As the final duel of the first day was about to commence, a mysterious fog fell over the crowd and the grounds. First a knight rode out into view, his armour finely polished but seeming from another era. He removed his helmet, revealing a withered face and curled mustache. The elderly knight dropped down from his horse and began carefully removing the bulk of his armour, until he was wearing only his leather tunic and trousers. He approached the middle of the duelling grounds, carrying a fine blade in his hand. Despite his extreme age, his hand did not shake. He stood for all the crowd to see. It was rumoured that this was the legendary Don Chesús and not some imposter, although few alive had been around to see the first knight and his identity put him at over 150 years old.
From the same mist that spawned the old knight rode another figure, a figure of average proportion, lightly outfitted in small selections of plate, but none to protect his face, from which a great shock of white hair came forth. The gentleman quietly dismounted, and drew out his blade, finely balanced but of a dull edge, time seemed to have taken it’s toll on on the ancient weapon, some said it was a great weapon that was over 200 years old. Though it was clear that the man was old, he held a great posture, and held himself in most high esteem, at least it seemed. To some in the audience, they felt his was a face they knew, that of the old chancellor to the realm in times long past, but this gentleman would not look so young if that was the case, and anyhow men don’t live past 100 do they now? Not even 70 years could be placed to the man’s face, let alone the 125 odd years that it would need to be that of Francesco de Soneta. And so the two men, both of great age and wisdom, locked eyes and started their dance.
The two legends, men both thought lost to the world, circled each other, taking measure of their opponent. Both had the wisdom that came with age and knew not to rush headlong into battle without preparation. Don Chesús made the first move, stepping forward surprisingly fast for an old man, trying to jab at his opponent’s torso. The move was quickly dismissed by Duc Francesco, whom in the same movement made an attempt to sweep at the back of his opponent's legs, so as to take them out. Without the proper angle though, the move was ineffective, with Don Chesús able to drop his blade down to block the move before it could connect. The knight spun away quickly, leaving some distance between him and his opponent. In a daring move, Francesco leant a lunge towards Chesús’s shoulder, but he was too far away, allowing Chesús room to counter with a quick sweep of his sword, knocking Francesco’s blade aside and leaving him open for a counterattack. Don Chesús pressed his advantage, trying to get close enough to get in at least one hit. But again his favoured thrust was turned against him, but Francesco could not counter with enough efficiency to try and overwhelm his opponent. All Don Chesús could do was continue to press his advantage to ensure his opponent did not turn the tide of the duel. He followed each blow with another designed to keep Francesco parrying his attacks and unable to strike back. It seemed to be working, although he could not get past the nobleman’s defences. Suddenly Francesco slipped, and Don Chesús tried to hone in his advantage, but somehow the Duke managed to hold him off. Don Chesús stamina was running out though, for his old age was beginning to catch up to him. Each blow was slower than the last. But with one last surge of strength, he twisted his saber around the Dukes, making a tight twist, spiralling the blade out of his hand, allowing the knight his triumph, although it was an incredibly close and engaging battle. Francesco, far from looking humbled, was in awe and bowed his head in respect for the ancient figure. But too soon did the mist return, and to the surprise of many there, Francesco walked into it, but he could not been seen after it cleared. Don Chesús gave a solemn nod to his departing opponent and returned to his horse, taking the time to don his armour again before riding out of the duelling grounds with much fanfare. No one was certain where he rode off to, but surely he would return for his next match.
((Thanks to
@ML8991 for helping me write up this duel. At least Don Chesús got one victory.
))
((Starting investigation immediately. ML8991 can join if he wants))
Emperor Francesc had given Petros Mandromenos permission to commence his investigation and assured the man that the Crown would not interfere. The Greek and his allies would have to rely on their own wits and resources to find any evidence of potential treason on the empress's part. But first they needed to decide where to focus their efforts. A quick search of her quarters at court or even Francesc's estate in Madrid could bring in results. There is also the possibility of questioning those around her. Her handmaidens may know some of her secrets, or perhaps some of the servants have noticed something odd. There are many potential paths to follow.
((Here are the four initial options for the investigation. It should be noted that choosing one does not disallow the others at a later time. This is merely to determine the initial focus.
1. Search Francesca's quarters at court.
2. Search Francesc and Francesca's estate in Madrid.
3. Question Francesca's handmaidens.
4. Question Francesca's servants.
Mach Twelve may choose any of these options, although he may want to consult his allies first. I'll post the results for the initial stage of the investigation once a choice is made. Also feel free to suggest potential paths with IC of the investigation to help me steer the options in the right direction.))
