Chapter 8:
Chapter 8-9-10 will be one big final trilogy. Because the length of those three chapters are each 3000-..., I have decided to split the ending in 3 chapters. I hope you'll enjoy the finale.
Kind regards,
JF2
The night after the battle, Zack talked to Ron. "How're you?" "Fine." Ron was visible confused. He stared in the distance. His stare was empty. The moon was rising. The moonlight shone through the windows, lighting the room. "I need some rest." Ron stood up and left the room. Zack didn't stand up from his chair. A crow flew inside. He tried to calm it down and took the paper from its leg. He read the letter and smiled. He threw it into the fire.
Ron was laying on the ground, an axe was moving above his head. If it comes any closer, it will crush my head. He closed his eyes, not trying to cry. When he closed his eyes, he saw the chaos that a battle was. The pile of dead bodies was so high, it was almost a hill. Several swords were sticking out of the bodies. Blood was sinking into the grass. He fell to his knees, trying to not see this view. But when he closed his eyes, he saw it again. He heard the steps of an approaching horse. He turned and saw a black rider, holding a sword in his hand. The sword cut his neck, stopping right in the middle. When his nerves wanted to notice the pain, he woke up. He lay in his bed, looking at the ceiling. His sweat formed a sea in the beds. He stood up and looked out of the window. The sun stood high in the sky, the lights shining through the window. He saw the trees with their green pines. Deer was running through the wood. He turned, now watching the black bricks of the wall. I can't hold this any longer. All the sleep I had since the battle, were hell. He saw his sword hanging and looked at it. He pointed the end to his belly. Suddenly his eyes rolled in their sockets. He was back on the battlefield, laying under the horse. His leg was broken, the pain stabbing him. Tears formed in his eyes and the sword fell on the ground. He stepped back, leaning against the wall. He covered his eyes with his hands, crying.
Jorden walked through the practice yard, when he saw Robin. Robin tried to shoot at bodies, made of straw. Jorden came closer and said: "Good shot." Robin jumped and shot an arrow. "If you weren't here, I could shoot a bullseye." "No, you don't." Jorden took the bow and shot an arrow. The arrow went in one line to the middle of the head. "See, that's how you need to do that. I can show you if ye want." Robin nodded and took the bow. Jorden stood behind her and stretched the bow. He gave the string to Robin. Robin laid the arrow, ready to shoot. "A little bit higher." Robin held her arm a bit higher and loosened. It hit the arrow of Jorden. Robin looked Jorden right in the eyes and said: "Thanks. I've never done that before." "You're welcome." Robin nodded and turned, getting a new arrow. "So, what're yer plans? We won't stay here forever?" "No. We'll discuss that in the war council. We'll hold it tonight." Jorden came closer and kissed Robin. Robin, looking surprised, stepped back. "I'm sorry." "No, no. Don't apologize. I just didn't see that coming." They kissed again. Jorden said: "Tonight, war council, remember?" "Aye."
Jorden turned and left. Robin practiced further with the bow when she realized something. What about Wout, he? Forgot about that? Robin knew the voice. It was the same voice she heard when she was with Luca. We got to move on, remember? He's dead and Jorden understands the feeling. Jorden wasn't himself. Remember Zia?
Jon was walking through the camp when he saw a horse galloping to the gap. On the horse, sat Mary. "The spiders are coming. Their leader said that they will be here in 30 minutes. Will you warn Jorden?" "What're you doing here? I've heard that you didn't want to fight?" "That battle was lost." "They didn't lose. Come off that horse, please. I'll ask you again." The eyes of Jon were filled with anger. Mary, frightened by this look, descended from the horse. "I didn't want to." "You're admitting that you're a coward. You know what Jorden does with commanders who don't want to fight?" Before Mary could say something, Jon took his sword. He swung it and the blow landed right on her chest. Water came sprawling out of the wound and Mary fell to her knees. "Have mercy! I'll fight, I promise!" Jon took his knife from his belt and held it in his right hand. Mary closed her eyes, afraid of what's coming. "I hereby condemn you. You'll die as punishment." Jon slit Mary's throat. More water came out of the wound and Mary fell on the ground.
