Chapter 72 The Lance Tournament Ends
Valarr eagerly rushed to the railing, as the outcomes of both contests were decided almost simultaneously. Lord Artys Royce was cleanly unhorsed by the Silver Crown Knight, who then, in foot combat, disarmed the mysterious knight with two swift sword strikes. The Silver Crown Knight, in a panic, quickly removed his helmet, revealing long silver hair and a handsome young face, and raised his hands in surrender.
The duel between the White Knight and the Bloodsworn Brother was even more brutal. Aslan, like a furious young lion, after knocking Ser Criston Cole down with a heavy sword, took advantage of the Lord Commander's dazed state to repeatedly strike his head with his shield, effectively knocking the captain of the Kingsguard unconscious.
Valarr clearly saw Prince Daemon, who had just defeated Ser Erryk, let out a loud laugh that echoed throughout the arena, and Queen Alicent's face in the audience, which looked as though water could be squeezed from it. Then came his own dark expression; he had won, but almost all his winnings had been lost.
At least the principal was left. I should have known not to bet on my younger brother.
"Lord Artys is a brave warrior," King Viserys said with a smile, taking a cup of sweet wine from a servant's tray and addressing Lady Jeyne Arryn. "The Vale is full of talented people."
"Your Majesty, Lord Artys is Lady Rhea's nephew," Lady Jeyne said, watching Lord Artys ride his horse toward Prince Daemon below. "He wishes to seek justice for Lady Rhea even more."
Viserys, somewhat awkwardly, drained the sweet wine from his cup. He naturally knew what past matter Lady Jeyne was referring to. In his youth, Daemon had married Lady Rhea Royce, the heir of Runestone, but Daemon intensely disliked his wife, even calling her the "Bronze Bitch." During his exile, the prince preferred to fight in the Stepstones rather than return to Runestone to fulfill his marital duties.
Of course, Lady Rhea was also an extraordinary woman; she equally disdained Daemon and scoffed at this failed marriage. Unfortunately, Lady Rhea suffered a head injury from an accidental fall during a hunt. After nine days of painful bedrest, she barely managed to get up, only to fall again. This time, no matter what methods the maesters used, her life could not be saved.
Upon learning of his lawful wife's death, Daemon immediately flew back to Runestone, demanding to inherit the "Bronze Bitch's" castle. The enraged Lord Artys Royce and the elderly Lord Gunthor Royce expelled the wayward prince, and Lady Jeyne even stated directly, "The Vale does not welcome you."
So this time, Lady Jeyne unhesitatingly pulled out a bag of gold and placed it in the hands of the gambling organizer. "I bet on Artys to win."
"I'll raise," Alicent said with a dark face, pulling out another bag of gold and tossing it into the tray, ignoring the king's gaze. For a moment, the nobles in the arena placed their bets, except for the hosts.
Because the hosts were busy dealing with their children.
"Ray, tell me," Valarr said with a smile, blocking Ray, who was covered in dust, and making him face the equally smiling Dragonzel.
"This…" Ray, in a flash of wit, said, "We can't let the Valyrian steel sword we painstakingly retrieved from such a dangerous place fall into the hands of outsiders, brother."
"That's no excuse, little brother. Do you think, with Hofa and Aslan around, this sword would easily fall into outsider hands?" Dragonzel still smiled, but his face was now close to his brother's. "Explain why you went out there without telling us. Don't worry, I understand your urge to vent."
"Uh…" Ray shrank his neck. "I'm sorry, brother, I won't dare to do it again next time."
"Your attitude in admitting your mistake is acceptable," Dragonzel pulled his brother's head closer and whispered, "The family's bloodline is very precious, Ray. You are a Dragon Knight. A Dragon Knight without a dragon is vulnerable. Have you forgotten how the Dragon Kings slain by the Free Cities before the Century of Blood died?"
