Game of Thrones: Knight’s Honor

Looking at the broken cup, Lynd glanced at his hands again. A realization struck him, prompting him to carefully test his body's condition using several methods. The results surprised him.

While absorbing and organizing the memories of the Banished Knight, he had also unknowingly completed a Dragon Communion Ritual, enhanced by the cheat. This ritual, though not granting him particularly powerful supernatural abilities, had significantly increased his physical strength. Lynd felt confident that, if he returned to the battlefield now, he could achieve victory through head-on combat rather than relying on trickery.

More importantly, his newfound strength eliminated the need for grueling strength training, allowing him to immediately begin mastering the dual swordsmanship of the Banished Knight. His physical capabilities were now sufficient to wield two greatswords effectively.

Beyond strength, Lynd discovered that his bones and internal organs had become considerably tougher, signaling an overall improvement in his constitution. This not only meant greater speed, strength, and endurance but also faster recovery from injuries. The enhancement reminded Lynd of someone—the Mountain, but not in his natural state. Instead, it was the undead version of the Mountain. Though he hadn't achieved the same immortal resilience, Lynd felt his physical fitness wasn't far behind.

This remarkable transformation was the result of just one Dragon Communion Ritual. It filled Lynd with anticipation for what future rituals might bring. However, he knew he couldn't undergo another ritual anytime soon. Attempting one without fully digesting the current power or resolving its side effects could lead to unpredictable, usually detrimental, changes.

While thrilled with his physical improvements, Lynd was also troubled by the side effects of the ritual. He could already feel them: violent emotions bubbling up whenever he thought about opponents or enemies. Combined with the memories of fighting of the Peacekeeper, these feelings were beginning to take a toll on his mind, making this an issue he needed to address urgently.

Fortunately, the Banished Knight's training methods provided a solution. It required a pound of obsidian known as a Dragon Crystal, crafted into a necklace inscribed with the corresponding Dragon Rune. Wearing the necklace for an extended period would gradually alleviate the side effects and eventually eliminate them entirely—though it would be ineffective against total loss of control.

Thinking about the Dragon Crystal Rune Necklace, Lynd felt an urgent desire to craft one. He called Raul, who was guarding outside the tent, and asked, "Did anything happen while I was resting earlier?"

Raul shook his head. "No, everything's been fine. However, Lord Garlan sent someone looking for you. When they heard you were resting, they didn't enter the tent. They just left a message for me to pass along: you won't have any tasks for the next few days, so you can rest and explore King's Landing. Also, the champion's prize money has been delivered. Lord Garlan exchanged it for gold notes from the Tyrell Merchant Guild. The notes are with him, and you can collect them whenever you're ready."

Lynd wasn't surprised the prize money had been converted into gold notes. Although the exchange process involved minor losses, it was far preferable to the constant hassle of safeguarding 20,000 golden dragons.

He decided there was no rush to retrieve the massive sum. Leaving it with Garlan for now was far more practical than carrying it himself and worrying about its security.

"Do you know where I can find obsidian?" Lynd asked.

"Obsidian?" Raul looked puzzled. "What is that?"

Lynd clarified with a more familiar term. "It's Dragonglass."

"Oh, that." Raul nodded, though still uncertain. "I think they sell it at the place that deals in gems. The smith's shop might also have some," he answered vaguely.

Lynd shook his head. "I need a large, intact piece of obsidian, not a fragment."

Raul paused to think. "I remember Scar-Eyed Mitt from the Shield Squad. He has a Dragonglass dagger he likes to show off."

"Scar-Eyed Mitt?" Lynd thought for a moment before recalling him. Mitt had been a sparring partner, adept with sword and shield techniques. Breaking through his shield defense had required considerable effort. With that in mind, Lynd instructed, "Go ask Scar-Eyed if he's willing to sell the dagger."

"Yes, my lord." Raul quickly left the tent and headed toward the Shield Squad's camp.

After a short while, Raul returned with Scar-Eyed Mitt in tow. Mitt stepped forward, holding the obsidian dagger. "Great Bear Hunter, I would like to offer you my dragon crystal dagger as a gift," he said, extending it toward Lynd.

Lynd didn't take the dagger. Instead, he fixed his gaze on Mitt. "What do you want?"

Mitt hesitated before responding with apparent reverence. "I truly admire you and am willing—"

"Cut the crap," Lynd interrupted sharply. "I don't have time for flattery. Tell me what you really want. If it's reasonable, I'll consider it."

Mitt fell silent for a moment before speaking. "I want to join the cavalry patrols."

Lynd paused, raising an eyebrow. "My cavalry patrols are already full."

"No, I'm talking about the new cavalry patrols," Mitt said cautiously. He glanced around, lifted the tent curtain slightly to ensure no one was eavesdropping, and lowered his voice. "I have a friend in the Lord's Guard. He told me that after you left, the Lord and his advisors were discussing your future. Lord Roger and Maester Mollos believe you should be sent to Highgarden for training to eventually serve as the captain of the Lord's Guard. But Lord Vortimer has a different opinion. He thinks you should be assigned to a more significant position, like leading efforts to suppress bandits in The Reach."

He leaned closer, studying Lynd's reaction. "My lord, have you and Lord Vortimer had any misunderstandings? If so, it might be wise to reconcile with him before this opportunity slips away."

Lynd regarded Mitt in silence. For most people, the prospect of staying in Highgarden and becoming captain of the Lord's Guard would be seen as a prestigious and safe choice. It was a secure position, far removed from the dangers of fieldwork.

