Lyonel
Lyonel Bracken woke up at dawn as the many bells of Stoney Sept chimed in a cacophony, inviting the townsfolk for a morning prayer. With a sigh he scrambled up from the bed, seeing that Axel was already awake and standing by the window of the small quarters given to them in the house next to the chapterhouse of the Warrior's Sons. The young squire looked quite tired.
"Did you get any sleep, boy?" Lyonel asked calmly.
"A little," Axel answered tonelessly, his gaze locked on the street below. Lyonel walked next to him, seeing men, women and children hurrying towards the septs in the street. "Is something wrong?"
"It's just this place, ser," Axel responded with a sigh. "I pray to the Seven, but the Faith Militant… I don't think a man is supposed to dedicate his whole life just for the gods. It doesn't seem right."
Lyonel smiled thinly and gave the boy an approving nod. "I agree."
They broke their fast at the mess hall of the chapterhouse, where they were quickly approached by the commander of the Warrior's Sons – Ser Harrold Hill.
"King Lucifer has requested you to join him in a prayer at the sept, Ser Leo of Duskendale," Ser Harrold spoke sternly, a judgmental glare in his eyes. "I tried to tell him it is of no use, because you are clearly a godless man."
"What makes you think so?" Lyonel asked calmly.
"I have developed an eye for it," the bald man said with a disparaging tone. "I've known so many of your kind throughout my life. Weak and misguided men, driven by greed and falsehoods."
"No offense, ser, but you do not know me," Lyonel responded, keeping his voice calm and polite. For a moment silence lingered between them, until Harrold nodded stiffly. "I suppose we'll see."
Lyonel told his squire to wait in their quarters and followed Ser Harrold out. The rainbow-cloaked knight led him to the long steps leading up to the grand sept overlooking the town. By the tall entrance of the sept there stood seven knights of the Warrior's Sons in guard, each as unmoving as statues until Ser Harrold signaled for them to make way. And then they entered the sept itself, an enormous structure of marble and gold. Seven aisled led down to the middle of the sept, where altars and nine-feet-tall bronze statues depicting each of the seven gods stood in a ring. Light shimmering through the tall and colorful windows of leaded glass danced on statues.
Harrold halted at the top of the steps, and wordlessly nodded towards King Lucifer Justman who was on his knees by the statue of the Warrior. Taking in a deep breath, Lyonel began to approach the young king, while Ser Harrold remained where he stood. Lucifer was a lean man on his early twenties, if Lyonel had to guess, clad in silken robes of white and gold. His hair was ash-blonde, but his smooth and cleanshaven face reminded Lyonel of Lord Brydan. Now standing just half-a-dozen yards behind the man who claimed to be the King of the Rivers and Hills, Lyonel clenched his fists. Perhaps I should just kill him right there, a dangerous thought occurred in his mind. He could snap the young man's neck before Harrold could do anything. He wouldn't get out of this town alive after that, most likely he wouldn't even get a quick death, but he would've resolved the conflict then and there. Prince Barron had even commanded him to take action if the opportunity presented itself.
No, Lyonel decided, walking next to King Lucifer and descending on his knees. He wouldn't kill a young man he didn't even know in such a dishonorable manner.
"Do not seek vengeance against your brothers and sisters in Faith, nor for any of your petty and earthly woes. Let instead the Warrior wield you as an instrument of his wrath against the sinners and infidels of this world," the young king spoke, his voice calm and focused. Slowly he shifted his gaze to Lyonel. "The Book of the Warrior, second chapter, third verse," he informed him, to which Lyonel simply responded with a silent nod.
King Lucifer stood up, positioning himself between Lyonel and the statue of the Warrior. Lyonel remained on his knees, looking up to this false king standing in front of him. Lucifer extended his right hand, positioning the diamond ring in his index finger directly in front of Lyonel's face. With a subtle gulp he leaned forward and lightly kissed the ring.
"Rise, Ser Leo of Duskendale," King Lucifer commanded with a tranquil tone, and Lyonel obeyed. Standing up, he slightly towered the king. Lucifer then walked past him, approaching the white marble altar in the middle of the sept. "I read the message written by your master," he spoke nonchalantly, turning to look at Lyonel again. "Lord Damion Darke seems like a smart man, no doubt about that. However, I must wonder if he truly has the courage required to act as an instrument of the Warrior's wrath in this war to come. Worse yet, I cannot be sure if he is truly a friend or if he has just sent you here as some sort of vile ploy against my rule. Cowardice can be forgiven, but treachery will never be tolerated by those who hold true to the Faith."
