Game of Thrones: Knight’s Honor

The entire city of Godsgrace was alive with excitement. However, the source of the commotion wasn't the ongoing tournament, but rather the news that Lynd, the renowned Bear Hunter Knight from The Reach, had successfully tamed two Kings of Wild Horses in the Godsgrace Mountains—and taken control of their entire herd.

The herd, numbering over two hundred, consisted of exceptional warhorses, with the two Kings standing out as particularly magnificent specimens. Even Willas, known for his composure, couldn't help but feel a pang of envy at Lynd's incredible fortune. As for the people of Dorne, jealousy ran rampant.

Before long, groups of Dornish lords, nobles, and commoners alike gathered at the entrance to Lynd's camp, demanding to trade for the prized horses—especially the two Kings of Wild Horses. Faced with their persistence and increasingly bold demands, Lynd made a calculated decision. He instructed the Red Viper to announce that anyone who desired the Kings of Wild Horses or the herd could win them—but only through a duel. The price of participation? A steep entry fee of one hundred golden dragons.

While the fee was no trivial amount—enough to ensure a comfortable life for most—it paled in comparison to the value of the herd, let alone the Kings of Wild Horses. These majestic creatures alone were worth thousands, if not tens of thousands, of golden dragons.

Thus, the challenge was irresistible to many. Some nobles and lords of Dorne, unwilling or unable to fight themselves, hired knights and warriors to take up the challenge on their behalf. They knew of Lynd's fearsome reputation, and many had heard tales of his victory over the Red Viper. Still, they clung to the hope that luck might favor them.

Predictably, the results were one-sided. Lynd, with his superior skill and experience, dispatched every challenger with ease. Often, he didn't even bother to draw his sword, relying instead on his fists to end the duels quickly. On the rare occasions he did unsheath a weapon, it was merely a broad-bladed half-sword—not the legendary blades he was known for, nor the dual-wielding techniques of the Peacekeeper or the fearsome Swordsmanship of the Banished Knight.

Initially, some enterprising individuals attempted to capitalize on the duels by setting up gambling houses, expecting to rake in profits. Their optimism was short-lived. After just one or two matches, it became clear that betting against Lynd was futile, and those running the gambling dens incurred heavy losses. Soon, no one dared to organize wagers on the duels again.

Some nobles who had suffered financial losses through the gambling houses tried to renege on their debts. However, they quickly discovered that most of the bets placed weren't from ordinary folk—they were backed by the Red Viper himself. Defaulting on debts owed to him was out of the question.

What many didn't realize, however, was that the true financier behind Red Viper's gambling exploits was none other than Willas. Red Viper, notorious for his extravagant lifestyle, often lacked liquid funds and needed to retrieve cash from his fiefdom—a process too slow to keep up with the pace of the duels and the gambling games. Thus, he turned to Willas for a loan, carefully avoiding borrowing from other Dornish nobles to keep his involvement discreet.

Willas, ever the strategist, readily lent him the funds. For Willas, this was an opportunity to leverage the gambling situation for political advantage, using the profits to bribe Dornish nobles and secure their favor. The two agreed on a post-event profit-sharing arrangement.

Despite their planning, the results far exceeded expectations. After just two duels, their capital had grown by nearly 30%—an impressive return in such a short time. However, this gain remained in the form of gambling debts rather than actual currency.

Red Viper, sensing another opportunity, proposed buying Willas's share of the debts outright, allowing him to collect directly from the indebted nobles and lords. Willas, in turn, could leave with the cash he had already recouped, albeit with Red Viper taking a commission for his efforts.

The negotiations over the division of profits led to a lively debate within the tent, as the two men argued over a matter of a few golden dragons, referencing obscure precedents and engaging in witty banter. The sight of these two influential figures from The Reach and Highgarden quibbling over such a minor amount was both amusing and telling of their competitive natures.

"Since I made you so much money, shouldn't you share some with me?" Lynd quipped as he returned to the camp, having once again emerged victorious in a duel. His sharp remark was directed at Red Viper and Willas, who were still engrossed in calculating the value of their recent bets. With a raised eyebrow, Lynd observed their lack of response.

Willas and Red Viper glanced at Lynd simultaneously but offered no reply. Instead, they ignored his comment entirely and continued their lively debate, as if nothing had been said.

Despite their differing personalities and having known each other for barely ten days, Willas and Red Viper had developed a surprising camaraderie. Their conversations flowed with the ease of old friends who had shared years of memories, a bond so unexpectedly strong that it nearly led Red Viper's paramour, Ellaria Sand, to misunderstand the nature of their relationship.

