The journey from Highgarden to Oldtown, a city criss-crossed with river channels, canals and cobbled streets, with breathtaking stone mansions and less squalor than Kings Landing, was uneventful. Master Tyvian paid his respects to Lord Raiff Hightower, and was greeted with more respect than on his previous visit. When he mentioned that his business was primarily with the Maesters Lord Hightower recommended that he request the higher guest chambers in the Citadel as the views are spectacular. Master Tyvian and everyone else headed to the Citadel where they were greeted by a novice and quartered, as requested, in guest chambers high in the Citadel with the view unfortunately obscured by mist. When Master Tyvian asked the novice who guided them to the quarters about seeing the Head Maester the novice explained that the Grand Maester is in Kings Landing serving on the King's Small Council. In the Citadel the highest ranking person was the Seneschal, chosen by lot from amongst the ranks of the Arch-Maesters (the acclaimed experts in each field). Also looking after the novices and acolytes are the Rectors. Master Tyvian demanded of the novice that the Seneschal come up to his quarters for a private meeting but when he finishes dressing the following morning there was nothing but a note on the door. With difficulty Master Tyvian deciphered it enough to find the Seneschal's secretary to find the room full of people waiting to see the Seneschal, including Lords and other nobility outranking him.

However Master Tyvian and Cadfael were ushered into the Seneschal's office without delay, or even the customary tip. There the Seneschal, an elderly bald Maester with a profusion of chains around his neck, explains that protocol dictates that The Citadel recommend who should be appointed and pass that on to the Grand Maester in Kings Landing for approval and so that the Lord gets notification from the Grand Maester himself, whilst the Citadel arrange for the newly appointed Maester to take up their post. In this case The Citadel chose Maester Josh Summersby but, as Maester John has confirmed from the papers in Castle Lance, Lord Kinnemeve received notification that the new Maester would be Maester Justin Langward, with the consequences for the Kinnemeve family that have been demonstrated. the Seneschal proposed that the Kinnemorne family receive the services of a Maester free of charge for one year to help Master Tyvian with his investigation in Kings Landing and that, depending on the results of this investigation, that would discharge The Citadel's obligation to the Kinnemorne family. Tyvian accepted this, whilst noting the proviso, and so Maester Ieden an expert in heraldry and legal matters was introduced.

On the ride to Highgarden those in house Kinnemorne get to know their new Maester and his protege Vittranni a Westeros merchant's son getting an education at the tower after many years in the Free Cities. During the ride from Highgarden to Kings Landing everyone become more and more concerned that the coin they were given by Lord Urquart will run out about the time they get to Kings Landing leaving them penniless to make a good impression at court. It was therefore a great relief to hear a minstrel announce in a traveller's inn two-thirds of the way between Highgarden and Bitterbridge, after several rousing songs about the glory of a jousting knight that a local lord, the Litherlands of Vengeni are hosting a Tourney in honour of the eldest daughter's coming of age, with a prize of 50 gold dragons, in three days time.

After Vitranni tried and failed to make the minstrel Maoni Elderstree lose her voice to stop attracting any more competition they all ride to Vengeni Castle. After introducing themselves to the steward and entering both the Grand Melee and the Joust everyone is welcomed to the opening feast. At the feast are about 15 knights or nobility, a similar number of ladies, half a dozen Maesters, Merchants and other travellers. There Mistress Isobel Litherhand is formally welcomed and seated at her Father's right hand where she is protected by her two elders brothers Gwilliam and Stephraine who, Lord Owain Litherland announces, will both be her champions for the first bout and take challengers in turn until all the challengers have jousted. At that point the two champions will joust for the right to name the Queen of Love and Beauty for the tournement, as well as the 30 Gold Dragons prize. The Grand Melee will be held after the final joust in teams of three and be for a prize of 21 Gold Dragons.

During the meal and in the social whorl afterwards Master Tyvian introduces himself to a knight called Ser Martyn Reddin who was knighted for bravery on the Redgrass Field and is looking forward to a fight with either of the Valaryian Pendrake twins and to Ser Fulkes Villaret of the neighbouring estate of Westonford who is looking forward to fighting Ser Garin Balben of Tothall who is, to Ser Fulkes's eye, far too interested in Mistress Isobel. At the same time Vitranni introduces himself to Lord Ser Piyale Aubusson of Radington a very bluff and martially obsessed man who is looking forward to fighting Ser Fulkes as he considers him a it of a dandy and Ser Martyn Reddin to show him what a real joust is like. Vitranni also helped Master Gwint past the every watchful gaze of the two brothers to exchange a long and meaningful glance with Mistress Isobel Litherland. Master Gwint and everyone else then retire early(ish) to prepare for the beginning of the tournament the following morning.

