chapter 137 part 1
Chapter 137: The Pack Gathers, The Wolf Survives
Candlelight flickered in the banquet hall.
Glyn smiled and said, "Ser Jaime, I hold no hope in that regard. You and the Knight of Flowers from House Tyrell will surely draw the eyes of all the young ladies."
Jaime Lannister gave a relaxed smile.
Queen Cersei set down her wine cup, a curl on her lips. "My charming Warden of the East, fetch your Queen some fruit. You know which ones I like."
Jaime shrugged, rising from his chair with a smiling bow.
"I would be delighted to serve you, my Queen."
After Jaime had left, Queen Cersei's beautiful eyes turned unblinkingly to Glyn.
"Lord Glyn, your Queen is very concerned about the loyalty of the Gold Cloaks."
Glyn leaned his upper body slightly forward in Queen Cersei's direction. "My Queen, The Whispers awaits your command."
Queen Cersei's plan was simple: if the secret plots failed, she would raise an army and eliminate King Robert directly.
As for the consequences of such an act... she knew that history is written by the victors.
A satisfied expression appeared on Queen Cersei's face. She spoke again, "Mobilize 2,000 soldiers to King's Landing as quickly as possible."
"As you command, my Queen!"
After a pause, Glyn continued, "I will make the arrangements as soon as I return. You will see your 2,000 soldiers in fifteen days at most."
Queen Cersei nodded slightly and swirled the wine in her cup. She suddenly asked, "Lord Glyn, aren't you curious why I want to mobilize troops?"
Glyn shook his head and said without the slightest hesitation, "My Queen, I am only concerned with your next command."
Glyn's answer greatly pleased Cersei. In a very good mood, she said, "Lord Glyn, your loyalty delights me. Soon enough... you will be my Commander of the Gold Cloaks."
Glyn was stunned for a moment, then a look of joy spread across his face. He placed a hand on his chest and bowed his head. "Your Grace, thank you for your trust. House Clegane will forever remember your favor."
Queen Cersei lifted her chin slightly, a smile playing on her lips. "Do not tell Jaime about the troop movement yet. Once the army has arrived at King's Landing, I will tell him myself."
Queen Cersei knew nothing of military affairs. She didn't care what methods Glyn used to move the army to King's Landing in secret... yes, she only cared about the result.
"As you wish, my Queen."
...
After leaving Maegor's Holdfast, Glyn suddenly stopped in his tracks. He glanced to one side and raised a hand, signaling his guards to remain where they were.
Glyn stood silently for a moment before stepping into a flowerbed and pulling out a small, slender figure.
"Lord Glyn, how did you find me?"
Being held up by Glyn didn't seem to embarrass Arya Stark in the slightest; on the contrary, she looked even more excited.
Glyn set Arya down and crouched to look at her. The little girl's eyes sparkled in the moonlight.
Glyn said gravely, "Lady Arya, the guards of the Red Keep are on high alert at night. They might draw their swords without a word of warning. You should have a guard with you."
Arya swatted at her clothes a few times. "Lord Glyn, you still haven't answered my question."
Alright, this was... very Stark.
Glyn chuckled lightly. "The wind tonight is making the flowers and grass sway, except for the large patch where you were."
Arya said with delight, "So that's how! You must be an excellent hunter."
With that, Arya tried to slip away, but Glyn grabbed her.
He spoke, "Lady Arya, I have answered your question. Now, may I hear your answer?"
Arya puffed out her cheeks, her tone perfunctory. "Fine, fine, I'll be more careful next time."
Glyn stood up, the corner of his lip twitching imperceptibly. "It seems I have no choice but to escort you to Lord Eddard..."
He glanced up at the sky and continued, "I hope I won't be disturbing his rest."
Glyn heard a faint whimper.
Arya quickly shook her head, saying obediently, "I know the way. I can go back by myself. I won't trouble you."
"It's on my way. I would be honored."
Arya glanced at the crowd of blue-cloaked men "surrounding" her, and her small shoulders slumped.
Not wanting to get a scolding from her father, Arya tried all sorts of little tricks along the way.
For example, she made promises, she tried to flatter him, and in the end, she even acted pitiful.
But Lord Glyn remained unmoved.
Arya had thought Glyn was a good friend; she felt a deep sense of betrayal.
In her heart, she swore she would never speak to Glyn again!
Near the Tower of the Hand, Glyn stopped and looked at the fuming Arya. "Lady Arya."
Glyn pointed toward the main entrance of the Tower of the Hand. "I will stay here. I'll leave after I see you go inside."
Arya blinked, as if confirming she hadn't misheard.
*Isn't he going to drag me before Father?* Her eyes lit up once more.
Glyn bent down and gently patted Arya's little head. "Go on. Be safe from now on."
Arya's face was full of pleasant surprise as she nodded vigorously.
"Lord Glyn, you are my good friend."
"I am honored. Rest early."
Arya trotted toward the main entrance of the Tower of the Hand. Just as she reached the door, she turned back to wave her little hand. Then, after exchanging a few words with the guards at the entrance, she went straight into the tower.
Glyn raised his head to admire the star-dusted night sky for a moment before leading his guards away from the Tower of the Hand.
...
The originally cheerful Arya had just set foot on the stairs when she looked up and ran right into her father, whose face was grim. The smile on her little face instantly froze.
Arya forced herself to say, "Good evening, Father."
Lord Eddard, his expression somber, sighed. "Arya, everyone was preparing to search for you."
Arya lowered her head. "I'm sorry, Father. I was just too bored."
Lord Eddard descended a few steps and placed a large hand on Arya's head. "Next time, remember to let someone know where you've gone."