The next day, on the verdant, thriving plains of the Riverlands, the waters of Gods Eye Lake reflected the countless banners of heraldry fluttering before Harrenhal. The jousting began, alongside the seven-man melee, archery contests, and swordplay competitions, all with substantial prizes for the victors. King Aerys sat high above, before the crimson and black velvet dragon-emblazoned curtains of the royal box, which was intended to display the majesty of His Majesty, but the lords of the realm, including Duke Rickard, the men from Highgarden, and nobles from outside King's Landing, were undoubtedly taken aback as they rode past to pay their respects. The king's white hair was unkempt, his beard hung down to his chest, and his fingernails were several inches long, nearly unable to grip a sword. He was wrapped in a crimson robe like fire, but there was nothing vibrant about him, which undoubtedly shocked them.
The king nervously refused to taste any food. He wore a large, heavy pure gold ruby crown, barely managing to support it. The observant could see that his head was trembling slightly! Was he unable to bear the weight of the crown?
The nobles, harboring various thoughts, exchanged glances.
In stark contrast to the weakened Aerys was his eldest son, Rhaegar. The Dragon Prince, clad in black armor, rode his steed across the lawn. His silver hair shone brighter than the sun, and everyone knew he was not just for show.
The jousting was the highlight of the tournament. Amidst the cheers of the audience, the host, the Lord of the Riverlands' brothers and uncles, were defeated in the first round, and the Lord's daughter, the Queen of Love and Beauty's Crown, could not be defended. All the participating knights requested favors from the ladies, to be tied to their wrists or lances.
Prince Rhaegar did not make this request of any lady. But he clearly touched his wrist. The keen-eyed in the audience had indeed seen a silver braided ring.
Those close to him knew it was a lock of hair given to the prince by his younger brother during the trial by combat with Gregor a few years ago. Barristan was certain that the prince would not let go of it until his brother returned. Arthur Dayne saw Rhaegar's firm determination to win the Queen of Love and Beauty's Crown. He curiously asked, "To which lady present do you intend to give it?"
Rhaegar gazed at the clouds in the sky, sorrowfully saying, "Arthur, do you remember what happened when my brother was five years old? He cried for a flower crown, and I, at the time, didn't give it to him."
"Ah, the Dragon Prince wants to use the flower crown to pray for his brother's return." Arthur Dayne patted his shoulder. "May the Seven bless your wish, Your Grace. I will also give it my all. Only by giving it your all can you express your piety and get what you desire."
That day ended with the knight whose house sigil was a porcupine winning the jousting challenge. The next morning, the Knight of the Trident and the Knight of the Twin Towers, both from noble families in the Riverlands, were victorious. Their three tents were declared the challengers' tents. Then, including Rhaegar, Barristan of the Kingsguard, and Arthur Dayne, they all became challengers. Their seven tents were lined up along Gods Eye Lake – according to the rules, any knight was eligible to challenge the owner of the target tent.
As for Viserys, what was he doing? He'd never practiced jousting, okay? Besides, to bring out his prized horse from the Dothraki Sea in front of everyone? His brother would recognize him at a glance... That would be different from the reunion he had planned!
So Viserys was steadily playing the role of a spectator. He spent the whole day happily mingling with the audience, admiring his brother's stunning beauty from all angles – the Dragon Prince had red and black ribbons tied to the back of his lance, and as he galloped, they swirled gracefully without falling. Wonderful! A knight's horsemanship was crucial in a jousting match. Viserys had never seen anyone stronger than his brother! His brother would certainly, definitely, be the ultimate champion!
With such a dazzling brother, I can only make a stunning appearance to match him. The young prince's plan was to participate in the sword fighting competition and win! But there was no need to rush now. The rules for sword fighting were similar to jousting, so he would be lazy and only challenge the final victor!
While watching his brother, he also paid attention to the results of the sword fighting competition. He also spotted Robert Baratheon participating in the group melee, wielding a new warhammer and fighting with gusto – burly and fierce, just like a black bear. Just this? Just this? The old hatred of the Ruby Ford surged in his heart. If he dared to steal Lyanna from his brother, I will assassinate him!
