Disclaimer: I don't own A song of Ice and Fire or Dragon Age
The Phoenix and the Griffin
Chapter 9: War in the Meadow
They sat at the long table in the tower of the hand, as they always did to discuss matters of importance to the seven kingdoms. Jon Arryn sat at the head of the table as the hand of the king, his voice in all matters of state. And Robert needed a voice at the moment, as he was missing from the small council, attending to a hangover. Stannis held a scowl over his brother's absence, he took his role of master of ships as seriously as all his other duties. In contrast Renly sat more relaxed, and was relaxed in his duties of master of laws. Most reigns across Westeros had granted membership of the small council to the Grand Maester and the Lord Commander of the Kings Guard. Only Pycelle was in attendance though, though Barristan had been allowed to keep his role in the Kings guard since his days serving Aerys, he had not been granted a seat at the table. Across from Pycelle was the master of whispers Varys, as always ready with a report from his 'little birds'. Finally there was master of coin, Petyr Baelish, an old friend of Lysa Arryn whom had been recommended by her father.
"Crime is down at the moment in king's landing, it seems that the new arrivals within the city have provided a few necessities to the people," Renly explained.
"A development that as master of coin I am pleased to hear of, as a business owner myself I am envious. In Fleabottom an elf businessman by the name of Rathgar has begun treating the shit from the sewers with special chemicals," Baelish explained.
"He literally sells shit?" Renly raised his eyebrows in amusement.
"Actually lord Renly, because of Rathgar's alchemical manipulations, the shit has become quite a powerful fertiliser, the state of Fleabottom has also improved," Varys stated.
"A tavern in Eel Alley has also become quite a popular place, a few of my own clientele have taken part in card games there, Diamondback, Wicked Grace, Gwent from time to time," Baelish said.
"There are rumours that in the basement of the establishment they host a fist fighting tournament," Varys added.
"Disgraceful," Pycelle commented.
"The city guard haven't caught them in the act, and if it's true, it keeps people entertained, better than beheadings apparently," Renly said.
"What is this place called?" Arryn asked.
"The Lucky Hand, a Dornishman, Orthello Sand and a Reach woman, Laura I believe her name is, they took a large loan from Dayk Amell, I believe he owns a percent of their business," Varys explained.
"The Amells," Arryn stroked his chin as he rested his elbows on the table.
"What troubles you lord hand?" Pycelle asked.
"I wish to know your opinions on the situation in the Meadow, lords in that region are marching to war with one another, what are your thoughts?" Jon asked.
"The Amells are steadily becoming a rich family, not through ownership of mines or fields, but because they have a hand in many of the new businesses being established. Whether from personal investment or loans, the Amells have gained influence as entrepreneurs, both the Meadow and the capital have benefited from this, but whose pockets are being filled the most?" Baelish smirked as the other lords looked at him.
"They are lax with their criminals, yet, crime is apparently quite low in the Meadow, the Amells get criticised for their mercy, yet they're clearly doing something right as the common people love them. As for the war, they want a single army to represent the Meadow and not the individual lords, but who gets to decide when that army mobilises?" Renly asked.
Stannis nodded his head in agreement, somewhat impressed too that Renly put some thought into the Amell's actions.
"I hold nothing against the Amells," Pycelle said, though the council members knew he was lying through his teeth. "But how many reforms should we allow them to make? How many traditions should we allow them to cast aside? How long before they decide that no lord in Westeros should have their own army? That an elf or a dwarf should have a lordship? Or Dalish should be given land ownership or free reign to move through our territories?"
"Their reforms are made with the best of intentions, this I have no doubt, and many of their reforms have been carried out in a way that does not compromise the peace, there is a limit however. I believe that for now the best course of action is to observe what Revion Amell does, he is not his grandfather, he has more restraint," Varys explained.
"We should continue to observe, and if the Amells step out of line, we should swiftly remind them as we did the Iron born," Renly said.
"The Meadow is not a place we can attack, the line will be crossed when they try to attack outside of the Meadow, that is the only time we would be able to strike at the Amells in battle," Stannis explained.
"Lord Stannis, you do not believe the fairy tales of the Meadow surely?" Pycelle asked.
