by Clark, Lydia
“I can’t do anything in my power to stop this.”
What was Dale to do? He couldn’t let Treea be treated like this. She didn’t deserve to be a slave mistress. This had to stop. What if?
“I want to enter,” Dale announced.
“You what?” The duke interjected from the other side of the King. He had to fight the smile from appearing on his face when he heard Dale’s announcement.
“I want to enter the contest,” Dale repeated loud enough for everyone to hear, including Treea.
“I forbid it,” The King replied, “It is too dangerous. There are other women out there that are more beautiful than she is.”
“I don’t want another woman. All I want is her.” Dale stated loudly.
A cheer erupted from the crowd. It was almost unheard of for a prince to enter into a jousting contest. “You could let someone stand in for him,” suggested the Duke. Not what he had planned for, but to see Dale loose the woman he wanted was enjoyable just he same. There were other ways to cause the new prince to accidently die.
“Aye, that is a grand idea. I know just the one to be his challenger. The king turned behind him and called for his messenger. He carefully whispered his request into the messenger’s ear. Even Dale didn’t hear whom the King requested to be as his challenger.” All he knew was that the messenger wasted no time. He ran off in the direction of the castle.
“So, are you going to divulge who the challenger will be or are you going to make us wait to see?” asked the Duke. Curiosity buzzed about the grounds.
The king stood to make his announcement. “As many of you know, Captain Pellesi has been held as a prisoner in the tower for months. I have decided to have him released on the condition that he is to be the challenger for my son since she,” the King pointed toward Treea. “She is his daughter. How grand an event. I think this has just raised the stakes even higher. Don’t you Duke Ellington?”
Ellington was appalled and surprised at the same time. The captain would be more than an acceptable match for the Lieutenant. But the captain would have a stronger motive to win than any of the other contestants. It was his daughter.
The duke couldn’t decline the challenge. The contest had to go on. “Aye, your majesty, this will be the jousting match of the century.”
Chapter 20
The messenger handed the sealed scroll to the guard outside the tower’s prison gate. After carefully breaking the seal, the guard read it and nodded in acknowledgement.
“You there,” the guard called out to a passing fellow guard. “You are to fetch Captain Pellesi and go with the messenger to see the King. The captain has been entered into the jousting match.”
“What for? Since when are prisoners allowed to enter the matches?”
“See for yourself.” The guard opened the message. “Says so by the King.”
“I don’t see why he can.” The guard huffed while he stormed off to the captain’s cell. The messenger was close behind him.
“The captain’s daughter is one of the prizes of the match.” The messenger explained.
The guard stopped in his tracks. “You don’t say? Why do I always have to miss the best events?” They continued down a flight of stair to the basement of the tower.
“Hey, Pellesi, the king is granting you a request. If I were you, I would take the offer.”
The door swung open with a creak of rusty hinges. The torch on the wall exposed the captain living in deplorable conditions. His cell stank of urine and feces along with the odor of a man who had not bathed in weeks.
“He has kept me prisoner for months on a bogus charge and now he request my services?” Captain Pellesi spat his distrust at the guard’s feet.
“Well, if you really feel that way, you don’t have to accept it. You can remain right where you are. It is only a jousting match and he needs a challenger for the prince.”
“Prince, what prince? And what is in it for me beside money I can’t spend while rotting in my cell?”
“New has it, that this prince was discovered recently. I hear he is some sort of long lost son that he never knew existed. I say it is bogus, but I don’t know what proof the man has besides some brooch and a book. Supposedly he was found by none other than your daughter.”
This news got Captain Pellesi’s attention. “My daughter, what say of her?”
The guard showed the captain the message from the king. “So what does that have to do with my needing to accept the challenge?”
The messenger spoke up while they climbed the stair. “Captain, one of the prizes of the contest is your daughter. She is being offered along with a purse of gold by none other than Duke Ellington.”
“Does that answer your question?” asked the guard.
Captain Pellesi winced at the answer to his question. Of course, they would make sure he would compete. How else to secure this than by using his daughter as the stake. He would never be able to turn down the chance to save his daughter from the hands of the duke.
Chapter 21
Ellington’s plans were amiss. Things were not going as he had planned. The king was supposed to allow this heir to compete in the jousting match. How else was he supposed to die an accidental death?
Now he would have to come up with another plan.
“Your majesty, does your son like the hunt?” the duke inquired.
“I don’t know. Son, do you like hunting?”
Dale was not sure if this was a trick question. Maybe the Duke was hoping for him to incriminate himself by saying how he had hunted all the time. Maybe the duke also knew this and had inside information that he had hunted for years without acquiring a permit. How should he answer this?
“I’m not sure,” Dale replied with a little white lie.
“I think Ellington is planning a hunt soon.”
“Aye, I am, your majesty. Would the prince like to accompany me?” Ellington leaned forward to get a better glimpse of Dale’s face when he replied. “I would love for you to join me and I can share my knowledge and skill of hunting. It is the most I can do for my majesty’s son.”
