The conversion of the Iron Islands ultimately failed due to the intervention of the Lord of the North, and the Septon of Sept of the Seven in Lannisport beca noticeably less friendly toward Lord Eddard Stark.
As the saying goes, to deprive soone of their ans of livelihood is like killing their parents. If King Robert sought to promote the conversion of the Iron Islands, it was only natural that the Sept of the Seven in Lannisport—being the closest to the Iron Islands—would play a central role in this effort.
The Septon, seeing an opportunity for personal advancent, understood that achieving even a modest success in this matter could significantly bolster his position within the church. With so recognition for his efforts, it would not have been impossible for him to aspire to beco the High Septon of King’s Landing.
To this end, he sought out Lynd, timing his approach carefully for when Lynd ca to pray at the Sept of the Seven. In exchange for supporting Lynd in church affairs, he secured Lynd's proposal to convert the Iron Islands during a banquet.
Initially, the Septon had considered involving Lord Tywin Lannister to make the proposal, but Tywin’s shrewdness was a deterrent. He would undoubtedly recognize the difficulties of such a proposition. Even if Tywin had agreed to support the plan, the price for his cooperation would likely have been unacceptably high. Thus, Lynd, being favored by King Robert and known for his divine miracle, was a far more suitable candidate for the Bishop’s sche.
After Lynd’s miraculous act, the Septon, like many others, was left astonished. It beca increasingly clear to the Septon that Lynd's selection by the Seven might not be rely symbolic.
Furthermore, Lynd's influence over King Robert beca evident when Robert was moved by Lynd's proposal—though this montum was ultimately halted by Eddard Stark’s objections. The Septon’s resentnt toward Eddard grew. How could he not despise the man whose actions had disrupted his aspirations?
Eddard Stark, for his part, was oblivious to the enmity he had earned through his seemingly straightforward decisions. Yet even if he had known, it would have changed nothing. To him, the good of the realm outweighed personal alliances or enmities, no matter how much offense it might cause.
When King Robert announced the punishnt for the Iron Islands, the situation grew even more complicated. He decreed that the heirs of all the Lords and nobles of the Iron Islands were to be sent to other nobles as adopted sons and daughters. Those who had already reached adulthood were to serve as squires to knights under various Lords for five years.
Lynd, aware of the history surrounding the Ironborn rebellion, noticed how different the current events were from what he rembered. In his recollection, King Robert and Lord Eddard had led a combined force that stord the main hall of the castle on Pyke Island, where Balon Greyjoy surrendered. Robert had passed judgnt on the spot, and Theon Greyjoy had been taken as Eddard’s ward. Beyond that, the rest of the Iron Islands had suffered only limited consequences.
But in this altered reality, the circumstances during the attack on Pyke were vastly different. For reasons unknown, Balon Greyjoy had gathered all the Lords and nobles of the Iron Islands at Pyke. As a result, they were all captured when the rebel alliance took the castle. Not only was House Greyjoy apprehended in its entirety, but the Lords and nobles of all the other islands were as well. Only a handful of lesser nobles, those deed too insignificant to attend Balon’s council, remained on their islands.
With so many prisoners, swift judgnt was impossible. The captured Lords, along with their heirs, were taken to Lannisport for more deliberated sentencing. King Robert seed intent on addressing the root causes of the rebellion, which led to his decision to seize the heirs of all noble houses from the Iron Islands and distribute them across the Seven Kingdoms as hostages.
Lynd waited until Grand Maester Pycelle announced Dagon Harlaw's na before rising from his seat. He bowed to Robert and said, “Your Grace, when I captured Dagon Harlaw, he personally begged to allow him to serve under my command. As he was an important prisoner of war at the ti, I declined, explaining that I would need to wait until Your Grace had passed sentence before I could accept his request. Now, I feel the ti is right, and I humbly ask Your Grace to grant him permission to serve under my command.”
As Lynd spoke, the n of the Iron Islands could not suppress their disdainful glances toward Dagon Harlaw. Even his own father, Rodrik Harlaw, furrowed his brow in disapproval.
Dagon Harlaw felt their scorn, but he quickly composed himself. He stepped forward, moving to stand beside Lynd, and bowed to Robert. “Your Grace, what Ser Lynd said is true. On that day, I did indeed ask to serve under his command.”
For Dagon, being under Lynd’s command was far more favorable than serving as a lowly attendant to an unfamiliar noble.
Robert considered this for a mont before turning to Grand Maester Pycelle. “How many others remain?” he asked.
