Horace Altman/Bio & Battles

"You Rangers love being the puppet masters don't you?"

- Horace Altman to Halt and Will Treaty

Horace Altman is a character in the Ranger's Apprentice series. He was an orphan like Will and Alyss. Horace is a natural swordsman, being able to keep time to and memorize complex sword moves, as well as adding in an extra stroke. He is good friends with Will Treaty and Halt. Horace is married to Princess Cassandra of Araluan and is the father of Madelyn Altman.

Battle vs. Gregor Clegane (by Deathblade 100)
The Trident, Riverlands, Westeros

Sir Horace Altman, the Oakleaf Knight and premier knight of Araluen, rode through the destroyed village. His bay battlehorse, Kicker, trod down on the blood soaked cobbles. As he advanced, Horace noticed a dead man-at-arms lying on the ground next to his last victim; a man in a crimson tunic with a golden lion embroidered on his shield. As Horace looks down at the other man, taking note of the golden boars' head on the shield; symbolising a soldier in the employ of Baron Arald of Redmont Fief, a drumming sound filled the air.

As the knight looked up, he noticed a the largest man he had ever seen wearing thick, heavy steel plate. He was mounted on a stallion and carried a huge two-handed sword on his saddle. As he charged towards him, Horace stood his ground, before drawing his longsword and advancing at a slow gallop. Ser Gregor Clegane responded by drawing his greatsword and swinging it at the Araluen.

Horace unslung his buckler and parried the strike from The Mountain's sword, the impact sending the Oakleaf Knight sprawling. As The Mountain dismounted his horse, Horace studied the 8 foot man; noting the heavy plate armour he was wearing and the length of greatsword in his hand. Gregor swung his sword at Horace, who again parried the strike. Keeping his footing, Horace thrust forward with his longsword, catching Ser Gregor in his leg.

Gregor reached forward and swung his sword out of rage forcing Horace to jump back. As the Mountain catches his breath, Horace retaliates with a barrage of sword stokes forcing the giant knight to his knees. As Horace is about to deliver the killing blow, a strike from Clegane's greatsword knocks the longsword from the Araluen's hand. Horace swung his shield at the giant man, who promptly tears it out of the Araluen's grip. A back handed strike from Gregor sent the younger knight staggering, before The Mountain picked Horace off of the ground, with one hand, and smashed his head against a broken wall, killing the premier knight of Araluen.

Gregor picks up his greatsword and yelled "For the Lannisters!" in victory.

Expert's Opinion
Despite Horace's considerable skill at arms, he couldn't match the type of fighting that Gregor Clegane could bring nor could he have estimated the type of brute strength that The Mountain could muster. This is the reason why he won.

To see the original battle, votes and weapons, click here.