- ARCHIVE - Pskov Grand Spring Tourney

[Auspend]

Sir Siegfried von Schlager enters the tent to see both the Lord Master Herald and the Pskovian knight in the tent. He approaches the table where they are waiting but does not seat himself. He nods his head in greeting to Sir Paul, but only acknowlegdes Vladimir's presence with a scowl.

"Sir Paul, I'm sorry for being late. I'm not used to this much snow. The Rhineland is usually quite fair. But to buisiness." He turns his gaze to the Pskovian knight. "Sir Vladimir Eevanivich Melnikov, in the name of Ritter Magnus von Grünenwald, knight of Bremen and a fellow German, I name you a varlet and a knave upon the field of honour. Your dishonorable conduct does not suit a gentleman, and I call you to defend your honor against me on the lists." The German's eyes narrow as he awaits a response.

 

[unmerged(3110)]

Sir Paul nods at the German.

"Sir Siegfried. Your challenge is duly noted. Sir Vladimir do you accept?"

"Naturaly we will need to know whether this is to be to yield or D' Mort. Gentlemen?"

 

[Auspend]

Von Schlager responds to Sir Paul.

"If he accepts I shall go to yield. I have enough blood on my hands. I don't need any more."

 

[N Katsyev]

Inside the Isaborska

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​

Knave? Is that the word they use to justify the spilling of further blood over blood spilt? But these thoughts vanished with Vladimir's good natured expression, one slowly being taken by one more serious and stern as his blue eyes looked to those of his challenger, and then to Sir Paul, "I accept the challenge until neither of us is willing to fight longer, to the yield."

Vladimir took notice of Count Joao over Sir Paul's shoulder before turning his eyes once more to both the German and Englishman, "Is there anything more the good lords need of me?" Vladimir stood once more and nodded to both men, finally resting his attention on Sir Siegfried, "It will of course be my pleasure to test the combat mettle of another German on the morrow."

 

[unmerged(3110)]

Sir Paul nods to both men.

"To the yield then. Your challenge is accepted."

"Now if you'll excuse me I have other business."

He rises from the table nods to both knights and departs to ensure the morrow goes well.

He was strangely pleased to see the contest was not to be mortal. It was enough to make the point and the Pskovian had been through a lot. There was no need to be too sadistic. He had been sensible enough not to rile anyone and had been the picture of gentlemanly behaviour.

 

[Mettermrck]

Social Tents​

Observing the proceedings between Sir Paul, Siegfried, and Vladimir, Count Joao shook his head slightly but said nothing. His condition prevented him from summoning the easy wit he was accustomed to and from the look on Sir Paul's face, he decided that caution was the watchword.

He nodded to Sir Vladimir as he approached and mustered a wan smile, which he was more a struggle than he thought. The fatigue was still there.

"Milord, it is good to see you well, and I am pleasantly surprised to see that your challenge is only to the yield this day. Perhaps our fellow competitors are becoming wise enough to leave well enough alone." He kept his voice quiet - which didn't require much concentration since his illness kept him from talking loud - as he guided Sir Vladimir towards a corner where they could talk.

"I trust the Lady Serena is safely ensconced in the Kremlin? I must thank you again for your understanding and quickness of assistance. Mine was an instinct of concern, I fear, perhaps an overreaction. Yet I can't help think that you and she should be together, and I will do what I can to bring that about, even if it means going to absurd lengths." He coughed hoarsely before smiling apologetically at Sir Vladimir.

"You might forgive me, milord, for my condition. Alas, I have adapted poorly to the Pskovian weather. Perhaps my stay here will assist in that regard." He stopped for a moment, judging whether he could truly talk to this man. Vladimir was strong, brave, and kind to Lady Serena. A decent man then, Count Joao judged, and for once set aside his usual reserve. Probably the illness, he mused...

"I also wanted to apologize for my abrupt departure last night, Sir Vladimir. Unfortunately, you should be able to see the reasons on my person. And come to think of it, you are not the only one I owe an apology too. With your leave, sir, I shall go to the Tower. Good day..." He slowly walked to the flaps, his squires trailing, staring at him as though he were mad.

