Daeron looked at them from afar, something in his instinct had attracted him to them, he was amazed at what he felt when he saw them... A feeling, hatred, anger, purity and eternal desire... "Revenge"
He was able to feel it in the air.
Lady Olivia stood up.
"SHOULD I FALL BY THE ENEMY'S DARTS" was not Lady Olivia's voice, yet it came from her mouth.
"YOU MUST REVENGE ME" Gwayne knelt before her. "I WILL FATHER" he cried.
Daeron looked intently.
"I WILL, MY SWORD WILL NOT REST TILL IT'S DRUNK THE BLOOD FROM MY ENEMY'S NECK" "I SWEAR"
Suddenly, Daeron was blinded by the sunlight, which made him look away. When he looked again, he noticed that crows had emerged from the trees and were stampeding in despair. He noticed Lady Olivia crouching down in front of Gwayne and placing her hand on her face, she seemed to be saying something to him, but it was inaudible to him.
Daeron ran into the castle, on his way to his room, where he was trapped in thought until it was time for the banquet.
A servant came to call him to the banquet in honor of Gwayne. Daeron followed him to the great hall, many knights were sitting at the tables, and on them various dishes, wines and dark beers. He looked at the dais and found his friend. He was sitting next to Lady Olivia and her sisters, he had an austere countenance, in the middle towered over everyone Lord Luwyn, all pompous and rich in silk, to his left, Ser Lymond chatting with a knight at his side. As Daeron sat among the knights of StrongPride, his eyes met those of Gwayne, who had a smile on his face, raised his cup to greet him, Daeron was unable to respond to that, so Lady Olivia nudged Gwayne and he turned around. his attention to her, he never felt as alone as he did now, even though he was at the table with the knights who accompanied him during the journey, they talked about women and battles, Daeron never experienced any of these things. He didn't stop thinking about what he had seen that afternoon, he didn't believe in grams and snarks, or anything else magical, but he knew that what he had seen was nothing normal.
He was a little scared, and feared for his friend, but he didn't know how to proceed, he just wanted Gwayne to tap him on the shoulder and sit at his desk and everything would go back to normal. Daeron filled his face with wine, becoming more and more noisy and flashy, but that was nothing, the knights laughed around and talked loudly, no one noticed him.
He decided to end the night, shook his head and patted his cheek twice to bring him back to his senses and got up, walking from one side to the other, until he reached the exit and headed to his rooms, which were... Gwayne... He thought. So, he decided he would look for someone else, in the end, he threw himself into the stables and slept there, he didn't want to talk to his friend today.
— Tomorrow everything will be back to normal. — he murmured, drooling, then fell asleep.
He woke up at dawn, when the stable boys began their work, he spent the whole time walking outside the castle, only going in to eat a little among the servants and then going back out. He climbed to the walls and stayed there, looking at the village and the daily life of the common folk, very similar to Golden Forest. One of the knights came to call him, informed him that they were going to leave, and also that Lord Gwayne was looking for him.
Daeron went with him to the stables to prepare his horse, but he didn't go to Gwayne. He wanted to avoid it until he had no other choice, he knew that if he found his friend everything could end.
"He's still the same," he muttered to himself. He snorted, then took his horse by the reins and led him into the castle courtyard, along with the other knights. Gwayne and Ser Lymond appeared at the castle door, with them came Lord Luwyn and Lady Olivia.
Daeron looked at Gwayne, he was saying goodbye to Lady Olivia. Then he went down. Daeron turned around immediately, pretending to fix something on the horse's saddle, but it wouldn't be enough to avoid him.
— In the seven hells, where were you Daeron? Gwayne asked, with a frown on his face.
— I... — stammered Daeron. — I drank too much, when I woke up I was in the stable, that's all... — he said hesitantly.
— Do you lie to me now, Daeron? — Gwayne had a hard face, but he had a perplexed look, he turned and went to his horse.
Daeron felt terrible seeing his friend like this, feeling like he was lying to him. He quickly went to him and called him, touching his shoulder.
— Forgive me, it's not that... Can we talk about this another time?
— Yes, but know that if the explanation doesn't involve a girl, I won't understand. — Gwayne gave a brief dry smile, then mounted his great red stallion and rode to Ser Lymond's side.
