Chapter 2
Adam squinted through the slit of his jousting helm.
A fortnight had passed since he’d shown up at Perth as the Pope’s emissary.Long enough for the king to forget his face.Still, it was wise to keep his identity secret.Particularly since most of his clan was here to celebrate Gellir’s marriage with a royal tournament.
He eyed up his opponent across the list.
It was his cousin Brand, mounted on his destrier, impatient for battle.Even with a great helm covering his face and his lance at rest, Brand had an ominous presence that made him look ready to kill.
But Adam wasn’t afraid.Brand’s growl was worse than his bite.Besides, Brand had recently discovered that ladies preferred knights who were merciful over those who were ruthless.Adam was confident Brand would cause him no intentional harm.Not at a friendly wedding tournament.
There was a good chance Brandwouldknock him off his horse.Adam had had to purchase an inferior beast he’d never jousted on before.And jousting wasn’t his best event.He preferred contests that required dexterity and speed rather than brute force.
He also preferred to fight under an assumed name.Which was why today he’d been introduced only asLe Goupil,the Fox, of Paris.He had donned weathered leather and pitted armor, a helm swathed in russet silk, and a dark blue surcoat featuring a snarling fox.
Competing anonymously allowed him to engage in the challenge of combat without the risk of bringing dishonor to the Rivenloch name.
He’d already come to terms with the fact that he would never be the warrior his cousins were.He would probably never even best his older sister, Feiyan, who had trained with their mother’s master from the Orient, Sung Li.
Adam certainly had no wish to disappoint his parents at a public tournament, especially one overseen by the king.If he competed as Adam la Nuit, he’d be judged by Rivenloch standards.But fighting as an unknown, he might be praised for his talents.
Adam did have considerable combat skills.He was observant.He learned by studying.By mimicking the battle techniques of his kin—Gellir’s fine swordsmanship, Feiyan’s dexterity, Hew’s skill with an axe, Jenefer’s archery—he had come close to mastering them.So it was a rewarding challenge to do battle with his cousins.
He had to admit he also derived a certain satisfaction from deceiving his clan with his many costumes.
“Sir Brand Cameliard o’ Rivenloch,” the herald announced.
An enormous cheer went up from the clan as Brand lifted a hand in acknowledgment.
“Ridin’ againstLe Goupilo’ Paris.”
Adam lifted his hand.There were a few polite shouts of encouragement.
Then both riders watched for the herald to drop the silk that would begin the joust.
The scarf drifted down, and Adam spurred his horse forward.
It was over in one pass.
All Adam could remember afterward, lying in the dust on his back with the wind knocked out of him, was a brief thunder of hooves, a jarring blow to his chest, and the sensation of flying over his horse’s arse.
Brand leaped from his horse, tore off his helm, and rushed over, offering him a hand.
Adam took it gladly.Wrenched upright again, he was able to cough and catch his breath.
Brand clapped him companionably on the back, then waved his hand to accept the men’s cheers and the ladies’ impressed sighs at his honorable behavior.
It was customary for a man who unhorsed his opponent to claim the horse as his prize.But Brand had access to dozens of horses in the Rivenloch stables.They were far finer than the one Adam had purchased.So Brand made another virtuous gesture.
“I wish to give the animal I’ve won to the newly made bride and knight, Lady Merraid.”
The women erupted in another round of jubilant cries.
That was clever, Adam decided.Clever and amusing.Growing up, his cousin had taken no interest in the fairer sex.Brand had deemed lasses inferior, useless, and troublesome.It was only in the past few months he’d decided they might be worth his time and attention.
The gift was perfect.Merraid was delighted to own her first horse.And Gellir was pleased with his brother’s gesture.
Seeing their faces shining with joy, Adam was truly glad he’d been able to play a part in bringing them together.