Lyonel weighed his words for a moment, wondering what the best approach in winning Lucifer's trust would be. "My master is cautious about joining your cause, that is true," he started carefully, studying the king's face as he spoke. "Your Grace, you have to understand, the Justmans have been gone for centuries. Many will find it suspicious that now suddenly one has appeared out of thin air."
"Yet here I am," Lucifer replied, raising his voice just slightly. For a moment there was an angered frown on his face, but it was quickly replaced with a thin smile. "But I understand, of course, it is hard to grasp. However, if your master truly is a man of the Faith, his doubts should vanish the moment he hears that the High Septon himself vows for my legitimacy. He is the gods' voice on earth after all, his word is absolute."
"Of course, Your Grace," Lyonel was quick to concede with a submissive nod. "Yet he is also just a man, a man thousands of miles away from here at that, living in a city that most men of the Riverlands and Blackwater Bay have never visited and never will."
Tense silence followed Lyonel's words, and for a few seconds he feared Lucifer would react badly to them. However, after a moment the young king just let out a stifled chuckle and turned his eyes away from Lyonel. "Over a thousand years ago the first warriors of the Faith came to this land, bringing with them the light of the Seven," Lucifer said quietly, laying his hands softly atop the altar. "This very sept stands as a monument of their triumph. The men who lived here before the coming of the Andals were ignorant of the truth, but same cannot be said of those who still insist clinging onto their false gods today. They are not ignorant, they simply refuse to accept the light of the Seven, rather worshiping their demon trees. Their mere existence rots this blessed land from the inside. In the end it is all quite simple, Ser Leo of Duskendale. Either you and your master stand with me and the Faith Militant in our mission to cleanse this land from its rot, or you stand against us and the Seven."
"I will tell that to Lord Damion, Your Grace," Lyonel responded quietly with a small bow. King Lucifer's lips formed a tiny smile as he took a step closer to Lyonel. "Good," he said with a restrained tone. "However, you needn't return to your master completely empty handed, ser. I know you were not sent here just to confirm that I am indeed more than just a rumor, but also to learn how I plan to succeed in consolidating my rule over the Riverlands."
"That is correct, Your Grace," Lyonel confirmed calmly, and softly the young king laid his right hand on his left shoulder. "I would like to invite you to join me and some of my most trusted councilors for a dinner tonight in the holdfast," he said with a polite tone. "We shall discuss our plans for the future, which I imagine would be of great interest to you."
"I would be honored, Your Grace," Lyonel responded with a respectful nod. Lucifer smiled, removing his hand from Lyonel's shoulder. "I'll send someone to fetch you when it is time," he said, before taking his leave.
Lyonel spent much of the following day in the quarters he shared with Axel, waiting anxiously for the evening ahead. This dinner with King Lucifer and his councilors was why he had come here – to learn the plans of their enemy. After that he could leave, and bring what he had learned back to Lord Brydan in Raventree Hall. We just have to make it through this one dinner.
Eventually they were fetched by some young servant boy, who led them through the streets to the stout grey holdfast at the large sept's feet. Sundown was near, and dark clouds had gathered to veil the evening sky.
Inside the holdfast Lyonel and Axel were led to the second floor, and in there an airy room with a single long table. At the doors stood knights of the Warrior's Sons, and around the table sat King Lucifer and six men sworn to serve him. Right next to King Lucifer – who was at the head of the table on the other end of the room from Lyonel – was seated Ser Harrold Hill, and on the other side a broad-shouldered man on his early thirties who could only be Lord Robert Vance. He had the same long light brown hair, full beard and grey-green eyes his father had had sixteen years ago. It was almost eerie, like the ghost of Randyll Vance had come to haunt Lyonel from beyond the grave. Robert clearly didn't recognize him though, giving him merely a short and disinterested glance.
Next to Lord Robert sat a stout and fair-haired middle-aged knight, dressed in a velvet doublet checkered white and silver, as well as a grey cape fastened by a golden clasp in the shape of a hook. This had to be Ser Helman Keath, the second son of the cautious and elderly Lord Hoster Keath. In his puffy and reddish face was a haughty expression, and he also paid very little attention to Lyonel and Axel. Next to Ser Helman and closest to them sat a young and fit knight with luscious golden locks and a small pointy chin beard, wearing a tabard in the colors of House Piper. Lyonel didn't know the young man, but he was eyeing the two of them with a sharp and curious gaze.
