because we were out on vacation," Tiran grinned. "Today, I intend to best him and show what would have happened had I been in Korvosa during the last tournament."

Griffin smiled although his eyes drifted away from his brother. "I don't see Sir Caid anywhere. Wouldn't he have a place of privilege in today's proceedings?"

"He would," Tiran nodded in agreement. "We have time before I have to fight again. I'll ask around and see if anyone else knows."

"Would you like my help?" Griffin asked and took the flask and rag back.

"I would but not by asking around for gossip," Tiran gestured towards the crowd. "I was hoping to meet with our friends after the tournament is over but I'm afraid that I might not get the chance to make that offer."

"Then I'll look for them. You can count on me."

"I can always count on you, brother."

The two clasped hands in solidarity before separating. Tiran made his way to the other contestants to ask about Nelsin and Griffin turned to face the crowd. Hundreds of commoners gathered to watch the tournament with a line of guards keeping them away from the nobles, the duelists, and Queen Ileosa. As Tiran's second, Griffin was allowed to pass the line at will but trying to look for his friends on foot would take too much time. He focused on looking for Viera, figuring that she would stand out best.

Instead of his friends, Griffin spotted Vencarlo Orisini toward the front of the crowd. It shouldn't have come as a surprise to find him at the tournament given his reputation as one of the city's best fencing instructors. He had met with the veteran duelist twice and even had a chance to spar with him. Griffin knew that Vencarlo was someone that he could trust, and not wanting to waste an opportunity to talk with him again, walked past the line of guards to approach him.

"Vencarlo!" Griffin greeted. "It's good to see you again."

"And you as well, Griffin," Vossler smiled widely when he spotted the young noble. "Your brother fought well although I hope he doesn't hold it against me that I had to cheer against him. Amin is one of the few students I trained that will compete today."

"I'm sure he won't mind," Griffin said and shook the duelist's extended hand. "How have you been since our last meeting?"

"Well enough," Vencarlo answered. "I've been keeping busy with running my academy. That does remind me but I need help with a task of great importance."

"Is there any way I can help?" Griffin asked quickly, hopeful for an opportunity to prove himself to Vencarlo.

"There might be," Vencarlo said with a nod and stroked his chin in thought. "I can't ask it of you given your position as a noble but perhaps one of your companions could be of assistance."

"Funny that you brought them up but I was actually looking for them. I can pass along your request to them once I find them."

Vencarlo shook his head. "I'll do that on my own time but thank you for the offer. Still, I did say you could help me. The truth is that this is something best suited for one person. I'd like for you to pick who would be best for the job."

"I'll need to hear more about the task before I can give you the best answer," Griffin told Vencarlo.

"There are too many people around for me to discuss it openly, but for the sake of discussion, pick someone who would have helped us that night at Citadel Volshyenek."

Griffin frowned, realizing that Vencarlo referred to the night they tried to take Trinia away in secret before she was taken by the queen's agents. Although Trinia was saved by Blackjack, he still hadn't gotten over his own failure.

Knowing that Vencarlo expected an answer, Griffin pushed away the thoughts of failure and thought of each of his companions. Of the group, he trusted Alexander and Viera the most. Still, the noble realized that they might not be the best candidates to help. Vencarlo likely preferred someone who was discreet. Although the duelist had what was best for Korvosa in mind, Alexander and Viera may disagree based on what needed to be done.

That left Falenas and Takota to pick from. Griffin had spent a lot of time with the alchemist and knew that he had no problems doing what needed to be done. However, Falenas was practical when it came to any kind of business and would likely require some kind of payment for his services. When it came to Takota, although he was silent and kept to himself, he proved that he was willing to fight against injustice by wanting to save Trinia from her execution even when it became difficult. Griffin figured that Vencarlo would get along best with him.

"You'll want Takota," Griffin finally answered. "He's dependable."

"The archer, right?"

"Indeed. He's with the Sable Marine Company now but I'm sure that he'll be able to help."

