The World Dragon's Heir

Chapter 626: Protect More Than Your Neck

The flag dropped again, and Sir Martin’s steed raced toward Sir Lars.

The two lances collided again, but this time, it was not equal. Sir Martin’s lance skidded up the shield and across Sir Lars’ shoulder, making good contact, but remaining intact, while Lars’ lance shattered against Martin’s chest armour.

That made it ten points to eight.

The body was actually easier to hit than the small shield, but it was easier to break a lance against if you got a solid strike.

The shields were made of ash, hard wood, but softer than metal and designed to dampen impact. They were also soft enough that a direct strike from the metal feet on the coronal of the lance would dig in, increasing the chances that the lance broke.

However, it also wasn’t solidly mounted, and could twist on impact, letting the lance slide instead of catching and breaking.

The body was heavier, so it didn’t move as much on impact, and the soft jousting lances had a good chance of breaking.

The two Knights lined up for their third round, again lances shattered against shields, resulting in a five point draw.

The flag was waved as the two Knights returned to their positions, and the crowd went absolutely insane, forcing the mage to delay the announcement for a few seconds before giving up and just using magic to amplify his voice.

{At fifteen points to thirteen, the winner of the first preliminary match is Sir Lars.}

To Dominic, that wasn’t shocking. He was the son of a Duke, and a frequent Jouster while travelling with Prince Damien. Sir Martin was the son of a Baron, and fresh from his time as a cavalryman in the Natural Sons.

His technique was surprisingly good, but clearly not on the level of the professionals. The fact that he had broken two lances was honestly impressive.

The next pair was called up, and Dominic settled in to watch the show.

His seat was behind the flag man, while the Royals were arrayed below him, getting the very best front-row seats.

That actually split them into two groups, as the design of the stadium was inclined towards a home and visiting team, so the front row was split by the referee’s stand.

Today, that put three Kings and their entourage on either side. But they could walk from one side to the other easily enough. It was only five paces away.

“Do you actually expect anyone to be knocked out during the preliminaries?” Amie whispered as Dominic watched the matches.

“No. But look how much fun everyone is having.

They know that it’s a preliminary round, not a knockout, so they’re aiming square on the shields. It’s loud, flashy, and unlikely to injure anyone worse than a bruised arm.

Tomorrow, when we’re into the eliminations is when we start seeing everyone get vicious.

If I’m right, they’re holding back and trying not to show too much of their technique in this round so that the information isn’t used against them during the next rounds.

There are a few among our local Knights who don’t quite understand the customs of the joust, though. They’ve got the basic technique, but see how they keep their eyes locked on their opponent?

The professionals tilt their head at impact.

It keeps splinters out of their eyes. The cedar lances don’t splinter as badly, but I do see that nobody has a protective lens in their helmet.”

Amie stared at him for a second, then giggled. “You know, that’s actually a brilliant idea. A protective safety lens in the visor of a helmet would be excellent for jousting.

We have options that are not glass, so they’re safer on eyes, and they would keep the men safer.

Or, we could offer them some safety glasses. The Sect has plenty that will work under a helmet. We use them in the workshop, and the Sands Sect members have some for Alchemy, but those aren’t as well suited to wearing with a helmet.”

One of the Knights sitting in the row behind them leaned forward.

“Wait, you have a visor that works under a helmet? And one that won’t shatter like glass if it gets hit?”

“Yeah, it’s a form of synthetic ruby, clear or lightly tinted. We use them as safety glasses, and even if they get hit with a splinter, they won’t break.

Duke Dominic thinks that they would make good lens caps in a helmet. But we have some in stock that are set into spectacles. Not prescription, obviously. But good for safety.”

“If you’ve got a spare set, I’ll buy them off you. That technique is dangerous, but effective. The visor on a helmet has to be open so we can see out of it.

That’s why there are no fitted lenses. If they get scratched or muddy, we can’t see out. But the narrow gap isn’t easy to get a weapon through in combat.

So, it’s worth the trade-off.

However, a set of durable spectacles underneath would be great for jousting. Perhaps even regular combat. If they get muddy, you can just open the visor for a second and pull them off.”

Amie nodded, and handed him a set of glasses with a slight rose tint to the lens.

“They’re not perfectly clear, but I like the red light filter.”

The knight shrugged and handed her a small pouch of gold. He hadn’t asked what they actually cost, so he was making an offer in a roundabout way.

Amie was pleased with the answer, though.

The Rubies were made with her [Create Gem] spell, and the frames were just transmuted clay formed around them. They wouldn’t be easy to pop out of the frames, quite durable, but not particularly stylish.

It was more important to make them cover the whole eye, curving to protect the wearer’s peripheral vision.

He slid them on his face, and gave a happy grunt.

“The world in pink is a bit odd. I can see how this would be useful, though. Everything is a bit more clear with the light filtered. If you don’t mind, I will let the others know.”

Amie shrugged. “You’re not the only one who can hear our conversation. The mages of the Duskblade Sect will be getting requests for safety glasses before the hour is over, and there are some stationed at the staging area where the Knights enter.”