A Knight at Shieldmeet

[Plotter]

Word spreads throughout the realm that a knight in dark armour and tattered cloak made an announcement at Shieldmeet. He presented himself as Sir Alistair and said that he was a knight without a master, seeking a new house to serve. He challenged all the houses of Cloudstone to send their champions to meet him in single combat. Whichever house can defeat him the most shall have his servitude. Huntmaster Karsk of Cloudstone questioned if the knight's skill was worth fighting for. It is said Karsk was quickly knocked off his feet, and spent the night at the Field Hospital, bloodied and drunk.

Baron Duncan Hornbow, Lord Edmond Silverthorn and Lady Cathryn Stormcrown have all said they wish to compete for Sir Alistair, and now request their retainers, or anyone else who wish to champion their cause, to face Sir Alistair in a duel. Any duels will take place between games or outside of Shieldmeet tournament hours. Sir Alistair said he will accept duels until the day of the Awards Ceremony on the 22nd of Eleasis. If no house can defeat him in single combat, or if there is a tie between the houses, then he shall either choose the house that has proven themselves most worthy in the Shieldmeet Tournament games or he shall seek servitude elsewhere.

// Let me know if you want to champion a house of Cloudstone, and we can schedule a time for a duel any day from today to the 22nd of August.

[Plotter]

Word spreads throughout the realm that House Hornbow has won the servitude of the mysterious knight at Shieldmeet. As no champion could defeat him in single combat, Sir Alistair instead chose the house that had impressed him the most. He announced on the Shieldmeet stage that it was not an easy choice, and he had been impressed by several champions, for varying reasons. Among the most impressive were the fleet-footed Elon Dana championing the House of Healing in Cloudstone ("a house of Cloudstone"), the mighty Crom fighting for Cathryn Stormcrown, and the clever Joram Brightsby of the Silverthorns who challenged and defeated Sir Alistair to a game of lanceboard. But the one who impressed Sir Alistair the most was the Hornbow secretary Alia Cirelle, who "struck him in the heart". Despite her fear and lack of combat skills, she still faced the knight in combat. "She showed the most courage", the knight said. When he kneeled and pledged his service to Baron Duncan Hornbow, some people in the audience were taken aback as he spoke his full name; Sir Alistair Bresk.