The Sworn Sword

And if pigs had wings and scales and breathed flame, they'd be as good as dragons"". Dunk slid the knife back in its sheath. His face had begun to throb. The blood ran down his cheek and dripped onto his gorget. The smell made Thunder snort, and paw the water. ""Give me the men who burned the wood"".

""No one burned the wood"", she said, ""but if some man of mine had done so, it must have been to please me. How could I give such a man to you?"" She glanced back at her escort. ""It would be best if Ser Eustace were just to withdraw his accusation"".

""Those pigs will be breathing fire first, m'lady"".

""In that case, I must assert my innocence before the eyes of gods and men. Tell Ser Eustace that I demand an apology… or a trial. The choice is his"". She wheeled her horse about to ride back to her men.

The stream would be their battleground.

Septon Sefton waddled out and said a prayer, beseeching the Father Above to look down on these two men and judge them justly, asking the Warrior to lend his strength to the man whose cause was just and true, begging the Mother's mercy for the liar, that he might be forgiven for his sins.

""I will not"", the old man said, his mustache trembling.

The fat septon turned to Lady Rohanne. ""Good-sister, if you did this thing, confess your guilt, and offer good Ser Eustace some restitution for his wood.

""My champion will prove my innocence before the eyes of gods and men"".

""Trial by battle is not the only way"", said the septon, waist-deep in the water. ""Let us go to Goldengrove, I implore you both, and place the matter before Lord Rowan for his judgment"".

""Never"", said Ser Eustace. The Red Widow shook her head.

Ser Lucas Inchfield looked at Lady Rohanne, his face dark with fury. ""You will marry me when this mummer's farce is done.

""My lord father never knew you as I do"", she gave back."

"Dunk went to one knee beside Egg, and put the signet back in the boy's hand; four three-headed dragons, two and two, the arms of Maekar, Prince of Summerhall. ""Back in the boot"", he said, ""but if it happens that I die, go to the nearest of your father's friends and have him take you back to Summerhall. Don't try to cross the whole Reach on your own.