A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms - George R. R. Martin

Set nearly a century before the events of A Song of Ice and Fire, George R. R. Martin’s Tales of Dunk and Egg provide a grounded perspective on the history of Westeros. The collection follows the travels of Ser Duncan the Tall, a humble hedge knight, and his squire Egg, a young prince who secretly belongs to the Targaryen dynasty. Across three novellas, the duo navigates a kingdom recovering from rebellion, participating in knightly tournaments and resolving local feudal disputes. Unlike the sprawling political warfare of the main series, these stories focus on a personal bond that bridges the gap between the peasantry and the ruling class. The narrative explores themes of true chivalry, social hierarchy, and the evolving friendship between a commoner and a future king. Ultimately, these works enrich the lore of the Seven Kingdoms by highlighting the everyday struggles of its inhabitants through a more optimistic lens.