Post by Terrasphere on Feb 26, 2003 6:30:01 GMT
The chapters just keep getting longer and longer! 
Please post to at least show you've read it. Thanks. 
Ch. 3: Only Third
Awakened by the slight alarm of Peridon’s gong, Ryu scrambled out of bed with the intent of attacking the intruder. “Oh. Don’t wake me up so suddenly Peridon,” pleaded Ryu, leering at him as if he were a criminal. I could have hurt you.”
“I will try not to next time, sir. Breakfast begins in thirty minutes. Please go to the dining hall if you would like to join in.”
“Of course!” Peridon left the room, leaving Ryu alone so he could get ready. Getting ready was taking longer than Ryu had expected, partly because he was not fully awake yet. His lack of coordination and attentiveness was made apparent when he tried to place his sheath over his right foot. In addition to his drowsiness, however, he was contemplating that night’s events. Something about the words he overheard did not seem like all was well in Camlon.
Last night, after Ryu had finally gone to sleep, he was awakened by faint voices outside his room. Curious as to what was being said, Ryu silently tiptoed over to the door of his lavish guestroom and eavesdropped on the conversation.
“Did you get it?” a man asked.
“Yeah I got it,” answered a second man. “It is much more powerful than I ever imagined. Unfortunately, Senteeri gave me strict orders to give it to you and not use it tomorrow in battle.”
“Good. I’ll tell Lord Senteeri that you have done well. I’ll deliver it as soon as the tournament is over. Until we meet again.”
As abruptly as it had started, the discussion had ended.
Wondering about who had been talking and what they had been talking about, Ryu finally finished getting ready. Leaving his room, he wandered down the glorious hallway into the dining hall. Greeting the king, the queen, and his few guests, Ryu sat down and ate the most delicious meal he had had in a long time. After the feast, King Fordan announced that the Grand Tournament would begin soon, meaning he needed to get to the arena. Ryu figured that he should get there quickly as well, so he rapidly put on his armor and helmet and went to the arena.
Arriving at the arena, Ryu was baffled by the hundreds of people present and the multiple entrances. Where was he supposed to go? Glancing at the entrance on the left, Ryu saw a man in armor passing through it. Ryu believed that since a man of his size and dress must be a participant, he should follow him in.
As Ryu gained distance on the armored man, the man unexpectedly turned 180 degrees and looked him in the eye. “You’re not following me are you? What are you doing here?” the man inquired, irritated and annoyed. “You’re not King Fordan. Only he, the queen, and Peridon, his loyal servant, are allowed in the royal judging box. If you’re a participant, pass through the center entrance. If you’re a spectator, go through the most eastern entrance. If you’re neither, get out of here!”
Disturbed by the guard’s agitated behavior but happy that he knew his destination, Ryu found the other eight fighters at last. Wait a second. Eight? Oh no. Something was terribly wrong. There was only supposed to be a total of eight fighters.
Reading off a long parchment, a man in a gold garb shouted, “Now listen combatants. This is the last time I am going to say this. You are to be in the ring when your name is announced. If you aren’t and can’t make it for some reason, you will be disqualified. If you kill your opponent, you will be disqualified. You must use your own weapons in each round. Arms will not be provided for you. However, no spells or other special powers may be used, as this contest is strictly one of physical might and cunning. While no special powers can be used, any enchanted armor may be, but only defensively. If our king decides at any time that you are cheating in any way, your disqualification and departure will be requested immediately. These are the terms. Obey them or quit now.”
No one spoke.
Carefully folding up the parchment, the contestant director said, “Good. Now you wait until you are…”
“Wait a second,” Ryu interrupted. “Aren’t there only supposed to be eight contestants in this tournament? How come there are nine of us then?”
“Hmm. You are correct Ryu. One of you should not be here.” Perturbed because he had just put it away, the contestant director again took out the rolled-up parchment, which had the list of names on it. “Will all of you please give me your invitations please?” After each of the competitors gave their invitations to the director, he crosschecked their names. “What is this? One of the invitations has the name Tura Weldon on it, but that name does not exist on the official parchment. Since Ryu’s invitation is missing, this Tura must have used Ryu’s invitation to enter the Grand Tournament! Guards!”
One of the men slowly removed his helmet, slowly revealing his ruddy copper-toned complexion. As the guards hurried over from attending the entrance, Ryu cried, “Tura! What were you thinking?”