"I know that the Meadow endured attacks from kings of Westeros before Aegon arrived, I know that it endured when Aegon himself tried to conquer it. I know that when Maegor the cruel attempted to force it into submission, his army lost badly, I know that during the Dance of Dragons, and the first and second Blackfyre rebellions, no side could claim those lands when they demanded support. And when the Mad king sent a force to make the Meadow submit to his rule during the rebellion, that army disappeared, with no trace. The Meadow consists of many deep caves, hills and rocky areas, it is a difficult place to assault," Stannis explained.
"The castle of nature they call it, it is no wonder it supports the largest population of elves and dwarves there, what of the situation in the Meadow Varys?" Jon asked.
"Several lords have assembled their forces, Revion Amell is going out to meet them with his personal army, he has been joined by a Dalish clan Folduin, which has long made its home in the forest of the Meadow. The Banrim family of dwarven merchants and mercenaries has also joined the Amell side, they will soon clash with the lords, Lord Amell has appointed a commoner Oliver as the acting lord of the Meadow, and Uther Bainan, leader of the Treetop as the commander of his army," Varys explained.
"Why Uther Bainan is a brute, a man disloyal to his wife, not even a knight," Pycelle said, flabbergasted.
"He did however make a name for himself serving under Oberyn Martell in wars in Essos, he was only thirteen when he fought the likes of Dothraki and Unsullied," Varys said.
"We will watch for now, and support whomever is victorious, if the Amells are truly worthy of the Meadow then they will settle matters there, if not then it will fall to another noble family," Jon explained.
"Now there are other issues besides the Meadow," Stannis said.
"Lord Stannis is correct, in the Bite and unfortunate discovery was made by the local authorities, a smuggling ring for slaves," Varys stated.
"Did the local militia dispatch them?" Renly asked.
"No, the crew of the ship was slaughtered, every last one of them, and the slaves were freed," Varys said.
"By whom?" Jon asked.
"A young man with a Direcat!"
"A what?"
"Like a domesticated shadow cat, the size of a Mabari hound," Vary elaborated. "He gave them a name, Chimeron!"
On the road to the Meadow, Chimeron felt his ears burn and grinned. His shadows he had dispatched elsewhere, and Borosi and his other companions could go somewhere else for now. He was out to prove himself today, and there was no finer way to prove yourself in Westeros than by fighting in battle. The thought of killing, of even being killed exhilarated him. But he remembered that time he feared death, that time he denied it with everything he was. So far, his fights with the petty thugs and slavers hadn't even brought him close to experiencing that feeling again.
'Hopefully this battle will allow me to find my fear again,' Chimeron thought as he prepared his armour.
Simple, reliable armour from a simple and reliable merchant was what he opted for. Forged from iron, it had no colour added to it or decoration. He opted for a chainmail skirt over his brown leggings, iron greaves and boots over his legs, a chainmail shirt with a breast plate and iron gauntlets. Whilst he had been able to buy an iron shoulder guard for his left, he had only managed to gather enough coin for a leather guard over his right shoulder. Chimeron wrapped a blue scarf around his neck armour and dusted the dirt off of his helmet. It had a visor with narrow eye slits and breathing holes. He slid his short, curved sword through his belt and checked over the long sword he had bought. The round pommel had no marking on it.
'Time to meet your family, my rival!' Chimeron held his head high, lifting his kite shield over his shoulder and walking to the battlefield.
Revion kept his body still, allowing only Selene to manipulate it. He could put his armour on himself, but it was just one more intimate part of their relationship. Love could form from even political marriages, they were not arrogant enough to believe that they were the only married couple in Westeros whom truly loved one another. But they took pride in the fact that they had married first for love. She fixed the black plates over his arms and chest, a gold version of the Amell sigil was on the breast plate. Raising his arms, she put on his gauntlets, then fixed the spiked plates onto his elbows. She put his purple coat through his arms, his own personal sigil emblazed on the back of it.
A black eagle resting on a perch, with the red of a rising sun behind it. Afterwards Selene fixed the guards onto his shoulder, and the high collar that would protect his neck from slashes. He only moved under his own power when he took her hand, linking their gloves fingers together. They held on tightly, both looking one another in the eyes. Their lips briefly caressed, but that was the limit of their passion during such a time. The Lord of the Meadow walked out of his tent, the spearmen of his silver guards linking their weapons together in a salute. Together, the lord and his wife mounted their horses, his a white one and hers brown with a blonde mane. Uther's horse had armour covering its white fur and the beast stomped its hooves angrily.
