I'm going to be blunt here if there are inconsistencies I apologize I haven't watched Game of Thrones in a long time and I haven't re-watched it so I'm working off what I remember.
Chapter: 16
The stands were packed, buzzing with excitement as the tournament preparations reached a fever pitch. Ariel and I had arrived just in time, and I made sure to register for the archery, jousting, and combat events. The officials raised an eyebrow at an unfamiliar face like mine, especially a child entering three events, but they didn't stop me. Ariel took her seat among the spectators, keeping a keen eye on the people we'd come here to observe. King Robert Baratheon, Queen Cersei Lannister, and their brood sat near Eddard Stark, the newly appointed Hand of the King, with some of his family around him. In truth, the Stark family was who I was most interested in. Cersei and her family weren't anything notable — except Tyrion, but that wasn't the point.
Eventually, the announcer's voice echoed across the grounds, signaling the start of the archery contest. I joined the other contestants as we were called forward, a handful of familiar names standing out. There was Lord Baelor Blacktyde, a well-known marksman, followed by Ser Balon Swann, whose skill with a bow was renowned across Westeros. As for me, I was introduced simply as "Victor," a name foreign to everyone here. This anonymity seemed to fuel some jeers from the crowd and earned a few scoffs from the contestants, though I couldn't care less.
The other contestants took their turns, each arrow flying with precision and power. Baelor hit two bullseyes, the crowd roaring in approval. Ser Balon fired three arrows, two of them striking just outside the bullseye, while his last hit it dead-on. Their marks were respectable, I had to admit.
When my turn came, I took a steadying breath and pulled back the bowstring. With calm precision, I let three arrows fly in quick succession. Each arrow flew true, piercing through the center of the bullseye and stacking atop the previous one. The final arrow split the first two cleanly, lodging itself dead center. Silence filled the stands, followed by a rising murmur as the crowd took in what they'd just seen.
I looked at the other contestants, a slight smirk tugging at my lips. "You were saying?"
Leaving them speechless, I strolled back toward the stands. I caught sight of Ariel, grinning widely as she pocketed a pouch of coins. She must've placed a bet on me.
I walked over, dropping the prize money into her hands. "You know making bets on me is unfair… for everyone else, right?"
"Oh, I know," she replied with a grin. "That's the point."
I chuckled, sitting beside her as we waited for the jousting event to begin. Then a realization hit me—I didn't have a sword for the combat event. I sighed, mentally facepalming.
Ariel noticed, raising an eyebrow. "What's up?"
"I don't have a sword for the combat event," I muttered.
"Can't you just make one?" she asked.
I nodded, discreetly conjuring a blade. As I concentrated, a sleek katana formed in my hand. Its pitch-black blade glinted ominously, sheathed in a dark red-and-black scabbard. Satisfied, I set it aside and leaned back.
Finally, the jousting event began, and I headed down to the field, greeted by the cheers of the crowd. My opponent was none other than Ser Gregor Clegane — "The Mountain." His towering form and fearsome reputation had the crowd roaring in anticipation. I sensed his aggression even before the match started, his sneer evident beneath his helmet.
The horn blew, and we charged at each other. Our lances collided, but as the dust settled, it was clear I remained firmly in my saddle while The Mountain was knocked cleanly off his horse. I smirked, using a bit of superhuman strength never hurt anyone, not that his feelings were hurt regardless. I'm mostly doing this to get a very special reaction from. I slid off my horse and dusted off my clothes just to rub it in further. His face darkened as he realized he'd been bested. He stood with such speed that it was remarkable for someone his size. Enraged, he reached for his sword, eyes blazing with fury.
"Fetch my blade!" he bellowed. It was clear he wouldn't take defeat lightly.
"That's it. Take the bait" I muttered.
No one would stop this. I'm no noble man from here which makes this perfect. As he drew his weapon, I called to Ariel, who tossed me my katana. The black blade sang as I unsheathed it, and the crowd held its breath, sensing the impending clash.
The Mountain lunged, his massive blade swinging down toward me. I sidestepped easily, the sword slicing through empty air. A knowing grin spread across my face as I dodged his lumbering strikes, each one becoming sloppier in his growing frustration.
"Is that all you've got?" I taunted, earning a roar of anger from Clegane.
I began to dismantle him, cutting the tendons in his leg with a quick, precise strike. He staggered, struggling to stay upright as the crowd watched in horrified awe. I continued my work, severing the tendons in his arms so his sword clattered uselessly to the ground.
Now weaponless and maimed, he glared up at me, helpless rage seething in his gaze. "I don't take joy in pain," I told him, my voice low and steady. "But what I'm about to do to you — I'm going to enjoy very, very much."
With one swift stroke, I took out his right eye, followed by the left. His screams filled the air, but I felt no remorse. This was justice, in its most brutal form. I toyed with him a bit longer, cutting away at him piece by piece, savoring the look of fear that replaced his arrogance. Finally, with a smooth motion, I took his head, ending his suffering once and for all.
The crowd was deathly silent. Slowly, murmurs rippled through the stands as they processed the display.
In the royal box, Robert Baratheon looked both horrified and impressed. "Seven hells, Ned… who is this Victor?"
Eddard Stark's brows knitted, his eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "I'm not sure. But he's not someone to take lightly."
Cersei Lannister's face was twisted in disgust, but her eyes held a glint of intrigue. Nearby, Joffrey's expression was one of horrified fascination, while Arya Stark looked more excited than frightened.
After collecting my winnings from the jousting event, I returned to the stands. Ariel smirked as I sat beside her, raising an eyebrow.
"Well, that was… something," she said, a hint of admiration in her tone.
"Let's just say it was overdue karma," I replied.
The tournament continued, but nothing could top the spectacle of The Mountain's downfall. And as I settled into my seat beside Ariel, I knew that my real work here was only just beginning.
Chapter 16: End