Garlan placed a hand on William’s shoulder and looked at him.
“I thought we were already past saying things like that.
Besides, you saved me afterward.” The two of them laughed again.
“Still, we couldn’t save the two knights who came with you.” A shadow crossed William’s face.
“If it weren’t for me, they never would have died at Tumbleton.” Ever since arriving in Westeros, he had known that his presence would alter countless destinies.
Yet he had always hoped for one thing.
That good people would find better futures.
And bad people would find worse ones.
“That was Ser Erryk and Ser Bob.” Garlan gazed into the distance as memories resurfaced.
“We met when we were still squires.
We trained together.
We earned our knighthoods around the same time.
Later, they swore their swords to me.” A faint sadness entered his voice.
“I always thought we’d ride together until we were too old to mount a horse or lift a sword.” Only then did William truly understand what those men had meant to Garlan.
They had not simply been retainers.
They had been companions of many years, trusted men who knew his habits, his strengths, and his weaknesses.
Losing them was like losing an arm.
Guilt crashed over William like a wave.
No.
I have to find some way to make this up to Garlan.
After a while, Garlan noticed William’s troubled expression and smiled.
“You don’t need to look like that.
They upheld their vows and fought to the very end.
No matter how it ended, their journey as knights was complete.” William struggled to find the right words.
Then a familiar oath surfaced in his memory.
“Do you swear before the gods and men to defend the weak, protect women and children, obey your liege lord and king, and fight bravely no matter how difficult, humble, or dangerous the road ahead may be?” Garlan listened with quiet admiration.
After reflecting on it for a moment, he nodded.
“I’ve never heard that oath before.
But it captures the spirit of knighthood perfectly.
Yes, Erryk and Bob were men like that.
True knights.” William nodded.
“I think so too.” The two turned and began walking back toward camp.
After a few steps, William suddenly chuckled.
“Well, we’ve just finished saying farewell to Ser Igon.
And now you’ll have to say goodbye to me.” “Hm?” Garlan looked surprised.
“We’ve come all this way and you’re not going to Highgarden after all?” Throughout the journey he had watched William’s relentless pursuit of Margaery.
Naturally, he assumed William would continue to Highgarden.
“Something urgent has come up?” William shrugged.
“There isn’t much point hiding it.
Your father, Lord Mace Tyrell, doesn’t seem particularly eager to welcome me.” Garlan immediately looked both embarrassed and amused.
“That is…
incredibly discourteous.” “It’s fine.” William waved it off.
“I’ve already been away from Oldtown for quite a while.
Heading back early isn’t the worst thing.” Quite a while?
Garlan stared at him.
You’ve only been gone a few days.
The apology in his eyes deepened.
After a moment’s thought, he asked, “Will you still attend my wedding?” “Absolutely.” William slapped him on the shoulder.
“You’d better send me a proper invitation.
Then Lord Mace won’t be able to throw me out.” “Come on.” William grinned.
“I should say goodbye to Margaery too.” By the time they reached the wheelhouse, the ladies had already finished preparing for departure.
Since Garlan was present, the three Tyrell cousins remained where they were.
Some stole shy glances at Garlan.
Others watched William with barely concealed amusement.
William made no effort to lower his voice.
Smiling, he looked directly at Margaery.
“So, Margaery.
How does it feel seeing Garlan fully recovered so quickly?” “Quite good.” Her answer was calm.
Then she looked at her brother.
“This is the last time, isn’t it, Garlan?” The emphasis she placed on last time could not have been more obvious.
Garlan laughed.
“That was all because of William.
It shouldn’t count as my…” His voice faltered when he noticed his sister’s increasingly dangerous expression.
“Fine.
The last time.
I promise.” William had no objection whatsoever to being used as a shield.
When Margaery turned her gaze toward him with renewed confidence, he met her eyes directly.
“Yes.
I’m sure Willas will be delighted to see Garlan completely unharmed as well.” He stressed the words completely unharmed just as heavily.
Margaery’s breath caught.
Her expression remained composed, but her pupils contracted ever so slightly.
“Of course.
He’ll be delighted.” “Speaking of Willas, I’ve heard what happened to him.
What a tragedy.” William did his best to look sympathetic.
“Yes.” Margaery nodded.
“It happened many years ago.
The injury was too severe.
The maesters could do nothing.” Garlan, entirely unaware of what was happening, provided enthusiastic support.
“That sort of injury isn’t something ordinary medicine can heal.” William nodded thoughtfully.
“Unless a miracle occurred.” This time he emphasized the word miracle.
Garlan laughed.
“Miracles are called miracles because they’re rare.
But Willas has never let it trouble him.
He’s an extraordinary man.
When you visit Highgarden next time, I’ll introduce you.
I’m certain you’ll like him.” Margaery smiled as well, though there was something slightly unnatural beneath it.
Then she suddenly caught something.
“Next time?” “Of course.” William shrugged.
“I’m heading back to Oldtown immediately.
Much as I’d like to meet Willas, it’ll have to wait.” “What?” Margaery blinked.
Garlan gave a helpless smile.
“Father refused to allow William to visit Highgarden.” William merely shrugged again, looking completely unconcerned.
Margaery’s expression cycled through surprise, confusion, and finally a faint blush.
The sight nearly distracted William.
A moment later she regained her composure.
“Then I must apologize for my father’s discourtesy.” She dipped into a graceful curtsy.
The skirts of her gown swayed softly.
When she rose, their eyes met.
One gaze radiated confidence.
The other stubborn determination.
As the morning mist finally vanished and sunlight spread across the countryside, Garlan and Margaery stood beside the road watching William ride away.
They had known him for only a handful of days, yet somehow he already felt like an old friend.
His departure left both of them with an unexpected sense of loss.
Suddenly, a rider thundered into camp, trailing a plume of dust behind him.
Moments later, a servant hurried over carrying a sealed letter.
“Ser Garlan.
An urgent message from Highgarden.” Garlan opened it.
Then immediately shook his head.
“Grandmother wants William invited to Highgarden after all.” He laughed helplessly and handed the letter to Margaery.
“I’d better ride after him.” Margaery accepted the letter.
At the same time, she caught hold of Garlan’s hand.
And did not let go.
Garlan looked at her in surprise.
“It’s better not to.” Her eyes remained lowered.
Her fingers tightened around his hand.
“Just tell Grandmother that by the time the letter arrives…” “…he was already gone.” For a moment, Garlan simply stared at her.
Then understanding softened his expression.
Using his free hand, he gently brushed her hair.
“Of course.
He was already gone.” His voice was warm and quiet.
“Very far away.”