Chapter Five–The Reception

The great hall in the royal castle was overflowing with mead and ale and breads for the visiting dignitaries for the Tournament of Games. Brave knights and fair maidens from all over the known world had descended upon Arkovia for this historic event.

 

While at the celebration, Morgan cast a glance in the direction of a lovely lady with flowers in her hair, wearing a light blue gown. This was Fair Maiden Briana, the lady of the tournament. Briana had been the daughter of a Tredonian nobleman; the gossip of the moment was that she was the betrothed of Merchant Prince Raibeart of Tredony and due to become the princess consort.
On one knee, Morgan handed Briana a rose she'd picked from around the forests in Arkovia. "Why, you are quite lovely," she told her.

 

Surprised by the flower, Briana took a step back. "Thank you, kind champion. May I ask your name?"
"Morgan the Brave, my lady. Champion of Arkovia and captain of the Arkovian royal guards."
"Pleased to make your acquaintance, kind sir."
Morgan didn't have the heart to tell Briana that she was no 'sir.' She'd fooled most everyone, why not let the ruse continue?

 

Morgan made it a point to try to enjoy the festivities -- the lute player singing melodies, the draughts of ale and wine flowing from the casks, the rich breads coming out of the royal ovens -- but she was a woman of action and duty. Celebrations, even for a brief period of time, weren't becoming to her.

 

She caught a glimpse of Queen Alys partaking of a draught of ale alone and decided to approach her about what to do next.

 

But first, she told the queen about her defeat of Count Innocent. "Well done, my champion, as I expected," she said, "but your next round will be even tougher."