Tournament of Kings

Chapter Fifteen: Pointing Fingers

William got to Frederick before Relma did. The moment the halfling knight collapsed, the paladin had vaulted over the stand. Now he was rushing to Frederick's side, cloak flowing behind him. How did he move so quickly in that armor, like a man clad in cloth? Relma rushed after him, trying to catch up and marveling at his strength, but in vain. By the time she arrived, he was kneeling by Frederick. The crowd was murmuring fearfully and looking at Varsus accusingly.

"Cheater!" screamed someone.

"Poisoner!" shouted another.

"Get away from Frederick!"

The stands almost spilled over as the crowd rushed forward in a rage. But Davian tapped one foot. A shield of light energy barred their progress as William began to heal Frederick. His hands glowed faintly as he worked at it.

"I insist you calm down," said Davian. His voice cut like a blade.

The crowd shrank back, cowed. How did he do that?

"How is he?" asked Relma.

"His body has been heavily drugged," said William, channeling his power. "And his heart is beating much less quickly. If things go on like this, it may stop."

"Iosos," said Relma. "Ajax smelled Iosos earlier."

"Quite possibly," said Aunt Pan as she arrived. "Step away, Gabriel. I'll deal with this." She put her hands on Frederick's arm and began to channel.

"Ajax said that Iosos is only meant to slow a person down," said Relma.

"I use it to slow flow the effect of toxins," said Aunt Pan. "If used in large amounts, though, it can make the heart stop."

The other soon hurried up. Joseph Korlac looked around at the scene. "When was he poisoned? How long does this drug take before it effects?"

"A few minutes," said Pan bitterly as she approached. "The fool. He should have called for a rest as soon as he drank. Now he could die, and our task is all the harder."

Ronald approached, the flash in his hands. His eyes were red, and he looked unable to speak. His hands shook as he walked. "I..."

"What is it, Ronald?" asked Relma, clasping his hands.

"Someone might have slipped something into his waterskin," said Ronald. "While I was watching the fight."

"Do you think Varsus did this?" asked Estela keenly.

"Dare suggest it again, and I will-" snarled William, putting a hand to his sword.

"Stop it!" said Aunt Pan. "I must focus on this." She closed her eyes. Then opened them and sighed in relief. "His heart is beating again."

"To purge that much poison so quickly," said William, looking at her work in surprise. "I wasn't able to. How did..."

"I didn't purge it," said Pan. "I stimulated his heart to counteract the effects of the drug. You can't heal these the same way as battle wounds.

"You learn these things by experience."

"Enough," said Joseph, coming forward and throwing his cloak behind his shoulder. His dark hair made him look very noble and cunning as he walked. "We must find the real culprit. Not bicker amongst ourselves."

"What makes you so sure it wasn't Varsus?" asked Estela.

"Ignoring my character? I'm not such a fool," said Varsus bluntly, sounding somewhat offended. "If I were to poison Frederick, I would have done it in a less obvious manner. Something which couldn't be traced. This method leaves me the obvious culprit so I can be discounted."