7th Moon, 8000
Docks of Kings Landing
The small ship made its way closer to the shore, its dragon banner fluttering in the wind, the dark black and red cloth making it visible in the light blue sky from miles away, though now it was almost ashore. Even farther behind the ship was a dragon, its bronze scales shining in the sun.
The ship was Visenyas, Aegon's sister-wife and her two Kingsguard were finally returning to the capitol after nearly one year in Essos. She had sent a messenger that had arrived some time ago, stating that she had given birth to a healthy little girl in Norvos, and stated her intentions to sail down the Little Rhoyne river by barge to Pentos, where she would then stay for a month, letting the child recover from the journey from Norvos and Pentos and letting her grow stronger for the 4-5 day sea voyage from Pentos to King's Landing.
Aegon stood, hand on his sword Blackfyre, a feeling of anticipation coursing through his body. In truth he had not much thought of becoming a father in years past, with almost all of his attention devoted to his plans and ambitions to conquer Westeros, and now that he was on the verge of meeting his newborn daughter, he did not entirely know what to feel.
‘’This is so exciting….the little dragon is finally here.’’ Rhaenys said happily, she had not been idle during the wait, contracting seamstresses to make the babe clothes, and even had bought a little silver circlet from a passing Myrish trader, another one of her frivolous expenses.
As the ship came into harbor, Aegon spotted Visenya, who was wearing her silver hair in a long braid, a little bundle in her arms. Aethen Velaryon, the Targaryens cousin and the master of ships nodded to his men who prepared a wooden gangplank as the ship pulled into harbor, with Corlys Velaryon holding out a hand and helping the queen disembark.
Rhaenys immediately embraced Visenya before she stopped to look at the babe.
‘’She is beautiful, Visenya….tan too.’’ Rhaenys said with a laugh, holding out her hands to hold the baby, rocking her gently.
‘’Sailing for a week down the River Rhoyne has that effect.’’ Visenya said with a small smile.
Aegon smiled and approached his sister, embracing her for a good while before Visenya pushed him away gently.
‘’Go and see your daughter your Grace.’’ Visenya commanded.
The King walked over, and Rhaenys gently handed the baby to him.
He took her in his arms and looked down at her, she had already had some wisps of silver hair, and she looked up to him with big violet eyes, a smile on her face.
‘’I think our little explorer likes you.’’ Rhaenys said.
‘’Does the little explorer have a name.?’’ Aegon asked, Visenya's message had stated the child was a girl but made no mention of her name.
‘’Nyel’’ Visenya responded.
‘’Nyel?’’ Aegon asked, he knew of no such ancestor with that name.
‘’It is the name of one of the three bells of Norvos…she was born under its song..I thought it fitting.’’ Visenya responded.
‘’Very poetic.’’ Rhaenys said with a laugh.
The three Targaryens spent several more minutes on the dock, before heading back to the Aegonfort, where a feast had been prepared for Queen Visenya and the Kingsguard Ser Gregor Goode and Ser Harold Langward, that night would be one of stories of far off lands and strange peoples.
Three Months Later
Forests of Crackclaw Point
The smell of pine was heavy in the air as the long column of the royal retinue made their way through the uneven marshy terrain of the forested peninsula of Crackclaw Point. They had been traveling for four days from Duskendale at first along a dirt road, but that had ended once they entered the peninsula, with a clawman guide showing the retinue the best way to traverse the pine forests and bogs to reach the castle Dyre Den, though even with the help of the guide, it had been rough going, especially since Aegon brought 100 total knights from the Aegonfort and Dragonstone, along with their horses, squires and equipment.
Things had settled down in the realm since Visenya's return with Nyel, the pox had abated, never entering Kings Landing despite getting close at times, and the violence in the Iron Islands had also ended for the moment, though there was word that a large band of robbers and reavers had formed on the Island of Pyke, taking advantage of Vickons Greyjoys absence.
With the realm seemingly at peace, Aegon had ordered preparations to be made for a months-long tour of his own realm, which he called a royal progress. During the royal progress he would travel the land, staying in local castles, holding court in some as well as administering judgment and gaining a better understanding of his realm, an idea his sister Visenya had agreed with, thinking it prudent.
