The Innkeeper saw her first. She peeked inside the doors of his Inn, obviously looking for someone or as it turned out some-three. The young girl, fortunate that her long black hair was distinct in some fashion as her face was plain, this suited her and her very important mission. She was grateful that the Master Leatherworker took her in off the streets before last Death Season and for food and a roof she helped.

She paused as she looked at them, eating their fill, talking and laughing. Envious, as she noticed others glance in their direction, sensing interest for different reasons. When you had to survive on the streets you learnt very only on about people and what their expressions meant, most read faces, but she also noticed the unspoken language of their body movements, being a child you tend to notice what is at your eye level first.

The other patrons in the Inn were inquisitive and relaxed as they sat on their stools at the bar or in their chairs at a table with a relaxed open stance; shoulders relaxed, legs apart and hands open. There was also a quiet buzz of conversational noise, most of it concerning the possible outcome of this year’s challenge, which she overheard as she found those she needed to talk to.

She remembered them by name, Charis was the first, short black hair trying to curl, slim, athletic shape, her body seemed stretch taller somehow, with her longish neck and slim face her body shape made her look different, a mysterious beauty. Otonia seated to Charis’ right, her boobies were, significant, not so large as to be in the way, but certainly allowed a display of cleavage and the young girl looked down at her own and wondered. Her hair was also black and short, almost identical to Charis in fact, while the strength in her upper arms was obvious. Dione seated to Charis’ right was the one out of place. She was smaller than both, shorter with shoulder length brown hair and looked healthier today than yesterday. How could someone flesh out with more muscle and general weight gain overnight, no bones close to the skin now?

“Excuse me ladies. The three of you are asked to attend my Mistress who has completed her commission for you all.” The young girl’s voice held even, she didn’t want to risk this chance for her Mistress. As they all turned towards her, the memory of their bare breasts flashed back into her mind and she was distracted.

“Charis, it is the cute girl from last night.” said Otonia. Charis sensed the cute girl was disappointed, possibly at being called cute.

“Not so Otonia, this young lady is a valuable servant to her Mistress.” Charis was rewarded as the young lady bowed slightly.

“If you have broken your fast then please follow me now. If not I am instructed to wait for you.”

Charis looked to Otonia and Dione and they agreed to follow now.

----

In the same non-descript building as last night they were greeted by the Master Leatherworker and with help, dressed and fitted. The weight of the Leather Armour was going to test their endurance although the craftsmanship ensured they moved freely. The makers mark on front and back and both sides of the breastplate very obvious and very distinct. It was time then to walk from the building, it wasn’t until they strode down Gate Road that admirers stopped and appraised them.

“You have created a stir behind you it seems.” The Gate Captain was off to one side of the Gate but obviously made the effort to notice them leave. As they were waiting for their horses he approached them.

“While you are in the trial, beware of the toe crusher. You will see most opponents wearing light armour, except in one place, over their toes. Most heroes cannot stand without healthy feet.” He then winked at them and left.

When they were mounted and traveling down the spur they realised that was one place they didn’t think of. Well they weren’t looking to be in any hand to hand combat if they could avoid it so perhaps it wouldn’t be the difference.

They turned off the road as soon as possible, going cross country and found another farmer to make training arrangements with. By paying another day at the Inn they thought it would throw off anyone trying to follow them from the crossroads inn. By turning off the road as soon as possible they thought to expose anyone following them.

While not intending to, they train for most of the day. The Leather armour and its weight needed to be tested to ensure the protection offered was worth the speed handicap. Otonia was the only one with some doubts as heavy lifting of any sort was never part of her troupe days, so it was new to her as her muscles where conditioned to throw knives. Dione being used to long days in the saddle fared much better. Charis was a natural, the deep black armour matching her raven black hair and tall, slim frame, her athletic body carrying the weight easily.

Before they left, the farmer encouraged them to stay a little longer as he prepared a special treat. Yes, even he knew who they were and was intrigued as many others were. He led them to his barn, it was an impressively large building, which they entered by a side door, the large double doors for wagons and animals closed with a crossbar. When they hesitated he assured them it would be alright, there was a bathhouse that waited for them. He ushered them in and showed them the bathhouse proper by pushing open the door to it. He assured them that the door locked from the inside so if they needed to leave they could at any time.

