Chapter 9
Loyalty
Ser Barristan curiously looked at the young boy in front of him who looked quite a lot like the deceased Lord Eddard Stark. It was hard to believe that the lad-Jon Snow was the one who took down the Mountain-Gregor Clegane himself in single combat.
But everyone across the Riverlands and in the Stark army didn't stop talking about it so it had to be true.
"It's an honor to meet you, Ser Barristan" said Jon respectfully,
"Likewise, my lord" replied the Kingsguard veteran, earning a thin smile from the boy.
"I am not a Lord, Ser Barristan. Just a brother of the Night's Watch trying to garner any support for an imminent Wilding attack on the Wall and worse" said Jon tiredly, making the older swordsman raise an eyebrow.
"The Night's Watch is not supposed to get involved in the affairs of the realm" pointed Barristan,
"It is when the realms of men have forgotten about us. Everyday my brothers on the Wall risk their lives and die in a thankless service of the people, the very Kingdoms we protect are about to face a wildling invasion soon and what has any King or Lord done to support us? Are we supposed to die till the last man and let innocents get butchered by the thousands? No, Ser Barristan- I am the voice of the most ancient order in this realm and we will get the support required to do our duty by the people!"
As he heard those words, Barristan saw a glimpse of the man who killed the Mountain in single combat. For some reason, his determination and devotion to duty reminded him of Arthur Dayne- a Kingsguard he respected immensely who lived and died by his oath.
Something Barristan had failed in himself.
"I meant no offense. The realm has gone to shit as it is" he said carefully, making the boy sigh.
"I am sorry as well, Ser Barristan. It is difficult to bear when people always remind the Night's Watch of its duties and punish us for breaking them even once, but don't even lift a finger when we need support to do our job that ensures they get to sleep safely in their homes at night" replied Jon honestly,
Barristan nodded his acceptance and was pleased when Jon offered him a seat at his table alongside some wine. He would have refused, but weeks of travel made him reconsider.
"What brought you here, Ser?" asked Jon curiously, once Barristan finished refreshing himself.
"I was dismissed from Jofferey's Kingsguard by Cersei and her vile boy who sits on the Iron Throne. When I protested and insulted the brat, he sent men to kill me. Lord Varys-the Spymaster helped me escape provided I deliver House Stark's ancestral sword- Ice and a final letter written by your Father to Lord Robb Stark. I respected your Father deeply and was saddened by his death- my oath to the King prevented me from stopping it...this is the least I could do to make amends" confessed Barristan sadly,
"We cannot change the past and I understand the burden of an oath if only a little, Ser Barristan. The Lannister's are fools for letting a veteran warrior like you go in this manner. Regardless, King Robb Stark will be pleased to hear of your help in getting our House's ancestral sword back alongside a message from our Father" answered Jon with a smile,
"King Robb Stark?" asked Barristan in shock,
"Haven't you heard? My brother has been declared King of the North, Riverlands and the Vale. Once he returns with the might of the Vale at his back, we will crush the Lannister's to avenge our Father and set things right across the realm!" said Jon with determination,
Barristan felt as if he was back in time when these very three Kingdoms had united against the Targaryen dynasty he had loyally served.
"Do you believe in your brother? That he is a good man and will be a better King than the ones we had?" asked Barristan hesitantly,
"With all my heart"
The old knight didn't see a shred of doubt or lies in that confirmation from the boy.
"How can you be so certain?" asked Barristan,
"Because the same father raised us both to be honorable men. Robb was everything my father wanted: Brilliant, Brave, and just. He maybe young like me, but he is a skilled battlefield commander. I am proud to serve him, our House and would gladly die for him if needed" explained Jon sincerely,
Barristan couldn't help but nod in agreement as he had heard tales of the Young Wolf from the people of the Riverlands themselves as he came to this camp. Robb Stark had not just liberated their lands from Tywin's cruelty, but also helped them get back on their feet in whatever little way possible. There were very less incidents of any Stark men looting the farms or granaries, and incidents of murder and rape were also minimal on their part.
