chapter 161 part 2
The atmosphere grew tense. Renly's guards' mounts shifted restlessly.
"Four!"
"You know..." The man's impatient voice was cut off by Glyn.
"Three!"
Glyn continued unhurriedly, "Two!"
"Wait!"
Glyn's and Renly's voices rang out at almost the same time. Renly's guards quickly parted to let him through. Lord Renly, wearing a deep green cloak, urged his horse forward.
Glyn tilted his head, looking the grim-faced Renly up and down.
"Well, if it isn't our Master of Laws. Are you leaving the city?"
Lord Renly, wary of Glyn's flippant expression, retorted, "crabbe, why are you here?"
Glyn gently kicked his horse's flank, and the animal paced toward Lord Renly.
"Lord Baratheon, my new post is Captain of the Iron Gate Guard."
Once he was close, Glyn stopped his horse and unfolded the letter of appointment signed by Eddard Stark.
After Lord Renly's gaze returned from the letter, he said with a smile that didn't reach his eyes, "Congratulations, crabbe... my lord."
Renly stared at Glyn for another moment. His face showed little, but his mind was racing... Everyone knew Glyn was Cersei Lannister's trusted man, and the current situation forced him to consider the implications.
Lord Renly couldn't help but glance around. He was surrounded... His situation was perilous.
To ensure a safe departure, Lord Renly had not only dressed discreetly but had also specifically chosen the Iron Gate—in the opposite direction of the Stormlands—to leave King's Landing. Who had betrayed his movements? Who?!
Lord Renly's first suspect was the Spider, Lord Varys... Then, his sharp gaze swept over his own personal guards.
...
Glyn cleared his throat, drawing Renly's attention. "Lord Baratheon, in the queen's name, as of today, no one is permitted to leave King's Landing. Only entry is allowed."
Glyn had no ill intentions. He thought to himself... What came next for Lord Stannis was an internal struggle within House Baratheon. He couldn't let his interference cause Lord Stannis to lose sight of his primary target. Stannis and Renly were brothers, after all. If they had issues, they should first settle them behind closed doors in the Stormlands.
Glyn glanced at the dilapidated inner walls of the Iron Gate's barracks... Hmm, this would cost some gold dragons.
So, he would just let Lord Renly misunderstand Queen Cersei a little.
Hearing Glyn's declaration, Lord Renly stared at him and said in a low voice, "Lord crabbe, I must remind you, Cersei has no such authority."
Glyn shrugged nonchalantly. "Lord Baratheon, if you have doubts, I can send a man to report to Queen Cersei."
Lord Renly: "..."
The sky was already brightening. Lord Renly could not delay much longer. He absolutely could not fall into Lannister hands... so, he tried to reason with Glyn.
Lord Renly took a slow breath. "Lord Glyn, my brother has passed. The Seven Kingdoms need a new king."
Lord Renly's solemn expression changed, naturally replaced by a dashing look.
"My nephew is still young. As the king's brother, I cannot stand idly by and watch the Lannisters control the Iron Throne. You know well how cruel the Lannisters are. They are destined to be brought down by a union of all righteous people. The wicked Lannisters are doomed to fail."
Lord Renly spread his hands and continued, "Lord Glyn, I have heard that Ned holds you in high regard. I believe anyone valued by Ned must have a righteous heart, and the gods will surely protect such a heart."
Renly, disregarding the protests of his personal guards, rode alone to Glyn's side. The two men's horses stood shoulder to shoulder, their heads facing opposite directions.
Lord Renly broke into a hearty smile, his eyes shining with passionate light.
"Lord Glyn, there are no other eyes here. I will not forget your righteous act. Sooner or later, we will raise a cup together. Or..."
Renly's gaze flickered to the Bluecloak soldiers, who stood as still as statues... They were all elites.
Lord Renly's eyes twitched, and he continued, "We can leave together. In the future... you will be my brother-in-arms."
Glyn was not moved by Renly's sincerity. He shook his head slightly and said, "Lord Renly, House crabbe owes its direct loyalty to the queen. It is our tradition. I must refuse your offer."
*Stop drawing cakes in the air,* Glyn thought. *Give me something real. I don't want to make things too difficult for you.*
Renly's face froze for a moment... *Is it because he's so obstinate that Ned likes him?*
Glyn's gaze occasionally drifted to the dilapidated city walls, but Renly remained silent... Perhaps Glyn's hints were too subtle. Lord Renly seemed not to have noticed anything at all.
...
"Lord Glyn."
Glyn heard Margaery Tyrell's voice. His brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, and he looked in the direction of the sound.
Margaery, also wearing a deep green cloak, rode out from among her numerous guards.
Glyn inclined his head slightly. "Lady Margaery? Why are you here?"
Margaery pushed back the hood of her cloak. "Lord Glyn, I am so glad I could see you one last time before leaving King's Landing."
Margaery's eyes crinkled in a smile. The morning light seemed to plate her in a soft golden trim, making her look both gentle and beautiful.
Glyn's face showed hesitation. He simply forced a smile and said nothing.
Margaery skillfully hid the anxiety in her eyes and said gently, "Lord Glyn, your queen seems to have some dislike for..."
Glyn raised a hand, stopping Margaery's words. He paused, then said, "Lady Margaery, please give my regards to Lord Mace."
With that, Glyn pulled on his reins, turned his horse around to leave, and motioned for his soldiers to stand down.
Margaery watched Glyn ride away in silence. The hand holding her reins tightened. Finally, she managed a small smile and pulled her hood up, hiding her face.
...
...
Tower of the Hand.
Lord Eddard spoke. "Sansa, Arya. In a little while, Glyn will come for you. He will send you back to Winterfell."
Arya Stark said excitedly, "Father, really? That's wonderful! I've been homesick for so long..."
Her eyes darted about as she spoke, and she added, "Can I take Syrio with me?"
Lord Eddard stroked his younger daughter's fuzzy head and smiled. "My daughter, that is something you will have to ask Glyn."
(end of chapter)