Blades rang in the morning light

The morning light of King's Landing's Landing had just spilled over the wooden railings of the arena when it was shattered by a roar even louder than the day before.

News of the sword tournament spread like wildfire. Not only did the lords arrive early with their families, but even the people of King's Landing crowded around the stands. Some stood on wooden crates, others clung to the railings, waving homemade flags adorned with the emblems of their respective knights. The air was filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread and ale, making it even more festive than a holiday.

In the center of the arena stood three sword-fighting platforms side by side, their surfaces paved with thick wooden planks and surrounded by waist-high oak railings wrapped with red and black silk, the colors of the royal Targaryen.

Above each sword-fighting platform hangs a light-blocking silk curtain, beneath which hang copper bells that tinkle in the wind, providing a light and cheerful accompaniment to the sounds of swords clashing.

The decorations on the stands were also more elaborate than the previous two days. Three pots of blooming golden roses, specially sent from Highgarden by Mathos Tyrell, were placed in front of the royal stands.

Beside the golden, roaring lion banner of the Westerlands Stand, Red Lion- patterned banner had appeared—the emblem of the House Reyne. Earl Reynes was touching his only son's shoulder armor, whispering instructions to him.

The Vale stands were particularly conspicuous, with the House Corbray's red heart raven banner and the House Royce's rune pebble banner fluttering side by side. Lyonel Corbray stood beside the banner, his hand on the hilt of his sword at his waist, his gaze occasionally sweeping over his cousin—the heir to the Earl Corbray —not far away. The air between the two was as taut as a bowstring.

"Wow, so many people! This is way more interesting than yesterday's archery!" Borros Baratheon's booming voice cut through the crowd. Dressed in a dark green outfit with a broadsword at his waist, he was pulling Brandon's arm and pushing his way onto the fencing ring. "I'm going to knock my opponent's sword away later and show Jeyne what I'm made of!"

Brandon, eager to get started, rubbed his hands together. His longsword, still sheathed, swayed precariously with his movements. "Don't brag! You lost to me in a battle axe contest last time!"

As the two were arguing, Daemon Targaryen suddenly appeared from behind, the hem of his golden robe brushing against Borros's boots, and he was dragging an unwilling figure in his hand—it was Daemon.

"Stop hiding!" Daemon Targaryen shoved Daemon toward the fencing platform. "You skipped the archery yesterday, and if you skip the fencing competition today, Jeyne will laugh at you!"

Daemon sighed helplessly. The black three-headed dragon brand on his shoulder and neck was hidden by his cloak, but he could still feel the gazes directed at him.

Rupert Crabb and Colin Celtigar stood not far away, both holding swords and exchanging glances.

Alyn Redwyne, dressed in a navy blue outfit, was talking to Mace Florent while demonstrating a famous sword move;

Lyonel Corbray was surrounded by his cousin, and the two seemed to be discussing something.

"I never said I was going to run away." Daemon straightened his cloak, his gaze sweeping over the sword-fighting platform. He wanted to slack off, but feigned modesty, saying, "I just feel there are too many experts today, and I'm afraid my skills will be embarrassing."

"You're embarrassing yourself?" Brandon slapped him on the shoulder, so hard that Daemon staggered. "I heard that when you led the Vale Allied Forces to relieve the Moon Gate Keep, you even cleaved Wildlings's shield in two with a single sword strike! How can I believe that!"

Borros chimed in, "That's right! If you lose, we're all at your mercy, you can even throw the three of us to the Glutton as toys!"

Suddenly, Rhaenyra's laughter rang out. Aemma, holding her, stood at the edge of the stands, with Gael and Mysaria beside them. Gael called out with a laugh, "Little Daemon, don't listen to them! If you win, I'll make you honey cake!"

Rhaenyra clapped along, babbling something, which made Daemon laugh helplessly. With this commotion, he had no way to escape.

Suddenly, the horn sounded, and Kingsguard Lorent of the Kingsguard, in charge of the competition, stepped to the center of the arena. Dressed in white robes and holding a longsword, his voice carried across the entire arena. "The swordsmanship competition will consist of two rounds! The first round is a single-elimination tournament; the blades will not be sharpened, and the contest will end with a single touch! The qualifiers will face off in the final tomorrow!"