Saco walked through the halls of King's Landing. They would hold a council today. When Saco opened the door, he saw Cersei sitting on her place. "Hello, my queen." He bowed and sat on his chair. When everyone had arrived, Petyr took the word. "Hello, my grace and queen, I've important news. Yesterday, there was a siege going on in Planky Town. The fire zombies have attacked it. The battle was a victory. We were outnumbered, but the generals of the army died fairly quick. When the soldiers knew it, they flew away. The wights stopped attacking and fell dead. Every man and boy above 12 were killed, unfortunately. But the citizens saw something else. They saw a man, who's, based on the description, Gerion Lannister." Every one of the council looked at each other. Cersei, astonished, said: "This can't be true. He's lost at sea!" "Wait, I haven't told everything. From what my sources say, he jumped in the sea, together with a fire zombie." Cersei stood up and walked away. When the door was closed, Petyr went on: "The Night's Watch is defeated by the White Walkers. We can't do anything about that." Robert stood up, looking at Pycelle. "Write a letter to Ned. Say that he's got to deal with those bastards. Is that everything?" "Yes." "Council dismissed." They heard Robert walking through the halls. Renly said: "When he needs a whore, he'll do anything to get one."
Robin was riding through her village. Her father always said to fasten her pace in these streets. They're dangerous as hell. She fastened her pace until she galloped. She turned left, searching for a bakery. At the bakery, she descended and opened the door. The smell of fresh baked bread attacked her. She walked through this room. There was a window at the wall that met the street. An old man sat at a table, counting his golden pieces. "One bread, please." "Have patience, my lady. It's baking in the furnace." The old man pointed at a hole in the wall. There was a metal plate with bread upon it. "How long until ready?" "Just a few minutes." The old man turned and looked at the bread. "You're lucky, my lady. It's ready." The old man took the bread, watching his fingers. He laid it on the table and said: "That will be 3 silver pieces, please." Robin gave him the pieces and took the bread. "Oh, my lady, if you were so kind, would you like to tell your lord father that the taxes will be late. I'm so sorry about that." "You've served us with the bread. The taxes can wait a few days. I'll tell it to my father."
Luca was thinking. How the hell will we get him off his throne? Zack had answered the question. It had to be disguised as a casualty in a battle. Zack wants me to kill him in the next battle. He took a paper and wrote: "Tonight, there'll be a war council. I'll send you a raven with the plan to end this." He folded it and bound it to the crow given by Zack.
When her father called, she knew it would be the moment. Her father had been battling a disease for years. She opened a door and said: "Father, are you alright?" "Yes, I am." He stared at the ceiling and tried to look out of the window. Robin helped him and a tear formed in his eye. It froze immediately when it hit the pillow. "Such a beauty. I can be happy with such a landscape. How would Westeros be? You know... you know…" "I know, father." Robin took a chair and sat. "You know, you remind me of your mother. She was as old as you are when she died." Another tear. "Don't talk about dying, father. Be a bit more positive, you'll… you'll…" Her father closed his eyes slow. Robin looked at her father. His hand fell to its death.
Luca made the table ready. He placed 2 chairs at one side, 2 chairs at the other. The wood was darker than the night, making him feel weird. The red paint of the table was a contrast with the dark wood chairs. Soon the ground will be filled with this red. When everything was ready, Luca lit the candles. The deep orange flame was licking at the string. It caught easily fire, lighting the room. The flame danced with the shadows, when Jorden came in. "Everything ready?" "Yes. It can begin."
