Chapter 11 18 страница

'Two killing blows, ' Arianne thought with a growing smile, watching as Jon backed off and began to stalk his prey once again while Ser Dayne half crawled half rolled towards the edge of the yard. 'If I thought he was impressive before, then this is – oh shit! '

The sound of metal scrapping against leather echoed throughout the near-silent courtyard as Gerold grabbed hold of his sword, which he'd left at the edge of the yard, and quickly pulled it out from its sheath. This was no longer a spar. Live-steel had been drawn, and from the look in Gerold's eyes, he was thirsty for blood and wouldn't stop till he had his fill. Jumping to her feet, Arianne felt a cry leave her throat as she called for the guards to intervene, but her voice was muffled in the screams of those watching as Gerold ran at Jon with live steel.

But Jon didn't even bat an eye. Sidestepping Garold's thrust, the Northerner swung his training blade around in a tight circle before bringing it down on Gerold's exposed right hand. The sound of bones breaking and Gerold's pained screamed broke through the noise of the spectators as his sword fell from his now injured hand. But Jon wasn't done. Instead of hitting Gerold again, an easy target as the man was currently defenseless, Jon thrusted his right hand towards Gerold, his palm open and facing his downed opponent. Then he slowly began to clench his hand into a slight fist.

Whatever doubts remained in Arianne's mind about the validity of Jon having sorcerer-like powers were dispelled as Gerold's cries abruptly cut off. Ser Dayne's eyes bulged as his hands started pawing at his neck. And then, without being able to comprehend just what was happening, Arianne could do little more than watched in befuddled amazement as Gerold as lifted into the air until the tips of his toes were dangling just above the surface of the ground.

" You call my father a man without honor? " she could barely even recognize Jon's voice, but it carried through the yard as if he were standing right next to her, and the very sound of it sent a chill through her body. A chill, and a renewed warmth that would not go away. " You insult the memory of your cousin! Both of them! And you insult a Princess in her own palace. You, Ser…No, you do not have the right to that title. You, Gerold Dayne, are the one without honor! "

" Enough! "

The single command resounded throughout the courtyard with such force that many of those who were present immediately dropped to a knee. Even Arianne felt the need to stop whatever she'd been doing and lower her head in submission, a feeling she was highly unaccustomed too. It took almost all of her willpower to keep herself still as she looked around for whoever had issued the command as an unnatural chill shot through her body, making her feel almost as if the Stranger itself was standing over her.

It didn't take her long to find the man. And the moment she laid her eyes on him, she knew exactly who he was without needing to be introduced. The man was tall and handsome with a close-trimmed ashen beard, pulled back silver hair, and a black cloth covering his eyes. His black robes billowing behind him as he marched into the yard despite the absence of any wind. This…This was Lord Alim Nox, the Northern Sorcerer. The Breaker of the Pyke. The Storm God's Avatar. The Stranger Incarnate. The Will of the Old Gods of the First Men. And just behind him was her father, being pushed in his rolling chair by her Uncle Oberyn with Areo Hotah right behind with his axe draw. All three of whom were looking positively murderous, but not at Jon, rather at Dayne who was still on the ground from where he'd collapsed.

In the center of the yard, almost forgotten due to the legend's arrival, Gerold Dayne hit the ground hard as Jon released whatever hold he had on him, leaving the knight to clutch at his throat as he coughed violently, trying desperately to get some air back into his lungs.

Backing away, Jon made to speak, but the sorcerer merely held up a single finger, silencing the young man before he could say even a single word. She was prepared to step forward and defend the young man, but that proved to not be necessary as the sorcerer bypassed Jon and made his way over to where Gerold was still trying to recover on the ground. As he stood above the downed man, Arianne felt a chill go through her just from standing in the man's presence. She couldn't imagine what Gerold must've felt like to have been at the center of the sorcerer's apparently sightless focus.

" You insult a man I consider a friend, " the sorcerer's voice was calm and steady, but she could hear the underlying tone of anger clear as day. " You insult your own family. You insult my apprentice. You draw live steel during a spar because you were losing against a boy less than half your age. Your jealousy has turned to anger. Your anger has turned to hatred. And now, you've allowed your hatred to blind you. Letting it control you. "

A scraping noise drew Arianne's attention towards the sorcerer's feet. Gerold's sword was…sliding across the ground without anyone having a hold of it. After just a moment, it stopped just before the downed Dayne. " You hated your cousin, Ser Arthur, because he was the Sword in the Morning. You hated Lady Ashara because she was considered a beauty of the realm and would never give you the time of day. You hate the Martells because of what you perceive to be inaction and weakness. You hate Lord Stark because he defeated Ser Arthur and had the affection of Lady Ashara. You hate me because I work with the Starks. Your hatred has consumed you to the point where it is now all you know. Even now, as you lay before me gasping for breath, your hatred is demanding that you pick up your sword and run me through. You believe killing me will make you a legend beyond anything your cousins, or the rest of your family, could ever hope to overcome.