As soon as the words were spoken, the contestants went to the registration desk. Rupert Crabb was the first to step forward. His sword was a longsword with an oak hilt, and the scabbard was engraved with the House Crabb's marigold crest. As soon as the registrar read out his name, a cheer came from the Reach Grandstand. His bravery at the last Rose Field tournament had made many of the Reach lords remember this knight from the Crab Claw Peninsula.

Colin Celtigar followed closely behind, his sword being crafted by his uncle, Earl Bartimos, using special materials, its blade gleaming with a pale blue sheen.

During registration, Colin made a point of exchanging a glance with Rupert, a smile playing on his lips, "Last time at Rose Field, I won the spear duel; this time, I won't let you win the swordsmanship either."

Rupert laughed too, "Then let's see who is Daemon Damon's sharpest sword."

As Lyonel Corbray registered, his cousin suddenly stepped forward, placed his hand on the hilt of his sword, and said, "Lyonel, if I win today, Lady Forlorn will be mine."

Lyonel responded with a smile, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Lady Forlorn is the bravest member of the House Corbray, not just someone who talks the talk."

Their conversation attracted the attention of the Vale nobles. Yobert House Royce, standing in the stands, looked at Earl Corbray, who was smiling and fanning the flames, and shook his head slightly. "The House Corbray children are always so competitive."

Alyn Redwyne and Mace Florent registered together. Alyn's sword was a short blade, more suitable for close combat, while Mace used a rapier, a common sight in the Reach.

The two patted each other on the shoulder with a laugh. Alyn said, "Mace, don't hold back later. I don't want to lose and be laughed at by my uncle."

Mace laughed and said, "You too, you lost to me last time on Arbor."

When Daemon Targaryen registered, he made a point of including Daemon's name as well. The registrar paused, looked at Daemon, then at Daemon Targaryen, and couldn't help but ask, "Both of you—His Highness Daemon— are you participating?"

Borros shouted from the side, "One is the Red Dragon Daemon, and the other is the Black Dragon Daemon! Easy to tell them apart!"

This immediately made everyone around laugh.

The first round of competition began quickly, with three fencing platforms operating simultaneously. Cheers erupted from the stands, making it more than twice as lively as the archery competition of the previous two days.

On the east fencing platform, the first to enter was Lyonel Corbray. His opponent was a minor nobleman heir of the House Graves of the Reach, dressed in magnificent armor emblazoned with the family's white and green double-headed eagle crest. However, the fellow was clearly nervous, barely able to hold his sword. Lyonel easily knocked the sword away in three moves, advancing to the next round.

As Lyonel left the ring, his cousin walked up to him and, feigning a cold smile, said, "Don't get cocky. I'll show you what true Corbray swordsmanship is in a moment."

Lyonel, exasperated, ignored his cousin's playful quip and went straight to Daemon, bowing respectfully. "Your Highness, I will not let you down."

Next up was Rupert Crabb, whose opponent was Gonsor House Royce. Gonsor wielded a two-handed greatsword with immense power, but Rupert remained calm, dodging his opponent's attacks with agile footwork. After several dozen rounds, taking advantage of his opponent's pause for breath, Rupert struck his opponent's shoulder armor with his sword, winning the match.

When he came off the field, Colin gave him a thumbs-up. "Not bad, but I'll be faster than you later."

Rupert smiled and nodded in response, "I'll be waiting."

As for the fencing arena on the west side, Alyn Redwyne's opponent was a knight from a branch of the House Ruttiger in the Westerlands. The knight wielded a broadsword and was also skilled in head-on combat. However, Alyn used his agility to dodge the opponent's attacks as if dodging waves on a ship, and finally struck the opponent's side with his short blade to win the match.

When it was over, Mace walked over and patted him on the shoulder. "That was a good move, but I'll figure out how to counter it later."

Alyn raised an eyebrow and replied, "Then let's give it a try."