The following morning everyone woke early to finish getting ready for the formal Presentation of Arms to Lord Owain and Mistress Isobel Litherland, those for the Joust or the Joust and Grand Melee on horseback, those only for the Grand Melee on foot. All the arms and armour were polished till they gleamed, the horses perfectly groomed and pennants and tabards clean and fluttering in the breeze. The full list of participants was (with additional details provided by Maester Ieden's superb grasp of Heraldry):

• Master Gwilliem Litherland of Vengeni (19), eldest brother of Mistress Isobel

• Master Stephraine Litherland of Vengeni (18), elder brother of Mistress Isobel

• Ser Oxleas Snow (29), a hedge knight

• Alof of Harlaw (26), a sellsword just participating in the Grand Melee

• Ser Kerred Pendrake of Thistberry in the Stormlands (21), one of twins of Valaryian descent, a notable if not well-loved knight

• Ser Dwynne Pendrake of Thistberry in the Stormlands (21), one of twins of Valaryian descent, also a notable if not well-loved knight

• Master Raymond Berenger of Chauncy on Arbor (14), squire to the Pendrakes

• Lord Jeal Villaret of Westonford (39), Westonford is the neighbouring estate to Vengeni

• Ser Fulkes Villaret of Westonford (19), hier to the Westonford estate

• Master Matt Caswell of Bitterbridge (27), second son of the Caswells, a veteran jouster

• Master Gregor Falstof of Woodstock (22), heir to the Woodstock estate, nearly a day's ride west of Vengeni

• Lord Ser Piyale Aubusson of Radington (24), became lord during the Blackfyre Rebellion, sat out the entire rebelliion besieging his neighbour

• Ser Garin Balben of Tothall (34), widowed heir to the Tothall estate a days ride north of Vengeni

• Joffrey Lerat (42), Tothall's master-at-arms just competing in the Grand Melee

• Ser Martyn Reddin (28), a notable hedge knight

• Master Tyvian Kinnemorne of XXXXX in the Stormlands (26), heir to the XXXXX estate just competing in the Grand Melee

• Master Gwint Kinnemorne of XXXXX in the Stormlands (16), youngest son of Lord Urquart Kinnemorne

• Cadfael (39), XXXXXX's master-at-arms just competing in the Grand Melee

After the presentation and the blessing of the field and combatants by the Vengeni Septon, Master Tyvian moves up to the nobles stands, seated next to a gout-riddled Lord Jace Balben and surrounded by the noble ladies come to witness the joust and enjoy the Grand Ball once the jousting is completed such as the very pretty Mistress Selsya Caswell and her family's Septa Ilsa Fairweather, Lady Bethany and Mistress Marisha Villaret, Lady Margery Aubasson (eldest sister of Mistress Isobel Litherland) and Lady Bellina and Mistress Winonea Falstof.

The first joust was between Master Gwilliem Litherland and Lord Jeal Villaret which Master Gwilliem Litherland won after the first tilt easily unhorsing Lord Jeal Villaret, Master Gwint and Cadfael both suspected that Lord Jeal Villaret may have fallen off his horse deliberately to give the home house at least one win. The second joust was between Master Stephraine Litherland and Lord Ser Aubasson which Lord Ser Aubasson won after two brutal tilts unhorsing Master Stephraine in a clatter or armour. Master Gwint then entered the joust, beating Master Gwilliem Litherland who fell almost unconscious from the saddle after three jousts with Master Gwint riding agressively but still very secure in his saddle. The fourth joust was between Lord Ser Aubasson and Ser Snow which Lord Ser Piyale won after both horsemen were unhorsed on their first tilt with the fight then continuing on foot until Ser Snow was felled with a strong blow from a ball and chain. The final joust before lunch was between Master Gwint and the squire Master Berenger in which both jousters showed their inexperience as the joust lasted for thirteen largely ineffectual tilts until Master Berenger was unhorsed. In the meantime Cadfael, Maarz and Vitranni enjoyed the games of the smallfolk with Cadfael splitting a thick log with a single blow in a show of strength and axemenship, Maarz easily walked across a greased log and Vitranni threw horseshoes easily around spikes in the ground and Maester Ieden engaged in a Measter's challenge in Vengeni Castle, losing the first round to the Litherland Maester but winning the second.

