Chapter 4 Family before pride

The combat tournament was about to begin, as I walked next to Aime, I could enjoy the decorations, you could see the flags with the shields of the royal houses and the wolf clans, people running excitedly talking about their champions, the shouts of enthusiasm when they were introducing each of the competitors.

Even though I hate this kind of events, the truth is that seeing my people excited and enjoying the festivities was something I wanted, I kept walking, and people bowed and greeted me with affection.

I have always tried to be kind and respectful with them, that has earned me to be very popular with them, my family for decades has seen for the welfare of our people, even before ours.

Finally I arrived to the area where the fights would take place, my father liked to represent the ancient traditions, in the center you could see a big space for the fighters to have enough space, around it you could see the flags with the emblems of all the participants waving, around it were the people in their seats. You could also see a big platform, where my father sat on his throne and my chair next to him.

My brother Ulises loved this event even he was champion when he was 15 years old, my parents were so proud of him, we all were, my father in honor of him is given a recognition a trophy that I call , "The flame of the Prince".

We have not had a worthy champion to represent us after my brother for years.

I arrived to my seat and greeted dad, "Georgina, I asked you to be there earlier, I was about to start without you".

"I'm sorry daddy, but I'm already here," I said smiling at him I knew you couldn't scold me when he gave that smile.

"Aime, daughter take a seat please," my father said, looking at my friend who he loved very much too.

"I'm excited, you know today we will have a representative to our champion, after so long," dad said excitedly and I could see his smile.

"Really, I can't believe it, and who will it be?" I asked excited, this was really great news.

"Enrique, this boy has made me so excited to think that we can get the trophy once again, can you imagine? My father's eyes were shining and I knew perfectly well why. Nobody had wanted to take my brother's place out of respect. Today Enrique appeared ready to take his place with honor, which gave me a lot of joy.

                         

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Outside the combat arena, there were tents of each participant, waving the flags of each house or clan.

Nolan one of our warriors, was helping me to prepare my sword and armor, the one we use is not like the old ones but a modern one, lighter and with the colors we represent, in my case is red and fire , for the house of my Lennox family, I thought for a long time to take the place of my cousin, it was not easy, but it was time and for me a real honor to do it.

"Everything is ready Enrique, I can't believe that after 6 years, we will finally have someone to represent us in this event, I wish you all the luck," said Nolan encouraging me.

"I know, don't think I'm nervous, but it's about time they know who are the best" I said excited.

"For the archery event, we don't have to worry, Georgina has been the champion since she was 15 years old, there is no one who dares or can take that title away from her," he said looking at him.

"And it's not because they don't want the truth, there are many nobles who are afraid to look stupid, when she wins , no one dares to face her".Nolan mentioned, and I know it's true,Gina practice since she was tiny Ulysses taught her everything she knows. She feels she should honor his memory by winning that trophy.

I was just finishing getting ready when in walked Kenzo in his cynical smile, " So it's true then," he said as he walked around me, looking at my colors and armor.

"This year the Lennox house, has a champion , I never imagined it would be you" he said mocking the very imbecile and I knew why he was doing it.

"I don't know why you are surprised; I am part of the royal family, I have every right to take my cousin's place and represent our colors, just like Georgina does," I said proudly.

"Sure my beautiful princess, she is relentless with her bow, but you , let's face it you are not Ulysses and you never will be, what a shame you chose just when I come back to get my trophy back, I will try not to make a fool of you" he said looking at me.

"Don't worry, I won't give you the satisfaction".

The call for the event's start was heard, and I took my sword and helmet, I went out with my head held high, I could hear people applauding me as I passed and wished me luck, I just hope I didn't disappoint them.

We all stood in a line in front of the king, waiting to be introduced to each other.

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"Welcome everyone to the Combat Tournament" said the king and everyone in attendance, shouted and clapped excitedly.

