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Game of Thrones: The Sword King
Game of Thrones: From Deserter to Power
Game of Thrones: King of Harrenhal— Garth Greenhand Stat Panel
With the tourney budget and event framework finalized, the next step was to clear away any obstacles, ensuring public order and safe passage during the festivities.
"Captain," Arthur addressed Ser Ilic, "I asked you to send letters to our vassals inquiring about the security situation in their lands, specifically those near the Prince's Pass. Have they all replied?"
Travelers coming from the Reach and the Stormlands generally took one of two routes to Starfall: overland through the Prince's Pass, or by sea from Oldtown.
Since the Redwyne Fleet was stationed nearby at the Arbor, the sea route was virtually pirate-free.
So Arthur focused his attention on the land route.
Most attendees would be knights traveling in groups, generally safe from petty banditry. But Arthur preferred to clean his house thoroughly before inviting guests inside.
"Every vassal has replied, Lord Arthur," Ser Ilic reported. "Most report no major issues. Only the Lady of High Hermitage reports a sizable bandit group led by a robber knight plaguing her lands. She requests our aid to exterminate them."
"High Hermitage?" Arthur recalled the place. "Isn't that the seat of the lord who spent the entire war 'fighting bandits' and only showed up after the fighting was done? The one eventually sent to the Wall?"
"Yes, my lord. His daughter, Corinne, has inherited the seat. She's just passed her thirteenth nameday."
Arthur scoffed. "He raised bandits to boost his own importance, and now they've grown into a disaster his daughter can't handle."
He didn't believe a thirteen-year-old girl would be foolish enough to cultivate bandits for political leverage. This was undoubtedly leftover rot from her father's time.
Arthur picked up his quill and began writing orders.
"Captain, draw fifty men from the guard. Tomorrow, march them to Ironrock Castle in Violet Canyon to garrison it."
"Ironrock Castle?" Ser Ilic paused, surprised, but quickly responded, "Yes, my lord!"
"Ser Balon, gather half the knights and squires of Starfall. Tomorrow, proceed to Star Station and await orders."
Ser Balon was puzzled. "What is the meaning of this?"
"Insurance," Arthur said, sealing the letter and handing it to Jimmy to take to Maester Oswell.
"I intend to lead one hundred regulars from the Mountain Corps to High Hermitage to crush these bandits. You will be at Star Station, ready to reinforce me if needed, or to support the canyon if the wildlings in the Red Mountains make a move."
Ser Balon looked concerned. "Is one hundred men enough?"
"I will also order Ser Williams and Lady Corinne to muster their levies to support me."
Ser Williams had been granted the majority of the lands forfeited by the previous Lord of High Hermitage.
Having decided on the military action, Arthur discussed the specific logistics and rendezvous times with Ser Balon and the Captain until the sun began to dip low in the west.
Jimmy returned after delivering the letter. "My lord, it is time to escort Prince Oberyn to the port. Their party is assembling at the South Gate."
"Proceed with the deployments as discussed," Arthur instructed the two men, standing up to stretch. "Let's go."
Arthur joined Oberyn's retinue as they departed Starfall's South Gate, heading for the port where a ship would take the Prince to Oldtown.
Riding alongside Oberyn, Arthur asked, "Will you return to Starfall on your way back?"
Oberyn shook his head. "No. I've already seen the most spectacular event—the sword-drawing ceremony. Once my business in Oldtown is concluded, I'll hire a ship directly to Sunspear."
"That's a pity. I was hoping to face you again in the lists at our tourney."
Oberyn grinned teasingly. "I would love to cross spears with the new Sword of the Morning and the 'Incarnation of the Warrior.' But alas, I have pressing matters."
Arthur sighed. "Those are just rumors."
Sarella, riding beside Oberyn, chimed in. "Every rumor has a trace of truth. Nothing comes from nothing. We saw Dawn glow. How did you do it?"
Sarella had cut her thick black hair short and was dressed in men's hunting leathers and breeches.
With her sharp features, onyx eyes, teak skin, and slender build, the attire made her look like a remarkably handsome youth.
"Perhaps it was light refraction. Like sunlight hitting a polished mirror," Arthur deflected, not wanting to discuss magic. "Sarella, honestly, you make a dashing man. Especially with that nickname, 'Sphinx.'"
"I'll take that as a compliment."
Since the Citadel did not accept women, Sarella was posing as a man named "Alleras"—Sarella spelled backward—and had adopted the moniker "Sphinx."
A sphinx was a mythical creature said to ward off evil and sin, often placed as a statue before gates.
There was also a saying: The sphinx is the riddle, not the riddler.
Arthur figured Sarella chose the name as a cheeky nod to her own secret identity.
The learned really did put a lot of thought into their aliases.
The road to the port was short. After some idle chat, they arrived at the docks.
Lady Nym was waiting for them. The hired flat-bottomed cog was prepped and ready to sail.
A quarter of an hour later, Arthur watched as the ship carrying Prince Oberyn and his retinue raised anchor, caught the wind, and disappeared over the horizon.
Arthur took Lady Nym's hand, squeezing it gently to comfort her. "Alright, let's go. Time to head back."
Lady Nym looked at him with amusement. "Does this count as receiving a blessing?"
Hearing the word "blessing" made Arthur's head throb. "Sure, let's call it that."
On the ride back, Lady Nym spoke up. "While I was hiring the ship, I heard a rumor. Apparently, there are men in the port dressing up as you to... provide services."
"They are very popular with customers of both sexes."
Arthur felt a chill run down his spine despite the Dornish heat. A nameless fire ignited in his chest.
He turned to Jimmy, who was struggling to suppress a laugh.
"Jimmy, convey my orders to the Port Guard. I want them to crack down on this immediately. I never want to hear disgusting rumors like that again."
Jimmy straightened up instantly. "Yes, my lord."
As Jimmy rode off, Arthur remained silent all the way back to his chambers in Starfall. Lady Nym, riding beside him, wore a perpetual, enigmatic smile.
"I didn't expect such a strong reaction," Nym said, pouring him a cup of wine once they were inside. "Doesn't it just prove how charming you are?"
Arthur downed the wine in a few gulps and glared at her. "Nym, you've been laughing since we left the docks. You haven't stopped."
Nym didn't answer. Instead, she reached under the pillow and pulled out the Lysene Captain's Travelogue.
"I'm not in the mood."
"I'm leaving for Skyreach in a few days."
"Hmm?"
"Mmhmm."