Asoiaf: I Have a Wolverine Template

Chapter 43

Chapter 43: Prelude to the Joust
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Tywin Lannister POV

In my private box, I gazed down at the melee ground, eyes fixed on Galahad, who stood with his swords poised at Ser Arthur Dayne's throat.

The crowd's roar surged, echoing the thrill and admiration shared by all who had watched the fierce, beautiful duel.

Moments before, Galahad and Arthur Dayne in their melee seemed evenly matched. Both had moved with a speed and elegance that bordered on artistry, each strike and block a testament to their skill.

They fought as if born to wield twin blades, mirroring one another's movements in a rapid, unbroken rhythm that had carried on for well over ten minutes.

When Galahad found himself backed up against the fence, I was almost ready to accept his defeat, sighing as I assumed his youth and inexperience had finally betrayed him.

But then, with a sudden, shocking move, he delivered a powerful kick to Dayne's chestplate.

The Sword of the Morning was sent sprawling to the ground, and before I could even process the shift, Galahad's blade hovered over his fallen opponent's throat.

With that he had bested Ser Arthur Dayne.

After Arthur Dayne's defeat, I thought his elimination was certain. But then the herald's voice rang out, announcing the finalists, revealing that Dayne, too, had made it through by some twist of fate.

I allowed myself a rare smile. Not only had Galahad demonstrated the strength of the Westerlands, but my own blood, Gerion and Tygett, had joined him among the finalists.

With three representing House Lannister and standing among the final seven, our family would soon be spoken of across the realm as the house of the most skilled knights.

My wife, son, and daughter joined the crowd in applause, their faces bright with joy. My son's eyes sparkled with excitement, and my daughter clapped eagerly, sharing in the thrill of the melee's outcome.

I joined them, letting my own hands add to the thunderous approval that swept through the crowd.

Beside me, Joanna leaned in, a smile tugging at her lips as she looked at me with love and admiration.

"You made the right decision, my love," she said. Weeks ago, she had been doubtful when I'd spoken of knighting Galahad, questioning his worthiness and skill.

Now, with his victory over the Sword of the Morning so fresh, she could see the wisdom in my choice.

"I have an eye for talent," I replied, a hint of pride coloring my words. Joanna chuckled softly, her hand resting lightly on mine in the warmth of our shared triumph.

But as I turned, I noticed Prince Rhaegar sitting nearby, his expression frozen, caught in a moment of shock. Joanna let go of my hand, giving me a subtle nod to speak with him.

"So, how did you like this round of the melee?" I asked him sincerely, measuring his reaction.

For a moment, the Prince seemed lost, his gaze distant. Then, as though waking from a trance, he shook himself. "It was beautiful," he murmured. "The most intense melee duel I've ever seen." There was a glimmer of something deeper in his eyes—admiration, perhaps.

"I presume you enjoyed it, then?" I asked, a small smirk on my lips.

"Yes," he nodded, his gaze returning to the field. After a brief silence, he glanced back at me, a question hanging in his eyes. "Lord Tywin, may I tell you something?"

I raised an eyebrow, curious. "Of course."

He hesitated only a moment before speaking. "You may have noticed... the other lords have been trying to recruit Galahad."