Given that this was the first such progress to ever be made, Aegon would start small, though he would stay for a night in castles along the way to his destinations, he would only stay for an extended period of time in three castles, which he had instructed Grandmaester Arlan to select randomly, giving all the lords of the realm, no matter how powerful or small, a chance to be visited by the King. He had also decided to take a strong retinue with him, 100 heavy knights, their squires, servants, six of his Kingsguard, as well as some hunters in an effort to impress his vassals, he was a King after all and he wanted his retinue to reflect his power.
His sister Visenya, who played a large role in planning the royal progress would not be accompanying them, not only because she wished to remain in the capitol with Nyel, but shortly before they had left the capitol, she had informed Aegon she was once again with child. Together, Visenya, Edmyn Tully and Orys Baratheon would rule the realm in the months Aegon and Rhaenys were on the royal progress, to ensure the safety of his wife and daughter, he had also left the Kingsguard Ser Harold Langward in the capitol, who was in need of a rest.
The planned route of the progress was first to travel north from the capitol to Duskendale, then through Crackclaw Point to the castle of Dyre Den, seat of the aged Lord Alyn Brune who had come to King's Landing to be made the High Lord of the point, they would remain at Dyre Den for some time. Following this they would leave by ship to the North, stopping for some time at a small castle in the poor county of Eastmelt before riding across the interior of the North to the Flint Cliffs, their final stopping point. They would then take a ship to Seaguard and ride back to King's Landing from the west.
Aegon turned to Rhaenys, who had not been her normal cheerful self the last few days of trudging through the pine bogs. She had wanted to simply ride by Dragon to Dyre Den but Aegon thought it best that they arrive at Dyre Den all together, to show their unity.
‘’One day we shall have to send men to make roads in parts of the realm such as these….they are cut off from trade.’’ Aegon mused as they passed yet another small ruined keep, moss growing over its cracked stone, a common sight in the pine bogs.
‘’We should not even be on the roads.’’ Rhaenys said gloomily, looking up into the sky, where one of the Dragons could be seen through a crack in the forest roof.
‘’The people of this realm dont understand our Dragons, if we arrive on their backs they will only fear us, but they do understand knights…let them see we do not just command the loyalty of Dragons but also men..let them see the white cloaks of the Kingsguard…that they will respect and even admire it….a King cannot rule with fear alone.’’ Aegon responded.
Rhaenys was silent at that.
Eventually they made it through the worst of the bogs and the ground became more stable, and they made good time after that, reaching Dyre Den by nightfall. The castle of House Brune was not a particularly impressive one, being quite small, with three crooked towers situated on a large ledge overlooking the Bay of Crabs, it was only accessible by a long winding path up the cliff, forcing Aegon's retinue to leave their horses behind with their squires, and go up one at a time, with King Aegon at the forefront.
They were greeted by Lord Alyn Brune, who had the small courtyard lit with torches. The old lord insisted upon standing at the entrance and greeting every knight personally as they ascended into the castle before welcoming Aegon and his Kingsguard into his hall for feasting, the other knights would be seated at wooden tables outside in the torch-lit courtyard for their own feast. Crackclaw Point was not a rich land and feeding 100 knights for an extended period of time would put a considerable strain on House Brune, though this was mitigated by the fact that all the lords of the Point had contributed food to their Lord, seeing the Kings visit as honoring the whole region.
Aegon and Rhaenys were seated at the high table alongside Lord Alyn and his young blonde wife, Aegon's Kingsguard ate at the other smaller tables alongside Lord Brunes champions and kin, though Ser Gawen Corbray stood at attention behind the high table as he was the Kingsguard on duty.
‘’Mother have mercy there's dragons flyin about me keep.’’ Lord Alyn Brune said with a laugh.
Rhaenys smiled ‘’You have nothing to fear Lord Brune…your house is loyal…and a true friend to the crown.’’
‘’Aye…I see it as a great honor..i'm sure many of my descendents shall grow up hearin of the time the Dragon King sat in our own keep, with the Black Dread flying out in the bay.’’ Lord Brune replied.
‘’I must ask your grace…where is your sister..the one with the bronze Dragon, we were hoping to see her once more, she was kind to my people when we swore our allegiance to her at the beginning of your conquest.’’ Lord Brune continued.
Aegon nodded ‘’She wanted to be here of course…but she is pregnant with my child, and did not want to leave our young daughter unattended.’’
‘’Ah…the mother blesses you..two children in as many years….if youre of a mind to think ahead i've a grandson, we Brunes may be a bit rough a’round the edges, but we've noble blood runnin through our veins we do.’’ Lord Brune said.
