As they groomed their mounts Mulgrave asked him about it. The young man put aside his brush. ‘I won because the last rider’s horse baulked at the water jump.’
‘I saw.’
‘Did you also see that the rider intended him to baulk?’
‘I did,’ agreed Mulgrave.
‘So, it was not a win at all. That rider allowed the Moidart’s son to claim the crown.’
‘I am glad you spotted it,’ said Mulgrave. ‘Many men would not have. It was done skilfully and I doubt many in the crowd noticed. However, there were some fine riders today, and second place -which you won fairly – is a matter for pride.’
‘Why did he do it, Mulgrave?’
‘You do not really need to ask that, sir. Your father is not a forgiving man, and the rider was one of his officers. I expect that he feared retribution.’
‘A sad state of affairs,’ muttered Gaise. ‘But understandable, I suppose. Have you seen Gorain yet?’
‘I have. Most accomplished. A fine example of Varlish manhood.’
‘Who is he fighting next?’ asked Gaise.
‘I understand it is a blacksmith from the Finance’s region. Last year’s champion. I believe his name is Badraig.’
‘Yes, I saw him last year. Big man, very powerful. What about the other semi-final?’
‘I do not know the result, sir. They were fighting while we were competing in the sabres. A one-eyed man was taking part.’
By late afternoon Kaelin had still not found Chara Ward, and he was growing irritated. There were thousands of people in the fields now, and trying to hunt down one girl was like seeking out a single leaf in an autumn forest. At one stage he had even lost touch with Banny, finding him by accident as he sought out the latrine area.
Kaelin watched Jaim Grymauch win his semi-final in a fight that lasted only a few minutes, congratulated his uncle, then once more sought out Chara. Had he had any sense he would have shouted out a meeting place to her as she vanished into the Varlish area. He and Banny wandered through the various stalls close to the fighting circles, then angled out towards the cattle markets. ‘Why would she be there?’ asked Banny. ‘Her family are not herders.’
‘She won’t be, but it’s higher ground,’ Kaelin told him. ‘We’ll be able to see better.’
As they walked they heard a sudden roar from the Varlish field. Kaelin glanced back. From here he could see the small figures in the wooden circle. One man was down. Attendants were gathering round him. Banny, whose eyes were not strong, asked: ‘Is it the Varlish?’ Kaelin shook his head. Gorain was standing, hands on hips. Then he pulled a towel from his belt and wiped his face. Moments later another roar went up. ‘What are they cheering for now?’ asked Banny. ‘The fight is over.’
‘I don’t know, Banny. I’m not there, am I?’
‘Sorry, Kaelin. Hey, there’s Tay. Maybe he knows where Chara went.’
Kaelin saw the stocky figure of Taybard Jaekel making his way up the hill. Crowds were swirling around below, groups of people gathering and speaking in an animated fashion. They saw Taybard stop and listen, then the young Varlish began to climb once more. Kaelin did not want to have to talk to him. He was still nonplussed over their recent fight, and had no wish to find himself in another disagreement. And yet he needed to know. With a soft curse he moved to intercept the youth. Taybard glanced up as he saw him. He neither scowled nor smiled, but stood still, his eyes wary.
‘Have you seen Chara?’ asked Kaelin.
‘No. Bindoe said he wanted to talk to her, and told me to go away. I lost them in the crowd then.’
‘Why is everyone gathering below?’ asked Banny.
‘Gorain killed Badraig. Broke his neck.’
‘That’s what the Varlish swine were cheering,’ hissed Kaelin.
‘Aye,’ said Taybard Jaekel sadly. ‘That’s what the swine were cheering. Makes you sick, doesn’t it?’ With that he walked away.
‘Your uncle fights him next,’ said Banny.
Kaelin was staring after Taybard Jaekel. The youth was heading out through the gates, towards Old Hills and home.