Aeron and his mentor had arrived at the tourney, which was now gathering people robed in all sorts of attire, many of them lavish with wealth, making them natural allies of the King. They made their way to the training grounds, where many of the to-be competitors had gathered. The clashes of swords swarmed around them, garnished with masculine grunts and the stiff stench of sweat. Ser Duncan led the two of them to a small open area, the grass underneath stripped away by boots and a haze of dust floating just above the surface.
"Now, boy, ready your sword. You have been training, have you not?" Ser Duncan commanded. Aeron looked at him astounded, his hand gripping the pommel of his blade.
"Without my armor, Ser?" he asked.
"Of course boy. If you do not wish to be harmed, you will parry my movements. You must be ready to protect the King at a moment's notice."
Aeron drew his sword from the sheath at his hip, admiring the swish of the metal against the crafted leather. He readied it in front of him, his knees bending slightly and his feet shuffling in the dirt. Before he was fully prepared, Ser Duncan thrust his sword, slowly for a knight, at Aeron, which was pushed away by the opposing blade. As Aeron pushed away the lunge, Ser Duncan quickly brought the blade over Aeron's head and sliced at his flank. Aeron, now moving his sword across his front, once again shoved off the attack. As he looked in front of him, he saw a few possible routes: he could take the small distraction of his parry to lunge at Ser Duncan's breastplate; however, this would not be a very effective attack, as the sheer white metal couldn't be easily punctured; he could also throw himself across Ser Duncan's view, perhaps allotting enough time for him to aim his blow at the neck. He decided on the latter, stepping to his right, one leg crossing over the other, and with a heavy grunt pushed his sword upwards towards the back of Ser Duncan's head.