"We are with you Lord Amell!"
"For the Meadow!"
"For a better world!"
They were eager to fight, the silver guard. But they were driven not just by a commoners desire to knock nobles into the dirt, but by an almost cult like loyalty to their lord. He knew the names of most of the soldiers, knew their stories, he'd taken as much time to talk to them as he had with members of noble houses. The army marched out of the camp, and near the forest line, Revion made out the ranks of armoured Dalish fighters. At the front, riding on a wild, pink Hart was Jassin Falduin, son of the clan's keeper and leader of their warriors. The green and gold armour of the elves resembled elements of the forest they had marched from. Revion's eyes then went to the rocky areas, where the Banrim's fighters marched, all of them dressed in their dwarven make armour.
"I'm looking forward to seeing the little men in action, not many dwarves are willing to climb the steps of Treetop," Uther noted.
"There is someone ahead my love," Selene said.
The battle formation came to a halt, as Uther, Selene and Revion trotted ahead. There they met a man in knight's clothing, though he didn't have that disciplined bearing. He stood alongside a black furred, cat like creature. His voice had a refined way to it though. He drew the sword on his hip, Uther touching the hilt of his sword as the warrior drew the blade. But Uther relaxed when the young man removed his helmet and knelt, resting his hand on his sword and pushing it against the dirt.
"Lord Revion Amell of the Meadow, I have come here to fight alongside you," the man said
"I am not giving coin to mercenaries," Revion said.
"You misunderstand," the man kept his head low. "I'm not here to fight for money, I came here because I heard of a lord who decided that no one in his territory should have their own army, that matters should be settled between men alone as individuals and not armies. That an army should fight for the land it calls home, not the vendettas of a lord!"
"If that is the case, then I cannot accept another soul into this army, another soul that need not risk his life," Revion said.
"It is my soul to risk, besides, if you turn me away now I will forever be haunted by the knowledge that during such an important event I stood by and did nothing. So please, let me fight for you," the young man raised his head, revealing his blonde hair, handsome face and the blue and green eyes that marked him as different.
"What is your name?" Revion asked.
"Chimeron," the young man said.
"You are free to walk alongside us," Revion said.
Kings Road
Revka always preferred riding on a horse to the comfort of a carriage. Alongside her, trotting nervously along was Kira. The girl had managed to get into the basics of riding a horse, Revka's first lesson to her. After giving her the tour of the Amell estate near King's landing, Revka immediately left with a retina of guards for the Meadow. Riding along the king's road, they met travellers, merchants, hedge knights and Revka saw some of the wonder in Kira's eyes. She was a city girl, born in Fleabottom, more used to the fumes of shit than the smell of flowers. When they stopped in the country side, Revka caught and gutted a rabbit, cooking a meal for the guards and herself and Kira.
"One thing I wanted to end in Fleabottom is 'the brown', that disgusting pot of stew that the residents would have to eat," Revka said as she stirred the meat in her own pot.
"My friends and I used to guess what the meat would be that day," Kira said.
"I wouldn't have bothered, were you aware that sometimes they'd put parts of a person in the pot?" Revka asked and Kira froze.
Revka put some of the rabbit stew into a bowl, holding it out to Kira as she gulped in fear.
"Murders, what better way to dispose of bodies than to feed them to the desperate and hungry masses, most adults had stopped guessing what the meat was anyway," Revka explained.
"I know that the world is cruel," Kira said.
"Do you? To teach us understanding, my father was abandon myself and Damion in Dark town for periods of time, just rags on our backs, sometimes he'd keep us in different areas. Sometimes we'd go to a city, and he wouldn't be there, he'd just walk away and leave us to fend for ourselves. We saw things in Dark town, in the Slums of Starkhaven and beyond, things that make Fleabottom seem tame. One time a man tried to force himself on me, I tasted cock at the age of eleven, and blood! Because I would not be taken!"
