7

The two knights circle slowly. Sir Kelton doesn't look like he's hurt, but he's being more careful now. Willet lunges in, but Kelton slaps his jab aside and keeps circling. Another stab by Willet, and Kelton blocks it easily again. Then a third-but this time it's a feint. Kelton moves to block the sword that's no longer there, and Willet catches his unguarded arm. "Ten points!" the herald yells again.

"Come on!" Fizza yells. Then she says more quietly, "It's not over. Whoever is first to score thirty or more points is the winner."

Kelton slumps a little and shakes his head in his rounded helmet, but then he lifts his shoulders back up. He readies himself for the next attack, methodically aligning his stance. Sir Willet isn't waiting, however. He charges in to finish the fight, and it looks like Sir Kelton has no time to react to the mighty overhead blow. But at the last moment, Kelton simply steps to the side, and Willet's sword flies past. There's a dull clank of metal being halted by metal.

Kelton moves his body aside to reveal the tip of his sword held up to meet Sir Willet's chin on the downswing. Kelton holds his left arm up and the crowd obeys, rising to their feet and cheering.

"Thirty points! Sir Kelton is the winner!" the herald cries.

Sir Kelton removes his helmet and bows to his opponent, then to the royal family. Then he strides over to the two of you with a huge, beaming smile.

"Congratulations, Sir Kelton!" Fizza yells.

"Thank you, but next is archery. Let's prepare."