Hear me Roar - English version

CHAPTER 35 - Walk with us

               Brienne of Tarth... This is not the first time that name has echoed through the corridors of the Red Keep. Long before swearing fealty to my mother, she was the sworn sword of Renly Baratheon. Present on the day of his death, she was one of the prime suspects. Brienne of Tarth is known to be one of the best swords in all of Westeros. And yet she is a woman. Isn't that marvelous?

               Accompanied by Arrow, I make my way to her quarters. Given her active role in bringing Jaime back to us, she has been installed in one of the best rooms in the castle. Exceptional treatment for an exceptional person.

               I knock three times on the door and watch the tall lady appear. With short hair as blonde as wheat, I have no doubt she stands taller than any of us. She already carries herself straight, but she straightens even further and takes on a solemn expression when she recognizes me. She bows her head respectfully before saying, "Your Majesty."

"Lady Brienne," I greet her with a smile. "Can I come in?"

"Well... Of course, Your Majesty."

               Even though I can sense her heart is pure and loyal, I am surprised by her extensive use of polite formulas. Brienne was the sworn sword of my mother, Catelyn Stark, the Crown's number one enemy. And regardless of my father's name, I remain the wife of the king she used to fight against. I imagine that at this stage, resistance would only bring her far too many troubles.

               I enter her room and settle at the small table near the window before gesturing to the chair across from me.

"I must thank you," I tell her.

"Your Grace," she declares, putting a knee to the ground. "When I swore fealty to Lady Catelyn, she made me promise to bring her daughters back safe and sound to Winterfell, the seat of your house. Your mother no longer being of this world, it is to you today that I give my sword."

"Rise, Lady Brienne."

"Ma'am, I..."

"Come sit with me. We shall speak of this when the time is right."

"The war is not yet over, Your Majesty. It is time to speak of these things."

               She is right. Even though we are both in enemy territory, and the current mood here is one of celebration, the war is not over. Stannis is still out there, plotting with the Red Witch.

               Furthermore, Brienne and I both know that neither of us is safe here. If Cersei decides she no longer wants her around, she will have her killed without hesitation. As for me... do I truly need to remind you of the position I find myself in?

"Fine," I say. "Then let us speak. You wish to become my sworn sword, is that correct?"

"I would be honoured," the tall lady replies. "However, I was under the impression that you did not need protection. You must surely know everything they are saying about you out there."

"I am afraid I am unaware."

               Brienne finally sits across from me and accepts the glass of wine I hand her. Surely out of politeness, because she keeps it at a safe distance from her lips.

"Your prowess on the battlefield has people talking a great deal. Some claim you can control the elements, though I doubt it."

               To feed my ego more than anything else, I make a subtle motion with my fingers, and the candle before us bursts into flame. I did tell you I had made progress.