 

[N Katsyev]

Inside the Isaborska

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​

Vladimir was happy to be away from the German knight and following Joao over to the corner. He smiled inwardly as Joao spoke of the other knights maybe learning to leave well enough alone. It was as his brother Yuri always said, "I do my best to keep out of the affairs of others, and I expect the same in return."

The two men sat opposite each other in the corner, and he listened to Joao begin to explain his intentions regarding Serena. As before he smiled inwardly at the man's words, now he did physically as well when he said that he believed Serena and him should be together, "I have no reason to doubt your judgement. And no reason to have anything less than admiration for decisions such as these made so obviously to protect Syerina." Vladimir looked to the side for just a moment before turning back to Joao and meeting his eyes fully, "I want to thank you, for your support and everything you've done... I know what has happened here is unorthodox, but it is right."

Melnikov nodded respectfully to Joao as he stood to leave, "I hope you have a pleasant evening my lord. May we both see great fortune tomorrow on the field. I look forward to seeing Serena and yourself in Pskov when all this is over. Until next meeting." As Joao made his way for the exit, Vladimir couldn't help but think that while different maybe in priorities and objectives, maybe in patterns of thought that he and Joao were very much alike in a more fundamental way.

 

[Mettermrck]

Inside the Isaborska, Tower​

As he neared the Tower, Count Joao was beginning to regret his rash decision. Yes, he knew he should try to explain things to the Grand Princess, but in his condition, he was more apt to collapse than get any words out. Nevertheless, having walked this far, he was determined to keep going. Part of it was simply status...he had potentially embarassed a lady of high standing and partly it was...well, he shook his head, no it had to be only the status.

His squires continued to trail him, their estimation of him rising in terms of physical courage, but plummeting badly in terms of mental judgement. For such a pompous lord, his squire judged, he was sure wary of riding a horse to the tower. Thinking about it, he realized that Joao probably was unable to lift himself on a horse.

They arrived in front of the Tower, Joao beginning to huff a little from the sheer exhaustion of the walk. Well, you fool, he said to himself, you've literally walked that extra mile, what do you do with yourself now? If you embarass yourself with the first hint of fever, what are you going to do now that you are fully sick?

The tower guards looked as if they were cringing at the pale haggard knight that walked towards them. Ignoring the pain in his feet, Joao kept focusing on walking towards them, before willing himself to stop without tipping over. One fall was enough for the tournament.

"P-p....ple-ease...." His teeth were chattering, he discovered to his horror. Turning - a gesture which caused him to wince from a sharp neck pain - he beckoned for his squire to approach. The squire went to the guards and spoke to them. "Greetings. This is Sir Joao Duarte, Count de Guarda. He wishes leave to seek audience with the Grand Princess Mina? Is she receiving?"

 

[unmerged(9167)]

Sir Basileus was feeling somewhat better but still injuried. He scrowled at that. He will still fight on, no matter bad his injury is. However, how could he fight at his peak and showing the superiority of Roman trainning? He then grinned and whsipered,

That is it. I shall show how superior is Roman way if I could still fight regardless of my injury. Instead of surrendering to it.

He then got up from his pallet and begins to do some trainning, to help get used to having the injury and see how he could adapt.

 

[unmerged(8054)]

He was dead.
The greatest knight christianity had known, the last crusader of Germania, the bravest defender of the Cross ever seen.

As he lay on the field, his blood colouring the snow, the blue scarf symbolizing Virgin Mary slowly soaking with his blood, it was only by strength of will that Jonas did not draw his own sword and rushed to his defence.

Even now, hours later, Jonas the Squire, who had served Ritter Magnus for years, could hardly help himself from crying. He knew, without a shadow of doubt in his heart, that sir Magnus was now sitting in Heaven, and he himself hoped to join him there.
But untill then he was alive, and for once, he found himself in the social tents, sobbing into a beer.
Magnus had never liked the social tents. He had found them disgracefull, but in the end, it was events in the social tents that had sealed his fate.
At least he had died fighting a heathen. Even wearing the colours of the Virgin Maria, fighting for the honour and virtue of a catholic lady. It was a fitting end for Ritter Magnus von Grünenwald.

