The echoes of twelve blasts of the dragon horn had yet to fade when Ser Brynden Tully of the Riverlands and Ser Addam Marbrand of the Westerlands eagerly rode to opposite ends of the Fighting Arena.
Ser Tully's blue-and-red scale armor shimmered like rippling water in the sunlight, while Marbrand's gilded armor shone so brightly it hurt to look at.
"For the honor of House Tully!"
Tully raised his lance with a shout.
"For the glory of Casterly Rock!"
Marbrand answered with equal fervor.
Their warhorses kicked up clouds of dust on the sand, and the nobles in the stands held their breath. Tully thrust his lance at an exquisite angle, but Marbrand suddenly ducked low. His gilded armor flashed in a dazzling arc beneath the sun, making Tully instinctively narrow his eyes.
Bang!
Marbrand's lance struck Tully squarely in the breastplate, denting its fishlike scales. Tully swayed several times in the saddle but barely managed to steady himself.
They exchanged ends, gathered themselves, and leveled their lances once more, charging at each other with loud cries.
They traded passes, and only after four or five full exchanges did Marbrand unhorse Tully.
"Addam Marbrand wins!"
The adjudicator announced the result at the top of his voice!
Thunderous applause immediately erupted from the stands.
On the royal dais, Rhaenyra gently soothed Baelonrys in her arms. Her specially tailored gown lent her full figure an even more regal elegance.
"Mother, I heard Prince Aurelion entered too!"
Jacaerys leaned down and whispered.
Rhaenyra cast a discreet glance at Aurelion nearby, then teased her son.
"His swordsmanship surpassed every member of the Kingsguard years ago. What, are you frightened? There's nothing to fear. You're still young, after all. There's no shame in losing!"
She gently stroked her son's handsome face and encouraged him.
"As