Chapter Thirty-Seven
…
Osgiliath, Special Event before the Grand Melee, Coliseum.
"I knew it, I knew it! I knew that this would happen!" Myrcella can't help the growl that comes out of her lips, her fingers tightening over the hand rests of the throne she is sitting atop the raised dais.
Down below, the trumpeters of the Coliseum blow hard proclaiming the "special event" which would be a three segment competition divided with a joust and two duels of weapons of her own choice with the Dame of Rivendell against Three Random chosen of the Faith of the Seven. According to the herald, it would be a….reenactment of the War of the Faith.
She of course expected that her mother would do something. She has not expected that she would coerce the one cared about into doing this. Part of her however is pissed as hell at Delianah also for going along with it. She has been with the brilliant young woman long enough to know that within her sphere of influence, nothing happens without the Lady of Rivendell knowing it. Knowing Delianah, Myrcella can only assume that she has a reason for going along with the trap of her mother or she is doing this for the fun of it. More times than one, she has observed during her tenure here as Rivendell's ward that despite her brilliance, the Dame can be a bit bold and daring with some things, one can even say reckless when it comes to things that interests her.
Judging by the rather smug look and grin she is currently sporting, Myrcella would bet her left arm that the Dame is completely aware of the machinations behind the scenes. The question that is plaguing her though is why Delianah is going along with it? The Dame is not the best when it comes to sharing information and Myrcella curses beneath her breathe for being stuck here at the Royal Dais. Her original plan to escape and try to meet with Delianah before the tourney failed to come to fruition thanks to her father wanting some quality time with her. Apparently Ned Stark has run off to put the beating off a lifetime to his two sons for illegally entering the joust before leaving Robert without someone to entertain.
Thus in a rare moment of fatherliness(due to Osgiliath having literally zero prostitutes available at the Coliseum), Robert ordered her at his side and begins questioning her about her time here in Rivendell. He also tries to do the kingly way of inquiry, asking her about royalty related stuff that makes Myrcella want to roll her eyes at. Suffice it to say compared to the quizzes of Delianah and Amelia, her father's questions are pathetically simple. Normally she would cherish the attention being lavished to her by her father, but right now, Myrcella's attention is rather focused on the headache down below.
"Presenting our combatants for this special event first part, THE JOUST!" the herald shouts much to the cheer of the entire stadium. "The representative of the Faith first and foremost, second son of Ser de Curtnay, Sir Roseland de Curtnay and of course her opponent, the Lady of Rivendell and all its annexed lands, the first Dame of Westeros and Favored by the Old gods, let us welcome the Lady Delianah!" the announcer declares through the improvised amplifiers resulting to a massive cheer from the crowd as the two jousters approach the tourney field atop their horses.
The reason for Myrcella's headache of course is clad in ornate silver form fitting armor etched with Weirwood runes and feather designs. Her long black hair with a streak of ed is down and comes off the back of the face helmet she wears with winged designs on it. Finishing her appearance is a plain grey cape at her back. Myrcella personally thinks that her future-plan-to-betrothed looks imposing and elegant at the same time. Despit e the rather simplistic designed armor she wears, she can still see the rather revealing outfit that the Emperor of Yi Ti has given beneath all that.
Delianah never disappoints when it comes to the appearance department (if properly motivated). Judging from the rather attentive movement of the watchers and representatives of different nations who get bored watching the minstrels and troubadors do their performance before, it is quite easy to see that they have been expecting this fight.
The flag at the middle of the field is pulled up by a squire and immediately the Dame levels her lance forward, her horse gaining acceleration fast as she charges toward her enemy. Her opponent also does the same though a few seconds later. And his movements are rather hesitant. Myrcella pities him at that though she can truly understand the reasoning of his plight.
It is pathetically obvious after all that the poor knight is between a rock and a hard place. Damaging the ruler of the country you are visiting is aptly said, a bad career move for anyone. Add the fact that said country is one of the most powerful currently in the global stage, and that's not adding the simple fact that ruler of said country also has the king's favor. Despite all that however, he also has his pride as a knight and that is what seems to finally force him to urge his forward despite being late at the sound of the bugle.
