After the merchant ship rounded the Whispering Sound, it sailed eastward upon approaching the Shield Islands, entering the Mander River. The riverbanks were lined with dense forests and gently rolling hills, presenting a scene of breathtaking beauty.
As the ship neared Highgarden, the riverbanks came alive with golden fields of wheat, their stalks swaying gently in the breeze like waves.
Orchards heavy with ripe, fragrant fruit added to the idyllic scene, while small villages and farmland dotted the landscape. Farmers worked steadily in the fields, their lives tranquil and harmonious.
Finally, the ship reached the nearest inland port to Highgarden. The harbor was bustling with activity—ships coming and going, goods being loaded and unloaded in a seamless dance of commerce.
In the distance stood a magnificent white castle, perched atop a lush green hill like a radiant pearl embedded in the earth. The castle's towering white walls, sturdy and imposing, glimmered under the sunlight as though carved from the purest jade. Its spires pierced the blue sky with graceful elegance, proclaiming its majesty and nobility to all who beheld it.
Gavin couldn't help but marvel. "Highgarden truly lives up to its reputation as the most beautiful castle in this world of A song of ice and fire."
The harmonious arrangement of its buildings, the intricate carvings, and the perfection of its design—it all seemed like a castle from a dream, a masterpiece of medieval artistry brought to vivid life.
Beneath the castle, the upcoming tournament had transformed the area into a lively sea of celebration.
The campgrounds bustled with crowds, the sounds of voices rising and falling like waves. Colorful tents, scattered like stars across the ground, added vibrancy to the scene.
Merchants called out, eager to sell their goods, their stalls overflowing with various items. The air was filled with the mouthwatering scents of spices and roasting meats, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere.
Jugglers flipped through the air, earning cheers from the crowd, while wandering musicians played their harps and sang of ancient heroes. Children ran through the crowd, their laughter ringing like the sound of bells.
Gavin trudged through the bustling camp, only to find that there was no place to stay in the city. Left with no other choice, he decided to find an open space outside, rent a tent, and set up a small camp for himself.
The campgrounds were alive with energy—vendors hawking their goods, joyous laughter filling the air, and an endless stream of people coming and going.
Suddenly, Gavin's attention was drawn to a flag fluttering in the distance. It was a noble family banner divided into four quadrants.
In the top left and bottom right sections, a silver holy grail gleamed against a black background, as if holding endless honor and mystery. The top right and bottom left sections displayed a vibrant black rose on a yellow field, exuding a unique and captivating charm.
His eyes lit up instantly. He had seen this flag for over ten years—it was the familiar banner of the Cotstayne family.
Gavin thought to himself, "If Ser Edmund is here, I should pay him a visit." With that thought in mind, he quickened his pace, heading toward the camp under the flag.
When he arrived at the camp entrance, he was surprised to find that the guard was none other than his former subordinate, Tommen. As soon as Tommen saw him, his face lit up with excitement, and he called out loudly, "Captain Gavin! I didn't expect you to be here! Weren't you supposed to be studying at the Citadel?"
Gavin smiled faintly, a hint of humor in his voice as he replied, "The Citadel never said an assistant Maester couldn't participate in the tournament."
Tommen chuckled and scratched his head, his expression warm and familiar. "Oh, by the way, Captain, Ser Edmund and Instructor Ryan are here too. Would you like to meet them?"
A spark of anticipation flashed in Gavin's eyes. Without hesitation, he said, "That's exactly why I'm here. Quickly, tell me, where's their tent?"
Tommen hurriedly pointed in the direction and said, "It's over there, Captain. You can go in yourself, I still have to stay on guard."
Gavin nodded in thanks and gave Tommen a gentle pat on the shoulder before striding confidently into the camp.
Inside the tent, Ser Edmund paced back and forth with his arms crossed, his face grim. "If it comes to it, I'll fight in the lance tournament myself. This match is crucial for the fate of the last disputed village, we cannot afford to lose."
Instructor Ryan sat in a chair, leaning forward, his expression serious. "My lord, the Hightower family is formidable. What if something happens to you? I've already enlisted three skilled fighters from Essos, all experienced gladiators with over ten years of fighting experience behind them. At the very least, they should secure one event."
Ser Edmund stopped pacing, his brow furrowed. "What about the archer?"
Coach Ryen nodded slightly, his gaze resolute. "My lord, I'll take part myself, but I still don't recommend you to compete in the tournament."
Ser Edmund sighed and was about to respond when the guard outside entered and reported Gavin's arrival.
A look of surprise flickered across Ser Edmund's face, and he quickly stepped out of the tent, with instructor Ryan rising to follow him.
Upon seeing Gavin standing outside, Ser Edmund's joy was unmistakable. He strode over, embraced Gavin tightly, and affectionately patted his head. "It's been over half a year since I last saw you, you've grown taller. Come on in."
He then led Gavin into the tent, urging him to sit. With a sense of urgency, Ser Edmund asked, "How have you been doing at the Citadel, my boy?"
Gavin answered confidently, "My lord, I've learned a great deal. If I didn't hesitate to truly become a Maester, I could have even made chain links by now."
Instructor Ryan let out a hearty laugh and nodded. "Gavin has always been an exceptional lad."
Suddenly, as if recalling something, instructor Ryan turned to Ser Edmund and said, "My lord, Gavin's archery skills far exceed mine. Now that he's here, why not have him represent us in the archery tournament?"
Ser Edmund was momentarily taken aback, his gaze shifting to Gavin with a mix of scrutiny and anticipation. "Gavin, during your time at the Citadel, have you neglected your martial skills?"
Gavin stood at attention and respectfully replied, "My lord, I've practiced diligently every day and have never slacked off."
Ser Edmund nodded, his expression resolute. "For this archery tournament, I want you to represent the Cotstayne family."
Gavin, after hearing this, did not respond immediately. Instead, he looked at Ser Edmund and asked, "My lord, is there something going on?"
Instructor Ryan, seeing the confusion, quickly explained the situation, and only then did Gavin understand the full context.
It turns out that the Hand of the king's decision last time resolved half of the issue regarding the two disputed villages between the Cotstayne family and the Hightower family.
However, both families had understood that the Hand of the king had deliberately left one village unresolved to create conflict. Fearing that the Hand of the king might exploit this matter further, the two families had engaged in their first direct negotiations.
They decided to use the rankings from the upcoming competition to determine the ownership of the disputed village, adopting a best-of-three format, with the rankings of each team in each round deciding the outcome.
..
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[Author Note]
Happy New Year! 🎊
Wishing you a fantastic year ahead filled with happiness, love, and all the good things life has to offer. May 2025 bring you exciting new opportunities and unforgettable moments!
Best wishes!
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[Chapter End's]
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