Mace Florent's opponent was a member of the Stormlands House Estermont, whose swordplay was chaotic and disorganized. Mace easily deflected his opponent's attacks with his signature Reach elegant rapier technique, and with a final strike, he knocked his opponent's sword away, advancing to the next round.

When he left the field, he made a "wait" gesture to Alyn, which made Alyn laugh.

On the central fencing stage, the duel between the House Marbrand uncle and nephew became the first hot topic.

Ser Lorent is Kingsguard and the second son of the previous House Marbrand; he possesses exceptional swordsmanship.

Torrhen, the nephew, is the second son of the House Marbrand in this generation. He used to learn a lot of tricks from his uncle Lorent.

After the match began, Sir Lorent did not rush to attack. Instead, he used a technique similar to flipping a silver spoon to shake his nephew. His nephew was not to be outdone and responded with the same technique. The two swordsmen's moves looked like a dance, which drew cheers from the stands.

Finally, Sir Lorent deliberately created an opening, Torrhen, thinking he had a chance, was about to attack when Sir Lorent struck him on the shoulder armor with his sword, losing the match.

At the end, Sir Lorent patted Torrhen on the shoulder. "Not bad, much better than when I last returned to Ashemark, but you still need to practice."

Torrhen smiled and nodded in response, "Then I'll definitely beat you next time."

Tommen House Peake, who had a prior agreement with Daemon, faced the second son of the House Chambers today. Tommen's swordplay was steady, clearly a traditional House Peake technique, and he won the match without much effort.

As he left the arena, Earl Reynes ' only son entered. The two exchanged a glance, and the Reynes heir said, "Fellow members of the House Peake family, if I advance in a few rounds, we'll most likely be each other's opponents in the next round."

Tommen responded to the other's "provocation" with a joking retort, "Then my Castle Black in the Reach awaits the challenge of you, Red Lion of the Westerlands."

Earl Reynes's only son faced a knight from the House Waynwood in the Vale. He wielded a greatsword common in the Westerlands, which possessed immense power. He knocked the sword away from his opponent in three moves, advancing to the next round.

As he left the field, he made a gesture towards Tommen, his eyes filled with fighting spirit.

Daemon Targaryen's opponent was a knight from House Moreland in the Westerlands. The knight seemed to disregard the "Rogue Prince," launching a fierce attack as soon as he entered the arena. Daemon Targaryen, however, remained calm and used the agility of the Dark Sister to easily evade his opponent's attacks. With a final strike, he knocked his opponent's sword away and even winked at Lysa Tully in the stands, eliciting a burst of laughter from the crowd.

Afterwards, he walked over to Daemon, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Good luck later, don't lose to those minor nobles."

Borros Baratheon's opponent was a knight from House Staedmon the Stormlands. Both wielded broadswords and clashed head-on from the start. A sharp clang resounded, making everyone's eardrums vibrate. Borros used brute force to force his opponent's sword down, and with a final strike to his opponent's chest, he won the match.

Having just won the game, he yelled at Brandon, "Brandon! Did you see that? I won!"

However, Brandon had just entered the arena when his opponent, an unnamed knight, entered. Both wielded longswords, but Brandon's swordsmanship carried a fierce edge characteristic of the the North. He knocked his opponent's sword away in three moves and advanced to the next round.

As he walked off the field, he taunted Borros, saying, "I won too, don't get cocky."

Finally, Daemon took to the stage. His opponent was a member of the House Willum from the Reach. Unlike the man from House Morden in the Westerlands, this young man was clearly very nervous knowing Daemon's identity, and even his grip on his sword was a little unsteady.

Daemon didn't rush to attack. Instead, he smiled at his opponent and said, "Don't be nervous, just touch them."

The guy took a deep breath before launching his attack, Daemon easily dodged it. Taking advantage of the moment when his opponent paused to breathe, Damon struck the opponent's shoulder armor with his sword, winning the match.

When Daemon came off the court, Gael rushed over and handed him a piece of honey cake. "You won! Here's a reward for you!"

