By Lionel Gant, Sports Correspondent, The Times-Observer
The second week of the Kingdom Canal Jousting Championship has left the waters of Inverness thick with smoke, cheers, and the scent of victory — or defeat. Crowds line the bridges from dawn until dusk as the champions of the twelve regions battle for the right to bear the Trident of the Waters into the final round next week.
The Grand Canal has seen laughter, collisions, broken lances, and one spectacular capsize that sent both teams tumbling into the drink — much to the delight of the spectators and bookmakers alike.
Early Rounds: The Favorites Hold, Barely
The Wharf Hounds of Westmere, last year’s champions, began their title defense in ferocious form, overwhelming the Lampers of Easthallow in two swift runs. Their captain, Darrow Pike, lived up to his fearsome reputation by bursting three orbs in as many minutes, earning the first Triple Claim of the tournament. His boat emerged from the smoke ringed in red and gold — their signature colors.
But even Pike looked mortal when the Iron Current of Northreach met them in the quarterfinals. The disciplined Northreachers refused to be drawn into Pike’s brawling style, striking with surgical precision and rhythm. One of their rowers fell into the canal during the second run, but the rest held formation. The deciding orb was a narrow blue one near the far end of the canal — hit simultaneously by both sides.
The judges ruled in favor of Westmere by a fraction of a heartbeat, citing the faint trace of blue smoke rising from Pike’s lance tip before the Northreach color appeared. The crowd roared its approval — and Northreach’s stoic salute at the finish won them equal respect.
Mid-Tournament Drama: Smoke and Surprises
In perhaps the most thrilling match yet, the Mist Cutters of Thornwold narrowly defeated the Marsh Vipers of Elderfen in what commentators are calling “The Duel in the Fog.”
As dusk settled, the air grew thick with real mist from the river — so dense that even the signal horns were muffled. When the first orb burst, its plume of green smoke hovered low, glowing eerily against the lamps. Both boats vanished into it, their drummers beating out of sight. When they emerged again, the Thornwold captain, Serra Vale, had somehow struck two more orbs, one on either flank, without breaking formation.
Witnesses on the canal banks swear she closed her eyes and struck by sound alone — following the echo of the other team’s oars. “She hears through the water,” an admiring rival said. “That’s witchcraft or genius — maybe both.”
Elsewhere, the Auric Tide of Goldvale dazzled the crowd but not the scoreboard, their ornate golden armor reflecting beautifully in the sunlight while they managed a single strike before capsizing on their own wake.
The Sea Ravens of Ravenshore advanced on endurance alone, their stoic tactics grinding down the Crestfallers of Highmere after three grueling runs. Their Shieldman, Orren Hald, blocked a record nine strikes in one bout, earning him the nickname “The Wall of the North.”
The Semifinalists Emerge
As the smoke clears and the waters settle, four teams remain to vie for the final two berths in next week’s championship:
- The Wharf Hounds (Westmere) — still undefeated, though visibly weary.
- The Mist Cutters (Thornwold) — riding momentum and mystique.
- The Sea Ravens (Ravenshore) — slow, silent, and relentless.
- The Marchwater Men (Southmarch) — the surprise contenders, whose cavalry discipline has translated shockingly well to oars.
The pairings have already been drawn:
- Westmere will meet Thornwold in a rematch of last year’s controversial semi.
- Ravenshore will face Southmarch in what bookmakers call “the Battle of the Silent Men.”
A Nation Afloat
With the championship only a week away, every tavern in Inverness has turned into a canal-side theater. Wagers are laid, songs are shouted, and posters of the teams flutter from the bridge railings.
In the poorer districts, children carve makeshift lances and stage their own miniature bouts in the gutters, cheering for “Miss Serra the Mist Witch” or “Captain Pike the Barrel-Breaker.”
The King himself is expected to attend the final match next week, when the last smoke will rise and the waters will once again reflect peace — or at least pride well-earned.
Until then, the drummers of Inverness beat through the night, echoing across the canals, reminding every citizen that the water remembers every strike.