Champion of Fire & Ice - Megan Derr Page 0,10

to see for themselves what the quest would be, and if it really was Cimar who'd answered as champion for Lord Davrin Dweller-by-the-Sea.

He hated to be the center of attention. It was one of the reasons he'd always been perfectly content to while his days away in the archives, leaving only to make the arduous journey to see new books and other contributions arrived safely. There was no help for it, though. Davrin was a highly respected figure at court and abroad, which made him powerful—not so powerful anyone else had been willing to tangle directly with Lord Tekker, but now that the fight was on, they would likely lend whatever quiet support they could.

If—when—Cimar won, they would be more than happy to throw their lot in with ensuring Tekker stayed toppled. King's favorite thug he might be, Tekker was almost universally hated by everyone else, including Her Royal Highness. The moment he showed a weakness they could exploit, that would be the end of Tekker and his nasty little hellhound Grayne.

One of the heralds announced his arrival, and the room fell silent as he entered. That was a first. Hopefully a last, but given the fun had not yet even begun, likely that hope was in vain.

Steeling himself, head up, shoulders high, well-honed calm in place, Cimar strode evenly through the hall until he was before the High Table. He knelt, one hand splayed, the other across his breast. "Your Majesty. Your Highness. I bid you good evening."

"Rise, Sir Cimar. Join your lord."

"Majesty." Cimar rose and then bowed to Davrin, who smiled and motioned for him to take a chair. Surprisingly, Davrin was seated to the left of Princess Korena, when normally Cimar would have sworn he sat opposite and a few chairs down. Korena must be up to something.

Not certain he wanted to know what, but equally certain he'd find out anyway, Cimar took his seat and beckoned a servant to bring him wine. Thankfully, his location put him well away from Tekker and Grayne.

Unsurprisingly, the meal was painfully typical and dragged on forever. Not because His Majesty wanted to build anticipation, but because he was stalling on dealing with a problem for as long as possible.

Finally, though, as the bells rang the ninth hour, His Majesty rose and said, "Lords, Knights of the Challenge, assemble before me."

Cimar rose and followed Davrin around the table, down the steps of the dais, to once more kneel before King Rorlen. Close by, Korena's face gave nothing away, but Cimar didn't think he was crazy in thinking she looked well tired of her father's behavior.

"Rise," King Rorlen said, and Cimar rose smoothly alongside the other three. Grayne, predictably, was already well into his cups and nearly fell right back on his face. Cimar didn't sneer openly, but only with great effort.

Standing, King Rorlen threw out his arms to command silence, then said in strident tones, "A challenge has been called and answered. On behalf of our fallen comrade, Sir Ballior Windon, Knight of the Order of the Star, a challenge has been called by Lord Davrin Dweller-by-the-Sea, Earl of Broken Cliff. Sir Cimar Vallion, Knight of the Order of the Star, has answered as his champion. He challenges Lord Tekker Malden, Marquis of Maldenor, who has accepted. Sir Grayne Darmount, Knight of the Order of Blood, has answered as his champion. These champions will face three challenges: quest, to be called tonight; endurance, to be faced upon the onset of the frost fair; and duel, which will be faced on the final day of the fair."

He spread his arms again. "Is there any who would denounce this challenge as dishonorable or unjust?"

Silence rang out through the enormous hall, and Cimar didn't think he imagined the annoyance—even fury—that flickered ever so briefly across King Rorlen's face.

"Then let the challenge begin, and here knights are your quests:

"Sir Grayne, bandits and brigands have plagued the road to the Golden Apple Abbey for years. Locate the source of the problem and destroy it once and for all, that people might once more travel that road in safety."

"Your Majesty."

Amusement curled through Cimar. So Grayne was being ordered to fix the problem that Cimar supposedly couldn't. Did they think he was going to be insulted by something so childish and petty?

When it was clear no reaction was forthcoming, King Rorlen continued in a sour tone, "Sir Cimar, far to the north is Castle Bone. Its inhabitants have not been heard from in months, and no messenger sent