Griselda, Lady Fairfax, who turned out to be Samira's draconic sister Evelyn, tried her best to explain on short notice. It was nearing the time of the tournament, and Griselda knew she had to be brief lest Theodoric discovers her missing. He would expect her to be at his side, her dislike for such sport notwithstanding.
Along the way back to Fairfax Manor, Griselda and Samira conferred on the latter's true fate. Evelyn was thought dead, and Samira and Medra hatched a far-reaching, complicated plot to bring down not just Theodoric but his 21st Century descendant Lawrence Morrow. The latter Samira dispatched under the guise of a beautiful seductress named Astrid Håmasko.
"But," said a bewildered Samira, her ebony scales glistening brilliantly in the late morning sun, "you died, committed suicide..."
"No," replied Griselda, "I only led Larry, and everyone else, to believe that. It was true: when Paul discovered my 'body', I entranced myself to appear dead, but in reality I was in a slumber deep enough to mimic death."
"Thus Paul," said Samira, "and Larry concluded such. Evelyn...or is it Griselda you go by these days? Tell me, why did you remain in hiding from me? Why?"
Samira was hurt and understandably so. To her, Evelyn's "fake death then masquerade as Lady Fairfax" ruse just may be that unexpected complication she dreaded. In addition, Samira smarted a bit from her little sister's purposeful avoidance. If Evelyn knew her sister and Medra were planning to bring down Lord Fairfax and his minions, why didn't she just make herself known earlier and not wait until the very last possible minute?
"As I said, Samira, I had my reasons." The sisters reached the edge of the forest from where they could see white plumes of smoke rising in the distance to announce the games were about to begin. Samira knew she could not venture any further, and Evelyn had to make haste to join Lord Fairfax before he sent his goons to search for her.
"I merely took on Griselda's form, dear sister. When the time comes, I will vacate her body, only then after can she reunite with Fergus. As for yours and Medra's plan, do not worry. For I have the perfect – as they say in the 21st Century – 'set-up' awaiting Paul and Jamie Morrow. But believe me, I never wanted to deceive you or Morib. All I wanted was to reunite with my son, and give Miss Jamie a piece of my mind."
Glancing in the distance at the towering spires and flowing banners of Fairfax Manor's tournament ring, she said before departing, "I really must go, but hear me out. After the games, after Edgard is exposed, I want you and Medra to do this..."
******
"Where is Lady Fairfax? And don't lie to me!"
Theodoric was beside himself. How dare Griselda take to her bed on this day of all days. He knew she hadn't felt well ever since helping with the wedding preparations, and the added stress of entertaining his guests. So what? It is a noblewoman's duty to be sociable, witty and charming, to see to her lord's friends and family's every need. He glared at the cowering maid, demanding Griselda's whereabouts. Honestly, thought Theodoric, it isn't like her to sit out the tournament, not this one at least. It precedes Edgard and Pavia's wedding. This day would at last seal my power all over Ninegates and beyond...
"M'lord," the young chambermaid began timidly, remembering what her lady told her to say if Lord Fairfax ever asked, "Her ladyship has gone to the gardens, to fetch flowers for today's games. Lady Fairfax said she'd wouldn't take long and would be back in time for...OH! There she is!"
With a barely audible sigh of relief, the maid glanced up to see Griselda hurrying down the corridor, the generous skirt of her deep purple gown billowing about. With a nod, Griselda called out, "It is all right, Sarah. You may go now."
Lady Fairfax, serenely beautiful yet a bit flustered from her recent excursion walked up to her husband and pecked his cheek. She looked at him with loving (and this was faked) eyes, saying, "You know, Theodoric, you really shouldn't get after the servants whenever I'm a bit under the weather. It isn't their fault I've been more tired than usual."
Theodoric, resplendid in his color-coordinating ensemble of purple and black velvet doublet, black hose, shoes, and a padded oversized rounded chapeau with trailing lirepipe, softened a bit and returned the kiss, this time with more passion than with which Griselda was accustomed. Her husband was in a rare good mood today and understandably so. It is not everyday a nobleman can boast having his favorite hired knight about to clinch another championship and marry the most sought-after lady in his realm.
"My dear lady," he said as he linked his arm in Griselda's then led her to the tournament ring, "I am sorry if I've been inattentive to your needs of late. This tournament and all it entails has been on my mind. Not to mention Edgard and Pavia's upcoming nuptials. I shall make up for all lost time, my love."
Griselda just looked at him, saying, "Oh, my good husband, this will be, I am sure, a day you will NEVER forget."
******
At the tournament site, situated not far from the main house, at the appointed hour, the section reserved for the "common" spectators filled to standing room only. So many from far and wide made the annual trek to cheer on their favorite. Of course, those from Ninegates backed Edgard, with those from neighboring villages and shires cheering on their favorite sons. For this year's games, only six men vied for Lady Fairfax's favor: The hired Fairfax guardians Edgard, Archel, and Herman; the Celtic cavalier Uwen; the newly knighted Basil who hailed from London; and Franco, the mysterious last-minute entry.
