The whole town was gathered on a beautiful Spring day. The flags and banners were blown gently in the soft breeze. The knights were dressed in their finest armor those that look upon them were forced to shade their eyes from the glare. The sun was at its zenith and barely cast a shadow on the multitude of spectators dressed in their Saturday best. The steeds were well groomed with their mains braided and tails brushed to a blaring shine.<br/>The contestants signed their names and drew lots as to whom they would compete. The roles were simple no killing and the winners would challenge each other until only one was chosen. The winner would win a chest of treasures fit for a king. Each knight was expected to have his lance decorated by a ribbon also known as a favor from a Lady of the nobility.<br/>The arena was flanked with a stone stadium made for tournaments. It was filled with peasants, commoners, and special seats that were adorned with the noble's house banner or coat of arms. The royals of three alliances had special platform.<br/>The knights were to have contest of skill first. They had to place their lances through 10 metal rings spaces in increments of 5 meters while riding on horseback. Then there was a jousting competition and test of swordplay. An archery contest would fallow open to anyone; the winner would receive 300 gold coins and bragging rights until the following tournament in mid-Summer.<br/>The knight competed until a mid-day break was announced by blast of trumpets. The contestants and spectators broke into groups and picnicked on designated areas. One such group was the family of Lord Lyons. Gillian was not competing but his son Jonathan, who only recently to the oath of knighthood, was to enter as reigning champion four years in a row. His sister Katherine was a mage healer and in her first year as a master mage.<br/>Lady Katherine Lyons confidently walked from the medical tent toward her family's picnic spot. She was 19 years old, unwed, and dressed in a blue linen long dress with a full skirt and laced bodice. Kate or Katie as she was known by her friends wore her hair partially up in a silver comb and partially down to her slender waist. She was a fair beauty and admired not only for her looks but also for her intelligence, kindness, and powerful healing.