Even for someone who has no idea about jousting, Myrcella can see how such thoughts are entering the knight's mind during his charge. His body seems to be caught in an indecision as his horse is only half-galloped and his posture almost half-out in the saddle as if preparing to jump off and stop. His hand holding the lance is also lax as if not sure to fully lower it towards his opponent or not.
Unfortunately for him, his target has no indecisions compared to him. Galloping at full speed and wooden lance forward, the Dame crashes her weapon to the hesitating knight with the force of a sledgehammer. Everyone at the stadium winces as the heavyset warrior is sent flying for three metters off his horse, doing a cartwheel mid-air before crashing into a boneless heap on the ground. Cheers immediately erupt as Delianah does a victory lap around the tourney field raising her broken lance. Myrcella does not miss the simple fact that her beautiful face is smiling at the victory. Once more she resists the urge to rub her head for the migraine it is causing.
For someone who is the grown-up of the both of them, Delianah at certain areas can be very immature at times.
"WINNER BY UNHORSING, LADY DELIANAH TULLY!" the herald shouts earning a thunderous applause from the crowd especially from the Riverlanders and the Northeners, especially the Greatjon who seems to have found that it is a great idea to cheer while jumping up and down with his almost the same size of a son, Smalljon like little children.
Myrcella espies even her father laughing uproariously obviously impressed by the showing of the Lady of Rivendell.
"NEXT UP! THE SECOND CHALLENGE! THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE FAITH! KNIFE MASTER JURAM OF THE SECOND SONS WILL BE CHALLENGING HER ON A ONE ON ONE DUEL!" the herald this time shouts.
As the lean man built like a whipcord marches in front of the sands of the Coliseum, Myrcella can't help the familiar nervous feeling climbing up her gut as her fingers once more turn to claws as she grips the arms of her impromptu throne in no small amount of trepidation.
Below the Dame of Rivendell dismounts her horse throwing the broken lance to the ground before receiving a spear from the squire. Myrcella gulps as she watches her interest face off against the dual knife wielder, holding the spear with both hands with the pointy end facing at the head of her opponent. Myrcella has seen a lot of tourneys in her time. Only now though, for the life of her she has no idea what in the world do people find so interesting in these tourneys?
….
Down Below the Sands of the Coliseum
Completely unaware of the thoughts and worry bombarding around the Princess Royal, Delinah would be lying if she says that she is not enjoying her time right now. She is no battle junkie like Mister Fat king at the dais, but it truly stokes her pride being the subject of praise by fifty thousand souls currently cheering her on. No wonder Robert loves the battlefield, the exhilarating feeling of being the victor, standing over your opponent as people praise you. That feeling is rare and few in between, even if one cheats.
Of course Delianah would not play fair. She's knowledgeable enough to know that her skills on jousting are rudimentary at best. Even a skilled hedge knight would be able to unseat her easy. The twenty-first century after all has no training courses for sports such as the joust. Any normal knight or soldier in this world might have taken the long road to improve himself to be on par with the greats. Delianah however does the exact opposite.
Why take the long way out when you can simply use a shortcut via magic by striking at your opponent's weakness?
The poor knight from before is doomed before the joust even started. The moment their eyes met, Delinah throws a full silent Legilemens at his brain pulling the doubts and fears that normally would not bother him thanks to his focus and "personal mission" assigned by the Queen to humiliate the Lady of Rivendell.
The result is a terribly confused and doubtful rider who barely manages to ride his horse, much less fight in one. Compared to him, Delianah is fully focused and despite her rudimentary skills, a simple sticking charm at her hand is more than enough to guide the lance at the poor sod's chest, breaking it upon impact. Completely outbalanced and out in form, the knight is bodily thrown off to the saddle making it a hundred percent victory for her.
Now she smirks beneath her helmet as she faces her new opponent. Unlike with a lance, Delianah is completely an expert with the spear, a mind copy here, a mind copy there and voila, memories that need only muscle memory to be fully exploited. Of course she'd be stupid if she has no back up plan. As she levels the pointy end of her spear at the mercenary, she smiles as she bites the small bubble at her mouth containing liquid luck, in other words…..Felix Felicis.
"RAAGGHH!" with a loud yell the leather clad mercenary charges forward smacking the tip of the spear sideward with his right knife before following up towards her opening with his left. Already Delianah rather appreciates his fighting style. This one is a mercenary, not a knight, which means he would be fighting dirty and that is something that she can respect.
