Game of Thrones: King of Magic

Chapter 71

Solomon. Old Valyria.

A couple of days later, on the doorstep of the mansion, five people appeared before me, four of whom I already knew, for it was they who had found the courage to ask questions in the amphitheater. And now we were gathered in the parlor around a small table where I planned to begin the discussion.

First up was a short old man with a wrinkled face, a bald head and a small beard. He leaned on a small wooden cane and was dressed in a faded linen shirt and pants with torn pant legs. But none of this diminished the significance of his clear eyes, in which wisdom and patience rested.

Next was a tall man in his thirties with swarthy skin, short black hair, and brown eyes. His worn clothes did not hide his strong muscles and, most importantly, his military aura, which combined austerity and obedience.

Next was a young girl in her twenties with brown hair and green eyes. She was wearing a baggy dress made of the same linen, and was clearly uncomfortable, not understanding the meaning of her presence among these people.

Also present was a young boy of a similar age to the girl, with short red hair and eyes the color of blood. And he, unlike the previous one, felt, I would say, joyful and happy to be here.

But the last one especially stood out, not only because of his light green eyes, thick beard and long blond hair that retained its color, but also his aura. He looked to be about a solid forty to forty-five years old, and combined recklessness, fun and a touch of high society, which was evident in his posture, relative restraint and gaze.

- "I suggest we begin by introducing ourselves, even if you already know my name," I began, while Kinvara laid out the appetizers on the table, "I am Solomon, and it is a pleasure to meet all of you."

- "Ivor," the old man introduced himself without giving his last name.

- "Mirul Egon," the man replied.

- "A-aliana Dumein," the girl said.

- "Randal Crone, Master Solomon!" declared the young man cheerfully.

- "Geryon Lannister," the latter said his name, to which he received surprised looks from everyone present, including mine and Kinvara's.

- "Lannister? A house with a big name," Mirul said.

- "Of course it is. Who doesn't know about golden lions and how their shit is made of gold too!" Geryon laughed, causing surprise, and then Randal joined in, "But seriously, I came to the Smoky Sea to find the family sword of my house, but in return I got the Gray Sickness and a lot of wasted time and money... as if... as if I'd been recommended to you-know-who! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"

- "I see," I said, smiling at his joke, "Now that you're healed, do you plan to return home, Lord Geryon?"

- "Please drop the 'lord,' Master Solomon. I've always found it nonsensical," he said, "To be honest, finding the sword was more of an excuse than a goal. I just wanted to get away from the whole 'game', and I guess I got what I wanted. So, Master Solomon, I look forward to seeing what comes out of this selfish dream of yours!"

I cast an interested look at Geryon, remembering everything I had heard about the Lannisters earlier.

Almost everything I had heard about that family was either categorically negative or neutral-negative, but this man gave a very different impression. Simple and open, but observant and sensitive. Well, that's interesting.

- "So am I!" Randal seconded him.

- "I don't know why they chose me, but I'll do my best!" Aliana added enthusiastically, and Mirul and Ivor nodded briefly.