The royal guards shouted and rushed forward.
Steel flashed.
Ernest's men reacted at once. Swords were drawn. The sharp clash of metal echoed through the hall.
The first guard who reached Ernest was blocked. One of Ernest's men stepped in front of him and forced him back.
Another guard lunged forward.
Blades collided.
The sound was loud and harsh.
The hall fell into chaos.
Tables were overturned. Chairs were pushed aside.
Ernest did not retreat. Two of his most trusted men stood close, guarding him carefully.
The royal guards were many, but Ernest's men were skilled. Their strikes were quick and firm.
A guard cried out and fell to the ground.
Another was disarmed and kicked aside.
The nobles and lords, shocked by the sudden violence, quickly moved away from the center of the hall.
They gathered in one corner, pressing against the cold stone walls.
Some crouched behind pillars.
Some covered their heads in fear.
But not all of them stayed back.
