Round Seven

Curtis VS Ulric Von Licktenstein Jedjo Armag VS Aodhan Bobby Thundar VS Ryanus

Ryant de Cooke II VS Rupert Seretuon VS Jean de Montbergac

Round Seven had come. The long weeks of training and competition between the Squires would soon pay off, with eight of their number gaining entrance to the true Trials. One last set of battles were to take place, the results of which would help decide which 8 Squires would take part in the Trial of Strength.

Once again the weather was fair, the sky dotted with small, white clouds that threatened neither rain nor thunder. The pleasant weather, together with the importance of the coming Round, insured that a large number of citizens crowded to the pavilions. It did not take long for all of the standing places and chairs in both levels of the pavilions to be filled with men and women of all creeds and professions.

Soon after, the King's Herald (once more followed by the Scribe) entered the pavilions and took his reserved seat in the Royal Annex. With a quick nod to the Adjudicator to signal the start of the Round, the Herald settled down and got ready to watch the battles between the exceptionally skilled Squires who remained in the Tournament.

Unrolling the newest scroll of parchment, the King's Adjudicator called out the names of those who would take part in the first battle of Round Seven...



"Curtis Pythonheart shall do battle against Ulric Von Licktenstein. May the best man win!" Announced the Adjudicator. With the applause of the spectators filling the arena, the two Squires entered with swords drawn. The melee would soon begin...

	VS
Curtis Pythonheart (Reckless) - (Ranked 6th) Hits: 4 Wounds Taken: 2		Ulric Von Licktenstein (Reckless) - (Ranked 7th) Hits: 2 Wounds Taken: 3

As soon as the signal to begin was given both Squires launched forward at each other and the combat was joined. With an inaccurate Chop from his opponent wizzing past his ear, Curtis struck back with a Chop of his own, quickly followed by a Jab. Unfortunately for the Reckless Curtis, Ulric was too swift and dodged aside, avoiding both attacks. Striking back, Ulric's Chop was more accurate and hit. The harsh sound of the heavy impact heralded the wound that the blow caused. Ulric then leapt aside, avoiding a Spin-Slash from his adversary before Lunging at his foe and striking two blows using the momentum that the move gave him. Curtis was fortunate enough to evade the first Lunging strike but the second attack's aim was true and found its target. The hammering blow caused a palpable wound to Curtis, who, despite his injuries, struck back with a Chop. Amazingly, the Chop was accurate and had considerable strength behind it. Crashing into Ulric's leg, the blow caused serious wounds to the Reckless Squire's calf muscle, but failed to knock Ulric over.

Striking once more, Curtis Pythonheart smashed Ulric with a whirling Spin-Slash. Ulric was hit, but, luckily for the Reckless Squire, unharmed. Ulric Von Licktenstein Chopped back at his foe but it was in vain, as Curtis was able to nimbly dodge aside and attack back with a Chop of his own. Parrying the attack, Ulric Lunged at Curtis but the attack was badly aimed and failed to hit. Roaring as he came, Curtis Shoulder Charged directly into his foe and hit with brutal force, inflicting a serious injury. Chopping back twice, Ulric attempted to take his opponent down. The first Chop missed whilst the second was blocked by Curtis Pythonheart's shield.

Jabbing at his opponent in a desperate attempt to fend his foe away, Ulric Von Licktenstein's attack failed to keep his adversary at bay. Stepping forward and Chopping once more, Curtis once again punched through the defenses of his foe and hit. For the third time in the battle, Ulric suffered a wound. Unable to withstand the punishment, Ulric collapsed backwards and fell unconsious to the sand, where he lay unmoving.

Curtis Pythonheart had won the battle by Knocking Out Ulric Von Licktenstein (despite taking quite a beating himself!). Due to this, Curtis Pythonheart receives 10 points, whilst Ulric Von Licktenstein receives no points.



It took a few moments for the spectators to cease cheering and for the wounded Squires to be helped to the preparation building, but once the task was finished, it was time for the second battle to commence. "Next, in the second battle of Round Seven, Jedjo Armag and Aodhan of Greensleeves shall be pitted against one another. May the Lady's Blessing fall upon them!" Announced the Adjudicator to the applauding crowd.

The Squires entered the arena, took their positions in the centre of the sandy grounds and awaited the signal to begin...

