Robert took in the roar of the crowd as he and the others rode into the tiltyard, eagerly letting the energy of the gathered masses drown out the turmoil caused by his encounter with the prince. Robert was, for good or ill, well-practiced at ignoring things he didn't want to deal with, and he put the skill to good use as he focused on his future match. Whatever affliction that burdened the prince could wait; he had a match to win. If he didn't, there would be nothing stopping history from repeating itself.
The four remaining competitors guided their mounts towards the royal box where the mad king sat exuding an aura of gloom and malice. Robert silently muttered a prayer of thanks to all the gods that he had not been summoned by the king since the whole affair with the Knight of the Laughing Tree. Perhaps Aerys thought that Robert should focus on competing, though trying to guess the motives of a madman was madness in and of itself.
The ceremony proceeded without incident with the each of the final riders being announced by the herald and presenting themselves before the king. The whole time Aerys seemed to be muttering to himself, only looking up when it was his time to give his blessings, which he did with a disinterested wave of the hand as if he was above the cares of the mortal world. Finally, the herald announced the time of the next match, and the ceremony was concluded to the cheers of the crowd. Stress that Robert had not noticed building up finally flooded out of his previously tense shoulders. He guided his steed to his place in the staging area and dismounted.
"Nervous?" A soothingly playful voice called out from behind him. Robert smiled and turned to see Lyanna being escorted by Eddard.
"To face a man who nearly has as much experience as the rest of the riders combined. Not at all." Robert chuckled.
"Well, you are certainly no green boy, you've clearly earned your place amongst the champions. Everyone knows that no man is unbeatable." She replied with an encouraging tone, but even Robert could hear that she was trying to convince herself as well.
"Regardless of the outcome Robert," Eddard chimed in placing a protective hand on his sister's shoulder. "I think you have accomplished what you set out to do here."
Lyanna looked at her brother in confusion, clearly not understanding the true meaning behind his words. Robert appreciated the sentiment though, and in truth Ned was right. Lyanna being convinced to run off with his royal cousin seemed well beyond the realm of possibility at this point. But ultimately, Robert was hardly one to back down from a challenge.
"You may be right, but I said I would crown Lyanna and I mean to follow through," Robert said resolutely. "With that in mind, Lyanna, any words of advice for me?"
Lyanna flashed a warm smile at Robert before placing a hand on her cheek while she thought deeply about the question.
"I don't think you should try anything You haven't practiced before. A knight as experienced as Ser Selmy would be able to take advantage of any flaws in your technique. Without a doubt, you have better reach and strength, so perhaps you should ride slightly further off the tilt than you would normally, but not so much that you feel uncomfortable."
"So, focus on my advantages and hope Ser Selmy doesn't adapt too quickly?" Robert summarized.
"Yes, it is rather simple." Lyanna responded with a smirk. Any further strategizing was put aside as several Lords and ladies made their way to greet Robert, wishing him good fortune. Over the next hour or so, they greeted and spoke with nearly all the lords and ladies of the Stormlands who were present at the tourney along with a good number of northern men and women. Robert was impressed with how well Lyanna handling it. He knew that Lady Branda was working with her, but it was something else to see the work put into practice.
Eventually a trumpet call was heard across the castle signaling the impending start of the final few matches. Conversations were cut short as the gathered nobles moved to take their seats. As soon as the last of their visitors had taken their leave, he saw Lyanna physically sag with relief.
"That was exhausting." She muttered to herself.
"Truly? I've always found socializing to be invigorating." Robert said casually.
"I thought you hated dealing with court and all of that lordly nonsense," Lyanna said with a skeptical frown.
"Yes, of course, but that is court, and this is just some friendly banter," Robert replied as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.
"You realize that there is never 'just' friendly banter between a lord and his bannermen." Lyanna sighed in exasperation, before snarling in anger. "Not to mention the ladies. If I must respond to one more veiled comment about how I could never satisfy you, I will claw someone's eyes out."
Robert blinked, unsure of exactly how to respond to that. Of course he was angry that anyone would disparage his betrothed, but she seemed to have it well in hand.
"Well, I can't speak for the ladies," Robert started with slowly. "But I 'just' have friendly banter with my bannermen all the time. If they do try to bring their schemes to me I just change the subject. Frankly, they know that if they have anything truly important, they can bring their concerns to me at Storm's End like everyone else." Robert explained as if it was the simplest thing in the world.
