GAME OF THRONES
HOUSE STRYDER
FEAR OUR SWORDS
Chapters
1. House Stryder
2. Love at First Sight
3. Bane Stryder
4. Tanon Stryder
5. In the Name of Love
Part 1. Nathan's Plan
Part 2. Rescue
6. Consequences
7. The Wolf and the Sword
8. Lord Nathan Stryder
Part 1. Betrayal
Part 2. The Wedding
9. The King is Dead
Part 1. Poisoned
Part 2. Trial By Combat
10. The Fall of the Dread Fort
11. War of the Iron Isles
12. United
13. Siege of Harranhal
14. The Tyrells
15. Battle of the Twins
16. King Rickon Stark
17. And Now My Watch Begins
18. Invasion of the Westerlands
19. All the Queen's Men
20. Stannis Baratheon
22. Peace
Persona
Owen Stryder - Lord of House Stryder and castle Guardstone
Amelia Stryder nee' Glover – Wife of Owen Stryder
Bane Stryder – Brother of Owen Stryder member of the King's Guard
Tanon Stryder – Youngest Brother of Owen Stryder Master Ranger of the Night's Watch
Killen Stryder – Only living cousin of Owen Stryder Captain of the House Guard
Nathan Stryder – 18 Eldest son of Owen and Amelia Stryder
Roen Stryder – 17 Second son of House Stryder
The Twins Irene and Ester Stryder – 15 Daughters of Owen Stryder
Michael Stryder - 12 Youngest son of Owen Stryder
Caully Stryder – 18 Bastard of Bane Stryder given the family name
Daven Stryder – 17 Bastard of Bane Stryder given the family name
Jane Coster – Mother of Caully and Daven Stryder
Victor Stryder – Spy for House Stryder trained by the faceless men
Chapter 1. House Stryder
For Thousands of years House Stryder has lived in defiance of House Stark. Not since the six month siege of Guardstone castle (or the bloody war) have the Stryders answered the call to arms. The Stryders did not give aid in the Targaryen invasion. They did not help in any of the Iron Born Rebellions or the war against the mad King. For thousands of years House Stryder has lived in isolation from the rest of the north. Despite their defiance the Stryders always paid tribute to House Stark and never raised sword against the Starks.
Often referred to as the Lannisters of the North because Stryder lands are rich in Valaryen Steel. All Stryder weapons are made of Valaryan steel. From the arrow and spear heads to swords. The Stryders are master forgers, swordsman, and weapon makers. People from all over Westeros come to buy Valaryen steel weapons or to learn from the sword masters of Guardstone. Tywin Lannister paid a hefty price to have Sword Master Ivan Stryder to teach his son Jaime Lannister the sword. Ramsay Snow is currently at Guardstone learning the sword from Killen Stryder.
The words of House Stryder, FEAR OUR SWORDS!' Their Sigil is a silver S on a round shield with four swords behind the shield evenly spaced in an X with the cross guards and pummels sticking out with two inches of sword. The background of the sigil is a light sky blue, the shield is black with silver trim and outline along with the swords in the same color. Guardstone is located north of Winterfell on the west side of Long Lake at the very edge in between two mountains. The castle has two towers for archers, tribuchets, and ballistae. The main gate has two stone men on their knees facing each other in side profile with their swords crossing the main entrance. To open the gates the two stone swords slide backwards to reveal the main gate made of Valaryen steel, the inner gate which opens left and right has valaryen steel beam across the holds. The Stryders have a standing army of fifty thousand men. The largest army in all the north.
Owen Stryder is six and half feet tall, very muscular, with clean shaven head and face. He sits at the head of the table at a meeting with his house councilors. To his right sits his cousin the Captain of his house guard Killen Stryder. On his immediate left sits his Castelen Jon Coster brother of Jane Coster. Next on the right is Maester Pevin. Across from Pevin is Reed Fister House Steward and lady Amelia sits at the other end. Etched onto the table is the sigil of House Stryder.
"Winter is coming…" Owen said looking at everyone. "Reed…Do we have enough food in store for winter…"
"After we paid our tribute to House Stark in animals, grain, gold, and weapons we have enough food for five years…That includes the army…"
Killen clears his throat, "Perhaps we should consider releasing a few thousand men…Let them go home…The less mouths we have to feed the better…"
Owen shakes his head, "House Stryder has always had its army ready for war at full strength…Even though we never get to use it…" Everyone laughs.