Inside the bathhouse was a large tub of water, amazingly being heated by a small fire positioned underneath. It looked like they were going to be cooked and at the right time some vegetables thrown in. By this time the farmer’s wife and eldest daughter joined the farmer and encouraged them.

They still hesitated, so the farmer’s daughter went into the bathhouse and called them in. Once they were all in, she asked Dione to close and bar the door. She then grabbed a large spoon and filled it with water and tossed it on some stones supporting the tub and steam was produced. She then unclothed and climbed into the metal tub. They helped each other to undress out of their armour and naked as well they climbed into the tub, the walls of which were wooden, base made of metal with a wooden floor above it, which explained why the tub didn’t catch fire.

It was wonderful; the warmth soothed their muscles and the steam treated any exposed skin to a pure cleansing. As they relaxed they tried to limit the influence of their bronze rings by keeping their feet away from the farmer’s daughter tucking them under the wooden bench that circled the bath. As they relaxed though they stretched out and their minds drifted with pleasant thoughts. After a time the steam increased and the energy and exercise expended over the last few days and the last few nights caught up to them.

Unknown to them the farmer’s daughter revelled in their company enjoying their caresses and touches as they each believed it was their sister that was with them in their delirium. Also unknown to them the items they invited into their bodies influenced them when they were in such a Zen state and forced them to dream the dreams of their origin, to embrace their nature, which aligned strongly with the old magic of Fertility Month.

The bathhouse journey didn’t end because the farmer’s daughter came to her senses, it ended due to practical reasons, the fire exhausted its fuel, the stones lost their heat so no more steam could be generated by the farmer’s daughter and the water cooled enough to allow everyone to be woken. Charis knew something happened and it wasn’t that she sensed the loss of time because she didn’t; it was because the farmer’s daughter was so very familiar with each of them, waking them each with a passionate kiss and sultry satisfied smile. Charis blamed the most obvious, the bronze loops, although in truth they were innocent this time, at least in the beginning. She tried to explain, which only distressed the young woman so they all embraced the situation and shared the guilt.

As they clothed themselves and prepared to leave the bathhouse the farmer’s daughter led them out. Her mother was there to greet them all and her daughter ran to her. They weren’t sure if the daughter said anything to her mother as they followed cautiously. Her mother still wished them the luck of all the Seven Gods so perhaps the farmer’s daughter was willing to keep their secret.

They prepared as best they could, given they didn’t really know what was waiting for them. It was a leisurely ride back to the Gatehouse Captain who once again held the gate open for them. They stabled their horses with the Gatehouse Stable, which left them a final walk to the Inn after a very interesting day. Once they entered the town a small crowd gathered to see them or stopped their business to watch them walk by, with some children following them all the way to the Inn. It worried them that if they didn’t live up to everyone else’s expectations, what would happen and where thankful that night fell and ended it all at least for this day.

They started the morning like every other morning. Leaving the Inn they chose to walk directly to the Town Common where they found the arena. The arena stood between the old Gate and the new Gate in an area still clear of any permanent buildings. The arena developed more and more each year. So far the arena was constructed with a stone base and upon this base wooden stairs led to wooden seating. A special construct or covered stage completed for the dignitaries. The Teams assembled in a building built off the back of the arena, separated yet integral. There was a festival atmosphere to the whole event, with various vendors selling sweets and hand foods as well as some more substantial shop fronts trying to cash in on the day.

The Town Guard controlled the event with an almost absolute authority. This was backed in no short part by the religious importance of the event and Temple Guards. The Teams needed to present at the Team Building to be greeted by a Priest of Judge. Names checked, then shown by an acolyte to their own room, where they could prepare further. Charis, Otonia and Dione being all prepared out, didn’t understand the delay.

An armourer visited their room while they waited, to ensure all weapons were blunted and there were no concealed weapons. He was a man of little conversation and it wasn’t until he was almost finished that they realised he was mute; somehow his tongue was no longer in his head.

A bell rang and it was the signal to assemble as the sitting arena crowd waited in anticipation. As the girls left their room they realised that they were not as prepared as many other teams. Within the rooms were bandages and dressings and most likely skilled attendants to save any unfortunate of that team if possible. One room was filled with crying, by whom they didn’t know. All they knew, any serious injury meant they weren’t getting any quick treatment and there definitely wasn’t anyone waiting in their room when or if they returned. The fun and adventure of the event left them in that moment.

