Chapter 22 - The Red Lion

The gate was being closed the moment they arrived, but it stopped halfway when the men in the blueberry screamed. Ser Leo ran past the gates towards them, he had a smile that lost strength to approach, looking at men. — young sir, welcome back home, Gwayne. – Sor Gwayne, he did, petting on the horse's nose. — Sor Gwayne... — Indicated Daeron, in friendly tone. Ser Leo opened the smile again. Gwayne went down and hugged him. — It's good to see you again, Ser Leo. — said he, in a firm way. — Good to see you too, come on. — We need to close the gates, or your grandfather will get another knight to my post. — He laughed. — He gestered. —He laughed. —He gesthered. The archers and lancers at the gate were waiting for him at the entrance, everyone wanted to greet and show respect.

One of them asked about men, sad face. — no one survived? – asked another. – we don't know, we were together with the cavalry... Ser Jodi died in the first battle after we left the golden tooth, but you must already know that. They mumble in response. Gwayne would continue but a scream interrupted him. Old Darwin yelled at his son, who was coming down from the horse at that time. He ran to hug him. He came back alive, he's a warrior! It was perceptible the happiness on Daeron's face. - Yes, Dad, he said, hugging your father.

Darwin looked at Gwayne and thanked him for bringing his son back. Then he pulled Daeron into a bank near his armory. Come, tell me more about this, tell me everything. — he said, taking him by the hands. – oh, my boy! Daeron looked at Gwayne with tears on her face and a huge smile. Gwayne smiled back, happy for her friend. He went back to matters with Ser Leo. - I'll tell you more later, where's my grandfather? Where is my cousin? – Gwayne said, with a smile on his face.— Come, I'll take you to them.— said Ser Leo, putting his hand on his shoulder. Gwayne walked down the main road guiding the horse's reedy with Sor Leo next door, the village people were happy and screaming him when he passed, the kids ran to him and kept screaming around.

They went up the small elevation to the castle, and the entrance staircase. The rep was still there, shaking his sinister red leaves. The guards at the door lower their heads in respect, and hit their back when it passed. Gwayne thought they saluted him like he was a war hero, but Gwayne still felt ashamed for leaving his commander behind. "Finally back home, I missed these rocks. – thought him, arrive at the entrance of the castle.""" Ser Leo guided him to the main hall, where his grandfather was sitting, and Ser Patrick was accompanying him standing.

Ser Lymond looked back and saw Gwayne standing, full armor, holding his helmet in his arm. He turned his eyes off by surprise. You look taller, boy, and you walk wide to embrace your grandson. – And you walk in wide steps to embrace your grandson. – I'm glad you're alive, and you did your happiness on the face. – I came back, but not my men... — said Gwayne, in sad tone. — it's a war. — said your grandfather, and you did your grandfather, and I'm proud. Gwayne smiled briefly. — as I promised, I'll consecrate you knight. - I was consecrated knight on the battlefield, Grandfather. - Gwayne said in firm tone.

Ser Lymond looked at him again with a surprised face.

Your grandfather could cry of happiness at this very moment, but he held it. So, your cousin Cerella walked through the door running and threw herself at him in a hug. Ser Lymond was still processing Gwayne's words. "i knew you'd come back, said she in your ear, then smiled.""" "But she needs a bath, she smiled again. — Ser Jaime Lannister, the Regicide. — said the grandfather. – What did you do to make him himself consecrate you knight?""" "For the seven of the people you exclamated Cerella, putting your hand in your mouth?" Ser Patrick was amazed too. He shook Gwayne's hand and greeted him coldly, it was his way. Ser Patrick was always distant and competent. Bring wine for God's sake! - Sit down, Gwayne. - said grandfather, thundering laughs. - I want to know everything. At this moment, Maester came along with a smile on his face, and there you are, good old man. For Gwayne to be back home so fast, that must mean the lion faced a big enough defeat. Gwayne closed his face and walked away, you can't be offended by that. Even though I knew the Lannisters are your enemies, the escape of the battlefield would torment him forever. More people start to join in the room, Septa, Cerella's teacher and all servants. Gwayne had a dark face standing, distant from her grandfather. The Septa Lorren touched his arm and he felt coming out of the darkness of his thoughts.

- Are you all right, young Gwayne? Gwayne smiled at her, but she didn't answer. One of the servants is filling your grandfather's glass with wine. — Gwayne, you honored this house! Our revenge. That night, Ser Lymond made a big banquet and invited everyone to the party, the celebrations arrived on the outside of the castle. Gwayne sat in the middle of the estate and told the things that happened to whoever wanted to hear, raised their chalices in honor of the dead and everything. For Gwayne was no reason to celebrate, but I didn't want to ruin their happiness. When the banquet was at the end, Ser Lymond approached.

One of the letters I sent was to Lord Luwyn, it's time to officiate our alliance. Your bride will come, just like Gudrun who should arrive at any moment, I sent a letter to them to come on the night of your departure and I have already chosen the place to build their headquarters, Lord Wulf wants to officiate his state of sir, with land and a castle. The moment is coming, the rebirth of the lion. Most horse houses will support us, Rotherly, Highwood, Florion, Seagrove, Duterwell and Purplehart and so on, will join us against the Sarsfield house. Gwayne was listening carefully with her hand on her chin. He looked at your grandfather raising the cup again. "Sor Gwayne Reyne, the red lion!" Throved him, his knights at the table responded to the roar. Other people raised the cup without understanding and afraid in the face. Lady Cerella was one of them.