"This year we have 8 representatives, in blue and white we have the Count of Zamarripa, in green the Counts of Marbella, in yellow the Alpha of Yellow Stone Clan, in blue the Alpha of Blue River Clan, in orange the Alpha of Shadow Clan, in silver the Alpha of West Rock Clan and after 6 years we again have a champion who will proudly represent us wearing our colors black and gray, Duke Henry of Lennox, representing the Royal House" said my father proudly and I could not help but stand up and applaud him.

The people greeted him with a screaming welcome, I couldn't help but look at the armor and remember the last time I saw my brother in combat.

Aime came up to me and hugged me excitedly, as did I, but my smile faded when I noticed how Kenzo was looking at me, I ignored him and settled back in my seat next to dad.

"The draw has been made , let the bouts begin".

After 2 hours, the only 2 fighters were left. With great joy I can say that Enrique was one of them, it was inevitable not to enjoy his fights, his style was very similar to my brother's, they trained together which did not surprise me that he reached the final, but what I did not like is that he faces Kenzo. I know how cruel he is when he is in combat, he does not respect anything or anyone and I fear Enrique's life.

The moment of the final fight started, my father stood up and said, "We have arrived to the final battle to know who was the new champion of the "Flame of the Prince" trophy, it will be between Alpha Kenzo of West Rock Clan and the Duke of Lennox, may the best one win".

They both took their bows and positions, I was very nervous and worried about Enrique.

Kenzo wasted no time and threw himself with speed on him, their swords clashed and gave a great talent of their skills, Enrique was not intimidated and surprised us all giving a great battle to Kenzo.

But as expected, Kenzo used all his strength, he was not waste this opportunity to show off and prove to everyone how strong he is.

Taking advantage of a carelessness of Enrique, I was able to push him giving him a kick in the chest and just as he was about to get up, his sword cut him on the right side.

Among the people I heard how silence prevailed, after hearing a scream from Enrique, I stood up looking towards the arena and my father had his hand on his heart.

During the fights, there was a mediator who announced the results and the final decisions in case any fighter withdrew, if any of the fighters suffered a serious injury, he asked for a "Conclave" and was given 10 minutes to recover or withdraw from the fight, but the fighter himself must ask for this privilege, few times they have done it and this was an occasion to take advantage of it.

Enrique raised his hand to Nolan, who was his companion, each one must have his trusted companion during the fights.

Nolan raised our banner and shouted, "The Duke asks for a Conclave", the mediator approached, looked at Enrique and then Kenzo and shouted, "The champion of the royal house Lennox, asks for the use of the Conclave, he will have 10 minutes to recover or withdraw from the fight".

Nolan helped Enrique to get up and I watched as they both disappear, through the crowd and head to their tent, I was worried about the state he was in, I looked at dad worried and told Aime to come to me.

"What's wrong?" she said confused.

"I'm going to see my cousin, he looked awful, stay with daddy I won't be long" I said and she accented.

I got up and got off the stand , I walked in a hurry to get to him soon, but when I walked in and saw his wound, I couldn't help but be afraid for him.

"This looks bad Enrique, I don't think you can go on" Nolan said.

"Let the doctor see me, I'm not giving up" he said trying to hold on to the pain.

The doctor approached him and looking at the wound said, "I'm sorry Duque, but the wound is somewhat deep, it would be best to withdraw so we can attend to it and prevent it from continuing to bleed more".

"I am not going to withdraw, it would be disrespectful to my uncle and my family, just bandage the wound and I will continue" Enrique said and I could not help but speak.

"You are crazy, you didn't listen to the doctor, you are losing blood don't be stupid and put your pride aside, do you think I would rather see you dead than in my house alive, you know how Kenzo fights, he is not going to stop to finish you in this state and I don't plan to lose you too" I said furious.

"Gina, understand me I can't back down and I won't" he said looking at me and how I hated that about him, he was just like my brother stubborn and proud.

"I don't plan to ask your opinion, as part of the royal family and your family, I can make that decision for you, so doctor take care of him,he is going to retire from combat" I said and withdrew without listening to him anymore.