House Stark's heir had not hesitated in executing his own men who broke those rules, especially the last part.
He had a lot to think about and so Barristan presented Ned Stark's sword and letter to the man's bastard son. The old knight saw sadness arrive in the boy's eyes as he respectfully took the Valyrian greatsword.
"Thank you, Ser. I will ensure you are suitably compensated for this" assured Jon, but Barristan shook his head.
"Eddard Stark was a good man, I will not dishonor his memory by taking compensation in exchange for offering some closure to his family" refused Barristan calmly, earning a respectful nod from the boy.
"Very well, Ser. What will you do now?" asked Jon,
"If it's not too much trouble, I would like to rest in your camp tonight. I might have an answer to your question tomorrow" said Barristan,
"I can give you the whole day, by midnight my men and I are leaving for the next campaign" said Jon seriously,
Barristan was smart enough to know it would be folly to ask the boy where he would be hitting the Lannister's next, so he nodded and left the tent leaving Jon alone.
Dear Robb,
If you are reading this, then I am dead.
I have taken the decision to expose the lies of Cersei Lannister whose children are not Robert's, but that of her brother Jaime Lannister. By rights, the Iron Throne now belongs to Stannis Baratheon and as Hand of the King it is my duty to fight for justice.
Petyr Baelish who controls the City Watch through nefarious means shall be helping me in taking Cersei and her children into custody, and while I don't trust the man I need the City Watch forces he has influence over to subdue the Queen's men and Lannister forces in King's Landing.
If you are reading this, then I was either defeated in battle or betrayed by Baelish and his men.
Under such circumstances, I implore you to declare the North for Stannis as the rightful heir and bring the Lannister's to justice for their crimes against our House, the people of the North and the Riverlands.
I know you will rule the North with honor and be just towards our people. Words cannot describe how proud I am of you and regret I won't get a chance to see the man you shall become. Please forgive me for not being there and look after your brothers and sisters alongside your Mother.
Lastly, I made a promise to Jon that I would tell him about his Mother the next time we met. Since I can't now, I am entrusting you with this task even if it means you have to go to the Wall yourself to tell him because it must be in person and only involve our family.
I love Jon, the same as I do all my sons. I wish I could give him a better life and in some aspects of that I have truly failed, but in others it was necessary to keep up appearance of his bastard status to save his own life and protect our family.
It's because Jon is the legitimate son of Lyanna Stark and Rhaegar Targaryen. Your aunt was not kidnapped, she chose to run away with a man she loved instead of marrying Robert out of duty. It was foolish and caused so many deaths, but Lyanna was always headstrong. Rhaegar set aside his wife Elia Martell by annulling their marriage with the help of Septon Maynard who was sworn to secrecy by me once the Targaryen's fell, although I suspect he may have kept a record of this somewhere in the Citadel.
Robert would have killed Jon if he knew and Lyanna begged me to keep her son safe on her deathbed during childbirth. She named him Daeron after the Young Dragon, nobody except Jon must know about this for it would endanger his life and set the realm to fire once again. Tell him I am sorry for all the pain I have caused, I would have had him legitimized as a Stark had Catelyn not been more angered. Tell Cat, I am sorry and I have stayed faithful to her always and to not punish Jon for mine and Lyanna's actions any longer.
Jon might not have my name, but he is my blood. He is my son and I love him with all my heart.
Protect your sisters and brothers, look after your Mother and the North.
I shall wait for all of you in the afterlife, but don't come see me anytime soon.
With Love,
Lord Eddard Stark, Lord Of Winterfell and Warden of the North.
Jon's tears had long since dried up as he read the letter over and over again, so much so he lost count of time as the sun itself had set marking the end of the day.
To find out that almost everything in his life was a lie, to grasp the fact that the man he loved most was not his Father...but his Uncle, to learn the half siblings he cherished dearly were his cousins.