After lunch the jousting resumed with Master Gwint, still riding aggressively, riding against Master Falstof which Master Gwint won after five tilts, unhorsing Master Falstof. Ser Fulkes Villaret then rode against Lord Ser Aubusson in the seventh joust, unhorsing him to an even greater cheer than usual from the smallfolk after three tilts. The eighth joust was between Master Gwint and Ser Kerred Pendrake which was stopped after seven tilts with neither rider unhorsing the other, but Master Gwint landed the stronger blows and so was proclaimed the victor. The final joust of the day, the ninth, was between Ser Fulkes and Ser Dwynne Pendrake in which Ser Dwynne showed his superior quality by unhorsing Ser Fulkes Villaret in four tilts. Meanwhile in the Measter's tower in Vengeni the Westonfold Maester won the third round of the debate and Maester Ieden won the fourth whilst amidst the smallfolk games Maarz walked over the greased log, this time drapped with a greased sack in the middle. That night, Master Tyvian ordered Master Gwint early to bed after a rub-down by two women hired by Master Tyvian and his tent gaurded by all the former Kinnemeve men all night. Master Tyvian went out carousing in the Vengeni taverns with Cadfael whilst Maarz tried to convince everyone he could that he had trained Master Gwint.

The following morning, with no shennanigans occurring during the night, Ser Dwynne Pendrake restarted the joust, riding against Ser Balben who was unhorsed after five tilts. The eleventh joust was between Master Gwint and Master Caswell with Master Gwint being sorely tested by a nobleman well versed in jousting and tourneys. Master Gwint switched his stance in the saddle riding high and eventually unhorsing Master Caswell after taking two heavy blows in the saddle. Meanwhile Master Ieden and Maester Adolphus of Westonfold were mainly competing against each other during the morning's Maseter debates as they had during the previous day, so much so that they were acclaimed joint winners. The twelfth joust was between Ser Dwynne Pendrake and Ser Reddin with the veteran knight unhorsing the Valaryian after seven tilts. Before the final joust Lord Owain Litherland called the two champions, along with Master Ieden and Master Tyvian, to his private chamber in Vengeni Castle where Master Gregor Falstof, looking very anxious, and Maester Theobald of Woodstock were also present. Lord Owain explained that his friend, neighbour and distant cousin had come to him with some very worrying news requesting a favour which Lord Owain was happy to grant.

Master Gregor then took up the tale directly "Our family's soldiers were part of the Hammer and the Anvil on the Redgrass Field where we lost a great many men. As a result we have been hiring a small sellsword company The Sheaf of Spears to supplement our garrison forces whilst the smallfolk recover their strength. However in recent months the Sheaf of Spears's demands have become greater and their attitude to our family less wholesome. At this joust are my mother Lady Bellina and my sister Mistress Winonea as well as myself and our Maester Theobald, leaving only my father Lord Ramon-Marc and the twins. It is my fear that either my father confronted The Sheaf of Spears or they have become emboldened by that lack of so many of the family. Either way our steward was riding back to Woodstock Castle last night after visiting some of the outlying farms when he noticed that the drawbridge had been raised and that The Sheaf of Spears emblem was flying instead of our own arms above the castle. He has just reached me and I am entreated our host Lord Owain for permission to approach the two greatest combatants on the field as well as those who did so well outsmarting Lord Rocsly and besting his champion so comprehensively as well as the acclaimed Maester of the day. I am prepared to pay you 30 Gold Dragons if you can find out what has happened to my father and the twins and rescue them and them deal with the Sheaf of Spears."

Maester Ieden outlined the likely punishments for and response to the sellswords likely betrayal as well as the local Lord's responsibilities (as well as ruminating on the consequences for the Falstof family). Ser Reddin agreed and so Master Tyvian after some questions about the size and experience of the sellswords, 30 men none-too-battle-hardened, and whether the joust would continue, agreed as well. Master Falstof was very pleased then conferred briefly with his Maester. Master Falstof thanked everyone for agreeing then said he was off immediately to raise the villagers should a full and very risky armed assault become necessary and would meet with the Kinnemorne's and Ser Reddin on the following day near Woodstock Castle. Lord Owain then led everyone else back to the field where Master Gwint and Ser Reddin were blessed by the Vengeni Septon before beginning the final, thirteenth, joust. This proved to be an sore challenge for Master Gwint being almost unhorsed on several occasions before, with the hand of destiny on his shoulder, he managed to unhorse Ser Reddin, unharmed, after five tilts. Master Gwint Kinnemorne was then proclaimed the Champion of the Tourney and bestowed the title of Queen of Love and Beauty on Mistress Isobel Litherland.