	VS
Jedjo Armag (Adroit) - (Ranked 5th) Hits: 1 Wounds Taken: 3		Aodhan of Greensleeves (Adroit) - (Ranked 10th) Hits: 1 Wounds Taken: 1

The signal was given for the combat to begin, but the battle was not recklessly joined as with the last melee. Instead, both Squires slowly approached each other, watchful of surprise attacks whilst their minds raced to prepare a counter for any surprise moves. Aodhan attacked first, with a sudden leaping Jab that caught the usually Adroit Jedjo by surprise and slipped past his guard. The hit was accurate, but not very powerful, and failed to cause any harm to Jedjo Armag. Lunging back at his foe, Jedjo's strike was just as accurate as that of his opponent, but was stronger. Hammering into his opponent's chest, the Lunging strike caused an obvious wound to Aodhan, who flinched from the force of the blow.

Striking anew, Jedjo hacked at his opponent with a Chop but Aodhan dodged the attack and seemingly turned to flee. Jedjo was puzzled by this act, and gave chase. It was not wise to do so, however, as it was a cunning act of Subterfuge from his opponent, who span around and struck back with a mighty blow. Jedjo Armag was too slow to defend himself and the flat of his opponent's blade caught him across the temple. The force of the blow was great, and knocked out the Adroit Jedjo, sending him crashing to the sand in an unconsious heap.

Once Aodhan had checked that he had not caused lethal damage to his foe (such was the power of the cunning Subterfuge attack!), he raised his own sword victoriously above his head for all the crowd to see. Aodhan of Greensleeves had done very well, and had won by Knocking Out his Adroit opponnent. Aodhan of Greensleeves gains 10 points. Jedjo Armag (who did not wake up for many hours) gained no points.



"The third battle of Round Seven shall be fought between Bobby Thundar and his adversary for this Round, Ryanus Caeruleus Coquus. May the Lady Bless them both!" Hearing these words from the Adjudicator, the two chosen Squires entered the arena and were greeted by the applause and cheers of the excited crowd. Giving the signal to begin, the Herald watched with great interest, and awaited the outcome of the match...

	VS
Bobby Thundar (Aggressive) - (Ranked 3rd) Hits: 7 Wounds Taken: 2		Ryanus Caeruleus Coquus (Reckless) - (Ranked 8th) Hits: 5 Wounds Taken: 2

With the signal given, both Squires rushed at each other with their swords raised. Both Ryanus and Bobby Lunged at each other, using the momentum of their charge in an attempt to end the battle quickly. Bobby, twisting aside in mid-attack, evaded his foe's Lunging strike, and still hit with his own Lunge! Smashing aside Ryanus's defenses, the blow hit with great force, and it was only luck that saved Ryanus from being injured. Now locked in a heated melee, Bobby struck again, this time with a Spin-Slash. With unnerving accuracy, Bobby's blow hit Ryanus hard on the arm, and caused the limb to weaken. It was only a "funny-bone" injury, however, and was temporary. Chopping at his foe, Ryanus's swing was inaccurate and missed. Turning aside a further Spin-Slash from his Aggressive opponent, Ryanus took a step backwards and adopted a Deflection stance, before attempting to take his foe off guard with a surprise Slash, which failed to hit.

Dodging under a wild Spin-Slashing attack from his adversary, Ryanus counter-attacked with a Double Strike but was too slow, and Bobby evaded the swing. Bobby, sidestepping to avoid a clumsy Lunge attack from Ryanus, Slashed at his foe. The clash of steel-on-steel heralded a hit, but an ineffectual one, which failed to wound. Jumping backwards, Bobby stood his ground for a few short moments to summon up his strength, before he roared, and burst forward into a head-long Shoulder Charge! Unfortunately for Bobby, Ryanus was too swift and the attack missed. Attempting to attack whilst his foe was still recovering from charging, Ryanus Caeruleus Coquus Lunged at his foe, but his attack's aim was not true and the Lunge failed. Finally, Ryanus sliced at his opponent with a Spin-Slash, but failed to hit.

Parrying a Chop from Bobby, Ryanus pushed his foe's weapon aside and Lunged at him. The sweeping attack was not very well aimed, however, and Bobby was able to step aside, causing the Lunge to miss. Striking when his opponent was still off-guard from Lunging, Bobby Thundar hammered into the side of his foe with another powerful Shoulder Charge. The charging swing hit, but it was merely a grazing blow, and failed to cause any harm to Ryanus. Replying with a Slashing attack of his own, Ryanus's aim was true despite the hit he had just suffered. The Slash was only a glancing blow, however, and failed to cause any real harm to Bobby. Not letting up in his offensive against his adversary, Ryanus Lunged twice at Bobby and struck out with mighty sweeping chops. The first swing was inaccurate and missed, but the second sweeping chop was very well aimed and hit into Bobby's arm, causing the limb to weaken noticably.

