The king pondered on Markus’ question. Obviously he would want his own son to come out victorious. But the chances were slim. Between the experience of Lord Bornetall and the swift strikes of the Airgiallne warrior princess, the hulking knight stood little chance. He just wasn’t experienced enough yet. Then again, Elias has come around and surprised him before. “I dare not say, my friend. But such worries are for tomorrow.” With those words he rose from his chair and left the booth. The following skirmishes would be between lesser knights and noblemen. Games for the more common of folks. King Castor went towards his feast hall. Through clever positioning of the kitchens, the tasty smell of grilled fish and meat was swiftly mixing with the air of the hall. As the invited guests poured in, they were each assigned a place. As prepared, the Nastrondi people and those of the Vaalgard were kept separate. King Markus was once again allowed to sit on the main table next to King Castor, and his sisters next to both of King Castor’s sons.

The feast was cheerful and happy. There was plenty of wine and ale. Imrik, the crown prince of Sylvannyr was clearly enjoying the company of King Markus’ sister. Yet Elias, who had the task of entraining the second sister preferred to enjoy his meal rather ravenously and scan the hall for the Airgiallne warrior princess. At a moment, King Castor rose from his seat and ushered the hall to get silence. After some time, the noise was quiet enough to speak above it. “My dear friends! We have seen brave warriors fights and nimble knights win. The victors will continue on to the next round tomorrow. But for those beaten, there is still hope. One will be chosen, at random to still continue on to the next round.” A tankard with tokens in it, each representing one of the participants of the main event was brought before Castor. Who covered his eyes to prove he did not watch, rumbled in the tankard and pulled a token out.

At the far end of the main table, the strange hooded figure was seated. Eating her food in silence and keeping her face covered in shadows. Yet her delicate hands betrayed her gender to anyone observant enough.