Under Riverrun 14

Gryn tapped his long fingers against the tabletop a few times and said, "Ser, what is your identity at this moment? A Lannister envoy, or a member of the Kingsguard?"

Balon Swen paused in slight surprise before replying, "Duke Gryn, my identity has always been that of a Kingsguard."

After a pause, he added, "I came on the orders of the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Ser Jaime."

"A very good answer."

With that, Gryn rose from his chair and walked over to the wine cabinet to pour drinks. In a casual tone, he said, "Then what is Lannister's purpose in inviting me to this war council?"

Holding a filled goblet in each hand, Gryn stepped over to Balon and, seemingly in jest, said, "Tell me, what plot do they have?"

Ser Balon was a powerfully built man—young, brave, and courteous... Many people privately said that he was one of the few knights who had not sullied the honor of the Kingsguard.

Ser Balon blankly accepted the goblet Gryn offered him and said, "I don't think... there is any plot."

Gryn's expression instantly turned grave. "Can you guarantee it?"

"I..." Ser Balon moved his lips, unsure how to answer.

Gryn made a gesture, and Ser Brienne immediately left with the guards. Only he and Ser Balon remained in the tent.

At last, Ser Balon thought of a proper reply. "My lord duke, perhaps you do not trust me, but you may trust Ser Jaime's honor. Please rest assured about this invitation."

Gryn's gaze shifted slightly. He stared at Balon for a moment, then sneered. "You want me to trust the honor of the 'Kingslayer'?"

Anger appeared on Ser Balon's face, but he did not dare lash out before the famed commander of the Seven Kingdoms. He replied stiffly, "I am