That evening, the setting sun was slanting. As the berries growing in the lush grass were illuminated and became crystal clear, a mysterious knight appeared on the field. The newcomer rode a tall black horse, but their build was much smaller than the other male challengers. Viserys, waiting for the classic moment in history to appear, knew at a glance that it was Lyanna.
She wore mismatched armor she'd cobbled together from her brothers' castoffs and held a painted shield with the heart tree of the North on it. She first bowed to the king in the stands, then rode her horse to the seven tents in the arena. The first one she challenged was the Knight of the Porcupine.
Two riders charged at each other, a clash of lances! Lyanna, with her skillful horsemanship, dodged the blow! Then, with a precise thrust of her lance, she struck!
The Knight of the Porcupine tumbled from his horse, and Viserys was the first to applaud.
Rhaegar, also among the spectators, frowned, his gaze fixed on the sword sheathed at this new knight's hip.
Next came the Knight of the Trident, then the Knight of the Twin Towers! She won again and again! She became the new challenger! The onlookers cheered for the "Knight of the Laughing Tree." Now, the horses and armor of these three knights were hers!
According to custom, the defeated would pay a ransom. But Lyanna's deliberately low voice, amplified by the resonance of her metal helmet, boomed out – Viserys, who had undergone rigorous training in disguise, thought he could do a much better job of acting.
"The squires of the three of you don't understand the meaning of a knight's honor! Teach them! That is your ransom!"
The three knights severely punished their squires. Yes, those weaklings, each receiving twenty lashes. Howland Reed had been bullied, and Lyanna, through their masters, finally brought justice! A good girl! Viserys nodded in approval.
What came next – was the real show about to begin? He waited to see...
His older brother, Rhaegar, approached the spirited, short knight.
"Please, come to the tent over here," the Dragon Prince said first, with a rare enthusiasm. "You are also a challenger. May I ask you to remove your helmet?"
Viserys pursed his lips. Why is this a little different from the plot?
Behind the armor, Lyanna was startled. She immediately spurred her horse, turning it around. The steed then kicked up its heels and galloped toward the outside of the jousting grounds!
This change happened too fast! One could only see the rider's agility and skill, which were rare and superb! She seemed to be glued to the horse's back, easily jumping over the fence and heading toward a dense forest in the wilderness!
The King hadn't even had time to scold the enemy who must be hiding behind the helmet when the Dragon Prince, Rhaegar, had already mounted his white horse and chased after that direction!
This…the result is still the same! Is the spark of first love about to be born?
Viserys wasn't sure if he should sneak over to take a peek. And at this moment, Jaime Lannister, who had participated in the sword fighting competition and defeated everyone to become the final challenger, lost his mind again!
He came to the King's tent, knelt, and made his request: if he won the sword fighting competition, he wanted to be a Kingsguard.
Lord Tywin's face immediately darkened.
Aerys's purple eyes darted around nervously, and he chuckled. How wonderful! The Kingsguard don't marry! Tywin has no other heirs besides the escaped dwarf—hahaha!
Just as he was about to agree, a voice shouted from below, "Your Majesty!! Respected King!! If I defeat him, will I take his place as a Kingsguard?!"
That's right. The one shouting was Viserys. Plans changed. Jaime was full of knights, honor, and glory. He wanted to be a Kingsguard; it wasn't Aerys who forced him! The Targaryens would not take the blame for angering Tywin!!
Everyone looked at this nameless knight in his twenties with ordinary features—he seemed to be from The North, dressed shabbily, and without even chainmail, let alone armor. He carried two weapons wrapped in linen cloth, which looked like two swords.
Howland Reed called out worriedly. Rickard and Brandon frowned—they didn't even remember this fool's name. Sigh, it would be good if he only lost a hand, would they even bring the body back?