Stepping back from the sudden onslaught, Delianah responds by parrying the secondary attack before making a swipe with her spear which is easily blocked by her opponent's right knife. Not wanting a lock, she disengages before swiping with the butt end aimed at his face which he blocks for the second time. Enraged, he makes a consecutive swinging blows while continuing to advance forcing Delianah to give ground as he is a little to close to be in range of her spear.
Knowing very well that unless she does something, a lucky hit would make contact, Delianah grabs his right wrist just in time as he makes another stabby motion stopping his onslaught if only due to surprise. She only has a second to twist around bringing his entire arm in a lopsided position and out of balance before the body of the spear smacks at his chest making him grunt as a lock is made with his body. This time Delianah has the leverage as she pushes forward taking up lost ground as the fight is pushed back at the middle of the arena. Annoyed he twists left and right now forcing Delianah to step back when he pushes her with his shoulder hard. He has weight over her though and that push catches her off guard.
Using the sharp end of the spear to prevent herself from face planting, Delianah uses the entire thing as leverage before making a flying kick at Juram (matrix style) who doesn't anticipate the move making him stumble back as he receives a full chest load of boot at the chest. Delianah doesn't waste any momentum. The moment she lands on her feet, she uses the spear like a hammer in an overhead swing aiming directly at the head of the mercenary.
She is totally sure that she has him this time. However once more the dual wielder surprises her by moving his knives in an X position overhead receiving the full impact of her blow. Sure he uses his pauldron to assist the receiving of pressure, but the point is he managed to fully stop it. Before Delianah can react, he pushes forward coming in her inner zone where her spear is useless.
The Dame simply scowls as instead of pulling back her spear, she pushes it forward letting it slide over the twin blades of her opponent moving forward at the same time to avoid him from gutting her. She barely manages to grab the end of her weapon and turning to parry before a knife almost got her. As it is she parries it and another before twisting in a circle and counter-attacking from his blind side. Of course her enemy blocks this easily but another circular twist makes her attack from the other side.
This time her enemy is a bit wiser. While blocking the spear with his right knife, he then locks it with his elbow before turning within Delianah's inside zone, his knife aiming at her head in a slash. Delianah however repeats her old maneuver of stopping the slash via wrist grabbing before pushing him away freeing her spear. She has to leap backward though to avoid the slash at her head. Growling she counters with consecutive slashes of her own aiming to find out weak spots on her enemy's defenses. Thanks to the reach created by her first attack, she presses on forcing her enemy to be on the defensive and give ground.
Knowing that he is screwed if she continues with her momentum, the mercenary risks a counter via a double slash aimed at her cranium. Thanks to the distance between them however, he is forced to lean specifically forward making Delianah simply lean back to avoid the attack before smacking him in the throat with the butt end of her spear making him cough and choke as Delianah draws first blood.
Amid the cheers and the boos of the crowd, Juram red-faced, in pain and furious charges forward now more in a frenzy compared to his controlled battle fervor before. Sure his attacks is forcing Delianah backward but none of it has the strategic value it has before giving him a lot of openings. Openings that the Dame is not afraid to take advantage of. Another butt end attack of her spear that smacks his throat finally makes the mercenary lose composure as he charges forward one more time like a wild animal only to completely lose his footing as Delianah hooks his left foot with the sharp end of her blade before twisting him out of balance and making him eat dirt. He might have risen again if not for the pointy end aimed at him.
As it is, the crowd simply cheers loudly at the good fight. Even fat king Ser Robert is standing clapping. Only those Houses who are devoted faithfully to the Faith are seen scowling amidst the cheering of the people.
"THE WINNER OF THE SECOND BOUT THE LADY- WHAT THE FUCK?!" the herald squawks in protest quite loudly as he is bodily shouldered away by a giant of a man wearing full armor with only his piglike eyes seen through his helmet.
Everyone knows of course who this is, the giant, the monster whose hands are stained by the blood of babes and countless women and children. The accursed shout of Tywin Lannister heard through the crowds only confirms it.
"CLEGANE WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" the old lion roars, his voice belying his age as the Mountain that Rides, Gregor Clegane marches into the field, broadsword raised looking directly at the Lady of Rivendell.
"You die today whore!" he roars before swiping sideways.