"I don't think I could be that strong," Kira's eyes were filled with admiration of the woman.
"He beat me, until father arrived and threw a sword at my feet, 'use it before he does' he said to me, and I didn't hesitate to slide that sword through the man's neck. 'Now I'm going to teach you how to use it properly' father said to me, and so I started training alongside my brother," Revka continued, stirring the pot before giving some to the guards.
"A lady learning how to fight?" Kira asked in surprise.
"Don't be surprised, there are a great many houses that teach their women to fight, Bear Island, Ferelden, the Free Marches, Dorne, women do not have to be damsels, nor do we have to seduce or lie or cheat to rise. My father was cruel to us once, but only out of necessity, he wanted both my brother and I to learn and understand the hardships that people without coin or a famous name can experience, to understand the mindset that can lead a person to whore themselves, or to kill just for something to eat. But he wanted to show us the light too, that there were good things too, and he did, he showed us that there was more good in the world than there is bad, but the bad is still there. Most families in Westeros have some great motto, we don't really have one," Revka explained.
She ate from her own ladle, not bothered by the heat.
"I heard some nobles say that its 'Let my actions speak louder than words'," Kira said.
"That was a personal motto of my father's, and my brothers, I suppose it could be applied to our family. But that's more of a creed to live by, and a jab at the other houses," Revka grinned.
"What do you mean?" the girl asked.
"Growing Strong, a declaration of the 'growing strength' of House Tyrell, 'Winter is coming', a warning of the inevitable season and of course the Stark military if you piss them off. 'Hear me roar!'" Revka burst into laughter.
"Aren't those House Lannisters' words?" Kira asked.
"Yeah, I always preferred a Lannister always pays his debts, its more threatening and reassuring depending on the situation. But 'hear me roar' it's basically saying 'listen to me, I'm important'. That's pretty much what all the houses are saying with their 'words'. But actions, deeds, they can be a better way of judging a house, of judging a person, there is also however intent too," Revka explained.
"But how do you determine whether a person's intent is ill or good?"
"There's the most difficult part, judging whose on your side, or whose just more on their side than anyone else. I'm a realist and an optimist Kira, I hope for the best and prepare for the worst, I believe people are good, and that there are bad people and sometimes those people just need something good in their lives to give them light," Revka explained.
"Light?"
"There is light and darkness in the world, sometimes the darkness can seem overwhelmingly grand, I recognise this, I do not run away from it or deny it. In this 'game of thrones'," Revka spat before continuing, "People are willing to betray one another, to lie through their teeth, I'm prepared to lie, I'm prepared to manipulate at times. But what I am not prepared to do is throw away basic decency and kindness...I don't care what others say, whether they call me fool or plot my demise, I will not compromise who I am out of personal greed, or even to survive. Because yes there is badness in the world, but do you know something Kira?"
"What?"
"We don't have to be complete arses to one another to survive, or to be successful in this world, we don't need to rule the world or change it, sometimes the best we can get is a house, a family that we love, and one life that you've changed, one act of kindness to change someone's life for the better, and maybe that person will go on to perform a kindness for another, it's a butterfly effect Kira, we save the world by saving one life," Revka explained.
Kira nodded her head, drawn to the woman's words and to the strength she portrayed.
"'Whomever saves one life, saves the world entire', I can't recall exactly where I heard the words, but I like to think I try to live by them when I can," Revka said.
She thought of the one life her family saved, and the hope that that life would go onto change others. And even if he hadn't, he had been Revka's world for the brief time she was able to care for him.
Chimeron walked alongside the ranks of the army, and he was impressed with the set up. He expected his rival's family to possess intelligence, he didn't believe in singular family members displaying qualities. Tywin was not the most intelligent member of his family, just as Jamie Lannister was not the only skilled swordsman of the Kings guard. At least that was his hope, he didn't want to get his expectations high. Revion didn't disappoint, his air, aura, or Chimeron's instinct (he sometimes had difficulty knowing where he got his judgements from) cast the shadow of a man who held onto his ideals, yet wasn't stupid about it. Power was a necessity, might did make right, but one didn't need to be an evil bastard to be right or powerful. As much as Chimeron enjoyed the fear of the men he killed, he despised how weak they had been. He despised himself for killing a weak opponent.
