For the first time, things were calm in Archolia. There were no revolts and no wide spread illnesses. Faith was strong and there were no witches or evil doers. Queen Chalyela had a market built next to the tavern so those who lived outside the village could purchase goods without the long trek to town.
Sir Ivan finally had a bit of leisure time between his patrol duties. He could often be found at the docks dueling with others or reminiscing about his adventurous days at sea.
Sir Ivan happens to be down on the docks when he hears of an annual fishing tournament, sponsored by Royal Advisor Kenna, to increase moral within the kingdom.
As soon as Ivan hears of it, his competitive streak kicks in. He must be a part of this. He heads to the castle at once.
Royal Advisor Kenna is in the throne room when Ivan arrives. Queen Chalyela is getting ready to hold court.
“Advisor Kenna, I just heard news of the fishing tournament. I must enter.”
“Aye we hold it every year. It is open to anyone.”
“Enter me at once!” Ivan says.
“Sure, but the entry fee is 100 simoles,” Kenna tells him. “Let me know when you are ready to pay the fee.”
Sir Ivan is excited about the tournament, but refuses to pay any fees. He will just have to convince Kenna to allow him entry without the fee.
But first, his beautiful queen is waiting. He approaches the throne.
“Greetings your majesty!” Ivan kneels before the throne.
Although it is the proper thing to do, Queen Chalyela is amused by Ivan’s formalities. “You may stand Ivan,” she says.
Ivan wants more than anything to kiss her, but knows that it would be inappropriate. Instead, he greets her and leaves her to complete her duties.
Ivan will have to approach her again later when she is not busy. For now he needs to convince Kenna to waive the tournament fee.
“Ah Sir Ivan, how fare thee?” A male voice interrupts him as he is looking around for Kenna.
Ivan looks and sees that it is Smithmaster Tom of the Crafthole Territory. “Good morn Smithmaster Tom. I am in the best of health, and you?”
“Well, I am well. I had a few things to run across her majesty, but she appears to be occupied,” Tom says.
“Aye, she holds court daily to avoid any further peasant revolts,” Ivan says in explanation.
“Well, I suppose that I must wait my turn. Fare thee well,” Tom says walking away.
Ivan is glad to keep the conversation short. If he is to win this tournament, he needs an early start. He resumes his search for Kenna.
Ivan stops her as she passes. “Advisor Kenna, I am ready to enter the tournament.”
“Sure. That will be 100 simoles,” she replies.
“Here is the thing. I hoped that you would waive the entry fee.”
“Waive the fee! Why would I do that?”
“Have I not served this kingdom well?” Ivan asks.
“Aye, you have…as have most of the others who paid their 100 simoles with no complaint.” Kenna says not giving in.
“I agree, however I am sure that none of them are courting the queen.”
“Very true,” Kenna says, “But neither are you.”
Ivan cannot help but flinch at this technicality. After all, Kenna is right. He and the queen have expressed their attraction for each other, but they have made no commitments.
Ivan is glad that the queen is too busy and he prays that she is not watching, for he is not proud of his next move. He moves in close to Kenna, until his lips are close to her ear, “I am sure that a beautiful woman like you can see it in your heart to allow a loyal knight such as myself entry into this tournament.”
Kenna is shaken and cannot deny Sir Ivan’s attraction. She is actually flattered by his flirty move, although she knows that she is being played. “You are in the tournament,” she says struggling to keep her composure.
To his relief, Queen Chalyela is none the wiser to his brief flirtation with her advisor. Sir Ivan has learned over time to use his good looks to get what he needs from the ladies. It is a skill that he has found need to use in very sticky situations.
He leaves the castle to complete his duties for the night.
