lerbook #353 - Chapter 87: Journey of Atonement (Part 2)
#353 - Chapter 87: Journey of Atonement (Part 2)
The High Sparrow stood upon the high steps, his voice as loud and firm as a bell, declaring: "Now, before you stands a sinner, Cersei of the House Lannister, also the mother of King Tommen. She has confessed to the grave sins of deceit and incest. This sinner has sincerely repented and begs the Seven for forgiveness. At this moment, the sinner is willing to cast aside all pride and pretense, to reveal her most raw and true self before the faithful of the city. Before the eyes of gods and men, she will walk this path of atonement, naked and bare."
As his words faded, the High Sparrow gestured slightly behind him. Two burly, muscular monks strode forward, seized the rough linen of Cersei's shift, and with a mighty heave, tore it apart. The thin garment ripped with a sharp 'snap' and fell to the ground in tatters. Then, three sisters slowly approached, each carrying a copper bell. Every seven steps, they would ring their bells and chant in unison: "Shame! Shame! Shame!"
Cersei, completely naked, without a single covering, trembled as she descended the steps and entered the thronging street. Fourteen knights clad in star-patterned armor quickly surrounded her, forming a solid wall. Behind them followed a company of Holy Swordsmen. Though the Church's actions were a great insult to the royal family, they would not allow Cersei to be in real danger. Should the fanatical crowd become too violent, these Church soldiers would immediately intervene and ensure Cersei's safe withdrawal.
The crowd's emotions were being stirred and grew restless. Some could no longer restrain themselves and began to shout abuse. Others threw refuse at Cersei—vegetable leaves, garbage, even excrement. But if anyone dared to throw stones or other heavy objects, the Starry Knights would immediately shield her with their bodies and shields. Then, they would mercilessly swing their clubs, beating anyone who dared, man or woman, young or old, until they were bloodied.
This approach proved an effective deterrent, preventing the crowd from taking more extreme actions. The Church's stance was clear: you may insult and humiliate Cersei to your heart's content, but you are absolutely forbidden from harming or actually touching her.
Even so, the public humiliation cut into Cersei's mind and body like a blade, leaving her devastated. She felt her body and soul were exhausted, on the verge of collapse. Yet, she struggled to lift her head, looking toward the Red Keep, so close. It stood like an impregnable fortress, giving Cersei a glimmer of hope and solace—once back inside, she would be safe!
Even covered in filth and with her feet bleeding and aching, she clenched her teeth and stubbornly persevered. The road was far longer and more arduous than she had imagined, filled with endless hardship and torment.
Finally, she reached the gates of the Red Keep. A large contingent of Lannister soldiers stood guard, their expressions solemn, their eyes averted, as still as statues, seemingly oblivious to what was happening before them.
The Church's warriors stopped at the bridge; they dared not cross the line. Before her lay the King's domain, which they would not easily trespass. Behind her was the jeering crowd, cursing her with the vilest words. The moment Cersei stepped onto the stone bridge, she could no longer contain her grief, and tears streamed down her face like a dam had broken.
Sobbing, she slowly walked into the castle. As the guards closed the gates, the heavy wooden doors seemed to shut out all the noise and malice from the outside world, leaving Cersei a moment of peace.
In the Red Keep's gatehouse, most of the Small Council had gathered, save for Tygett, who was at the front. They watched Cersei in silence, their eyes revealing coldness and disdain. Cersei's weeping elicited no sympathy or pity from them, only endless mockery and contempt.
Only Qyburn walked forward, carefully draping a long robe over her wounded, bloodstained body. He whispered, "It's all over now, Your Grace. It is good that you have returned safely. Your feet are injured and need immediate treatment." The Mountain, clad in heavy armor, strode forward and effortlessly swept the weakened Cersei into his arms, then, expressionless, stared straight ahead and marched into the Red Keep.
Cersei scanned her surroundings with weary, wary eyes but did not see Tommen. An indescribable mix of emotions flooded her heart: disappointment, anger, and a faint glimmer of relief. These feelings intertwined like tangled threads, leaving her feeling suffocated.
The handmaidens moved quickly, gently washing away the filth and blood, but she still felt as though her body was shrouded in an invisible layer of grime, which no amount of cleansing could completely remove.
After the handmaidens quietly withdrew, Cersei slowly walked to the large mirror and gazed silently at her reflection. Her eyes gradually hardened with resolve, as if she had rediscovered a long-lost strength deep within.
"Family, status, position—all are illusions; only power is eternal..." Cersei murmured to herself, her voice soft but filled with unwavering determination. "I will never allow anyone to trample me underfoot again, to abuse me at will!" She bit her lip, vowing to reclaim everything she had lost and make those who had harmed her pay a terrible price.
That night, a company of Lannister cavalry rode roughshod through the city as if it were empty. Leading them was Ser Jaime, the Kingslayer, now like an enraged lion, radiating a chilling aura! Jaime knew of the day's events; the fire of his rage burned fiercely, and he wanted nothing more than to lead his men up Visenya's Hill and slaughter those vile people. However, when he thought of the outrageous humiliation Cersei had suffered, his concern for her instantly suppressed his fury, and he unhesitatingly spurred his horse onward, heading straight for the Red Keep.