The appearence of Sir Siegfried von Schlager, and his challenge of the murderer, caused Jonas to look up. After the Pskovian knave, who still dared to call himself a knight, had accepted the challenge, Jonas summoned the courage to approach the German knight.
"Sir Siegfried von Schlager, you might not recognise me. I am Jonas of Bundesvig, squire to the late Ritter Magnus von Grünenwald.
Allow me to express my gratitude that you have challenged in his name, and to offer my assistance as a squire in the duel, out of respect for my previous master."

 

[N Katsyev]

Inside the Isaborska

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One of the sentries on duty, Vyeshaslav recognized the Count from the previous night, he stepped forward at their arrival. With the Count's abortive greeting, he thought it best to address the squire primarily when speaking, "The Grand Princess said that you may be around my lord.." Vyeshaslav turned his eyes now on Joao, "You may follow me." The sentry nodded to his comrades before leading Joao and his squires into the tower.

Upon enterance he looked over the squires and finally back to Joao, "You will have to leave them behind i'm afraid. Come" Vyeshaslav led Joao up the stairs to one of the side rooms they had the previous nightly simply passed by. He rapped rather gently on the door and spoke, "The Lord Joao of Guardo here to see you my Princess."

The door was opened by a young woman rather nicely clad as one of Mina's hand servants. Vyeshaslav bowed his head as Joao was granted enterance and closed the door behind him, deciding it best to wait outside in case he was needed. The room was rather small, its window shut and lit by a number of candles and a couple torches on the wall. Mina sat with her back to him in front of a mirror, two more girls brushing her hair. Mina's gray eyes caught his face in the reflection of the mirror and her lips came to a polite smile before studying him a minute more a somewhat sympathetic expression came across her face, "My lord Joao, you look ill... What can I do for you today?"

 

[Mettermrck]

Inside the Isaborska, Tower​

Struggling to enter the room, Joao was shocked to find himself nervous to be in the Grand Princess' presence. Gone was the easy manners of the courtier. It was all he could do to keep himself steady as he approached. When he attempted to bow, he wobbled briefly before regaining his balance.

Nonplussed, he managed to straighten up and smile apologetically. "My apologies, Your Highness, for both my unannounced visit and my...c-condition. I simply could not in good conscience delay coming to see you, and I shan't delay you long." That introduction took all of his strength just to keep the words steady.

He coughed hoarsely and cleared his throat, acutely aware of the spectacle he must be making. After this, he vowed, he could walk away with his dignity intact, having done the right thing and corrected his poor behavior of the previous night.

"I j-just wanted to apologize for my...ahem...behavior last night. My....*cough*...words and abrupt departure were....u-unbecoming of y-your status. I c-certainly never intended to dishonor you through my lack of p-proper..bearing...*cough*."

That being said, he gathered his strength for a genuine smile to show his regard, and bowed again. "Again...I-I....thank Your Highness for s-seeing me unannounced. I a-also wanted to thank......y-you for providing for the Lady Serena and...indulging my concern for her...s-safety."

Fool! His inner voice of nobility lashed him. You admit too much by coming her in such a condition. He should have waited. Yet part of him felt oddly satisfied for having confronted the issue quickly, rather than leaving it to fester in boundaries of discomfort and distance.

 

[N Katsyev]

Inside the Isaborska, Tower

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​

Mina intently watched Joao's reflection, her face would not even cringe when the servants hit a knot in her hair. She decided it best to let the man say his peace before she responded to anything, he was obviously having a hard enough time of it as it was. Finally when he had finished she spoke softly, "You come to me with so many apologies. They are unwarranted I assure you. Take heart, if I was offended by any of your actions, or thought them in some way unbefitting to mysyelf and station, I probably wouldn't had admitted you today, no?"

She let herself smile, somewhat touched at just how much this proud man wished to please her, "As far as the Lady Serena, I am more than happy to help. I owe Vladimir Eevanivich my gratitude for his actions upon the lists which have given all of us no little amount of happiness through pride. If I can so easily show my gratitude to him by having the lady he admires put in my protection, then it is the least I can do."

Mina paused, a playful tone beginning to hint of its presence in her voice, she looked to her lap for a moment before gazing back into the mirror looking at Joao's eyes, "And here I was waiting for you to come to reaffirm to me your dedication to defend my beauty and honour at the lists tomorrow."