Delianah might have been bisected from hip to shoulder if not for her accidentally tripping on a rock. As it is the swipe barely grazes her armor and only nicks her helm. Her opponent before, Juram however tries to make a run for it. He barely manages ten steps before the Mountain is upon him cleaving his lungs wide open as the broadsword slices into his back nearly splitting him into two.
"Yah!" Delianah yells taking the advantage to slam her own weapon at the small of the back of the Mountain. Normally it would have been declared a victory for such a lethal point shot but the Mountain it seems doesn't care about anything but killing her for he simply grabs the spear by the shaft before breaking it.
"MY LADY!" the sudden shout of Marcus makes Delianah turn for a split second to the leader of the Green Men who has thrown near her one of the swords and square shields of the Black Guard.
Her instincts makes her roll however towards it as she is once more nearly squashed by another downward strike that might have squashed her flat by the mountain. As it is, she reaches the sword and shield that the Black Guard has thrown at her taking her stand quickly adopting the sword and shield pose that former Roman Legionnaires used since time immemorial.
With a roar the Mountain is upon her immediately swinging his broadsword like a madman in circles. Delianah remains in her defensive posture backing out only step by step. All around she can hear the shouts and protests of the observers at the sudden intrusion of the Mountain that Rides. Most prominent of the voices of course are that of the Fat King, Lord Stark, and ironically Tywin Lannister, roaring for his mad dog to return to his leash. She can also hear the terror filled cries of Myrcella making Delianah feel guilty of keeping the golden princess out of the loop of her plans. Of course with the giant of a monster in a man's body now fully unleashed, there's simply no one brave (or stupid) enough to dare make him stop. Delianah has to admit it is an ingenious plan to give the Mountain free rein. Any normal man or woman might have already been killed for such a trap.
Delianah is just not any normal person however. The moment she steps in this Coliseum to spring the trap of the Bitch Queen, she has prepared her backup plans. Heck even her backup plans have backup plans from extra guards ready to pounce in case of a small army invasion to giant logs with chains armed on ballistas in the (unlikely) idea that the bitch queen's idea of an ambush has dragons on it. If there is one thing that she has learned on this fantasy world, it's the simple fact that magical stuff happens here when you least expect it.
Of course there is a reason also why she hasn't simply ordered her guards to put ballista and quarrel bolts at Gregor Clegane. This monster in human flesh has caused Rhaenys to undergo a billion deaths and the girl is one of those that has grown on Delianah. Suffice it to say that it simply puts him on Delianah's shit list.
Now she might have enjoyed ripping him to shreds piece by piece but unfortunately she can't do that now thanks to her rather business partnership with Tywin Lannister. It doesn't mean however that she can't humiliate him which is as bad as killing him anyway, only thing is he'll remain alive.
"That all you can do?" Delianah taunts the giant of a man who is hammering her shield like a madman. Any normal shield or human in that case might have caved under the rain of blows of the monster. With a magically reinforced shield that is nigh unbreakable and with a featherweight charm on it, Delianah can stand here all day while the Mountain hammers at her. Of course she has to keep up appearances of being pushed back else it would be…suspicious.
Infuriated by her taunt, the powerful swings of the Mountain become even wilder as he tries (in futility) to break through her defenses. Of course with his wild swings, he becomes even more showing openings through his guard. With a lunge Delianah strikes forward with the short sword at her opponent. Color her surprised when her enemy swerves at the side in dodging and aiming his sword at her right side. Apparently the Mountain retains some of his skills despite his rage. She spins her shield to the right before rotating also to the left to intercept the follow-up strike of the Mountain's broadsword. She is totally caught unawares though when the next hit is a forward kick that this time that might have cracked like an egg a regular shield.
With the reinforced one she is using though, Delianah simply pushes forward nearly making the Mountain fall flat at his back as he stumbles a bit before getting into the ready position again.
Remaining in her defensive posture, Delianah makes a one-two step towards her target eyes now narrowed. No wonder the Mountain is so dangerous, despite his rage and animal like power, he still manages to apply his fighting skills to great effect. She smiles underneath her shield that hides half her face. Looks like she needs to end this fast.
With a roar, he this time makes a double feet flying kick that Delianah is forced back almost five steps (she has to make the grunt really believable) before raising her shield to block the powerful downward stroke that reverberates all over the shield.
