"Ha!"
On the training ground, Walda swung her longsword with all her strength, launching fierce attacks at Harold. Her power and fluid changes of technique left even Danyla's Sworn Warrior struggling to keep up at first, drawing cheers from the spectators.
But as an outstanding warrior from House Darklyn, Harold ranked among the best fighters in the Seven Kingdoms. His skills had improved by leaps and bounds since he and Cameron took command of the Dragon Guards, so he soon adapted to Walda's rhythm.
In the history of Game of Thrones, House Darklyn of Duskendale had produced seven warriors who served in the Kingsguard, making it the only house in the Seven Kingdoms to hold that distinction. Its ancestors had also married into House Targaryen, though that blood connection had grown very thin by now.
Harold's elder brother, Steffon Darklyn, was currently the youngest of King Jaehaerys's White Cloaks in the Kingsguard. That alone showed how outstanding House Darklyn's warriors were.
"Lady Walda, pretty moves aren't necessarily useful in a fight to the death!"
"A warrior's sword is meant to kill and protect, not to look pretty."
Since following Danyla to Dragonstone, Harold and Cameron had raided plenty of pirates on the Narrow Sea. They were warriors who had experienced real, bloody battles, and that made Harold's techniques direct and practical.
He wasted no motion in any strike. After several quarters of an hour, Walda gradually fell behind as her stamina drained away. Finally, Harold seized an opening and knocked her flat with the back of his blade.
"Tch!"
His merciless treatment of the young woman drew a chorus of jeers from his brothers.
"Ser Harold really doesn't know how to treat a lady. No wonder he's in his twenties and still doesn't have a girlfriend!"
Bethany pouted, clearly displeased