" Which leaves you with two paths to take. The first: you leave and begin letting go of your hatred and set yourself free. Or the second: you let your hatred run its course, pick up your sword and run me through. But I best warn you; should you take the latter path, you had best make your strike count. Because you will never get a second chance. You've already lost the usage of your right hand thanks to your actions. I would hate to see you lose more. "

From his spot on the ground, Gerold glared up at the sorcerer before grasping the hilt of his sword with his left hand and using the blade to help himself rise to his feet. Even from across the yard, Arianne could see the hatred in Gerold's eyes as he met the sightless visage of the Northern Sorcerer. 'He's giving the fool an out, ' she thought, as the two continued to stare one another down. Part of her, the part that recognized Gerold as her countryman wanted him to accept the offer and leave. He barely stood a chance against Jon. What chance could he stand against the man who trained him? But another part of her, the slightly more sadistic part that recognized Gerold for the liability that he was, wanted him to try his hand at the sorcerer.

Letting out a yell, Gerold made his decision as he lunged forward, the tip of his sword heading straight for the sorcerer's unprotected heart. Arianne could've understood it if the sorcerer had dodge or even blocked the thrust. Although with the distance between them and the frantic nature of the attack, she wasn't sure if the sorcerer would've been able to do either. But what she had not expected to have happen was for Nox to catch the sword point less than a hand's width from his chest and stop Gerold cold.

" Fool. "

Arianne had no words to describe what happened next. The sorcerer, Gerold's blade still firmly in his right hand, raised his left hand, and then…thunder and lightning leapt forth from his fingertips and slammed into Gerold's chest. Throwing the man to the ground where he started writhing in agony as the lightning continued to crackle down upon him, screaming at the top of his lungs so loud that she was sure that even the denizens of Shadow City could hear him. The attack lasted but a moment. But when it ended, Gerold was left as a simpering wreck on the ground, curled into the fetal position as he whimpered and moaned while small wisps of smoke rose from his clothes.

" Lord Sorcerer Nox, " her father's voice cut across the silence, drawing all attention to him as he was wheeled out towards Nox by Oberyn with his ever-faithful guard Areo Hotah. " I understand your anger over his actions sorcerer, and I agree with your handling of the situation as it involved one sworn to you. However, I cannot allow this to continue, as I cannot allow you to kill one of my own bannerman in my halls. Ser Dayne will be educated on the penalty for trying to harm those I consider my guests, breaking the ancient laws of Gods and Men. You have my word on that. "

She was half afraid that the sorcerer would press the issue, but to her relief the man simply nodded and backed off. " As you wish, Prince Doran, " the sorcerer said, bowing his head slightly. " I apologize for the scene. If my apprentice and I have worn out our welcome, we will make our departure. "

" Nonsense, Lord Sorcerer. "

Arianne hadn't even realized she'd spoken until she'd already taken several steps towards the intimidating man. All she knew was that the sorcerer was threatening to leave, and that was something that she couldn't have happen. Not yet. She hadn't had a chance to firmly etch herself into young Jon's mind. And after seeing just what he could potentially become, that was becoming more and more of a priority for her. " Lord Dayne's temperament is well known throughout all of Dorne, and he was in need of a desperate lesson in manners, " she continued, walking up beside her father and taking her place by his side. " Had it not been yourself, then I'm sure someone else would've taken him to hand soon enough. Though, I doubt their lesson would've been as…effective as yours, Lord Sorcerer. "

" Princess Arianne, " the Sorcerer greeted her. " Your Uncle has told us many a tale of your beauty during our voyage. But I feel as if he has greatly understated just how beautiful you are. Even to one without eyes like myself, your beauty shines like the sun of Dorne on a midsummer's day. "

She felt a pleasant thrill run through her at the sorcerer's words. 'I do hope that young Jon was taking notes…eh, or not. Don't need him wooing and running into the first pretty skirt he comes across once he figures out how his cock works. ' " My thanks, Lord Sorcerer. And may I say, the tales of your skill and power are as you have said: understated. "

" My daughter speaks true, sorcerer, " her father said, and she had the distinct impression that he was curious as to just what her play was while he motioned for this guards to pick up the still groaning Gerold and escort him out. " There is no need for you and your apprentice to leave. This incident will not be held against you or the North. "

" In fact, Lord Sorcerer, it is tradition to hold a feast upon the return of a son of Dorne. " She was stretching things, she knew that. It was tradition to hold a feast to celebrate a return of a member of the ruling family, but her Uncle hardly ever cared for such things. " And considering you traveled with my uncle, saw him through the horrors of Valyria, and brought him home safely, we would be remiss should we not offer you, your apprentice, and those you of the nobility you traveled with to join us for the evening. "

" My dear niece speaks true, Nox, " her uncle said, though whether he was following her lead or just having fun, she wasn't sure. " It would be our honor to have you as a guest tonight. As well as the others that we stood shoulder to shoulder with during our brief venture to Valyria. "

Nox seemed to be pondering as he remained silent. " I was hoping to return North as soon as possible. But I suppose one night's rest will do our crew some good before we set sail once more. We accept your gracious offer Princess, Prince Doran, Prince Oberyn. "

" Splendid! " Arianne smiled, glancing towards Jon. " Then we shall see you tonight. I shall have baths and clothes prepared, sorcerer, for those who follow you. And I look forward to seeing you both tonight. "

Giving Jon one last smile, she turned with a slightly exaggerated swivel of her hips in Jon's direction before heading back into the palace proper. She had a lot of work to do. She had to see that word was sent to the bathhouses to be expecting the Northern Sorcerer and his party, and potentially send clothes as well for them to wear. Then there was what she was going to wear as well that needed to be taken into consideration. This would perhaps be the only night that she would have to get the attention of young Jon. And she was not about to let this opportunity slip her by.

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