Rhaenyra also reached out her little hands to hug Daemon. Daemon smiled and picked her up. The little one immediately hugged his neck and kissed him on the cheek, making everyone around laugh.

After the first round of competition, the list of those who advanced was quickly posted on the wooden board in the center of the arena, and the matchups for the highly anticipated duels were also determined:

Lyonel Corbray battles his cousin, the heir to the Earl Corbray. (Determining the next strongest knight of the Corbray family and the fate of Lady Forlorn.)

Rupert Crabb versus Colin Celtigar. (A battle among Prince Little Daemon's followers to determine who is Prince Little Daemon's sharpest sword.)

Erin Redwin vs. Mace Floren. (A duel between friends from the Reach, Redwin of Greenwood versus the second son of House Floren of Brightwater)

Tommen House Peake faces off against the only son of Earl Reynes. (A clash between the heirs of two great families in the Westerlands and the Reach, a battle between secondary families below the lords)

Daemon Targaryen versus William House Royce. (The next challenge for the Rogue Prince, a clash between his estranged legal wife and cousin.)

Daemon Blackfyre versus Roland Clinton. (The next chapter in Daemon's journey as the Prince of Blackfyre, a warrior descended from the Black Dragon, and the young Earl Red Griffin of Griffin's Roost.)

Borros Baratheon vs. Lorent Granderson. (Will this be a fierce test for the Crowned Stag?)

(Or is it the crowning of Sleeping Lion opening its sleepy eyes?)

Brandon Stark versus Lorent Marbrand (Is it a display of swordsmanship by the Wild Wolf of the North, or a white knight defending his honor?)

As soon as the list was announced, the stands erupted in discussion, with the lords buzzing with talk of the next round of matches. Taimond Lannister, standing in the stands, nodded to Earl Reynes beside him. "Your lad is good. I hope he can beat that Tommen from the Reach."

Earl Reynes chuckled, "That lad from the House Peake family looks quite capable; it all depends on their own abilities. But of course, I have high hopes for my son."

Big Horas, standing beside Garlan Tyrell, glanced at his nephew Alyn on the list of names and chuckled, saying, "Alyn, that lad, finally has a chance to have a proper match with that Mace fellow."

Garlan laughed and said, "They are both promising talents. Whoever wins, they should be the pride of our Reach."

At the call of his uncle, Earl Corbray, Lyonel Corbray walked to his cousin's side by the stands. Encouraged by Earl Corbray, he placed his hand on the hilt of his sword. "Tomorrow, let's have a good match and decide who deserves Lady Forlorn."

Under the "instigation" of their unscrupulous uncle, the two cousins were locked in a fierce battle. Seeing his younger cousin about to burst out laughing, Lyonel's older cousin couldn't help but nod and say, "Okay, see you tomorrow."

Rupert Crabb and Colin Celtigar walked to the center of the fencing ring, each drawing their swords. Although the blades were not sharpened, they still gleamed coldly. The two lightly touched their swords together.

Rupert said, "Tomorrow, I will beat you."

Colin replied, "Not necessarily."

As the sun gradually set in the west, the cheers from the arena still echoed over King's King's Landing. The Glutton's black figure swept across the sky, followed closely by Dreamfyre and Grey Ghost. Dragon roars and cheers intertwined, like a prelude to tomorrow's duel.

Daemon held Rhaenyra in his arms, surrounded by Gael, Jocelyn, and Jeyne, watching the lively scene before him, the brand on his right shoulder slightly burning.

Tomorrow's duel is not only a stage for knights to showcase their martial skills, but also a covert contest between the Seven Kingdoms. He must protect those around him and safeguard this hard-won peace.

As night deepened, the torches in the arena lit up, like stars scattered on the ground.

The lords walked towards the Red Keep in twos and threes, discussing tomorrow's duel; the participating knights practiced beside the fencing ring, the sounds of swords clashing rising and falling. Daemon stood in the center of the fencing ring, looking at the Red Keep in the distance, knowing in his heart that tomorrow's sword fight might be more intense than he imagined, but he was the invincible Black Dragon.