Oberon Flamberge

I watched the ongoing match in the Tournament of Champions from the competitor’s area dispassionately.

I did not think myself invincible, but to think I would take my first loss from a common soldier. How pathetic.

I heard the other competitors in the area mingling with and praising each other, I paid them no mind and instead continued watching the match.

They are not bad, but I could have beat both of them by now. The man with the longsword is quick but doesn’t hold back, he will tire soon. The man with the sword and shield will win, he is playing it safe not being too aggressive and attacking only when necessary. If h-

“Lord Oberon.” My thoughts were interrupted by a soft voice that I suspected belonged to someone that I had nothing to say to.

“You did well for one so young, you were my most difficult opponent in the tournament so far.” I turned my head slightly to see that the voice did indeed to someone I didn’t want to talk to.

Castor was a lithe, bronze-skinned man with short brown hair, black eyes, and a small mocking smile. He carried himself in his padded brown gambeson, spear resting on his shoulder with a quiet arrogance.

Castor! How dare he mock me! Were it not for the judge calling the match I would have won!

He approached and stood next to me watching the match quietly annoying me with his presence, but I did not leave. I did not want to give him the satisfaction of thinking he drove me away.

“Winner! Sir Geoffrey!” The Judge called in favor of the man with the sword and shield. The crowd in the arena erupted in applause and both competitors bowed to each other and then the crowd before leaving.

“Not bad, but I think you could have beat either one,” Castor said giving me a sidelong glance.

Is he saying I was unfortunate to meet him so close to the finals instead of fighters I could beat!

My annoyance turned to anger, and I could not keep it in. “Castor, the spear is a coward’s weapon. How about you and I have a proper duel with swords after this farce of a tournament is over.” Though I kept my voice calm I could not keep the anger from my words.

He smiled arrogantly again and shook his head. “The spear is a weapon like any other, I do not believe it cowardly to use one, and unfortunately I will not have time for duels. After the tournament, I will be returning to Ursae and my family immediately with my new fortune.”

“Coward! So you admit that you only beat me because the Judge called the match in your favor early!” I raised my voice, but I no longer cared about hiding my anger or the attention I was drawing.

Castor looked amused and began walking away putting on a steel helmet with a T-shaped opening. “Lord Oberon, I have to prepare for my final match. It was nice talking to you. Let us talk some more at the Duke's estate tomorrow.”

What an arrogant man. I will avoid him from now on. After refusing to duel me he has become beneath my notice.

No longer interested in watching from the competitor’s area I decided to meet with Henri Serres and his father Lord Frederik Serres who accompanied me to this tournament along with their retinue.

I wanted to interact with them as little as possible when we left the Vesterwood Earldom, but it seems they are polite enough to not ask questions about what happened between me and my father despite rumor already no doubt reaching their ear. I’ve even come to think of Henri as a friend despite my irritation with him at times.

Making my way to Henri and his father in the upper area of the arena I could not help but look forward to the Day of Champions tomorrow. A day of indulgence sounded like the perfect way to keep unwanted thoughts and worries away.

“You were great today Oberon! I believe you are one of the youngest competitors to make it to the top twelve!” Henri said patting me on the back.

“Indeed, Lord Oberon you were most impressive.” Henri’s fiancé Caitlin Plantier said. Like many people from Vesterwood, she had light brown skin, dark hair, and black eyes, and she looked rather pretty in her dark purple dress and jewelry.

I glanced at them then returned to watch the final match between Castor and Sir Geoffrey but responded. “I appreciate your praise Henri, Lady Caitlin.”

“It must be a small comfort that the person who beat you will most likely be this year’s champion,” Henri said as he watched the match.

I didn’t respond and kept watching the match where Castor was making quick work of Sir Geoffrey, thrusting quickly with his spear, and backing off before the shaft was chopped off. Finally, Sir Geoffrey became more aggressive and tried to close the distance between him and Castor which Castor took advantage of unleashing one quick strike to Sir Geoffrey’s knee in an opening between his steel plate armor. Sir Geoffrey fell to his knees supporting himself with his sword and shield and Castor gave him a light knock on his helmeted head with the wooden butt of his spear ending the match.

“Winner! Castor of Ursae! The judge yelled causing the arena to stand up clapping and cheering including Henri, his father, and their retinue some knights and standard-bearers carrying the sigils of house Serres a mountain under a blue sky, and of house Flamberge a flame wreathed wave-bladed sword.

