The forge blazed, ringing with the clang of metal.
Gendry, a tall, powerfully built boy with the unmistakable features of House Baratheon, stood bare-chested, swinging his hammer through streams of sweat. He struck a red-hot sword blank, his heavily muscled arms smeared with coal dust.
When Ser Barristan Selmy appeared in the doorway in his dazzling white armor, the entire smithy fell silent.
A flicker of understanding and deep concern crossed the eyes of Tobho Mott, a shrewd old smith.
"Who is Gendry?"
Barristan's voice was cold.
Gendry stopped working and raised his head in confusion. Seeing the white-cloaked knight and the Gold Cloaks behind him, a flicker of wariness entered his eyes. "I am. What can I do for you, my lord?"
"By order of His Grace, King Robert Baratheon, you are to come with us."
Barristan tried to keep his voice calm.
"The king?"
Gendry was even more confused. He was only a smith's apprentice. What could the king want with him?
Tobho Mott hurried forward, putting on a humble smile. "Honored ser, what has this boy done? He's a good, honest, hardworking apprentice-"
Barristan offered no explanation, merely repeating, "These are the king's orders."
He motioned for the Gold Cloaks to step forward.
Just as the Gold Cloaks were about to act, a commotion rose from the street outside the smithy. Groups of cavalry galloped through the streets of King's Landing, drawing countless screams from the people.
Ser Barristan looked outside. The riders wore the gold-and-red armor of the Lannisters and charged recklessly through the streets, each carrying a naked blade, their expressions cold and stern as they headed toward the Red Keep.
The old knight shuddered!
Tywin had entered the city?!
Who had summoned him?! What was he trying to do?!
Two figures immediately appeared in