Grand Maester Pycelle glanced at the list and then at the group of children among the crowd. “Your Grace, there are the two children of House Greyjoy and one boy from House Blacktyde of Blacktyde Island. However, the head of House Blacktyde is dead, and this boy is his sole heir.”
“Even so, he must face punishnt,” Robert replied. “Once his sentence is served, he may return to inherit Blacktyde. I trust no one will dare challenge his claim.” His gaze swept over the Lords of the Iron Islands, a warning clear in his tone. Then, turning back to Lynd, he said, “Since you have requested it, you may have both the Harlaw and Blacktyde boys.”
Lynd was taken aback. He had not expected Robert to grant him two wards at once. Still, he quickly composed himself, offering a respectful response before preparing to withdraw.
“Wait, Bear Hunter,” Robert called out, stopping him. “I recall that the eldest son of House Greyjoy t his end at your hands, did he not?”
Hearing this, Balon Greyjoy subtly raised his head, his gaze burning with hatred as it fixed on Lynd’s back.
“Yes,” Lynd answered, unfazed by the intensity of Balon’s glare. He gave a calm nod of confirmation.
Robert turned his attention to Lord Eddard Stark. “And the other son? Was he not slain by the Northn?”
“Yes, Your Grace,” Eddard replied, stepping forward. “Ser Jorah Mormont executed Maron Greyjoy.”
Robert’s gaze shifted to the two remaining children standing by Balon Greyjoy. “So, what should be done with the last of his offspring?” he mused aloud.
Lynd stiffened at this. He recalled that Theon Greyjoy had been taken as a ward by Eddard Stark and that Asha Greyjoy had remained with her father. Now, however, the circumstances seed poised to shift once more.
“Let Theon Greyjoy be my ward,” Eddard quickly said. “The North is no place for a girl.”
“Then I shall take responsibility for Asha Greyjoy,” Lynd declared, stepping forward with resolve. “I will take her as my knight’s attendant and teach her the principles, spirit, and skills of knighthood. In five years, I hope to see her beco a true knight.”
“A female knight?” Robert’s eyebrows shot up, his interest clearly piqued. Around him, the noble lords exchanged astonished looks, many regarding Lynd as though he had uttered sothing utterly absurd.
“I don’t believe there has ever been a female knight in the history of Westeros,” Robert remarked with a wry smile.
“There have been none in the past,” Lynd replied solemnly, “but there may yet be in the future. In fact, I already have a female squire—Brienne of Tarth. In her, I see the light of knighthood like never before. One day, she will surely beco a model for knights.”
Lynd’s words stirred a murmur among the assembled crowd. Many believed that the recent granting of a lordship and the lands of Sumrhall had gone to his head. To them, his bold claim of a woman becoming a model knight was nothing short of folly.
King Robert raised his hand to silence the crowd before turning to Lynd with a solemn expression. “Bear Hunter, although I, like everyone else, doubt that a woman can beco any kind of knightly role model, I still hold hope—hope that under my rule, the first female knight will rise on the continent of Westeros.”
“I don’t think she will let you down,” Lynd replied with firm confidence.
After speaking, he turned and walked back to the Tyrell procession, Dagon Harlaw and Baelor Blacktyde silently following behind him.
Asha Greyjoy glanced up at her father before reaching out to adjust her brother Theon’s clothing. Tilting her head slightly, she fought back the tears welling in her eyes. Then, without a word, she followed Lynd, walking beside Baelor Blacktyde.
At that mont, Glory, who was nearby, cocked its head and glanced at Asha. Her attention was instantly drawn to Glory, montarily pulling her away from her sorrow.
Once the formalities with the Lords and nobles of the Iron Islands were concluded, the festivities began in earnest. Dishes and wines from across the world were laid out, while traveling circuses and bards perford their most captivating acts.
Apparently, King Robert found the entertainnt lacking. He commanded the Lords to summon their knights and have them display their combat skills in a demonstration before him, a prelude to the grand tournant scheduled for the following day.
Lynd, who disliked the commotion of such gatherings, chose not to leave. To do so would have been seen as discourteous, potentially fueling accusations of arrogance or pride. Instead, he quietly instructed soone to escort Asha and the others back to the camp and, on the way, to find Dacey and Lothor so they could enjoy the banquet—a rare opportunity for them.
While knights showcased their combat prowess before King Robert and the gathered Lords, Lynd requested a servant bring him a cup of water. He retreated to a quieter spot, savoring his food in peace.
“Just as last ti, I find you tucked away in so quiet corner,” said Jai Lannister, approaching Lynd. He was resplendent in ornate armor and a pure white cloak, one hand resting on the hilt of his longsword while the other held a cup of wine.
