ETAN
Etan squeezed in two hours sleep before the tournament began, but it meant he had barely a moment to greet his mother and father and hear their caution for care in the fighting, before heading out to the competition arena.
The massive circle was simple dirt, packed hard by endless years of men and horses. The large ring was surrounded by solid wooden fences designed to stop loose animals running into the crowd. Larger than the training area and set all around with benches and seats for the citizens, and curtained boxes for the Royals, when the Lords strode out in a line to begin the sports, a mighty cheer rose from all the watchers.
Unsurprisingly, the loudest applause came for the Zenithran Lord—a Duke, Etan thought, a cousin to Ayleth, since she was the King and Queen's only heir. He was a strapping lad, younger and slightly taller than Etan, but clearly strong and capable with the blade. He would be tough competition.
