*Clang!*
*Clang!*
In the forge of Harrenhal, a stooped blacksmith swung his hammer, striking the piece of iron before him. His short hair was completely white, as if covered by frost, and the backs of his hands were rough like old tree bark, cracked with numerous fissures.
William watched the old blacksmith, who could be called legendary, with great interest. In the original story, during the later stages of the War of the Five Kings, when "Kingslayer" Jaime led his troops to Harrenhal, only three people originally belonging to House Whent remained alive, and this Benn Black Thumb was one of them.
'I heard he worked for Danelle. Even if he was just a novice apprentice back then, he must be over seventy now. To still have this much strength at his age and to have survived such a powerful curse... he must have some secrets of his own.'
The sorcerer's apprentice, Mokken, stood beside William, watching the rapidly taking shape on the anvil with nervous intensity.
*Hiss!*
Amidst a plume of blue smoke, the old blacksmith placed the quenched component on the anvil. He nodded towards William and his party, then remained silent.
Ravender stepped forward to examine the component for a moment, his face lighting up with pleasant surprise. "Ser, it's perfect!"
William also approached and asked, "Master Benn, is this material easy to work with?"
The old blacksmith's voice was robust and full of energy. "Not too difficult. Any blacksmith here could forge it."
William turned to look at the sorcerer's apprentice. "Very good, Mokken. I've decided to reward you with one gold dragon."
Mokken couldn't help but grin, though it was just barely recognizable as a smile.
Suddenly, a series of short and long horn blasts sounded faintly from the distant castle walls. William knew this signaled the approach of a large group of people. After a moment's thought, he realized it must be Walter returning.
When William arrived at the gate, Shella and Minisa were already waiting there with many servants.
He walked over to them and asked quietly, "What about Lady Malora?"
Shella's smile froze for a second before becoming animated again. "She's in the godswood. We'll talk about it later. Your father will be here any moment."
Accompanied by the clatter of hooves, a triumphant Walter, riding a tall, majestic horse, emerged from the gate into view. Behind him, a large column of men marched in formation.
The moment he dismounted, Walter gave William a heavy embrace, his face slightly flushed. "You are a knight now, William."
The nobles and knights returning from the hunt had just washed off the dust of travel when it was time for the feast.
The high table seated not only Walter and his wife but also all three of Harrenhal's remaining vassals.
Lord Erryk Wode always had a smile on his face, quite unlike his brother, Ser Willis. Lord Simon Deddings was very talkative and wore numerous ornaments that appeared quite valuable. Lord Olyver Grey was burly and likely a capable fighter.
In its heyday, House Whent had over ten vassal houses. The current situation was lamentable. Fortunately, Harrenhal itself was far more powerful, with several dozen knights directly under its command. Combined with the knights from the three barons, the great hall was filled to capacity, with not a seat to spare.
Before the feast began, many didn't recognize Malora, though they were still captivated by her beauty. After making discreet inquiries, they were all greatly astonished.
The Hightowers were known for producing beauties, so it was no surprise that this second daughter was stunningly beautiful and possessed a noble air. However, she was the elder sister of the Lady of Highgarden. By estimation, she should be around forty, yet she looked as if she were only in her twenties. This immediately made the ladies present envious and the gentlemen harbor fantasies.
Upon learning that she had come to Harrenhal with William, the men's gazes towards William also began to hold a certain meaningfulness.
Once the feast began, William became the center of attention, not only as the target of toasts but also as the main subject of conversation. The most discussed topic during the feast was the recently concluded Tourney at Highgarden: defeating the Red Viper and Barristan Selmy to win the championship, and being knighted by Ser Barristan after the matches – these were legendary feats.
As the drinks flowed freely, Lord Deddings stood up with his cup and shouted, "Let us drink to the finest knight in the Seven Kingdoms!" The men present responded with a roar, raising their cups and drinking heartily.
After the feast, Walter and William went to the study in the main tower.
A servant came to pour wine for both of them. The moment he was out of sight, Walter's smile vanished. "Ser Robin told me about what happened at the Tourney at Highgarden. What exactly went on?"
William hadn't expected this to be the first thing Walter asked about when calling him aside. He shrugged. "It might be because I wished to pursue Lady Margaery. This apparently displeased Lord Mace and Lord Renly."
"And that justifies their attempt to sabotage you?" Walter's hand on the table clenched into a fist, his face darkening. "Even if Highgarden didn't want a marriage alliance with Harrenhal, a simple refusal would have sufficed. And Renly... does Storm's End seek an alliance with Highgarden?"
"I'm afraid it's not that simple, Father." William decided to seize the opportunity to reveal some information. He leaned close to Walter's ear and whispered, "They have greater ambitions. They want to make Margaery the queen."
"What?" Walter drew a sharp, cold breath. "This is no small matter. Who told you this?"
"No one told me directly. But Margaery's brothers, Willas and Garlan, are on good terms with me. They gave me some hints." William adopted a wistful expression. "Margaery and I had a mutual affection. Were it not for this matter of profound significance for House Tyrell, she wouldn't have refused me."
Walter sighed and patted William on the shoulder.
The two were silent for a moment. Then Walter suddenly said, "Lord Tywin will never allow it. The Iron Throne owes the Lannisters countless gold dragons. To lose the position of Queen... 'A Lannister always pays his debts' – that saying doesn't only work one way."
"Exactly, no one can ignore Lord Tywin. But Lord Renly is young and ambitious, and Lord Mace is somewhat impatient due to matters concerning his heir. With these two stirring the pot, I think it's highly possible they might take desperate measures." William intensified his tone. "They dared to plot against me, the heir to Harrenhal, at the tourney. What wouldn't they dare to do?"
Walter shook his head repeatedly. "Lord Tywin will absolutely not agree."
William leaned in again, whispering into Walter's ear, "That's why I predict serious unrest is likely in King's Landing, potentially even escalating into war."
"War..." Walter stared blankly at the candlelight, his eyes betraying an unconcealable sense of confusion and sorrow. The war over a decade ago had cost him two sons, his only brother, and two-thirds of his lands.
"Therefore, I believe our most urgent task is to strengthen our forces, especially the cavalry. Even if war doesn't break out, being able to march south to King's Landing at a critical moment and lend our weight to one side would be a valuable bargaining chip. At the very least, we should aim to reclaim some of our lost lands. Like Saltpans, for instance."
It's foreseeable that Harrenhal will increasingly rely on trade with Essos in the future. The importance of Saltpans will only grow. The current Lord of Saltpans, Quincy Cox, has been a bannerman to Harrenhal for most of his life and holds deep affection for House Whent, but his two sons are a different matter.
Walter set aside his melancholy, and his gaze sharpened.