They left at the time of the eel, a light rain was falling, they quickened their pace for fear of the river at the crossing filling up too much and blocking their passage to the west, well, the river was too full when they reached it, so they returned to the inn and brewery ahead, they arrived drenched. Ser Lymond hoped it would not be crowded, they were a large company, twenty-nine including the three of them. There were seven horses outside, castle and tournament horses, one of which was a huge spotted stallion.
— There are knights here. — Said Ser Lymond.
Ser Lymond entered first, followed by seven of his knights. Then Gwayne and Daeron entered, with the rest of the company. They were greeted by the same brewer as before, his daughter was cornered behind him. Gwayne went ahead, he noticed a look of fear on the girl's face and her father's exaggerated happiness when he saw them arrive. Ser Lymond asked for food and ales for all his men, the brewer and his daughter pointed to tables where they could sit. "So many men" said the brewer, with sweat running down his forehead and relief in his voice.
Gwayne, when going to sit at a table, noticed the reason for the brewer's fear, that must have been the biggest man Gwayne had ever seen, he was accompanied by six other silent drinkers. He sat down next to his grandfather and questioned him.
— Do you know that monster?
— I wish I didn't, I saw him at the tournament, Ser Gregor Clegane, known as...
— The Mountain that rides. — added one of the knights at the table.
"The mountain that rides" murmured Daeron.
— Forget it Gwayne, let's wait for the rain to pass and leave. — said the grandfather.
They drank the dark beer, it was watery, even so even Daeron and Gwayne accepted it.
Until one of Ser Gregor's men stuck his hand under the girl's skirt, she dropped the jug of beer she was carrying, tears running down her eyes.
Gwayne stood up, reaching for the hilt of his sword.
Ser Lymond took him by the arm.
— Leave it alone, Gwayne. Grandfather said. It's none of our business. — He violently removed Ser Lymond's hand from his arm, and looked back at the mountain men. The girl was no longer there, she had run back to the kitchen, so he sat down again and downed the mug of beer. The knights were already restless, they were feeling the tension rising, they were no longer laughing, but drinking in silence with their eyes attentive to the side where Clegane was. The only sound they heard was the crackle of burning wood, until the brewer went there to satisfy Ser Gregor.
— I bet he wouldn't have the courage to do that if we weren't here. — said one of grandfather's men.
Gwayne listened intently.
"You is an anointed knight, tell them to leave her alone" he said.
Ser Gregor gave him a dark look and ordered him to bring the girl before him.
"He won't do it," Daeron muttered.
The old man turned and came back dragging the crying girl from the kitchen.
"Stupid," Gwayne muttered, downing another mug of beer.
"So this is the whore he's so worried about," said Gregor.
"My Layna is not a whore, Ser" replied the old man.
"Now it is," said Gregor, tossing the old man a silver coin.
He raised.
The girl's height barely reached Gregor's waist, he roughly ripped off her dress with his hand, leaving pink marks and revealing her nakedness.
The Old Brewer ran towards their table, as if to ask for help.
But Gwayne was already aware of the situation and felt his blood boil, he stood up and wielded his sword. Gregor immediately looked at him as soon as he heard the clinking of steel.
Gwayne stepped forward.
Ser Lymond stood up with thunder in his voice "return now" he tried to reach his shoulder but he was no longer within reach of his hand, the knights stood up and drew their swords, Ser Lymond prostrated himself right behind Gwayne.
— Let her go, Ser. — Gwayne said, right in front of Gregor, his face was austere and his voice was brusque.
Gregor and his men drew their swords, the brewer ran and pulled his daughter by the arm, taking her away from the sword dance that was about to occur, took her behind Gwayne and the knights.
Gregor's face became terrible to behold, fury was felt in the air, but Gwayne did not waver and stood firm as steel.
One of Gregor's men touched her arm and said:
— There are many, my lord. — He said stuttering.
Gregor turned violently and cut him in half with his sword.
Causing astonishment among the knights and a squeal coming from the girl.
Ser Gregor advanced and Gwayne accepted his challenge, Ser Lymond soon took him by the arm and stood beside him.