She gave a maliciously coy grin, she had meant to remain somewhat professional, but really couldn't help herself, deciding she would toy with this poor man some more, "... It does interest me though, the activities of the last couple days here. Tell me lord Joao, would you kill a man as Vladimir Eevanivich did, if they so insulted my honour and beauty that you profess with my favour to defend?... Or would you be chivalrous and when he was helpless simply let him live after speaking such slander?"

 

[Mettermrck]

Inside the Isaborska, Tower​

She toyed with him. Despite his fatigue and weariness, he could see that clearly. Maybe his mental faculties weren't as degraded as he thought. Taunting him about a duel to the death when he felt barely strong enough to stand? Yet he couldn't help smile. She would not banter so if she had truly taken offense at his words of the previous night, and a weight was lifted from him.

He did his best to regain his usual courtier's pose but found it impossible due to the pains in his side. Joao winced a little as he tried to adjust himself.

"I confess to say, Your Highness, that Sir Vladimir...h-holds the claim to greater honor than I. I am usually not moved by chivalrous gestures of late, yet I could not help be moved by the bravery and regard he showed for Lady Serena and her dignity."

He paused a little, warning himself to keep his words steady and not to slip as he had done the night before. "There is something to be said for such rare bold statements of love and affection. For a courtier such as...*cough*...m-myself, I confess to a hint of doubt as to how I would measure in such a moment as he faced - not once, but three now, and once to the death."

Dare he say it? It would be the courtier's game not to, to prevaricate, to dance around the issue. Yet he wasn't here to dance, and certainly he hadn't the strength for verbal jousting. No, if he was to walk through the snow in agonizing sickness, simply to apologize to the lady whose favor he held, he would take the bold course tonight. The knight's course.

"A few nights ago, as we...e-enjoyed...*cough*...the easy banter of noble and princess, I dubbed thee flawless, not to mention stunning and wondrous. I happily reaffirm that judgement and will certainly defend your...h-honor on the field of competition."

Joao was close to it now, but could not help resist a final gesture of style. Even the bold moves had to be elegant. He bowed unsteadily yet kept himself up, and turned to leave. "I have kept you too long...Y-your Highness. I was wrong you know. Canvas is no substitute for stone," Joao said, eyeing the comforts of the chamber.

He walked slowly to the door, his right foot slamming into the floor with the effort of each step. As he neared the door, he turned and favored her with a genuine smile. "Ahh....how remiss of me. Yes, Your Highness. With an absolute certainty. I would duel to the death for your honor and person." He nodded again, and made to leave.

 

[N Katsyev]

Inside the Isaborska, Tower

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​

Mina made a motion to the serving girls with her hand as the Count turned to go. The girls backed off a bit and Mina stood up and turned to face him, a serious expression returning to her face, "Lord Joao." She paused a moment for the tone in her voice to have its effect on him, and to be sure she was his sole attention, "I haven't dismissed you."

Mina smiled as she watched his reaction, she beckoned one of the girls with a single delicate finger, "Yulia, bring us some of the Provencial wine, some bread for the lord Joao."

The girl Yulia, nodded her head, "Yes my Princess." Before walking by Joao, opening the door and leaving from out of it.

Mina smiled and motioned to a couch at the side of the room, "Please sit... unless you have pressing matters? It wouldn't be proper for me to not allow you the comforts of stone while you still may enjoy them." She gave Joao a more knowing smile and sat back down in her chair. Yulia would soon return pouring a glass for Joao and the Grand Princess before stepping once more to the side and awaiting any further orders.

Mina took up the glass in her fingers and sipped at the blush wine, her gray eyes keeping fixed on Joao over the lip of the glass. She set it down once more on the table before her, "So tell me, how long do you think the lady and yourself will be in Pskov?"

 

[Mettermrck]

Inside the Isaborska, Tower​

"I haven't dismissed you."

Joao stopped suddenly, the tone of command instinctively causing him to obey. He had two reactions to it. One was acute embarassment at his attempting to leave the presence of a head of state without leave. The other was a hidden hope that she had not turned aside his sentiments.

He turned quickly, perhaps too quickly, for it caused his side to ache a little. Embarassed, he smiled apologetically and bowed to her again. "It seems I have more to apologize for, Your Highness, for being audacious enough to try to leave your presence without leave."

