The Kingdom's Future 4

Gryn turned his head toward Brienne, who was doing her best to hide her nervousness. The corner of his lips curved slightly, his voice faintly teasing. "Thank you for your concern, Lady Tarth."

Brienne's lips trembled faintly. "It is my duty, my lord."

Gryn smiled and nodded, reaching out to pat Brienne's sturdy arm before turning his gaze back to the Tumblestone River. After a pause, he spoke as if in reflection. "For some reason, I suddenly remembered many things from before... Without even realizing it..."

Seeing that Gryn seemed not to have noticed her "mistake," Brienne's tension quickly faded.

She looked at Gryn. "Would you like some wine?"

Gryn paused briefly, then tipped his face upward and smiled. "All right. Let us drink together."

The blood-red setting sun gradually sank westward, its lingering rays dyeing the sky a brilliant orange-red.

Brienne soon brought over a silver wine jug and cups. Being so tall, she used the battlement as a table and set them atop it.

Splash—

Gryn took the cup and sipped from it. Brienne merely tasted her wine before setting her cup down.

Gryn drank silently as he watched the sun about to sink beneath the horizon. When he had nearly finished his cup, he suddenly said, "Brienne, go to the Stormlands on my behalf. Visit your father and his friends."

Brienne paused. "Lord Gryn, my duty is to protect your safety."

"Yes. Because I trust you, all my guards are under your command."

Gryn was very patient with loyal confidants. "I will soon depart for King's Landing. If we consider practical interests, the places I should truly be going are the Westerlands or the Stormlands."

As he spoke, Gryn took a sip of wine. Seeing his cup was empty, Brienne picked up the jug and refilled it.