"What is the status of our coffers…" Amelia asks.
"Overflowing…" Reed replies.
"The Tyrells always have food…We send a Raven asking for cattle, sheep, chickens, fruits, vegetables, corn, flour, and wine…"
"You heard my wife…Send a Raven Maester Pevin…We can receive our order by boat…Daven can take 2,000 men to White Harbor…"
Owen looks at Jon Coster, "We have received a missive from House Forrester in regards to a proposal of marriage between Maria Forrester and your son Nathan…"
"An alliance with House Forrester will put us in a feud with the Whitehills and they are a Banner of House Bolton…" Killen said speaking up, "And I don't want our family getting in the middle of that…"
Owen looks at Killen, but it is Maester Pevin who speaks, "Also the Boltons might argue that this is a grab for power by House Stryder…"
"On the upside it gives us access to Ironwood a good companion with Valaryen Steel…" Reed says which earns him a disapproving look from Owen and Amelia.
"Family and Blood before glory and power…" Amelia says.
Owen smiles at his wife feeling the same way, "Send the Forresters an invitation to Guardstone…We will allow our son to look upon Lady Maria…If he fancies her then we talk marriage…If not…oh well…Then no one can say we are grabbing at power…" Owen looks at Killen, "What make you of my squire Inguss?"
"Good lad…Hard worker…skillful with a sword and throwing blades…"
Owen sits back in his chair, "Good for I intend to Knight him…" everyone at the table claps.
"What of Michael? He turns thirteen in a few days…" Maester Pevin says, "By the laws of House Stryder he is due a sword…"
"Why not combine everything…" Amelia says speaking up, "We invite the Forresters…We Knight Inguss, and sword Michael all in one night…"
Owen winks at his wife just as Maester Pevin's apprentice walks in and hands him a letter whispering in his ear. "Fine idea beloved…"
"My Lord…This just arrived from King's Landing…"
Owen breaks the seal of the King's Guard and reads in silence, "Well what is it?" Amelia asks brushing her hair to the side.
"Jon Arryn is dead…The King will be making a journey to Winterfell…"
"No doubt he will ask Lord Eddard Stark to be his new Hand…" Jon Coster said, "Perhaps we should prepare a gift for the King…I am sure other families of the North will do the same when they learn that the King is coming North…" Jon was a strategist and power hungry. His sister had caught the eye of Bane Stryder and despite the fact that her children were bastards Owen bestowed the family name on her children and moved Jane into Guardstone. She in turn after much begging from her brother asked Lord Owen to give her brother a position in the house. Inguss quickly proved himself and moved up the ranks to become Castallen of Guardstone. Despite all his machinations he was loyal to House Stryder. "And send a letter of condolence to Lady Arryn…"
Owen sighs, "As my forbearers have done…I have sworn an oath never to set foot in Winterfell…"
"Your sons have made no such oath…" Amelia says speaking up, "By the time the King arrives our business with the Forresters will be concluded…Send Nathan and Roen to Winterfell on your behalf…"
Owen nods and looks at Jon, "Prepare a chest of five thousand gold swords…and armor made of Valaryen Steel fit for a King…"
"We have lots of armor in the armory…It will have to be let out some…The King is…wider than he used to be…" Everyone laughs in a respectful manner, "…but by the time he arrives it should be ready…"
"Also have the black smith etch the crowned stag in gold on the breastplate…" Owen stands then his wife and then the rest of the House Council, "If there be nothing else…Then summon the family to the great hall…This letter must be read for all…"
Nathan Stryder the eldest son and heir of Guardstone, practices swordplay against his longtime friend Barn Gert a Knight of Guardstone. Barn is armed with a broadsword while Nathan fights with twin practice blades. The twins Irene and Ester watch as their elder brother struggles back and forth with Barn. When Nathan disarms Barn Irene hands her sister a gold coin.
"You lasted longer this time…" Nathan says offering his hand to Barn who is on his back.
