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Chapter 68 The Two Stags' Alliance, The King's Death

"We'll talk about Valyrian steel swords later. Let's head back first—tie up Craster and take him to Castle Black tomorrow," Owen said.

The five men returned to Craster's Keep with the baby. Jeor Mormont gathered the rangers, who smashed open the main hall's doors, seized the deranged old man, and returned the infant to Gilly.

The next morning, after breakfast, they set off again—taking Craster's dozen wives with them as prisoners, and Craster in chains. Sandor set fire to Craster's Keep, reducing it to ash.

While Owen's group made their way back, ravens had already carried news of the White Walkers' return to the North—and across Westeros.

Storm's End

Stannis Baratheon and Eddard Stark, escorted by their guards, arrived at Storm's End aboard a Dragonstone ship. They had come to meet Renly Baratheon, who now wore a crown.

Outside the castle, a tournament was underway between knights of the Reach and the Stormlands. Ser Loras Tyrell—the Knight of Flowers—clad in plate armor and wielding a poleaxe, faced off against a knight in full armor armed with a mace and shield.

Nobles cheered for their favored champions. On the high platform, Renly and Margaery Tyrell watched intently. Margaery, in particular, shouted encouragement for her brother Loras.

For a time, Loras held the upper hand, forcing his opponent into a defensive stance. Margaery leaped from her seat, clapping. "Loras! Fight for Highgarden!"

But dominance was fleeting. In an instant, the knight—rumored to share a "special bond" with Renly—was caught off guard. The two exchanged blows until both lost their weapons, grappling hand-to-hand. Loras, exhausted, was thrown to the ground. His opponent tore off his helmet and pressed a dagger to his throat.

"I yield! I yield!" Loras gasped.

Margaery sank back into her chair, disappointed. Renly, however, clapped enthusiastically for the Stormlands' victor.

"Well fought! Step forward!" Renly called to the knight.

The warrior sheathed his dagger and knelt before the high platform.

"Rise. Remove your helmet," Renly ordered.

When the helmet came off, a woman's face was revealed. Loras stared in shock—his opponent had been a woman.

"Your father did not exaggerate, my lady," Renly said. "I have seen Ser Loras defeated once or twice... but never so soundly."

"Darling, my brother fought bravely for you!" Margaery protested, defending Loras.

"You are right, Queen Margaery," Renly smiled. "But there can be only one champion!"

"Brienne of Tarth—name your reward. Whatever is in my power to give, it is yours," Renly declared.

Brienne dropped to one knee. "Your Grace, I ask for a place in your Rainbow Guard. I beg to be one of your seven sworn shields—to lay down my life for you, and protect you from all harm."

Renly hesitated, surprised by the request. "Granted! Rise, Brienne of the Rainbow Guard."

Applause erupted—thin and scattered, but genuine.

"Your Grace! The Lord of Dragonstone and the Warden of the North have arrived. They are landing on the northern beach," a knight reported, hurrying to the platform.

"How many men did they bring?" Renly asked, taken aback.

"Only one ship," the knight replied.

"Then let us meet them," Renly said. "Loras, gather a troop of cavalry. Come with me to see my brothers."