Life and the Axe

When the first rays of dawn quietly spilled forth, the towering Great Sept of Baelor seemed like a giant awakening from slumber, wrapped in a gentle veil of light.

Jaime Lannister had the Red Cloaks wait outside. With a sweep of his snow-white cloak and a solemn expression, he climbed the broad white steps before the Great Sept's doors alone.

Lancel Lannister's place of prayer was a plastered timber-framed structure with seven walls and no windows, its wooden doors carved with decorations beneath a tiled roof.

Two brown-robed monks with Seven-Pointed Stars tattooed on their foreheads stood silently before the door. When Jaime strode toward them, they immediately stepped side by side to block the entrance.

Their voices were firm and resolute. "No one may enter or leave here, White Knight."

Ser Jaime stopped and looked over the two men barring his path. From their attire, he easily recognized them as the monks who had recently become famous throughout King's Landing—the ones who called themselves "Sparrows."

"I'm here to see Ser Lancel."

The slightly taller Sparrow replied, "Brother Lancel is saying his morning prayers."

Ser Jaime frowned. "Go tell him his cousin has come to visit."

"I will relay the message, but you must wait until he is finished. You may not disturb your cousin while he prays." The Sparrow showed no intention of moving aside.

The other Sparrow immediately added, "Lancel is beseeching the Father in heaven for guidance. He is praying for the late High Septon and all departed souls."

Jaime could not help but sneer. "Does Lancel pray so they'll all come back to life tomorrow? The Father must have plenty of spare time. Do you know who I am?"

"A nobleman."

"The Kingslayer."

The taller Sparrow cut in, "But we are not kings. We are Sparrows.