Hearing such a mystical answer, William relaxed and smiled, about to explain the principle of energy conservation to Margery. To him, magic was merely another form of energy—it didn't truly disappear. The act of using magic was just converting it into another form, no different in essence from light energy or wind energy, all gifts of nature.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps came from outside the tent, approaching them. Reluctantly, William paused his little lecture, walking over to Margery to look toward the entrance together. Soon, the tent flap was lifted, and a man with graying hair and beard stepped in first. His distinctive robe and heavy necklace marked him as a Maester. Aegon and Osmund followed closely behind.
"Maester Lomys!" Margery greeted him with delight, while William quietly felt relieved—the Maester had arrived much sooner than expected.
"My dear Margery, you must have been worried, but all is well now," Maester Lomys said kindly, looking at her.
Margery reached toward William. "Maester, this is William Whent of Harrenhall."
William quickly bowed. "Greetings, Maester!"
Lomys glanced at William briefly. "I'll check on Garlan first—pardon my rudeness." He then walked over to the bedside. An assistant-like servant squeezed past Aegon and Osmund, carrying a medical kit, joining Lomys in attending to the patient.
Margery stepped closer to the Maester with concern, while William, being discreet, moved to the corner of the tent to stand with Aegon and Osmund. The three exchanged a few quiet words and then waited silently.
It wasn't long before Lomys tucked the blankets neatly around Garlan, explained the examination, and then looked at Margery with a relaxed expression. "Garlan's condition is far better than I expected. His wounds aren't serious; he likely lost consciousness only due to excessive blood loss."
Margery, who had been tense, relaxed and smiled. "Seven Gods be praised!" She also seemed relieved that the Maester hadn't questioned the magic.
The three in the corner appeared visibly pleased as well. William was putting on a performance, but Osmund truly exhaled in relief. After all, Garlan had accompanied him, and if anything had happened to him, Osmund would have been partly responsible.
"Ser Vernon is merely a temporary physician, under considerable pressure. It's understandable if he exaggerated the severity of the injury—though I appreciate your journey here from so far away," William silently praised Margery in his mind for adding that remark.
Lomys stroked his graying beard, deeply satisfied. "Seeing Garlan safe and sound, nothing else matters, child." He then turned to Osmund. "Ser Osmund, Garlan should wake by tomorrow morning. Perhaps we should plan to depart then."
Osmund nodded in agreement. "Very well, Maester. Please allow me to make the necessary arrangements."
Aegon and William also took their leave. Lomys nodded. "Gentlemen, please be at ease. William… Ser, may I have a word?"
William paused, then smiled confidently. "At your command."
After Osmund and Aegon left, Lomys said to Margery, "Child, watch over Garlan for a moment. I'll speak with Ser William."
Margery and William exchanged a glance. William gave her a confident smile and followed Lomys out.
They hadn't gone far when Lomys stopped a few steps outside the tent, gazing at the stars in the night sky. When William caught up, Lomys turned to him. "Ser William, Lord Mace wishes for you not to go to Highgarden."
"Huh?" William was momentarily stunned, then quickly understood. "As expected of Lord Pupperfish!" He realized the matter between him and Margery must have reached Mace's ears. Though his pursuit of Margery had been for magic, to outsiders it looked like flirting. And with Mace, determined to become the King's Hand, he naturally would not view William favorably.
Seeing William trying not to laugh, Lomys chuckled himself. "Lord Mace can be a bit impulsive at times. It will pass in a while."
William couldn't help but smile. "In that case, I won't be an unwelcome guest. Tomorrow, when Garlan wakes, I'll bid him farewell and then leave on my own."
Lomys regarded William with an appreciative glance, then chatted with him a few more minutes about the old town and the Maester city before William took his leave.
Sure enough, Garlan woke the next morning. When William walked in, he saw a servant clearing the dishes—Garlan's appetite seemed good.
"Long time no see, Garlan," William teased lightly.
Garlan nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, it's been so long it feels like a lifetime."
They embraced briefly, patting each other's backs firmly, then shared a smile that said more than words ever could.
Garlan pushed aside the servant who came to support him and stood. "Ser Aegon is about to set out. Shall we go see them off?"
"Sounds good. I'd like to meet Ser Aegon as well," William said, confident in the effect of the healing spell and not the least concerned about Garlan's condition.
The two stepped outside, greeted by fresh, damp air that invigorated them. Dawn was just breaking, and the camp shrouded in thin mist was already bustling with activity.
They walked at a leisurely pace. Garlan stretched his arms, expanded his chest, and exhaled. "At that moment, I truly thought I could let everything go," he said quietly.
"Even Miss Fossoway?" William asked teasingly.
Garlan laughed and tapped William's arm.
As they reached the roadside, the Highgarden cavalry began to depart. Seeing the two by the road, Aegon approached to chat with Garlan. The knights saluted as they passed, while William lingered to bid farewell. Aegon and his riders would continue south, aiming to eliminate any invaders near Sharphorn Keep.
Watching the cavalry ride off, Garlan couldn't resist teasing William. "William, when did you become so popular among Highgarden's knights? Even I can't compare."
"Of course, it's because of yesterday's battle," William replied.
Recalling the bloody fight, a shiver ran through him. Saving Ten Mile Town was the greatest historical change he had made since coming to Westeros, yet the cost had nearly been his own life—and he almost lost Garlan too. Thinking of this, he put away his smile and looked at Garlan seriously. "I owe you my life, Garlan."