The Maiden's Song (draft-editing)

Chapter 10 Competition

Chapter 10 Competition

Am and Jocelyn woke up very early in the morning, just after the sun rose over the mountains of Abbhain kissing the greenish heels and the dense woods. Both mother and daughter were very excited for the day to come. They were delighted with the latest events.

That morning they got dressed and waited for their escort to come and take them to the outer patio where the Royal's Archery Tournament would be held.

The tournament was celebrated every year since Prince Alasther was born. The prince himself participated since he was twelve, and he had proven to be a fine archer.

Lord Roderick promised the ladies he was going to pick them up to escort them to the tournament. The duke, as the fine gentleman he was, accompanied the ladies to their room the previous night. Am accepted excitedly. This was the time she had been dreaming for; the opportunity of being in the tournament and to watch it from the arena.

Am had attended the competitions for the past two years with her friends. She had come with Maik, who was participating. Her friend finished in a respectable eight position last year amongst fifty participants that came from the four points of the Northern Kingdoms Alliance. However, Am and her friends watched the tournament from behind the second set of walls of the castle, where the plebe and not official attendants were placed in some sort of wooden stands. This time it was diferent, for good. She would be able to be seated close to the action and amongst the nobles and princes of the nearby kingdoms. And the most important thing of all is that Maik will be there too. That made her feel so excited and joyful.

Before she left the village to the castle a week ago, Maik told her that he will meet her in the tournament. He promised Am they will celebrate together his first prize. He was so confident he would prevail amongst all those aristocrats, that she also was starting to believe that in fact he would win. During this tournament, Am would be next to him where he could really hear her cheers and hug him when he wins.

Amalthea missed Maik. She couldn't wait to see him again. She knew she loved him... But to what extent was the question.

Lord Roderick finally arrived and he met Am and Jocelyn in front of the door of their dormitory. The three of them walked out the mansion to the outer patio where a banquet was served as breakfast. Delicious plates were served in silver and wooden trays over long tables beautifully set in the outdoors. There were fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese and cold meat. Only the special guests -nobles- were allowed to participate of the breakfast, for she hadn't seen Maik yet.

After having breakfast all the guests were escorted by the ushers to the arena. The stands were roofed with a heavy cloth and the sits had cushions and backs.

King Ataro walked directly to receive the duke and greeted the ladies as well. "I hope you enjoyed the ball my ladies. For me it is a pleasure to have your company once again. I wish you have a good time in the tournament as well."

"We feel very grateful for your attentions and for how much you cared for my little girl during the whole week. This is the first time she has been away from home for that long, your Highness." Jocelyne spoke to the king and curtsied.

"I took care of her as she was my own child. But Am is not a little girl anymore. She is a charming young lady... and so talented and beautiful. You should be very proud, Lady Jocelyn. Everybody was talking about her last night. She did outstanding in her performance. Other nobles and kings confessed me they would be delighted to have such a great recital in future feasts at their palaces too." The king smiled to Amalthea and smiled. "You will become very famous my dear. It was a blessing to find you that day in the woods and hear you singing."