As usual, the commoners took their places, not sitting down until the nobles arrived and the parish priest blessed the games. It was a Ninegates tradition, and commoners who did not go along with that tradition could face arrest for insubordination and disorderly conduct. Such offenses carried severe punishments of numerous floggings followed by several days in the stocks. Not that anyone dared to defy a longstanding tradition as it was common knowledge that Theodoric had the local magistrate in his pocket.
However, there would be a slight change once the games ended and the winner received his prize.
******
Once Lord and Lady Fairfax took their places in the comfortable, well-appointed, lavishingly canopied box that gave them the best view, the games got underway. This year, given that there were only six contestants and that Edgard was to be married soon afterwards, it was agreed there would be only two qualifying events. These events, ring spearing and Tournament of the Horse, were for points which would be tallied. In the end, the two top scorers would face each other in a final joust to determine the overall winner.
Process of elimination, Theodoric said, and the winner would receive a handsome reward – valuable lands in neighboring Wellbrooke to where Theodoric had hoped to extend his controlling grasp. And, of course, the champion would be another in Theodoric's pocket, not that Lord Fairfax had any misgivings about the tournament's outcome. Surely, without a doubt, Edgard will win hands down, ensuring his lord's ambitious, ruthless thirst for power. Wellbrooke was another village whose lands were far richer and more productive than Ninegates. And the current lord of the manor was old and ailing with no heirs to speak of. This, Wellbrooke, was promised to Theodoric after conferring with his more well-heeled aristocratic friends. Imagine, he thought with greedy relish, I am within moments of extending my sovereignty. Already I can taste sweet victory...And Edgard will serve me well. He is like me and so much more worthy of Pavia's hand than that disgusting bookish little cur...What was his name?
So lost in his own reverie, Theodoric nearly lost count of who was left on the field. Had that much time passed? Who is still in the games? Griselda patted him on the hand, saying, "Dear husband, I believe you are daydreaming again." She laughed a bit, adding, "And it seems your man has tied with this Italian warrior."
Indeed, when the final points were announced, Edgard and Franco finished all preliminary events in a dead heat, leaving their competitors so far behind. Archel and Herman never could match their more experienced comrade, and the others were just not fast or agile enough. But Franco...
The man never removed his helmet the entire time, preferring to unmask himself once the games ended. Griselda watched this man with heightened interest. She wondered, Is this the 'other' person Lucy spoke of? If he is, why won't he reveal himself...Oh Mother of God! He is...He must be! If only I was a betting woman...I hope Franco gives Edgard a good drubbing, then we'll see how the "Blue Knight" swaggers and boasts of his "victory".
******
In the commoners' seats, Emery Rivère leaned over to Lucy, saying, "Are you sure we did the right thing bringing him here? What if he loses?"
Lucy reassured her husband with, "Emery, my good husband, Franco has come so far since we found him all bloodied and broken. Remember, it was you who found the man, and I nursed him back to health. He has been a godsend to us, and when he told us what happened to him..."
She stopped in mid-sentence and looked around to see who might be eavesdropping. Sure enough, she spotted Archel in the crowd within earshot. All the sudden Lucy began to feel ill, recalling that dreadful night of rape and torture. It was Edgard and Theodoric who initiated the brutal assault, with Archel and Herman joining in.
In a panic, Lucy wondered just how much he overheard. What if he tips Edgard's hand? What if he runs to Theodoric? Lord Fairfax does not know Lucy is here, and if he did, he'd certainly repeat that outrage of years ago.
"Emery," she hissed, "look over there. Archel is sitting just a few...He was one of them..."
She began to shake and whimper, a woman overtaken with fear and loathing.
"Not to worry," said Emery, drawing her closer to him, "I will protect you. Besides, if Franco does pull off this win, Archel will rue the day he ever teamed up with Edgard."
******
From her spot at the edge of the forest, Samira watched with bated breath. It was joyous alone to discover the sister feared gone forever was still among the living – in the guise of Lady Fairfax! Samira's broad mouth widened into a shamelessly wicked smile, exposing those razor-sharp ivory teeth. She chuckled with delight at the prospect of Evelyn, in her human form, bedding Theodoric. What a comeuppance for the man when he discovers he had been coupling with a dragon. But one thing disturbed her.
To be sure, the sisters Medra and Mirinda were there with her, watching Franco match Edgard in skill and endurance. Soon Samira's mate, Morib, would join them. But where was Fabian, Mirinda's husband? And where was Fergus?
"I don't like this," Samira said to Medra. "Fergus is not here, neither is Fabian. Surely Griselda's brother would be here, gloating over Theodoric and Edgard's impending defeat."
