Chapter Nine - Gathering of the Participants

Ailith weaved through the streets. Her boots didn't trudge on loose dirt, but instead, precisely laid-out cobblestone. Deeper into the Kingdom, there was a noticeable difference with buildings. The structures were no longer dilapidated. All had marble surfaces coated so cleanly Ailith saw her reflection as she dashed past. Parks and gardens became more prominent as they flourished and attracted the attention of numerous travellers and sightseers.

The streets flooded with people of all races. She could hear many different, distorted voices conversing with each other in languages familiar and foreign.

Laughter came from children running and playing, using wooden swords and axes. Those too young to roughhouse showed their support by waving flags bearing a variety of crests and symbols. Ailith smiled fondly at one little girl carrying a flag far too big for her to hold straight. But, that didn't stop the little one from taking it everywhere she waddled, even though she unintentionally slapped the flag into the faces of unsuspecting townsfolk.

Music drummed across the Kingdom with melodies declaring the greatness of warriors from their respective country. Others expressed their support with paintings flaunted on the walls of nearby homes, even if occupants protested. Some were elaborate artworks detailed with every wrinkle and stone. A prominent painting Ailith spotted was a minimalistic one, a broadsword of pure white piercing the sky.

She was so entranced by everything happening around her, she almost missed her final turn.

The King's castle, the heart of the Kingdom, was a majestic sight. Ailith wished she could marvel it every day. Five massive square towers, linked by stone bridges, surrounded the colossal castle. It overlooked the city skyline in every direction. Wide, stained glass windows scattered across the tall walls, underneath the levelled crenelations. A sizable wooden gate had been lowered over the moat surrounding the castle. Ailith guessed that this was the only way inside. Any other attempt to enter would be futile. It was a fortress unlike any she'd ever seen that took her breath away.

There was no sign of decay or weakness. Even the closest homes populated on her side of the moat were in prime condition.

A large group stampeded towards the castle from behind her. She stepped aside and watched, studying every participant. Imposing, powerful, and each hungry for the taste of victory.

Out of the corner of her eye, Ailith noticed a banner displaying the Arsalan flag swaying in the wind. Below that, a fence separated a herd of cheering civilians from the competitors. Helping to keep the crowd under control, a group of armoured figures stood orderly. Their set of armour was glazed crimson with a crest presented on the breastplates.

They were Knights.

Ailith clutched her jacket tightly, in an attempt to not hound them like an excited puppy.

On the other side of the entrance, other Knights huddled more participants together into a clumped queue. They were lead towards a small podium where a middle-aged woman sat. Closer to the podium, the line narrowed until one at a time, they spoke with the woman and handed their entrance fee. After accepting the payment, the woman took a stamp and marked their knuckles. Once finished, more Knights guided them over the moat and into the entrance of the castle. Ailith raced to the back of the line, her zeal causing her to almost bump into another competitor.

Each second that passed felt like an hour. To burn off her overflowing impatience, Ailith shadowboxed. She ignored the perplexed looks others would throw at her. If she did look back, she would see pity, embarrassment, with occasional curiosity. It was understandable. After all, no one knew what to expect when facing her. She couldn't wait to see their reactions when they saw what she was capable of.

''If only it were that easy,'' an amused voice spoke next to her.

Ailith turned to see an older woman with flowing blonde hair standing next to her. Though quite tall in stature and confident in poise, she was wiry and non-threatening to any hardened fighter. A modest dress overshadowed by an elongated shawl covering half her body. Something bulky was hidden underneath.

Ailith arched her brow. ''If only what were easy?''

The woman tilted her head towards Ailith's shadow. ''Your invisible opponent. You can imagine them to be as skilled as you want, but you'll always be victorious because they hold no surprises. In this tournament, you won't have that amenity.''

Ailith beamed. ''I know.''

This time, it was the stranger who was intrigued. ''You're not troubled by that prospect?''

Shrugging her shoulders, Ailith bounced and continued to warm-up. ''If the idea of a good fight scared me away, I wouldn't be here.''

''I suppose that makes sense,'' the woman chuckled. ''Also, the prize could turn any coward into a warrior.''

Ailith opened her mouth before shutting it. Her parents' warning echoed in her head. Shame coiled around her like a snake. However, she didn't want to cause trouble and hoped that her hesitation went unnoticed. ''It is a good prize.''

''Good? That's an understatement. It's enough coin to change any commoner's life.''

''Is that why you entered?'' Ailith asked.

The woman's eyes wandered and she pursed her lips. ''It could be.''

''Did you travel far?''

''I travel from place to place. I happened to be in Arsalan when the tournament was announced. Good fortune shined on me,'' she gazed at Ailith's attire and couldn't hide a fascinated grin. ''Judging by your state, you must have crawled from the other side of the world.''

Ailith giggled. ''Actually, I was born here. But, I travel quite a bit too. My name is Ailith.''

The woman didn't say anything at first, staring at her for a moment. ''Why give your name? You don't know me.''

''We might be facing each other in the tournament. So, I could either learn it now or then.''

Another moment of silence passed. ''Very well. I am Jozi.'' After bowing her head courteously, she stared at Ailith again with great interest. ''It's nice to see I'm not the only one here with an unassuming appearance.''

''I'm stronger than I look!'' Ailith smirked and flexed her arm, showing her bicep curve.

A loud scuffle behind them grabbed their attention. Ailith spun in time to see someone fall to the ground. The surprised whimpers sounded feminine. It was difficult for Ailith to tell as, underneath a tattered blue dress, the person's body was wrapped in bandages. Not a single shred of skin revealed. Along with the shoddy bandages, a tattered scarf was wrapped around their neck and chin. Ailith questioned how this person could see or hear embalmed like that. The person crawled searching for something. Close by, Ailith found a cracked drinking mug with coins rolling out in all directions. The beggar followed the sound of the coins, patting their hands on the ground to try and retrieve them.

Ailith almost rushed over to help when a foot stamped down next to the beggar. The force of the stomp was enough to lift the scrounger off the ground for a split-second.

''I told you not to touch me!'' A strong voice boomed from the man standing above. The man was a giant among giants. Protected by metal vambraces and a breastplate made from layers of crafted leather. It mimicked dragon scales in design. None dared to impose him as he menaced the defenceless beggar.

''Please, kind sir,'' the beggar whispered with unbelievable tranquillity. ''I only asked if you could spare...''

''Go someplace else. I don't need you ruining my mood before this tournament.'' He scorned before kicking the mug away.

Tiny pieces cracked and sprinkled with every bounce before it rolled next to Ailith's foot. She watched the horrid display. This man might have the physique of a warrior, but his repulsive attitude left a bitter taste in her mouth. Ailith watched, expecting the brute to be signalled out by the noble Knights. However, they continued focusing on the competitors and the rest of the crowd. They knew what was happening and were doing nothing to stop it. It defied belief. ''Why aren't the Knights helping?''

Jozi snorted. ''You think the Knights will help a beggar?''

''Of course.'' Her face twisted in anger before she glanced down at the mug next to her foot. She picked it up before fixing her eyes back on the wretched scene before her. At this point, more eyes were drawn to the fiasco going on. She couldn't rely on others now. It was up to her to put this swine in his place. ''Jozi, hold my spot for me.''

Before Jozi could question her, Ailith marched forward. She clutched the mug in one hand while her other balled into a fist.

A/N: Oh, is Ailith going to teach this bully a lesson? You'll have to read the next chapter to find out. Thank you to everyone who is reading this story. Please don't be afraid to leave a comment telling me your thoughts. Until next time, take care.