Blood of the Righteous

An Ally Found

It had been a long day, but all of his efforts had been worth it. David sat in the common room of the Golden Dragon Inn, sipping his cool creamed whiskey. The light from the setting sun filled the room with a soft golden glow. The room was filled with the scents of the foods being cooked in the kitchen.

Jenna should be here with his dinner order, Corwyn and Dunkirk in tow, David thought. El strolled in, book in hand, and sat down next to him.

"How did it go?" Eleenia asked.

David nodded. "I spoke to a Sir Philippe Du Rouge, a knight of the king of Gaul, and explained the situation. He is a very honorable man and he is letting Gabriel borrow his armor. I've also secured five good, solid lances. They will both be delivered a half hour before the match tomorrow so as to avoid tampering. Did you learn anything from watching Marcus?"

"Yes, that his squire dare not land a blow. Other than that, he is very accurate."

"Get back here, you bastard!" Edge screamed. A man in messenger garb ran down the stairs, Stockmore close on his heels. He ran through the common room, knocked a table down in Edge's path, got out the door, and disappeared into the crowd.

"Damnit!" Edge yelled at having lost his target. He walked over to the table. "Sorry, David. We caught the bastard casing the hallway. I went to confront him and he bolted."

"Not a problem, Edge. Good job." David ordered a couple of ales for the large Master at Arms. The serving girl brought it over and David handed her six coppers.

"Bless you, Lord Ki Kalendeen," Edge said, taking one of the large tankards.

"Would you please take the other up to the Captain?" David asked.

"Consider it done." Stockmore took the other tankard and headed up the stairs. He passed Gabriel who was on his way down.

"Ah, perfect timing," El said as Jenna, Corwyn, and Dunkirk came into the room carrying several bags. Dunkirk set a lidded cauldron down and wiped his brow. Corwyn was carrying a small cask, which he set on the table.

"Apple cider," Fyke said. "Found it in the hold of the Intrepid. Tapped and tested."

"Excellent," Gabriel said. He grabbed one of the cups Jenna had unloaded and filled it. "What's for dinner?"

Jenna lifted the lid of the cauldron. Steam and a delicious scent of spices flowed forth. "We made some spiced pork and tubers. Enough for twelve people. I wasn't sure who was all eating."

David inhaled deeply. "That smells amazing. You are going to join us, right? All of you."

"Love to," Dunkirk said, rubbing his hands together. "Dish out two portions and I'll take it up to the Captain.

The all started digging in, tearing apart some of the loaves of bread that Jenna produced.

"So what are the odds against me now?" Gabriel asked.

"I think word's gotten out that Eddington can't get near you," Corwyn said, dipping his bread in the thick stew liquid. "They've gone down to 3 to 1. Glad I made my bets early." He took a huge bite of the stew-soaked bread.

"With us working for you, David, I don't think we'll be too popular here for a while," Dunkirk said before taking a bite of pork. "Oh, Jenna, you guys have really outdone yourselves!"

The blonde tavern girl blushed. "Thank you, Mr. Dunkirk. My grandmother used to make it for family feasts. I thought it appropriate."

David set his cup of cider down. "Well, Gabriel, I have procured you a knight's jousting armor and five sturdy lances. More than you'll need. They'll be delivered right before the joust, so Eddington won't have a chance to tamper with them."

"Thank you, Brother. El, I won't let you down."

Eleenia smiled. "I have truly been blessed. I know you won't."

"I've eaten my fill," Gabriel said. "I am going to turn in soon." He filled his cup again with apple cider and drained it.

Corwyn slapped him on the shoulder. "Tomorrow, we shall be toasting your victory."

"Hear, hear," Dunkirk said, raising his glass.