King Robert's royal entourage, like a torrent of steel made of gold, silver, and bronze, slowly advanced northward along the Kingsroad, with the crowned stag banners of House Baratheon fluttering in the wind.
The Kingsguard rode at the very front of the procession; Ser Meryn Trant and Ser Boros Blount wore splendid pure white enameled scale armor. In contrast, the Winterfell cavalry, Jory Cassel, Hal Mollen, and others who greeted them, had shabby armor; the Winterfell soldiers wore gray plate armor, and their cloaks behind them looked as tattered and humble as rags.
The Kingsguard wore white cloaks, white boots, and white helmets, their faces hidden behind white visors.
The Kingsguard's pure white armor and attire were a stark contrast to Benjen's all-black clothing.
Sansa, Weese Poole, Little Beth Cassel, Bran, and others shrieked and smiled at the Kingsguard, the white knights fulfilling their fantasies.
However, when the white knights removed their visors, Bran, Sansa, and the others were somewhat disappointed. Ser Meryn Trant had drooping eye bags, and his hair and beard looked like rust. Boros Blount had a flat nose, loose facial muscles, and an ugly appearance, and he was also bow-legged.
"Is this really the Kingsguard?" Sansa whispered in disappointment. "It's not like this in the songs!"
Jaime the Kingslayer rode over, immediately rescuing the disappointed girls. Sansa, Jeyne, and Little Beth all blushed.
Jaime the Kingslayer's golden hair fluttered, he was tall and handsome, the sunlight seemed to crown him, his emerald eyes sparkled with amusement, and a sharp, blade-like smile played on his face. He did not wear the traditional white and white armor of the Kingsguard, but instead chose to wear golden-yellow armor.
Robb clicked his tongue in wonder, "Just like in the songs, the kingslayer wears pure gold plate armor."
Jon chuckled, "That's just gilded plate armor. Only Tywin Lannister's armor is pure gold."
Because Jon spoke loudly, Jaime the Kingslayer heard him. Jaime turned his horse around, scrutinizing Jon with a smile, "Boy, you seem to know House Lannister well, you even know about my father's golden armor. I thought no one in the distant North knew about us Lannisters!"
Jon said, "Even in the distant North, singers and storytellers still praise the glorious deeds of the kingslayer. The songs tell that in the Throne Room, under the gaze of the dragon skulls, before the iron throne, you wielded a golden sword and cut the throat of Mad King Aerys with a single stroke."
Jaime's smile gradually stiffened and vanished, "Boy, are you a Stable Hand or a kitchen boy? How dare you mock me?"
Tyrion the Imp came wobbling over with his large head. He was a dwarf, only 1.35 meters tall, with thick arms and legs, and a disproportionately large head. His eyes were one black and one green as he looked at Jon.
"Brother, you're mistaken. Although the nobles of the North don't like to wear lavish clothes, this child's wool tunic is clearly better than a Stable Hand's or a kitchen boy's. He looks about fourteen, with black hair and a long face, typical House Stark features. So I deduce that if he's not Lord Eddard's eldest son, then he must be the bastard!"
Jon nodded slightly, looking down at the dwarf.
"Tyrion, you're right, I am indeed Lord Eddard's bastard."
The dwarf narrowed his eyes, "A child your age, if publicly called a bastard, would usually show anger or agitation, yet you are very calm. It seems you are more mature than your peers."
"My elder brother is a famous knight, so it's reasonable that you know him. But why do you know me too?"
Jon smiled, "Because you look... very distinctive, and completely different from your brother. Tyrion, I know your nickname is the Imp, and I also know you like to find prostitutes."
Tyrion chuckled, "It seems my little hobby has even reached Winterfell! I should probably be more discreet in the future."
Tyrion traveled north with the royal entourage. They passed through The Neck and Stony Sept. The North was vast and sparsely populated, making the journey very long. Fortunately, Tyrion could seek comfort from prostitutes along the way; both the prostitutes of The Neck and those of Stony Sept made Tyrion very happy.