But for Lynd, Vortimer's proposal was far more appealing. Suppressing bandits would likely grant him relatively independent military power—a rare opportunity for someone of his humble origins. As an Oriental, Lynd understood the significance of such power, especially in this feudal world. It could open doors to influence and ambition that other positions would never allow.

Moreover, the region where he would operate, the rugged terrain from Bitterbridge to Kingswood, offered vast potential. With some luck and strategic maneuvering, it might even lead to securing his own territory earlier than expected.

Still, before any of that could happen, he needed to ensure that Vortimer's proposal gained approval.

After a moment's thought, Lynd said seriously, "Not enough. The value of a single Dragonglass dagger isn't sufficient for a place in the Lord's Guard. You'll need to offer more."

Scar-Eyed Mitt froze, clearly caught off guard. He had expected Lynd to either accept or reject his offer outright but hadn't anticipated him negotiating. Since Lynd was willing to bargain, it meant there was room for discussion. Mitt considered raising the stakes but realized he didn't have much else of value to offer.

"If you don't have anything else to add, that's fine. I'll make you a counteroffer," Lynd continued, seeing Mitt's hesitation. "Do a good job for me, and you'll earn your place. Here's the deal: when I go to Highgarden to train under Lord Roger, I'll likely expand the cavalry patrols. I'll have several spots to fill, but not all the choices will be mine. The Lords of Highgarden will undoubtedly claim some for their own people. Even so, I can guarantee ten positions under my control. I'll give you one of those, but you'll need to help me sell the remaining nine. The higher the price you get, the better."

Both Scar-Eyed Mitt and Raul were visibly shocked. Selling positions in the cavalry patrols was bold, even by the standards of those accustomed to leveraging power for profit. While such practices weren't unheard of, Lynd's straightforwardness was unprecedented.

Raul seemed uneasy and was about to speak, but Lynd silenced him with a subtle glance.

Mitt, on the other hand, took the time to think it over. He quickly realized the offer worked in his favor. Selling the remaining spots wasn't an issue for him, and the reward of a guaranteed position made it more than worthwhile. Without hesitation, he agreed and left to begin the arrangements.

After Mitt's departure, Raul turned to Lynd, his face a mixture of confusion and concern. "My lord, I don't understand. You just won the champion's prize, and House Tyrell will surely reward you generously. There's no need to risk selling these places. If the Lord or his other trusted men find out…"

"Don't worry," Lynd interrupted, gesturing for Raul to calm down. "I know exactly what I'm doing."

Reluctantly, Raul nodded and dropped the matter. Lynd then instructed him to find the tanners and smiths in the camp to gather tools for engraving and polishing.

Though still puzzled, Raul obeyed. He realized Lynd had some larger plan in mind, though it wasn't immediately clear. Once the tools were gathered, he brought them back to the tent as instructed.

With everything in place, Lynd began crafting the Obsidian Dragon Rune Necklace. Using the dagger as raw material, he carefully cut the obsidian into suitable pieces based on the design he remembered from the Banished Knight's memories. His hands moved with remarkable precision and ease, as if he had crafted dozens of such necklaces before. Yet this was his first time carving anything, let alone making jewelry.

As Lynd worked, he noticed something unusual. When he had first received the combat experience of the Peacekeeper, it had taken weeks of rigorous training to fully integrate that knowledge into his movements. This time, however, the memories and skills of the Banished Knight felt entirely natural, as if they were his own. Every combat technique, every sword stroke, every habitual movement had seamlessly fused with his body and spirit. All that was required was the physical strength to execute them, which the Dragon Communion Ritual had already provided.

The ease with which he crafted the necklace was further proof of this integration. Despite being a novice, he polished the obsidian pendant to perfection within ten minutes, his hands moving with the confidence and skill of a seasoned craftsman. Picking up the engraving knife, he skillfully etched the intricate dragon rune onto the pendant.

As the hardest poundstone, carving designs or patterns into obsidian is notoriously difficult. Even master jewelers specializing in engraving must exert tremendous effort to carve into its surface.

Lynd, however, was different. With uncanny ease, he identified weak points on the obsidian's surface. Starting from those subtle imperfections, he could carve the dragon rune as effortlessly as if working with clay.

As his carving knife moved, the dragon rune quickly took shape. Lynd engraved the intricate design with fluid precision, finishing the rune entirely. But as he pulled back the knife to inspect his work, something unexpected occurred. A chill emanated from the obsidian, and its surface suddenly cracked before shattering into fragments of various sizes.

"Incorrect engraving?" Lynd frowned, staring at the shards. He carefully replayed the process in his mind, analyzing every stroke. After thorough reflection, he was certain he had executed the engraving flawlessly.

Determined, he picked up another piece of obsidian and began again. This time, he slowed his pace, paying even closer attention to each line and angle, ensuring every detail aligned perfectly. The process took twice as long, but he was confident this attempt would succeed.

However, the outcome was identical. The moment the carving knife left the obsidian, a wave of cold air surged from the stone, and it shattered completely.

Still unwilling to accept the result, Lynd grabbed the final piece of obsidian and repeated the process. Once more, the carving seemed perfect. Yet, as before, the obsidian released an icy chill and splintered into countless fragments.

"Is it because of the difference in worlds that the results are different?" Lynd muttered to himself, puzzled by the repeated failures.

Sitting back, he carefully reviewed everything he knew about the Obsidian Dragon Rune Necklace, from the necklace itself to the steps of its creation. As he pieced it all together, the realization finally struck him.

"Can only obsidian tempered by Dragonfire withstand the power of the dragon runes?" he murmured, his eyes lighting up with understanding.

His gaze shifted toward the direction of the Dragonpit in King's Landing. If there was any obsidian in this world that had been exposed to Dragonfire, it would likely be there.