The morning sun rose over Caelhart, gilding the arena's spires in gold. The cheers of thousands rolled like thunder through the air, shaking the very ground. Today was the day, the finals of the Royal Academy Tournament.
The city itself seemed alive. Bells rang from the towers, merchants shouted in the streets, and streamers bearing the colors of the four ducal houses fluttered in the wind.
The air smelled faintly of roasted almonds and hot oil from the vendors outside. Street performers mimicked sword duels for laughing children, while guards struggled to keep the crowd flowing toward the coliseum gates.
Even those who couldn't get in stood outside the coliseum, simply wanting to hear what was going on inside.
From every district, nobles and commoners alike gathered toward the colosseum, their excitement echoing through the stone-paved roads.