Aegon had graciously turned him down saying it was too early to think of such things, in truth he had no intention of marrying off his daughter to such a minor family, but he did not wish to offend his host, and he did not lie about the latter, his daughter was not even a year old yet, far too young to even consider the future.
Once the feasting had died down, Lord Brune had ordered the main entertainment of the night to begin, a saga of songs and ballads by local clawmen bards about the storied history of Crackclaw Point. The primary focus had been on the Brothers Brune, two of Lord Alyns ancestors who had unified the Clawmen and brought peace to the region nearly 200 years prior, though only for their lifetime.
Rhaenys, who had since recovered from her discomfort of the journey was enthralled by the tales, and true to her poetic nature had even joined in the chorus of a few songs, and suggested a few additional rhymes much to the Clawmens delight, who quickly came to admire her just as much as her older sister.
The Next Morning
Hall of Dyre Den
‘’Your Royal Grace.’’ The blackhaired Septon said, bowing deeply if clumsily.
Aegon nodded for him to rise and speak.
‘’Beggin your pardon your royalship…but our small sept, which I oversee was visited some weeks ago by the crab men who came demanding taxes……though we've never had to pay taxes to Lord Brune, much less outsiders….the little coin we do get goes to helpin the orphans of those that are lost to the sea.’’ The man said, who had only introduced himself as the local septon.
‘’Crab Men?’’ Aegon said, though in truth he already knew the answer, they could only be the men of House Celtigar of Claw Isle, a small island near the point and one of the Kings original vassals, the Celtigars tracing their lineage back to minor lords in Valyria.
‘’Must be Celtigars….they often poke their noses round the point, askin for tribute and such…i've a mind to run them off each time but they always run to their ships….and ive no wish to break your peace.’’ Lord Brune mused, who had been assisting King Aegon the past few hours in holding court, with the King dispensing judgment on minor matters.
The septon nodded ‘’Aye your lordship…Celtgars…that sounds near right it does…around two dozen of them landed close by and demanded we pay them tribute….id a mind to refuse them, gather some o’ the nearby fisherfolk to resist em, but they ‘ad iron and shields while we'd only cudgels and fishing spears.’’
‘’You did well not to fight them.’’ Aegon mused, relieved that no bloodshed had occurred, the fisherfolk near the sept would have been slaughtered by the Celtigar men, who had fought in every campaign in the conquest.
‘’Well beggin your pardon your royalship…but…but they took what little silver we had, and I has a few orphans to feed, parents lost to the sea or that pox they were.’’ The septon continued, Aegon had struggled to understand the clawman accent at first but after hearing quite a few petitions he was getting the hang of it.
‘’We shall be glad to pay you for your losses, plus some extra for the children.’’ Rhaenys said with a smile. They had brought a chest of silver with them to disperse among the smallfolk they encountered.
Aegon frowned, he was understanding of the Septons plight but as a general rule he did not like giving coin to the faith, the High Septon was one of the richest men in the Kingdoms and he was more than capable of dealing with matters such as this.
Rhaenys ordered Lord Commander Corlys to fetch the chest of silver for the septon, to which he complied.
Rhaenys promised amount of a ‘’little extra’’ was an understatement to say the least as her gift to the Septon was very generous, likely amounting to more silver than he had seen in his life.
The man fell to his knees ‘’Thank you your Queenship, this will feed the little ‘uns for years it will.’’
Rhaenys had nodded and then proposed that she go and visit these orphans to which the Septon had happily agreed to arrange the short trip later that day.
Following this petition, the old lord Brune had sighed and gotten up ‘’Nature calls your grace.’’
Aegon nodded, he too was in need of a break after hours of hearing minor petitions, he nodded to Ryam Redwyne, his squire who poured him a cup of wine.
Suddenly there was a sound from outside the keep, a shout and sounds of a scuffle, with it being apparent that it was coming from Lord Brune.
Aegon drew Blackfyre and hastily made his way to the door, Ryam Redwyne and Theo Tyrell close behind him.
When they stepped out into the courtyard, they were met with the sight of Lord Brune, standing against the keep, breathing heavily, in front of them was Ser Fredder Brune, Alyns heir and eldest son holding a man with long brown hair to the dirt, a dagger at the back of his neck.
‘’What happened?’’ Aegon demanded.
