"My lord… Lord Robert has requested for you to come to the courtyard."
Renly held onto the corner of his book in annoyance. He flipped the paper with his thumb a few times and took in a deep breath. He closed the book and left the library to meet with his brothers below.
It was only a year ago that their parents had drowned by the rocks of the Dreadfort, but they had recovered from their loss now. They also lost Robert to the Vale, but Renly didn't mind it so much. In fact, he rather enjoyed the quiet days without his older brother. He couldn't wait for Robert's visit to end, but he also suspected that Robert had felt the same.
Renly stood off to the side as he watched his brothers pair off. Robert fought more with might than method, and the opposite held true with Stannis. However, Robert's strength and stamina won out in the end. Stannis sat on his butt while trying to steady his breath.
"All right Renly, it is your turn."
Renly's palms were sweaty. There would be no point in arguing with his brother. Robert never took no for an answer.
"Don't fight like a girl this time," Robert ordered.
Renly held the wooden sword in his hands and made a swing.
Robert dodged and smacked him on the bottom. "I told you to not fight like a girl. Come on Renly! Stannis and I knew how to swing a sword at your age. Stop reading those books and get some real experience!"
Renly held his stance and examined his brother. He feinted and then knocked Robert's knee with the sword.
Robert put his sword down and clapped. "Now that wasn't so hard, was it?"
Renly smiled, but only for an instant. Robert charged at him and knocked him on the ground. "Get off of me! You're heavy!"
Robert laughed as Renly struggled below.
"Now Robert, the princess doesn't like it when you manhandle her," Stannis jeered. "Get up. Let me fight you now. I can't be bested by my little brother."
Renly gave Stannis a thankful smile as Robert peeled off of him. "I'll be rooting for you Stannis!"
Stannis nodded and took up his sword.
