A short break was called before the next stage. The horses needed to be checked and given water, while the competitors were allowed a few moments to catch their breath. Everyone knew the next stages would be far more demanding.
Maya could hardly sit still.
Her eyes remained fixed on Nathaniel, who was speaking to one of the attendants near his horse. The sight of him had already ruined her excitement, and now she could no longer take it.
"I wonder what the Duke is doing here," she said, her voice filled with irritation.
Sandra glanced toward Nathaniel and sighed.
"Me too. If he hadn't come, my fiancé would still be in the tournament."
There was disappointment in her voice, but beneath it was something else-jealousy. She had been hoping Stephen would go further, and Nathaniel's unexpected appearance had ruined that.
Maya sighed and turned toward her.
"What if he wins?" she asked quietly. "What do you think he would ask from the king?"
The thought clearly frightened her.
Sandra's expression became thoughtful.
"I don't know," she replied. "But if I were you, I'd be careful."
"Careful?"
Sandra nodded. "Nathaniel didn't come all the way from Aerathia just to compete for a prize. If he wins, he could ask His Majesty for almost anything."
Maya's face tightened.
Sandra lowered her voice.
"And if I were you, I would reject whatever he asks for if it concerns you."
Maya nodded slowly.
"You're right."
"Of course I am." Sandra gave her a reassuring smile. "But don't worry too much. Lord Duncan will win. He has won before, hasn't he?"
Maya's expression softened.
"Yes. He'll win." She nodded firmly, almost as though she needed to convince herself. "There is no way an outsider will defeat him."
"Exactly." Sandra smiled. "There is no room for outsiders in Valtheris."
Maya smiled faintly, reassured by her words, then Sandra leaned closer.
"But enough about him." Her voice became softer. "How is the situation with Lord Duncan?"
Maya's eyes immediately brightened.
"I told him how I felt, and we talked." A small smile appeared on her lips. "He was clearly disappointed, but... I feel something between us."
Sandra's eyes widened.
"I knew it!"
She grabbed Maya's hand excitedly.
"See? Keep going. Before you know it, Duncan will be yours forever."
Maya smiled to herself, for a moment. She allowed herself to imagine it.
A life with Duncan.
A home of their own.
Children running around the house.
Her heart fluttered at the thought.
She became so lost in her daydream that she almost failed to notice something on Sandra's neck. A dark bruise was visible just beneath the edge of her dress.
Maya's smile disappeared.
"Sandra..."
Sandra immediately looked at her.
"What?"
Maya pointed toward her neck.
"What happened there?"
Sandra's hand instinctively flew to the spot. For a brief second, her expression changed. She knew exactly what Maya was looking at.
The bruise was dark and uneven, spreading beneath her skin in a shape that looked unmistakably like the mark left by a hard blow. There was a faint reddish edge around the darker centre, as though the injury had happened recently.
Sandra quickly pulled the scarf she had brought with her around her neck, covering it completely.
"Oh, this?"
"Yes. It looks painful."
Sandra forced a laugh. "I just fell. It's nothing."
"You fell?"
"Yes." Sandra smiled awkwardly. "I wasn't watching where I was going. I hit myself against something."
Maya continued staring at her, the explanation didn't seem convincing.
Sandra noticed.
"Honestly, Maya, I'm fine." She touched the scarf again. "It's not as serious as it looks."
Maya hesitated. She still looked concerned, but eventually nodded.
"Alright."
After all, accidents happened. She had injured herself before too. Sandra smiled, relieved that the subject had been dropped, they continued talking for a while before the announcement for the next stage began.
Maya returned to her viewing stand. On her way back, she came across Clara.
"Hello, Maya," Clara greeted warmly.
"Hello, Clara."
Maya smiled when she noticed the small bump beneath Clara's dress.
"You're going to be a mother soon."
Clara's face brightened as she gently touched her stomach.
"Yes."
"And I'll soon become a godmother."
"Of course you will." Clara smiled.
For a moment, they shared a warm smile, then Clara stepped closer and gently pulled Maya aside.
"I heard what you and Sandra were talking about."
Maya's smile disappeared slightly.
"And?"
Clara lowered her voice.
"I'm only telling you this because I care about you. Don't listen to everything Sandra tells you, especially when it comes to Lord Duncan."
Maya folded her arms. "And why shouldn't I?"
"Because I don't think she's giving you completely honest advice."
Maya raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
Clara nodded.
