POV ( Alfy )
The Redkeep is different from all the other castles I visited. I grow up watching the ruin of SummerHall, Saw the castle and darkness of Harranhall, Then the beauty of Eyrie And the crowded Riverrun.
But never in my life, I felt this much
here In my opinion everyone would be afraid of these dragon skulls.
Before entering the throne room I and Alban had a silent agreement that he would be the one that will do all the talking.
Well, he is a CrownLander, He can handle it. But when we entered great Hall and saw the body of the King of seven kingdoms.
Gods, he looks just like a Woodwitch my mum ones told me. with big nails, uncut hair, ugliest beard that is left ungroomed.
Truthfully, I am terrified, And all these wildfire pots around are not helping me at all. And I can only imagine that peoples are burned alive in them. And one wrong word could mean death.
And then Alban, that bastard told the king that he would fight his champion to prove that we are skilled. What in seven hell is he thinking. Did he forget the last person that demanded the trial by combat? It was Lord Rickard Stark, He was cooked alive in his armor.
But thank the Gods that the king chose a human rather than his favorite wildfire as his champion.
And, the king chose Ser Jaime Lannister as his champion.
Thankfully we came prepared, But we did not bring the helmet that was a bad decision and I regret it.
Though Alban's opponent is not wearing one either.
They took their position and shared their names. I looked around and saw that lots of court officials are pouring into the Great Hall. Well, maybe because it has been a long time since any fighting took place here.
I thought the fight would end in a moment but it's taking quite a long. Ser Jaime Lannister was arrogant at first but really quick in adapting to the situation. He blocked most of Alban's attack and countered with his attack as well. But I know the outcome, Alban is bigger and stronger and definitely has more stamina. Though their sword skills could evenly match.
But the rule of this fight was to end in first blood. But the two of them are not stopping at all. And fighting is getting more dangerous at every moment. So why is the king is not stopping the fight?
But when I looked at him and what I saw is truly most horrifying.
His facial expression is like, he's just waiting for the moment for one of them to collapse. So heard the king was mad from many people's mouths. But seeing it with my own eyes is something more terrifying than a nightmare.
Then suddenly someone loudly shouted, "STOP this meaningless fight ". And every one looked in that direction and surprisingly it's the crown prince accompanied by Ser Barristan selmy and Ser Jonothor Darry.
POV end.
(Alban POV starts.)
Damn it, I thought I would disarm him in a minute, I was wrong. I Should have taken my chance when he was arrogant at the start of the fight. But didn't think he was quite quick to adapt.
Well, he trained with the Kingsguards, the best knights of seven kingdoms, I should've expected this.
But the fight is becoming more dangerous at every moment and none of us will back down. Because my life depends on it and his pride. And I think the madking is will not be satisfied until one of us dies.
But I know that eventually, the victory will be mine, Jaime Lannister may be the youngest and talented knight in the seven kingdoms. But his training can't be compared with mine.
Training with Ser Alan was literally hell and every moment was a death experience. But that training was well worth it.
But in the end, I had to stop the fight, Because of a loud authoritarian voice. It was prince Raegar Targaryen.
He came in front of us and looked at the Lannister and softly spoke "Jaime go and see Maester pycelle and check your wounds."
Though Jaime Lannister was a little hesitant but left the great Hall. Before he left the Hall, he gave me an angry look that says,' The fight is not over yet. or something like that.
Then the prince came to me " Ser Alban, was it? I think you should check your wounds to Maester pycelle as well."
Well, that's kind of him " I thank you my prince, But I believe that won't be necessary. Though I'm surprised that you know my name."
He chuckled at my words " well, it has been a while. But do remember you good Ser, Aren't you the one that defeated my squires Richard and Maelys in Harranhall ?"
Oh Gods how could I forget about that! I replied, " Ah... yes you are correct my prince. I was the champion of the squires' melee in Harranhall."
He gave me a nod and looked at the king who looking very furious about all this or maybe the presence of his son.
They stare at each other for a moment then the prince started to speak, " Father what kind of madness is this? If something happened to Jaime then Lord Tywin Lannister won't hesitate to join the uprising."
Then the king lashed out " DOn't you dare speak to me like That you foolish son of mine. I Am Your King." then took another deep breath "And where is my Lord commander and two other members of my guards?"
The prince replied, " I do not know."
Then king cracked a horrible smile, " But I do. TRaitorS, Every single one them is a traitor. I hope they guard well that Stark whore of yours. Now get out of my sight." then the king looked at the two kingsguard "Ser Jonothor and Ser Barristan make sure that this Rebellion is put down. I don't want more disappointment."
The prince came to me tried to speak something but the king interrupted him and spoke " Noo, That knight is not leaving with you, I have other plans for him. I won't let you corrupt people in my court. Now leave don't show your face until you get rid the traitorous lords." after hearing that the crown prince left the Hall with the two kingsguard.
Then the king called me " Ser Alban Whitesteel"
Well, now is the time to act so I kneeled in front of the throne and I spoke with the utmost respect " Your Grace, I'm yours to command".
I can see he is quite angry, " Tell me about yourself. And I only want the truth".
I replied, " Yes my king. My father Raymond Flowers was a veteran of the nine penny war. Later he was exiled from his house Tarly and returned to kingslanding. My father served as a Goldcloak captain for 20 years. I was born and raised here in this very City."
Then the king started to speak with himself "Hmmm... Raymond Flowers ? yes I remember, I was the one who gave him that position. Yes he was a loyal servant." then he looked at me " And where are your father and the rest of your family ?"
I replied " My king my father died four years ago. And the rest of my family is in Bravos. because after the death of my father, our neighbors plotted and take over our properties."
Then the king angrily replied " Then they shall burn. I will deliver them justice. Tell me Ser Alban, are loyal as your father?"
I replied, " I am yours to command my king."
The king looked satisfied at that, " Good. And your companion ! is he skilled and loyal as you ?"
Well, Alfy understood the signal and kneeled before the king as well. I replied, " Not as skilled as me. But ser Jaime would have a very hard time defeating him. And as for loyalty, I can vouch for him."
Then the king called another man with a cane "Ser William Derry give these knights a proper place to stay. And inform ser Jaime that his King wants his presence."
Then me and Alfy were escorted by the master at arms of the Redkeep, And a good room to sleep.
in the night my door was knocked by someone. So I took my dagger in hand and opened the door.
when opening It and i saw a hooded figure, then he spoke, " That dagger is not necessary good Ser. I am no killer."
So he finally showed himself " please come in Lord varys."