“Silence!” Came the call from just beneath the King’s pavilion.
As single man stood in the center of the dusty coliseum. Clad in blue robes of a holy man, he drew back his hood to reveal platinum hair cropped just below his shoulders. In his hand was a single scroll of parchment, that was quickly unraveled and held in place.
“Today we gather to witness the innocence or guilt of one man. Charged with the murder of three citizens under the protection of Yggdrasil’s Law and the subsequent desecration of an altar to our supreme god, Yggdrasil. Praise be to him who is granted Yggdrasil’s blessing to prove the guilt or innocence of this fighter. By his guiding hand, Yggdrasil will show us the true path of righteousness.”
Retracting the scroll within his sleeve the priest swiftly moved beyond the edge of the arena and disappeared from sight.
“As is his right, the accused has chosen trial by combat in which martial arms will be taken up in singles combat. What is carried by each participant is what must be used. As brought down from the tower, Yggdrasil’s words dictate that the arcane arts is strictly forbidden. The trial will not be complete until one participant has fallen, the loser to be beheaded in honor of Yggdrasil’s defeat of the weak.”
Swiftly the gate opened, the iron bars parting in the center to be pulled into the walls at opposite ends. Behind it was a single man, his form enshrouded by shadows. The crowd’s silence burst at the seams with cheers that caused the dust to trickle from the walls. Rising to their feet, the crowd greeted the knight warmly as he meandered towards the center of the colosseum. Pointing his spear in one direction and another, nodding his head as if recognizing spectators specifically. He knew how to work the crowd.
It was not the first time Sir Ryland Iscandel had performed in front of the roaring crowd of the colosseum. While he was not always the King’s first choice, he was no stranger to fighting for the Kingdom in a Trial by Combat. His feats beyond the walls of the Kingdom against the growing menace of orcs, goblins, and other terrifying beasts were nothing to truly be noted, he was a particular favorite amongst the crowds in the fighting pit especially before the King.
“My most generous King, your worthiness to sit upon our throne is only dwarfed by Yggdrasil in all his glory.” Ryland shouted over the crowd. He only continued when the crowd’s cheering began to fade, “Long may you reign.”
The knight slammed the butt of his spear into the ground, holding his shield out to unveil his armor. It was nothing out of the ordinary. However, this process was done to appear the crowd, to make proclamation of a fair fight in which all weapons were bear.
“In the name of Yggdrasil, and his most holy of Kingdoms I defend thy honor and the law of Abalonia. For Yggdrasil demands justice!”
Ryland lowered his center of gravity, bending slightly at the knees. Hoisting his shield he turned side face to narrow his figure making it harder to strike. He positioned his shield off his shoulder, holding it level with his torso protecting himself from shoulder to knee. With a light yet determined grip just beneath mid-shaft, the knight lifted his spear and pointed it towards his opponent. He began his slow and determined steps towards the opponent.
@Infernal
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