Gods of Blood and Fire - A. J. Strickler Page 0,11

of King Alfred Albana, Cain’s grandfather. He had been appointed as a young priest to serve Bishop Rails, the former Bishop of Bandara. A few years into his father’s reign, Rails had fallen ill and died of natural causes, and Lyfair had been appointed the new Bishop to Bandara. The appointment had come from the great Church itself.

King Aaron loved his new Bishop. Lyfair helped his King with all the drudgeries that came with the crown. His father hated the day-to-day responsibilities that a King must handle. The Bishop took care of most of the mundane responsibilities of running the Kingdom for his sovereign giving King Aaron more time to indulge in eating, drinking, and revelry—the things his father truly loved. He had to admit that Lyfair did a fine job with the bureaucracy of the Kingdom.

The Lord of Braxton Bluff, William Blackthorn, was a true noble. His family had been landholders in Bandara since its founding. He was descended from the mighty Braxton Blackthorn, who fought alongside the Phoenix Queen five hundred years before. It was said he had also proved himself a fine warrior years ago in a brief war with Abberdon right after King Aaron took the throne. William was intelligent and decisive. It was more than likely that Lyfair and Blackthorn were the only reason Cain had a Kingdom to inherit. Without their help, his father would have most likely lost it by now. He owed them both his gratitude.

Cain rode into the tournament grounds with his chest out and a stern look on his face. The grooms and pages who worked in the tournament grounds stables all began running to and fro seeing to any needs the Prince might have. The place looked impressive. A few new canopies had been added to keep the sun and rain off the spectators. His father loved to watch jousting but had never participated in a tilt in his life. The sight of blood had always made the King uncomfortable, and he had never been very athletic. What King Aaron did love was the fanfare that came along with the joust. There were several tournaments a year in Bandara and almost all the nobles took part. They had become quite the big social events. The lords and ladies attended, all wearing their finest clothing. The participants themselves were clad in their best armor and rode the finest horses they owned. Everyone feasted for days before the tournaments even started. Some said the events even rivaled those in the Grand Stadium of Asqutania. His father, if nothing else, had a knack for planning splendid events with great extravagance and pageantry.

As he approached, Cain could see Talorn already armored and on his horse riding the rings. The Prince was a little jealous of his friend’s horsemanship abilities. The big white stallion Talorn rode followed his commands like he could read the knight’s mind. The rings were a test of accuracy; Lord Blackthorn the younger was a master at it, very seldom failing to put his lance through the ring. Talorn was the best knight in Bandara; he had won tournament after tournament. King Aaron had always said Talorn had been born to be a knight. His friend’s skill was something he and his father agreed on.

Talorn saw the Prince and dismounted. His armor shining in the sun, polished to a high sheen just like the Knights of Tyro. Talorn took off his great helm and handed it to his squire. The young Lord shook out his long, blonde curly locks and walked over and clasped his Prince’s hand. Cain smiled his friend’s famous golden hair and good looks, which made many of the women in Bandara swoon. They all wanted the handsome and strong Lord Blackthorn to favor them with his attention. He could easily have his pick of any woman in Bandara. The problem was that, as proficient and skilled with arms and horses as Talorn was, he was equally awkward and uncomfortable with women. It was a secret Talorn had only shared with Cain.

“Highness, you have finally arrived. I thought sure your fear of my abilities had kept you at the palace.” The young Knight dismounted and stood tall, grinning at his Prince with that well-known smile. Cain gave him a friendly push.

“We will see who’s afraid of whom when the day is done, you arrogant ass.”

“It’s not arrogance, Highness, when one speaks the truth.” Both men laughed. “Let us begin, get my armor off the horse and help