Aemon, Arren, and Ser Jory each waited their turn and were able to ink their names on the melee roster. A few significant names stood out to see there, most notably Prince Duncan Targaryen, former heir to the Iron Throne; his brother Daeron's companion Ser Jeremy Norridge; Roger Reyne, the Red Lion of Castamere (his younger brother Reynard was also competing); Ser Jason Lannister, brother to the somewhat recently-ascended Lord Tytos; and the Lord of Storm's End himself, Ormund Baratheon. Also on the list was Ser Harlan Grandison, a knight of growing renown who was indeed a relative of the Rosemonts. His name would not be recognized by many, but the hedge knight Ser Donal was there too.
Brandon, too, had no trouble registering himself for the archery competition. His opponents would include Lord Gwayne Hightower, Lord Walder Frey (whom some were saying now was past his prime), and the two Kingsguard knights who were accompanying Princes Duncan and Daeron, Sers Tristifer Vance and Joffrey Darklyn. Ser Joffrey's squire and Lord Gwayne's younger brother, the teenaged Gerold Hightower, was also on the list. Meanwhile, Ser Jon and Ser Aegon added their names to a lengthy list of jousting participants which included Prince Duncan, Prince Daeron, Ser Jason, Lord Ormund, Lord Gwayne, and the host of the tourney itself, Lord Ronald Dondarrion.
"I think that's all of us," said Aegon. "You guys head back to camp, I'll catch up to you. I'm going to go check on Bal at the stables." Aemon and Arren remembered that, when they'd arrived, Ser Aegon had paid to keep his courser Balerion (the name being a bit of a tongue-in-cheek reference to Aegon's own) in the castle stables. To quote, he'd wanted "the best treatment for her, without having to do it myself!"
The Stalls
"Ah, the young ones come to see my wares," said the foreign merchant with a hospitable twinkle in his eye as the Rosemonts approached. "Well, you shall not be disappointed. I have traded all across the eastern continent for these goods, and you may not find them anywhere else here in Westeros." He began to walk around his wagon, holding up and talking about his variety of products. They were all fairly well-organized, with items of similar origin and/or purpose being placed near each other.
"Here I have coins from all nine of the Free Cities," said the man, holding up a few of them to see. Edmund could see that indeed, all nine currencies were represented. "Beautiful novelties to own, not to mention valuable - especially if you ever find yourself across the Narrow Sea!"
He then moved to a black wooden case, which he opened. "This is a game very popular in Volantis, known as cyvasse. It is played upon a board, and you must use these pieces here to kill your opponent's king piece. This case has all the parts you may need, in addition to a scroll containing the laws of the game."
Next was a selection of jewellery: rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. "These jewels come from everywhere you can name," said the man. "These ruby earrings were made in the Free City of Myr. This ring - you see how the tiny sapphire sparkles, yes? - comes from Qarth. And see this," he said, "The metal in this bracelet is amber, from Asshai. It is said to give the wearer uncanny good luck. And here's a necklace, enchanted by the alchemists of Lys. Whoever wears it will notice an improvement in their skills in bed."
Jeyne snorted. "You should buy that one, Robert," she teased.
The merchant moved over to a section of fascinating-looking arms, armour, and accessories. "And here," he announced, "Is some of my most prized merchandise. This blade is an arakh, used by the mighty Dothraki horselords. This is a helmet of the kind worn by the fearless Unsullied slave mercenaries. Here are some ceremonial knives, used by the priests of the Black Goat of Qohor. This is an axe, once held in the hands of a Bearded Priest of Norvos. And these gold bands," he said, holding them up, "Are worn by members of the Golden Company, one for each year of service." There were seven in total.
Hidden:
Rickard, Keegan, and Ardan came back around to the proper common area between the two Rosemont tents. Landry was there, practising sword play against a hastily-built straw dummy. The third Rosemont guard, Ferg, was nowhere to be seen.
"Dammit, as if taking care of you two wasn't enough," grumbled Rickard, "That [&@%!] Ferg keeps disappearing away to who-knows where." He looked around in frustration for a few moments, before finally settling his gaze on the twins. "Hey... wait a moment," he said. "You two are damned experts at sneaking off. Would you be able to help me find him?"
