Page 6: The Kingsguard

The Kingsguard is an elite group of the seven most skilled knights in Westeros that serve as the royal bodyguard of the King of the Seven Kingdoms. Their duty is to protect the King and the royal family at all times. They are sworn to serve for life and are forbidden from owning land, taking a wife or bearing children. The Kingsguard is led by the Lord Commander.

Jaime Lannister is the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and in that role sits on the Small Council.


Barristan Selmy is one of the best swordsmen in all the kingdom. After he is dismissed as Lord Commander of the Kingsguard by King Joffrey to be replaced by his uncle Jaime, Barristan makes his way across the Narrow Sea to offer his services to Daenerys Targaryen. 

Meryn Trant is cruel and is well-suited to protecting King Joffrey. He obeys his every order regardless of how ridiculous or cruel they may be. 

Sandor Clegane aka The Hound, deserts his position during the Battle of the Blackwater. He is taciturn and brutal but not without compassion. He is appointed to the brotherhood, but refuses to take vows. He is King Joffrey's personal bodyguard. 

Sandor Clegane leaves King's Landing during the Battle of the Blackwater because is horrified at and terrified by Tyrion Lannister's use of wildfire during that battle. After Sandor leaves King's Landing he is captured by the Brotherhood Without Banners (an outlaw group working against Lannister interests and protecting the common folk of Westeros) who are also holding Arya Stark and Gendry (King Robert's bastard). He manages to flea and capture Arya whom he wishes to deliver to her mother who is attending a wedding.  When they arrive at the Red Wedding, they witness the massacre and leave.