Everyone thought this was a rash kid who didn't know his place. But he did know how to please the King—
Viserys also knelt on one knee before his father, raising his shoulders and imploring, "Your Grace, the great King, may I be granted the grace to compete?"
Barristan looked at the young man, feeling a certain oddness—but he couldn't put his finger on it.
Of course, if Rhaegar were present, the Crown Prince would have discovered that this Northerner's performance of King's Landing etiquette was too fluent and standard—he had been carefully cultivated since childhood!
Aerys's disheveled hair was smoothed by the other's respectful attitude. He stared straight ahead and announced, "Whoever wins will be in the Kingsguard."
Heh heh heh! Viserys thought he'd found a shortcut. He walked towards Jaime, "Will you accept my challenge?"
"I accept." The golden-haired, handsome youth said frankly, and, finding that his opponent was not wearing armor, chivalrously declared that he also didn't need armor, to show fairness.
"That's not necessary. You should still wear armor to protect your body." Viserys said, drawing Dark Sister from behind, and tearing off the linen strips, throwing them in the wind.
The dark, slender blade of the Valyrian Steel Sword shocked the onlookers. Barristan narrowed his eyes, examining the sword carefully----
King Aerys clearly knew what type of swords the two lost heirlooms were. His purple eyes fixed on Dark Sister, and he suddenly roared, "Rhaegar? The Crown Prince!! Where is he?! Call him over!! Have him defeat this man! Take back the Targaryen sword!!"
...See, he was so far gone he'd forgotten Rhaegar had just ridden off after the Knight of the Laughing Tree.
Cersei was also in the front row of the noble viewing stands. She had complete confidence in her brother. In fact, it was she who had instigated his joining the Kingsguard: that way, Jaime wouldn't have to marry some woman unworthy of him and could stay in King's Landing by her side!
This match should be over in two or three rounds, Cersei thought. Over before the Crown Prince returned. Last night, the Crown Prince hadn't danced with her, but instead had chatted with that uncouth girl from The North--this had roused Cersei's competitive spirit. How could she lose to a Stark girl? Annoyed, she'd asked Jaime, and her brother had soothed her, saying she was the radiant golden sunlight, and that girl was just the dim glow of a hearth.
Cersei, full of provocative intent, had put on her finest attire, wanting to meet the Northern woman today, but she couldn't see the drab little sparrow anywhere.
In the arena, Jaime began from the high ground, but his opponent only pointed the tip of his sword at the ground. Jaime bravely swung at his shoulder!
Viserys swiftly moved his feet, and as Jaime's downward chop came, he slashed upward--the Lannister's sword blocked in time, and sparks flew from the impact.
Viserys parried and immediately transitioned into a thrust, aiming his sword tip at his opponent's breastplate, his body and footwork closely following – he was getting faster and pressing the attack.
Jaime kept retreating. He was surprised to see someone move so quickly. However, as a swordsman with exceptional talent, he could still deflect every attack. He needs to find an opening and counterattack successfully!
Barristan and Arthur Dayne, the two Kingsguard watching from below, exchanged glances, both seeing each other's assessment of the outcome.
Arthur...
Cersei whispered, "This kid's swordsmanship comes partly from Essos. He wouldn't look as good in white robes as Jaime."
Barristan sighed, "Jaime is too young. He can't tell that the other person isn't using their full strength. This is a very frightening opponent, even for me."
Meanwhile, on the Greenfield Plains, hooves pounded, crushing berries underfoot. Rhaegar on horseback had almost caught up to the Knight of the Laughing Tree—he looked at the person's sword and wouldn't mistake it. This was a birthday gift he gave to his younger brother!
His horse was far better than the one the other person was riding. Because of this, Rhaegar had to praise the other person's good riding skills. He urged his horse to chase the other person, side by side—at the same time, Rhaegar thought, if this really was his younger brother, why was he running away? Why not immediately throw himself into his arms?