Beside him walked his brother Tyrion, who contrasted starkly with Jai’s refined appearance. The dwarf carried a large bottle of wine in each hand, his small fra burdened.
Though Tywin Lannister despised his youngest son, he had no choice but to bring him to such events. Tyrion was, after all, his only heir.
“Lord Jai, Tyrion,” Lynd greeted them.
“Bear Hunter,” Jai began with a note of irritation, “why do you call him Tyrion but address as Lord Jai?”
“Because we’re friends,” Tyrion interjected, raising an eyebrow at his brother with a smug grin. Then, hefting one of the bottles in his hand, he said to Lynd, “You’re now the Lord of Sumrhall. That’s no small achievent. Won’t you celebrate with a drink?”
“I don’t drink,” Lynd replied, raising the clay cup in his hand. “Water is sufficient.”
Tyrion shrugged and smirked. “You should’ve joined the church and beco one of those ascetics. Knighthood doesn’t suit you.”
“No, being an ascetic would never satisfy my ambitions,” Lynd said with a small smile.
Jai chuckled softly. “Ambitions? Becoming a Lord isn’t enough to satisfy you? How grand are your ambitions, then?”
Lynd’s smile deepened, but he left the question unanswered.
At that mont, Garlan walked over from afar and, seeing Lynd with the Lannister brothers, exclaid, "Ser Lynd, so you're here. I've been looking for you everywhere."
"Lord Garlan," Lynd bowed courteously.
"Lord Jai, Lord Tyrion," Garlan greeted the Lannister brothers.
"The second son of House Tyrell," Jai responded with a sowhat teasing tone, then added, "I have heard of your brother. They say that before he was crippled, he was the best jouster in The Reach. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to see it for myself."
Garlan smiled politely. "My brother's skill with the lance has been acknowledged by none other than Prince Oberyn of Dorne. If Lord Jai ever finds himself in Dorne, he could seek confirmation from the Prince himself." Garlan paused as if a thought had suddenly occurred to him, then added with mock seriousness, "Oh, but wait! I nearly forgot—Dorne is off-limits to the Lannisters. If Lord Jai were to set foot there, he’d likely be turned into minceat before ever eting Prince Oberyn. In that case, my lord, you'd never even have the chance to be crippled."
Lynd couldn’t help but chuckle at the sharp remark, while Jai rely raised an eyebrow, opting not to dignify the retort with a response.
Tyrion, however, looked at Garlan with intrigue. "Ah, now I see why they say you’re the grandson of the Queen of Thorns—your words are as sharp as hers."
Garlan smiled graciously. "Lord Tyrion, I believe if soone were to mock your stature, you’d surely have a cutting reply of your own."
Tyrion nodded. "Fair enough. My apologies for Jai's rudeness earlier."
Garlan inclined his head slightly. "And I apologize for my own words, as well."
Jai tilted his head to the side as if he hadn't heard a single word of their exchange.
Garlan then turned to Lynd, his gaze settling on the great sword strapped to the Banished Knight's waist. "Ser Lynd, I heard from Master Vortir that the two great swords you carry are forged from Valyrian steel. Might I take a look?"
The mont Garlan spoke, both Jai and Tyrion’s eyes darted to the sword at Lynd’s side, their expressions betraying astonishnt.
Valyrian steel had an undeniable allure for the Lannisters. Once, the house had owned a Valyrian steel sword called Brightroar, but it had vanished with King Tomn II of the Rock during his ill-fated expedition to Valyria, which had been destroyed in the Doom.
Over the years, two theories had erged regarding the fate of Brightroar: so believed it was stolen when Tomn II's fleet stopped for supplies in Volantis, while others insisted it had sunk with the Golden Fleet into the ruined heart of Valyria.
For generations, Lannister patriarchs had pursued both leads in an effort to recover the house's lost treasure.
Even now, Jai and Tyrion's uncle, Gerion Lannister, was preparing to embark on an expedition to Valyria in search of Brightroar. Their father, Lord Tywin, had even offered extravagant sums to acquire Valyrian steel blades from other noble houses, or to have the precious steel reforged into a new Brightroar. Yet, no one had been willing to part with their prized swords.
Now, hearing Garlan's claim that the swords Lynd carried were forged from Valyrian steel, Jai and Tyrion couldn’t conceal their astonishnt.
Before either of them could voice the question clearly written on their faces, a booming voice interrupted. "Bear Hunter! Where's the Bear Hunter?" King Robert's shout echoed from a nearby field.
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