As the tournament neared its conclusion, the jousting competition proved to be far more thrilling than anticipated. The final match saw Garth and Red Viper face off in a grueling contest of skill and endurance. They clashed over seven intense rounds, shattering three lances in the process.

In the end, Garth's strength gave out, unable to withstand Red Viper's decisive blow. The lance struck true, unseating him and securing victory for Red Viper. As the new champion, Red Viper dedicated the wreath of flowers to Ellaria Sand, who accepted it with grace.

Although the tournament had concluded, the battle for the title of King of Wild Horses was far from over. Lynd faced a series of relentless challenges, either spurred by noble lords seeking to claim the title for their own or by those who genuinely wished to keep the King of Wild Horses in Dorne. The challengers employed every strategy they could muster, even resorting to a war of attrition to deplete Lynd's strength.

It wasn't until the third day, after Lynd spent the better part of it vanquishing over a hundred Dorne knights in successive duels, that the challengers finally ceased. By then, it was undeniable to all that Lynd had earned the title. His strength and skill were unparalleled, and the people of Dorne unanimously acknowledged him as the rightful master of the King of Wild Horses.

Through these grueling duels, Lynd not only solidified his reputation but also amassed a considerable fortune. More than 30,000 golden dragons filled several large chests, a testament to the bets and rewards of his victories. This wealth, coupled with his remarkable feats, made him immensely popular in Dorne. Despite being a knight from The Reach, the Dornish people did not hesitate to honor his strength and valor.

Meanwhile, Willas capitalized on Lynd's growing fame. Accompanied by the Red Viper, he took the opportunity to engage with nearly all the lords and dignitaries of Dorne gathered near Godsgrace. Whether it was due to Willas's persuasive skills, the compelling nature of the peace agreement he proposed, the Red Viper's support, or the awe inspired by Lynd's victories, the negotiations progressed smoothly. By the time the third day ended, over a third of the Dornish lords had already agreed to the terms of the peace agreement.

Prince Doran, observing the developments from the Water Gardens, was not idle. As soon as the number of supporters reached a significant threshold, he sent a raven to Godsgrace with a letter for Willas. In the letter, Prince Doran expressed his willingness to collaborate with Willas in implementing the peace agreement. He spoke of ending the centuries-long animosity between Dorne and The Reach but emphasized that peace could not rest on mere words; it required tangible foundations. An alliance through marriage was the best course forward.

Upon receiving the letter, Willas convened a meeting with Lynd and his Maester advisor to discuss its contents.

Lynd, ever straightforward, grinned and remarked, "So Prince Doran wants you to marry Princess Arianne Martell and for Prince Quentyn to marry Lady Margaery. That's excellent news! I've heard Princess Arianne is incredibly beautiful. Your journey to Dorne didn't just bring peace; you're also returning with a Dornish princess! The Lord and Lady of Highgarden will undoubtedly be thrilled. Historians at the Citadel might even record your name for this. The title might be…"

"Ser Lynd, please don't jest," Willas interrupted with a weary expression. He sighed deeply and turned to the group. "What do you all think we should do?"

The room fell silent for a moment before the Maester, who had accompanied Willas to Dorne, stepped forward. "Ser Lynd is not wrong. This is indeed a favorable development. I believe you should accept Prince Doran's proposal."

Another voice chimed in—it was Ormont Bulwer, a member of Willas's retinue. "I agree. You should quickly set a date for your marriage to Princess Arianne. As for Lady Margaery's marriage to Prince Quentyn, that can be arranged once we return to Highgarden."

Ormont, Jon's cousin, was sent to Highgarden by the current Lord of Blackcrown, Jon Bulwer, after Jon secretly decided to follow Lynd. Ormont willingly volunteered to join Willas on this journey to Dorne.

Relations between Ormont and Jon were notably strained; despite traveling together for so long, they had barely exchanged words. Even now, seated in the same tent, the tension between them was palpable.

Both the Maester advisor and Ormont's assistant echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that Prince Doran's terms were both sincere and advantageous. Princess Arianne and Prince Quentyn were heirs to Sunspear, meaning a union would merge the bloodlines of Highgarden and Sunspear. This alliance would provide a strong foundation for peace and significantly ease tensions between The Reach and Dorne. Even if the peace agreement faced obstacles in the future, such a bond would ensure that conflicts between the two regions diminished considerably.

