Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione Read Online Free PDF

good remains within, then evil will do what evil does regardless of the presence of good without. Don’t worry, Duncan. I’ve faced worse.”
    Duncan stared at Kendrick as though he were reevaluating his opinion of his mentor.

    The trumpets sounded, announcing the final round of Swords. Kendrick and Casimir entered the amphitheater amidst uproarious applause. The two knights faced the tournament officials and bowed.
    The trumpets blasted once again, and the men turned to face each other. The visors of both knights were still raised, and Kendrick gazed once again into the cold, dark eyes of Sir Casimir. Kendrick knew in his heart that this was no ordinary knight.
    The senior tournament official lowered the red and white flag on the stanchion near the platform, and the men dropped their visors. Kendrick took his stance and allowed Casimir to make the first advance. The warrior within him ached to unleash his full potential on Casimir. He had to focus hard to keep the rush of the fight secondary to his mission for the Prince.
    Kendrick defended a quick set of cuts and slices, parried a thrust, and countered with a quick combination that nearly scored. The two exchanged offensive and defensive posturing again and again without scoring. Casimir’s attacks grew fiercer, and Kendrick found it difficult to defend against the onslaught.
    At one point, Casimir sliced from the right and quickly recoiled for a diagonal slice from the opposite side. Kendrick countered both but was unable to bring his sword to bear on the final slice from the left, which found its mark as it cut across his armored chest. Many in the crowd cheered loudly as the judges assessed two points for Casimir. Both men had already worked harder during this duel than in any of the others.
    Kendrick stepped back and lifted his visor but still maintained a ready position.
    “Your skill with the sword is commendable, Sir Casimir. And your style is unusual. Tell me, sir—under whom did you train?”
    Casimir hesitated, but only for a second. Then he advanced on Kendrick with another furious volley that barely left Kendrick time to lower his visor. Defending, Kendrick allowed himself a measure of aggression he had relied upon so successfully in his former life as a tournamentchampion. His sword flew faster and faster, forcing Casimir into steady retreat and ending with a quick thrust that would have pierced the other man’s heart were it not for his breastplate. Casimir fumed as two points were tallied for Kendrick.
    Once again the fight paused, and Kendrick lifted his visor. This time, so did Casimir. Kendrick was about to speak, but Casimir beat him to it.
    “I’ve heard of you,” Casimir sneered, “and I know who you are.”
    “Really, sir? And who is that?”
    “You are a fool following a fool!” Casimir said with a furious thrust of the sword. The men now fought with their visors up, and Kendrick saw in those eyes the soul of a dark, bloodthirsty warrior.
    The crowd at this point was cheering wildly. The bell to end the round brought groans of disappointment, then a collective gasp. Kendrick had relaxed his sword at the sound of the bell, but Casimir, who had just begun a combination, had not. The final slice arced close to Kendrick, and he narrowly escaped losing his head.
    The duel ended in a draw. Kendrick stepped back and away and removed his helmet.
    “You are an excellent swordsman, Sir Casimir.” Kendrick bowed his head politely. “I am honored by your fight.”
    Casimir whisked off his helmet and stared fiercely at Kendrick, then turned on his heel and stalked away. Kendrick stared thoughtfully after him, then walked to the edge of the arena. Duncan helped him remove his breastplate and spaulders.
    “Casimir is a madman!” Duncan said with a scowl on his face. “You are too amicable toward him.”
    Kendrick smiled. “Yes, like coals of fire on his head. He didn’t very much like my friendly overture, did he?”
    Duncan considered