Far above the princess, through countless layers of rock and stone, two sentries on guard at the castle's main entryway abandoned their previous pursuit of leaning on their poleaxes. They put their backs to the two massive spindles flanking the roadway, slowly raising the stout portcullis. From above them, trumpeters on the battlements heralded the arrival of the outlanders.
From over a low rise came the company of men. They passed through and between the throngs that had gathered in the fields below the castle walls, and were met with cheers as they passed. Many of the champions who marched with the outlanders took note of many men throughout the crowds who cheered not, but instead cast surly looks at them. They champions recognized the hardened faces of warriors, and though they spoke not of it between themselves as they passed, each marked it down in his memory.
The great tower clock struck ten bells as the chieftain Tymrilll slowly rode under the portcullis and arched sally port and into the great interior courtyard of the castle. His mount breathed thick fog in cool morning air. From 'round the primary and secondary battlements, the courtiers and citizens and soldiers of the Queen cheered the newcomers.
"Hail Champions!" "20 gold pieces on the red-armored lance!" "Blackshield shall dominate any swordsman!" Cries of jeer and adulation roared all around. Painted ladies of the court hooted and called with hungry lips to their favorites behind batted eyelashes.
At last the entire company had filed into the great courtyard, and stood waving to the crowd from their horses. Some flexed muscles for ladies, some made mad faces at children before breaking into hearty smiles, some held aloft their bright blades.
The crowd roared and cheered. And all at once, the deafening noise fell to a hush. High above them, the great Queen glided out onto her balcony and regarded the gathered crowd and the company of heroes assembled below.
Many of the champions stood dumbfounded, staring up open-mouthed at the vision who had appeared on the high balcony. She was resplendent in a long, flowing white gown. It was cinched tight at the waist, and her breasts filled it in a most appealing way. All thoughout the shimmering garment was woven gold and silver strands, and she positively gleamed in the morning sun. She raised her elegant hand and gave salute to the men assembled.
"Hail, worthy Champions!" said she in a powerful and regal voice. "Our realm is most honoured by your presence. Please, set feet upon our ground, and be welcome."
A new cry of cheer went up from the crowd. The Queen continued on, commanding the rapt attention of everyone.
"Our doors are always open to the Kinsmen of Our King, Comrades in arms! Imprisoners of the great and terrible dragon, we bid you most welcome!"
The roar ascended once again, thundering about the walls of the courtyard and beyond. At last they died down, and the great chieftain spurred his mount forward a few steps, retuning salute to the Queen. "Hail, mighty Queen! We, your Kinsmen are most pleased to return to these lands, and are most honored by your welcome! Twenty and five years have gone past since the last Tournament of the High Moon, and we rejoice with all who are gathered, and will stand with you this very night for the Rite!
The crowed roared again, many of the champions sending up laughing calls and whoops. "And don't forget the Revel, my lord!" cried many of his men! The gathered crowd laughed heartily with them. At last, quiet returned and Tymrilll finished his pleasantries.
"And so, mighty Queen Belladonna, we, your Kinsmen, salute you! Long may you reign in peace and beauty!"
Even the Queen's elegant hands could not quell the great cheer which went up. It's roar was resounded by the multitude assembled 'neath the castle walls. The cacophony of mingled sound ranged out for many, many minutes.