Through the eyes of his visor he saw the army opposing Revion. Whilst it initially may have out numbered Revion's, with the addition of the Dalish and the dwarves, Revion's forces out numbered the rebels. Already Revion established intelligence by increasing the number of his forces. The sight of a superior force alone could inspire fear, in both enemy soldiers and commanders. The commoners that filled the ranks of the rebel army may not know how to count, but they weren't stupid, their eyes could still see when something was bigger. Chimeron himself had struggled to read, his eyes sometimes couldn't make out the shapes. He did however teach himself to discern certain characters from text or equations. The army came to a halt and Revion rode with his wife and Uther towards another group of riders.
Luther Darkwynd was a warrior, and he had an appearance to match, eyes that held no nonsense, a scar on his chin. His black armour was shaped at the breast plate to resemble an eye, a sword devoid of decorations or jewels rested at his hip, a sign he was not someone whom wasted gold or money on mere decoration. Unlike his fellow lords, he had no guards behind him, signifying a confidence in his own martial skill. Tiberius Sunflare was fat, barely fitting into his armour, his beard was elaborate, to a ridiculous degree, the tips of his moustache stretching past his ears and the scruff on his chin running to his belly. His guards were adorned in armour that had the sun on the coat of arms, their tall helmets having ornaments that resembled the sunburst symbol of the chantry too much for Chimeron's liking. Richard Greenward had his personal guards, and his sons in attendance. Both red haired, dressed in black plates over blue garbs. One though was old enough to have a beard.
"Honourable father," Revion bowed his head in respect.
"You made bargains with the Dalish and the dwarves?" Richard asked.
"Who do you think makes the armour for the army?" Selene retorted.
"Sister, why are you on the battlefield? Why stand alongside a man whom insults us?" asked Richard's eldest, Godfrey.
"I do not intend to insult my good honourable father nor my brothers, but this is a reform that must be made so that the Meadow can truly be united, and clear of any threat to itself from within," Revion explained.
"You speak nonsense," Tiberius spat, nearly falling off of his horse.
"Continue Revion, what is your intention here?" Luther asked.
"Aye, I too wish to hear this," Richard said.
"Every lord in Westeros has bannermen, or lords beneath them whom command their own armies. History texts have not forgotten the days when lords warred with one another for their titles, kings would be deposed, and even beyond the conquest of the dragons, lords still murdered each other through their armies. The Raynes of Castamere being one of them, then the Iron island rebellion. Neither were successful, both were tragedies because those regions were not truly united, and the people suffered because of that," Revion explained.
"It is our hope father, honourable lords, that by disbanding the armies of the lords of the Meadow, and creating one unified army, that we can then introduce a charter that will directly state when and under what circumstances assembling such an army will be justified," Selene stated, much to Tiberius's disgust.
"Who is this girl that she would speak amongst us?" he demanded.
"She is my daughter," Richard said, glaring at Tiberius.
"She is my strength," Revion said, and Selene blushed.
"By why give such power to one man?" Luther asked.
"Because it will not be in the power of one man, it will be left to a council that will be formed through this charter. And I wish for all of you to be a part of that council, matters of honour and insult will be settled through this council, as well as under what circumstances the army would be deployed," Revion explained.
Luther and Richard both nodded their heads in understanding.
"Successors of the council will be left in the hands of those whom sit on it, given to worthy students or retainers, or passed down to family members, the decision is yours," Selene said.
"You truly have thought this through haven't you boy?" Luther asked.
"I have lord Darkwynd, your men have defended the Meadow since the days the kings of old tried to take it, yours is one of the oldest houses, continue to help us defend the meadow from threats beyond and within," Revion implored the man, but he did not beg.
"I have no desire to witness a massacre today, even if we were to overcome yours, it will come at terrible price," Richard looked towards his daughter as he spoke.
"I stand here now to deliver terms, not to fight, for I will not fight against my brothers. If it comes to blows, the I will ride to that hill and await the victor, and be prepared to shed tears and mourn for whomever does not ride to me...and..." she lowered her head as she spoke. "Should neither of the men I love and hold dear come back to me, then the line of Greenward will end with me, for I have no desire to face this world without my family with me!"
