599 Preliminary Points

Empress Vivian rose out of her chair and walked to the center of the stage. She was cool and unflustered compared to the other onlookers. She gave a reassuring smile before she began to speak.

"All of the Performances today were beautiful, and powerful. Each child demonstrated their Prowess on this stage. For that, I thank their mothers for their diligent teachings, and the children for their efforts. That being said, there must be scores given to each child based on the people and the experts. First we will hear the score from the Arts Mage and then the Weapon's Master. After they have completed, your votes will be read as well." Empress Vivian explained and everyone seemed curious as they turned to the Dancer.

She was beautiful, her hair silver with age and her body still just as toned as it had been when her hair glowed golden. "All of the children were interesting to watch. Unfortunately there was no clear winner. In the four categories that I judge by, they were split between two candidates.  Technically and Artistically Prince Nathaniel deserves the points, however for emotion and versatility belongs to Princess Raina. Therefore, I split the 10 points into 5s and present both children with 5. I present Princess Drynala with 3 for her beautiful presentation, and Prince Keen with 2 for his well mannered presentation. Weapon's Master?"

Everyone seemed a bit excited now. Normally these two sections combined could be a tie but this time… things had worked out more strangely. Now the people's votes may carry more weight.

"Thank you, My Lady Dancer, and I concur with your findings being a bard once myself." He agreed kindly. Then stepped to the stage. "We had a bit of an upset this time around. I have trained all three Princesses at the craft. Each performed stunningly. I had not had the pleasure of training Princess Raina, but I must say I was surprised. I would be pleased with any of these children as Knights, however this competition decides the future of our nation and I must take more than technical skill into mind." He pointed out calmly. Kyera smiled, well aware of what he meant. A weapon's Master must see more than just the skill but the face within the swordwielder.

"My apologies. I was unsure of how to handle such a shocking situation, thank you for your correction." Raina replied carefully her tone grateful but her words clear. He was just as wrong as she was. He nodded at her.

"Lastly I award 8 to Keen for his encouragement of his partner." He added and with that the sportsmanship was handled. Kyera and the other Princess Mothers glanced at each other, a little lost by those words. Something wasn't right.

"Now we shall move to skill, each win is awarded 10 points, a loss is awarded 1. Keen and Nathaniel each get 10, Daniel is awarded 6 for his draw  and Princess Raina is awarded 1." He pointed out reminding everyone of their scores carefully.

"That puts Keen at 20, Daniel and Nathaiel at 23 and 14, and Raina at 13 points." The Former Emperor tallied the points and offered a proud smile to his boys.

"Thank You, sir. Now then, the last 2 parts of my judging are the most difficult. Ability and Strategy. Each challenger changed strategies mid way through the fight to see if the Royal had the skills to adapt. I must award Daniel and Nathaniel 6 points, they adapted well but were weaker in their adaptation. Keen receives 9 points, he did not adapt, because he knew he would be weaker and instead used what he was good at to overpower the opponent. Raina, unfortunately did not have a chance to show that skill, due to her voluntarily changing her partner. I must award 0 points." This received some outraged chatter from the crowd. Sir Ritrel's jaw tightened. No one had explained that to him or he could have easily tested her.

"May I interject?" Ritrel asked Mordakai who shot him a glare.

"It will make things harder for Raina if we do. We will make our stand to the Empress Dowager the end if there is more injustice." Mordakai ordered as the man on the stage continued.