‘’He attacked me….was waiting outside the door with a knife….the warrior gave these old bones enough strength to fight him off until my boy stepped in.’’ Lord Alyn Brune said, still breathing heavily.
‘’Say the word and i'll gut ‘im.’’ Ser Fredder said, pushing the dagger harder into the man's neck, who grunted in pain.
Aegon shook his head ‘’No we need him alive….he was sent by someone…we must find out who.’’
Ser Fredder nodded and roughly pulled the man up to his feet ‘’Start talking or i'll take your eye.’’
Aegon raised a hand for silence, to which the Clawmen knight reluctantly agreed.
The King sheathed his sword and approached the long haired man, who failed to meet his eyes.
‘’Look at me.’’ Aegon commanded.
The would-be-murderer slowly looked up.
‘’You will tell me who sent you…and I shall see justice done.’’ Aegon said.
‘’Justice….’’ The man said, his eyes returning to the dirt.
‘’I shall ensure you don't die screaming…..quick…painless.’’ Aegon said.
The man was silent for a good while, weighing his options in his mind before he nodded ‘’Lord Celtigar….he promised me 20 gold dragons if I killed the Clawman lord…lots of people coming and going…was easy enough to slip in.’’
‘’I say we send him to that bastard…piece by piece.’’ Ser Fredder said, spitting to the ground.
‘’No…I gave my word…kneel.’’ Aegon commanded, his hand going to Blackfyres hilt, the long haired man slowly went to his knees, hands shaking.
‘’Your grace.’’ Lord Brune interjected, causing Aegon to stop.
‘’The seven have been good to me…aye ive had my share of troubles…but they've been good to me….the mother teaches us to be merciful….spare the wretches life…send him to the wall…let him spend the rest of his miserable life servin the realm.’’ Lord Brune said.
‘’If that is your wish.’’ Aegon said, his hand leaving Blackfyres hilt, he took no joy in killing, and at least now the man's life would serve some small purpose.
‘’How should I respond to the lord o’crabs your grace…shall I call my banners?’’ Lord Alyn asked.
Aegon shook his head ‘’Leave Lord Celtigar to me.’’
The King did not even wait for his sister to return from her visit to the orphans, immediately riding Balerion to the Island of Claw Isle, a trip which took less than two hours.
He had landed in the center of the courtyard, diving down from above, shocking much of the garrison before Lord Celtigar came out to meet him. Aegon had then ordered the Lord into his keep, and had all guards cleared out so that he and the Lord of Claw Isle could speak alone, all but imprisoning Adrian Celtigar in his own keep.
Aegon had then explained to the lord that he was aware of his attempt on his neighbor's life. Lord Celtigar had initially denied it but when reminded by the King that lying to one's liege was punishable by death, he had admitted it, stating that he should have been made overlord of Crackclaw point for his service in the conquest.
Aegon had decided that killing one of his oldest vassals would accomplish nothing, and instead demanded that Lord Celtigar pay a hefty ransom to free himself from his own keep, and promise never to break the King's peace again, on pain of death.
Following this, Aegon would return to Dyre Den, where he and his retinue would remain for another week before sailing north
One Month Later
Eastmelt
The King's retinue rode through the snow, a brutal wind in the air.
Their next spot was the tiny castle of Karlspost in Eastmelt, the seat of House Moss, a minor house which was sworn to the Karstarks of Karhold. The environment was frigid, with deep snow, poor roads, and many frozen rivers cutting across the landscape making travel slow. They had arrived in the small port of Weeping Bay the prior week, and it had taken them 7 days of slow travel to reach their destination.
There were few people in this region, at least that they had seen, but on the outskirts of the tiny stone and timber castle was a small village of lumberjacks, who had all come out to witness the Kings arrival, many of them looking into the skies with wonder and terror as the Dragons followed close behind.
Rhaenys had given the villagers a generous gift of silver as was her habit before the retinue made their way to the small keep. Aegon had not protested, these people were clearly in need of silver for Eastmelt was a harsh and poor land where nothing grew.
At the front of the castle was a blonde haired man about Aegons age, wrapped in a massive cloak of bearskin that covered his whole body, and even covered some of his horses, he and a few retainers rode to meet the King.
The man bowed his head ‘’You honor us with your presence King Aegon….i'm afraid my keep is far too small for your Knights and Squires and their horses, but Ive had a makeshift stables set up for them, and land cleared for some tents, you, your sister and your closest Knights are of course welcome in my castle.
