The Gardens - 598

[Marie]

"I'm sure the king would be glad to hear that," Benjen said with a laugh that made it hard to tell if he was being serious or not. "Do you mean to seek the king's service?"

[Ser Kyle Payne]

"My father is the king's man anyhow. I would like to pledge my service to another of the royal family -Queen Joanna, perhaps- that I may have different opportunity than my father had. Just a thought."

[Marie]

"What would you do for the Queen?" Benjen asked. "You'll not usurp my place, I guarantee, and the White Swords have the job of guarding the royal family."

[Ser Kyle Payne]

"Ser Benjen, I would not seek to remove you from the Queen's side, but rather... stand at yours. I look to help here, and I will do whatever I can do do so."

[Marie]

"What can you do?" Benjen asked. "Can you fight?"

[Ser Kyle Payne]

"I am not the finest spearman out there, but yes, I can fight. I have also been told that I can negotiate quite well."

[Marie]

"You have a fancy to be a diplomat then?"

[Ser Kyle Payne]

"It all depends where I am needed. If I am needed to head a cavalry charge against the Clans, I shall do so. If I am to help a defendant stand trial, I shall do so. If I am to bow my head to lords I do not like in order to gain favor among those that I do care for, I shall do so."

[Marie]

"That's not for me to say," Benjen answered. "The Queen will be glad to hear of your loyalty but I do not know that she needs another sworn man. You said you are not the greatest spearman in the world. Can you wield a sword or shoot a bow?"

[Ser Kyle Payne]

"Aye. I can hit a moving target well enough. If necessary, I can take down an enemy without a weapon." Kyle involuntarily flexed his hands as he thought of what they were capable of.

[Marie]

"You have training in unarmed combat?" Benjen asked, his eyes lighting up with interest.

[Ser Kyle Payne]

"Aye. I have rarely had to use it, but when I have..." Kyle closed his eyes solemnly, "The results were not the best for my opponent."

[Marie]

Benjen laughed.

"I'd like to see that, Unfortunately I think the Queen would expect a little more refinement but perhaps there is a job that would suit you. Have you considered joining the Gold Cloaks?"

[Ser Kyle Payne]

"I have not. I have only heard rumors, but I would at least like to know what their duty entails."

[Marie]

That made Benjen laugh even louder.

"Gods be good man, how can you not have heard of the Gold Cloaks?"