The Contest of Blades
Part 10
Drakenhof Castle – Main Hall
Winter – 1962 IC
Nicoletto grimaced as he told the others his opponent for the soon to begin match.
“
That is...unfortunate.” Alfonso said with a wry smile.
“
Well it was either him or Akimitsu as these are the Semi-Finals. I'd say he lucked out actually.” Simon argued.
The huge vampire shook his head.
“I trained Dieter to counter rapiers, both the Estalian and Tilean styles, where as I wouldn't be surprised if the Nipponese man had never faced such a blade before.” “
That's true.” Nicoletto spun around to glare at his so called friends.
“You're not filling me with confidence.” he muttered angrily.
“
The next match will be Lord Nicoletto Viganni de Remas.” Thomas called.
With a curse Nicoletto walked towards the fencing area forcing a weak smile on his face as he tried not be sick.
“
Good luck! And don't try blocking!” the Estalian called after him but the Tilean was too nervous to reply.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Lisette stood near the the side lines as Nicoletto strode out, the Lahmian moved with his usual grace and easy confidence as he smiled around at the audience who cheered in return.
Lisette grinned, she was glad to hear of this in truth, the Tilean vampire was a better man than most of the living dead and deserved the respect he was being afforded although she knew that not all of the court was too happy about an outsider doing so well.
“
How do you think he'll do my dear?” the Handmaiden asked the large warrior to her right.
Karek grunted.
“He'd better win after how he dealt with me.” he growled.
Lisette giggled softly, despite the beating he had endured her champion felt no anger against Nicoletto, rather he had a begrudging respect for the man and was grateful towards him for sparing his siress.
She turned as Nicoletto's opponent was called.
“
His opponent will be the Captain of the Count's Guard and the Sylvanian Greatsword Regent, Captain Dieter Schwartz.” Thomas called.
The guard captain strode out with his greatsword leaning against his shoulder, his expression as stoic as usual.
As the two fighters readied themselves for the match Lisette heard a few snickering men behind her.
“
This'll be that foreign bastard's last fight.” a man whispered.
Lisette spun to see who was speaking but the two figures where moving away through the crowd.
Turning she nodded to Karek
“Let's go.” Handmaiden and Templar pushed their way through the crowds to follow the men.
------------------------------------------------------------
Nicoletto sidestepped a fearful thrust from the guardsman and tried to close the distance so that he could lunge but was forced back again by the other man's gleaming blade.
“
That damn sword sure does shine.” he thought to himself with illogical annoyance as he side stepped another attack and tried for a quick cut to Dieter's throat.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Alfonso frowned as he watched the match...there was something strange happening in that arena but he couldn't put his finger on what.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Lisette and Karek followed the two men down the halls of Drakenhof, they appeared to be heading towards the catacombs.
“
Why? There's nothing down there...” she thought to herself.
So preoccupied was the Handmaiden and her knight that they didn't she the armed men step out of a room to the side and leap at them.