He walked towards the couch in grateful relief and sat down, unable to hide his satisfaction and relief at being able to sit at last. Joao was slightly proud that his dignity had not broken down enough for him to ask. Then he realized his circumstance, and a small flutter emerged in his chest. He was in the Grand Princess' chambers, and he had said what he had said.

Again, the courtier's instinct failed him, and his cheeks flushed a little. Joao eyed the Grand Princess for a moment, a smile coming to him as he realized how beautiful she looked so close. He nodded when she asked how long he would be staying.

"As long as necessary to see to my...affairs."An unintentional word, but a choice one, he decided. He sighed, letting some of his fatigue leave him and starting to relax on the comfortable couch. "I hope to conclude affairs with the nobility back home to ease the situation between the Lady Serena and Sir Vladimir. Your Highness is no doubt far more experienced than I than soothing the wounded ego in order to accomplish something."

He leaned back on the couch, and paused as the wine and bread was brought in. Awaiting her permission, he then poured himself a small drink and sipped at it, the warmth of the Provencal wine soothing his aches, and undermining his guard. "Hmm...yes. I hope to invest in a residence here in Pskov to see to our needs. I would be grateful if your highness could provide a recommendation? There'll be some religious questions to smooth over, yet fortunately Rome is suspectible to monetary persuasion these days. And of course father will want to...."

Good lord, he marvelled at himself. He was rambling. He was actually rambling, the words flowing out of him without regard for whether she ought to know his plans or not. Quickly he checked himself and wondered. Was it her presence? The wine? Or both?

 

[N Katsyev]

Inside the Isaborska, Tower

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​

The Grand Princess felt some sort of empathetic relief when he sat down. She herself was resting, that was supposed to be the whole point of her coming to this tourney in the first place. Yet she hardly afforded herself the pleasure, she had couriers going back and forth from Pskov almost daily to keep her informed on the latest happenings. Still it was a change of scenery and to have a moment or two like this, or like that in the tent that evening, was in a way at least therapeutic.

Mina let herself relax a bit, this man was obviously not about to put her on the defensive, and in his state probably couldn't have if he had wanted to. She took another sip of the wine, still holding her glass when she spoke, "Recommendations? I expect within the coming months we shall add more territory to Pskov-Novgorod than what belongs to Portugal proper. I don't think space will be an issue... then, maybe your preference as to climate will be." Mina smiled more inwardly than out, she had addressed his request without giving him an answer which she couldn't be bothered to think over right now.

Mina's eyes went toward the ceiling for a moment when he mentioned Rome, she sipped her wine still hodling the glass lightly in her fingers, "Ah Rome... yes. I'm going to be brutally honest with you Joao." She was much too relaxed now to care to use titles, she knew she didn't need to anyway, "I don't care much for religious institutions. Belief is one thing... everyone has their beliefs, convictions." Maybe his own rambling had set her on a seperate course, but she didn't care.

Still, the Grand Princess puased, in thought her smile had vanished but only to soon reappear at the corner of her lips, her eyes narrowing slightly almost sensually (even if that had not been her motive) toward Joao, "You know, i'm excommunicated myself. Cast down from the bosom of God by the same man who officially pronounced me "the Blessed" a year prior. If that doesen't destroy one's faith in a church be it ours or... " Mina shrugged a bit, her eyes moving to the side of the couch Joao sat on a moment before coming back to his own, "Yours. I assume in the end the nature is quite similiar. However I do consider myself a bit more lucky than my catholic counter-parts in regards to church. Our church while very powerful, is not considered higher than a sovreign state."

Mina looked away with a smile that betrayed there were thoughts going unsaid, her eyes moving to the door quickly for no particular reason and she slid a finger up the back of the chair she was sitting on. She gave a slight sigh, and looked sideways at Joao, the same smile on her lips, "But I digress I suppose." She set her glass down on the table before her and rest her arm on the back of her chair, followed by her head on her arm, her hair falling about both, looking now to Joao again, "You may go now if you wish. I will look forward to seeing you preform tomorrow on the lists."

 

[N Katsyev]

Inside the Isaborska

​

Yekaterina Yuriyevna and Pavyel Andreyevitch stepped out of the tower on another walk. Katya hanging onto the arm of her uncle as she had done so much since his return and during this tourney. The sky above was becoming darker with dusk, and this days' perverse showing of warmth in merely being warmer than the day prior yet still freezing began to make itself felt all the more bitterly.

