Author’s note: This translation of “The Fall of Leuyoldedd”, also known as “The Second Coming of Skell’aenthid”, represents only parts five, six, and seven of the full tale. The other parts have never been found.
“How could I possibly say ‘no’ to the Queen’s Champion?”
In response, Sir Leuyoldedd put on his well-known, woman-swooning smile, but said no more. The old man had, after all, spoken true — he could not refuse Sir Leuyoldedd, the Queen’s Champion, not if he wanted his business to continue to thrive. A slight to Leuyoldedd was as good as a slight to the Queen herself. And though refusal of a man like Leuyoldedd was by no means treason, word of such denial would spread quickly. The small crowd already gathering around the two would see to that. People wouldn’t trust a man who didn’t trust the Queen’s Champion. Sir Kape Leuyoldedd: not just the Queen’s Champion; the People’s Champion. Leuyoldedd maintained his smile as he held out the sword.
“Look at this,” the old man said. “Nitre’d good, she is.” His bony fingers scratched at the calcified deposits layered over the old blade, dislodging a few flecks onto his rickety table. “A sight shabby fer the likes of you, sir, but nothing a good rasping won’t fix. But a fine eye for sword craft you have, sir; I do believe her blade is still keen!”
The small crowd around Leuyoldedd and the scrutineer leaned in to get a better look, ever cautious not to jostle the brown-haired Champion.
“Strip her, then!” Leuyoldedd called, for the crowd’s benefit as much as the old timer’s. “Let’s see what fine lines she has beneath her modest shell!” Sure enough, Leuyoldedd heard the intended sighs from the women and emboldened chuckles from the men.
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