The same thought crossed both Squire's minds as they each swung a Spin-Slash at the other at almost the same moment. Unfortunately, neither Squire's blow was well aimed and they both fell short, missing. Continuing the heated conflict, Ryanus Slashed at his foe whilst Bobby Chopped at the Reckless Squire. Both Squires hit their enemy, but only Bobby's Chop actually caused any harm. The blow was on target and hit with crushing force, causing a serious and lasting wound to Ryanus. Once again both Squires lashed out at each other with Spin-Slashes and once more they were inaccurate. Finally, Ryanus Lunged at his foe and caught Bobby off guard, hitting him hard in the mid-section and causing an obvious injury.

In the dying seconds of the battle, Bobby dodged aside, avoiding a clumsy Lunge from his foe before attacking back with a Slash and a Lunge of his own. Both attacks were very accurate and hit, the Lunge even caused a serious wound to Ryanus, who took a step back and adopted a Deflection stance in response to the barrage of attacks. The Deflection stance was merely a trick, however, as Ryanus dodged a Chop as it was speeding towards him and replied with a Chop of his own. The blow hit, and caused a serious wound. The final, but fruitless, attack of the match was a Lunge from Ryanus, which missed.

The battle was over, but the cheering crowd was still roaring with excitement even after the action had ended. Bobby Thundar had won by having 2 More Hits than his opponent. Because of this, Bobby Thundar gains 6 points. Ryanus Caeruleus Coquus gains 4 points.



As with the past six rounds, the arrival of the midday hour heralded the beginning of the lunchtime festivities. The packed crowds of the pavilions slowly filed out to view the spectacle of entertainers that filled the streets outside the arena. Food and drink was handed out and soon all of those present were ready to return to the pavilions with full bellies and joyous spirit.

The King's Adjudicator, fresh from finishing off his own midday meal, unrolled the scroll of parchment he held and read aloud once more. "In the fourth match of Round Seven, Ryant de Cooke II must do battle against the current Roster Champion, Rupert, Squire to Baron Borsam!"

The cheers of the spectators filled the arena once more as the Squires marched into the arena...

	VS
Ryant de Cooke II (Focused) - (Ranked 4th) Hits: 3 Wounds Taken: 0		Rupert, Squire to Baron Borsam (Aggressive) - (Ranked 1st) Hits: 2 Wounds Taken: 2

It was clear from the start of the melee that both Squires were equally matched. Swinging his sword in a skilled Chopping arc, Rupert, Squire to Baron Borsam found his blade parried by his Focused foe. Lunging at his enemy, Ryant de Cooke II's sword, despite being blunted, bit into his foe's leg and caused a small graze. Unfazed, Rupert struck back with a swift Double Strike but it was in vain, as Ryant blocked it, before replying with a Jab. Rupert was not one to be easily beaten, however, and parried the Jab, pushed his opponent's weapon and shield aside with a skilled sweeping motion before lashing out with a Chop. Unfortunately, the Chop missed.

The Squires separated, both held great respect for each other, having seen each other in previous combats. Both believed that they must win, else face possible elimination in the final round before the true Trials began! Pushing such thoughts from their minds, they put all of their concentration behind winning the battle. The melee was re-joined...

Ignoring a failed Diversion attack from his Aggressive opponent, Ryant grasped his sword in both hands and delivered a harsh Power Strike upon his foe. With a loud crunch the sword smashed through Rupert's defenses and caused a harsh wound. Interrupted by the blow, Rupert's Chop attack faltered and missed. Grunting in anger, Rupert Chopped once more, and this time hit. Ryant avoided harm, however, by twisting aside at the last moment, causing the blow to land at an unnatural angle, thus absorbing most of its power.

Raising his shield to block an incoming Slash from Rupert, the sound of steel clashing with his shield confirmed that Ryant's action was wise. Replying with a Jab aimed at the chest of his opponent, Ryant de Cooke II was unfortunately off target and the Jab harmlessly sailed through the air. After dodging another Chop from his foe, Ryant Shoulder Charged but once more was unable to find his mark with the swipe, and missed. Rupert struck back with yet another Chop, but once again missed.

Once more striking at his foe with a Chop, Rupert, Squire to Baron Borsam was accurate this time and the blow found its mark. Although the attack did hit, it failed to cause any harm. It seemed as if Ryant had become disorientated by the blow, however, as a Spin-Slash attack went wide by a long margin. Ryant, regaining his aim, dodged aside to avoid a Slash before striking back with a mighty over-head Power Strike. The crushing blow smashed aside all of Rupert's defenses and caused a serious injury to him. Struggling to stay on his feet, Rupert Chopped desperately at his foe, but was parried.

Ryant de Cooke II raised his sword to parry a Spin-Slash from his foe, before attacking back with a quick, but ill-aimed, Jab, which missed. Spin-Slashing once more, Rupert's attack went wide and was easily evaded by his Focused opponent, who struck back with a Jab. As the dying moments of the battle passed, Rupert side-stepped the Jab before Chopping at his foe with one, last, Chopping blow. Unfortunately for Rupert, Ryant parried the attack.