On the other side with Ser Harrold sat two more of the Warrior's Sons, those being Ser Renfred Sarwyck and an older knight with bushy grey beard and beady brown eyes.
"Your Grace, mylords," Lyonel greeted them all with a deep bow, as did his squire.
"Ser Leo of Duskendale, welcome," Lucifer spoke with a warm and polite tone. "Please, take a seat."
Lyonel sat on the opposite end of the table from King Lucifer, and Axel took the seat between him and the old Warrior's Son. Soon the servants brought in their meals of roasted trout and boiled quail eggs, and poured white wine into their goblets. Taking his first sip, Lyonel noticed the wine was heavily watered down.
"Ser Mathis Piper, I believe you had news for us," Lucifer spoke up, breaking the silence.
The young Piper knight nodded dutifully. "Yes, Your Grace. A response from Lord Osmund Harroway arrived, he has accepted your proposal."
"Fantastic," the young king said with a bright smile. "That means we can begin our march to Harroway's Town soon."
"Is Your Grace to marry Lord Harroway's daughter?" Lyonel asked carefully.
"He is," Ser Harrold responded sternly. "An alliance that will make King Lucifer's hold on the Riverlands even stronger. Be sure to tell that to your master in Duskendale."
"I will," Lyonel conceded with a polite nod. He couldn't pretend to be surprised by House Harroway's involvement in this treasonous war. It was well known they had been left bitter by their losses in the last war, a war before which they had been bonded by ties of marriage to the royal House Teague. It made sense they would attempt to use this opportunity to gain back what they had lost, even if it meant tying themselves to an obviously false king.
King Lucifer went on to explain how all of the southern Riverlands were already practically under his control, and how there were many noble houses beyond just the Harroways in the northern Riverlands eager to pledge their support for him. Lyonel nodded along, hiding his growing concern with smiles and flattery for Lucifer. Ser Harrold also told that they had sent ravens to the chapterhouses of the Warrior's Sons in Lannisport and Gulltown, asking them to send more knights of the Faith Militant to support King Lucifer.
The sun had set by the time the dinner was over, and it had started to rain outside. As they made their back to the streets, Axel yanked Lyonel from his sleeve and pulled him to the side of the alley. "What is?" Lyonel asked with furrowed brows.
"We need to leave this town, immediately," Axel said, nervous urgency in his words.
"Trust me, I want out of here as well, but it will draw far less suspicion if we leave in the morning," Lyonel argued calmly, but Axel shook his head furiously. "No, we need to leave now. Ser Mathis Piper recognized me, I know it."
Lyonel narrowed his eyes and looked the Tully bastard to the eyes. "Are you sure?" he asked calmly, and Axel nodded. "He has visited Riverrun many times in the past, but I had no idea he was connected with the Faith Militant."
Lyonel took in a deep breath and looked around them. The streets were almost empty, the few people on them either being patrolling Poor Fellows or townsfolk making their way home for the night. "Alright, we'll leave now," he decided sternly. They made their way back to their quarters, where they quickly changed their gear and packed up. Then they walked back into the rainy streets of Stoney Sept, heading towards the stables by the northern gates. However, they didn't make it far before Ser Harrold Hill, Ser Renfred Sarwyck, the old Warrior's Son and Ser Mathis Piper confronted them.
"In a hurry to leave, Ser Leo of Duskendale?" the Piper knight asked sharply, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.
"I would like to begin my journey back to Duskendale as soon as possible, yes," Lyonel responded tensely.
"Well, I won't hold you for long," Ser Mathis said with a faux smile, unsheathing his sword and pointing it towards Axel. "I simply wanted to ask why a knight of Duskendale travels with the bastard of Ser Andar Tully?"
"You're mistaken, ser," Lyonel said hastily, glancing at Axel and gesturing with his hands for Mathis to keep his distance. "This is my squire, Alan."
"Enough of your lies," Ser Harrold Hill now spoke up. He unsheathed his sword as well, and Ser Renfred and the older knight were quick to follow his example. "Who are you, really?"
Lyonel's eyes slowly shifted between the four knights standing in front of him, as he considered his next move. "To the horses," he whispered to Axel, before pushing him to the alleyway to their right and unsheathing his own sword.
"Foolish," Harrold commented coldly. "Piper, go after the boy, we'll take care of this impostor."