They discovered once they assembled in front of the dignitaries that five teams entered this year’s trial, they also noticed only one other team included a female, all others were male only. The cheering quieted down at the signal from the Magistrate of Judge, someone they knew. There was a lot of religious preliminaries and ritual to move through before the more interesting words were spoken.

“The right of the Honoured Team is being exercised.” The crowd visibly held its breath. So this was a significant change?

“The Honoured Team requests an open trial with all teams on the field at once.” The crowd was in an uproar and it took some time for order to be restored. Charis overheard one of the other teams in conversation, stray words, like bastards, it will be over in one day, chaos. Charis didn’t know what this meant although from the reaction of the crowd and the other team it wasn’t entirely welcomed. They prepared for a Team versus Team trial as did others she suspected.

“Each Team will take position at the flag coloured the same as their Team Room. Once Teams are ready the bell will ring and the trial will begin. Priests of Judge will patrol the wall and rule on any disputes or judgements, their decisions will be final. Blessed be those who are about to reach for honour.” finished the Magistrate.

Charis, Otonia and Dione didn’t have far to walk their flag was close to the entrance they just walked through. They then observed the other teams move to their positions, only the honoured team looked like they were here to win, the change in the competition this year seemed to have confused their opponents. Their sponsor was particularly pleased, smiling swaggering back on his heels, standing close but not on the stage for the dignitaries.

“We all stay here, no one moves beyond three arm’s length of another and any of the other teams that approach us we need to bring them down before they can get close. If they get close we are done for. None of us are going to the death, surrender before death.” intoned Charis. She met the eyes of both Otonia and Dione to ensure they understood none of them were going to die today.

Then the town bell rang and rang, no one misunderstanding the meaning.

None approached them; they were obviously women and could be dealt with later perhaps? The Honoured Team were immediately running towards another team to attack them. They were certain other teams were going to target them, so wanted to be sure they reduced the number, if opponents made any quick arrangements beforehand.

Charis observed that the Honoured Team charged into another team, led by one of them who was heavily armoured, some pieces of plate armour even. This pressured all of the opponents to engage him as they were caught by surprise. He shield bashed as he charged through and then swept with his sword at another. His two team mates then double teamed the third opponent to quickly defeat him by threating his life and forcing him to surrender. As quick as that, one of the teams, eliminated from the competition.

The two other teams were more controlled in their contest and were setup in three one on one contests that looked more like a dance. Charis took this opportunity to aim for a leg or even better a knee of at least one of the dance partners. This would hopefully take one of them down so the other team could force a quick surrender so they would have more time to be prepared for the Honoured Team.

Charis needed to release three blunt arrows before one struck just right, not enough practice it seemed with blunted arrows, she thought. After that it was quick and the downed opponent surrendered as he was confronted with a blunted sword at his throat. While a second team was eliminated the victors did not have long to celebrate and turned just in time to receive the charge of the Honoured Team. Their dance with the other team taking too long so there was no difference to the previous result.

The Honoured Team then rested, after all the final team were only women and they were still in the same position near their colour.

“Dione, when that big armoured buffoon charges, you need to round him up, if possible around the legs, so he trips. When he tries to get up, pull on the rope to pull him down again. If he tries to release the rope, use another over his body to hopefully lock his arms to his body and then keep both taunt for all our lives.”

Charis then turned to Otonia as they needed to bring down at least one of the other two. Charis nocked a blunted arrow in preparation, while Otonia tossed an iron ball in her hand getting familiar with the weight again. She was using them instead of knives as blunted throwing knives became unbalanced useless pieces of metal. The Mistress Leatherworker constructed holders in a leather belt for them, which she now wore around her waist.

The Honoured Team charged like they did previously. Charis couldn’t target the heavily armoured one and didn’t want to. One of the other two was a little more cautious, women or not and didn’t charge in a straight line and fairly much held a position behind the armoured hulk. The third was anticipating fun and run headlong into a barrage of blunted arrows from Charis and as he closed, hand sized iron balls from Otonia. He was stunned by random hits and when he stopped moving Charis easily targeted his throat.

About this time Dione lassoed the hulk and his own momentum carried him forward to fall flat on his face in the sand, his helm’s nose guard not saving him from pain. Now clear of any protection the second of the Honoured Team was struck in the head with a barrage of arrows. Otonia targeted the hulk, the metal on metal sound echoing around the arena.