With a call from the Adjudicator, the battle ended and both Squires dropped to their knees, tired from fighting against such skilled adversaries. Ryant de Cooke II had won by having 1 More Hit than his foe. Ryant de Cooke II gains 6 points. Rupert, Squire to Baron Borsam gains 4 points.



"In the final battle of Round Seven, and thus, the final battle before the start of the true Trials, Seretuon must do battle against Jean de Montbergac. May the best man win!" The crowd's cheers arose into a wave of joyous voices at these words, and the last battle began with the two competitors taking their position on the sandy centre of the arena.

	VS
Seretuon (Defensive) - (Ranked 9th) Hits: 2 Wounds Taken: 1		Jean de Montbergac (Aggressive) - (Ranked 2nd) Hits: 4 Wounds Taken: 0

As soon as the signal was given, Jean sprung into action. Taking his opponent by surprise, Jean de Montbergac locked blades with Seretuon in a Clash of Steel. Unprepared for such an attack, Seretuon was thrown completely off-guard by the attack and his sword and shield were thrown away at awkward angles (Seretuon lost all of his attacks this Turn to the Clash of Steel!). Seeming almost surprised by forcing his opponent off-guard with the Clash of Steel, Jean took up a Deflection stance for a moment, before realizing the chance he had and Slashing at his foe. By that time, however, it was too late. Seretuon parried the attack.

Slashing once more, Jean's attack slipped past his opponent's guard this time, but failed to cause any physical harm to Seretuon. Avoiding a Lunge from his Defensive foe, Jean Shoulder Charged into Seretuon whilst he was still regaining his balance after Lunging. His sweeping, double-handed swing hit with brutal force, causing obvious wounds to Seretuon, who, despite his wounds, kept his footing. Attempting to fool his opponent with a deft Feint, Seretuon failed.

As the cheers of the crowd continued to fill the arena, encouraging the two Squires to fight ever harder, Seretuon knocked aside a Slash from his foe with a sweeping motion of his blade, parrying the blow. Lunging at Jean, Seretuon struck out with a mighty swing, but missed. The attack did come close to hitting Jean, however, and caused him to step backwards and take up a defensive Deflection stance. The adoption of the Deflection stance proved a wise move, as it allowed him to parry a skilled Slash from his opponent. With a roar, Jean de Montbergac left his defensive position and Shoulder Charged at his foe. Seretuon was too nimble, however, and dodged aside, evading the attack.

Retreating for a moment, before nimbly jumping aside and coming at his foe from a new angle, Jean delivered a deft Slash at his opponent and hit. Seretuon was able to reduce the amount of harm the hit caused by leaning backwards, absorbing the power of the blow. He was not wounded. Feinting a thrusting attack, Seretuon made Jean flinch and, although his follow-up Chop attack failed to find its target, the Feint messed up Jean's aim and caused his Power Strike to miss.

With a roar, Seretuon Lunged at his opponent, sword raised to bring a mighty blow down upon the head of his adversary. This sight unnerved Jean de Montbergac, whose Slash attack faltered and failed to hit. The Lunge struck with jarring force, but Jean took it well and was only pushed backwards a handful of paces. Dazed, Jean Slashed once more but, yet again, his aim was off and he missed. Seretuon, finally managing to gain some Hits, although it was now in the final moments of the fight, Slashed back at his foe and hit, but failed to cause any wounds. The last action of the battle was a sweeping left-to-right Power Strike from Jean de Montbergac, but Seretuon dodged under the swing, and was not hit.

Despite Seretuon's brave fight to the very end, Jean de Montbergac was the victor. Winning by having 2 More Hits than his adversary, Jean de Montbergac gains 6 points. Seretuon gains 4 points.



Standing up from his sitting position, the King's Herald spoke in a loud, commanding voice "Squires of Bretonnia, approach!". The 10 Squires did as they were ordered, and in unison marched out onto the arena floor, to stand, shoulder-to-shoulder, facing the Herald and the crowd.

"The Seven Rounds have passed, each and every one of you has time and again proven your skill, courage and sheer determination. Yet not all of you are ready to continue into the true Trials. Where ten now stand, soon only eight shall remain. The two Squires who are eliminated today should not despair, for within them rests great promise and perhaps, a great future. That is the future, however, and this is the present. Therefore, it is time to announce the Final Eliminations..."



NOTE: You may notice that the dice rolls are not included in the battle descriptions, if you want a copy of how the dice rolls came up. Email Me and tell me which Round's dice rolls you want emailed to you, and I shall get them to you ASAP.

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