“I’m sorry. I just wanted be known far and wide as a strong warrior like you, Ryu. You are always praised for your bravery and power, while I’m just a lowly blacksmith. I’m sorry for stealing and changing the name on your invitation, but I just wanted to be appreciated. Not just a few ‘thanks’ for making weapons, armor, and horseshoes, but real admiration.”
The guards drew their swords, pointing their blades at Tura. Attempting to lead him to jail, Ryu, saddened by his friend’s condition, spoke up for him, “Let him go. He meant no harm. As long he is truly sorry for deceiving us and gives me my sword back…”
“Sword?” Tura questioned, confused. “What are you talking about? You know I would never take your sword. I know how much it means to you.”
Ryu, now more confused than ever because he believed and trusted Tura, still knew nothing about the disappearance of his fabled sword. After Ryu explained the entire dilemma, the director ordered a year sentence for Tura, despite his apology and Ryu’s beseeching. Tura, with sorrow written across his face, gestured to Ryu and marched off with the soldiers to his fate, prison.
Suddenly, thundering from high among the stands, King Fordan’s voice roared with the opening remarks of the tournament. Waiting in nervous anticipation, Ryu blocked out the king’s voice and heard nothing about the prize. All he heard was, “Let us begin! First we have Colan Lightfist, representing the town of Spring, and Ham Syfe, representing the town of Bleak.”
Lasting less than twenty seconds, the fight was one-sided the whole time. Colan didn’t stand a chance against Ham’s superior maneuverability and prowess with his trident and dagger. Colan swiped at Ham with his sword, unfortunately letting Ham block and catch it in his trident. Ham severely pushed it to the side, and then pounced upon Colan, dexterously placing his dagger near Colan’s throat. That was it. The match was over.
“Ryu Dragonedge of Drogen versus Tybaba of Gant.” A large ox-like man entered, carrying an extremely oversized hammer. Thinking that Tybaba would in no way be able to adroitly wield such a massive weapon, Ryu got into position, while taunting the fool. The fight began. Swinging the hammer surprisingly fast, the ogre-like man felt strong opposition when it was deflected by Ryu’s shield. With the hammer now on the ground, Ryu, sliced it before it could be lifted up. Now in two pieces, it was no longer an effective weapon. Swinging backwards with his arms, Tybaba caught Ryu by surprise, causing Ryu to fly back a couple of feet. The blow resulted in a gash in Ryu’s lip. Grinning fearlessly, Tybaba picked up the head of his hammer and launched it at his foe, who quickly deflected it with his shield.
“Oh my gosh!” Tybaba said with a horrified look on his face. “I can’t win against you. You’re a freak. I surrender.” Tybaba acknowledged defeat after he saw Ryu’s gash removed by the amazing regenerative powers of his Life Armor.
Paying no real attention to the next two rounds, Ryu only noticed that cat-like man lost to a bird-like man from Winlan, while a cloaked man defeated a mole-person from Gramor.
“Now for the semifinals of the competition,” announced King Fordan. Ham Syfe of Bleak, versus Ryu of Drogen.” Ryu quickly defeated Ham by slicing through his trident and forcing him into submission.
“Now for the second half of the semifinals: Winger Ginsu, from the kingdom of Winlan, is pitted against Bandir, from the soaring kingdom of Hizan. Ryu resumed interest in the battle because he wished to study the moves of his future opponent.
As soon as the battle began, Winger flew high into the sky. Drawing his bow and arrows, he aimed precisely at Bandir. Bandir, standing perfectly still, was just watching Winger. He appeared as if he was waiting for Winger to fire. Soon enough, an arrow had been launched, but not even Ryu expected Bandir’s reaction. Bandir hastily pulled out a formidable-looking bow from under his cloak, along with three arrows. Placing the three arrows between his fingers, he aimed for only an instant. Shooting them all at once, the middle one struck and effectively knocked Winger’s arrow out of the sky, while the left and right arrows pierced Winger’s right and left wings respectively. Falling to the ground like dead weight, Winger cried out in pain. Rushing over to force his surrender, Bandir charged and slid is blade under Winger’s chin. The battle was over, and the royal box nodded in approval of Bandir’s victory. As Winger walked out of the arena, sulking and aching, Bandir remained in the arena for the final battle.