"I think you'd better consider this carefully," said Lynd, his tone shifting from playful to grave as he addressed Willas, while the crowd murmured their agreement. "Signing a peace treaty with Dorne is one thing, but tying House Tyrell to House Martell through marriage is entirely another. You must deliberate on this thoroughly, Lord Willas. Don't rush into a decision. Go back and consult with the Lords before taking any action."

A nobleman, still bristling from a recent punishment, interjected with a sneer. "Ser Lynd, how quickly your stance changes—like a chameleon shifting its colors."

Lynd ignored the provocation, keeping his gaze steady on Willas.

Willas, visibly affected by Lynd's words, contemplated for a moment before speaking. "Maester, draft a response to Prince Doran. Tell him that I cannot decide on the matter of marriage independently and must return to Highgarden to consult with my parents. Additionally, mention that I have long admired Princess Arianne and wish to extend an invitation for her to visit Highgarden."

"Yes, my lord," the Maester replied, diligently recording Willas's words.

After signaling the gathering to disperse, Willas gestured for Lynd to remain behind. Once the tent was empty, Willas turned to him with a note of uncertainty. "Ser Lynd, I didn't entirely understand your earlier remarks. Why is a marriage alliance between House Tyrell and House Martell a matter of such gravity?"

"Lord Willas," Lynd replied, meeting his gaze, "you already have an inkling of the answer. Why ask me?" Seeing that Willas was still expecting an explanation, Lynd sighed and continued. "The Reach is the most fertile land in Westeros, abundant in wealth, food, and resources. It's a land of knights, renowned for its skilled warriors. Dorne, by contrast, is shaped by its harsh desert, which has forged its people into resilient and formidable fighters. Their warriors have earned fame throughout history, even defying Aegon the Conqueror. Their weakness lies in their barren lands and lack of supplies. If the lords of The Reach and Dorne were united through marriage, their combined strength could make them unstoppable. Such an alliance could change the balance of power, and the Iron Throne, along with the other kingdoms, would view it as a threat."

"Ser Lynd, you're right. There are indeed risks," Willas acknowledged, his tone serious. "But have you considered that your concerns are predicated on the assumption that we are not yet strong enough? If we were powerful enough that no one dared to act against us, and a more formidable, rebellious enemy was already occupying their attention, would we still have reason to worry so much?"

As he spoke, a flicker of ambition lit Willas's eyes—a side of him that Lynd had never seen before. Until now, Lynd had regarded Willas as calm and disinterested in the pursuit of power. But now he realized he had underestimated the young lord.

Noticing Lynd's silence, Willas handed him a letter he had recently received from Oldtown. "Perhaps this will help clarify things."

Lynd took the letter and began to read. As he absorbed its contents, a contemplative expression crossed his face.

The letter, delivered by a special messenger from Lord Leyton, detailed intelligence about the Iron Islands. Although the initial concern was an attack on Oldtown, the report revealed unexpected news: the Ironborn were gathering forces in preparation for rebellion. To some, such claims might seem dubious—after all, the Ironborn's strength paled in comparison to the Iron Throne. Only a fool would rebel against such overwhelming odds.

But Lynd knew better. Balon Greyjoy had already declared himself King, and the Ironborn had launched attacks against the Westerlands.

Understanding Willas's intent, Lynd said, "You plan to use the Ironborn rebellion to divert the Iron Throne's attention. While they're preoccupied with quelling the uprising, House Tyrell and House Martell can solidify their marriage alliance. By the time the rebellion is suppressed, the union will be irreversible, and the two houses will have united their strengths. The Iron Throne would have no choice but to accept it."

Willas nodded slightly, smiling. "Lynd, it's fortunate that House Tyrell has a knight like you."

Lynd, however, maintained a serious tone. "It's a clever strategy, but have you considered what might happen if, after crushing the rebellion, the Iron Throne—emboldened by victory—unites the other kingdoms and marches south to confront The Reach?"

"They won't," Willas replied with unwavering certainty. Yet, he offered no explanation for his confidence.

Lynd didn't press the matter, choosing instead to end the discussion. "I can offer advice, but the final decision lies with you and your father."

"Indeed, it does," Willas agreed. "Still, to ensure the plan's success, I'll need your assistance."

"Me?" Lynd asked, startled. "Surely you jest, Lord Willas." Though confident in his abilities, Lynd doubted he wielded enough influence to shape the fate of Westeros.

Willas shook his head, his expression resolute. "No, Lynd. I am not jesting."