KINGDOM OF AMIRA
Adeline's POV
Bang bang
"Is anyone in there, it's time for clean up, open up" a cleaning lady's voice woke me up. It's been ages since I last slept peacefully and now someone dares to wake me up.
I was drowsy and needed more sleep, I was reluctant to wake up after all the banging on the door. Still on my worn-out bed in the small room I rented to join the KNIGHT SWEARING (it is a fight to determine the best knight who would protect the king and his family).
I needed to be part of it, I had been through a lot to get to where I am now and I wasn't going to back down.
"Whoever you are, I am coming in" the cleaning lady barged in disrupting my sleep. I quickly covered my head with my hood in order not to scare her off.
I am still seen as a cursed lady due to my appearance and I needed to stay on the low before I reveal my true self.
I got up and sat on the bed and gave her a sharp look.
Cleaning lady
(Flinch)
"Young man, I need to do my job, do you understand, if you do make room for me"
"Don't you know how to knock?" I said to her with a fierce look.
Cleaning lady
"Hey, don't play around with me, I have been banging on the door for ages, get it together an…"
"Do I look like care?" I stood up and stepped closer to her, pulled her hand and pressed it on my chest, and said
"I am not a man, I am a woman got that".
Cleaning lady
(surprised)
"What!"
I didn't give her a chance to say a word, I took my sword and left the room.
Cleaning lady
(Exclaimed)
"A woman! how did she end up in this messed up place or is she a challenger" She covered her mouth with her hand in surprise.
I heard everything she said, I was behind the door out of sheer coincidence. I chuckled and smiled.
I walked towards the arena, where I have to battle strong and mighty men to become a knight of the kingdom.
The arena was named after King Kael, known as the greatest king in the history of the kingdom. KAEL ARENA, stood tall and majestic. Its stonewalls were adorned with banners and flags representing different kingdoms and factions.
Although the fights were held in Amira, many knights from different kingdoms came to earn their place in the royal knights of Amira.
The crowd cheered as the opening ceremony of the occasion was announced. Their anticipation and excitement could be seen through their cheers, eagerly awaiting the upcoming fights.
I stood amidst the crowd, waiting for the gates of the arena to open. A stand-peed was expected as everyone rushed in to take their seats and wait for fights.
I waited patiently for every spectator to enter and then followed to place myself in the tournament.
Still, with my hood on, I covered my face with a black cloth, leaving my eyes uncovered. I stood in front of the man taking the names of the combatants.
His name was Termis, known for his brutality and bad temper, I had to be careful not to engage in an argument with him, in order not to be exposed.
Terms
(Serious)
"Who are you and what house are fighting for?"
"None, and I prefer to be called silver," I said to him.
Termis
(Slightly annoyed)
"Silver you say, hmmm, no title no house, man you need more than just a name if you want the support of the people"
I scoffed and replied "My skills will determine who they should cheer for"
He smiled at me and gave me a plate, signifying an identification. I nodded and joined the men who were ready for their fights.
And it seemed I was the only female among the combatants.
The sound of murmurs and laughter echoed throughout the arena, blending with the clinking of armor and the scuffling of feet.
People from all walks of life had gathered, their faces reflecting a mix of curiosity, thrill, and a hint of anxiousness.
Others started betting on who would win, the winner would be determined today, not the day after and so we had to give our all to be chosen.
And only one could come out as the winner.
The royal family entered and took their seat at the high tables. From King Edmond to his only son Kael named after the great king of the kingdom.
He had just turned eighteen, and he sat on the right side of his father and the queen on the left side.
The king's brothers and their children took their place behind him and his family as they watch the tournament commence.
A hush fell over the crowd as the announcer called forth the combatants, the first combatant stepped onto the field, and the cheers and applause echoed in response.
Alphonso from the kingdom of El-Barno, a small kingdom in the south. He was well-built and looked fierce.
His long ginger bead and bald head identified him as a warrior of the El-barons, barbarians who found pleasure in killing.
Following was the second combatant, Jav from the dead lands Emos, the dead lands habitats were known as hunters of the night and used spears and traps to catch their prey.
The king stood up and stretched his right hand indicating "Let the tournament begin"…
The crowd erupted in thunderous applause, their excitement reached its peak. The combatants, fueled by the energy of the crowd, tightened their grips on their weapons, exchanging confident glances.
The arena floor trembled as the first clash of steel resounded. The combatants engage in a breathtaking display of skill and strategy, their movements fluid and precise.
I couldn't take my eyes off them, their skills were remarkable. They were both in the same league but Alphonso had the advantage due to his stature, he kept overpowering the slim but confident Jav.
But something unexpected happened in a split second, Alphonso was down. Silence filled the arena as they watch Alphonso on the arena floor, lifeless.
The cheers grew louder after a short silence and some couldn't believe their eyes but the show had to go on.
After their fight, three fights came in before I did, each combatant showcased their unique style and prowess.
The arena became a canvas for their artistry, their battles captivating the hearts and minds of all who watched.
finally, it was my turn, my first fight. He called my name and to my dismay, there wasn't any reaction from the crowd.
But my opponent had the cheers and applause.
"Fight" he announced.
We took our stance and I didn't waste time and charged at him, with lightning thunder, in my hand. I circled him and suddenly stood behind him and hit his back head with the hilt.
He fell on his knees and fell unconscious. Suddenly the crowd cheered so loud I felt my ear drum bleeding.
"Kill, kill, kill" the crowd cheered. I frown and voiced out silencing the crowd.
"I am not here to kill, I came here to be a knight and as a knight, we protect not kill and I do uphold it wherever I go"
I took a bold step and stared at the king and his family.