I stood up and clapped as well not wanting to appear rude, and I was admittedly like Henri said a bit relieved. There was no shame in losing to the champion of the tournament.

I would have been disappointed if the man who beat me no matter how cowardly and unfair he did it could not have done this much.

The Duke of the Sagittarii Duchy Raoul Anouilh took the stage as Castor bowed to Sir Geoffrey and then the crowd. Sir Geoffrey didn’t bow and was instead helped up by what seemed like his squire.

Duke Raoul motioned for everyone to be quiet by simply raising his hand then he cleared his throat when everyone did so. “Congratulations to this year's champion, Castor of Ursae!” He said loudly and grandly, gesturing at Castor and causing everyone in the arena to clap again. When the applause died down he spoke again. “Castor, a complete unknown winning goes to show you just how unpredictable the Tournament of Champions is! I can only imagine what strong fighters will make their presence known next year!” The crowd erupted into cheers of excitement again and I decided to stop paying attention to whatever else Duke Raoul said.

“The man sure knows how to rile a crowd.” Lord Frederick said seemingly to himself.

“It’s in his best interest to do so. The tournament must bring him quite a bit of coin from all the visitors that come to watch, the admission fee, and from his cut of the betting.” Henri said approvingly.

Betting? Do people gamble on who wins? How uncouth, I’ve always hated gambling. Why leave my fate to luck when I could leave it to something more reliable like my swordsmanship.

Pushing those thoughts away I looked to Lord Frederick a taller older version of his son with light brown skin and long black hair tied into a ponytail. “Lord Frederick are you acquainted with Duke Raoul?”

He sat down when Duke Raoul finished speaking and nodded his head. “Indeed, I often attend the Tournament of Champions, so the Duke and I have grown close. We will be staying in his castle for the duration of our stay.”

Are we not leaving after the Day of Champions?

“How long are we staying in Goldcrest? I asked. Though the city of the Sagittarii Duchy was impressive I did not want to stay here longer than necessary.

Then again do I want to return to Vesterwood so quickly?

Lord Fredrick laughed lightly. “We will only be staying for today and tomorrow and then we will make the long trip back to Vesterwood. You may even have the chance to meet the Second Prince Sylvain who is Duke Raoul’s guest.” Henri and Lady Caitlin gasped and began chatting excitedly.

I was also surprised that a member of the royal family was here, but I didn’t let it show.

Why is Prince Sylvain here I wonder? Did he come to watch the tournament? Well, why he’s here doesn’t matter to me. I doubt I’ll run into him.

“Well then, we should take our leave.” Lord Frederick got up and smiled at me. “We will be in attendance for the Day of Champions in the Duke's estates, but you and the competitors who placed in the top 12 will be the stars of the day. Oberon, enjoy yourself you made the Vesterwood Earldom and house Flamberge proud today.”

I nodded in acknowledgment and got up as well. I followed behind Lord Frederick and his retinue next to Henri and Caitlin who were still chatting, giggling, and exchanging light kisses with each other. I walked faster leaving them behind as I did not want to interrupt or watch their shows of affection.

What a shameless couple.

Watching them get along so well reminded me that I could have had such companionship with Lady Eleonore my former fiancé, and the thought made my face contort in envy and bitterness for a brief second before I shook it off.

I did not even know her or like her much. I have no right to feel jealous about her potential engagement with my younger brother Oswald. I blame Henri for making me have such thoughts and feelings. I believed him when he told me Lady Eleonore and I would get along better the more we got to know each other.

I pushed thoughts of Lady Eleonore away, but they were soon replaced by more worrying thoughts.

Now that I have been tacitly disinherited, what shall I do? I can take the issue up with King William and his royal court, and they may take my side since I have not done anything so drastic to warrant being disinherited. Who hasn’t pointed a sword at their father?

I sighed tiredly as we waited outside the arena for our carriages.

Why even bother. I don’t care about being Earl of Vesterwood I was just offended and angered that I was going to be passed over without my knowledge. My “Stepmother” Ariane may be up to something considering how far she went to convince my father to make Oswald his heir, but that stopped being my problem when I was disinherited.

Our carriages pulled up in front of us and I caressed the pommel of Lady Blue my beloved longsword before getting in a carriage with Henri, Lady Caitlin, and Lord Frederick.

Perhaps I’ll become a mercenary or a squire before becoming a knight. Sir Raphael would be my first choice to squire under, or even Sir Foltest though he seems a simpleton with only brute strength from what I hear. Whatever path I take I do not doubt I’ll be able to prosper through my swordsmanship alone.