When everyone arrived, Jorden stood up from his chair. "Welcome on this council. Luca, would you mind writing the letters, when we're done?" "No." Robin was looking at Jorden. The same feeling, she had with Wout, was burning through her body. She felt as if she were a torch. "What're your plans, Jorden?" "Well, I want the enemy to underestimate me." Robin and Luca looked puzzled at him. "The part of the army at East Watch will attack Winterfell from the east, while the other part will attack Winterfell from the west. I've seen maps, and the road outside will lead directly to it. This means we can attack in 3 waves. We will be there first. We besiege them and make sure that no one comes through. Meanwhile, the other two pillage every village and make sure that the wight army will expand. Then, after a week, they'll be there with us. We can attack Winterfell as one army. We will depart when the spiders and Jon's part arrives." Robin and Luca looked at each other. "You know that this is reckless? Can't we better do something else? You're just…" "Knocking on the front door. What's the matter?" Robin stood up and said: "It's that crazy that it's genius. Good job, Jorden. Luca, you'll send your letters and write what Jorden just said." Luca stood up and opened the door. "You're good leader, Jorden. I've never doubted that." When the door closed, Robin came closer. She touched the arms of Jorden. She kissed him. Jorden threw the maps of the table and Robin sat the table and kissed Jorden. "Are we a couple now?" Robin stopped for a moment, acting as if she thought. "What do you think?"
When the moon was on her highest, Jon saw the first spider. It was a big spider, something he hadn't seen before. That's at least as big as a horse. The spider came to him and said something. He didn't understand it, but he went to Neits. Neits was a girl who could understand what a spider said. Jon knocked on the flap, who was opened by Harry. "What's wrong with you? It's fucking early!" "There's a spider for Neits. Is she showable?" "Wait." Jon leaned against the tent, until he heard Neits coming out of the tent. "How're you?" Jon asked. "Not fine. You're bothering me. We were doing something, Jon." "Sorry, you can continue when you talked to the spiders." Jon led Neits towards the spider. "Raararaaraara" the spider said. "He says that you can fuck yourself." "I'm not in the mood." "Well, I'll say we'll depart the next night. Good?" "Yes. After you said that, you can return to your job."
Donder was looking out of the window, when Tom came in. "Just got a raven from Jorden. He wants us to leave the castle. One of us stays, of course, to hold the castle." Donder turned and looked at Tom. He was wearing his usual armor. "Is it good if I stay? I can hold this castle for my own." Donder looked suspiciously at Tom. "You aren't scheming against Jorden, are you? You don't want extra time to undermine his reign, do you?" Tom held his hands, as token of warning. "No, I just thought you maybe wanted to hang out of the hero? You like that, don't you?" "Let's me make one thing clear," Donder came closer and took a knife from the table, "An accident happens fast." Tom's eyes filled with fear, he closed his eyes, waiting for the cut. Donder laughed. "You don't actually…" Tom opened his eyes, "No, you really though! But remember, as I said, an accident happens fast." Donder looked at Tom and turned. What a disgusting coward. "Well, you can stay here. I can fix your mother, if you want." Donder sat on his chair and emphasized that Tom had to go.
Maester Luwin was bathing when he saw a crow picking on his window. He clothed himself and let the bird inside. There was a letter bound to its leg. He unfolded it. He could see that it was a letter from the King. He opened the door and searched for his Lord. He found his Lord practicing with Robb. "My lord, there's a letter for you." The Lord turned and looked at the Maester. "Robb, practice with your brother." Stark followed him and Luwin led him to his room. "What's wrong?" "You know about the White Walkers, m'lord?" "Yes." "The Night's Watch's defeated. The White Walkers are making moves to attack us, my lord." Lord Eddard frowned and looked puzzled. "Why didn't you say that earlier? What are the moves?" "They've split their army in 3. One part is attacking us in the west, the other in the east and the third one, who's commanded by the Night King, is on the King's road. It's said that they have spiders, my lord." "I don't care. I'll hold a war council this evening. Call in ser Rodrick and my brother."