Once more like a snake, the smaller sword darts once, twice. The attack at the shoulder nicks the Mountain making the crowd roar in applause but the second one he parries before slashing at her point blank. Delianah parries the attack easily but she nearly screams out loud as the mountain kicks her back leg forcing her to her right knee at the ground. That single attack she can feel almost breaks her bones. She barely manages to raise her shield in time before Clegane tries to stomp her head off. As it is she just grunts as the Mountain once more backs off before making a downward strike once more followed up by a thrust aimed at her exposed half head.
Big mistake; turning sideways, Delianah clips the broadsword between his sword and shield and pulled sideways bringing the entirety of the Mountain's completely outbalanced body with it. He is forced to of course by the momentum and any resistance in his part would result to a broken arm. As it is, he bodily face plants as Delianah hurls him sideward. Delianah has to admit to his credit though that he does not let go of his broadsword even despite the fact that he eats dirt.
Keeping up the momentum, Delianah stabs him on the ground with the short sword but he surprises her once more by standing up via rolling to close for her sword. With a grunt she just rams her shield to his back completely catching everyone by surprise as the tall but lithe form of the Dame forces the Mountain to struggle in stopping the momentum for a few paces before his feet found purchase. With a roar he tries once more swiping over her head but Delianah ducks in time before repaying the favor from before by bashing the down edge of her square shield at the back of his knees making his knees crumble.
Not to give up, Clegane tries another backward stab aiming at the side of the Dame but Delianah once more clips it with her sword and shield before planting it on the ground. The follow-up stop makes Clegane roll forward to avoid an extra hole at his neck, standing up at the same time. He might have charged again however if not for the dozen or so javelins suddenly impaling the ground between him and the Dame of Rivendell. What stands out the most though is one of the javelins bearing the banner of the golden lion on a red field.
"WHEN I SAID ENOUGH! THAT MEANS ENOUGH!" roars Tywin Lannister in anger walking into the stadium with two dozen or so red cloaks from where Clegane has come out of.
"Herald, announce the victor! The Lady Delianah wins this fight via disarming of Ser Clegane," orders the Lion of the Rock.
"But my lord, the rules-," the man tries to protest only to quail under the gaze of the Old Lion.
"It will be done my lord. THE WINNER OF THIS ROUND IS THE LADY OF RIVENDELL, LET'S GIVE IT UP TO THE LADY DELIANAH TULLY!"
As the crowd roars that the very stadium shakes, Delianah eyes at the Mountain eyeing her in anger even though he stands down under the angry gaze of Tywin Lannister. Both of them knows of course, this fight of theirs would not end here.
…
The Tower Entrance Below Rhaenys' Private Booth
It is lonely and boring work guarding. Guard duty is something that most soldiers abhor. Not for the Death Dealers though. They are the personal guard of the important people that their goddess deems need protection. They are the best of the best, the best trained and the best equipped, seconded only by the Silver Knights. They have made up their mind in discipline and control and each and every one of them can challenge the current Kingsguard minus Barristan Selmy and win without a sweat. The name of their group have already been sullied once with the death of Viktor and all of them are not willing a repeat history of that mistake.
So imagine their reaction when ten Dornishmen appear near the doors all armed to the teeth with the Second Prince of Dorne leading them sharpening a knife. With a sheathing sound, both Death Dealers are ready in dual wield positions facing the Dornishmen. Their assignment is to keep the identity of the former Princess Rhaenys safe at all cost. That means no stranger need be able to enter the Tower except the Lady Delianah , her personal maidens or Green Men.
"Gentlemen," he swagger smiles. "One way or another, I am entering that tower. So we can do this the hard way or the easy way?"
The Death Dealers do not answer, for there is no point in answering dead men soon.
The Dornish Prince smiles in a way akin to a Viper showing it's fangs. "The hard way it is," he simply says before hurling the knife forward.
…..
Author's Note:
Hey fellow Travelers in Westeros. Sorry I haven't updated. Having romantic issues in real life. Been extremely distracted. Add the fact that I'm enjoying watching House of the Dragon and Rings of Power series. I really recommend watching both. House of the Dragon is simply wonderful, Rings of Power well….just imagine watching a fanfiction version of Lord of the Rings.