chapter 153 part 2
As Lord Eddard spoke, he slowly rose from the throne.
Every pair of eyes in the great hall was fixed on Lord Eddard, waiting with bated breath.
"Lord Beric Dondarrion, Ser Gladden Wylde."
The summoned Lord Beric and Ser Gladden walked out briskly, standing before Lord Eddard and looking up at him.
"I want you to lead fifty horsemen to the scene of the incident in The Reach to investigate. I will also send twenty of my Stark guards to accompany you."
"Lord Beric, you will be in command of this mission. You are to work with Lord Mace's vassals to capture those bandits. Remember, help me find out who those men are."
The red-gold-haired Lord Beric placed a hand on his chest and said, "Lord Hand Eddard, I will obey."
Lord Eddard nodded slightly, then his sharp gaze swept over the crowd below as he announced, "In the name of Robert of the House Baratheon, the First of His Name, King of the Andals, the Rhoynar, and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm."
"I, Eddard of House Stark, Hand of the King, do hereby command you to immediately raise the King's banner, proceed to the northwestern border of The Reach, and capture the murderous, fire-starting, and utterly vicious bandits. Whether they be living or dead, may the gods have mercy on their souls."
Lord Eddard sat back down on the throne and said, "Today's petitions are at an end."
…
After Lord Eddard descended the steps of the dais, Varys approached with light, quick steps.
"Lord Hand, you are much braver than I."
Lord Eddard was in no mood for word games. His grey eyes flickered as he said, "Varys, speak plainly."
Varys first raised his head and glanced around before lowering his voice. "Lord Hand, if it were me sitting up there, I would have sent Ser Ilyn. After all, he is the King's Justice. Asking others to do his job... could be interpreted as a malicious insult toward him."
Lord Eddard frowned and denied it, "I had no intention of offending."
After a pause, he added, "Varys, House Payne has been sworn to House Lannister for generations. I believe it is more appropriate to choose someone who has not sworn fealty to Lord Tywin to handle this matter. Don't forget, the people of The Reach are almost certain that those bandits are the Mountain's former men."
Varys nodded slightly. "Lord Hand, your actions are undoubtedly very prudent, it's just..."
Varys once again glanced around cautiously. Seeing his mouse-like demeanor, Lord Eddard couldn't help but furrow his brow.
"I happened to see Ser Ilyn standing at the back of the hall. Those pale eyes of his have been staring at us. I must admit, he did not look very happy."
As he spoke, Varys couldn't help but shrink his neck.
He continued, "Our King's Justice has always been a man of few words. His inner thoughts were already difficult to guess. I hope he will soon forget today's unpleasantness, lest it affect his passion for his official duties."
…
…
Outside the Throne Room.
"Jon, I heard your leg injury is not light..."
Glyn tilted his head, glanced at Jon Snow's left leg, and continued, "Yet you are not resting properly... Do you want people to call you the lame Bastard? It sounds like a decent nickname. Your courage is admirable. I wish you success in achieving your desire soon."
Jon was very angry, but he held it in.
It wasn't because of the difference in status, as the descendants of the First Men, regardless of their station, preferred to speak with their swords... The main reason was that he really couldn't beat the lord before him, who was about his own age!
Whenever they met in the training yard of the Tower of the Hand, Lord Glyn would always call him over to spar... During that time, Lord Glyn nearly became a shadow looming over the northern boy's youth!
Monton Waters stood to the side, watching Jon's sullen face and snickering silently.
Jon's face turned crimson with frustration. He finally couldn't help but retort, "My lord, I was protecting Lord Stark."
Glyn raised an eyebrow and said, "Are you going to follow Lord Eddard around with a limp? Others will surely praise your loyalty behind your back."
"I..." Jon opened his mouth but couldn't find any other words to say.
By now, Jon understood the good intentions behind Glyn's words, but... he was still very angry.
"Lord Glyn," a soft and pleasant voice came from the other side.
Glyn's eyes moved slightly. He turned and bowed. "Good day, Lady Margaery."
Although Margaery Tyrell wore a sweet smile, her haggard expression was hard to conceal. She wore a light grey, round-collared long dress, and apart from a Golden Rose insignia, she wore no other jewelry.
Margaery's beautiful eyes swept over Jon and Monton. The smile on her face did not falter as she nodded lightly.
Jon only glanced at her once before lowering his eyes and bowing with a hand on his chest.
Monton scratched his head and gave a silly grin.
"Could you walk with me?"
Glyn stepped aside and gestured forward with his hand. "It would be my honor, Lady Margaery."
…
As they walked, Margaery remained quiet. Glyn could easily sense her sorrow.
He took the initiative to speak, "In my territory, there is an old clansman. He is now in charge of teaching swordsmanship to some of the men. He's considered one of the best instructors in the Cleber lands."
Margaery looked over with her moist eyes, a perfectly appropriate amount of doubt on her face.
Glyn continued, "Before I was born, he lost his right arm in a battle, but relying on his remaining left arm, he continued to fight for House Cleber for more than ten years. After we reclaimed our old lands, I appointed this old clansman, who is nearly fifty, as the instructor for the new recruits."
Margaery stopped in her tracks. "Lord Glyn, you mean..."
Glyn nodded slightly. "He is responsible for teaching swordsmanship to all the left-handed soldiers in the Cleber territory. Please believe me, he is a battle-hardened veteran, and his swordsmanship is excellent."
After a pause, a slight smile appeared on his face. "Lady Margaery, if you are willing, at a suitable time... I can arrange for him to meet Ser Garlan."
Margaery met Glyn's gaze for a moment, then lowered her eyes and started walking again.
After a moment of silence, she said softly, "Thank you, Lord Glyn."
She added, "After his injury, my brother Garlan has been in a very bad state. I have never seen him so dejected. It breaks my heart every time I see him... My brother has always been the pride of our family. Everyone calls him 'Garlan the Gallant'..."
Glyn comforted her, "A warrior is fearless. Give him some time. I believe we will soon see an even more gallant Ser Garlan."
Margaery nodded lightly. She looked at Glyn and smiled. "Lord Glyn, you are always so thoughtful. Thank you again for your help. I also believe that my brother will soon be able to wield a sword and fight again."
(end of chapter)