Ser Garlan laid a hand on Will's shoulder and smiled. "I thought we'd said all that already. Besides—you saved me yourself."
They both laughed, but Will's smile faltered. "I only wish we'd saved your two knights."
Garlan's face darkened with regret. "Ser Eric and Ser Bob—my squire days companions. We trained together, were knighted together… they swore fealty to me. I thought we'd fight side by side until we couldn't wield sword or mount horse."
A wave of guilt washed over Will. His arrival at Widow's Watch had altered so many fates—some for the better, some for the worse. He vowed silently: I'll make this right for him.
Garlan caught Will's tense expression and shook his head with a sad smile. "They kept their oaths to the very end. A knight's path should be no other way."
Will drew a breath. "Tell me, do you swear before gods and men to defend the weak, protect women and children, obey crown and liege, and fight ever bravely, no matter how dark the road or humble the duty?"
Garlan closed his eyes, savoring the words. "I've never heard that oath—but it captures the true knight's spirit. Eric and Bob embodied it."
Will nodded. "As do you."
They resumed their walk toward the camp gates. Will couldn't help teasing, "Once we bid farewell to Ser Aegon, you'll have to say goodbye to me again."
Garlan laughed. "We're this far—surely we can 'drop by' Highgarden on our way? What's so urgent?"
Will shrugged. "Your father—the Lord of Highgarden, Lord Mace—doesn't much care to see me."
Garlan's eyes widened. "Truly? That's… rather rude. Forgive me, friend."
Will waved him off. "No harm done. I've been away from Oldtown too long anyway. Best I return sooner."
Garlan stared at him in disbelief—Will had been gone mere days! Embarrassed, Garlan cleared his throat. "Will you come to my wedding?"
"You know I'll be there," Will grinned and patted him on the back. "Just send word—I'll be at the high table!"
They reached Margaery's carriage. The three young Tyrell ladies hovered shyly, glancing between the two knights. Will called out jovially, "Margaery—how does it feel to see Ser Garlan on his feet so soon?"
Margaery's tone was cool: "Quite well, thank you." She shot Garlan a pointed look. "This is the last time, right, brother?" Her emphasis on last was unmistakable.
Garlan raised his hands in mock surrender. "All for Will's sake… very well, last time."
Will stepped forward, locking eyes with Margaery. "Seeing him safe—Lord Willas will be pleased too, won't he?" He pronounced safe with dramatic weight.
Margaery's breath caught; her pupils flickered. "Of course."
Will smiled wryly. "I heard about Lord Willas's fate—such a pity."
Garlan couldn't help adding, "Aye—it was years ago. His wounds were grievous; the maesters did all they could."
Will's voice dropped. "Some injuries call for miracles."
Garlan grinned. "Miracles are rare. But Lord Willas—a fine man—never held it against them. William, when next in Highgarden, I'll introduce you. You'll like him."
Margaery forced a smile—something unsettled lingered in her eyes. "Next time?"
"Yes," Will said. "I must return to Oldtown soon. I'd love to meet Willas, but that'll have to wait."
Margaery paused in surprise; Garlan gave a rueful smirk. "My father refused Ser William entry to Highgarden."
Will shrugged with effortless calm. Margaery's cheeks colored with something like regret; she dipped into a formal curtsy. "My apologies for my father's discourtesy."
Her skirts swirled as she rose, meeting Will's steady gaze—his confidence there, her resolve shining bright.
When the morning mist burned away and the sun shone clear, Garlan and Margaery watched Will ride off into the distance. Though they'd spent only days together, his departure left a bittersweet ache.
A thunder of hooves broke their reverie: a rider bearing a hastily scrawled letter galloped in. A servant delivered it to Garlan. "My lord, an urgent dispatch from Highgarden."
Garlan broke the seal and groaned. "Grandmother again—inviting Will to Highgarden. Really…" He smiled as he handed the note to Margaery. "I must chase him."
Margaery took the letter, grasped Garlan's hand, and held on. He looked puzzled.
"Tell her… he's gone far beyond reach," Margaery murmured, head bowed, fingers entwined with his.
Garlan's hand fell to her hair in gentle understanding. "Indeed. Far beyond."