FVN Chapter 170: Forced to Compete
Chapter 170: Forced to Compete
Chapter 170: Forced to Compete
The scene was chaotic, filled with noble lords watching the confrontation, their attention focused on the two figures in the center.
Rhea was absent, and Gerold watched the unfolding events with a solemn expression on his face.Follow the latest novels at novelhall.com
Today was his wedding day, yet the destructive behavior of these two individuals showed a blatant disregard for etiquette.
"What's going on?" Rhaegar approached leisurely.
"'Prince," Gerold replied with a forced smile, "Pierce Coldwater of Coldwater Burn and Godric Borrell of Sweetsister are quarreling."
The Three Sisters are a group of three islands—Sweetsister, Longsister, and Littlesister—found in the Bite, located south of White Harbor and north of the Mountains of the Moon.
The Borrell House hailed from Sweetsister Island, one of the Three Sisters Islands, while the Coldwater House, was located at the estuary west of the Five Fingers Peninsula, was a secondary noble house in the Vale, loyal to Runestone.
Gerold explained the cause of the dispute between the two parties.
The Three Sisters is the most notorious smuggling den in all of Westeros, and countless crimes have been committed there.
Pierce Coldwater's nephew had smuggled goods into the Three Sisters, intending to sell them as stolen items, only to be blackmailed by local gangs.
These gangs, under Godric Borrell's control, were responsible for the loss of Pierce's nephew and his merchandise.
Godric, fearing retaliation, had avoided reurning to the Three Sisters to avoid punishment.
So Pierce used today's wedding as an opportunity to seek revenge against Godric.
Rhaegar listened intently to the story, feeling resigned to the vicious cycle of vendettas between the factions.
After a moment of reflection, he inquired, "Coldwater is a bannerman of Runestone. Shouldn't you intervene?"
Gerold shook his head in frustration. "Ever since Rhea became the Lord of Runestone, these bannermen have been at odds with each other. Otherwise, they wouldn't dare disrupt a wedding."
Rhaegar was speechless as he realized the challenges of controlling the nobles.
"In that case, allow me to suggest..." Rhaegar leaned in and whispered an idea to Gerold.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Gerold nodded in gratitude as Rhaegar approached the two quarreling men.
It was imperative to maintain order, especially on the occasion of his previous aunt's wedding, where Rhaegar represented the royal family.
With his sword drawn, Gerold slashed at the tabletop and shouted, "Enough! You're both itching for a fight, aren't you?"
As Gerold proposed the idea, his eyes fell on the two troublemakers. If they wanted to cause a scene, let them do so in a controlled environment.
"Agreed! I think that's a splendid idea!" Rhea's voice emerged from the crowd, having rushed back upon hearing reports of the commotion.
Stepping forward with a smile, she addressed the gathering, "If you seek battle, then do so honorably, like true men!"
The people of the Vale, accustomed to tradition and rough in character, eagerly voiced their agreement.
"Right! Let's settle scores honorably!"
"I'm itching for a fight! Who will face me?"
The hall erupted with chatter and anticipation.
After much commotion, Rhea instructed someone to clear a space in the back garden and led the guests to move there.
It wasn't a far walk from the banquet hall, and soon they were gathered in a circle on the grass.
Pierce and Godric, with grim expressions, were pushed onto the grass by their respective supporters.
"Let the duel commence, my lords!" Rhea declared, her demeanor stern.
Rhaegar chimed in, "Mind your blows. It's a wedding day; let's not draw too much blood."
"Fight! Fight! Fight!" The noble spectators egged them on, some even placing bets on the outcome.
With no other choice, Pierce and Godric drew their weapons and faced each other fiercely.
The pressure to fight was immense; to refuse would mean enduring lasting shame.
"Die!" Pierce roared, swinging his longsword downward.
Clang...
Godric parried the blow with his scimitar, swiftly kicked Pierce's knee, then deftly adjusted his grip and slashed across Pierce's chest.
A sickening sound filled the air.
Pierce's shirt tore open, revealing a deep, bloody gash across his chest, his skin lacerated.