Free The Dunston Blade by John Daines Page B

to be ready for the bouts.”
    The Squires could hardly contain their excitement and wanted to go out to the stables immediately. Sir Cedric managed to keep their interest in talking
    about jousting and the best way to win.
    Only a week to go and the Tournament would be under way, already traders from Wymondham were coming out to claim the most favourable pitches. Soon the
    visiting Knight’s retainers started to arrive. Knights and their Squires moved up to the Castle and everywhere was buzzing. John was busy at the Tournament
    ground making sure people were directed to their correct camping grounds and did not see the arrival of Sir Robert of Lincoln. Late that evening he wearily
    rode back to the Castle and flopped onto his bed, he was not allowed to rest for long as Carac came beating on his door for him to go down for a meal.
    “There is a surprise in the hall, remember I had to go to Lincoln to escort someone home?”
    John leapt up and rushed down to the Great Hall, all the guests were seated and there beside her father was Tania. John’s heart skipped a beat and he
    bumped into Carac
    “Steady John, don’t pass out in front of everyone. The Steward is beckoning us to take our seats.”
    They sat down and John looked up trying to catch Tania’s eyes but she was engrossed in what Sir Gilbert was telling her. The wine, ale and mead flowed and
    the food vanished as soon as it was brought to table. The noise of men who had supped and fed well grew in intensity. Suddenly the Steward banged his staff
    on the floor and the babble ceased. Sir Cedric gave a welcoming speech and wished them all well in the competitions. The ladies who were present left with
    their maids and most of the men settled down to some serious drinking. John and Gavin slipped out.
    “I’m not joining in that,” said John. “If we’re going to do well tomorrow we need a clear head.”
    Gavin nodded, “Carac has already gone to his bed and I’m off to join him.” As they climbed the stairs. John bid him goodnight and walked along the passage,
    he saw a light shinning under a well known door and tapped on it.
    “Come in,” was the quiet response. He opened the door and entered the work room.
    Tania was sitting by the fire with her maid. “Hello John, I hoped you would see the light.”
    John stood in the middle of the room not knowing what to do. He looked at Tania and then at the maid.
    “I am so pleased to see you Tania, I have sorely missed you.”
    Tania looked at him. “My father knows I am here and as long as my maid is with me we can talk. I have missed you too, every day has been so hard to get
    through.” John moved closer and sat next to her, glancing at the maid, he took Tania’s hand and looked into her eyes, they were filled with tears.
    “How long will you be here, is there some way your father will let you stay?”
    “No, John, I am to return to Lincoln with Sir Robert.”
    “Then I will come to Lincoln.”
    “No John, to do that would spoil everything. Serve my father well and that is the best way for us to be together. I know it is hard, and I want us be
    together now but the wait will be worth it I know.”
    John looked crestfallen and Tania smiled at him saying,“you know I love you, be patient.”
    John looked at the maid and reached for Tania, gave her a kiss and said, ”I hear you and I will try, but not for too long.”
    John was in a black mood as he walked down the passage, he did not go to his room but climbed the stairs to the battlements. As he walked in the night air
    he gradually calmed down. Tania was right, Sir Cedric would never permit her to be with him without he gained some status and that meant gaining a
    Knighthood. John looked up at the stars and promised he would reach that goal or die in the attempt.
    Rising early John was down at the stables preparing his new mount, the destrier. He had named him ‘Hammer’ he thought it went with Anvil and he intended
    that his mount would ‘Hammer’