Chapter 4

I woke up the next day because there were a lot of noises outside. Curious of what's happening, I exited the tent without washing my face. I followed the crowd towards the clearing where the people gathered.

I squeezed myself in gaining a view in front only to find a bruise Marlena tied in a stake weeping.

'What the hell is going on?'

Then a female Septa came forward and announced the crimes of the poor girl.

"We are here gathered to judge this wretched girl in crime of bewitching and performing witchcraft towards our soldier and member of the House Blackfyre, Auron Blackfyre."

'What the heck, it was about me? Is it about yesterday? Then why would Marlena become implicated when we didn't even have sex.'

I looked at the crowd beside the Septa and saw Ser Jon Connington and my cousin Aegon.

'God dammit!'

I'm getting pissed off and annoyed of what's happening. I can't believe that a simple misunderstanding could cause a life.

Without thinking, I raised my hand and asked in a loud voice.

"Sorry, can you tell us how did it happened? If you're saying this with no witnesses, then the trial is unjust."

A lot of them was dumbfounded when I spoke including my friends in the camp. Even Ser Jon and Aegon looked at me surprised by what I did. They know my lineage as I was part of the Golden Company and they knew my character of being a burden but we're not that close. Still, they are still surprised to see the timid and cowardly solider among them has the guts to question the Septa.

But the Septa was surprisingly not offended with what I did. Instead, she turn to her side and asked the witness.

A boy about my age stepped forward while the Septa introduced him.

"This is Tom, he witness the atrocities of the wretched girl."

I stared at the boy and muttered, "So you're that peeping Tom huh. Seriously? Out of all the habit and name, you chose peeping and your name is Tom. What a great combination."

The boy took a deep breath and started talking bullshit.

"Yesterday, when the sun just came down, I was on my way to the main tent to tend to my chores. When I came near to sir Auron's tent, I heard menacing laughter inside. Out of curiousity, I took a closer look and peep at the small gap of the tent and I saw him laughing on his own like a crazy man. It gives me chills and I was terrified so I scream and came running towards the Septa telling her what I witnessed and we both believe he was possessed by a devil. Then I heard that it was Marlena who was the last to left his tent."

I stared at him in disbelief but I was fuming inside. This is fucking absurd. Marlena was accused because of that?

I looked at the poor girl currently tied to a stake and my anger began to seethe bringing it closer on the brink of eruption. It only needed a tiny spark and I will fucking destroy anyone in my field of view.

I took a deep breath and thought of a way on how I could get the girl out of this unbelievable predicament.

As absurd as this may be, I couldn't just deny the fact it was just a misunderstanding earning more suspicions. I mean, the girl was already battered and bruised despite not having any crime. I even suspect she was raped in the process. I couldn't just let the person who caused this to go scot-free, I need a payback. I am part of the reasons of having this fucking situation so I'm already involved. The only solution I could think of is the trial by combat and I will represent myself as her champion. However, the stupid me still tried to reason with them. It wouldn't hurt to try, right? If there's anyway I could avoid any bloodshed, I will take that chance even if the odds of it working isn't in my favor.

"Ahem, Septa. Actually, this is just misunderstanding. I mean do I look like I was possessed? Who knows maybe he just had a grudge at the girl right?" I explained while I work my best to look convincing. However, the fucker doesn't want it shut up.

"Would you care to introduce yourself?" The Septa asked pretending he didn't know me.

"Oh I thought you already knew me. I'm that Auron Blackfyre."

Reverting my gaze, I can see Aegon looking at me and when he saw my gaze, he nodded as a greeting.

"Lies! See? He was already bewitched with that witch." Tom shouted hysterically. What I found incredulous is it earned more whispers and nods from the crowd compare to my logical explanation. I couldn't believe how stupid the people in this world are.

Hearing his voice again made me irritated and I fucking snapped. That's it. No more mercy! No reasoning and I'm gonna fucking kill him.

"Since you're more inclined to believe a servant than believe the soldier involved, I proposed a trial by combat. I believe she has that privilege at least, right?"

Then I looked at Marlena who giving me a pleading look to help her and said, "Do you demand a trial by combat? I will be your champion."

When I said it, there was collective gasp among the crowd. They couldn't believe the timid soldier wants to volunteer for a fight.

Marlena didn't need to think about it and immediately nodded to me.

"See, she demanded a trial by combat and she chose me as her champion."

The Septa nodded and said, "Very well I--"

"Hang on a second, I'm not done yet. You see there seems to be an accusation towards the servant I called for yesterday and I also have a serious accusations towards the servant with a lose tongue. Say, what is the sentence for a servant who was fabricating any false accusations towards a noble?"

The Septa frowned but ultimately answered, "Death, my Lord."

"Very good, now I'm charging this servant of that crime."

The Septa turn towards Tom who was now nervous and said, "You are charged with the crime of fabricating lies and falsely accusing a noble. What do you say about the charges?"

"N-Not Guilty. Septa." Tom answered sounding so unsure.

"By the authority given to me by the Seven. I hereby declare the proposal of trial by combat valid. Since Marlena already chose her champion, is there anyone who wants to stand for the servant Tom?"

I could see Tom look around nervously towards the soldiers.

A few moments later, a soldier came forward and said, "I will stand for Tom."

Then I saw Tom sighed in relief. Great! Just fucking great! Of all the people, it was Marq Mandrake. An exiled knight and for some reason he had some beef with the original Auron.

When he stepped forward, I can feel his gaze and menacing smile directed at me. I looked at him and I swear I will wiped that smile of his face later.

The Septa called out to us.

"Two champions, approach before the Lord Jon and Lord Aegon as they judge the fight between you two."

Marq quickly came before her but I didn't. I searched the crowd looking for Tristan and he didn't fail me. I found him among the onlookers. I walk towards him while all eyes follow my movements. They are excited on how I'll make a fool out of myself.

Ignoring them, I stood before Tristan.

He said in a low voice, "What the fuck are you doing? Do you really wanna get killed so badly?"

I shrugged off his complain and said, "Sigh, I had no choice. That peeping Tom of a servant pisses me off. Can you lend me your sword?"

Tristan took a long look at me trying to understand my actions. He sighed in defeat and unsheathed his sword from his scabbard. Then he passes it on me.

"My offer still stands. Once you die, I'll bury you in horse manure so you better come back alive." He said.

"Good thing I don't plan on dying."

Grabbing his sword that felt familiar, I went in front of Septa standing beside my opponent.

"We are here to settle the matter between two parties. Marlena who was accused to being a witch and Tom who was accused of lying against a noble with both punishable by death. To which they both plead not guilty."

"Uh sorry to interrupt. I just want to make things clear. I can kill this fucker if I win right?" I asked pointing the sword to Tom.

The Septa nodded confirming the agreement.

"Okay, please continue."

The Septa continued her intro like fucking Mike Buffer.

"These two champions representing both opposing sides are here for a trial by combat. With Lord Connington and Lord Aegon bearing witness, having made their marks on the document accounting to this trial. Do you agree to this account and fight?"

Marq answered immediately, "Aye."

Then the Septa turns to me and asked, "And you?"

"Aye"

"Let the faith of the seven be the witnessed and be the judge to this trial. You may now go to your positions."

Once again, Marq keep staring at me like he wanted to eat me alive trying to intimidate me. It's pity that it wasn't effective and I ignored his provocation walking towards my position before turning around facing him.

On the other hand, Marq was roaring like a monkey, shouting some inaudible words I don't understand trying to make the crowd cheer for him... and they did.

As the Septa saw we are ready to rumble, she declared the trial officially begun.