Game of Thrones: The Road to Pirate King

Chapter 183 Spear duel—Luck is also a form of strength

The morning mist had not yet been completely dispelled by the sunlight, and Harrenhal's enormous shadow enveloped the bustling camp. Just before the clamor of the tournament was about to resume, a message, like a cold undercurrent, spread rapidly and silently among a small group of people.

There was no farewell, no warning.

Lord Tywin Lannister, Warden of the West, Duke of Casterly Rock, left Harrenhal quietly this morning with only a small number of his core guards.

The attendants, not daring to speak aloud, exchanged bewildered glances and whispered amongst themselves. His tent remained standing, its furnishings perfectly intact, as if the master had only temporarily departed. But those familiar with the Duke's ways knew that it meant the most important things had already been taken with him.

His brother Ser Kevan Lannister, and his children—Cersei and Tyrion—remained in place, seemingly unaware of the situation, or perhaps deliberately left behind.

Ser Kevan handled his affairs with an astute expression, stabilizing the Lannister family's camp and controlling the Lannister-run gambling games, but his brow was furrowed more deeply than usual, as if he were carrying the heavy, unspoken entrustment left by his elder brother.

When the news reached Euron, who was preparing for the jousting tournament, he merely raised an eyebrow. Tywin Lannister never did anything meaningless; his quiet departure meant that a larger game awaited him elsewhere. The jousting at Harrenhal was certainly grand, but perhaps, on Lord Tywin's cold strategic scales, this place was no longer the most important factor.

This sudden vacancy, like a silent thunderclap, abruptly added a touch of political intrigue to this morning that was already filled with clashes of force.

The jousting was not delayed in the slightest by Lord Tywin's quiet departure; the horns still sounded precisely in Harrenhal's arena. In the stands, only King Aerys II's face was more somber than usual, like the calm before a storm, any slight movement threatening to ignite the raging fury in his eyes.

Today's main battle is between Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Oberyn Martell.

Oberyn Martell had just endured the excruciating pain of a broken rib the night before, yet he still donned his armor and went into battle. Beneath his gilded armor, every breath aggravated his injuries, but his black eyes burned with an indomitable flame, showing no sign of retreat.

Just like the Martell family motto, "Never give up!"

Warhorses galloped, spears clashed.

In the first round, the two riders brushed past each other, their spears narrowly missing each other. Regga's movements were precise and elegant, but lacked some of the penetrating ferocity.

In the second round, Oberyn's spear tip lost its aim due to his swaying body, while Rhaegar's spear subtly rose at the last moment, barely grazing the top plume of Oberyn's helmet instead of striking his vital chest and abdomen.

In the third round, Oberyn was already struggling to maintain his balance; the intense pain blurred his vision. When the two horses clashed again, he couldn't even effectively raise his lance. This time, the tip of Prince Rhaegar's lance lightly touched his shoulder armor, the force perfectly controlled, more like a warning than a strike. But even so, Oberyn could no longer hold on; he swayed and slumped off his horse.

A slight dust rose, and a chorus of exclamations mixed with regret came from the stands.

Euron could clearly see in the crowd that Prince Rhaegar had shown mercy today—perhaps because he knew Oberyn was wounded, or perhaps because of his deep-seated guilt towards Oberyn's sister and wife, Princess Elia, which made his spear lose its usual decisiveness.

Oberyn struggled to his feet, removing his helmet adorned with serpent patterns to reveal a pale yet smiling face. He looked at Rhaegar—his brother-in-law—seated on horseback, and instead of anger at his defeat, gave him a clear, even grateful, smile. In that smile lay the unspoken understanding between warriors.

Prince Réga nodded slightly in response. Sunlight fell on his dark silver hair, and his figure remained noble, yet he seemed to bear a burden that no one could see.

The list of jousting partners was once again displayed, and when Euron Greyjoy's name appeared alongside Ser Oswell Hoan's, a meaningful whisper rippled through the stands.

This Ser Oswell Hoan was no ordinary knight. He wore the pure white scale armor of the Kingsguard, and was the last glory of the Hoan family in this tournament—his niece, Queen Ariana Hoan of Love and Beauty, whose four brothers had already been defeated in the previous matches, now all the hope and pressure rested on him alone.

But fate did not grant this white knight enough favor.

In yesterday's match, his opponent was Gregor Clegane, known for his terrifying strength and brutality. Although Sir Oswell ultimately won with his superb skills and extraordinary courage, he paid a heavy price: his gun-wielding arm was severely twisted when he parried the Mountain's overwhelming blows.

This pain became Euron's chance to win.

The duel began, and the two riders charged forward.

Sir Oswell endured the excruciating pain, attempting to ride his warhorse with perfect form, but each movement of lifting the heavy lance was sluggish and painful, his once rock-solid arms now struggling to maintain precise control of the direction.

In the first round, Euron's spear struck the edge of his shield with precision, the tremendous impact causing Sir Oswell to stagger and feel excruciating pain in his wound.

In the second round, Euron clearly noticed his opponent's weakness, and his attacks became increasingly focused on the injured side. Ser Oswell gritted his teeth and barely managed to parry the blow, but his pale face and the cold sweat beading on his forehead said it all.

The third round had just begun when the two clashed again. Just as their lances were about to collide, Sir Oswell's arm could no longer withstand the repeated tearing and pressure. It was clearly seen that his arm, which was tightly gripping the lance, suddenly went limp, and the lance slipped from his grasp and swung downwards.

Euron's spear tip seized the opportunity and struck his breastplate firmly.

The outcome is decided.

Sir Oswell was knocked from his horse. He lay on the sand, not immediately rising, but pressing his uninjured hand tightly against his aching shoulder, his eyes filled with resentment and helplessness. He had not lost to his opponent's skill, but to the pain he could not overcome.

Euron reined in his horse and removed his helmet. He had won, but with a hint of luck in his victory. He looked at the fallen white knight, his gaze holding little of the arrogance of a victor, but rather an examination of a gift of luck.

Euron reined in his horse and nimbly dismounted. He walked up to Oswell Hoan, the Kingsguard who was using his uninjured hand to support himself as he tried to rise from the sand.

Euron did not offer a helping hand—that would have been a greater insult to a defeated knight—but simply removed his helmet and tucked it under his arm.

Euron nodded slightly, his rough, sea-salt-like voice revealing little of the arrogance of victory, but rather a perfectly measured caution: "I am truly honored to have won by chance, Sir Riveran. If it weren't for the injuries you sustained yesterday in your fight against the Mountain, I would never have been able to gain such an advantage today."

Ser Oswell finally steadied himself, enduring the sharp pain in his shoulder. He raised his head, sweat and dust clinging to his resolute yet pale face. He gazed at Euron, his warrior eyes holding no resentment, only resigned acceptance and a hint of weariness. After a moment of silence, his voice, slightly hoarse from the pain, remained steady: "Luck is also part of strength. Victory is victory, no need for further words."

His words were brief and powerful, like the sword in his hand, acknowledging the outcome and defending his final dignity.

Euron won the match and became one of the top four.