A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, #2)

by George R.R. Martin

“Was it Joffrey’s wish to dismiss Ser Barristan Selmy from his Kingsguard too?” Cersei sighed. “Joff wanted someone to blame for Robert’s death. Varys suggested Ser Barristan. Why not? It gave Jaime command of the Kingsguard and a seat on the small council, and allowed Joff to throw a bone to his dog. He is very fond of Sandor Clegane. We were prepared to offer Selmy some land and a towerhouse, more than the useless old fool deserved.” “I hear that useless old fool slew two of Slynt’s gold cloaks when they tried to seize him at the Mud Gate.” His sister looked very unhappy. “Janos should have sent more men. He is not as competent as might be wished.” “Ser Barristan was the Lord Commander of Robert Baratheon’s Kingsguard,” Tyrion reminded her pointedly. “He and Jaime are the only survivors of Aerys Targaryen’s seven. The smallfolk talk of him in the same way they talk of Serwyn of the Mirror Shield and Prince Aemon the Dragonknight. What do you imagine they’ll think when they see Barristan the Bold riding beside Robb Stark or Stannis Baratheon?” Cersei glanced away. “I had not considered that.” “Father did,” said Tyrion. “That is why he sent me. To put an end to these follies and bring your son to heel.”