“That is so kind of you, Ellington.” The king turned back to Dale. “What do you say, son? Ellington is a good shot with a bow.”
“Maybe some day in the future. There is too much to learn in the coming months for me to worry about a hunting expedition. But, thank you for your offer.” Dale said graciously. The last thing he wanted was to be on a hunt with the Duke. One of them was not going to come back alive, Dale was sure of that.
“Oh boo. Well, if you ever change your mind, just say so and we will ride together.”
Trumpets announced the first two contestants. Neither of which were from this kingdom. One was the burly man that the duke had pointed out to the Lieutenant earlier. The other one brought laughter from the crowd.
He was a small man, who stood no taller than an ordinary man’s waist. His horse was too big for his body. Ponies were not allowed in the contest. All contestants were to sit on horses of the same height out of fairness.
The king leaned forward with interest. “Is that a dwarf?”
“Aye, that he is. It seems that there are many coming from your surround lands to pay homage to your new heir.” Duke Ellington explained. “I guess word travels fast when there is a coronation taking place.”
“Dale, who do you think, is going to win?” The king asked.
“It does seem that they are both outmatched for each other,” Dale replied.
“How can you say that,” asked Ellington. He was certain he knew that the dwarf was going to be a goner.
“Well, if you look closer, you will see that the dwarf sits lower on his stead giving him greater balance while the big guy is all force. I think the balance will win over force.” Came Dale’s reply.
The king studied Dale. “Interesting.” He turned to a steward sitting directly behind him. “Put two gold for me on the dwarf.”
The steward laughed along with his fellow colleges. “Two
gold on the dwarf for the king. I’ll gladly take your money, your majesty. He thinks the dwarf is going to win. He must be joking.” They laughed some more.
Suddenly the flag was lowered sending the two contestants barreling down their appropriate lanes with lances protruding before them. The big guy missed his mark, while the dwarf hit the opponent just before the week spot in his chain mail. Apparently he had noticed the flaw in the armor too.
They repositioned their steeds and waited for the flag to be dropped once again before taking off at a canter. This time the larger of the opponents hit his mark in the shoulder, but as Dale explained, he did not lose his balance and remained on his stead’s back.
The dwarf missed his mark and was the only result from the opponents contact.
Once again, they took their places and waited for their signal. This time the dwarf not only hit his mark, but he hit it in the desired place. Not only did he unseat his opponent, but he also managed to impale him.
The big guy was not dead yet. This was a match to the death, if the King requested.
“Is this to be a death match, your majesty?” the dwarf asked.
It was clearly who the winner was in this match. But the duke knew what could make men change their own stakes. He nodded to the guard who watched over Treea, which signaled that he bring the woman into view. Were the men after riches or beauty?
The burly man pulled the lance from his abdomen and sought out another weapon. The duke pointed out to him. “There is your answer.”
A cheer rose from the crowd. Chants came from both sides of the field. Chants for those who wanted to see one opponent win over the other that in turn changed to, “to the death.”
The dwarf had all he could do to duck and roll out of the opponents charge. He had no weapon, except for that of his hands, feet, and quickness. Rolling to and fro to keep the opponent from sinking his mace into his body.
Then at the appropriate time, with the swing of his legs he brought the burly man down. The jolt of his weight in his chain mail suit knocked not only the wind out of his lungs, but the mace from his hands.
This weapon was quickly recovered by the dwarf and brought down swiftly upon the man’s head, smashing his skull.
“We have our first victor!” Said the announcer while he grabbed onto the little man’s arm raising it. “Who will be our next contestant to go against,” there was a pause while the announcer asked the dwarf his name. “Ben Stout, representing the kingdom of Magmark.”
Whooping and hollering rose around the stands while the winners who had placed bets on the contestants were paid. The odds were raised for the dwarf after he had proved himself.
Ben Stout remained in the contest for the next five contestants until he was defeated by the lieutenant, who gave the dwarf a swift clean death. It was nothing less than a beheading for the representative of the Kingdom of Magmark.
“Who will challenge Lieutenant Knox? Do we have any takers or was that our last contestant?”
A murmur broke out from the crowd. Treea swallowed hard. Was this it? Why didn’t Dale come to her rescue? Now that he was named prince was she no longer good enough for him?
The king stood up and addressed the crowd and the announcer. “There is one more contestant. We are just waiting for him to arrive. He should be here soon. Let Lieutenant Knox break for some refreshment while we wait.”
“You heard the king. We will wait.”
The crowd broke up going off in different directions to get their own food and drink. The match was not over, but many now had money to spend from their own winnings that were burning holes in their pouches. Gobs of sweet breads had been baked for such an occasion, all on sale at the market nearby, that was soon flooded with potential buyers.
Chapter 22
“Do you really think he will accept the challenge?” Knox asked the duke.
“Aye.” He smirked. “A chance to not only get his freedom back to to save his daughter, he’ll be here. I’m sure of it.”