‘’Your hospitality is appreciated lord Artos.’’ Rhaenys said with a smile.
‘’You can handle our presence?’’ King Aegon asked politely, he had known that Karlspost was a small castle but he had not been expecting to arrive in such a desolate area.
‘’Normally we could not, especially so many, but my Lord of Karhold has sent sufficient provisions, as has Lord Torrhen Stark, they see your visit as an honor.’’ Lord Artos said.
Aegon nodded, relieved, he had known that his large retinue would cause some strain among his vassals but he did not wish to bankrupt House Moss.
‘’My Queen, if I may speak freely.’’ Lord Artos said as they rode into the castle.
‘’Of course my lord.’’ Rhaenys responded.
‘’I saw your charity to the tenants of the nearby village…I admire your charity, though I must say I fear it will end up in the wrong hands soon enough.’’ Lord Artos said.
‘’Wrong hands?’’ The King asked, eyebrows raised.
‘’My lands are infested with smugglers and brigands im afraid….I have tried to deal with them as is my duty, but my people are spread out and any attempt to assemble the levy alerts these criminals, who slink into the snows when I approach, what's more I do not have the food to feed my men sustain a campaign against them for long..I fear that gold will end up in the hands of the criminals.’’ Lord Artos said, it was clear that these criminals were a major thorn in his side.
‘’Lord Karstark has not attempted to deal with them?’’ Aegon asked with a frown.
‘’My liege Osric is a good man, a good lord, I have known him since childhood, but Karhold is a large region and he has stresses enough dealing with his own lands.’’ Artos Moss explained.
Aegon nodded and he, Rhaenys, and his Kinsguard made their way into the tiny castle to hold court.
Two Hours Later
Keep of Karlspost
There had been fewer petitioners in Eastmelt than in Dyre Den, likely due to the smaller population, and most of the disputes centered around timber, with one villager claiming that some trees on his land had been stolen by another.
Most of the matters had been settled by now, and there was just one more petition to hear.
‘’You may approach the King.’’ Ser Corlys Velaryon nodded to the last man, who had a long black beard.
‘’Your Grace’’ The man said bowing his head ‘’I own a small holding a few miles from here, along the weeping river, the land is rich with timber and it's been in my family for generations.’’ The man began.
Aegon leaned back, he had gotten used to the rather long winded explanations of the small folks troubles.
‘’The brigands in these lands normally stay clear, as I have two farm hands I hired to keep intruders out and patrol my lands, but their numbers have increased and so has their boldness. A fortnight ago they came from the forests in the night, like devils….slew both of the men I had hired and took my land for their own…I barely escaped their wrath with my life.’’ The man said.
Aegon turned to Artos Moss.
‘’I had heard of this incident your grace, but the brigands are numerous and well armed….and I am loath to raise my men for such an expedition and leave my keep ill-defended…I have hosted the man here however…it is the least I can do.’’ Artos explained.
Aegon nodded and turned back to Galbart, the petitioner.
‘’How many men took your land?’’ The King asked.
‘’Two dozen your grace….a few of them had shields and helmets, most had clubs and spears’’ The man answered.
Aegon was quiet for a moment before turning to Lord Commander Corlys Velaryon.
‘’Cousin, step forward.’’ He commanded his Kingsguard.
‘’Your Grace?’’ Ser Corlys said, approaching the throne with a bow, his white cloak dragging over the timber floor.
‘’Take 20 knights of your choosing and drive out these outlaws so that this man may return to his home.’’ Aegon commanded.
‘’At once your grace.’’ Corlys nodded.
Aegon then turned to his squire Theo Tyrell ‘’Theo…you shall accompany my cousin and squire for him…it is time you witness combat firsthand.’’
Theo Tyrell bowed his head ‘’I shall represent my house well your Grace.’’
Three Hours Later
Galbarts Lands, Banks of the Weeping River
Corlys Velaryon knelt on the snowy hill, his white hair, armor and cloak seemingly making him a part of the hill itself.
Galbart spoke true The Lord Commander of the Kingsguard thought, the holdfast had around two dozen men walking around, many of them in front of a fire, where a deer was being roasted.
He quietly made his way behind the hill where hsi twenty knights were waiting, mounted.