Now that they had arrived at Winterfell, as soon as Tyrion dismounted, he sent his Squire, Jake and Morris, to inquire about the prostitutes in Mole's Town.
Riding for days had made Tyrion's thighs ache. He longed for a good rest, but the King and Queen's palace carriage had not yet arrived, so Tyrion could only wait at the gate with everyone else.
Tyrion took the opportunity to observe the House Stark children. Lord Eddard's eldest son had reddish-brown hair, a handsome face, and a sturdy build. Sansa had reddish-brown hair, beautiful and dignified. Bran had chestnut hair and blue eyes. The youngest son, Rickon, also had red hair and blue eyes.
Tyrion felt that, compared to Robb and Bran, the bastard Jon Snow had more of a Northern feel. And there was also that thin, horse-faced girl Arya; they all had the typical long faces of House Stark.
The King's palace carriage finally arrived, and King Robert stepped out.
"Eddard, it's so good to see you. So many years have passed, and you really haven't changed at all!"
In his youth, Robert was tall and mighty, cleanly shaven, with clear eyes. Wherever he went, he would always make maidens and young wives feel a flutter in their hearts.
But ever since he put down the Greyjoy rebellion of the Iron Islands nine years ago, and The Beggar King Viserys and Princess Daenerys continued their flight across the Narrow Sea, King Robert felt his realm was secure. He began to indulge in drinking and pleasure, sowing his seed everywhere. Alcohol and women made Robert fat, he would pant when he walked, and he sweated easily. Robert had to spray various perfumes to mask the smell of sweat.
Queen Cersei walked over with her children. Cersei had golden hair and green eyes, wearing a pale green silk gown, beautiful as the morning sun, truly the Light of the West. However, Cersei's arrogance was clear; when Eddard and Catelyn bowed to her, she didn't even glance at them.
Twelve-year-old Prince Joffrey was tall for his age, with golden hair and green eyes, dressed in a crimson and golden silk coat embroidered with roaring lions and crown stags (house sigil). Joffrey looked at ancient Winterfell, and his first glance showed disdain.
Sandor Clegane the Hound walked beside Joffrey. The left side of his face was a mangled mess, his left ear burned. He was tall, with cold, hard eyes. Sansa gasped in fear the moment she saw The Hound Sandor, and Weese Poole, Little Beth, Jeyne, and others turned their heads away in fright.
In contrast, eight-year-old Princess Myrcella and seven-year-old Tommen were much more polite. They warmly greeted Sansa, Arya, Bran, and the others.
King Robert and Eddard introduced their respective children. Robb, Bran, Arya, Sansa, and the others, in turn, exchanged pleasantries with the King and Queen, and received their approval.
As for Jon, a bastard was not suitable for such an occasion. He stood in a hidden corner.
King Robert said, "Eddard, take me to the crypts. I want to see an old friend of mine."
Everyone knew implicitly that Robert wanted to see Lyanna, who now lay in the crypts. Robert's love for Lyanna, the winter rose, was well-known throughout Westeros.
Cersei snorted, "Everyone has been jostling on the Kingsroad for so long, and the North is cold. We should wash up and then dine in the Great Hall. If you're so eager to see a dead person, there's no need to rush."
Robert said coldly, "You insolent woman, are you telling me what to do?"
Jaime put his arm around Cersei's waist and pulled the Queen away.
The golden twins of House Lannister were intimately close. Jon suspected they would soon find a place to release their passions.
"my lord, please allow me to carry the torch and light the way for the King!" Jon quickly stepped forward.
Lord Eddard was somewhat caught off guard; he didn't want Jon near the King. "Jon, you don't need to."
Robert said nonchalantly, "Someone has to carry the torch, so take this young man along!" The King had spoken, so Lord Eddard could only accept.
Jon held the torch high, leading Robert and Eddard into the crypts.