From the sour look on Dorian Knox’s face, he appeared to not be looking forward to his next challenger.
“Why the look, Dorian? Do you not think you will win?”
“I kind of liked the man. I don’t look forward to killing him.”
Duke Ellington laughed. “How about we pay the sweet miss a visit. It might add some motivation to take away that sour look.” He led the lieutenant to where Treea was allowed to sit in the shade of a big elm tree, being fanned by two servants who were assigned to keep her company.
The duke pulled a couple of shillings from his pocket and gave each servant a coin. “Go get yourselves a hunk of bread. We will stay with her.” A curtsy from the servants after being handed their shilling had them hurrying away leaving Treea alone with the two men.
Lieutenant Dorian smiled as soon as he set eyes on Treea. He loved women that had cleavage they could show off. She was a shapely lassie and he began to look forward to their romp after the match was over.
Duke Ellington reached for Treea’s hand and pulled her to her feet. “This, young lady, will make a fine prize for you. Don’t you agree, Dorian?”
“She sure is a beautiful one.” Dorian agreed. “She’s also the one who cut me that day at the dock. I think I’ve got a score to settle with her.”
“Is the contest over so soon?” Treea asked. She eyed the men, after seeing the duke send away the servants, she feared this was more than a social visit, especially when she recognized the lieutenant who had boarded her ship. He was the one responsible for Hurley’s death.
“Nope.” The duke said to Dorian, “When you win, do you think you will be able to part with her for an hour or two? Kind of as a repayment for posting your entrance fee.”
“As long as she’s mine after that or you’ll have to enter the challenge yourself.” Dorian Knox joked.
“How many more contestants?” asked Treea.
“Do you grow weary of the games or are you in a hurry to be off with me?” Dorian ran a finger over her smooth lips. The feel of them sent a quiver to his loins. He knew what he wanted her to do first with those lips of hers.
“I’m just tired of sitting here waiting. The sun is hot and it’s doing damage to my skin.” She tried to sound the part of a higher class than she was to mask her fear of what was to come.
“Just so you know, there is one more contestant. We are waiting for him to arrive. Would you like to know who he is?”
Treea wasn’t sure if she really wanted to know. Hadn’t all the best jousters in the land arrived for the match today. “Is the gold prize that high? Surely they can’t be all entering because of me.”
“You can be so modest when you want to be,” replied Ellington. “The last contestant is someone you know.”
It couldn’t be Dale. They were waiting for someone to arrive and Dale was already here. She raised a skeptical eyebrow in question.
The duke couldn’t stand her not knowing. “Why it is your father, Captain Pellesi. Apparently the king has agreed to give him his freedom if he wins the joust. The lieutenant here has only defeated ten challengers so far. What is one more?” He walked behind her and spoke softly in her ear. “Your father obviously will give his life for you. Isn’t that dear?”
The trumpets for the match sounded, announcing the arriving riders. It was time to return to the match.
“I will try to give him a clean, swift death. I promise my lady. I always liked your father. It will be an honor to joust with him today. I will return for you soon. I promise.” Lieutenant Dorian said after taking her hand to give it a tender kiss before departing to return to the game.
As soon as the men were no longer in earshot and the servants had returned, Treea whispered a little prayer for her pop. “May the goddess watch over and protect you Pop. I will always love you.” A lone tear trickled down her cheek.
Chapter 23
Captain Pellesi hadn’t been on a horse since he could remember. Funny how sea legs can morph into an anchor t
o grip the sides of the mount. The fine steed had a broad belly, but his legs had no problem gripping about the girth firmly.
Someone had paid a high price for this horse. That person could have been none other than the king. It was a steed that was suited for a well-armored knight.
There was a time in the Captain’s life when he did ride with the King’s army. A cut to the upper part of his thigh retired him from duty before the age of thirty years, leaving him to find another form of trade to make his living by.
He had already married Treea’s mother while he had been in the King’s service. Treea arrived soon after, and he still had not found a means of supporting his family on a regular basis. They were forced to scrounge for food until he found his way to the docks and hooked his first fish.
An old sea captain watched him from the bows of his boat fish from the dock day and night. If the fish were landed, Pellesi would not return for a day or two, depending on the size of the last catch.
Word finally made its way to the ears of the captain that the man who fished off of his dock was in dire need of a job.
“Hey, Matey, I hear you are looking for work. I need a deck hand. Would you be interested?”
Pellesi hobbled over to the old man on his bad leg. It was healing, but slowly, it would never be the same, nor would Pellesi’s life be the same after meeting the old sea captain, Salty Skip.
“Aye, I need work. I have a wife and a babe to feed along with this bad leg. I’m not of use to anyone I have come across to this day. What is it that I might be able to do for you?”
“A deck hand is what I need. Someone to help man the sails, hoist the anchor and cook for the crew. My last cook jumped ship in the south for warmer weather.” Salty Skip laughed.
“How soon will I be paid? I can’t just up and leave my family with no means for survival.”