Many people would look down on us if I openly ceded the match. That was why I told Molly and Len to go ahead without me. "Tell them that I fell ill. Len you have my full confidence." I said. He did not look too happy. Molly went with him to the arena. I was there to see the final match of the tournament. Len faced off against Betan. That meant Sir Betan beat Barat. Betan was on his best form. It was a very close match, but he knew Len well. He was unable to use his speed with the bigger man keeping close up on Len. Len was very fast, but he was not as feral as the Yellowtail boys. Len was knocked out by the pommel of Betan's sword between the eyes. Len simply crumpled to the ground. Betan trust his sword in the air and screamed in triumph. This was a probably childhood dream come true. Many people in the crowd cheered along with him. Sir Betan sheathed his blade and then carried Len off the field. I went down to retrieve him. "They really pushed me to my limits, Collin. Barat much more than Len, but I know others would have lost. Be proud of him." "I'm so proud of my children."
Now that I had Len over my shoulder in a fireman's carry, it was time to get him somewhere he could rest. Betan smirked. He knew he did a good job. That was not going to be the case. The king was in attendance for the last day of the tournament. He loved fighting. He wanted to speak to all of the semifinalists. The princes and the queen were there as well and they would sit in. I brought my son before the royals. They got to speak to Betan, Barat and I first. I had to explain my absence to the gathered. I cleared my throat. "Your Majesty, I was afflicted by a brief but acute migraine. I was in no shape to defend myself in the arena against my son." I said happily. "I guess it simply cleared up by the time of the final match then. Is that right, Sir Rhombus!?" I simply nodded my head. "Exactly right. I am disappointed that I was not able to show my skills, but my son and my friend gave an amazing showing. We always train together with the centaurs, but it was heartening to show we can still fight with the best of them. Maybe some retired champions can return to the arena." I said. The king smiled wide.
Obviously, that was a very good idea. "That actually is amazing. I will need to make this happen sooner or later." he said with a boyish smile in his eyes. He then coughed a little. He stopped himself and frowned after 10 long seconds. "Has your chronic cough been doing better, Your Majesty?" I asked him. He gave me a knowing smile. It was due to my several health tips that he was doing so well. "The steam had added many years to my life. I cannot complain for something that has given us a better life than any rival nation or sniveling traitor." he said before looking at his family. Then he gave us a more welcome expression. "What would you want from me?" he asked. If the offer was open, I would do it for my family. "As you know, I have 9 children. My 3 daughters are my only legitimate children. I want a noble title that can be passed down to my heir, Johna. As his father, I can say that my son Len wants a title too." The king gave me a wry smile. "I guess that we need to make use of your talents. You can be barons. Your sons will be baronets too." I was raised as a noble right there. Amazing.
