The first-round bracket came out. The knights' reactions were mixed as they looked at the bracket that a bureaucrat had posted on the bulletin board in front of the War Ministry camp. Michael had the fifth match, and his opponent was a veteran knight from Steinhof. Curses flew from his mouth.
I had no words of comfort for him.
What round was I in, and who was my opponent?
I found my name at the very top of the bracket.
I had the first match, and my opponent was Gert von Hornst. He was a Crown Prince's guard. He was also one of the 13 cavalrymen who'd followed behind me in the battle near Feuzen. A relatively easy opponent, but I had no intention of letting my guard down. I was a tournament novice, and upsets could happen at any time.
"Lord of Feuzen! Get ready!"
"They're calling for you, brother-in-law. Don't let your guard down and make sure you win!"
"I'll dedicate all my victories to Hilda."