"I'm not saying Sandra is a bad person. But sometimes people give advice based on what they want, not what is best for someone else. Just be careful."
Maya scoffed.
"I'm perfectly capable of making my own decisions."
"I know you are."
"Then why are you interfering?"
"I'm not trying to interfere." Clara's voice remained calm. "I'm simply warning you as a friend."
Maya's expression hardened. "And what about your husband?"
Clara blinked. "What about him?"
"His gambling." Maya smiled coldly. "Has he stopped, or is he still gambling away your family's money?"
Clara's expression immediately changed.
"I came here to advise you. That doesn't mean you have the right to insult me."
Maya shrugged. "Oh, now you're offended?"
Clara sighed. "Maya-"
"You like advising people, but you can't even control your own situation." Maya shook her head. "It's such a pity."
Clara looked at her with disappointment.
"No one is perfect. I'm only telling you what I think you need to hear. And deep down, you know I'm telling the truth. You just don't want to admit it."
Maya's pride took over.
"You said it yourself. No one is perfect." She folded her arms. "So stop interfering in my life and focus on yours and your gambling husband."
Clara's face fell. She stared at Maya for a moment before quietly shaking her head.
"I was only trying to help."
Maya didn't respond. She simply turned and walked away. Clara watched her leave, disappointment and pity settling in her eyes before she returned to her seat.
Meanwhile Maya returned to her stand, convinced that Clara had simply been jealous or bitter. She didn't realize how foolish it was to dismiss genuine advice simply because it was uncomfortable to hear.
The break was over.
The competitors returned to the field, their horses freshly watered and prepared for the next challenge. The spectators settled back into their seats.
The trumpets sounded.
BOOM!
The announcer stepped forward.
"Ladies and gentlemen! The fourth stage is about to begin!"
The crowd erupted.
"THE TARGET RUN!"
Five wooden targets had been positioned along the course each rider would have to gallop past them while striking them with a sword or lance.
The difficulty was not simply hitting the targets.
The riders had to maintain their speed, control their horses, and land accurate strikes without losing their balance.
Duncan moved into position and drew his sword. The crowd immediately began chanting his name.
"Lord Duncan!"
"Lord Duncan!"
The trumpet sounded. He kicked his horse forward and it surged across the field. The first target approached. Duncan raised his sword.
THUD!
The blade struck the centre, the crowd roared but he didn't slow down.
The second target appeared.
THUD!
Another perfect strike, the third came into view. Duncan swung. His sword barely caught the edge.
The crowd gasped.
"Come on, Lord Duncan!"
He quickly regained his balance. The fourth target approached. He then adjusted his grip.
THUD!
Perfect, then came the final target. Duncan leaned slightly forward, the horse accelerated.
He swung.
CRACK!
The sword struck the centre of the target, the crowd erupted. Duncan raised his sword as he crossed the finish line.
Ruby jumped to her feet.
Althaia clapped excitedly.
Even Skender smiled proudly.
Then Nathaniel entered, this time the crowd became quieter. He held his sword loosely in one hand then accelerated hia horse.
First target.
THUD.
Then the second.
THUD.
Followed by the third.
THUD.
He didn't hesitate once, every strike landed cleanly, by the time he crossed the finish line, the crowd was cheering despite themselves.
The announcer laughed.
"Well, well! It seems the Duke of Aerathia is pulling the strings today! But let's see if he can defeat the nobles of Valtheris!"
"No!"
Some spectators shouted.
"Valtheris will win!"
"Lord Duncan!"
The announcer grinned.
"Fine! Then let's see what happens in the next stage!"
Stage Five - The Mounted Obstacle Challenge
The final stage before the duel was the most demanding course yet the riders had to combine everything they had learned. They had to gallop at full speed, jump an obstacle, make a sharp turn, strike a target, pass through narrow gates, retrieve a hanging object and finish at full speed.
The trumpet sounded.
Duncan entered first. He accelerated and his horse thundered across the field. The first obstacle approached. Duncan lowered his body. His horse jumped, they both landed. Immediately, Duncan pulled the reins, the horse turned sharply around the post. A wooden target appeared and Duncan struck it without slowing.
CRACK!
The crowd erupted, ahead were three narrow gates. Duncan guided his horse through them one after another, then came the hanging object. He reached out and grabbed it while still riding at full speed.
The crowd screamed with excitement.
Duncan held it high, one final stretch remained. He leaned forward and his horse surged toward the finish line.
BOOM!
