In the pastures outside Wolfs Den, Gendry looked at the will left by Robert, neither sad nor happy. Anguy, Grey Wolf, Qyburn, and a few others stood not far behind him.
The will still bore the bloodstains and seal of his father, King Robert. Although only his biological father, he had left a gift at the last moment.
"Is this why you've come?" Gendry looked at Barristan, who was also one of the greatest knights in the history of Westeros. He had slain Maelys Blackfyre, single-handedly rescued the Mad King, and earned countless accolades.
Ser Barristan, Jon, and several Northmen found a ship at Cape of Maysse. They left The Kingswood by a small path and then sailed to Myr.
The Old Knight was tall, with blue eyes that many felt exuded sadness. Though advanced in age, he still appeared strong and graceful. Due to the haste of his arrival, Ser Barristan had even changed out of his White Knight armor, traveling in disguise.
"Yes, perhaps I should address you as Your Majesty," Ser Barristan said. "You are the rightful King."
Ser Barristan looked at the young man before him, with black hair and blue eyes, tall and agile, like a born warrior. He was about six feet five inches (≈ 1.96 meters), standing out in a crowd. Barristan felt he saw the King in his youth, tall, mighty, and spirited.
On his way, Barristan had already learned of many rumors, the most shocking being the death of Khal Drogo. From this, he saw him as a warrior who disdained all, just like Robert.
"You are the King, Your Highness," Anguy said in surprise. This step was extremely difficult for a bastard to claim the iron throne.
"Ser, how many people would believe it? As you said, this will was only witnessed by you and Lord Eddard, and it doesn't even have the royal seal," Gendry said.
Ser Barristan was a bit choked up. "This, but what I hold is indeed the King's will. I swear by my honor as a knight."
"You speak well, but not everyone is like you," Gendry smiled, handing the will to Maester Qyburn.
"Originally, Lord Eddard was also a witness to this matter, but Lord Eddard was worried about his two daughters and insisted on sending the King's coffin back to King's Landing..." Barristan sighed.
".." Gendry had already anticipated that Eddard was in great peril. A slight hesitation in this matter meant a narrow escape from death.
"I will save him, rest assured, Lord Eddard is a great man of the country," Gendry promised Ser Barristan. Gendry's pieces in King's Landing might need to move.
Regardless of Eddard's political skill, he had a broad perspective and political integrity, which many nobles lacked.
Barristan saw Gendry's confidence and perhaps he had already made arrangements in King's Landing.
"Your uncle, Lord Stannis, should have also received Lord Eddard's letter. Although I did not go personally, I entrusted reliable people to deliver the letter to Dragonstone," Ser Barristan said.
Gendry noted the Old Knight's words: entrusting someone to deliver, rather than delivering it himself, which suggested he wasn't entirely at ease with Stannis. "You don't trust Stannis?"
"Lord Stannis was loyal and reliable before, but this concerns the throne and power, so I am not entirely at ease," the Old Knight said. "If I were detained on Dragonstone, I would be unable to complete my mission."
"Lord Stannis only has a few men, but he has many fleets. Let him consider it himself," Gendry said.
"Lord Renly is even less trustworthy. After the King's death, Lord Renly fled, and he will also raise his own banner," Barristan said awkwardly. House Baratheon was already falling apart...
"It seems Lord Renly wants more."
"My mission is not yet over. My King Robert's last wish was to see you ascend the throne. So, please allow me to serve you, His Majesty Joffrey," Ser Barristan said, then knelt on one knee.
"You speak just right. According to the information from King's Landing, your position as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard has been revoked, and you have been declared a traitor," Qyburn looked at the Old Knight.
"This is my honor." Gendry helped the Old Knight up. This was the most famous knight, and whoever followed him would gain prestige. "I appoint you as my warhammer Guard."
Gendry draped a cloak over Barristan's shoulders. On the black cloak, four distinct patterns were vividly depicted: a warhammer, a red dragon, a Wolf Pack, and liberated slaves.
"You should put on the banner of House Baratheon," Barristan said.
Gendry smiled, but said nothing. It was merely a part of the design.
"When King Robert died and the dwarf king declared me a traitor, I realized I had to find the true king," Barristan said. "You know, your father also had some foolish ideas, wanting to kill Princess Daenerys. But is the princess really pregnant?"
"Whose rumor is that? She's still a girl," Gendry looked at Barristan.
"It was Varys's intelligence. We all believed it to be true," Barristan said.
"Varys... very good..." Gendry gave a cold smile.
"The true King, the Seven Kingdoms needs a true King," Gendry replied. "However, we will soon have a dwarf king and a traitor king. This position is not easy to obtain. Let Jon come over."
"Your Majesty." Grey Wolf brought Jon, who looked distraught. Now all three Starks were trapped in King's Landing, and as Jon had guessed, his mood was naturally low.
"I am willing to pledge my loyalty to you," Jon said. "But Lord Eddard and my sisters are imprisoned, and my heart is truly in agony."
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