Zack was considering a trial, when he got a crow. He read it and nodded. The door opened and Ron came through. "How many times do I need to tell you to knock on it?" Ron knocked on the door. "Now, it's too late. Say what you want to say." Ron came through the door and said: "When are we going to hold a trial? We've gathered the ten prisoners and I wanted to know when you came. I want to be done with this tradition. But I've got a question." "Ask it." "I don't want to be at the trail. Can I be in my room? I haven't …" Tears formed in Ron's eyes. Zack came closer and placed his right hand on Ron's shoulder. "You don't have to. I've got a raven. Jorden wants us to go to war. But with these circumstances, I think it's better if you stay at home. Good?" "Yes." Zack opened the door and let Ron through. "Where are they waiting?" "Outside in the practice yard."
Zack saw the ten prisoners and one stood in the practice yard. He took his sword from his belt. "You're going to represent the others?" "Aye." "Be ready to fight." When Zack said this, he walked to the practice yard. He held his sword before him. The champion had chosen to use an axe. This one can be very easy or very difficult. But nothing between. The champion raised his axe. He tried to place it in the right arm of Zack. Zack saw this and reacted. He turned and blocked the attack with his sword. Then, he punched the man's back, making him fall. "Stand up. I won't kill you when you're on the ground." The man stood up and raised his axe again. Before the champion could think of a decent strategy, Zack began to move. He went forward. He took the steel of the axe and slashed with his sword on the man's arm. The man let his axe go and tried to avoid the sword. Zack threw the axe in the air. He pointed the blade at the champion. "That's unfortunate. Where's your axe? Oh, here is he!" Zack swung the axe and chopped off the head of the champion. Surprise was his last thought.
Jorden was walking on the walls of Castle Black, when he saw the spiders. Lines and lines were formed by ice spiders. In front were 3 horses. He recognized Jon sitting on the most left horse. Neits was sitting on the middle mount, looking impatient at the gates. "Open the gates!" Jorden's voice was echoing through the whole castle. The gates slowly opened. Jorden descended the stairs and went through the gates. "How're you?" "Fine." "We'll prepare to depart tomorrow night." Robin was standing on a platform, watching everything. Jorden winked at her, which made her giggle. Jorden came to her. He opened the door and Robin went through. Robin said: "Well, we're about to leave, aren't we?" Robin walked towards her room. "Yes. We're going to attack Winterfell. We'll discuss who stays to hold Castle Black. Probably Harry and Neits. They always like to stay in the castles." "They like to fuck each other, Jorden. Remember that. Help me with something." Jorden walked towards the door. He knocked. Robin opened and smiled at Jorden. Jorden kissed her and pushed her back. He closed the door. "It will be the last time we can do this." Robin looked sad at him. "The next time will be in Winterfell." "Well, let's have a good one now."
The next night, everything was ready to campaign. Jorden kissed Robin for the last time and dressed himself. He opened the door of the bedroom and towards the practice yard. There he met Neits. "Is it good if you and Harry stay here? You can hold the castle." "That's okay." Neits was visible happy. The moon wasn't yet shining, or everyone was ready to leave Castle Black. Jorden and Robin rode at the head, Luca at the end. 50 000 wights were walking with the 3 white walkers.
Ned welcomed his brother and ser Rodrick. "Benjen, you can sit here." Ned pointed to a chair. Benjen sat, and ser Rodrick at the other side of the table. "Normally, maester Luwin will have informed you all about the situation. Am I right?" "Aye." "Ser, what do you propose?" Ned looked at ser Rodrick. "I think it's best to meet them. We use the whole force; we'll outnumber them certainly." Ned nodded. "Benjen?" "I think it's better to split our army in 3. You, my lord, stay here. You keep the castle running. You, ser, will attack them in the East. I will meet them in the West. How many men have you gathered, my lord?" "45 000." "Benjen, you'll do it with 10 000 men. Ser Rodrick, you'll be fine with 5 000 men. The other 30 000 men I'll use to hold this castle. We'll have a big problem if they take this castle. Understood?" "Aye."
Will be continued….