Prompt#14: Yesterday

Word Count: 295 of 300 MAX
DAY 14 Prompt: Yesterday

         The cold night air quickly crept through Brian’s tunic and leggings. He couldn’t risk taking the time to put on all his clothes and possibly wake one of the other boys. His adrenaline would keep him warm long enough.

         He made his way to the tournament yard, being cautious to avoid the sentries patrolling the walls and grounds. Once there, he wasted no time sabotaging each section of the gauntlet. William was running it in the morning; the only boy that stood a chance of beating him for the title. Brian had faked illness earlier and skipped the day’s competition so he could spent the day planning this evening’s treachery.

         It took several hours to complete but when he’d finished, he was certain William was done for. The traps were laid out in such a way that even he, Brian, wouldn’t be able to avoid all of them and he knew where they all were. Tomorrow William would fail. Brian would compete the following day and be crowned the victor.

         Morning came quick and Brian was up in a flash, eager to get to the tournament. Everyone was lined up along the gauntlet waiting for the Master Sergeant. Eventually he appeared with parchment in hand. He called out the names of the four boys who would be competing that morning. “Kyle…Ferdinand…Brian…Erikson. Step up boys and good luck.”

         Brian stood stunned. “That’s not right. I’m not up until tomorrow. William is supposed to run today.”

         A smaller boy standing next to him looked up and snorted. “Don’t be stupid. William ran yesterday. Set a new record too. But no worries. If anyone can beat him, Brian, its you.”

         Brian stepped up to the starting point, the cheers of encouragement falling on deaf ears.