But he couldn't be mistaken about the sword. No matter what, he had to figure out who this person was. His white horse got close to the knight's horse. Rhaegar suddenly released the reins, leaned to the side, and grabbed the other person's armor on the shoulder with one hand! With the other hand, he reached for the sword at the waist!!
Lyanna was startled by this bold and fearless move! Almost pinned down by the man, her mind was in chaos. She shouted at the top of her lungs, "Don't!! Don't!!! Your Grace!!"
Her voice was exceptionally clear, but it wasn't her brother's voice.
Rhaegar was somewhat annoyed, but he still decided to lift the knight's visor. He withdrew his hand, returned to his seat, and maintained his balance on his mount, loudly ordering the other person to slow down—Lyanna gritted her teeth, skillfully controlling her horse to not run so fast—the sound of hooves became increasingly spaced. And the Crown Prince was even more adept, blocking her in front of the path, riding his horse across it.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves, dappling the prince's black helmet. The crushed, ripe berries released a cloying sweetness – Lyanna was so nervous she could barely breathe.
She dejectedly reined in her horse and dismounted. Gasping, she shouted at the prince, "You're a good person, so please, don't take me back----" Then she pulled off her helmet.
And so the prince saw the Stark girl who had spoken to him last night. Her grey eyes were wide, sparkling with a plea. He immediately wanted to slap himself – this sword, of course, was what Viserys had given her back then!! He was too eager for his brother---- He had been abrupt with her, not knowing she was a lady.
When the prince returned to the jousting grounds alone, holding Lyanna's Heart Tree Shield, he found everyone watching the sword fighting competition. He went to report to his father first, intending to say he'd only found this---- But Aerys seemed to have completely forgotten that his son had just gone after the Knight of the Laughing Tree. He grabbed Rhaegar's arm, his purple eyes flashing with madness, and ordered, "Go, defeat that person, and make him return the sword to us Targaryens!! Otherwise, I'll kill him."
Rhaegar, hearing these words, which were completely against the spirit of knighthood and fairness, bowed to his father, expressionless. In his heart, he confirmed that he could no longer let him continue as king.
He looked towards the center of the arena---- Viserys had energy and spare capacity, and he saw his brother was back, hehe!!
Then he wouldn't play with Jaime anymore! He closed his eyes---- Can you imagine? His strongest move required closing his eyes. This could amplify his other senses, and he could clearly judge the opponent's sword wind, breathing, and everything. This was the skill he had practiced after being beaten countless times in the pitch-black House of Black and White, the ability to see the essence of truth with his heart.
The champion of the Water Dancers, the top assassin Viserys, was online. He faced Jaime sideways, and Jaime swung his sword at him! Viserys dodged with a faster and earlier step, and his Dark Sister consecutively struck Jaime's temple, elbow, and throat in the midst of the audience's exclamations. Jaime felt his armor buzzing---- His ears were ringing. This affected his reactions----
Another thrust. Jaime barely dodged it. Viserys, without hesitation, transitioned into a draw cut. The blade of Dark Sister followed the line of his bracer, finding the gap at his elbow, gauging the structure of the muscles and tendons, and with a gentle pull, the blade sliced through his flesh. Blood trickled down Jaime's arm from his elbow joint.
With Cersei's scream, there was a "clang" as the Lannister's steel longsword fell to the ground, its owner unable to continue the fight.
"I win." Viserys sheathed his sword, opened his eyes, and looked up at the king's balcony. "Haha, before I'm made a Kingsguard white cloak, does anyone else want to spar with me?"
Rhaegar replied calmly, "I do." He held his Valyrian Steel Sword, and walked into the center of the arena, under everyone's gaze, carefully sizing up his unassuming opponent who held the Targaryen family's heirloom sword.
The young man wore only simple leather armor, his hair was messy, and his sallow face was clean. His narrow eyes were surprisingly bright and full of energy.
Rhaegar's heart began to beat rapidly and violently at this moment.
The little prince will only meet his brother in the next chapter~~
...
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"Game of Thrones: Dragon Prince"
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(End Chapter)