Chapter 588: Archmaester Pycelle

In the days leading up to the public trial, many minor cases related to the War of the Usurpers were addressed. For instance, a Westerlands knight was accused by the citizens of King's Landing for looting, burning, and committing heinous crimes after invading the city. A Northern noble was charged for burning down farmsteads, among other things.

Over the past decade, many victims or their families have not passed away. With the crown backing them and the Crown's Justice, Prince Oberyn Martell, personally visiting these victims, more and more people started stepping forward, accusing those who had previously wronged them. This included cases of stolen crops and other resources.

The Iron Throne decreed that these guilty nobles must return everything they had stolen, and those who committed heinous crimes like murder or rape were punished accordingly. Some were sentenced to long-term imprisonment, others were mutilated, and some faced hanging or beheading. Those who begged for mercy hoped to join the Night's Watch and serve at the Wall.

The Night's Watch welcomed all, and with many of these fallen nobles joining, often accompanied by a few retainers for their protection, their ranks swelled. Lord Commander Jeor Mormont was pleased as the Watch, which had dwindled to a mere fifty men after numerous battles, now had close to a thousand members, restoring it to its former strength. But it was still far from enough, considering the threats from beyond the Wall.

King Viserys planned to further expand the Night's Watch, even considering expeditions beyond the Wall to establish bases and castles. One day, he would ride his dragon to the ends of the world to uncover its mysteries. But for now, the Night King still loomed, Winterfell lay in ruins, the Wall had a massive breach, and the North was in shambles.

Ten days into the public trial, many defeated nobles faced justice. With efficient speed, Prince Oberyn emptied the dungeons of King's Landing. This included nobles captured in battles like the Battle of Riverrun or those who had rebelled during the naval battle at Dragonstone.

The last Lord of Tides, Morford Velaryon, was beheaded without mercy. His family, having been lost at sea during the fall of Tides, met a watery grave. The Velaryons, distant kin to the Targaryens, were extinguished.

Next was Archmaester Pycelle, a significant figure from the past.

"Archmaester Pycelle."

The elderly maester, imprisoned for a long time, had soiled himself when brought to the court, much to the disgust of the audience.

"Prince Oberyn, I am innocent! I never betrayed the King. I never did!"

Pycelle's white hair and beard shook as he pleaded. He had hoped that Archmaester Marwyn, a fellow scholar from the Citadel, would vouch for him. But Marwyn only showed disdain.

"Archmaester Pycelle, your guilt or innocence isn't solely for you to declare."

Prince Oberyn, the Crown's Justice, stared coldly at Pycelle. Oberyn held Pycelle partly responsible for the death of his sister, Elia Martell, and had long wanted him dead.

Witnesses were called.

First was Varys, the Master of Whispers, who had served King Aerys II. He vividly described Pycelle's deceit that led the Mad King to open the gates of King's Landing.

"You cannot trust the Spider's words, my lords..."

Pycelle tried to defend himself, but his defense crumbled as young girls, whom Pycelle had taken advantage of, testified against him. They spoke of his fake frailty, his prowess in bed, and his loyalty to the Lannisters. They revealed that Pycelle had been feeding the Lannisters information, betraying the crown, long before Robert Baratheon's rule.