"And that works for you? How have you not earned the ire of all the Stormlands?" Lyanna was clearly skeptical of his answer.
"It seems to. What can I say? I'm charming." Robert said with a roguish smile. Lyanna did not seem convinced.
"It is truly one of his most infuriating character traits," Eddard interjected. "Come Lyanna, Bran and Ben are expecting us in the stands."
Eddard reached out to Robert in a show of support, and the foster brothers happily clasped arms.
"Good fortune in your match Robert. May the gods grant you victory."
"Thank you." Robert turned to his betrothed, "I look forward to crowning you as the queen of love and beauty."
"Perhaps you could just charm them into laying down their lances." Lyanna said, arms crossed defiantly. Though the slight smile on her face showed that she was not truly upset. "Go out there and win."
Robert took her hand and gave her knuckles a chaste kiss. Enjoying the blush that lit up the face of his fierce she-wolf.
"As you wish."
With that Eddard escorted his sister back to the stands and Robert was left to his own thoughts. Even though there was still time before he faced Selmy, he knew he had to stay focused. He could not let his mind wander down the paths of what might be, or he would lose sight of his goal. That was why he chose not to watch the prince's joust. Of course, he could hear the roar of the crowd, the thunder of hooves, and the clash of steel in the distance, but he did his best to tune it out. Despite his best effort to clear his mind and focus, his thoughts began drifting towards his miraculous healing and the revelation of his House's divine ancestors.
Robert felt the wind change and something stirred deep in his heart. He bent all his will towards listening and for the slightest of moments, he could just believe that he could make out the barest of whispers. Not truly with his ears, but within his very being. Before he could explore this feeling any further, he was brought back to reality by the call of his squire.
"My Lord, the match is over. The prince has unseated Ser Dayne and they are calling for you."
Robert shook himself and donned his antlered great helm. Robert couldn't help but smile as he guided his steed towards the tiltyard. The world around him faded into the background as the familiar thrill of battle suffused his very being and he savored every moment of it. Robert barely even paid attention to the herald's calls as he focused in on his opponent. Even though Robert was without a doubt the physically greater of the two men, he couldn't help but feel like he was facing down a giant. A few tense moments passed before the flags dropped, the trumpets sounded, and Robert spurred his mount forward.
As the seconds seemingly stretched into minutes Robert bent all his will towards striking true. Just as Lyanna had advised, Robert rode his mount at the furthest extent away from the tilt as he felt comfortable hoping to stay out of Ser Barristan's ideal reach. Unfortunately, it seemed as if the old knight had read his thoughts and rode daringly close to the tilt while still maintaining his perfect form. Robert couldn't help but admire his opponent even if he would be lucky to come away from this exchange still in the saddle.
They clashed.
Steel rang, wood splintered, and Robert instinctually flexed his core, putting all his considerable strength into staying upright in his saddle. Somehow, he managed it. As he took stock of the situation, he looked at the broken lance in his hand and could help but let out a booming laugh. He had broken a lance against Ser Barristan. Though as he observed his opponent, it seemed as if the older knight also held a shattered lance, so the two remained tied.
As he guided his horse back to the starting area, that strange feeling from before returned and he couldn't help but notice that the myriad of banners and pennants that flew over tourney were dancing in the shifting winds. It seemed that the wind would be at his back for this pass, and it gave him a strange sense of comfort. Though before he could think too deeply on it, he was hailed by Ser Barristan who had lifted his visor in salute.
"Excellent form Lord Baratheon. You have improved much since last we faced each other."
"Well, when one has the right motivation, any thing is possible good Ser." Robert said tapping Lyanna's favor that had been tied around his arm.
The older man let out a chuckle before lowering his visor and moving on to his own starting area. Robert did the same and was soon back at the starting line, new lance in hand, waiting for the flags to drop once more. He did not have to wait long.
Robert's steed eagerly bolted forward, and he was soon lowering his lance in preparation for the coming exchange. Seconds before they were set to strike, Robert knew without a doubt that a powerful gale would soon rip across the tiltyard. Instinctually, he braced himself against the wind in a way that would normally see him easily unhorsed. Ser Barristan however was caught wholly unprepared by the force of the powerful gust and the dust it had thrown into his face. Ser Selmy was unable to recover before the two finally met and his lance found no purchase upon Robert's armor. Robert's lance however landed squarely upon the kingsguard's upper breastplate. With a mighty crash, Ser Barristan Selmy was unhorsed.