‘’They've fortified the holdfast with a wall of wooden spikes, our horses will do us no good, tie them to the trees and leave a man with them…we attack on foot.’’ Corlys said, and his knights nodded, dismounting.
‘’Shield.’’ Corlys commanded and Theo Tyrell obliged, handing the Lord commander his large shield, painted pure white, with the seahorse sigil of his house in the middle.
He took the Tyrell boys shoulder ‘’Go and grab a sword Theo, you will be at my side….you know how to use live steel?’’
Theo nodded ‘’I know how.’’ he replied quietly to which the Lord Commander nodded his approval.
He drew his sword and nodded to the dismounted knights behind him ‘’With me….we shall give them a chance to surrender…if they do not we attack on my command.’’
The knights slowly approached the fortified holdfast, their heavy plate boots crunching through the snow.
They were spotted a while off, and the bandits within quickly got to the perimeter, armed with a collection of pikes, cudgels, spears and daggers, with the occasional rusty helmet or dented shield.
‘’What d’ ye want!’’ One of them, presumably their leader, called out.
‘’I want you to lay down your weapons….I command this in the name of King Aegon Targaryen, first of his name….lay down your weapons…and I can promise you fair trial.’’ Corlys called out, having to shout due to the high winds.
‘’Don't think we will…..call it a trial all you like….none of us’d come out of that with our heads…turn back and save yourself a bloodletting…we've fortified this holdfast.’’ The man said, drawing his sword.
‘’Wooden spikes won't save you….’’ Corlys yelled back but there was no response.
‘’So be it…’’ Corlys said quietly, drawing his own sword to which his men did the same.
The Knights charged the ramshackle fortifications of the bandits, with Corlys leading the charge himself.
One of the brigands, armed with a makeshift wooden pike thrust at the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard as he leapt over the wooden spikes, but Corlys easily guided the pike away and opened the man's neck with a slash, spilling bright red blood into the snow.
His next opponent was dressed in heavy furs with a block hood, carrying a short spear and a wooden shield. He proved to be more of a challenge than the last man.
Corlys launched a trio of strikes, all three being blocked by the bandit before the hooded man thrust his spear forward, forcing the Lord Commander to parry it, the man was surprisingly strong for a bandit.
The bandit launched two more strikes, which Corlys blocked with sword and shield before launching his own counterattack, slashing the man's arm and forcing him to drop his spear, Corlys stepped forward to deliver a killing blow but the man managed to flee, Corlys let him run…there was no honor in chasing down a fleeing man.
His knights were making short work of the bandits, though he saw one, a knight from Dragonstone take a dagger to the back of his neck.
Suddenly he realized he had lost track of the Kings squire Theo Tyrell in the fighting, he turned to his right and saw the heir to Highgarden engaged in a duel with a bandit with a pox-marred face and an iron sword, dressed in a leather jerkin. The bandit launched a clumsy strike at the 15 year old Theo, to which the squire managed to sidestep. While the bandit was snarling and cursing, the young Tyrell was silent, eyes furrowed in concentration.
Corlys, out of the main melee at this point stood at the ready, he had no intentions of letting the heir to the Reach be killed by a stinking bandit, but the boy claimed to be trained, now was his time to prove it.
The bandit let out another crushing strike, and Theo caught it upon his shield.
Theo hesitated instead of immediately counterattacking, allowing the bandit to launch a surprisingly fast attack, Theo caught it on his blade, but he got the angle of the block wrong and his blade clattered out of his hand.
Corlys decided enough was enough and was about to intervene when Theo, wielding his shield with both hands, caught the bandit on the shoulder, pushing him backwards and giving him time enough to retrieve his sword from the ground.
Theo didn't hesitate this time, charging forward and hacking the bandit just below the neck with the full length of his sword, sending blood spewing everywhere, the bandit fell on his back, gurgling blood, his eyes wide.
‘’Good…now finish him….bandit or not he need not suffer.’’ Corlys said.
Theo nodded and walked forward, raising his sword and bringing it into the bandits belly, ending the man's cries.
Corlys then turned his attention back to the main melee, which was mostly done by now, the sounds of dying men in the wind.
The leader of the bandits stood surrounded, hacking widely around him as a circle of knights advanced.
‘’Step back….he's mine.’’ Corlys commanded his knights, he would give the man a clean death.
‘’You wish to dance…you silver haired freak….fine then…i'll take at least one of ye to my grave.’’ The bandit said.
