"On the left we have Ser Eddard Tully, second trueborn of Lord of the Tridant. In the middle we have Lord Luwyn crobs, lord of the whitelands. Finally on the right we have Young lord and heir to the Hightide Aetan Valaryon. Please give a warm applause."
"Contestants ready."
"Knock"
"Aim"
"Release"
My arrow hit the target at 220 meters in bullseye. Lord Luwyn's arrow was off the target. Ser Eddard's arrow had lodged at the edge of the target.
"Two contestants managed to hit the target."
"Ser Eddard do you wish to continue?"
Ser Eddard looked at me and shook his head.
"You have a good eye and arm strength. It has been a while since someone bested me in archery. Congratulations Young lord Aethan may the blessings of seven be with you."
With that he left the place leaving me standing as the last remaining contestant.
"We have our winner for Archery My lords and Ladies. May I present you Lord Aethan Valaryon, the greatest archer of Westeros."
The crowd erupted in joy and cheer. I looked around and saw that they were standing little by little and cheering with claps. I saw the cabin where the king and the small council with their family are placed and gave a wave to my family. I see that my siblings were jumping and clapping at the same time. Seems like mother has to remind them of their etiquette class later.
I bowed to the king and my parents and left the arena to collect my rewards.
Similar events happened for the next two days. I participated in meele and managed to get into top 20.
On the 6 th day there will be final round for meele and joust together.
<5th day of tourney>
I was sitting next to my siblings in the gallery to watch the joust. My turn is not until later, so I decided to spend some time here.
I heard foot steps and someone took the empty seat. I turned to my left to see Rhaenyra sat next to me.
"It was an impressive display of skills cousin Aethan. Didn't know you were so fierce until I saw your display of strength in meele." She stated.
"Thank you for your kind words princess. It is thanks to the training my household knights put me through for years on behest of my father that iam what I am today." I politely thanked her. I don't want to speak in improper or casual way as I can sense all the eyes behind were on me. Its not that I am afraid but I am not yet at a stage I can be fear less.
"You are modest cousin. Are you going to participate in joust?" she asked with a smile.
"Yes, I will participate. My turn is not until later, so I decided to enjoy the tourney with my siblings." I spoke.
After much small talk we were both comfortable with each other.
#If you win the joust and get top 20 I will grant you my favour.# She spoke in Valyrian.
#Careful princess. You may fall for me.# I said with a smug smile.
Then I heard a *cough* turning back it was my father who coughed to warn me with a eye. I shifted my eyes to the king slightly and saw that he was looking at me with a playful smile.
I just gave a small nod and continued my small talk with Rhaenyra and my siblings. Alicent was sitting quiet and just listening and nodding for time to time.
Soon it was time and I left to done my armour and get ready for the joust. My men had already prepared for everything. After a few minutes I was ready. The armour was mimilar to Daemons I made some modifications in the design. Instead of dragons there were my house symbol and dragon wing cravings were replaced with sea wave pattern. My helmet was similar to sparta helmet.
It was my turn now. I rode forward with my horse and unmounted knigt after knight whenever it is my turn in a single push. There were two knights who want to continue on the ground but I disarmed them and made them yield.
Finally by the end of day I was placed in top 20 of Joust participants.
<6 th day of tourney>
The king began his opening speech for the final day of tourney.
"Be welcome! I know many of you have traveled long leagues to be at these games. But I promise, you will not be disappointed. When I look at the fine knights in these lists, I see a group without equal in our histories. And this great day has been made more auspicious by the news... that I am happy to share: Queen Aemma has begun her labors!"
The crowd started cheering loudly.
"May the luck of the Seven shine upon all combatants!" with that the king concluded his speech.
The first round was Meele and all 20 participants were fully geared. 2 of my men and Ser Harrion were among the participants.
The meele started quickly with the blow of the horns.
Soon the place became chaotic.
<Corlys POV>
The sounds of wailing, grunts and yells are overwhelming the booth that I am sitting in.
"Kill him" somebody shouted
"And the day turns even ugly." I said to my Lady wife.
I saw that my wife's eyes were on our eldest who is easily navigating in the meele battle field and quickly disarmed one of the participant and yelled to him "Yield!"
I was once again surprised with the skill level he is showing. There is nothing else that can make me more proud than the promise that my son will uphold and bring more positive breath to our house's Legacy.
"I wonder if this is how we should celebrate the birth of our future king. With wanton violence." My wife said while shaking her head slightly as she continued."It's been years since last war due to King Maegor. These knights are as green as newborn figs of a plant . None of them know real war. Their lords sent them to the tourney field with fists full of steel and balls full of seed, and we expect them to act with honor and grace. It's a marvel that war didn't break out at first blood."
"Hmm" I grunted.
As the day progress, there were only 4 people stood on the ground others were cleared away by the small folk who were working on the grounds. I recognize 2 of them apart from my son. One is Ser Harrion who swore to my son a moon ago and the other one being a Baratheon.
"Who is the one in old armour?" The king asked the question that I was pondering.
"He is Cristen Cole, of the Stormlands, Your grace" Ser Harrold Westerling answered the king
"Never heard of House cole of Stormlands." Princess Rhaenyra asked
"He is a common born son of the steward, your grace." Ser Harrold answered patiently yo the curious princess.
"If he were to be gain fame in the tourney someone would bring forward an offer to serve their house." I said clarifying her doubts about the mystery knight in full body armour.
"Lord corlys, If your son manages to win the meele, I would personally Knight him today in front of every one." The king declared.
I was surprised a bit and looked at him.
"Thank you for your kind words cousin. I am sure Aethan would be putting his maximum effort if he were to know about your offer." My wife responded to the king.
"Thank you Your grace." I nodded at him.