"I will never be as good as you…"
Nathan nods in agreement, "True, but keep practicing…"
Not too far from the two Ramsay Snow duels sword master Nigel Gert. Ramsay is armed with two swords as well. He disarms Nigel's right sword then his left. Nigel smiles, "The student has become the master…There is no more I can teach you…"
"Thank you master…" Ramsay says.
Roen is at the wheel, a pole that spins round and round with a blade at the feet and another blade at neck level. One miss jump or duck and he could lose his head or feet. Sweat covers his body as he has no shirt or tunic on. In a wooden arena Michael the youngest of the Stryder siblings fights his cousin Daven with a practice sword.
"Young Masters!" Maester Pevin yells from the steps down to the courtyard, "Come to the great hall…Your father wishes to see you all…"
The Main hall is decorated in silver, blue and black. A white bear skin sits by the fire place. The great sword Stryder's Heart sits on a rack behind Owen's throne, beneath the stone sigil on the wall. The two brothers Caully and Daven join them. "Where is your mother?" Owen asks.
"I'll fetch her uncle…"
A few minutes later Daven returns with his mother Jane Coster. A beautiful woman with long black hair and a curvy body to match. A milk maid from a farm on Stryder lands. Bane Stryder was hurt while hunting and his hunting company stopped by the farm so that he could recuperate. Jane's father had been sent to the wall for stealing. When Bane Stryder saw her he seduced her and she became pregnant. This was during Owen's wedding celebration which lasted a week. Zurren Stryder in anger sent his son to King's Landing and forced him to join the King's Guard. When Owen Stryder became lord of Guardstone he gave his brother's bastards the family name and invited them to live in castle Guardstone. It was Amelia who befriended Jane and convinced her to come and live at the castle.
"A letter just arrived from King's Landing…" Owen clears his throat and reads in a loud voice
To My Brother and Lord Owen Stryder of Guardstone
Greetings to you and all my family at Guardstone…Tragedy has befallen the realm…Jon Arryn no longer walks among us…Taken in his prime…King Robert Baratheon is planning a trip to Winterfell…Most likely to ask Eddard Stark to be his new Hand…It breaks my heart to be so close to Guardstone and not be able to visit…Perhaps Lord Selmy will allow me to visit…for I have longed to see my sons Caully and Daven…and my nieces and nephews…My heart aches for my beautiful Jane…Give them my love dear brother…And give my love to my nieces and nephews and kiss my sweet sister in-law…
With deepest affection Bane Stryder of the King's Guard…
Owen folds the letter up and looks at Ethan, "Nathan my eldest son…The Forresters have requested a union between our house and theirs through marriage…A Raven has been sent inviting them to Guardstone…You can get a look at Lady Mira Forrester and if you are pleased by what you see she will become your wife…"
Roen pats Nathan on the soldier, "Ewe!" Michael says.
"And if I do not like her?" Nathan asks nervously.
"I will not force her on you…"
"What of me?" Michael asks, "I am almost thirteen…"
Owen grabs his son and tickles him, "Yes you are you little trouble maker…As such your swording ceremony will be at the feast…Also we will be knighting my squire Inguss Kindore…" Ester smiles as she is secretly attracted to Inguss. Then Owen looks at Roen, "After the festivities you and Roen will be going to Winterfell on my behalf to present the King with a gift…"
"Mind your manners before the King and Lord Stark…" Jon says speaking up.
A man enters the hall and whispers into Jon's ear, "Dinner is ready My Lord…"
After dinner Ester goes to the barracks and seeks out Inguss, "What are you doing here?"
"I had to see you…" She says kissing him, "I have news…Father is going to knight you…"
Inguss smiles, "A Knighthood…Perhaps now as a sell-sword I can earn enough gold to ask for your hand…"
"My father loves you like a son…Ask him…"
"I am not of noble birth…" He replies.
"Fuck Nobility!"
Inguss shakes his head, "A high born lady should not use such language…"
"Will you stop with all the nobility talk…"
"I am sorry…I do not want to dishonor your house…"
"Is my love enough for you?" She asks.
"Yes!"
