Gendry's warhammer was larger and more powerful, leaving Balon feeling his strength waver and his muscles ache.
Bang. Bang. Bang. Under Gendry's heavy hammer, Balon's white shield flew apart inch by inch, paint and splinters scattering.
"Oh!" The spectators roared their approval.
Ser Balon dropped his shield, then counterattacked with all his strength, his warhammer whistling through the air.
His strength and speed were already outstanding, placing him among the best of the younger generation.
But Balon's performance before the king looked rather ridiculous.
Gendry's hammer collided with Balon's, sending Balon staggering back several steps. His footing grew unsteady and his arms spasmed from the impact of that strength.
Then came Gendry's second blow. Balon hastily tried to block, but his warhammer was knocked straight to the ground, leaving a dent.
"I yield." The white knight immediately raised his hand in surrender and lifted his visor, feeling his muscles ache all over. Fortunately, his bones had not been shattered.
"Well fought!"
"Well fought!"
"Long live the king!"
People shouted for the king, though they also felt sorry for Ser Balon's bad luck. Had he not met the invincible king, the white knight should have been good enough to reach the final four.
"Ser Robar Royce of Runestone against Brienne of Tarth, from Tarth!"
Brienne of Tarth, who entered next, was also a heavyweight contender, tall and powerfully built. She was a broad-shouldered, thick-waisted woman of six feet five inches.
Loras could not help frowning. Brienne had given him a thorough beating too, and that had been on horseback. On foot, he would have lost even more badly.
Brienne first saluted the king and queen. Her armor was a deep, dark blue, and she swung the blunted flail in her hand with exceptional composure.
Her shield also bore House Tarth's quartered