"It's a good thing that Marcus owes me a favor," Vencarlo said with a grin. "Thank you, Griffin. I'll be sure to let you know somehow how this task goes, even if I can't tell you more."

"That's understandable. I really need to find my companions. I thought that they would be able to stand out among the crowd."

"Allow me to offer a tip. If they are in the crowd, you'd have better luck looking for a tall elf than a silver-haired maiden."

Griffin felt his cheeks grow hot and nodded. "Uh, yes, of course."

Vencarlo laughed, and with a quick pat on Griffin's back, ushered the noble toward the crowd. Following the duelist's advice, he was able to spot Falenas with ease, and from there, Alexander and Viera. With a sigh of relief, Griffin pushed his way toward them although he couldn't help but wonder what Vencarlo was planning.


The tournament continued until early into the afternoon. After Tiran's first duel, Griffin met with Alexander and the others although the meeting was kept short due to the noble's obligations for the tournament. Everyone agreed to meet with Tiran after the tournament was over and the warrior pointed out where Takota was so that Griffin could extend the invitation to him. With Griffin's departure, Alexander focused on the duel, seeing Tiran continue to progress further toward the championship.

The final duel came down to Tiran and Grau, representing the Korvosan Guard, with the two duelists each winning with flawless victories throughout the tournament. Alexander was aware of Sergeant Soldado's reputation as a duelist and it proved to be true when he scored the first blow on Tiran by parrying a well-aimed attack and following it with a riposte, earning a loud cheer from the Korvosan Guards spectating. However, losing the chance to win the tournament flawlessly pushed Tiran further, and as the duel progressed, Tiran was able to break through Grau's defenses. Eventually, he scored his third point from the tournament.

"The victor of the Korvosan Duelist Tournament is Tiran of House Vossler!" the lead official announced and everyone, including Alexander and his companions, cheered.

While the cheers continued, Tiran and Grau saluted one another with their rapiers before the latter returned to the Korvosan Guard. The heralds signaled for silence with their horns and Queen Ileosa stood up.

"You fought well, Tiran Vossler," Queen Ileosa said, speaking loudly so everyone could hear her. "Typically, as the champion of this year's tournament, you would have the opportunity to duel last year's champion. Unfortunately, this is impossible. Last night, it was revealed that Sir Nelsin Caid was plotting against Korvosa and was killed resisting arrest."

Many of the spectators gasped and even the nobles were taken by surprise from the announcement. Alexander blinked in confusion, recalling the time he met Nelsin while serving as Tiran's guard. The knight appeared to be honorable, and although he had his own opinions on Ileosa, there was nothing about Nelsin's behavior that night to indicate his treason. He thought briefly about what happened to Nelsin's wife, Gatlynn, in light of her husband's death, before realizing that the queen was continuing with her announcement.

"Still, we will have one final fight," Ileosa declared. "Tiran Vossler, I invite you to spar against my loyal bodyguard, Sabina Merrin. Surely, if you can hold your own against her, there would be no question over if you could defeat a traitorous knight."

"It would be an honor to test my skills against your chosen champion," Tiran said, speaking loudly so that the crowd could hear him.

"Is that Sabina?" Silana asked, being the first to notice that the guard that stood by Ileosa's side now took to the field.

"I think so," Alexander answered with a nod. "I didn't even recognize her with that helmet on."

Viera frowned when an official handed Sabina a falchion instead of a rapier. "Is she not going to fight with a rapier?"

"Sabina is the queen's bodyguard," Falenas shrugged. "Whatever weapon she decides to fight with, that is what she'll fight with, and Tiran won't be able to object. Let's hope that the blade is dull."

"Tiran will still win," Silana said, smiling widely. "He can't lose."

Alexander shared his daughter's enthusiasm and the official called for the duel to begin. Whereas Tiran was confident with his previous duels and pressed the advantage, the noble now found himself on the defensive when Sabina closed the distance between them. He dodged her first attack and stepped backwards in a failed attempt to put some distance between him and his foe. Alexander recognized that the falchion was much deadlier in close combat and that Tiran had to adjust his fighting style against a new weapon.