Lyonel managed to shoot a quick glance towards Axel, who had by now almost reached the other end of the alley, before turning his attention back to Ser Harrold. The bald and scarred knight was now charging towards him with fury in his eyes. Lyonel deflected his first two harsh strikes, sidestepping the third one to face the older knight who had attempted to sneak up on him from the left. The old knight tried to get him with a thrust aimed at his belly, but Lyonel dodged it and leaped closer to him, with an elegant move slashing the old knight open from under his left arm. With a harrowing scream of pain the old knight stumbled down to the ground.
Quickly Lyonel spun around, but he didn't have enough time to fully dodge the first strike coming from Ser Renfred, and it sliced open his leather jerkin from the lower chest. However, the chainmail underneath it prevented any real injury. Without hesitation Lyonel aggressively rushed towards Renfred, striking his blade out of the way and tackling him to the ground.
Lyonel kicked Renfred's sword away from his hand, and put his blade on the knight's throat. "Stand up," he commanded sternly, and Renfred obeyed, Lyonel's blade constantly an inch away from his throat. Lyonel positioned himself behind Renfred, keeping the Sarwyck knight between him and Ser Harrold.
"Let me and my squire go, and he won't be hurt," Lyonel negotiated, and Harrold Hill lowered his sword. For a moment the large bald man said nothing, merely glaring coldly at Lyonel. He glanced around him, seeing many pairs of eyes observing the situation from the windows, as well as a small patrol of Poor Fellows approaching up the main street from the north. "Ser Harrold, if you do not cooperate, I'll have to kill Ser Renfred," Lyonel spoke with an angered tone. However, a cold smirk formed on Harrold's face, and he raised his sword again.
"No," Renfred muttered weakly as Harrold charged against them. Having no other option, Lyonel slit Ser Renfred's throat and threw his dying body against Harrold, taking the opportunity to ran into one of the narrow side alleys.
Lyonel took a turn to right, then to left, and right again, not looking back. Guided by nothing but a vague sense of direction he ran through the alleys of Stoney Sept, hoping to eventually reach the northern gates. He heard Ser Harrold's screams somewhere in the distance, though he couldn't make out the words. He would have to make it out quickly, because soon every Warrior's Son and Poor Fellow in this town would be looking for him.
After several minutes of wandering through the dark and empty alleys Lyonel finally saw the northern gates. Thank the gods they are still open. Near the gates on the square illuminated by torches stood five Poor Fellows in guard duty, one of them being Omer the Old who had welcomed Lyonel and Axel into the town yesterday. However, they didn't seem to be actively looking for him.
Taking in a deep breath, Lyonel emerged from the side alley and began to calmly walk towards the gates. As he got closer one of the Poor Fellows noticed him. "Hey, what's your business here at such a time?" he asked strictly.
"That's King Lucifer's guest from Duskendale," Omer spoke up, giving his brother-in-arms a stern glare. "Can we be of assistance, Ser?" he then asked politely.
"No, thank you," Lyonel responded, keeping his voice as calm and casual as he could. "I simply have some business in the war camp," he explained.
"I see. You're free to go, Ser," Omer said with a respectful nod, which Lyonel stiffly reciprocated. Continuing to walk towards the gates, he could only hope Axel would also find a way out of the town, hopefully with their horses as well.
"STOP HIM!" the thundering voice of Ser Harrold suddenly boomed from behind. Lyonel turned around to see Ser Harrold leading some dozen Poor Fellows towards them down the main street. "THAT MAN IS AN IMPOSTOR AND A TRAITOR, SEIZE HIM NOW!" Harrold commanded, pointing his sword towards Lyonel.
With a confused expression Omer drew his mace, and two of the Poor Fellows aimed their loaded crossbows at Lyonel. If he'd try to run, he would surely be shot. However, just as he thought there was no way out, the sound of hooves striking against the cobbled streets echoed from one of the alleys, and Axel Rivers charged into the square riding his young rounsey named Patch, Lyonel's trusty mount Brie galloping closely behind. As he charged past the Poor Fellows, Axel rode down one of the crossbowmen and struck Omer to the ground with a swing of his sword.
As they reached him, Lyonel quickly climbed atop his horse. Then he heard a whizzing sound and felt an immense pain in his lower back – the other crossbowman had hit him. Grimacing at the pain Lyonel galloped forward by his squire's side, hearing somewhere behind him Ser Harrold screaming. "CLOSE THE GATES!"
However, Lyonel and Axel made it through the gates before they could be closed, galloping into the darkness outside the town's walls and disappearing into the night.
End of Act I