As the sun set, a dozen or so black specks gradually grew larger, approaching the camp. They were clad in black chainmail, their Gold Cloaks fluttering in the wind, and the leading rider held high a banner—three upright black spears on a pink field.
Stopping their horses, the Gold Cloaks dismounted at the camp entrance. After waiting for a moment, one of them entered the camp with a blue-robed guard.
Inside the tent, upon seeing the newcomer, Green showed a faint smile.
"Lord Green, Sir Damien Gott awaits your command." He knelt on one knee before Green.
Green leaned down to help Damien up, patting his arm, and said, "Welcome, Sir Damien."
House Gott is a noble house from the Crownlands, their sigil being three upright black spears on a pink field, flanked by black arcs. During the reign of Aerys II, their house produced a member of the Kingsguard named Garwyn Gott, who died in the Duskendale Uprising (277 AC), and their house suffered heavy losses.
Sir Damien was nearing thirty, tall and with a slightly rugged face and high cheekbones. His brown hair had thinned since their last meeting.
Green's lips curved slightly: "Please, have a seat."
After chatting for a while, Green frowned and said, "Damien, has the Small Council not yet appointed you as the captain of the Steel Gate guard?"
When Janos Slynt commanded the Gold Cloaks, Sir Damien was among the few who valued honor. During Green's tenure as Commander of the Gold Cloaks, he directly promoted him to deputy of the Steel Gate. After the original captain of the Steel Gate guard died in the Battle of King's Landing, he had been acting as captain in his capacity as deputy.
Sir Damien nodded and replied, "Lord Green, in the last great battle, besides the Steel Gate, there were also the Kings Gate and the Dung Gate, with a total of three guard captains killed. These places are in the same situation, all with the first deputy acting in the position."
Green pondered for a moment, then said, "Hand of the King Tywin should be waiting for his new Commander of the Gold Cloaks, Ser Adam Marbrand of the Westerlands."
Sir Damien was slightly stunned, then paused and said, "Lord Green, do you mean... the new captains will be chosen by the new Commander?"
Sir Damien's face showed no emotion, but inwardly he still felt some regret. Lord Green had many supporters among the Gold Cloaks, and they greatly hoped he would once again serve as their Commander, because he was not only fair but also understood them (Chapter 167). But... the person before him was already a great lord controlling the Vale, so this could only be an unrealistic small wish.
Thinking of this, Sir Damien's lips curved almost imperceptibly. As a follower of Lord Green, the current situation was even more wonderful.
Green's steady voice rang out: "The seven city gates and two military camps of King's Landing are key to quickly gaining control of the Gold Cloaks. For the new Commander, leaving vacancies... is certainly a good thing."
Tapping his index finger on the armrest, he continued, "Ser Adam, as the captain of the Red Keep envoy's escort to Riverrun, and assisting Lord Tyrion in successfully rescuing Ser Jaime of the Kingsguard, coupled with his merits in the Battle of King's Landing, he is worthy of the position of Commander of the Gold Cloaks."
Pausing, Green added, "He won't affect you, Damien."
Hearing Green's promise, Sir Damien's face couldn't help but flash with excitement mixed with elation. He placed his hand on his chest and said, "Thank you for your trust and protection, I will always be loyal to you, my Lord!"
Green smiled, his voice gentle: "Guard the Steel Gate well."
...
Inside Jaime's tent, Tyrion Lannister was stroking his chin, examining the luxurious clothes in the box.
"Green is truly thoughtful."
Tyrion couldn't help but burst into laughter: "Looking at these beautiful clothes... Brother Jaime, I feel like you're a bride about to get married tomorrow. Hmm, I seem to understand Green's purpose."
Ser Jaime glanced sideways at Tyrion.
With the sound of footsteps, Green's voice came through: "Tyrion, I am honored that Lannister approves of those things."
Ser Jaime, in a mocking tone, said, "Welcome, Lord Green, it is truly an honor to see you."
"Please..."
Green stopped, looked at Jaime half-reclining in the folding chair, showed surprise, and then said, "...rise."
Ser Jaime's face darkened: "Crabb, you still want me to kneel to greet you?"
Green shrugged: "Ser Jaime, it was your voice that misled me for a moment."
Tyrion laughed heartily again, while Ser Jaime coldly snorted.
Green sat down on a nearby chair, crossing his legs. He stared at Jaime for a while and then asked, "Ser, I heard... you plan to secretly leave the camp?"
Ser Jaime's face grew even darker: "Now, everyone knows."
Green leaned back on the armrest and said, "Ser Jaime, can you guess why I'm stopping you?"
Ser Jaime looked at the tent ceiling, was silent for a moment, then sighed: "You don't understand..."
Green spread his hands and said, "Perhaps you think I'm doing this for Queen Cersei, but I want to tell you, that's only part of the reason. Ser, as a knight, you need immense courage."
Jaime looked over, and he continued, "No one can guarantee they will always be the victor on the battlefield. There may be defeat, or there may be victory, both are normal."
Ser Jaime: "..."
Watching Ser Jaime's changing expression, Green suddenly smiled and said, "It seems... I guessed correctly. The esteemed Knight Jaime is actually afraid to face the tongues of the people of King's Landing."
Ser Jaime squinted at Green: "..."
Tyrion's face showed barely concealed schadenfreude, but he feigned confusion and said, "Green, could it be... Jaime is worried that his half-year stay as a guest in Riverrun will be mocked by the people of King's Landing?"
Ser Jaime gritted his teeth and said, "Less than four months, Tyrion."
As his words fell, Green couldn't help but laugh.
Tyrion finally finished laughing with difficulty. He lightly coughed, paused, and then said seriously, "Jaime, Green's suggestion is great. If you sneak into the Red Keep, it will only bring more ridicule."
Ser Jaime said arrogantly, "The Kingslayer doesn't care about such things."
Green pointed to the clothes in the box and said, "Ser, if you appear before everyone tomorrow, dressed handsomely and full of life, many people will doubt the rumors against you."
"I never thought of hiding the fact that I was captured." Ser Jaime remained arrogant.
The next day, at dawn, Green and his party left the camp and headed towards King's Landing.
Green, Jaime, and Tyrion rode at the front of the procession, with a certain knight, dressed in splendid and beautiful clothes, being particularly conspicuous.
As they approached the Steel Gate, Green spotted King Joffrey's stag-lion banner.
On the other side, Osmund Kettleblack of the Kingsguard withdrew his gaze and said, "Your King, it is indeed the Marsh Marigold banner."
King Joffrey raised his chin, a smirk on his lips, and said, "My captive has arrived! Let's go!"
With that, he spurred his horse and galloped forward, with the Kingsguard and the Gold Cloaks following closely behind.
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