Meanwhile, his bond with Rhaenys grew deeper day by day.
The little girl regarded him almost as her “own true brother”.
One afternoon, Viserys was holding Rhaenys by the window of Maegors Holdfast to look at the sea when Rhaenys wrapped her arms around him and said in a dreamlike voice: “Brother Viserys, do not leave Rhaenys.”
Looking at her tender, innocent face, Viserys could not help feeling a pang of guilt.
He thought of the seven dragon eggs under the bed, the turbulent era about to come, and the tragic fate originally destined for the girl before him.
He gently clasped Rhaenys’s small hand and replied: “I will not leave you, I promise.”
This promise was spoken both to Rhaenys and to himself.
One day, when Viserys accompanied Rhaenys to play in the garden, he unexpectedly discovered that Ashara was sitting and conversing with Princess Elia Martell.
Seeing Viserys, Ashara smiled and waved at him.
“Princess Elia tells me you are very fond of Rhaenys,” Ashara said, looking at the little girl currently being led by Viserys.
Although Princess Elia Martell of Dorne was physically weak from having just given birth to Aegon, a warm gaze flickered in her eyes.
“Does Lady Dayne like children?” he could not help asking.
Ashara was slightly startled, then revealed a gentle smile: “Yes, Your Grace.
I like them very much.”
As night fell, Viserys stood alone by his bedroom window, gazing at the dotted fishing lights of Blackwater Bay.
Thoughts swirled in his mind.
He knew that the gears of fate had already begun to turn, and danger was quietly approaching; what he needed to do was prepare as much as possible to protect those he cared about.
The next morning, Viserys appeared at the training yard as usual.
But today, beside Ser Barristan, there was an extra visitor, Ser Arthur Dayne, fellow member of the Kingsguard.
“Your Grace, His Majesty the King has summoned me to a council today,” Ser Barristan bowed to the approaching Viserys, “Ser Arthur will take my place to guide your swordsmanship lesson today.”
“I understand, Ser, you may go attend to your duties.” After Ser Barristan left, Viserys’s gaze sized up the man who had been beside him earlier.
This legendary “Sword of the Morning” wore a suit of white armor engraved with the heraldry of House Dayne—a white falling sword and a shooting star—and draped a white cloak over his shoulders.
At his waist hung the ancestral sword “Dawn”.
His face was handsome and resolute, and his eyes emitted a faint purple aura.
“Prince Viserys,” Ser Arthur Dayne slightly bowed and said: “Ser Barristan tells me you are very talented in swordsmanship and have progressed with astonishing speed.”
Viserys bowed slightly in return and replied: “Thank you for the praise, Ser Arthur.
Your mighty renown spreads across the Seven Kingdoms, and I feel deeply honored to have your guidance.”
He could feel the powerful aura emanating from Arthur, which was not only a manifestation of superb martial prowess, but also a conviction of inevitable victory. Enjoying the story? Read on at novelping.com.
“Would you allow me to spar with you so that I may also gauge your level?
Furthermore, actual combat is the fastest way for someone to improve.”
Viserys agreed to Arthur’s request, as he also wanted to experience the strength of this world’s top-tier master.
In the subsequent sparring session, Viserys exerted his full strength.
The wooden swords crossed, emitting a dull impact sound.
Viserys attacked with all his might, his moves having been personally taught by Ser Barristan.
Yet Arthur was always able to anticipate his moves in advance, parrying the attacks with minimal movement.
After a few rounds, Viserys grew somewhat depressed.
Arthur’s sword seemed able to see through people’s hearts, always interrupting his offensive at the most critical juncture.
“Your Grace’s strength is quite exceptional,” Arthur’s wooden sword pressed against Viserys’s wrist, “but your moves are too rigid.
You need to forget those fixed postures.”
He withdrew his wooden sword and gestured for Viserys to reset his stance.
“You only need to remember how to hold the sword correctly, and then focus all your attention on your opponent’s sword tip,” Arthur’s voice was steady and clear.
“Anticipation is more important than reaction.
You must see through your opponent’s intentions before they strike, taking the initiative rather than responding passively.”
Viserys nodded and adjusted his stance.
This time, his gaze locked tightly onto Arthur’s wooden sword, trying to capture every subtle movement.
The corners of Arthur’s mouth lifted slightly, and with a flick of his wrist, the wooden sword traced an arc.
Viserys stared intently at the sword tip, reacting the moment it moved.
“Very good.” Arthur’s sword stopped mid-air, “But it is not enough.”
His sword momentum suddenly accelerated, and Viserys hurriedly adjusted his own blade.
The two wooden swords crossed in the air, producing a crisp clashing sound.
“Now, do not just stare at the sword,” Arthur said while shifting his footwork, “pay attention to my shoulders and my waist.
The true intentions are hidden in those places.”
When Arthur struck again, he made a parry in advance.
“Just like that.” Arthur nodded approvingly, “Now, try to anticipate my next move.”
The two of them exchanged blows in the training yard, the sound of wooden swords clashing endless to the ear.
Viserys gradually forgot those rigid moves and began to instinctively respond to every attack from Arthur.
His movements also grew increasingly pleasing to the eye.
“Stop.” Arthur suddenly retracted his sword, “That is all for today.”
When Viserys stopped, he only realized that a long time had passed.
Only after relaxing did the fatigue of his body reach his mind.
“Remember today’s feeling,” Arthur’s earnest words came over, “Combat is not reciting formulas, but learning to read the opponent.”
After the training ended, Viserys took the initiative to invite Arthur to dine together, which was a good opportunity for him to interact with Arthur.
“Thank you for your guidance,” Viserys cut his bread, “your understanding of swordsmanship has benefited me immensely.”
Arthur nodded slightly: “Your Grace is very talented.
However, remember that advancing in swordsmanship requires perseverance.”
“I understand.” Viserys deliberated before speaking: “Ser Arthur, your skill with the greatsword is even more renowned across the Seven Kingdoms.
May I learn how to use a greatsword from you next?”
Arthur’s expression was somewhat surprised at first, but without any harshness, “Of course you may.
I will explain it to Ser Barristan afterward.”
In the days that followed, aside from learning swordsmanship and building a foundation with Ser Barristan, Viserys added lessons on greatsword techniques with Ser Arthur.
Life was extremely fulfilling.
At the same time, through the ability of a Skinchanger, he closely monitored the movements of various factions in King’s Landing, especially Varys and Pycelle.
Although he had not changed anything yet, he would inevitably flap the wings of a butterfly inadvertently.
Therefore, he still needed to know information from all aspects so as to prepare in advance in case of unexpected accidents.
Time was also steadily advancing toward the Harrenhal tournament.
During this period, only one special event occurred: the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Gerold Hightower, passed away; he died of old age.
After holding a funeral for him, the “White Bull” Gerold Hightower served as the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard.