Re: Back to Toria's room
At Tyrith's words, Jaehaerys' heart stopped. Had Elia misjudged? Had he? Geron he could take alone but if Tyrith attacked as well... He kept his face blank, but even his lifetime of practice couldn't entirely prepare him for the shock of Tyrith kneeling.
He could deny it, could insist Tyrith was mistaken. It might be a trap... and then Tyrith spoke the ancient oath of fealty and the trappings of the sailor Jaer melted away- the stance, the expression, and he stood before the Warden of the West and extended his hand to place it on Tyrith's head. "I Jaehaerys, do become your liege lord of life and limb," he said quietly as the tone of ceremony enveloped the room, "and of earthly worship, and that faith and truth I will receive of you, that I will requite."
He stepped back and offered his hand to Tyrith. "Well met once more, Lord Tyrith." This proved nothing, but that Tyrith offered allegiance and Jaehaerys knew well enough such an oath would demand a price. Still, it was not a sword to the heart and that was something. "How did you know me? Even Elia was not so quick to guess."