Dragon Age: The Rite of Passage

Rite of Passage: Chapter Three

Falling in behind Burdock, Tristan took his place alongside the pirate on the field. The act indicating the two would compete under an informal truce until only they remained active in combat. A partnership uncommon in the final round, the chatter and whispers from the crowd could be heard throughout the arena.

Sitting up in his seat, "Well, now that's unexpected," Dorian said sipping spice wine. "Surely the boy doesn't believe he can trust the likes of Audius Burdock. The dwarf is a known smuggler and thief with suspected ties to the Qunari high counsel, The Ben-Hassrath."

"It is a wise move," Cassandra rebutted. "Against all three men, Tristan would stand little to no chance of winning. Perhaps with the aid of Burdock, he may be victorious."

"If you seek to protect the boy, I will have you both dwarf," Du'pont said, unfastening two rapier blades from his sides. Pointing one of the extremely thin weapons toward Sir Donavan, "And you; if you choose to interfere...I'll peel that ghastly armor off your Venatori hide!"

Bowing, "Eliminate them, and you'll have your chance," Sir Donavan said, planting his great-sword into the ground next to him.

Encircling the ring, the Dunrosha enclosed the inner circle in dispelling magic.

With the blasting of the horns, Tristan watched Sir Du'pont gracefully make his way across the ring toward Burdock and himself. The silver knight saluting the crowd before quickening his pace.

"Assume no stance until he moves in closer," Burdock said as Tristan prepared to defend himself. "It only serves to reveal your intent. Your armor will be useless against him, trust the strength of your sword and shield. And whatever you do, don't take your eyes off him!"

Pushing Tristan away, Burdock detached his war-hammer from his back. The head of the large dragon bone weapon resembling a fist with rings of emeralds, rubies and sapphires adorning each finger; the back spike of the weapon an axe blade. Widening the distance between them the pirate captain maneuvered as if to flank Du'pont; the elder knight halting briefly before advancing once more. Smiling, quickening his pace, Du'pont sprinted across the field with weapons in hand. Rushing in to meet him under the objection of Burdock, Tristan watched the elder knight glide to a stop as he began his attack.

Like the tongues of two silver serpents, his swords hissed through the air stabbing at Tristan's guard almost playfully. The thin weapons probing his defenses as Du'pont searched for any and every weakness.

Stepping away, noting the position of his foes, "Bravo boy, your shield play is excellent," Du'pont said. "No doubt your teachers would be proud. Now I look forward to witnessing your use of that magnificent sword."

In a flash of silver and gold, the elder knight resumed his attack; forcing Tristan to give ground. Dipping in, sliding forward making the younger knight defend himself using his sword and shield, Du'pont pressed his advantage. Parrying away a series of attacks that caused him to open his guard, Tristan sought to repel various assaults aimed at the joints of his armor. Advancing behind powerful stabbing strikes, Sir Du'pont skillfully struck at his legs, arms, shoulders and knees.

His speed is extraordinary, Tristan thought seeking to retreat, feeling the weight of each blow as he warded off several strikes. He intends to exhaust me, but he shall find; I do not falter easily.

In his time spent training with Lord Varric and his aunt, Tristan had been pressed to his limit many times. Often defending himself against multiple knights as they sought to flank and corner him; each attacking from all sides using numerous strategies and techniques. For what seemed like hours, they pounded at his guard alternating between the lot of them in order to weaken his resolve. Religiously conditioned, trained and instructed in the art of breathing as well as foot work, he found more times than not he could outlast them all.