Please post to at least show you've read it. Thanks. 
Ch. 3: Only Third
Awakened by the slight alarm of Peridon’s gong, Ryu scrambled out of bed with the intent of attacking the intruder. “Oh. Don’t wake me up so suddenly Peridon,” pleaded Ryu, leering at him as if he were a criminal. I could have hurt you.”
“I will try not to next time, sir. Breakfast begins in thirty minutes. Please go to the dining hall if you would like to join in.”
“Of course!” Peridon left the room, leaving Ryu alone so he could get ready. Getting ready was taking longer than Ryu had expected, partly because he was not fully awake yet. His lack of coordination and attentiveness was made apparent when he tried to place his sheath over his right foot. In addition to his drowsiness, however, he was contemplating that night’s events. Something about the words he overheard did not seem like all was well in Camlon.
Last night, after Ryu had finally gone to sleep, he was awakened by faint voices outside his room. Curious as to what was being said, Ryu silently tiptoed over to the door of his lavish guestroom and eavesdropped on the conversation.
“Did you get it?” a man asked.
“Yeah I got it,” answered a second man. “It is much more powerful than I ever imagined. Unfortunately, Senteeri gave me strict orders to give it to you and not use it tomorrow in battle.”
“Good. I’ll tell Lord Senteeri that you have done well. I’ll deliver it as soon as the tournament is over. Until we meet again.”
As abruptly as it had started, the discussion had ended.
Wondering about who had been talking and what they had been talking about, Ryu finally finished getting ready. Leaving his room, he wandered down the glorious hallway into the dining hall. Greeting the king, the queen, and his few guests, Ryu sat down and ate the most delicious meal he had had in a long time. After the feast, King Fordan announced that the Grand Tournament would begin soon, meaning he needed to get to the arena. Ryu figured that he should get there quickly as well, so he rapidly put on his armor and helmet and went to the arena.
Arriving at the arena, Ryu was baffled by the hundreds of people present and the multiple entrances. Where was he supposed to go? Glancing at the entrance on the left, Ryu saw a man in armor passing through it. Ryu believed that since a man of his size and dress must be a participant, he should follow him in.
As Ryu gained distance on the armored man, the man unexpectedly turned 180 degrees and looked him in the eye. “You’re not following me are you? What are you doing here?” the man inquired, irritated and annoyed. “You’re not King Fordan. Only he, the queen, and Peridon, his loyal servant, are allowed in the royal judging box. If you’re a participant, pass through the center entrance. If you’re a spectator, go through the most eastern entrance. If you’re neither, get out of here!”
Disturbed by the guard’s agitated behavior but happy that he knew his destination, Ryu found the other eight fighters at last. Wait a second. Eight? Oh no. Something was terribly wrong. There was only supposed to be a total of eight fighters.
Reading off a long parchment, a man in a gold garb shouted, “Now listen combatants. This is the last time I am going to say this. You are to be in the ring when your name is announced. If you aren’t and can’t make it for some reason, you will be disqualified. If you kill your opponent, you will be disqualified. You must use your own weapons in each round. Arms will not be provided for you. However, no spells or other special powers may be used, as this contest is strictly one of physical might and cunning. While no special powers can be used, any enchanted armor may be, but only defensively. If our king decides at any time that you are cheating in any way, your disqualification and departure will be requested immediately. These are the terms. Obey them or quit now.”
No one spoke.
Carefully folding up the parchment, the contestant director said, “Good. Now you wait until you are…”
“Wait a second,” Ryu interrupted. “Aren’t there only supposed to be eight contestants in this tournament? How come there are nine of us then?”
“Hmm. You are correct Ryu. One of you should not be here.” Perturbed because he had just put it away, the contestant director again took out the rolled-up parchment, which had the list of names on it. “Will all of you please give me your invitations please?” After each of the competitors gave their invitations to the director, he crosschecked their names. “What is this? One of the invitations has the name Tura Weldon on it, but that name does not exist on the official parchment. Since Ryu’s invitation is missing, this Tura must have used Ryu’s invitation to enter the Grand Tournament! Guards!”
One of the men slowly removed his helmet, slowly revealing his ruddy copper-toned complexion. As the guards hurried over from attending the entrance, Ryu cried, “Tura! What were you thinking?”
