The roar of the crowd thundered across the jousting field as the knights prepared for the tournament in honor of King Viserys and Queen Aemma's unborn son. The arena was adorned with the banners of the great houses, and excitement filled the air. Among the most anticipated contenders were Ser Criston Cole, Daemon Targaryen, and, of course, Daron Snow, the young Valyrian-blooded warrior who was beginning to make a name for himself at court.
Daron surveyed the field with a confident smile. He knew this tournament was an opportunity to solidify his reputation. Since arriving in King's Landing, he had demonstrated his intelligence and skills, but now he had to prove himself in the arena.
The First Round
Daron's first match was against a lesser knight of House Frey. Mounted on his black horse, holding his lance steady, and clad in armor decorated with an improvised emblem of a wolf and a dragon intertwined, Daron rode forward.
Let the jousts begin!
The match was swift: on the second charge, his lance struck precisely against his opponent's chest, sending him crashing to the ground. A roar of approval erupted from the crowd.
The following rounds were more challenging. He faced renowned knights and nobles from respected houses. His skill with the lance and his ability to read his opponents helped him overcome each challenge, but the battles drained his strength.
The Duel Against Criston Cole
At last, it was time to face Ser Criston Cole. The Kingsguard knight was known for his prowess, and Daron knew this well.
The horses thundered forward, and the lances crashed with immense force. The first pass was even—both knights shattered their lances but remained mounted. The second was brutal, with Criston delivering a direct hit that nearly unseated Daron, but he held on, regaining control.
Third pass.
With almost supernatural precision, Daron aimed his lance at Criston's helm, destabilizing him and sending him tumbling to the ground. The crowd erupted in cheers.
Still catching his breath, Daron knew his greatest challenge was yet to come: Daemon Targaryen.
The Clash with the Red Dragon
The prince had returned from the Stepstones, eager to test himself against the best. Mounted on his dark red steed, Daemon wore an arrogant smirk.
The lances struck violently. The first pass was even, the second as well, but on the third, Daron managed to lean at the last moment, striking Daemon's shoulder and throwing him off balance. Daemon barely remained in his saddle, but the crowd had seen the impact. On the final charge, Daemon attacked with fierce determination, but Daron, with a calculated maneuver, struck directly against his shield, making him stagger and finally fall.
The field exploded with applause. Daron had won.
Between Glory and Tragedy
As the glory of victory surrounded him, fate took a dark turn within the castle walls.
Aemma Arryn screamed in labor. The birth had become complicated, and Viserys, in agony, made the most difficult decision of his life. The maesters proceeded with a cesarean section, delivering the child, but the queen perished in the process.
The tournament celebrations were abruptly cut short by the news. The king's son, Baelon, lived for only four hours before succumbing.
The chapter closed with a somber image: the funeral pyre, with the bodies of Aemma and Baelon wrapped in silk, as the entire court watched in silence.
Daron, still feeling the adrenaline of victory, was overcome by a strange emptiness. He had won the tournament, yet tragedy had darkened any glory he might have felt.