Five Kings Slain in a Day

The night was dark, the wind fierce, and rain poured down in torrents.

Duskvale Town.

In the study of the long-abandoned castle, candle flames flickered violently.

Suleiman sat behind the desk, his face obscured by shadow.

The beggar Bana stood before him, drenched to the bone. He was lost in thought, head lowered, utterly still.

"I do not like forcing my subordinates to do things they are unwilling to do."

Suleiman finally spoke, his voice exceptionally clear amid the wind and rain.

His gaze rested on the crown of Bana's head, calm and unruffled.

"So, you need to make a choice, Bana."

Bana's body trembled slightly, but he still did not raise his head.

"You will no longer be able to marry or have children of your own."

Suleiman continued, every word solemn and weighty.

"I will fabricate the life history of a highly respected septon for you."

"He will be of noble birth, learned and devout, having spent his entire life serving the Seven."

"You will have a brand-new, flawless past."

The air in the study seemed to freeze.

Only Suleiman's voice continued to echo through the empty room.

"From this day onward, you will no longer be Bana."

"You will abandon your surname, as well as everything from your past."

"You will become a septon."

"But, Bana, for the rest of your life, you will be the most powerful man under my command."

The rain grew heavier. A bolt of lightning tore across the night sky, its ghastly white light briefly illuminating Suleiman's indifferent profile.

The beggar Bana finally raised his head.

There was not the slightest hesitation on his face, no confusion, much less fear for the future.

His eyes shone startlingly bright in the dim candlelight.

"My lord."

His voice was hoarse, yet incomparably resolute.

"I