chapter 89 part 2
Anguy was ecstatic to be entrusted with such an "important mission" by Glyn.
Anguy felt that the day he would be knighted by his lord was another step closer.
With the information Glyn provided and his own experience as a sellsword, he easily found out where Brienne was after arriving at Storm's End.
[Glyn's source of information, his excuse was, was something he overheard while hunting in the Kingswood.]
Brienne was extremely tall. Her face was round and coarse, covered in freckles, with a row of prominent, crooked teeth. Her mouth was frightfully wide, and her lips were very thick... Although her hair was golden, it was like dirty straw, brittle and dry.
This was Anguy's first impression of Brienne.
...
...
Most of Brienne's life was spent amid the ridicule of others. In the best of cases... she was merely met with a bit of pity.
Because of Renly, the lovesick Brienne once tried to dress herself according to the standards of a noble lady. However, due to her unfeminine appearance and uncoordinated attire, she was met with even more mockery from everyone.
Dejected, Brienne gave up on women's clothing and returned to her familiar male warrior's attire, continuing to endure the contempt and disdain from those around her due to her gender.
Because of these factors, Brienne not only looked clumsy but her personality also seemed dull.
Anguy did not rush to approach Brienne. Instead, he observed from the shadows, searching for a suitable opportunity to meet her.
While observing in secret, Anguy witnessed the brawny Brienne, amidst the jeers of a crowd, challenge a knight who had spoken ill of the late Ser Goodwin.
Brienne's swordplay was grand and expansive. Although it lacked some finesse, it seemed filled with explosive power.
Anguy felt that Brienne's sword style was very similar to the Crabbe combat style, which sought to kill in a single blow.
The wooden Brienne seemed to transform into a completely different person upon entering battle. While fighting, she shone with the brightest light of self-confidence.
Anguy was unconsciously reminded of Monton Waters, who was usually slow-witted but became like a wild beast in battle.
Brienne was a natural-born warrior.
...
...
The fight was ended quickly and cleanly by Brienne.
The crowd dispersed with boos, leaving only the knight on the ground, unable to get up but still cursing loudly.
Anguy found his moment, knocked the man unconscious with a kick, and said amicably to Brienne, "Good day, Lady Brienne."
Anguy's words made Brienne pause for a moment.
Ignoring Anguy, who had greeted her, Brienne sheathed her sword and strode away.
Brienne's reaction immediately stumped Anguy.
Remembering his mission, Anguy set off in pursuit, following behind Brienne.
As a natural archer, Anguy did not lack patience and followed silently for some distance.
Finally, Brienne stopped and looked at Anguy. "What is your name?"
Brienne's voice was low and hoarse, like a man's.
Anguy placed a hand on his chest and bowed. "My name is Anguy. I am a personal guard to Baron Crabbe."
Brienne's hand on her sword hilt twitched slightly. "I sense you must be very skilled..."
*Is she going to fight me?* Anguy thought.
"But I don't want to get married."
Brienne's next words left Anguy standing there, stunned.
A gust of wind blew past, making Brienne's hair even messier.
Anguy, a man of strong psychological fortitude, covered his mouth and coughed dryly. "My lady, please do not misunderstand. I am here on my lord's orders, specifically to see you."
Brienne shifted her stance. "Baron Crabbe?"
Anguy nodded. "Yes, my lady. Our domain has a legion composed entirely of women, called the Thorn Legion. Our lord heard of you by chance in the Kingswood."
Brienne's expression was stiff, and Anguy couldn't guess her thoughts, so he could only continue, "If one day, my lady, you have the thought of going out to see the world, Baron Glyn Crabbe sincerely invites you to join House Crabbe's Thorn Legion."
Brienne was silent for a moment, then nodded. "I understand. I will remember it. Please thank Baron Glyn Crabbe for me."
With that, Brienne turned and walked away.
Seeing Brienne's curt departure, Anguy called out, feeling uneasy, "Lady Brienne! The commander of the Thorn Legion is named Alpasia! She will soon be knighted! You will be invited to watch the ceremony then!"
Brienne stopped and glanced back at Anguy.
Although there was some distance between them, Anguy's excellent eyesight still allowed him to see Brienne's expression clearly.
The corner of her mouth twitched, and her chin dipped slightly.
Anguy finally breathed a sigh of relief.
...
...
Night fell. Hook Alley, the Crabbe mansion.
*Knock, knock, knock.*
After receiving a reply, Monton Waters entered the study carrying a platter of meat.
"Good evening, Samwell, Your Grace."
Samwell Tarly looked up from his book, smiled at the stout Monton, and said, "Good evening, Monton. You can just call me Sam."
Monton gave a bashful smile, gently placed the platter piled high with roasted meat beside Samwell, and said, "Sam, I brought you some meat."
Samwell smiled shyly, expressed his thanks, and picked up a piece of meat, putting it in his mouth and chewing.
Monton watched Samwell with a simple, honest expression.
Samwell swallowed the meat in his mouth, wiped his hands, and said, "Monton, is there something you need?"
Monton's large head nodded, and he grinned again before speaking. "Sam, I wanted to ask you, how can I be a good legion commander?"
Monton had excellent intuition, and it told him that Samwell understood many things that ordinary people did not.
They had been constantly traveling before, so Monton hadn't found a chance to ask Sam for guidance.
Tonight, having found the opportunity, Monton presented what was, to him, the highest form of offering to show his sincerity: a platter of roasted mutton.
Although Samwell himself did not dare to wield a sword, he had diligently studied every military book in Horn Hill in order to gain his father's approval.
Samwell thought seriously for a moment before saying, "Monton, a commander's primary duty is to lead the army to defeat the enemy. I think you can learn from His Grace, Robert. His Grace's invincible warhammer is the army's guarantee of victory."
Samwell lowered his voice and added, "In the Battle of the Trident, King Robert killed Prince Rhaegar with his warhammer, securing a decisive victory."
*Battle of the Trident? What's that? And who's Rhaegar?*
Monton scratched his head. "Sam, do you mean that if I find a chance to kill the enemy leader, we'll win?"
"That's right. I think that's a method that suits you."
Monton said honestly, "Sam, that sounds a lot like how I used to fight. When I fight, I like to target the enemy leader. As long as they can't escape, they can't stop me."
Samwell was slightly stunned. "You're that skilled?"
Samwell quickly explained, "I don't doubt your strength. I noticed on the road that you're very strong..."
Monton shook his head. "I didn't misunderstand you. Should I find a chance to show you how I fight first?"
Samwell expressed his agreement. "That would be best. I can study it properly then and talk to you about it."
"Sam, have some meat... And tell me, besides fighting, what else does a commander need to know?"
(end of chapter)