Chapter 148 - 148. the tourney. (1/2)

The day of the tournament in honor of Joffrey Baratheon's 13th nameday had come to Kings Landing. Lords and dignitaries from all of the 7 kingdoms had come to be seen or have their knights participate in the tournaments and win some fame and fortune. Even the princes of Dorne had come to the tournament, despite the tensions between them and House Lannister. Kings Landing was filled to the brim as the inns and brothels were being filled to the max. The pavilion and ground where the tournaments would be held was large enough so that all three tournaments were together.

The archery tournament was held in a small area with an elevated platform and targets set up a few meters away. The melee tournament was held in a large circled off area. The area was large enough so that several dozen knights could fight and there would be enough room with a wooden fence and gate surrounding the area so no fight spilled into the stands. The joust took up more of the space since it needed to be large enough so that the horses had enough space to gallop.

The first tournament was archery and that wasn't going to start for another few hours. Some of the knights and squires who were participating had arrived early as the stands were still empty. The pavilion over looking the archery tournament was where the high lords and the royal family would sit and watch with the comfort of shade and servants to bring them food and wine. King Robert was already there, sitting his chair and drinking his wine. The Queen, Cersei Lannister sat to his right with her son Joffrey, next to her. Tommen Baratheon and Myrcella Baratheon sat next to Joffrey with Jamie Lannister, a member of the Kings guard and their uncle standing guard.

Other high lords and people of importance were sitting on the pavilion, including the Hand of the King, Jon Arryn. He took his place next to Robert with Ser Barristan next to him. Tywin Lannister sat next to him, with Mace Tyrell next to him with his son and daughter Loras and Margaery. Master of Coin Petyr Baelish was there as well, along with Stannis and Renly Baratheon. The high lords were just relaxing in the shade, enjoying wine and talking before the tournament started.

Tyrion Lannister was sipping some wine and looked at Little Finger who was writing some notes down in a little book. ”Lord Baelish, I don't suppose your betting pool for the tournaments is open?”

”Of course, Lord Tyrion. Care to place a wager?” Baelish asked as Tyrion had a servant get him another cup of wine.

”I would. Now I think 100 dragons would be enough.” Tyrion said.

”On which tournament. The archery, melee or joust?” Baelish asked.

”I don't really care about the archery portion. I'll bet on my brother, Jaime to win the joust, and The Mountain to win the melee.” Tyrion said.

”Well, then I'll have to bet on the mountain to win the joust instead, Lord Tyrion. The Mountain hasn't lost the joust yet.” Baelish said.

”Yes, but this is the first time my brother is participating.” Tyrion said as he got his wine cup and took a sip.

”I'll get in on this bet. I bet that the Hound wins the joust.” Renly said as Petyr wrote it down.

”Very good, Lord Renly.” Baelish said.

”Can I have a wager as well?” They heard as they saw Prince Oberyn walk up with his daughters Obara, Tyene and Nymeria and his brother, Prince Doran.

”Of course, Prince Oberyn. Who would you like to bet on?” Baelish asked.

”Well anyone besides the Mountain or the Kingslayer. I place a hundred on my own man, Ser Qatar Sand to win both.” Oberyn said.

”Of course, Prince Oberyn.” Baelish said as he took down some numbers. ”Your grace, would you like to place a wager?”

”Ah, I don't care about that. I want to see something new! Every single tournament, its either the Kingslayer, the mountain or Ser Barristan who wins. What does it take to get someone new to win?” Robert said.

”It's slim picking, your grace. Ser Barristan, Clegane and Lannister are the best knights in all the Kingdoms.” Baelish said.

”Bah!” Robert replied as he finished his wine and got another.

Ryan had registered for the archery and melee he didn't think he could do anything for the joust he didn't even have a horse. nor had he ever participated in any type of joust or training for one. teacher had spent a long time teaching him swordplay and he was very good with a bow and arrow just because even if he preferred guns who would use those in a world like game of thrones?

Ryan walked to the judge and asked for directions to the waiting room for the archery event.

Ryan walked to the waiting area with the other participants. He then took out his bow and double checked it to make sure it was ready. Always check your tools before you start any kind of combat wouldn't want to go into battle only realising you left your sword in your tent like a dipshit. The spectators filed into the available seats and those that couldn't find seats were forced to stand.

King Robert was sitting and drinking wine and stood up. ”All right, start the damn competition!” Robert shouted as the judges nodded.