The younger Greenwards gasped in shock, the youngest, James's face had horror across it and tears welling in his eyes. Selene composed herself, displaying the strength that Richard expected from his daughter before the Lady of the Meadow.
"If our armies clash today, no one will win, not truly," Revion said.
"Yet still, we have our pride, we came here today to show you that we will not let go of one piece of power without gaining another. And you have come here to offer us that power," Richard said and bowed his head.
"I've fought many battles, both within the Meadow and beyond, I knew the days of the dragons were numbered when Rhaegar took Lyanna Stark. But I fought the stag all the same, and when he took the crown I bowed, because he was the only king left on the throne. But my true loyalty, my first loyalty is to the Meadow, its people and the pride they carry. Tell me Revion, is this charter of yours a ruse, do you really hold all of the power behind the army?" Luther demanded.
"I do not intend to play this game of thrones that the other nobles believe in, we of the Meadow have always remained above such things have we not?" Revion asked, looking at each of the men gathered. "What I intend to do is spread an echo, if the other nobles hear of what we come to agree on today, then we will begin a change, a great change that will spread across the seven kingdoms. This change, will, I hope, finally bring an end to the game of thrones that keeps our nation from being great," he explained.
"Except there are some of us who do not wish for the game to end Lord Revion," Tiberius scoffed.
"And I am not fully convinced that you are truly doing this for the best interests of the Meadow, but out of your personal ambition, whilst true it is an ambition born of the best of intentions, even the best of intentions can pave way to the worst of tragedies," Luther explained.
"So neither of you will be sated, you will let this come to blows today?" Selene asked.
"Perhaps my lords, I might offer a compromise today," Uther raised his hand sheepishly, grinning as the men looked towards him. "Matters of honour have been settled through conflict before, but not always armies, why not how do they say it 'let the gods decide', cause apparently that's how people fighting to the death works," he rolled his eyes as he spoke.
"I do have reason to fight the Amells, Revion, your brother fucked my daughter, depriving me of a valuable alliance with the Freys. As opposed to parting with a daughter, I had to part with precious gem stones to pay the toll of the twins," Tiberius explained.
"To be fair mate that's your mistake for dealing with the Freys in the first place...and, why don't people just go around the Twins, it's not like the river is that long, sure it's a long walk but I'd rather have a delayed journey than deal with that cunt Walter Frey," Uther explained.
"Walder Frey," Revion corrected him.
"He dishonoured my daughter, my house, humiliated us and I demand retribution. I will not bow to the demands of someone whom wishes to take my family's well earned authority," Tiberius said, his face red with rage.
"So you'd lead your men to slaughter instead, fine if this is to come to bloodshed then let us settle the matter Lord Sunflare, a duel, fought between myself and you," Revion suggested, only for Tiberius to scoff.
"I am no fool, I will not fight, nor will my champion fight you," Tiberius declared.
"As the appointed commander of the army, I can pick a champion to fight for us," Uther said.
"I refuse to have another man lay down his life for a matter that is mine to solve," Revion said.
"Not your choice I'm afraid," Uther grinned.
"Whomever wins will be victorious in this battle, and this matter will be settled," Richard said.
Both sides galloped back to their armies. Cheers ran throughout the Sunflare forces as a man walked through the crowds. He wore a yellow coat of arms over his breast plate and chain mail, plates of metal over his legs. A strap stretched over his chest, holding in place a shoulder guard bigger than the one of his left shoulder. The round shield he carried had a green field heraldry, with a star lit sky above it. Strapped to his waist was a long sword, but he carried an axe on his shoulder. His helmet covered his entire face. similar to a templar's helmet, with two eye slits and multiple holes underneath them. That man mounted a horse given to him and rode out to the middle of the field. It was half way back to their ranks when Revion met Chimeron.
"What are you doing?" the young man was dragging his shield behind him, holding his helmet over his shoulder.
"Well it looked like you had agreed on a duel, so I thought I'd volunteer myself as a champion," Chimeron said.
"I would have no man risk their life for me, especially not a man not even from the Meadow," Revion said.
"My love," Selene trotted close to her husband, leaning towards him. "Despite his armour, this man seems capable, and he is eager to prove himself, besides, Tiberius's champion is not even of the Meadow either," she said.
