Robert sat back and looked directly at his former student. “Yes, it seems that way, doesn’t it?’’
“Then here’s my one condition,” Tal said grimly. “Kaspar dies last.’’
“Why?” asked Magnus.
“Because from what you say, I stand the best chance of getting myself killed in reaching him, and if I am to fail to avenge my people, I’d rather die leaving one murderer alive than letting a dozen survive. Kaspar dies after Raven and his men, but first comes Lieutenant Campaneal.” Looking at Robert, Magnus, Caleb, and Pasko, Tal said, “He will not make it alive out of the tournament.”
The early rounds produced little by way of surprises, the most unexpected turn being the emergence of a young commoner from Kesh named Kakama, who had handily defeated every opponent. Those inclined to take risks in gambling bet heavily on him.
The fourth day saw Tal’s first match as the final sixty-four contestants began the last three days of contest. Over four hundred swordsmen had fought in as many as three matches a day to winnow the field down to thirty-two who would be added to the thirty-two who had already been ranked. There would be matches in the morning, then in the late afternoon until the final bout on Sixthday afternoon, before the King and his court at the palace.
Tal’s first opponent was a captain from the personal guard of a Roldemish baron. This was his third tournament and the first time he had made the final sixty-four places.
The matches were fought with naked steel to first blood, a yield, or a forfeiture. A contestant could yield at any time, and usually only did so for fear of injury or public humiliation. A man could forfeit by not appearing in time for a match, or by being disqualified by the judges, three Masters of the Court who supervised each bout. Ignoring the judges’ instructions, intentionally trying to harm an opponent, or refusing to remain in the described combat area were all grounds for forfeiture.
Tal let the captain enjoy a few moments of accomplishment and refused to shame him after twelve years spent in trying to better himself. But it was no contest. After exchanging blows, thrusts, and parries for three minutes, Tal could easily see many openings. Tal had noticed that the young captain had been wished good fortune by an adoring young woman, whom he assumed to be his wife or betrothed, so he decided to allow the man to lose with some dignity. He kept the match going for another two minutes, before lightly cutting the man on the arm, drawing first blood and the victory.
The young captain made a formal salute, which Tal returned, then he retired to the comforting embrace of the young woman.
Other matches were not so graceful. Several of the combatants were loud, boasting louts who had one gift: skill with a blade. Three serious injuries occurred in the first morning’s contests—one man undoubtedly maimed for life—and Tal watched as many as he could, to get some sense of whom he might face in later matches.
His next opponent was a large, broad-shouldered swordmaster from the Kingdom city of Rodez, named Raimundo Velasquez. He was quiet and efficient, and was cat-quick to pounce on an opening. Tal saw he would have to be wary with this man during the afternoon’s contest.
Tal retired to the cloaking room, where refreshments for the combatants were laid out in sumptuous fashion. He avoided those foods which would make him feel slow and sleepy, and ate lightly, avoiding wine or ale. He drank cold water and returned to watch the bouts.
He avoided talking to anyone, including Caleb, who kept close watch. Tal knew that Magnus and Robert were not too far away, guarding against any magical threat, but he felt no need of idle chatter. He was in the tourney, and from everything he had seen, he must surely win.
When the last of the morning bouts was over, he retired to Remarga’s for a bath and massage, so that he would be fresh when the afternoon combat began.
The next two rounds were challenging, but Tal took the measure of both men: the Rodezian swordmaster, then a captain of the guard from the Royal household. The afternoon of the second day saw attendance swell to capacity as every noble and rich commoner who could gain entrance to the Masters’ Court wedged themselves inside to watch the field of eight reduced to four.
Tal’s first opponent was a mercenary soldier from the Kingdom, a man named Bartlet from Hawk’s Hallow. He inquired about Tal’s relationship to the more famous Hawkins, and Tal told his tale as if it were common knowledge. Bartlet remarked he had never heard of the Squire’s holdings, and he had been born in the region.