Galladon looked up to see Brienne running toward him, smiling brightly.
At ten years old, Brienne was already tall—around 1.65 meters. Her features were somewhat androgynous, but far from unattractive. With her long platinum hair tied in a ponytail and her well-cared-for skin and teeth, she looked far healthier and more confident than in the original timeline.
Over the years, Galladon had paid careful attention to her hygiene and upbringing. Her smile was bright and infectious.
"Brother, Father and Maester Amo are looking for you."
Galladon put on a linen shirt and gently ruffled her hair.
"What's wrong?"
"They were both frowning."
That caught his attention.
Back at Evenfall Hall, Lord Selwyn waited.
"Lord Whent of Harrenhal has announced a grand tourney," Selwyn said. "To celebrate his daughter's birth. Knights and nobles from across the Seven Kingdoms are invited."
Galladon's heart skipped.
The Tourney at Harrenhal.
At last.
One of the most pivotal events in Westerosi history.
"I fear this tournament is not so simple," Selwyn added.
"Why, Father?"
Selwyn narrowed his eyes.
"There are whispers that Lord Tywin may be supporting it behind the scenes."
That surprised Galladon.
Selwyn continued, "Do you know the prize for the jousting champion?"
"How much?"
"Sixty thousand gold dragons."
Galladon's eyes widened.
"Single event," Selwyn clarified. "Forty for the melee champion. Twenty for archery."
The scale was staggering.
The total prize pool alone would be enormous—far beyond what House Whent could afford.
Such extravagance would draw nearly every notable knight in the realm.
Only a handful of families possessed such wealth.
"Why suspect Tywin?" Galladon asked.
"Because Harrenhal will gather most of the realm's nobility. Lord Leyton believes Tywin may use this opportunity to discuss deposing Aerys and placing Rhaegar on the throne."
That made sense.
If one sought to unify the realm's great lords quietly, Harrenhal would be ideal.
"Should we support Tywin?" Galladon asked.
Selwyn smiled faintly.
"That decision belongs to our liege lords. We follow our superiors."
Wise.
Yet Galladon shook his head.
"It may not be so simple."
Selwyn looked at him carefully.
"What if the king attends in person?"
Selwyn frowned.
"Do you think Aerys will learn of Tywin's plans?"
"He fears Tywin most of all," Galladon replied. "And he now has Varys. If word reaches him, he may come to disrupt it."
Selwyn considered.
Aerys had grown paranoid—but sharper in some ways.
"If the king attends and behaves recklessly before all the nobles," Galladon added, "would that not strengthen Tywin's cause?"
Selwyn slowly nodded.
Public outrage could unite the realm faster than secret plotting.
"Perhaps we should avoid this gathering altogether," Selwyn said.
Galladon smiled.
"Father, with my current strength, I can protect myself."
That was true.
Even against legendary knights, he now possessed confidence—especially with Just Maid.
After a pause, Selwyn relented.
"I will send trusted men with you. But Brienne will remain here."
Galladon agreed.
Taking Brienne would increase the risk.
"There is another reason I wish to go," Galladon admitted.
Selwyn raised a brow.
"I have not seen Helena in two years."
Letters had strengthened their understanding. Helena's calm mind and love of plants and books resonated with him.
He wished to see how she had grown.
And beyond that—
There were events at Harrenhal he could not miss.
Notably, the moment when Rhaegar would crown Lyanna Stark Queen of Love and Beauty.
A spark that would ignite rebellion.
"I understand," Selwyn said at last.
He studied his son carefully.
"You have grown much, Galladon."
Then he added casually:
"The snakevine flowers you requested from Norvos have arrived."
Galladon's eyes brightened.
Snakevine flowers—known on Earth as hops.
If confirmed, he could brew true beer.
Westeros had ale and wine—but not proper hopped beer.
If successful, this would be another fortune.
"Is there something special about this plant?" Selwyn asked.
Galladon smiled faintly.
"Yes, Father."
Very special indeed.
(End of Chapter 20)
A/N:
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