Chapter 585: Trial by Combat

Oberyn Martell was well aware that the Unsullied were relentless killers. When they declared they would kill or maim someone, whether by word or deed, it was best to believe they were not jesting. Oberyn had never known them to jest.

As Oberyn intervened, the Unsullied turned their gaze towards the imposing Black Worm, who in turn cast a chilling gaze at the prisoner below. With a nod, the tension eased.

"Robert Baratheon, King of House Baratheon," the Unsullied declared, leading the prisoner before the Iron Throne. The atmosphere in the hall grew tense. Oberyn, acting as the chief judge, finally adjusted his posture and cleared his throat to speak.

Before him stood the former king, Robert Baratheon, imprisoned in the Red Keep for over a year. Rumors had circulated that, like Ned Stark of Winterfell, both men had been tortured to death in the Red Keep. But now, both were very much alive. Robert, although pale from lack of sunlight, was unharmed. His once-trim beard now resembled a bristly ball, and his hair, once kempt, now resembled a wild bird's nest.

Oberyn's voice echoed in the silent hall, "Lord Barron Swann of Stonehelm, standing beside you, is accused of assassinating your brother, Stannis Baratheon. He committed the heinous crime of killing a nobleman outside the bounds of just warfare."

While Oberyn spoke, the assembled nobles whispered among themselves. Robert, hands and feet bound in heavy chains, finally looked up, his bloodshot eyes betraying his emotions.

"Lord Robert," Oberyn continued, "No one is willing to fight for Stannis. Would you be willing to stand for him?"

The murmurs grew louder. The hall, usually adorned with chairs for the nobility, was now dominated by the Iron Throne alone. All others, including members of the royal family, had to either stand or kneel in its presence.

Robert finally spoke, his voice as deep and rumbling as distant thunder, "No one would fight for Stannis? Hmph. That's just like him." He paused, then added with determination, "I am his elder brother. I will fight for him."

The Unsullied unlocked Robert's chains. Without hesitation, he donned his armor and took his favored warhammer, Storm, from the hands of an Unsullied. The formerly imprisoned king seemed calm, the hardships of the dungeon not having broken his spirit.

On the other side, Barron Swann appeared more agitated. The thought of dueling a king was something he had never imagined. The weight of the situation pressed down on him. What would happen if he accidentally killed Robert? Would he be branded a "Kingslayer"?

While Barron's thoughts raced, Robert donned the final piece of his black breastplate and confidently took up Storm. He turned to face Barron, ready for the trial by combat that lay ahead.