Dione was screaming as the hulk was pulling her towards him. He wasn’t trying to free himself; he was using her rope, pulling his capturer to him while lying prone on the sand, his face red with anger and crimson with blood pouring from his nose. His ears ringing from iron balls striking his helm.

“Let it go Dione, prepare for when he tries to stand!” shouted Otonia.

The second now bent down to take the shield that was released from the hulk when he fell. The second began charging covered by the shield.

Looking at the new target, the shield seemed to cover every opportunity. Charis looked at Otonia. Otonia now tossed an iron ball in her hand measuring her chances.

He was covering the distance at a useful speed, so probably two throws. The first was aimed at his toes, which were visible and like the Gate Captain advised to them, protected by plate. The second depended upon the firmness of the sand. The throw was good, it bounced off the sand and hit him in the shin, it didn’t even seem to register and he was almost at them. That was her last.

Dione was busy with the hulk, a second lasso was around his chest and she was pulling both ropes now for all she was worth but losing. Charis was keeping the third down, only releasing when he tried to stand. She was moving wide to get an angle on the second, to avoid the shield. In spite of all the damage and all of the pain the Honoured Three were now motivated by honour, they would rather death than be defeated by three girls.

The second finished his charge by aiming at Otonia trying to run her over essentially with a shield bash. She surprised everyone when she leapt high and used the shield rim as a boost to then summersault over him. He halted his charge as he realised what was happening. Instead of chasing a recovering Otonia he turned, moved towards Dione who was distracted with her efforts and raised the shield to bash Dione with its edge.

“We surrender!” shouted Charis. She could see what was about to unfold and while there was a chance she could aim, release and hit a vital area, there was also a chance she may not.

The second did not hold his attack. Charis was screaming no!

“Dione, release the ropes and roll away now!” shouted Otonia.

The shield bit into sand, missing Dione’s neck by a finger’s width.

On his knees as he used his strength and weight to slam the shield down and overbalanced, the second was not done. From behind the shield he drew a short sword and quick as a snake stabbed at Dione’s chest putting his body weight behind the blow again. He didn’t even take the time to gloat. The watching crowd gasped.

“Surrender!” shouted Otonia. Charis was looking up at the Priest of Judge pleading.

The hulk was disentangling himself from Dione’s ropes. The third was starting to stand now that Charis was distracted.

The point of the short sword, dug into the leather, then met resistance, stopped and then started to slice along the leather until it met further resistance and stopped again. The second’s grip on the short sword jarred twice and he screamed in pain when his wrist broke as Dione turned her body away to try to escape him. He wasn’t quick enough to release his grip as it all happened within a couple of heartbeats.

The watching crowd gasped again and applauded when the sword was turned away.

Dione rolled away and gained her feet in one smooth motion, running to put her back to the arena wall now. Otonia was running to be beside her as was Charis.

“The Honoured Team has secured Honour again and will be the Three of Hillperch.” declared the Magistrate of Judge.

Charis, Otonia and Dione were looking at the Honoured Team glaring at them. The hulk was the least wounded, only his nose was broken, with some ringing in his ears. The third’s left eye was bloody, blunted arrow or not there was some damage, he was also holding his throat, trying to speak to no avail. The second was nursing his wrist, his faced bruised with ugly purple and black swellings.

They wanted to finish the trial a little more permanently, even injured, as they were full of vengeance and more fight. They were about to step forward and stopped when they were commanded.

“The Trial is over. The losing Team must vacate the field of honour immediately. The Team of Honour needs to begin their walk of adulation!”

The Honoured Team were still considering their options. Charis, Otonia and Dione were sidling along the arena wall to vacate the field of honour cautiously, not taking their eyes off the Honoured Team. There was something familiar about the Knight that commanded at that moment, Charis just couldn’t remember what. The Priest of Judge that took some time to adjudicate was nowhere to be seen.

When they returned to the Team Rooms, the other Teams were nowhere to be seen or behind closed doors being patched up. As they opened the door to their Team Room, they were leapt upon by the farmer’s daughter. Her mother was with her.

“She insisted on coming to see you in the trial. We haven’t been here long, only arriving just before you, running to do so, most undignified. I see you have travelled light, so we should leave. I don’t think the Honoured Team have forgotten you or will ever forget you. Maybe a farm holiday will be good for you.” offered her mother.

Looking at each other they all agreed, plus it would be interesting to see if they would meet the Gate Captain on the way out as he was in command of the Town Guard at the arena.