As Robert rode to the end of the tiltyard and turned to survey the results of the clash, he could scarcely believe what had just happened. He knew the wind was coming, he knew how to move with it, and the words of The Crone rang in his mind. Robert took a moment to focus on the sound of the wind. Finally, he could make out the whispers. A voice not carried on the wind, but the voice of the wind itself. The words were not spoken into his ears, but into his soul directly drowning out the world with their silent power.
Congratulations, you've finally learned to listen. If you wish to speak again, meet us at Dorran's Defiance. The Dragon is yours alone.
The voice faded as quickly as it came and the uproarious cheers of the assembled masses once more assaulted Robert's senses. So much was going through his head that he couldn't even form a coherent thought. Amid the swirling emotions, Robert once again did what he did best, and pushed it aside to deal with later.
He doffed his helm and handed of the reins of his steed to Walder who had rushed to his side. He strode over the Ser Barristan, who had just managed to sit up with his nephew's assistance.
"I was certain you had me good Ser." Robert declared with a laugh while offering the older knight a hand. Ser Selmey took his arm and stood up.
"Aye, you are a skilled rider, but I was fairly sure of my victory, my lord. Though I learned long ago that one can never count a victory until the battle is well and truly called. Now, if I am not mistaken, the people are expecting at least a little more pageantry." Ser Barristan said with a slight smirk before turning to the crowd and raising Robert's arm in the air in a show of honor and chivalry. The assembled crowds once again showed their exuberant approval and Robert reveled in the praise. Though the warmth of the crowd's adulation was quickly snuffed when he saw the cruel smile on the Mad King's face as he gestured for Robert to join him. Robert let out a deep breath and steeled himself for whatever might come as made his way over to the king.
"Well done Lord Robert, your martial prowess truly knows no bounds. Even the mightiest knights in the realm fall before you." The king spoke with a manic grin, but his eyes were as cold and merciless as ever.
"My thanks, your grace" Robert replied, hoping to sound as neutral as possible so as not to push the king's mercurial mood in a new direction.
"Yes, yes, soon you will face my son. Do not hold back, if anything does happen, I do have another." The king's smile grew crueler, and Robert schooled his face so as not to grimace at the sight. Robert gave a respectful bow and responded.
"I plan on winning, your grace" Robert replied in as even a tone as he could. He hoped the neutral response would not anger the king. Much to Robert's surprise the king let out a crooning laugh.
"You know, after your grandsire was felled by that malformed pretender, your father said the same thing to me when I asked him what he was going to do when they next met in battle. If only you could have seen him, he was like a raging storm on the field that day and none could stand before him. Barristan might have felled the beast, but only because your father opened the way. Now you have taken back the honor that should have been your father's. I look forward to the match. Go on and get ready then, you are dismissed." The king said with an almost childish smile waving Robert away a haughty gesture.
Robert once again bowed and retreated as quickly as dignity would allow. For a second time in far too short a span, Robert's thoughts were ablaze. While he loved to hear tales of his father's exploits, he hated that this one came out of that foul creature's mouth. Beyond that small issue, was the fact that the king had just condoned the death of his own son and heir. Of course, Robert was motivated to defeat Rhaegar, but he didn't even want to think about what would happen if the prince was slain. The old bitter part of him exulted in the thought of laying the prince low again, after all, you do not normally get a chance to kill someone twice. He shook his head to get rid of the dark thoughts. Regardless of what darkness seems to be afflicting Rhaegar, the prince had not yet done something that warranted his death.
Between the prince, the gods, and the king, Robert had far too much on his mind. Frankly, it was giving him a headache. Fortunately, he was spared further thought when he heard his friends and family calling his name. So once again Robert buried his worries and focused on the joyous celebration that awaited him. He had at least an hour before he had to think about any of his myriad issues.
A/N Hurray we're almost there. just one more joust to go till we can wrap up this very important arc. To be very clear, Robert will never learn to control the wind he is just learning to listen for the wind's intent. So he might tell if a storm is coming or something, but he has no sway over what the gods do. Anyway I have a pretty good roadmap moving forward, but it will probably still take a while to get it all written down. I think part of my block was that I had set a goal for 4-5k words per chapter, and I was struggling to meet it. As a result the chapter will probably be shorter going forward, but hopefully I will get them out a bit more steadily. As always, I appreciate all the comments and discussions.