Chapter 185: The Red Comet
Ser Boros Blount of Winterfell in the North, dressed in the white cloak and armor of the Kingsguard, wearing a white greathelm with a golden lion badge set with a red gemstone eye on his breastplate, stood before Loran.
"In the name of the Warrior, I charge you to be brave." He moved the longsword from Loran's right shoulder to his left.
"In the name of the Father, I charge you to be just." He moved it back to his right shoulder.
"In the name of the Mother, I charge you to defend the young and innocent."
"In the name of the Maiden, I charge you to protect all women."
"..."
"..."
"Rise, Ser Loran, a knight of the Seven Kingdoms." Ser Boros finished his last oath and sheathed his sword.
Loran stood up and fastened his sword belt.
To be knighted by you, you fool, is my greatest shame. "It is my honor, Ser Boros," Loran said respectfully.
Who was the worst Kingsguard in history? Ser Meryn Trant, who bragged that "any boy whore with a sword could beat three Meryn Trants"?
No, he was far less pathetic than Boros Blount, who, after being surrounded by Tyrion's men while escorting Tommen to Rosby, cowardly chose to surrender.
In a sense, perhaps only Jaime Lannister, who killed one king and then cuckolded another, was worse.
Then, a septon brought by Robert stepped forward and anointed Loran with the seven oils.
After the entire investiture ceremony was completed, King Robert himself stepped forward.
"Ser Loran, I name you to my Kingsguard, to take the place of the Kingslayer." Robert skipped all the formalities and stated his first appointment.
"I will not fail in my duty, Your Grace. I will fight for you with my life," Ser Loran swore loudly, adding in his heart, I will faithfully fulfill the duties of 'Kingslayer.'
"Since you have already proven your martial prowess at the council, I hereby name you Lieutenant Commander of the royal host," Robert announced his second appointment. "Use your talents well to assist Eddard." Robert had previously appointed Eddard Stark as Lord Commander of the royal armies. "I expect you to win sufficient glory in the Westerlands."
"Yes, Your Grace," Loran immediately accepted the appointment.
Eddard Stark, standing nearby, did not object, as the young man had already demonstrated his abilities at the previous day's small council meeting, and Eddard was happy to have his assistance.
Afterward, Loran methodically completed the remaining parts of the tedious ceremony and went to his sister Lyanna's side at the feast.
Clearly, this player named Lyanna was modeled after Lyanna Stark from the original story, and her every move, speech, and demeanor was a perfect imitation of Lyanna Stark.
Although the original text only provides written descriptions of Lyanna, resulting in her bearing less than seventy percent resemblance to the real woman, the fact that Lyanna died long enough ago means she still perfectly matches the unattainable figure in Robert's memories.
As for Loran's appointment as a Kingsguard, it was Lyanna's suggestion to Robert.
She told Robert to appoint her brother Loran first, so he could command the royal army without being criticized for his status. Kingsguard members do not marry, hold lands, father children, or hold other titles. They represent the King, and unless they commit a crime, other nobles will find no grounds to attack them.
Then, Loran could easily gain sufficient merit in this crucial war against the Westerlands, a war the entire realm was destined to win.
After the war, all Robert needed to do was release Loran from his Kingsguard vows, and he could be granted a great castle in the Westerlands, while Lyanna would gain the right to marry Robert.
As for which castle would ultimately be granted to Loran, that was uncertain—it depended on what became available.
Of course, for Loran, the best outcome would undoubtedly be Casterly Rock itself, which was also his greatest goal for the next stage.
"Congratulations, brother," Lyanna said with a smile, raising her glass to Loran.
"Thank you," Loran replied, raising his glass in return.
Both of them could see four words in each other's eyes: we have the advantage!
Suddenly, Loran abruptly turned his head and spat out the wine in his mouth. If he hadn't reacted quickly enough, it would have almost sprayed onto Lyanna's gown, or even Robert standing next to her.
Then, Loran looked up again, staring intently at the sky, completely transfixed.
Lyanna, bewildered, also looked up at the eastern horizon.
The next moment, her wine glass fell to the ground and shattered.
"No, impossible," Lyanna murmured, staring at the eerie red comet in the night sky.
"The ravens have flown to all the castles in the North to deliver Eddard's decree. Within two months, most of the lords of the North will lead their armies to Winterfell," Otis said, rowing.
Jaime lay languidly at the stern. Otis had somehow healed his injuries, but he made no attempt to help row.
"Then they will head south through the Bay of Ice and the Neck to join the other royal armies, and together they will march to Casterly Rock to smash your father's skull," Otis continued.
"Before that," Jaime shrugged, already used to Otis's dark humor, "we need to figure out how to get out of this damned North. Even though you used your powers to evade the Winterfell cavalry, you have to understand—there's absolutely no way we'll reach White Harbor or the Bay of Ice before the Winterfell ravens."
"And do you remember how I evaded those cavalry?"
"You said it was your sorcery," Jaime added, sensing Otis's dissatisfaction, "your eagles scouted from the sky, keeping track of their every move."
"So... not a single Winterfell raven will make it to White Harbor," Otis laughed, revealing a set of rather unappealing yellowed teeth. "Not a single one."
"You killed them all?" Jaime sat bolt upright, grabbing the oar beside him. "So we can take a ship from White Harbor to the south?"
Seeing Jaime's sudden animation after glimpsing a spark of hope, Otis chuckled. However, just as he was about to tell another dark joke, his smile froze.
He stared in shock at the red glow on the eastern horizon, feeling goosebumps rise all over his body.
The return of magic had arrived a year early—who the hell did this?
(End of Chapter)
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