“I’m sorry. I just wanted be known far and wide as a strong warrior like you, Ryu. You are always praised for your bravery and power, while I’m just a lowly blacksmith. I’m sorry for stealing and changing the name on your invitation, but I just wanted to be appreciated. Not just a few ‘thanks’ for making weapons, armor, and horseshoes, but real admiration.”
The guards drew their swords, pointing their blades at Tura. Attempting to lead him to jail, Ryu, saddened by his friend’s condition, spoke up for him, “Let him go. He meant no harm. As long he is truly sorry for deceiving us and gives me my sword back…”
“Sword?” Tura questioned, confused. “What are you talking about? You know I would never take your sword. I know how much it means to you.”
Ryu, now more confused than ever because he believed and trusted Tura, still knew nothing about the disappearance of his fabled sword. After Ryu explained the entire dilemma, the director ordered a year sentence for Tura, despite his apology and Ryu’s beseeching. Tura, with sorrow written across his face, gestured to Ryu and marched off with the soldiers to his fate, prison.
Suddenly, thundering from high among the stands, King Fordan’s voice roared with the opening remarks of the tournament. Waiting in nervous anticipation, Ryu blocked out the king’s voice and heard nothing about the prize. All he heard was, “Let us begin! First we have Colan Lightfist, representing the town of Spring, and Ham Syfe, representing the town of Bleak.”
Lasting less than twenty seconds, the fight was one-sided the whole time. Colan didn’t stand a chance against Ham’s superior maneuverability and prowess with his trident and dagger. Colan swiped at Ham with his sword, unfortunately letting Ham block and catch it in his trident. Ham severely pushed it to the side, and then pounced upon Colan, dexterously placing his dagger near Colan’s throat. That was it. The match was over.
“Ryu Dragonedge of Drogen versus Tybaba of Gant.” A large ox-like man entered, carrying an extremely oversized hammer. Thinking that Tybaba would in no way be able to adroitly wield such a massive weapon, Ryu got into position, while taunting the fool. The fight began. Swinging the hammer surprisingly fast, the ogre-like man felt strong opposition when it was deflected by Ryu’s shield. With the hammer now on the ground, Ryu, sliced it before it could be lifted up. Now in two pieces, it was no longer an effective weapon. Swinging backwards with his arms, Tybaba caught Ryu by surprise, causing Ryu to fly back a couple of feet. The blow resulted in a gash in Ryu’s lip. Grinning fearlessly, Tybaba picked up the head of his hammer and launched it at his foe, who quickly deflected it with his shield.
“Oh my gosh!” Tybaba said with a horrified look on his face. “I can’t win against you. You’re a freak. I surrender.” Tybaba acknowledged defeat after he saw Ryu’s gash removed by the amazing regenerative powers of his Life Armor.
Paying no real attention to the next two rounds, Ryu only noticed that cat-like man lost to a bird-like man from Winlan, while a cloaked man defeated a mole-person from Gramor.
“Now for the semifinals of the competition,” announced King Fordan. Ham Syfe of Bleak, versus Ryu of Drogen.” Ryu quickly defeated Ham by slicing through his trident and forcing him into submission.
“Now for the second half of the semifinals: Winger Ginsu, from the kingdom of Winlan, is pitted against Bandir, from the soaring kingdom of Hizan. Ryu resumed interest in the battle because he wished to study the moves of his future opponent.
As soon as the battle began, Winger flew high into the sky. Drawing his bow and arrows, he aimed precisely at Bandir. Bandir, standing perfectly still, was just watching Winger. He appeared as if he was waiting for Winger to fire. Soon enough, an arrow had been launched, but not even Ryu expected Bandir’s reaction. Bandir hastily pulled out a formidable-looking bow from under his cloak, along with three arrows. Placing the three arrows between his fingers, he aimed for only an instant. Shooting them all at once, the middle one struck and effectively knocked Winger’s arrow out of the sky, while the left and right arrows pierced Winger’s right and left wings respectively. Falling to the ground like dead weight, Winger cried out in pain. Rushing over to force his surrender, Bandir charged and slid is blade under Winger’s chin. The battle was over, and the royal box nodded in approval of Bandir’s victory. As Winger walked out of the arena, sulking and aching, Bandir remained in the arena for the final battle.
