Suleiman's voice held no warmth, his refusal absolute.
Raymun Darry's lips trembled as he forced out dry words. "Lord Tytos... he once fought alongside us in the West Riverlands."
"We faced countless life-and-death crises together."
Suleiman's shoulders did not move, his tone calm. "Don't be so childish, Lord Raymun."
"He has now resolutely chosen to stand against me. That makes him an enemy."
The words pierced Raymun Darry's chest like an ice pick.
His whole body shook. He had to brace himself against the table beside him just to remain standing as he struggled to voice the fear lurking in his heart. "Then what about me, Suleiman?"
"If one day, I stand against you too?"
"Would you also... would you destroy me without the slightest inner hesitation?"
Suleiman fell silent. The tent became deathly quiet, broken only by the faint crackling of the candle flame.
Each sound seemed to hammer against Raymun Darry's taut nerves.
Time stretched amid the silence, every breath becoming an agony.
After a long while.
Suleiman finally spoke, no emotion audible in his voice. "There will never be such a day, Lord Raymun."
"There won't."
He slowly turned his head, his gaze settling on Raymun Darry. Those eyes were so deep that they could not be read.
"You will stand with me."
The stiffness in Raymun Darry's expression finally eased slightly. He seized this last straw.
"Then let me see Lord Tytos Blackwood. Just once."
Suleiman's gaze lingered on his face for a moment before he sighed softly. "Fine."
"Go tell him."
Raymun Darry's tense body finally relaxed completely. He let out a long breath, as though shedding a crushing burden. "Suleiman, my friend, thank you."
Suleiman nodded without saying another word.
Raymun Darry turned and left, his steps carrying the haste of a man who