Game of Thrones: Knight’s Honor

Grassy Vale is located upstream of the Blueburn River, boasting a beautiful environment and a pleasant climate. When Summerhall was still intact, the Targaryen royal family often visited Grassy Vale as a stopover while escaping the summer heat, spending a few days there before continuing on to Summerhall. However, with the fire that destroyed Summerhall and its subsequent abandonment, Grassy Vale lost much of its former prominence and gradually became an ordinary border town in The Reach.

The decline worsened due to frequent bandit attacks, and it wasn't until Lynd cleared the bandits and restored shipping along the Mander River that Grassy Vale began to recover, though only slightly. Currently, the town is under the stewardship of Lord Elwood Meadows, a ten-year-old boy who inherited his title just a year ago. Despite his youth, Elwood had extended aid to Lynd during his efforts to clear the bandits east of The Roseroad, supplying logistical support. Although the two had never met, their cooperative actions suggested a cordial relationship.

Before embarking on his journey to Grassy Vale, Lynd followed protocol, sending a letter to the castle explaining his purpose and seeking permission to travel through the region. Only after receiving a reply from the raven did he set off. Since this was not a military campaign but more of a casual inspection—or, perhaps more accurately, an excuse to travel for leisure—Lynd's party moved at a leisurely pace, taking over ten days to reach the outskirts of Grassy Vale.

Elwood Meadows, informed by the patrol cavalry of Lynd's approach, waited nervously at the town gates on the north bank, accompanied by his Maester, Steward, aunt Lysa Meadows, and her husband Olymer Tyrell.

Though Elwood maintained a calm demeanor, his mind was in turmoil. The Maester and Steward had analyzed the situation with him, and it was clear that Lynd Tarran, the chosen one, was their only hope. The future of House Meadows and the retention of their estate hinged entirely on Lynd's attitude.

Elwood had little confidence in this outcome, as Lynd's close ties to House Tyrell were no secret. Willas Tyrell, the heir to House Tyrell, and his younger brother, Garlan, had both openly referred to Lynd as a good friend. Even the formidable Queen of Thorns had spoken highly of him. With House Tyrell aiming to annex Meadows' lands, Elwood feared Lynd might not side with him, given their lack of personal connection.

"Here they come!" Steward Harwin, whose eyesight was sharp, was the first to spot the red-bordered longsword banner at the end of the road, followed by a column of well-aligned cavalry.

Among the knights, two massive warhorses stood out, but even more striking was the enormous, shadow-like creature with black and white stripes moving alongside them. The creature's white stripes occasionally flashed, drawing attention, though its dark form seemed to blend with the shadows, making it almost imperceptible at times.

As the procession approached, Lord Elwood began to step forward with his Maester and Steward to greet them. However, his aunt Lysa and her husband Olymer rushed ahead, intercepting the group.

"My Lady, Lord Lynd Tarran, good afternoon. I am Olymer Tyrell, and this is my wife, Lysa Meadows, heir to Grassy Vale. Welcome to our Grassy Vale," Olymer announced, bowing deeply alongside his wife. He deliberately emphasized his last name, highlighting his connection to House Tyrell.

Lynd, however, ignored the couple entirely. Dismounting alongside Lady Nymeria, he walked past them without acknowledgment, heading directly to Elwood Meadows, who stood waiting a few paces behind. Lynd bowed slightly and addressed him directly. "Lord Elwood, I am Lynd Tarran, Lord of Summerhall, and this is Lady Nymeria Footly, Lady of Tumbleton. We thank you for your hospitality and for preparing a comfortable place for us to rest tonight."

Elwood, relieved and slightly emboldened by Lynd's decision to bypass his aunt and uncle, returned the bow, doing his best to appear composed. "Lord Lynd, Lady Nymeria, your presence honors Grassy Vale."

At this point, the Steward produced salt and bread, offering them to the guests. Lynd and Nymeria each took a piece of bread, dipped it in the salt, and ate it. Seeing this, Elwood, his Maester, and the Steward all let out quiet sighs of relief. They then led the group into Grassy Vale Castle.

From beginning to end, neither Olymer Tyrell nor his wife received so much as a glance from Lynd. Their faces paled as the procession moved on, leaving them standing in awkward silence. That night, after gathering their belongings, the couple departed Grassy Vale by boat with their retinue.

Lord Elwood arranged for Lynd and Nymeria to stay at the manor house on the south bank of Grassy Vale. Once the residence of the Targaryen royal family during their visits, the manor had long since fallen into disuse. Upon receiving Lynd's letter announcing his visit, Elwood had the estate thoroughly cleaned and prepared as a temporary residence for his distinguished guests.

"Lord Elwood, you seem to be in quite a bit of trouble." In the study of the manor house, Lynd lingered briefly as he prepared to leave Lord Elwood, his Maester, and his steward. He turned back, speaking plainly, "Your aunt's covetousness for the title of Lord of Grassy Vale is obvious. Today, because of me, she may retreat, but I doubt it will be long before she makes another move."

Elwood shifted his gaze to his Maester, then looked back at Lynd and asked, "Ser Lynd, can you help me?"

"How do you want me to help you?" Ser Lynd replied.

"I would like you to introduce me to Lord Willas," Elwood explained. "I've heard that Lord Willas is a man of great justice. Over the past year, he's punished lawbreakers within the House more than once, delivering fair judgments to the common people. They call him the Golden Rose of Justice."

Lynd regarded Elwood with a calm expression. "You want Willas to help you stop your aunt, is that it?"

"Yes," Elwood confirmed with a nod. "I believe Lord Willas won't be biased, even though my aunt is from House Tyrell."

