The Golden Lion took no offense at Lann Lyon's teasing. Instead, he slowly approached Lann, no longer as overbearing as he had been toward Jason. His bearing even held an almost reverent solemnity.
The air in the cavern suddenly grew heavy, as though time itself had slowed.
Unlike Jason Lannister and the others, who were tense, Lann Lyon remained composed. He merely tightened his grip on Light-King, ready to fight at any moment.
Although Lann's Great Dragon had left, he had spent these years diligently practicing mounted archery and swordsmanship under Danyla's guidance, and had made some progress in magic as well. He was therefore fairly confident in his strength.
"Impossible!"
The Golden Lion Oryxos spoke in a low voice, like an echo from deep underground,
"It is the scent of the pure sun. It is... Lann's scent."
Just then, Lann Lyon's golden hair suddenly stirred without a breeze, and a faint golden halo rose around him. Light-King blazed in his hand, ancient Valyrian runes emerging on its blade. The symbols began to roam across the steel like living creatures.
The golden pool churned in response, as though an incomparably terrifying energy were gathering at its bottom.
"Mother?"
Lann turned to Danyla, a flicker of uncertainty in his eyes.
Danyla gave him an encouraging look and said,
"Focus. Establish a connection with the energy in the pool!"
With that, Danyla took the old piece of weirwood root from her waist and began silently mouthing spells.
Strange golden light flowed from her fingertips, intertwining with the radiance surrounding Lann Lyon.
At that moment, Jason Lannister was certain he saw the same golden light rising in his son's pupils.
Lann Lyon felt as though an endless supply of energy were converging on him. With golden light blazing all over his body, he