‘’You will try.’’ Corlys said simply, facing the man, his knights expanding the circle around them.
The bandit charged him, a wordless cry on his lips and hacked his sword downwards, Corlys calmly blocked the strike, using his feet to push his blade to the side after his steel met the bandits, causing the man to stumble to his feet, Corlys let the bandit get up and the dance continued.
The brigand launched an attack at the Kingsguards chest, but Corlys easily sidestepped it and launched a counterattack of his own, which the bandit caught on his sword before launching another strike, which Corlys turned away. The ringing of sword on sword could be heard as Corlys blocked yet another strike, content to let the bandit tire himself out.
Corlys, sensing the man was tiring launched another slash at his face, the bandit tried to step backwards but was too slow and the Kingsguards sword found his cheek, creating a long red gash.
‘’Bastard….’’ The man growled.
Those were the man's final words as Corlys did not waste time delivering the final blow, feinting a slash at the man's neck before turning it into a brutal thrust at the man's face at the last moment, the sword going through one of his eyes, killing him instantly.
The Knights broke out into a cheer as the bandit leader fell into the snow.
Corlys stepped back, the fatigue, which had not been present during the fight due to his adrenaline beginning to set in. He looked around, losses had been light in the assault, only one knight had been slain, the man from Dragonstone that had been stabbed in the back of the neck, but five more had been wounded, including one that would likely lose an eye.
He turned to Theo Tyrell, who was looking at the bandit he had killed.
‘’Theo, fetch my rag from my horse.’’ He commanded and the boy nodded quietly and returned soon after.
Corlys took the rag, dampened it with snow and ran it down his blade, wiping the blood and gore from it.
‘’You fought well….my cousin mentioned you were meant to observe combat for the first time…and you probably got a better taste of it then you expected, you're blooded now.’’ Corlys said.
‘’I let him disarm me….he was just a bandit.’’ Theo said quietly, hints of embarrassment in his tone.
‘’Aye…he did disarm you, but he was bigger, stronger and tougher than you….you are a good sword for your age…but remember, you haven't even seen sixteen years yet…you haven't grown into your body yet…you will….today you got a taste of what it is you've been training for….you've learned.’’ Corlys said.
‘’I won't be disarmed again.’’ Theo said adamantly.
‘’Good….now kneel.’’ Corlys said, putting the bloody rag away.
‘’Kneel?’’ Theo Tyrell asked, his eyes widening.
‘’Aye….Im making you a knight….you fought bravely.’’ Corlys said, gesturing again for the heir to Highgarden to kneel.
Theo Tyrell did as he was bid, and Corlys began the ceremony, in the courtyard, among the bodies of the dead.
‘’Theo Tyrell. do you swear before the eyes of gods and men to defend those who cannot defend themselves, to protect all women and children, to obey your captains, your liege lord, and your king, to fight bravely when needed and do such other tasks as are laid upon you, however hard or humble or dangerous they may be?’’ Corlys asked, his sword on the Tyrell boy's shoulder.
‘’I do…I swear it.’’ Theo Tyrell said quietly.
‘’Then rise Ser Theo of the House Tyrell.’’ Corlys commanded and Theo did, to the cheers of the knights around them.
They rested that night nearby, and returned to Karlspost the next morning, welcomed as heroes by the garrison for their heroic deeds, and Galbart was especially pleased, as he was free to return home.
Aegon was slightly perturbed that his squire had been put in such a dangerous position since if anything were to happen to him, House Tyrell and the Reach in general could be thrown into chaos, but after further conversations with his cousin, he agreed it was probably for the best that the young lord had a taste of combat before he returned to Highgarden upon his sixteenth nameday.
The Kings retinue stayed at Eastmelt for another week before heading to their next destination, the Flint Cliffs, which took them nearly two weeks of travel through the North's interior to reach. It had been a rather uneventful visit, though Rhaenys had enjoyed taking Meraxes out to sea, and the flint cliffs, which stood high above the water, had been an impressive sight.
Following a two week stay at the Flint Cliffs, hosted by the minor house Wolfe, Aegon and his retinue had taken a ship on a short voyage to Seaguard, before riding through the Riverlands back to King's Landing. The Kings first royal progress had taken five months from start to finish, and had largely been a success, especially in the North where the Kings presence helped mend the uneasiness that had spread over the region after the Manderlys defiance.
