[i]Easter Sunday, First Day of the Tournament[/I] 

Arthur watched the lances shatter and splinter, showering the jousting lists with wooden shards. The lance connected, and Kay's opponent went down hard to the ground. The metal suited man lay there on his back, like a turtle, unable to rise without the help. Kay raised his broken lance in a victorious salute, and the crowds cheered. Kay always enjoyed everyone's attention. What was worse, to Arthur anyway, is that he always got it.Kay came back over to his tent and pulled off his helmet. Arthur handed his older brother a cup of wine and then started to do the straps of Kay's plate-mail.

"A good hit, don't you think?" Asked Kay, after quaffing a big gulp of wine. 

"You got lucky. Your lance was barely straight. The only thing worse then your technique was your opponent's." Arthur replied, struggling with a strap.

Kay almost had a stinging quip of his own, but they were both interrupted by the old but strong Sir Ector. 

"That's enough lads." Sir Ector told the boys. "Well done, Kay. The first joust is always the hardest."

Arthur rolled his eyes. Once again, Kay got everything he could ever want while Arthur played manservant. This was supposed to be his year too dammit. Arthur and Kay both trained together and Arthur had beaten his brother on more than one occasion. Kay was barely a year older, but Ector's decision was firm. Kay would fight. Arthur would not. 

Arthur did the last strap of Kay's plate and pulled the breastplate over his brothers had and stuck it on the nearby armor stand. "There. I think you can get the rest, brother." Arthur bowed and left the tent. Before him, a vast sea of tents, squires and armored knights were either preparing or getting ready for the party that evening. Arthur only took a few steps before he felt a strong hand on his shoulder.

"You're angry, son. I get that. But try not to show it." said Ector. Arthur turned to face him.

"Why father? Kay and I were both ready for this. Why do I have to wait?" Arthur's voice remained calm, but it carried a small edge of anger. If Ector noticed, he didn't show. 

"I have my reasons. You should be grateful your here." Sir Ector narrowed his eyes at his son. He knew how unfair it sounded, but Arthur wasn't ready to know why. He took a deep breath. "I promise I'll tell you, son. Just not now. I know you are going to be a great knight someday, but I just want you wait."

Arthur knew he wasn't going to get anywhere else with this line of questioning, so he dropped it. "Yes, father." he said obediently. 

"Good. Now get something to drink. Tonight, we feast." Ector smiled. 

Arthur nodded and turn to leave his father. Either this would be a night to remember, or he would get so tanked that he won't remember a thing.