— We are knights of the west, Ser.
he said, quickly. — We are Tywin's men, attacking us is digging your own house's grave.
Daeron noticed the mountain mooing, and also that he could look down on Gwayne, he was an extremely tall and brutish man.
Ser Gregor turned and threw the table he had previously been sitting on the wall and stormed out of the inn thundering curses, his men followed closely behind, Ser Lymond's men only lowered their swords when they heard them ride away.
— What were you thinking? thundered Ser Lymond.
— Did I not do what was right, Ser? Gwayne asked in response.
— You did, damn idiot. — He said furiously. — we're leaving right now, seven hells. He shouted. The knights followed him, a young boy came running from upstairs. Asking the brewer and his daughter about the noise.
Gwayne thought it was another of his sons.
He sighed.
Daeron ran to him, throwing himself into his arms and then placing a small kiss on his cheek.
— You're still the same.... He murmured.
— And you're getting weirder and weirder, we have to have that conversation when we have some peace. — Gwayne said, sighing again.
— I need a comfortable bed and a good night's sleep, my bones are still cold from this rain — he said, then sighed and went to the brewer. "You can't stay here," he said shortly.
He will definitely return after we leave, and he will finish what he wanted to do.
— But where will we go, Ser? asked the old man.
"That again, how many times are they going to call me Ser...."
Finally, he said. - What are your names?
I'm Will and this is my daughter Layna and that's my boy Scott.
— Well, you can stay here or go with us. - He said. The choice is yours.
Will looked at his children, who were hugging each other and scared, then said.
- We will.
— Good. — Gwayne said.
— Don't you think it's better to talk to Ser Lymond... Daeron murmured.
—He will understand. — replied Gwayne. He last looked at Will the brewer and told him to prepare his things, they would leave at dawn.
— Your grandfather won't like this. — Daeron said.
— I won't go out in this rain, there are more of us, there's no reason for this fuss. — he looked at Daeron.
— Find us a comfortable room, I'll talk to my grandfather. — He patted Daeron's face and left.
"Damn rain" he muttered as he left
His grandfather was in a wooden hut next to the inn, talking to the men.
Gwayne called out to him.
When he arrived he went straight.
— They're going with us, you know it's not safe for them here, Ser.
Ser Lymond scowled at him.
— Gwayne, you can't save everyone. He said exhaustively.
— But we can save these here, let's go inside, there's no way we can continue the journey in this rain... And I'm too drunk to run on horseback during the rain.
Ser Lymond snorted and accepted the deal.
— The men will thank you in a way. — Ser Lymond gave the order for them to enter.
Gwayne entered, the girl Layna, who was now dressed again, came to thank him, knelt down in front of him and grabbed his hand.
Thank you very much, she said crying.
Gwayne just wanted it to be over so he could go to bed, but he was too kind to do something so rude.
- Please, stand up. — he said, helping her to get up. — You don't need to thank me, I just did what anyone should do in this situation... — he wiped her tears with his fingers.
— Good, now go to sleep and forget this all happened. — he said, using the last of his energy to make a convincing smile. It worked, she smiled again and ran to her father. Scott guided Gwayne upstairs to his room. When he opened the door, Daeron was naked warming himself by the fireplace. — Gwayne gave a long look.
— I'm drying my clothes in the heat of the fireplace, you should do the same... —Daeron said, snuggling close to the fire.
— I'll go, my clothes are soaked and even my bones hurt from this cold... But something bothers my thoughts.
— Do you remember my father? Gwayne asked, as he crossed the room, pushing aside the tapestries and entering, opening a heavy window.
— Of course, Gwayne, he was a strong man like you and respected, although to some he seemed severe, he was a good man and swordsman. — Daeron replied, his voice thick with doubts.
— Yes, he was really good... — he said, looking at the rain that was falling lightly.
- Why the question? — Daeron said, getting up and getting under the covers of the bed.
— My father never bothered to train me... But my grandfather never missed a single day of training... He laughed, a bitter smile. — Forget it, it's a great room. — said Gwayne, as he untied his sword belt and placed it propped up on the fireplace, then removed his wet clothes and placed them near the fireplace.