"Indeed," Lynd agreed. "Willas will not be biased just because the other party is from House Tyrell." He paused briefly before adding, "It's not an issue for me to introduce you to him, but the real question is, how do you plan to accuse your aunt before Willas?"

Elwood hesitated for only a moment before blurting out, "Of course, I'll accuse my aunt of trying to seize my titles and lands."

Lynd studied the ten-year-old before him with a measured gaze. "If I were Willas," he said slowly, "I would ask you: in what way has your aunt tried to seize your titles and lands?"

Elwood froze, caught off guard, then stammered, "She—she is scaring me."

A faint smile played on Lynd's lips as he turned to the Maester standing beside Elwood. "You are Lord Elwood's Maester advisor," he said. "Tell me, can Lady Lysa scaring him with her words be considered evidence of her attempting to seize the territory and title of Grassy Vale?"

The Maester remained silent, offering no reply.

"She still hangs around the castle and tells everyone she's the heir to Grassy Vale," Elwood added quickly. "Isn't that evidence of her trying to usurp it?"

"Of course not," came a reply—not from Lynd, but from Nymeria. She spoke matter-of-factly, "You have no descendants or siblings at the moment. Lady Lysa Meadows is your closest blood relative, and she is indeed the first heir to Grassy Vale after your death. Her claim to be the heir is not false. As for her staying in the castle, that is hardly unusual. She is a daughter of House Meadows; it's natural for her to return and live with her parents. If anything, accusing Lady Lysa of such actions would only make people view you as narrow-minded, unable to accommodate the only remaining blood relative in this vast castle."

Elwood stared in shock, utterly at a loss for words. He had never imagined the situation could be so complicated. He had believed that all he needed to do was meet Willas, explain his troubles, and Willas would take action against his aunt on his behalf.

Instead, it now seemed likely that pursuing this course would result in him being seen as petty and intolerant—an outcome he had never anticipated.

Lynd looked at Elwood, then shifted his gaze to the Maester and the Steward before speaking. "Lord Elwood is young and inexperienced, and does not yet grasp the intricacies of relationships. However, you two have served the former Lord of Grassy Vale for many years. In your eyes, Lady Lysa Meadows' actions are beyond reproach. So why did you advise Lord Elwood to go to Willas and accuse Lady Lysa of wrongdoing?"

"Because we couldn't think of any other way," the Steward replied with a helpless expression.

It was no wonder they felt so cornered. Lysa Meadows and Olymer Tyrell knew exactly where the boundaries lay and never crossed them outright. Yet they constantly expanded their influence within Grassy Vale, leaving Lord Elwood powerless to act against them. The only alternative—forcefully evicting his aunt and uncle—would ruin his reputation.

As it was, Elwood's youth and his assumption of the lordship had already drawn envy from others. If his reputation were to crumble, those eyeing his territory might not remain passive observers as they did now. Worse, if his aunt aligned herself with such opportunists, not only his position as Lord but even his life might be at risk.

"I can assure you," Lynd said with certainty, "that even if you present Willas with irrefutable evidence that Lysa Meadows covets the lordship of Grassy Vale, he won't be able to act on it." He paused for emphasis. "Not because Lysa Meadows' husband is a member of House Tyrell, but because it is taboo for the heir to the Lord of Highgarden to interfere in the succession of a local lord."

The Steward nodded in agreement, but Elwood looked bewildered. He couldn't understand why Willas, despite being the rightful lord's superior, would be unable to intervene.

The Maester suddenly spoke. "In truth, beyond asking Lord Willas for justice, we've considered another solution we believe could work—but we've not yet discussed it with the Lord."

"What is it?" Elwood asked anxiously.

The Maester turned his gaze to Lynd. "Our idea is for Lord Lynd to become your guardian, managing Grassy Vale on your behalf until you come of age."

"What?" Elwood was stunned. He hadn't expected such a suggestion. If he didn't trust the Maester's loyalty, he might have suspected collusion between the Maester and Lynd.

Lynd, too, was taken aback. While he had discussed Grassy Vale's situation with Nymeria, he had never considered taking on the role of guardian to its young lord. His goal was only to establish a defensive alliance, ensuring safe passage for his armies and caravans through the region.

The Steward, however, supported the Maester's proposal. "We believe Lord Elwood could only grow up safely under Lord Lynd's protection. Lord Lynd could teach him how to fight and govern the territory. This solution, we think, achieves many objectives at once."

Hearing this, Elwood began to feel that the idea had merit. He turned to Lynd, his expression betraying a desire to ask the knight to become his guardian—or, more accurately, to adopt him.

But before Elwood could voice his request, Lynd cut in, sensing the precariousness of the moment. "You're overwhelmed by your anxiety over Lysa Meadows and acting impulsively," he said. "Think calmly, and you'll realize that the Olymers' actions would never receive House Tyrell's support. I can teach you a way to resolve this completely."

"What solution?" the Steward and Maester asked in unison.

"It's quite simple," Lynd replied. "Spread a rumor that House Tyrell intends to use Lysa Meadows to seize the lands of House Meadows. Once this rumor circulates, House Tyrell will have no choice but to distance themselves from Lysa Meadows to prove their innocence. They'll help you remove her without you lifting a finger."

The room fell silent. Elwood, the Steward, and the Maester were stunned. Until now, their plans had always revolved around relying on the protection of a more powerful lord. The idea of using rumors as a weapon had never occurred to them.

The solution was deceptively simple, but its effectiveness was clear. With this strategy, the problem that had plagued them for a year could be resolved without further risk. Their relief was palpable.

This newfound ease, coupled with their gratitude toward Lynd, made them receptive to his subsequent proposal of a mutual defense alliance. That very night, they not only agreed but went on to draft and sign the agreement without hesitation.