"I… I haven't forgotten…" Ray lowered his head very low and whispered in response, "Dragon King Hargon Syracson of Lys had his throat slit by a prostitute at a banquet, and his dragon was outside the palace when he was killed. The dragon flew wildly after losing its master and was eventually forced by scorpion bolts to plunge into the sea and drown. Dragon King Rhaegar was fatally speared by a defeated opponent in the gladiatorial arena where he had won sixty consecutive victories. His young, agile dragon was shot to death by arrows after losing its master. After the ancestor disappeared, Dragon Queen Varena, who remained in Qohor, was killed by poisoned wine, and her dragon also died at the hands of well-trained elite soldiers."
"From now on, you must ensure your own safety before doing such things, understand?" Dragonzel whispered. "I can ensure your safety this time, but what about next time?"
"I understand, brother."
"So how should I punish you, my little brother?"
"I will go to the Dragonpit and clean for a month," Ray said with his head lowered.
"That's more like it," Dragonzel rubbed his brother's hair, then stood up. He watched as Princess Rhaenys slowly walked over, holding a wine glass.
"Cousin, Ray is very brave," Rhaenys said, leaning on the railing with her wine glass. "I haven't seen such an exciting match in a long time." She looked at Ray with a smile. "To achieve this at such a young age, both Ray and Aemond are commendable."
She looked down at Artys, who was locked in an intense fight with Daemon. "It's a pity that our young bronze lord, though brave, has never experienced a battlefield. How can a child who grew up in summer, who has never tasted blood and smoke, truly defeat an enemy who has bathed in blood?"
"Daemon is going to win," Dragonzel said, looking down at the arena. Artys was hacking at Daemon's shield like a mad dog, while Daemon's every strike landed steadily, accurately, and fiercely on Artys's bronze armor. The young lord soon had blood at the corner of his mouth.
"Unfortunately, no one will get to enjoy the brand new Valyrian steel sword," Rhaenys said with some regret. "My husband asked me to tell you that Baela and Rhaena miss Jaehaerys and Lucerys very much. They'd like to invite you to High Tide when you're free."
"My family once had trade relations with the Lord of the Tides," Dragonzel said with a smile. "I will."
Rhaenys smiled, raised her wine glass in a gesture, then turned back to the bustling crowd of nobles.
Daemon quickly knocked out the enraged Lord Artys. But he also regrettably lost to Aslan.
The final of the mounted combat unfolded between Aslan Longdel and Hofa the Lawbearer.
This fierce duel ultimately lasted seventeen rounds, breaking no fewer than twelve lances. Finally, both sides decided to settle the match in foot combat.
Hofa's skill ultimately proved superior. When the black-haired, golden-eyed youth defended Diana's Queen's Crown of Love and Beauty, the entire arena erupted.
"Prince, I like this lad!" Lord Borros Baratheon shouted, rushing to the front row. "Prince, I have four daughters. Would you consider letting this lad marry one?"
"You'll have to ask Hofa himself," Dragonzel said with a smile.
Lord Jason Lannister stepped directly onto the railing and shouted to Hofa, "Ser, as long as you can sell this greatsword to House Lannister, my daughters, lands, gold—you may choose whatever you wish!"
But Hofa merely bowed respectfully to Dragonzel and Diana. After receiving Dragonzel's nod, he quietly moved to stand to the side, not even glancing at the many maidens who threw their handkerchiefs to him.
"My troublesome elder brother is still like this," Adams the Lawbearer grumbled, pouting, to Lynn, who was beside him in the Varezes group by the arena.
"Hofa is devoted to his duty," Lynn also sighed. "That is his strength—and his weakness. Adams, why don't you marry first? With Hofa's peculiar personality, I'm afraid your Lawbearer line will…" He trailed off meaningfully.
"Bah, bah, bah! Oh, right, the team tournament is about to begin. Be careful, all of you."
"Don't worry," Lynn said, gesturing to the team members. Seven people simultaneously drew their weapons and slowly entered the arena.
The archery competition on the other side began at the same time, and a small, mysterious knight also appeared on the range.
"The match begins!"
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