"Look lord Revion, I stood with those men there and I'll be honest with you, they'll kill those guys down there, anyone of them is willing to die for you. I admire that loyalty, but there's a good chance they'll get themselves killed too. You don't want to lose any of your soldiers, and you don't want to kill anyone on that side, so let me end this, I'll make my opponent yield, blood won't be spilled today," Chimeron explained.
"That's a bold claim to make my friend, but if you think you can beat the hedge knight over there, then be my guest," Uther chuckled.
Chimeron nodded his head and continued walking past the lord of the Meadow.
"Chimeron," he looked over his shoulder, Revion was looking at the sky despite calling out to him. "Make him yield, do not kill him," he said
As Revion and his party rode away, Chimeron chuckled and continued his walk. He approached the knight as he got off of his horse, taking his axe off of his saddle and pointing to a spot away from the creature. The man removed his helmet, revealing someone in his late thirties, an old battle scar on his cheek and a broken nose, his hair and beard cut short.
"I am sir Raynar, I do not recognise you sir," the man said.
"Oh I'm no knight," Chimeron said and his opponent frowned.
"Then you do not belong on this ground, nor will you last against me," Raynar said.
"Well that's arrogant of you, discourteous too, I've just walked all the way over here!"
"Return to your lord, I will not have your blood on my hands."
"Nope, I think I'd rather beat you so that the men behind us can go home," Chimeron said, shrugging his shoulders.
He put on his helmet, pulling down the visor. Then he tightened the strap of his shield and drew his sword. Raynar glared at him before adjusting the strap of his shield and putting on his helmet. He moved his hand down the handle of his axe until it was at the end of it. Raising both his arms, he held his shield in front of him and raised the axe high behind him. Chimeron shuffled his feet for a bracing position, holding his shield level with his mouth, and raising his sword, placing the flat end on the top of the shield. Both took deep breaths, circling one another. Raynar lowered his axe, turning his hips and keeping his shield extended. Chimeron pushed his shield out and lowered the position of his sword. The soldiers on both sides watched in anticipation, Revion's hands shaking. Selene reached over and grabbed her husband's hand, smiling reassuringly at him. Chimeron raised his sword, the blade pointing past his head and towards Raynar, whom did the same thing with his axe. Suddenly, they both struck.
(Seven Deadly Sins OST-Dragon Sin)
They crashed their shields together, neither forcing the other back. Raynar tried to swing his axe down on Chimeron, but the young man gave him no room to move his arm. He pulled his shield back, parrying Raynar's strike with his sword and then countering. Raynar blocked with his shield and swung his axe again, Chimeron tilted his head back and shoved Raynar back. The hedge knight swung his axe upwards, catching Chimeron's shield. He felt his arm shake, the knight was strong, and when he was pushed back he felt his heart rate quicken. Chimeron adjusted his footing and then paced a few steps around Raynar. Raynar was clearly a man who lost more tourneys than he won, that didn't mean he didn't have skill. Melees and jousts weren't always a reflection of a knight's skill. Raynar ran forward and carried out an assault, hitting Chimeron's shield several times, making his feet slide back across the grass. Chimeron thrust his sword and was barely able to move his arm back in time. As he moved his arm back, Raynar swung his axe for his face. The blade dragged across Chimeron's visor, he had moved his head back at the last possible moment. Chimeron attempted to slash his opponent, but Raynar caught his sword on the curve on his axe.
'Damn, good move,' Chimeron thought.
He was jerked to the side, Raynar's axe was locked with his sword. They tugged at their weapons, Raynar adjusting the angle he held his weapon whilst Chimeron did the same. Both men grinded their weapons together. Chimeron swung his shield towards Raynar, only for Raynar to deflect the blow with his shield. He then grabbed the side of Chimeron's shield and swung him around, once, lifting one foot off of the floor and then again, this time lifting both of his feet off of the floor. Chimeron felt the man launch him off of the ground, throwing him onto his back. Raynar threw his axe aside and drew his sword, stepping towards his downed opponent.
"Yield," he said.
"You first," Chimeron retorted.
