Seth stopped pacing when he heard this and took a deep breath, trying to focus. Then calmly asked, "When is the joust?"

Colin took a deep breath, looking deeply into his eyes, judging. "This Friday."

"What day is today?" Seth asked frantically, looking around.

"Today is Monday."

"Shit!"

"Watch your language, young man," Colin said firmly, with a stern look in his eyes. "The time will come soon enough."

Seth thought for a moment, looking down, ...