Whilst the jousting field was being turned into the staging area for the Grand Melee, an archery competition against stationary targets was performed. After overextending himself with some very long range shots as his opponents did the same, Maarz eventually came second. In the following Grand Melee Master Tyvian and Master Gwint elected to protect Cadfael and each other whilst Cadfael dispatched the opponents. This tactic was very successful with Cadfael dispatching Ser Dwynne Pendrake with a single skilfully placed blow. Ser Perred Pendrake took a few more blows before he was dispatched whilst Master Tyvian and Master Gwint dealt with Master Berenger eventually knocking him unconscious with a blow that sent him sliding across the turf of the tournament field. They then charged a group consisting of Alof of Harlaw, Ser Snow and the Litherland master of arms. It was soon obvious that Alof was not using blunted weapons as is customary in the Grand Melee so he was struck down by Cadfael, his leg broken in seven places, whilst Master Tyvian and Master Gwint shield charged the master-of-arms out of the fight. Leaving Master Tyvian, Master Gwint turned to fight Lord Ser Aubasson who had slightly injured Cadfael with his ball-and-chain. He was able to bring Lord Ser Aubasson down before turning to help his brother only to discover that Cadfael had finished the job instead.

Cadfael, Master Tyvian and Master Gwint squared up against Ser Reddin, Master Gwilliam Litherland and Master Stephraine Litherland. Cadfael landed the first blow crashing his blunted sword into Ser Reddin causing him to wince with pain but not fall. Master Tyvian took Master Gwilliam by surprise by knocking him to the floor whilst Master Stephraine and Master Gwint exchanged blows. Cadfael then struck again smashing Ser Reddin's shield into his hand with such force that several of his fingers and other bones in his hand were broken, Ser Reddin managed to strike Cadfael beating his armour but not causing any serious damage. Master Gwint was then struck down but a lucky blow from Master Stephraine whilst Master Tyvian, to the boos of the Vengeni crowd, knocked Master Gwilliam Litherland back to the earth and followed up with a flurry of sword blows. Cadfael then finally dispatched Ser Reddin whilst landing a blow on Master Stephraine's shield whilst Master Tyvian stood back as Master Gwilliam attempted to sweep Master Tyvian to the floor with his legs. Cadfael then crashed his sword sickeningly into the abdomen of Master Stephraine who somehow remained concious and swung back at Cadfael just getting through his armour whilst Master Tyvian allowed his opponent back to his feet and set himself on one knee ready for a charge from Master Gwilliam. With a massive blow Cadfael finally dispatched Master Stephraine who collapsed unconscious and vomiting to the floor. Meanwhile Master Tyvian managed to push the charging Master Gwilliam over his shoulder with his shield to send him sprawling to the ground, he landed badly and knocked himself out. Cadfael and Master Tyvian were acclaimed by Lord Owain Litherland and, after a moment's hesitation over Master Tyvain's unchivalric fighting, the crowd.

Meanwhile in Vengeni Castle Maester Ieden, Vitranni and Maarz were being shown a sketch of Woodstock Castle by it's Maester including the deliberately loose man-sized stone in the crypt marked with the Falstof crest.  This stone could be removed from either side for secret entrance/exit.  They were then joined by the veterans Master Tyvian and Cadfael who swiftly came up with a plan whilst Maester Ieden revived Master Gwint.  Maarz and Vitranni were then sent out to buy arms and armour for the cadre of soldiers Master Tyvian had sworn to his service. They also borrowed horses from the Vengeni stablemaster as all those at the tournament had been sold.  Whilst they were dealing with the merchants everyone else as winners in one or more parts of the tournament prepared for the Grand Ball.

To open the Grand Ball a still groggy Master Gwint Kinnemorne, the champion jouster had to dance with his crowned Queen of Love and Beauty Mistress Isobel Litherland. Fortunately it was a courtly measure otherwise Master Gwint's still groggy mind would not have kept up. Master Tyvian then made a more creditable display and then circulated charmingly amongst the nobility whilst Master Gwint and Maester Ieden proceeded to eat heartily and drink even more so. Whilst her husband was talking with Master Gwint trying to procure the services of Cadfael, Lady Margery Aubasson cornered Cadfael himself who was sitting quietly away from the nobilty nursing a smallbeer. Once she got through his intimidating first impression she expressed admiration for the way he dispatched her husband. Eventually she managed to get him to open up about himself and the deaths of his wife and family in the far North. At the same time she expressed some frustration at her brutal and martially obsessed husband and envy for her younger sister Mistress Isobel. By then it was sufficiently late in the evening for Vitranni to disguise himself as a Kinnemorne squire and bluff his way into the Great Hall.  There he soon found himself constantly engaged in conversation with one noble daughter after another. Eventually he persuaded Mistress Marisha Villaret to take an unchaperoned walk on the castle battlements with him, where they kissed passionately beneath the moon. Sadly for Vitranni she swooned and blushed at the kiss, then ran back to join her friends. Vitranni then joined Maarz outside the castle where they both span great tales to the enjoyment of the smallfolk before finding ladies of persuadable or, in extremis, negotiable virtue with whom to pass a pleasant hour.