Raynar thrust his sword at the ground, and Chimeron moved his head to the side, barely dodging the lunge. Again the blade had dragged across his helmet. Chimeron brought his arm up, using his gauntlet to deflect Raynar's thrust. Then he kicked out at Raynar, only for the man to grab his foot and drag him across the dirt. It elicited several laughs from Tiberius's crowd, some from Revion's army even laughed, though most either held their breath or gasped outright.
'This is it,' Chimeron thought as Raynar raised his sword for a thrust towards his neck. 'The feeling I was looking for!
He drew his dagger, using it to redirect Raynar's sword. Pulling his leg free, he threw his dagger at Raynar's helmet. With a clang it bounced off, but it served its purpose in dazing him.
'The feeling of facing someone stronger than me, of facing the possibility of death,' Chimeron tackled Raynar, wrapping his arms around the man's waist.
Raynar slammed the pommel of his sword into his back, twice, then three more times, kicking at his feet. But Chimeron adjusted his footing, keeping a tight grip on Raynar. He lifted Raynar off of the ground, his legs dangling off of the floor. The soldiers on both sides gasped in shock.
'The feeling of fighting for my life, against a stronger opponent, and winning!' with determination Chimeron slammed his enemy into the ground.
He slammed Raynar down with such force that Raynar let go of his sword. When Raynar tried to reach for it, Chimeron stepped on his stomach, drew his sword and held the curved blade to his throat.
"Yield," Chimeron commanded.
"No," Raynar seethed.
"Yield or I take your head, and that would be a waste of a good fighter," Chimeron said.
"I refuse, not to a mere cut throat, I will not cast aside my pride like that," Raynar snarled.
Chimeron smirked moving off of Raynar and resting his sword in his hands.
"I can respect those whom hold on to their pride," Chimeron said.
And it was a genuine statement. Images of his fight with his rival surfaced in his mind. His battle with Raynar wasn't quite a reliving of that glorious moment, but it had made him feel more alive than the slaughter he had carried out on the way to the Meadow.
"Fine then," he knelt. "If your pride cannot allow you to lose to a man whose not even a knight, then make me one, and if you deny my skill, then I suppose blood will be shed today after all," Chimeron shrugged, offering Raynar the sword.
Raynar stood, looking at the blade in shock. It was a sentiment shared by all the soldiers watching. Tiberius reacted in shock for a moment before he grinned, believing Chimeron to be a fool whom had thrown his life away. Revion thought that too, but Uther, Luther, Richard, other men whom had been raised in conflict regarded it in a very different way. Raynar himself regarded it the same way.
'Such courage,' he took the blade, holding it to Chimeron's head for a moment.
"What is your name?" Raynar asked.
"A few people call me Chimeron, though I go by Leo too," he said.
Raynar raised the sword, keeping it level with his nose. He closed his eyes, squeezing the sword tightly before swinging it down. Selene and Revion gasped, the latter closing his eyes for a moment before his wife gripped his shoulder. He looked towards the two men, and saw Raynar tapping the flat of the blade to Chimeron's right shoulder.
(Game of Thrones OST-A knight of the seven kingdoms)
"In the name of the Warrior I charge you to be brave." He moved the sword to the young man's left shoulder, "in the name of the Father, I charge you to be just. In the name of the Mother, I charge you to defend the young and the innocent. In the name of the Maid, I charge you to protect all women," with each sentence, the knight tapped a different shoulder and when he had finished he stepped back. "Now rise, Ser Leo Chimeron, a knight of the seven kingdoms!"
Chimeron's smile hid his true intent. Part of his plan always involved winning favour as a knight, this unexpected development with the Meadow had enabled him to speed that part along. But as he stood, and Raynar raised his hand up, proclaiming him the champion, a feeling washed over him. It was that same feeling of achievement he felt when he had saved those people from the slavers. The ground shook as both sides cheered, cheered for the rising of a new knight.
'A knight of the seven kingdoms,' he thought, overcome by the joy.
He looked at the sky and chuckled as he closed his eyes, savouring the feeling of accomplishment. Unexpectedly, it had felt better than any slaughter he had committed, or any fight he had had.
Next Chapter 10: Death of the Targaryens
Hope everyone enjoyed the chapter, Chimeron's armour is basically the starter set for the Knight class in Dark Souls 3.