Sacrifice

Chapter 27 - The Victor

Kalli continued to be the only Lady favouring the North Gate, including Wirin who won the hand-to-hand competition. Adir might have won the obstacle-course competition save for a South Gate soldier who ran into him on purpose, knocking him off of his feet. Not to be outdone, Adir had landed a solid kick to the man's knee and finished second to the other man's fifth.

It wasn't until the competitors for the final event, swordsmanship, were called that Kalli approached Adir with her ribbon. Their eyes met, and Kalli smiled.

"You've always been my champion," she said softly.

Adir nodded, then took the ribbon and bowed.

Despite his natural modesty, he had already decided to win, if only to prove to the crowd that Kalli was right in favouring him.

Though the day continued to grow hotter, the crowd was rejuvenated by the arrival of the swordsmanship event. Names were chanted and bets were cast, as opponents faced off.

To lose would result in being eliminated, while the victor moved on to face the next opponent. Adir won with ease, against a fresh-faced recruit from the South Gate and an over-confident East Gate veteran. His third opponent was smarter and tried to tire Adir out by spending time moving around their arena. But Adir was more than equal to his opponent and walked away the victor. When the original 32 had been reduced to 4 the competitors were allowed a break as jesters entertained the crowd.

# # #

Adir retreated to where his platoon was gathered.

"Well lads and ladies," Wirin said. "Looks like Captain Doran's going to be having dinner with a fine Lady. Guess who's the prize for the swordsmanship winner?"

Adir didn't have to guess; a certain call had tipped him off. Wirin enlightened the others.

"Lady al Aratina, will be eating supper with the most talented swordsman tonight."

"Why does she favour the North Gate so much?" Judan asked, having not yet been allowed to meet Kalli.

"The Lady is an old friend of the Captain's, they visit most every day. Guess her affection's rubbed off on all us ruffians, including you." Wirin gave Judan a crooked smile.

Judan was thoughtful for a moment. "Why is there no gossip though? A noble lady spending that much time around an army captain, I'd've thought there would be talk of it."

Wirin crossed his arms across his large chest. "You planning on starting gossip kid?" he drawled, but there was nothing laid back about his posture.

"No," Judan answered, shaking his head vigorously. "She's nice; I wouldn't say anything against her. But," Judan glanced around to make sure Nazzir wasn't in hearing range, "what about them that don't care for the Captain all that much? Don't they make trouble for him?"

"They don't know," Adir answered.

Laya inspected her belt knife pensively. "Of course, those who look to cause trouble for the Captain are taken care of."

Adir paused with his water canteen halfway to his mouth. "What do you mean 'taken care of'? What happened?"

"Nothing," Wirin answered, totally unconcerned by Adir's glare. "Besides, a few minor conversations between Laya, myself, a few friends and some," he glanced at Nazzir who was still out of earshot, "trouble makers. It's been taken care of."

Adir glared at all the soldiers who were standing around with smug satisfied smiles.

"I don't expect any of you to get involved in this. Any problems should be passed on to me."