They walked in silence for sometime, with no particular destination. Pavyel had been looking up at the Cathedral of St. Nicholas when Katya finally spoke, "So tell me uncle, what will be the fate tomorrow of Vladimir Eevanivich?"

Pavyel exhaled long and slowly, watching his breath rise against his vision of the cathedral, "He will take the field strong and proud as he has every other day, and he will fight one more man vainly trying to strip him of that very pride."

Katya gave a slight giggle as they neared the stands. Pavyel foresaw her intention and helped her up to sit on them, recently cleared once more by the serfs. She smiled down at him, "Uncle, and to think Mina did not think you the best diplomat. You just answered my question without telling me a single thing. But I suppose it was a rhetorical question anyway... Honestly, I don't think he will be able to win again. His body must be exhausted and the source of his inspiration is far from here."

Pavyel grunted a smile on his face, "Katya dearest, you of all shouldn't doubt the hard-headedness of a man with passions for a lady. While what you say is true, I think he will still emerge victorious. Not for any particular reason other than force of habit of course." Pavyel winked at the beautiful Princess, behind whom was a startilingly beautiful red twilight sky.

Katya rolled her eyes, her smile becoming more full on her lips, "Well, in that case, it will be the first time in quite a while that I actually looked forward to seeing the results of a man blinded by his own emotions."

 

[Mettermrck]

Inside the Isaborska, Tower​

Joao was enjoying a brief repose with the Grand Princess, sipping his wine and feeling a lot better now that he had had a chance to rest.

He nodded politely when she deferred the question of a residence, which was fine with him. Once the questions of the tournament were settled, then he could worry about finding a place to live. The talk of adding new lands intrigued him and he raised his glass in salute.

"Your state is a reflection of yourself, Your Highness. Success and assurance." He listened to her some more and was surprised at her views on religion. Not the views themselves, but that she openly confided them to him. His own cynical attitudes towards religion were rarely spoken out loud, yet he could appreciate how she might feel.

"Religion is most effective when it aids the state, not when it seeks to distance or supplant. I envy you your sovereignty above the bounds of Church. It speaks to a wisdom sorely lacking in our region I suppose." He thought for a moment, wondering if that were true, and then decided it was. His king had, after all, purchased a lifetime indulgence for the price of a cathedral.

He sighed, leaning back on the couch. "The wish to leave had not crossed my mind, milady. I am enjoying our conversation. It is not often that I have the high honor of talking frankly with a head of state. Father always speaks about the high responsibilities of leadership, and I see now what he means."

Following her eyes to the door, he realized that perhaps he was overstaying. Standing took great effort and he was surprised to realize how relaxed he had been. He actually laughed when she mentioned the lists. "Your Highness is too kind. Why the one time you've seen me perform, I got unhorsed. I think it's high time I stay on my horse at least once for you. Thank you again for your consideration, Your Highness."

He bowed again, still struggling for balance. It was with regret he noticed that she had not offered her hand. Yet he wondered if he could've managed it. Joao regarded her for a moment, eyeing her intently. "Men do not often see past the beauty and the power to the woman inside, do they?" He looked reflective for a moment, before bowing and moving towards the door.

Joao sure hoped his squires were present to help him get home. The effects of the wine were still with him.

 

[N Katsyev]

Inside the Isaborska, Tower

​

​

Mina stood up as Joao moved toward the door, he had entertained her, given her a moment to speak her mind and maybe she figured she owed him that at least. She motioned to Yulia with her eyes, the young girl quickly walking over and opening the door for Joao. Mina's gray eyes settled on him once more, a grin coming to her face with his final words, "Maybe. Maybe, it is that they only see what I wish for them to see. Have a restful night Lord Joao, you look as though you will need it. It has been a pleasure." There was a hint of true sincerity in these final words and she smiled to herself as the door was closed behind him.

Vyeshaslav's legs were quite weary now and he had been leaning up against the stone of the tower when Joao finally emerged from the room. He nodded to Joao and wordless led him down the stairs, happy simply to be moving again. The door to the tower was opened and as Joao and his attendants stepped out he gave a brief, "Good night my lord, luck on the field tomorrow."