However, Tiran didn't have much space to move around given the limits of the courtyard, and soon after the duel started, Sabina landed a blow across his shoulder. Although the noble grasped his shoulder, Alexander was relieved to see that no blood was drawn. For the next round, Tiran had a better understanding of his opponent, and when Sabina stepped forward to attack after several seconds of fighting, he maneuvered his way out of the attack and tapped his rapier, earning a cheer from Silana and a clap from Viera.

Even though the first two rounds were drawn out, the last two ended quickly. The only explanation Alexander could come up with for how the final rounds ended was that, much like how Tiran pushed himself further when Grau landed a blow on him, Sabina did so after his attack. Two blows against his chest was enough to secure the queen's bodyguard victory in the tournament. Silana gasped loudly, and for a moment, Alexander was worried that she would cry.

"It's going to be alright, Silana," Alexander assured his daughter. "Sometimes, our friends lose, but he did better than a lot of duelists today."

"R-right," Silana said, her voice cracking a little, but didn't cry.

"Look!" Verik pointed toward the castle.

Verik was the first of the group to spot them but soon everyone saw two dozen armored figures emerging from Castle Korvosa. They wore the same armor that Sabina used exactly, right up to the red plume on their helmets. They marched in formation and stood at attention between the Korvosan Guard and the Sable Marines. Alexander briefly glanced at Cressida, noticing her subtle shock from the development. Whatever was happening now, Queen Ileosa kept it a closely-guarded secret. Rather than return to the queen, Sabina stepped toward the formation and turned to face the crowd.

Queen Ileosa smiled towards the crowd. "When my husband was killed, Korvosa nearly fell into anarchy. It was during the riots that I realized that the military and law enforcement organizations of the city failed in their duty to protect everyone. I will not stand for this incompetence. So, I've ordered the creation of the Gray Maidens and have tasked Sabina in charge so that they can better protect Korvosa and her people. Sabina's demonstration today was meant to show that the city will be safe from any threats."

"Clever," Falenas noted during a pause. "This whole tournament was just to set up Sabina's victory over the champion."

"Quiet," Viera told Falenas. "I want to hear more."

"In addition to the formation of this organization, I am decreeing that the Gray Maidens will use the Longacre Building as their headquarters. The Arbiters will relocate elsewhere. I promise that the Gray Maidens will not share the same failure as the Korvosan Guard and the Sable Marine Company. With that, I declare that the Korvosan Duelist Tournament is over."

"Is she serious?" Falenas complained with the spectators dispersing slowly. "After everything we've done, this is the stunt she pulls?"

"I can't help but agree," Viera nodded with a frown. "Cressida helped protect Korvosa from two wars."

"What's the Longacre Building?" Silana asked.

"The Arbiters used it to judge criminals, or use to at least," Alexander answered before glancing at his two companions. "Need I remind you both that it was Queen Arabasti who sent us to Cressida to begin with? Her words may be harsh and perhaps untrue but she has the city's interests in mind."

"Sure she does," Verik muttered under his breath and shot a glare towards Ileosa, who didn't notice him during her return to the Castle Korvosa.

"I thought you of all people would defend the Korvosan Guard, Alexander," Viera pointed out. "You were the only one of us who continued to work for the Korvosan Guard when we couldn't work together any longer."

"That I did but I can acknowledge that no organization is perfect," Alexander set Silana back down on the ground. "It wasn't Cressida's fault that there were guards that left their post after the king's death."

"Or her fault that some rebelled," Falenas added with a side glance towards Verik.

The archer threw his hands up in the air. "Blame me all you want but I'm starting to think I had the right idea about Ileosa all along."

Viera sighed. "Let's put an end to this debate. Tiran and Griffin are waiting for us."

Not wanting to talk on the subject further, Alexander nodded in agreement with Viera and pushed his way toward the crowd, holding Silana's hand to keep her by his side. He wasn't sure why Falenas, Verik, and even Griffin in the past were critical of Ileosa's reign. Alexander acknowledged that though the queen was young and she came to rule Korvosa through an unconventional succession, there was nothing that indicated she was a tyrant. If anything, the formation of the Gray Maidens showed that she wanted to be taken as a serious ruler.

