The Ganut

Episode 30: Only two left.

After the referees had left him, Oswald kept muttering "not him, not now". The 2nd round had started. He wasn't even balanced in his saddle. He moved forward and muttered: "I'm finally getting close to my goal." It's not this trash that's going to stop me ! ". Unlike previous rounds, Oswald found no fault in his opponent's approach. He only counted on his rage for revenge to win.

The hatred he carried in his heart could be felt in his gaze as he charged at full speed ! Gerrard had recognized this black look. It was the look of the boy who cried so that the investigation into his mother's death would not be closed 16 years ago. It was the last thing Gerrard saw before falling from his horse 10 meters away. Oswald had stabbed him in the stomach with his spear. The young soldier had won but he passed out after the referees announced his victory. Before passing out, he turned around and saw Gerrard bathing in his blood. He whispered, "He didn't even have the luxury of tasting defeat." Defeat is deserved. And this lousy guy didn't deserve it. There are only two left. » He closed his eyes then was rushed to the dispensary. Tournament staff came to arrange the arena to make room for the race. Bookmakers changed their tables to display horse odds. Their stands were crowded but the betting atmosphere in the official stands was calmer and sadder. A nobleman had just died, and Caesar didn't want to make a big deal about betting on horses. He had already made enough money with the death of Sir Gerard Terry. So, he decided to keep a low profile. But on Raoul's side, it was rather surprise and annoyance that had taken over his emotions. The Savel clan had just lost the important ally Gerrard. Gerrard was supposed to overthrow his brother as head of their family. He was to eliminate him in a week and join the council of eleven after Savel's recommendation. His victory in this tournament would only have strengthened his candidacy. Morak called for the audience's attention and announced the start of the race.

Meanwhile, about 110km away, the traitors' meeting took place. The circular table of the red palace welcomed select guests. There were kings, ambassadors and representatives from several cities to take stock of the progress of the greatest conspiracy the continent had ever known. Savel represented Sifane. The king of Bazek was there as well as the king of Vridhy. Guliane's ambassador was also present to represent the king. Jasper Kent, the leader of the "No Banners" was there. Finally, Josiah Griffus II the host presided over the meeting. He was at the head of this plot and intended to seize Tresoria in order to rule over all the cities. He believed that the system was unfair and that Povidas was constantly blamed for his past mistakes and especially because the capital feared his military power. Povidas and Bazek continued to pay excess taxes and tribes to the crown since the last war as punishment. This strategy prevented Bazek and Povidas from getting rich. This stratagem put in place by Tresoria was intended to weaken their armies in the long term. This is where Savel's help is valuable because it helps to somewhat compensate for the financial shortfall.

Josiah: SO ! Dizek is officially neutralized. His Majesty Kenneth Bromell IV brings with him the good news.

Kenneth: Thanks to Jasper's reinforcements, I was able to increase my numbers and defeat Dizek. The "southerners" had started to have doubts so we acted quickly. Ambassador Sifaneese was shot dead while trying to escape. We can therefore begin the next step.

Josiah: Patience, we will only march on Sifane if our contact does not manage to take power within the deadline. You only have around 20 days left dear Savel.

Logan(King of Vridhy): I'm afraid we don't have that much time. Does our noble partner Sifaneese really believe in our cause to the point of being represented by a...

Savel: By a what? I'm more than tired of always having to justify my place when this cause needs me more than you, King Merrill ! And our takeover will not be long in coming. It should be done in a few days. We have placed a usurper on the throne then our contact will relieve the current king of his duties and be voted in as interim. He will have full power and will be able to join our army to our cause. Everything is already planned. Otherwise, we will signal you to attack.

Logan: We could already attack Talomé, right?

Josiah: No, Sifane is our priority. My first son is there to check if their plan is real. Apart from Bazek and Povidas, Sifane is the only other coastal town on the continent. So we will be able to exert several political and military pressures if we rule the sea. Even if Exodia in the North is a coastal city, it does not yet have a port and the time to set one up, we will know. We need Sifane at all costs!

Jasper hadn't liked Logan's comments towards Savel and had leered at him. He can speak and expressed his discontent to all the plotters in a casual manner. With a broken but serious voice:

- I'm not too political so I don't talk enough in meetings. But I am here because my dear Josiah here guaranteed me that we will all be the same after he takes power. He told me that my guys and I would be recognized by the cities and all the stuff that goes with it. But dear Logan's words displeased me. Sincerely (still in a broken and jerky voice) So that goes for everyone, especially you dear Logan. Ally or not, the next person who demeans a non-noble in my presence, I will execute him.

Meanwhile, in Sifane, the royal race was about to end. It was the last lap and Wave and Arrow were neck and neck. But some 10 meters before the finish line, Vague gained the upper hand and won the race. Caesar announced in Zassi's ear that today was his lucky day because all his predictions were correct. The arena events were over, and everyone went home.