Mirinda assured Samira that, "Fabian, before he left, said he was meeting Fergus. There is still the matter of Paul and Jamie Morrow."
She noted the look of dread in the dragon's eyes. Wasn't Griselda – Evelyn – here just moments earlier, hatching a plan to lure the Morrows to their respective fates? This does not make sense. What else does Fabian Martel want, besides getting revenge on Theodoric over lost merchant contracts?
Mirinda detected this as well, saying as she gently touched the dragon's black snout, "And do not worry so. Fabian and Fergus already know of Griselda's plan. Just think, we are this close to victory."
******
"Just think, I'm this close to victory," hissed Edgard, positively glowing in his brightly polished armor. He leaned over to Franco, who had been strangely silent all during the tournament. To Edgard's blatantly vulgar boast, he merely nodded in assent, as if to say, "We will see."
The men positioned themselves as Lady Pavia quietly prayed for her betrothed's victory. Never, not in the few years he had been in Theodoric's employ, had Edgard faced such a worthy opponent. This Italian, this Franco seems unbeatable, as skillful and resilient – if not more so – than Edgard. But even the Blue Knight can pull off an easy win.
All eyes were upon the colorfully outfitted men; all held their collective breaths as Edgard and Franco waited for the signal. With lances poised, both men immediately charged at each other, both endeavoring to knock his opponent off his horse.
The men near, the lances poised to strike. Franco's barely missed Edgard's chest; the latter's missing Franco altogether. Again, both men charged, then it's another miss for Edgard, but Franco's lance glanced off his helm. This is not good, thought Theodoric who had bet good money on Edgard's easy win. On the other side of the ring, Archel and Herman sit, both men silently hoping Franco will pull it off. After all, those two minions of Edgard's had betted against their companion. So what if "Edgard" loses. It will be just desserts win the so-called Blue Knight is finally unmasked for the charlatan he is.
Third time's the charm, thought Lucy and Emery Rivère, who also wanted to bring down Edgard. At the forest's edge, Medra, Mirinda, and the dragons watch. It is now or never, for Franco must be victorious. What sweet vengeance there will be once Franco is crowned champion. Soon, Lord Fairfax will find himself in a sticky situation, for he has allowed himself to be suckered by the worst of charlatans...
The signal is given again. Franco charged at Edgard at top speed. He raised his lance, leaned over, and delivered a resounding blow to Edgard's helm. Off came the helmet, sending and Edgard tumbling to the ground. For the first time in so many years the Blue Knight was defeated. The crowd did not know what to do as to cheer Edgard's loss may bring down Theodoric's wrath. But, secretly, all those who prayed for this moment silently lauded Franco's victory.
Theodoric, quite perturbed with Franco's win, nevertheless summoned the victor to come before him. But he will ask one thing before bestowing the prize: Franco will have to remove his helm and show his face. Griselda, still sitting beside her husband, made no outward sign of surprise or shock. Instead, she gloated inside, waiting for the moment to which she looked forward for so long. At last, all of Theodoric's evil deeds shall come to an end. But there was one – no make that two persons who were not present to witness this long sought after outcome: Her brother Fabian or her true love Fergus.
She sat there, watching Lady Pavia quietly weep for her fallen love. How much Pavia wanted this to be a happy day for Edgard, especially just before the wedding feast. But there will be no joy as Edgard is a proud man and hates to lose at anything. And what of his promise to slay the dragons once he "secures" his win? Nothing is said about that boast as he was led away from the field, cursing and limping. Not even Archel and Herman could console him in his loss. For now, Edgard had suffered defeat, and it was painful, but what awaited him once Franco took off the helmet.
Franco came before Theodoric and bowed low, still saying nothing. Lord Fairfax, knowing he had to make good on the prize promised, asked the victor to remove his helmet, which Franco did so promptly. Edgard, watching from the sidelines, gasped once Franco reveals his face. He wanted to leave but couldn't; his injuries, albeit minor, wouldn't let him do so right away. At that time, Archel and Herman accosted Edgard right where he stood, the first saying, "Oh no. You will not escape. It is time to end this charade. I, or Herman, if convicted and executed for the crimes we committed, will not go down without YOU! You will stay, and listen to what this man has to say!"
Herman grabbed Edgard by the arm, twisting it behind so to render Edgard quite immobile. Hurting both inside and out, and hampered by his heavy armor, Edgard knew this was the end.
Franco began to speak the moment Theodoric presented the papers that deeded Wellbrooke over to him. With papers in hand, papers with Theodoric's official signature and seal, Franco said to Lord Fairfax, in a booming voice for all to hear:
"M'lord! My name is not Franco, but Edgard of Helmsbourne, the TRUE Blue Knight. That man you hired, going by my name is an imposter. Listen, and listen well! Theodoric, Lord of Fairfax, I came here to expose you and that man, and his thieving companions for the monsters you are!"
TO BE CONTINUED...Go to Chapter 12