With the tournament over, the duelists made their way out of the courtyard. Alexander spotted Griffin and Tiran speaking to each other in an intense conversation, but before the warrior could reach them, Grau approached the brothers. By the time Alexander arrived with his daughter and friends, the captain had distracted from their previous topic and the two were more amicable. Alexander wondered what Griffin and Tiran were talking about before but knew better than to get himself involved in what could be family drama.

"Tiran!" Silana called out and ran forward after Alexander let go of her.

"If it isn't my favorite band of heroes along with Silana," Tiran greeted before dropping down to a knee to be on eye level with the young girl. "I hoped I put on a good show."

"But you lost," Silana pointed out sadly.

"So I did but at least I landed a hit on her. That's more than most men can say."

"Are you injured?" Viera asked with worry. "Those hits didn't look gentle."

"They weren't but the blade was dull," Tiran shook his head and stood up. "I will not need any kind of healing."

"You do seem to be in good enough health," Falenas noted with a nod of approval. "I agree with your assessment."

"Although we wanted to catch up more, something has come up," Griffin motioned towards Grau, who stepped up. "Sergeant Soldado has asked for our help."

"I'd be willing to help but I didn't come looking for a fight," Alexander said, worried that he was about to be dragged into another fight. He couldn't have denied help to a friend in front of Silana.

"I'd be glad to have your help after you set me on the right path, Alexander," Grau bowed his head towards the warrior. "Fortunately, you won't need to fight, but that's about the only good thing about this. My niece is sick. I don't know what she has and no one else does either. We've already asked a herbalist for help but she couldn't keep the medicine down."

"Sick?" Falenas took interest and stepped up. "I may be of assistance. Tell me, what symptoms does your niece have."

"She's broken out into red pocks and can hardly keep her food down. Please, I need your help. Her mother, my late brother's wife, wants to go to the Bank of Abadar but I know that she wouldn't be able to pay the price. I thought that given how resourceful you all proved to be, you could help."

"I'd be happy to help," Viera said without any hesitation. "But what about Takota? Shouldn't we wait for him?"

Griffin sighed. "Unfortunately, Takota will not be able to join us today. He has training. Still, as the former patron of the group, I'd like to come with. I may be able to find a way to help.

"Takota's absence is a shame but not unexpected," Falenas shook his head in disappointment. "I haven't heard of any illness with those symptoms. I think it may be best to see her in person and find out what it is."

"I'd be happy to help too but I don't exactly have medical training," Verik joined in.

"You'll help too, right Dad?" Silana asked, looking up with wide eyes at Alexander.

"I want to, but if we're leaving immediately, I can't," Alexander said, frowning. "Someone has to stay with you and I don't want you getting sick either."

"Alexander, I'd be happy to take responsibility for Silana," Tiran offered with a friendly smile. "She can stay at my home, and after you're done, you can pick her up. Truth be told, I missed her company as much as I missed yours."

"I want to hear more of Tiran's stories!" Silana giggled. "Please, Dad?"

Between Alexander trusting Tiran and that Grau was a good friend, the warrior thought it was a good plan. "That is a good idea. Thank you, Tiran."

"It's not a problem at all. I'm happy to do what I can to help."

"Then it's settled," Viera smiled. "Please, Grau, lead the way."

Grau stepped forward, motioning toward the streets. "Let's get going to Trail's End."


A/N: It took me longer than I expected but another update comes at the middle of the month. It was always my intention to have the Korvosan Duelist Tournament as where the announcement of the Gray Maidens takes place. The adventure path offer too many details on how the announcement went but I'm happy to come up with on my own.

With this chapter, I'm at 22,000 words (just about 200 words shy of 23,000), and although that is a little short of what I want it to be at this point, I remain optimistic that I'll be able to complete NaNoWriMo.

Until next time.