They crossed, the crowd exploded.
"LORD DUNCAN!"
"LORD DUNCAN!"
Duncan pulled the reins, breathing heavily.
Then Nathaniel entered. He completed the course with remarkable control, while the crowd applauded loudly.
Duncan watched him carefully.
Nathaniel was not just competing. He was dangerous competition. William entered next and performed well.
Followed by Marion but as he approached one of the narrow gates, his horse became unsettled. He tried to correct it.
Too late.
The horse veered away from the gate. Marion lost valuable time and failed to complete the course within the required conditions, while the Ashford family fell silent.
Clara looked disappointed.
Helen covered her mouth.
Marion returned slowly, clearly frustrated.
The announcer raised his voice. "And there you have it! We are down to our final three competitors!"
The crowd erupted.
"Lord Duncan!"
"Lord William!"
"Duke Nathaniel!"
The announcer paused dramatically. "The final stage will determine our champion!"
The crowd grew louder.
"Will it be Lord Duncan? Or his Majesty's own blood?"
Even louder cheers.
"Or will the Duke of Aerathia shock Valtheris and take the victory home?"
The crowd booed.
"Valtheris!"
"Lord Duncan!"
"Lord William!"
Only Jasmine stood and shouted loudly. "Duke Nathaniel!"
Several people around her turned to look at her, some laughed, others simply shook their heads but Jasmine didn't care. Nathaniel was her brother, and she would support him.
Stage Six - The Final Duel
The atmosphere changed completely, there was no laughter now. No casual cheering, only anticipation. The final three competitors entered the field.
Duncan.
William.
Nathaniel.
They were given blunted swords and shields for the final mounted combat. The weapons were designed for tournament use rather than killing, but the impact could still knock a rider from his horse.
The objective was simple.
Force an opponent from his horse or score enough valid strikes to eliminate him. The three riders spread out across the field.
The crowd became almost silent. Then the announcer raised his hand.
"Competitors... prepare yourselves."
Duncan tightened his grip around his sword.
William raised his shield.
Nathaniel lowered his sword.
"Proceed!"
The three horses immediately moved. Lord William was the first to attack. He charged toward Nathaniel with raised sword.
Nathaniel waited.
At the last moment, he pulled his horse sharply to the side. William's sword cut through empty air, then Nathaniel's horse reared slightly as it turned, its loud neigh startled William's horse, which suddenly shifted sideways.
William pulled hard on the reins.
"Easy!"
It regained control. Nathaniel seized the opportunity then charged at William. Lord William raised his shield.
CLANG!
Nathaniel's sword struck it, the force made William's arm shake. The crowd gasped. William then swung back. Nathaniel ducked beneath the blow, the two horses separated.
Then William charged again.
This time, Nathaniel's horse moved backward. William's horse stepped forward too aggressively and nearly collided with Duncan.
Duncan pulled his reins sharply.
"Easy!"
His horse stamped its hooves and tossed its head. William's horse reacted to the sudden movement and kicked backward, while Duncan's horse immediately responded, pushing forward and forcing William's horse away. Nathaniel saw the opening. He charged William from the side.
CLANG!
His sword struck William's shield and William lost his balance. His body tilted dangerously to one side.
The crowd screamed.
"Lord William!"
He grabbed the reins with his free hand, desperately trying to steady himself, for one brief moment he managed to recover but Nathaniel was already turning his horse. William then tried to reposition himself.
Too late.
Nathaniel attacked again and William raised his shield. The impact pushed him sideways. His grip slipped. His foot lost its position in the stirrup. He was falling.
The crowd rose to their feet.
William reached for the saddle. His fingers caught it, for a second, it looked as though he might save himself. Then Duncan charged. He struck William's shield with the flat of his blunted sword, knocking him away from the saddle.
William fell heavily onto the grass.
THUD!
The crowd erupted and the announcer shouted over the noise.
"AND LORD WILLIAM IS DOWN!"
Jasmine stared in shock.
King Alexander leaned forward.
Queen Lily covered her mouth.
The announcer continued. "Only two competitors remain!"
The crowd immediately began chanting.
"LORD DUNCAN!"
"LORD DUNCAN!"
"LORD DUNCAN!"
Duncan looked across the field, while Nathaniel was already staring back at him.
Neither man moved.
The noise around them seemed to disappear, only two riders remained.
Valtheris against Aerathia.
Duncan against Nathaniel.
The final duel had truly begun and now, there could only be one winner. But who?