Space Knights: The Arrival by Gregory Samuelson (buy e reader .TXT) 📕

been struggling with this issue since Rex made his charge. He for one could not understand why Rex had made the charge. Trance had shown himself over and over again to be most chivalrous. He knew about Faylor and knew how honest and honorable he was. It would be a great relief to have a solution that would hopefully end this issue. “That would be most welcome Faylor if you have a solution. We would certainly like to hear it.”

Faylor quickly glanced around at everyone before he spoke. “I believe that in order to settle this matter you need to use the rule of Duelom.” He was quite aware of the stir that his statement caused.

Rex had been watching the exchange between the referees and this Griffin. Of course he knew about Faylor, and the moment he saw him approach he had doubts about his plan to get rid of Trance. Yet this was the best possible ruling that he could get. Now he truly thought that he could beat Trance and redeem his standing with everyone. After this everybody would praise him as the great knight that he was.

Trance looked around confused. He hadn’t ever heard of this rule and didn’t have any idea of what it was and why the Griffin thought that it would be fair and settle the dispute. “What is Duelom?” he asked his friends and coach.

Gracer answered first, “It’s a one on one battle between you and Rex. There is only one point given. You’ll only have your sword, nothing else, not even your shield. You’ll have the whole field to use if you need it.”

Zam chimed in then. “If Rex wins you’ll be marked and we may lose the championship that we have already won. Also you might be declared un-chivalrous and lose any standings that you’ve earned.”

Now Neklon leaned in. “Just be yourself and do your best. If you win it’ll turn the tables on him. If you win it will cast doubt on his charge and he will be the one that is scrutinized for any behavior that will show that he is what he is.” Then he pulled Trance closer and whispered to him, “Don’t lose your sword and keep your cool if you do.”

Trance looked at him quizzically and just started to ponder what he had just been told, especially what Neklon had just whispered, when he saw that the referees were about to make their decision public.

“Attention ladies and gentlemen,” announced the head referee. “We have reached a decision. With much consultation and discussion we have decided to settle this match by the rule of Duelom. This will also settle the charge of Trance Sonderson being un-chivalrous.”

Trance shuddered as he heard the entire stadium roar. There had not been a match settled by Duelom at these tournaments for seventy-six years. This was going to be a special treat since the majority of the crowd had never seen a match settled in this manner before. The fact that this would settle the dispute between Rex and Trance had not escaped notice either.

Rex was surprisingly elated. At last he’d be able to show that he was the best swordsman here. He was so confident that he could defeat Trance and secure his position as the top candidate to become a knight. Pompously he handed his shield and dagger to one of his teammates and casually swung his sword to get himself ready.

Trance did not miss Rex’s antics and with calm resolve he handed his shield and dagger to Gracer, drew his own wooden sword and waited for the referees’ instructions.

The referees went to work to see that the current ongoing matches were settled fairly so they could clear the entire field. Part of the rules for a Duelom was that both competitors would have free access to the entire field. Gradually matches were settled and competitors were then encouraged to head for their locker rooms and from there they could go to the stands to watch this contest. Finally the last of the current events was settled and the field was cleared. The head referee called for Rex and Trance to follow him to the center of the field. Then he issued the rules of the match to both boys.

“The rules for Duelom are very straightforward and strict. Both of you will have use of the entire field. Your only weapon will be your sword. This match will continue until we have a winner. Good luck gentlemen,” he said, then saluted both boys and stepped back to allow them to get ready for the contest.

Trance watched Rex closely as he sheathed his wooden sword and stepped into position. He knew that he was ready to duel and that he had beaten Rex a number of times in the past, yet he felt more nervous about this match. It had not escaped his notice that Rex had really been trying to beat him and get him eliminated from the competitions. Well here we go again Trance thought as he sheathed his own sword.

The head referee took his position, waited just a moment and then signaled the match to start. It was on. Both boys drew their swords so swiftly that they might not have been sheathed at all. Rex pressed the attack and came at Trance so ferociously that Trance really had to back pedal and use all of his defensive skills to avoid being beaten. Rex slashed with all of his fury at Trance and did all he could to beat Trance. This was his one chance to show that he was indeed the most superior knight. He was truly a great swordsman and showed it with every swing and thrust. However, Trance proved to be just as skillful, blocking every blow. They battled for several minutes when Rex got lucky and with one slick stroke flipped Trance’s sword out of his hand.

Rex was shocked for a moment and couldn’t believe his fortune. At last he had Trance at his