"Then after you are Knighted, ask my father for my hand…" She kisses him again and sneaks back into the castle with help from her maids. When she enters her room Ester jumps as her father is waiting. "Father! You frightened me…"
He smiles, "I bet…" He gets off the bed and walks up to Ester. He grabs her arm and directs her to the bed. When she is seated he takes a chair from by the lady's stand and sits down. "Now tell me daughter…where have you been and do not lie to me…I am no fool…"
"I…" She sighs, "You know about Inguss…"
He nods, "I do…This family has no secrets so when were you going to tell me?"
She hesitates, "I…that is…"
He gets up and sits down beside her and kisses her forehead, "You should know me better…I have never forced betrothal on any of my children…The heart wants what it wants…Our defiance of House Stark has put this House on edge with other noble families…It was a miracle that the Glover's allowed me to marry your mother…I met her by chance on a visit to Deep Wood Moat to deliver some valaryen steel swords…Your grandfather was boiling angry when I brokered a marriage contract without consulting him…I loved your mother from the moment I saw her and I would never deny a child of mine that kind of love…"
"How did you get grandfather to say yes…"
Owen smiles, "I threatened to renounce my rights to Guardstone and go to the wall…That is why he was so furious with your Uncle Bane..." Owen stands up, "Anyway…If you can get Inguss Kindore to ask me properly then I will allow you to marry him…" Ester wraps her arms around her father's neck and they hug. "He must also take our family name…"
When Owen enters his suit his wife is lying naked on the bed, "About time you showed up…I am getting cold…"
Owen removes his belt, his leggings and tunic, "You are just as beautiful now as the first day I looked upon that body…" He climbs on top of her.
"My Lord…" She says seductively, "Your sword is sharp and has never lost its edge…" An hour later they lay in each other's arms, "You still find ways to excite me woman…"
"And you are a very clever lover my lord…"
"So when were you going to tell me about Ester and Inguss…"
She hunches her shoulders and purses her lips as Owen plays with a lock of her long thick brown hair. "Well I knew that the Lord of Guardstone would figure it out eventually…" He smacks her butt, "You are not angry?"
He shakes his head, "As long as he treats her right…He will have no problems from me…"
Amelia sighs, "Ester Kindore…"
Owen cups hers left breast, "No…Inguss Stryder…I insisted that he take our name…"
She slides her hand down his stomach to his cock which is hard again, "Why?"
"W…ell…He…is not…of noble birth…"
"He is of House Stryder which is good enough for me…"
They make love again before falling asleep. Over the next few weeks armor is prepared for the King. And House Stryder prepares for the arrival of House Forrester. The Forresters arrive with 250 guards. Lord Gregor Forrester dismounts his horse and as he helps his wife down he spots Ramsay Snow bastard of Roose Bolton. "Welcome to Guardstone Lord Forrester…"
"I thank you for the invitation and your hospitality…May introduce my family…" As Gregor introduces them they come forward. Gregor's wife Ellisa Forrester nee' Branfield…Rodrick Forrester the eldest…His betrothed Elaenor Glemore…Mira Forrester eldest daughter and hopeful wife to Nathan Stryder…Ethan Forrester…and the twins Talia and Ryon Forrester.
Owen looks down on Ethan, "Ethan is a good strong name…" The boy smiles. Owen looks at his son, "Nathan come here…" He introduces Nathan to Lady Mira Forrester. Then Reed shows the family members to their rooms and servants are assigned to each. Nathan shows Mira around Castle Guardstone with their mothers walking behind them. Later the Stryder men meet in the study. "Well…do I have a new daughter in-law?" Owen asks.
Nathan sighs, "She is beautiful, but not the one for me…"
"Are you ill?" Roen asks placing his hand on Nathan's forehead. He bats it away.
"Father I find her intriguing…May I speak with her…" Roen asks.
"My Lord…Ramsay Snow requests an audience with you…" Reed says entering the study.
"If you like her Roen you have my permission…Now leave me all of you and get ready for the feast…"
Ramsay enters, "Lord Stryder…"
"What can I do for you milad…"
"I wanted to take my leave of you…Master Gert says that there is no more I can learn from him…"
"Stay for the feast…and leave in the morning…I will have a guard escort you home…"
When Owen and Amelia entered the main hall everyone stood up, "Honored guests…Welcome to Guardstone…Tonight my son Michael will be sworded…" Michael is dressed in armor made for his size. He comes forward and drops to one knee, "It has been a long standing tradition in House Stryder that when a boy reaches his thirteenth year…He be sworded…" Killen steps forward with a long sword on a royal purple pillow. Owen takes the sword.
