The tourney grounds bustled with activity that afternoon. Over a hundred artisans and laborers were working feverishly.
According to Quentin's plan, the tourney grounds were being renovated and expanded into a permanent knightly training ground and archery range.
The clang of hammers striking wooden stakes rose and fell; the harsh rasp of saws cutting wood echoed across the field.
Under the awnings that hadn't yet been dismantled, more than three hundred warriors of all stripes gathered.
They wore a motley assortment of clothing—some in gleaming armor, some in simple boiled leather, and others in roughspun tunics.
Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the awning, casting dappled shadows on them.
"It would be the honor of three lifetimes to serve the Sword of the Morning," a bearded hedge knight said, rubbing the hilt of the sword at his waist, his eyes shining with anticipation.
The archer beside him pursed his lips. "What do you think Ser Arthur is hiring us for?"
"Why worry about that?" a scarred warrior interjected, his rough fingers unconsciously tracing the scar on his face.
"Didn't we enter the tourney hoping to catch a lord's eye and find a job to feed ourselves?"
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the crowd.
"Have you heard?" a tall, thin youth said. "Anguy has already sworn fealty to Ser Arthur. And Jimmy Sunderland, who won the archery contest, was knighted by Ser Arthur himself with Dawn."
"And that Lothor Brune," a stocky warrior chimed in, admiration in his eyes. "He practically risked his life to earn the lord's favor."
"He serves under Ser Arthur now," said a warrior who knew Lothor. "I drank with him just yesterday."
The crowd formed small circles, chattering excitedly about the recent news. The atmosphere was lively.
Just then, a sharp-eyed warrior pointed south of the grounds and shouted:
"Look! The banner of Starfall!"
"Ser Arthur is coming!"
"It's really the Sword of the Morning!"
The noisy crowd fell silent instantly. All eyes turned in that direction.
A cavalry unit of thirty men approached at a steady pace. The purple banner snapped in the wind, the embroidered sword and falling star gleaming.
The lead knight was tall, riding a purple-black horse, with swords at his waist and on his back.
He wore no helm. His black curly hair fluttered in the wind, framing a handsome face with unmistakable violet eyes.
Behind Arthur, several figures who had shone brightly during the tourney were recognized one by one—Gerold Dayne, Jimmy Sunderland, Lothor Brune, and Anguy.
Arthur reined in his horse at the high stand where he had once watched the matches. He dismounted cleanly and strode up the steps, his purple cloak billowing behind him.
"Sirs, warriors, apologies for the wait," Arthur's clear, powerful voice echoed across the silent field.
"I trust you have gathered here because you wish to serve Starfall."
A murmur of assent rose from the crowd.
Arthur raised a hand for silence. "But I cannot hire everyone present.
I do not know you well enough. Therefore, a selection process is necessary to place you in suitable positions within Starfall."
"Ser, how will we be selected?" someone shouted from below.
A small smile touched Arthur's lips. He gestured to the four men behind him. "Beside me stand warriors who proved themselves in the tourney.
Just as when you competed, you will be divided into cavalry, infantry, and archers to undergo their assessment.
The specific tests and assigned positions will depend on your choice."
Then, Karen the Fat Steward waddled forward, wiping sweat from his brow, and detailed the placement and pay for those who passed.
Cavalry would join the Cavalry Unit, with a monthly salary of 2 Gold Dragons. Warriors would join the Guard, and archers the Archer Unit, both with a monthly salary of 35 Silver Stags.
Those who excelled could become instructors at the training grounds, with double pay.
Hearing these numbers, gasps erupted from the crowd.
This pay was definitely generous. While not comparable to the thousands in tourney prize money, it was stable, reliable income—rain or shine.
Arthur struck while the iron was hot. "Once you pass the assessment and swear fealty, Starfall will provide a full set of standard equipment forged in the Artisan District.
Serve for five years, and that equipment becomes yours."
The crowd fell silent briefly, then the atmosphere shifted abruptly.
Warriors who had been calling each other brothers moments ago now eyed one another with vigilance and calculation.
Over the past few days, many had seen or exchanged for the basic chainmail from the Artisan District. They knew the value of a full set of standard gear was at least 30 Gold Dragons.
It wasn't that they didn't trust their brothers, but when it came to jobs and gear... competition was eternal!
Soon, the disorderly crowd organized itself into three orderly groups.
Led by Gerold Dayne and the others, they were taken away in batches for assessment.
Before arriving, Arthur had already arranged their roles.
Gerold Dayne would serve as the Master of the expanded training grounds, overseeing all matters including organizing instructors to provide basic training to the public and holding regular competitions.
Anguy would assist Gerold, primarily managing the archery range and training archers.
Lothor Brune would command the newly formed Cavalry Unit.
Jimmy would be in charge of the Archer Unit.
Once the selection began, Arthur inspected the renovation plans with Quentin the Architect.
"My lord, please look at the archery range plan," Quentin said, pointing to a newly fenced area near the site of the archery competition.
"Per your instructions, I've divided it into zones based on range and target size. This allows archers of all levels to train effectively."
Scanning the neatly arranged target lanes, Arthur nodded with satisfaction.
Quentin continued, "A bowyer's workshop has been set up next to the range to improve craftsmanship based on training feedback."
"Good," Arthur praised, then turned to Karen. "Later, have the bowyers standardize production based on draw weight. Establish a guild specifically for this."
Karen nodded hurriedly, his chubby fingers scribbling fast on parchment.
"This is the knightly training area," Quentin led them to another section.
"This open ground, open year-round, is for riding training. The existing stables can be used directly." He pointed to the wooden structures in the distance.
"When open for training, novices can start on wooden horses and mules before graduating to gentle rounces."
Finally, they arrived at the main tourney lists where Arthur had spoken earlier.
Quentin gestured excitedly. "I plan to keep the original lists but convert the high stands into tiered seating, adding another level at the back.
This will accommodate more spectators."
Listening to Quentin's description, Arthur felt a sense of déjà vu. Isn't this basically the layout of a Roman Colosseum?
But with such a knightly arena and seating open to the public, it would certainly attract more contestants and spectators.