Again not so much a quote as a scene - just after Ned's been attacked by Jaime in the streets of Kings Landing, and the start of his next chapter is a dream of the events at the Tower of Joy during Robert's rebellion:
'He dreamt an old dream, of three knights in white cloaks, and a tower long fallen, and Lyanna in her bed of blood.
In his dream, his friends rode with him, as they had in life. Proud Martyn Cassel, Jory's father; faithful Theo Wull; Ethan Glover, who had been Brandon's squire; Ser Mark Ryswell, soft of speech and gentle of heart; the crannogman, Howland Reed; Lord Dustin on his great red stallion...'
It goes on to describe their confrontation with the three remaining Kingsguard, Ser Arthur Dayne, Ser Oswell Whent and Ser Gerold Hightower. I just love the simple and beautiful interchange of dialogue between them, and then it ends:
'"The Kingsguard does not flee."
"Then or now," said Ser Arthur. He donned his helm.
"We swore a vow," explained old Ser Gerold.
Ned's wraiths moved up beside him, with shadow swords in hand. They were seven against three.
"And now it begins," said Ser Arthur Dayne, the Sword of the Morning. He unsheathed Dawn and held it with both hands. The blade was pale as milkglass, alive with light.
"No," Ned said with sadness in his voice. "Now it ends."'
Just a perfectly written scene, in my opinion. Left me wanting a seperate series about Robert's rebellion.
