The field of green was empty and welcoming. Construction of the stands surrounding it had finished yesterday and people were already camped there waiting for the action.

“Behold, Sir Robert the Quick!” A smattering of polite applause accompanied a few well-intentioned jeers. “Although his parentage is in question, his skills are not.” The announcer frowned and looked at me with confusion. “Or is it the other way around?”

I ignored the twitch that had recently developed in my left eye. “Doesn’t matter now. Get on with it.”

“Regardless we welcome all particpants, denying none on the basis of age, rank or gender. Place Robert’s standard atop the fence.”

A red and gold banner bearing an hour glass was raised. It was cunningly made and when the wind caught it, the sand looked like it flowed.

I stepped up. “I am Robert Quick. Some call me good, some call me arrogant or pretentious. I say my work speaks for itself. My motto is a simple one- ‘Be someone who makes things better’. Good luck to each and all of us.”