— It's the best room, said old Will, a gift for protecting them. — Said Daeron, as he pulled the furs up to his chin and watched him.
He was standing in front of the fireplace, watching the crackling of the burning wood.
— Warm the bed, I'm almost dry. Gwayne said. — may the seven bless this old man, without that fireplace we would have a bad night.
- Yes I'll do it. — Daeron replied, as he looked at his body, Gwayne had the virility of a strong and healthy man, his muscles were well defined and his skin was clear and without much hair, just a few on his member, which he noticed with interest and curiosity while He looked for a moment longer than he should have. "Gwayne would have a chance against that monster...." He thought.
— Come to bed, you look pretty dry to me. — Daeron said in a soft voice.
— Yes, I've had enough of fire tonight. — as soon as Gwayne moved away from the fireplace he felt the cold arrive stealthily and suddenly.
— Yes, of course... — Daeron said, with a certain excitement in his voice. — Was the only thing he could say as Gwayne lay on his back on the bed, he took up most of the bed, it was small but comfortable, he pulled back the heavy covers and lay in Gwayne's arms, cuddling up to him and stretching. like a cat as he smiled, feeling the warmth of his body and also the cold of the extremities of his limbs, large and battle-hardened.
— You're boiling, Gwayne. — Daeron confessed, quietly.
Gwayne felt Daeron's soft and smooth skin touching his body, his hair was still damp from the rain.
It didn't take long for Daeron to fall asleep on his chest, and he soon followed suit by falling deeply asleep.
He woke up at nightingale hour with the faint lights of dawn penetrating through the cracks in the window. He got up and checked to see if the clothes hanging by the fire had dried, it was good enough, he got dressed and tied his sword belt back on, then gently woke Daeron, he got up on the bed and stretched.
— Get dressed and meet me downstairs, my grandfather must have woken up by now. — warned Gwayne, heading towards the door.
Upon leaving he found one of the knights stretching on the way to the stairs, Gwayne ordered him to go and inform the inn owner, as they would be leaving soon.
Gwayne went downstairs and found his grandfather already sitting at the table.
— Always the first. — said Gwayne, sitting in front of his grandfather. — I thought old Will hadn't woken up yet, but he's already made us breakfast.
— And he didn't wake up, I had to go to the pantry to get this. said Ser Lymond.
Gwayne laughed.
— I'm looking forward to getting to StrogPride soon.
— Me too, I miss my granddaughter and my people. — said Lymond, sipping wine. They talked for a while until the men started to come down.
Gwayne watched Daeron come down the stairs and with him Will and his children.
He approached.
— Again I want to thank you, my lords...
— We are not lords, you can call me Ser and that will be enough. said Lymond.
— Of course... sir, you have my thanks... — he said, bowing and leaving.
Daeron sat next to Gwayne.
— Eat breakfast quickly, young people, we will leave soon.
They nodded, and Ser Lymond rose to pack his things for the journey.
— My grandfather said he heard rumors of war in King's Landing, what do you think? — Gwayne asked Daeron.
Daeron looked at him confused and thoughtful. And he murmured — War?
— Ser Lymond went to the tournament and said that the mood was not good, he felt that the Lion and the Wolf would soon jump at each other's throats.
— There may even be tension between the Lannister lion and the Stark Wolf, but an open war, with King Robert in power... I think it's unlikely. — exclaimed Daeron.
— I think we'll have more news about this when we get to StrogPride.
— Gwayne said, glancing at the door.
— Do you think we should be worried? — Daeron asked, a little confused as he moved around trying to think of what he would do if that happened, he would go wherever you went, he said quickly. It was my duty as his future squire...
— Don't worry, we have a strong army stationed in Golden Forest, besides the west is strong enough and I will always do my best to keep you all safe.
— I know you will... — said Daeron, hugging him.
Ser Lymond calls them outside, saying it's time to go. The knights were the first to leave, scrambling to tidy up quickly.
Gwayne kissed Daeron's forehead and helped him get up. Daeron watched him go to old Will and his two sons and, asking if they were ready, that they would leave immediately, he heard the three say yes.
They left at bat time, it took almost three moons until they reached the edges of Golden Forest.