"My Lords, our goal is to train the Young Lord to become a Knight. Since he is to be a Knight, why not choose the strongest and most chivalrous Knight in the Seven Kingdoms today? Lord Gendry's father and ancestors were all renowned warriors," Captain of the Guard Ser Vardis suddenly suggested. Everyone looked at Gendry in unison.
Speaking of strength, power, cunning, and demeanor, even appearance, "stormbreaker" was an unparalleled presence throughout the Seven Kingdoms. Now that the Vale and the Lannister were at loggerheads, choosing Gendry, the heir, to advance with the North, Riverlands, and others, instead of the silent Stannis or the usurper Renly, was the best option.
"My Lords, I appreciate your kindness," Gendry said loudly. "Given the age difference between Lord Robert and myself, I cannot yet take Lord Robert as my Attendant, and this Child cannot leave the Vale too far. However, I can be Lord Robert's guardian until Robert Arryn comes of age."
Sending Young Lord Robin to be protected by him was an idea, but this Child's health was truly too poor; he was a standard hot potato, and if anything went wrong, it would be difficult to explain. Furthermore, he was not yet married, and having a sickly Attendant would be more like him taking care of a Child. He was very adept at fighting and killing, but taking care of a Child would probably be too difficult.
"However, I do have some suggestions for Robert's education."
"Please speak."
Gendry began, "The most important thing for a boy is companionship, just like planting a tree. We must not educate Young Lord Robin too hastily, nor too softly. Robert's body is weak, so we cannot immediately use strong, rough Instructors. I require Instructors who are gentle, patient, and good-tempered. As for this Child's squire and playmates, the Duke can naturally choose his own playmates, regardless of noble or humble birth, as long as they are good children with kind dispositions and good hearts. These people will also be Young Lord Robin's role models."
"You are right," Bronze Yohn said. He suddenly realized a huge flaw in his thinking: Young Lord Robin's body was weak, and if he were to implement a forced Knight's education, it would likely be counterproductive.
"If that's the case, then we need to bring the Young Lord to live at The Gate of the Moon, and choose gentle Instructors and proper playmates for him," Ser Vardis said.
"Since that's the case, I propose we form a Guardian Alliance to protect the future of the Vale and to prepare for future wars," Earl Old Hunter suggested.
"Seven is a lucky number, so we shall choose seven people, following the model of the Small Council in King's Landing," Baron Nestor proposed. "If you all agree."
"I recognize your venerable wisdom and loyalty to Lord Arryn," Gendry encouraged Nestor to speak boldly, and Baron Nestor felt a warmth in his heart. Old Arryn had always held him in high regard; only that madwoman Lysa had ordered him around.
Gendry thought this idea was quite good, and adding a time limit, since the Guardians would need to protect the Child until he was sixteen, under this condition, they would certainly want Robert to live.
"Lord Yohn, House Royce has always been the strongest Lord besides House Arryn, and Lord Yohn's children are all brave men. Lord Vardis has always been the Captain of the Guard of The Eyrie, Lord Arryn's most trusted man. Earl Morko Grafson, if we attack from Gulltown, or even clear out Littlefinger's minions, we cannot do without Lord Morko's help... We also need to cure the Duke. Currently, Maester Colemon is diligent and eager to help our old Prime Minister, but he was hindered by villains." Baron Nestor's list was very wise and astute, almost entirely composed of the leading figures of the Vale.
"I am very grateful." Colemon's eyes were teary; this was the feeling of going from hell to heaven. Fortunately, Lysa, that madwoman, had never thought much of him.
"I'll add a few more people," Gendry said. "One is Lady Anya, Countess of Waynwood; her adopted son is Harry, who is also the second heir to the Vale. She needs to be our friend. Another is Baron Nestor. Baron Nestor is the Grand Steward of the Vale and the Guardian of The Gate of the Moon. Before the war, it's even more important to maintain order."
"My mother will certainly do her best to assist your cause," Ser Morton Waynwood said. He had originally come to join the fun and win the widow's favor.
Baron Nestor, Ser Vardis, Bronze Yohn, and others also expressed their agreement. The Lords present could only repeatedly say yes. These were all prominent figures; ordinary Lords couldn't get involved.
"Since seven is honored, and Lord Gendry is the Young Lord's protector, he is naturally the first in the Alliance of Guardians," Bronze Yohn concluded decisively.
"Please protect poor Lord Robert," Ser Vardis and Baron Nestor pleaded. Although they were now members of the Alliance of Guardians, they understood that everything depended on the new storm.
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