Bruthes said, “It is a scheduled challenge between House Mierette and House Jesqueli. Mierette says that First Consort of Jesqueli tried to seduce one of their house members. Jesqueli denies the claim and challenged for the First Consort’s honor. The champions are both first consorts and palace guards, so they decided to have the duel down here.”
They all wandered over to watch the spectacle and chose a vantage point under the shade of a tree. Now that the sun was shining, the air was becoming humid and the insects were biting. Rezkin wrapped his soggy cloak around him and implored Yserria to do the same before anyone recognized her.
Bruthes pointed to a blonde man with short, wavy hair and said, “He is Dorovick, champion for Jesqueli.” He nodded to the other contender and said, “That is Hyenth.”
Hyenth had a close-cropped beard and short brown hair; and, like Dorovick, he wore one long braid at the temple, woven with a red ribbon.
Dorovick abruptly ducked behind a group of friends and house members, glancing around to see if anyone was looking. He then walked to a tree with a subtle limp and rubbed his thigh.
Bruthes shook his head. “That is not good. His old injury is acting up again.”
“He will win,” Rezkin said. “And he is likely guilty.”
The captain narrowed his eyes and looked at Dorovick again. “Why would you say that? On a good day, Dorovick will win against Hyenth maybe two or three times out of four, but Dorovick is injured.”
Rezkin said, “He is feigning injury to gain the advantage. He limps only when he has made a show of looking around to check for observers, except that he never looks in Hyenth’s direction, which means that he wants Hyenth to witness his actions. Considering that he is willing to use such an underhanded tactic in a duel against a fellow guardsman, it is likely he is also willing to cheat on his matria and seduce another woman.”
Bruthes frowned but nodded as he witnessed the deception for himself. “I see what you are saying about the limp, but I do not think you can conclude that a poor sportsman is also a cheat.”
“Dorovick’s matria is not here,” Rezkin said.
“No, she is visiting her mothers’ estate.”
Rezkin nodded to an eager young lady who was anxiously gripping and wringing her shawl while trying to blend with the crowd. He said, “I would guess that is the young lady from House Mierette. She looks terribly concerned for Dorovick’s well-being.”
“This is not justice,” Yserria said. “Honor should not depend on the strength of a man’s arm.”
Bruthes sighed. “I had best warn Hyenth of the deception. This matter will not end here if Dorovick wins and continues his escapades with the young woman. Dorovick’s matria may return and blame the Mierette girl for the affair. The last thing I need is a house feud among my guards.”
“Yserria will fight as champion for House Mierette,” said Rezkin.
“What?” she exclaimed.
He said, “You claim that honor should not depend on the strength of a man’s arm. Let it depend on a woman’s.”
“That is not what I meant. Besides, we have not seen him fight. He could be better—”
“He is not,” Rezkin said with confidence.
Bruthes glanced between them and then looked to Yserria for confirmation. Yserria watched the girl who was pining for another woman’s consort and then looked at the man who rubbed his phantom wound.
She nodded to Bruthes and said, “I will fight as champion if Mierette accepts the offer.”
Rezkin remained under the tree as Yserria and Bruthes walked over to speak with the Mierette matria and her champion. Rezkin was observing the exchange from afar when Serunius stepped up beside him.
“You never stop,” Serunius said. “You are always moving the pieces, plotting, manipulating—even now, in an insignificant challenge between middling houses. What could you possibly gain from this? It will have no effect on Erisial’s decision—or do you simply enjoy the blood?”
Rezkin did not take his eyes from the scene as he answered. “I have acquainted myself with Bruthes, your captain of the royal guard. He is a straightforward man. He is also strongly entrenched in Leréshi ideals of honoring women. By showing my support for Mierette and placing my undaunted faith in Knight Yserria, I have gained his respect beyond that due my position.”
“Gaining Bruthes’s respect will not prevent him from performing his duties.”
“That was not my intent, but we shall come back to that.” Rezkin nodded toward Hyenth. “He made it a point to speak several times with one of the court musicians who performed last night, First Consort of Matrianera Nayala Tekahl. They appeared to be friends. It is reasonable to assume House Mierette is a supporter of Tekahl. Nayala was ambitious enough to introduce herself to my companions, while most others remained cautiously aloof or blatantly forward. She takes calculated risks but is satisfied for her house to remain on lower, stable ground. She sought only to benefit from the association while making it apparent that she was open to more possibilities.
“Nayala is under consideration for the Sixth Echelon. The Sixth Echelon produces wool, several food crops, and marshglove clover, a rare plant whose extract is used in many mundane and alchemical tinctures—all of which are products useful to my people. A boost for House Mierette could make the difference in securing the Sixth Echelon for House Tekahl. House Jesqueli, however, combines its crest with that of House Goldren, Fourth Echelon, which has dealings with House Ichthris of Ferélle. House Ichthris has ardently advocated for a campaign to rid Ferélle of the Adana’Ro.
“Erisial has made clear her intention to claim me. The stated intent alone, regardless of the outcome, will have a severe impact on her support structure. This morning, I demonstrated my strength to the palace guards in the practice yard; and, in Bruthes’s eyes, I have placed my champion, a woman, on the side of justice in this duel. Yserria bears power of her own in this court, and she and I have backed Mierette, thereby uplifting Tekahl, which is a strong supporter of Erisial. Yserria’s victory will be a severe hit to House Jesqueli, which will upset Goldren. Goldren may break with Jesqueli for the embarrassment or continue the association. Either way, it may destabilize the house enough for Erisial to attain approval to replace Goldren as Fourth Echelon. This will take pressure off the Adana’Ro, which will please your daughter Oledia and make her transition easier.”
The seemingly insignificant courtyard duel unfolded before their eyes as they spoke. Yserria advanced on Dorovick, who did not appear to take her seriously. The man’s arrogance was punished by a score across his forearm.
Serunius said, “So, Bruthes respects Erisial for her decision to claim you, Yserria gains power, Tekahl is granted Sixth Echelon, you acquire favorable trade, Goldren loses Fourth Echelon, the Adana’Ro are momentarily secure, and Erisial is pleased—and you devised this plan within a few minutes of learning of the duel.”
Rezkin did not reply as he watched Dorovick strike the dirt with his face and then quickly regain his feet as Yserria stood back and waited.
Serunius said, “Why are you interested in pleasing Erisial?”
Rezkin said, “Despite my aversion to her claim, I require Erisial’s cooperation. She is the one with whom I am conducting negotiations, both for Oledia and my kingdom. What is good for Erisial is good for me.”
“I am not convinced of your sincerity,” said Serunius. “I know that I am missing something, but it will come to me. I am not ashamed to admit that Erisial is more intelligent than I am. She is quick, and she has been doing this much longer than you. She will succeed, and you will fail.”
“You think too small, Serunius. I have more pressing matters than Erisial’s claim. Your petty politics mean nothing to me beyond securing Oledia and advancing trade. I otherwise care nothing for Lon Lerésh.”
“Then, once you leave here, you do not intend to recognize the claim?”
“As far as I am concerned, there is no claim.”
Both men watched as Yserria smacked Dorovick in the head with the side of her blade.
“You do not deserve her,” Serunius said.