"My son…name your sword for all to hear…"
He looks up and declares in a loud voice, "This sword…is called Breath Taker…For all my enemies and those of House Stryder shall breath their last by it…" Everyone claps as Michael takes the sword and holds it high. "Let Breath Taker taste blood…Bring forth the infidel…"
Two men drag in a man who raped the miller's daughter, "Your name is unworthy to be spoken…You have committed a grievous crime against your neighbor and House Stryder…By our laws the violation of a woman is death…By that same law a woman who lies is also punishable by death…"
"Show mercy milord…"
"Michael his life is in your hands…"
Without hesitation Michael walks up to the prisoner and looks into his eyes. Michael had seen his elder brothers and cousins perform the rights of first blood at their swording ceremonies and he had witnessed his father execute men from the age of six. He turns away from the man as if he is going to spare him, then he quickly spins around decapitates the man with a perfect swing. His mother closes her eyes and opens them, not an easy thing for a woman to witness her son take life. Thankfully it would be the last time she would have to witness it. Blood splatters as the head and body hit the floor. Michael cleans his sword and sheaths it.
"FEAR OUR SWORDS!!" Michael says.
"FEAR OUR SWORDS!" The gathered guests repeat.
"Inguss Kindore step forward…" He does and drops to one knee, "Inguss has been my squire from the age of thirteen…Eight years he has served me and House Stryder faithfully…Such faith should be rewarded…" Killen brings the Stryder sword to Owen. Sword Stryder is made of pure valaryen steel. The broad sword has the House sigil etched in the cross guard. The blade has ancient markings from the days of the first men etched in it as well.
Owen taps Inguss on his right shoulder, "Be strong in the face of your enemies…" Then on his left shoulder, "…Uphold the laws of the King…and House Stryder…Seek the King's justice wherever you can…Defend House Stryder and the realms of men…Remember the Faith of the Seven…Our swords are Sharp and may this ever be true of Inguss Kindore…arise now a Knight of House Stryder…" When Inguss stands Owen hands Killen his sword and strikes Inguss across the face drawing blood on his mouth. "That is so you do not forget your oath…"
"Hail Sir Kindore!" Nathan screams and everyone repeats his words.
Inguss looks at his mother and sister. "Milord…I have but one boon to ask of thee…" It grows quiet. "In all humility…I ask for your daughter Ester's hand in marriage…"
A wave of shocked whispers crosses the mouths of the people gathered, "SILENCE!" Killen yells.
Owen smiles inside but his face remains fixed and unemotional, "You would dare ask for my daughter's hand…What do you bring…what do you have to offer a daughter of House Stryder?"
"My heart…my love and this sword…If those be not enough then I will go into the east and become a sell-sword…I will face any challenge you set before me milord…But I love your daughter…"
Owen's expression remained the same, "And does my daughter feel the same for you?"
"I do! Father…I love him and will have no other…"
A small smile appears on Owen's face, "A father cannot deny the desires of his daughter's heart…Inguss Kindore…I will allow you to marry my daughter…If and only if you take the name Stryder…"
Inguss looks at his mother who nods, "The name Kindore shall be no more…From this day forth call me Inguss Stryder…"
Afterwards Owen waves Gregor Forrester forward and whispers into his ear. He looks at Roen and sighs. Then Gregor nods and looks at his daughter waving her forward. "My friends…Lord Gregor Forrester has asked to unit our houses in marriage…My son Roen Stryder shall take Mira Forrester as his wife…" Roen comes forward and takes Mira's hand.
"Let the courtship commence…"
With that announcement the feast begins. They dine on pheasant, roast chicken, suckling pig, salads, fish, corn, lobster, and delicacies from all over the seven kingdoms. The next morning Roen leaves with the Forresters to visit Ironrath and spend more time with Maria Forrester. The wedding to take place in a year. Ramsay Snow leaves at the same time to return to the Dreadfort, he had been gone for five long years. Two weeks later Nathan leaves with his cousin Daven and Nathan's personal guard of 100 men.
