I apologize, I thought it was just a common cold, but it's gotten worse over the past two days, and I haven't been able to write much. Please bear with me; I'll catch up as soon as possible in the coming days. Thank you.
Sansa heard the Nobles around her whispering, but the murmurs quickly died down. Pycelle continued to read: "For Janos Slynt, Captain of the City Watch of King's Landing, who has served faithfully, His Majesty the King also desires his immediate elevation to the ranks of the Nobles, and grants him the ancient Harrenhal and all its lands and taxes. His descendants shall inherit this Glory for generations, forevermore. Thus, His Majesty commands, Lord Slynt shall immediately become a high official in the court, assisting in the rule of the realm. His Majesty commands, the high officials agree."
Out of the corner of her eye, Sansa saw Janos Slynt enter. This time, the murmuring was louder, mixed with angry tones. Many proud Lords, whose families had histories spanning thousands of years, were reluctant to step aside to let this balding, frog-faced Commoner pass. His black Velvet robe was embroidered with pure gold scales that jingled with every step, and a black and gold Brocade checkered Cloak was draped over his shoulders. Two ugly boys walked in front of him, stumbling as they held metal shields as tall as themselves; they were undoubtedly his sons. The sigil he had chosen for himself was a golden, blood-stained Spear on a Pitch Black background. Sansa felt goosebumps on her arms at the sight.
After Lord Slynt was seated, Grand Maester Pycelle continued: "Finally, at this perilous time of widespread conspiracy and unrest, our beloved King Robert has recently passed away, and we high officials believe that the Life and safety of King Joffrey are of paramount importance..." He looked towards the Queen Regent.
Cersei stood up. "Ser Barristan Selmy, attend."
Ser Barristan, who had been standing motionless as a statue at the foot of the Iron Throne, now knelt on one knee and bowed his head, saying, "Your Majesty the Queen Regent, your humble servant awaits your command."
"Rise, Ser Barristan," Cersei Lannister said. "You may remove your helmet."
"Your Majesty?" The old Knight rose and removed his tall white helmet, looking somewhat bewildered.
"Ser, you have served the realm faithfully for a long time, and every good man and woman in the Seven Kingdoms is grateful to you. However, I fear your service must now come to an end. The King and we high officials wish for you to lay down your heavy burden."
"My... burden? I fear I... I do not..."
At this moment, the newly appointed Noble, Janos Slynt, spoke, his tone heavy and direct: "Her Majesty the Queen Regent means that your position as Captain of the Kingsguard has been relieved."
The tall, white-haired Knight stood in place, looking as if he had suddenly shrunk, gasping for breath. "Your Majesty," he finally said, "the Kingsguard are sworn Brothers, who take an Oath for Life, and only death can release the sacred mission borne by the Captain of the Kingsguard."
"Ser Barristan, whose death, may I ask?" The Queen Regent's voice was soft as silk, but her words shook everyone present. "Yours, or your King's?"
"You couldn't protect my father," Joffrey on the Iron Throne said accusingly. "You're too old to protect anyone."
Sansa watched as the Knight looked up at his new King. She had never thought of him as old before, but now he looked every bit his age. "Your Majesty," he said, "I was chosen as a White Knight when I was twenty-three. And since I first drew a Sword, that has been my only desire. I gave up the inheritance of my family's ancient Fortress, the girl I was to marry wed my cousin, I need no lands, can have no children, and my entire Life has been dedicated to serving the realm. Ser Gerold Hightower witnessed my Oath... I swore to protect the King to the best of my ability... to shed my blood for him... I fought alongside the White Bull and Prince Lewyn of Dorne... and Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning. Before I served your father, I guarded King Aerys, and his father Jaehaerys... I have served three Kings..."
"And they all died," Littlefinger pointed out.
"Your service ends here," Cersei Lannister announced. "Joffrey needs young and strong men around him. The Small Council Meeting has decided that Ser Jaime Lannister shall take over your position as Captain of the White Knight Brothers."
"The Kingslayer?" Ser Barristan's tone was sharp and contemptuous. "That hypocritical Knight who defiled his Sword with the blood of the King he swore to protect?"
"Ser, mind your words," the Queen Regent warned him. "This is my beloved brother, and the current King's uncle."
At this point, Lord Varys spoke, his tone softer than the others. "Ser, we are not ungrateful for your past contributions. Lord Tywin Lannister has generously agreed to allocate a large piece of land north of Lannisport as your domain, which is not only by the sea but also rich in mines and manpower, enough to build a sturdy Fortress and provide servants to meet all your needs."
Ser Barristan looked up sharply. "To give me a place to spend my twilight years, and people to see me off, is that it? My Lords, I appreciate the offer... but I spit on your pity." He reached up and unclasped the button on his shoulder, and his snow-white Cloak fell to the ground in a heap. Then, with a clang, his helmet hit the floor. "I was born a Knight," he told them, unbuckling his Breastplate and letting the armor fall to the ground as well. "And I shall die a Knight."
"Like a naked Knight, you mean?" Littlefinger interjected.
Everyone burst into laughter, from Joffrey on the Throne, to the Nobles attending court, Janos Slynt, Queen Mother Cersei, Sandor Clegane, and even the Kingsguard themselves—the five Brothers who had been ready to die with him just minutes before—they all laughed. Their laughter must have been the most hurtful, Sansa thought. She watched as the brave old man stood there, his face red with shame, too angry to speak. Finally, he drew his Sword.
Sansa heard gasps throughout the hall. Ser Boros and Ser Meryn quickly stepped forward to confront him, but Ser Barristan's single, contemptuous look froze them in place. "Sers, have no fear, your King is safe... but not because of your protection. Even now, I could cut all five of you down like cheese. If you intend to serve the Kingslayer, then none of you are fit to wear these white robes." He threw his Sword towards the foot of the Iron Throne. "Take it, boy. Whether you melt this Sword down to add another to the Throne is up to you. That would be more help to you than the Swords in the hands of these five. And when Lord Stannis takes your Throne, perhaps he can sit on this one too."
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