Ch9 Pg 15 (Alternate Ending)
A dimly lit castle hallway outside Garerit's chamber. Two royal servants, dressed in the king's colors, stand outside his door, clutching daggers and whispering nervously.
Servant 1 (whispering): "The king's orders are clear. We take him now, before he wakes.”
Servant 2 (gulping, hesitant): "I don't like this... He defeated giants, you know.”
Inside the chamber, Garerit lies in bed, eyes shut but smirking slightly. He begins to talk in his "sleep" voice loud enough for the servants to hear.
Garerit (muttering, half-laughing): "Boy, make the jacket for me and patch the trousers, or I will hit you across your ears with a yardstick!”
Outside the door, the two servants freeze, startled by his words.
Servant 1 (whispering, wide-eyed): "Did you hear that?”
Servant 2 (sweating): "He... he must be dreaming about his tailoring days…"
Garerit, still lying down, raises his voice, his words carrying a quiet menace.
SB Garerit (muttering, louder): "I have struck down seven with one blow, killed two giants, led away a unicorn, and captured a wild boar, and I am supposed to be afraid of those who are standing just outside the bedroom?”
The two servants' faces twist with terror as they exchange frantic looks. Both servants rush down the hallway, abandoning their mission.
Servant 1 (panicked, whispering): "Seven with one blow... Giants... The boar... Oh, heavens, what are we doing here?”
Servant 2 (turning to run): "Forget this! I want to live!”
(Ch9 Pg15 Panel 6 - medium)
In the royal throne room, the two frightened servants kneel before the king, shaking. The king frowns, rubbing his chin, realizing that no one will dare move against Garerit now.
Servant 1 (stammering): "Your Majesty... we couldn't do it. The tailor—he is too dangerous, even in his sleep!”
Servant 2 (bowing deeply): "Forgive us, but we dare not cross him. We will not try again.”
Ch9 Pg 16
The royal throne room, where the king sits on his throne, looking displeased but resigned. Garerit stands confidently before him, arms crossed, while the court watches in awe.
King (grudgingly): "You have bested every challenge, tailor. The throne recognizes your deeds.”
Courtier (whispering to another courtier): "A common tailor... now a legend.”
The king gestures to a herald, who holds a royal decree. The court erupts into murmurs, some impressed, others shocked.
Herald (reading aloud): "By royal decree, Garerit is granted noble status, a place at the king's table, and lands befitting his station.”
The princess watches from the sidelines, her face a mixture of admiration and sadness.
Princess (softly to herself): "He is remarkable... But he was never mine to keep.”
Garerit, standing in the royal garden with the prince, places a hand on his friend's shoulder. The prince looks at him with deep gratitude.
Garerit (smiling warmly): "She loves you. And you are my friend. I would not take happiness from you.”
A grand wedding scene, where Garerit marries a Duke's daughter. They stand at the altar in a grand cathedral, surrounded by nobles and commoners alike. The princess watches, a bittersweet smile on her face.
A sprawling countryside estate where Garerit and his wife live. Garerit, now dressed in fine noble attire, stands overlooking his land. His wife joins him, and they share a contented glance.