Targaryen.
All his life he wanted to be a Stark, more than anything. To find out he was the son of Prince Rhaegar himself, and Lyanna Stark being his mother.
Robert's Rebellion being initiated upon a lie atleast in the start, and what his existence meant for everyone.
Robb!
If people learned the truth, it would put him in a direct confrontation with his newly crowned brother. Nobles wouldn't care whether he was a brother of the Night's Watch or Robb was now on his way to becoming a King of three of the Seven Kingdoms. To further their own agenda, they would use him against his own family.
He looked up when he felt a tongue lick away his tears and saw Ghost looking at him with the closest thing to concern and affection in his unique eyes.
Direwolf.
Stark.
He didn't know about Targaryen's except for the stories he had heard as a child, but he had lived as a Stark. Except for Maester Aemon at Castle Black, there was hardly anyone left from House Targaryen. Why should he feel anything for a House that caused so much grief to the family who took him in? Why should he care about Rhaegar whose senseless actions set the realm on fire and caused so many deaths in the Stark family and thousands upon thousands of innocents?
Compared that to Ned Stark who sacrificed his own honor to keep him safe; Robb, Arya, Bran who loved him like a brother. Even Rickon was fond of him, and while Sansa was not close...she had never been cruel.
Kill the boy, Jon Snow. And let the man be born...
Aemon's words came back to him once again and he wondered if the old man who was now related to him could understand his situation. Perhaps better than anyone for the Maester gave up his right to a Crown for the sake of his brother and family.
He remembered Ned Stark who gave up his honor for the sake of family.
He didn't have a choice in his birth, but he did have a choice in the way he lived his life.
The vows he had taken as a brother of the Night's Watch, the promise of fighting for Robb, the desire to save Arya and Sansa alongside the North, to avenge Ned Stark and truly prepare the realm against the Wildings and White Walkers...that mattered more than any Crown or a lost House he had never known in his life.
"I choose Stark...I choose my family" he whispered to Ghost with a faint smile and gripped Ice in his right hand, earning a cheerful bark from the direwolf.
He felt strength and confidence flow through him once again as he got back on his feet.
Many said doing the right thing wasn't easy, but the men he had looked up to had done so regardless.
Maybe in another life he could have been Daeron- The Young Dragon, heir to the Iron Throne...but not in this one.
For he was Jon Stark, son of Ned Stark and brother to King Robb Stark.
And that was enough.
Ser Barristan watched the final preparations happening across the Stark camp as the soldiers prepared for their next mission. The most interesting thing was the fact that it was an entirely Cavalry based force.
A Strike Force.
He watched Jon Snow interacting with the men under his command and was reminded of Lord Eddard once more. With Ice now strapped on his back, the lad looked so much like a younger version of Ned Stark.
The men seemed to admire him as they greeted him cheerfully and with respect, even Lord Umber and Lady Maege Mormont seemed fond of him judging from the protective way in which they walked beside the lad.
It wasn't long before the boy caught his gaze and approached towards him with his two Northern lords flanking him.
"It seems this is goodbye, Ser Barristan. Again, I would like to thank you for all that you have done for our Family" said Jon sincerely, earning a firm nod from the old knight alongside a brief smile.
"When I was dismissed from Jofferey's Kingsguard, I swore to myself that I would now finally serve a ruler worthy of the crown and its people. One not as insane like Aerys, or indifferent like Robert, or cruel like Jofferey. From what I have heard from the people of the North and Riverlands alongside my own conversation with you, I feel King Robb Stark might be that man" explained Barristan honestly,
Jon blinked in shock alongside Lord Umber and Lady Maege who all looked at the old knight in stunned silence as he knelt respectfully and laid his sword at Jon's feet.
"I've won more single combat than any man alive, have fought in several wars and battles, but have made terrible choices in the Kings I chose to serve. In my final years, I would like to make amends and serve an honorable King and Starks are known for their honor and justice. I would like to offer my sword and life for King Robb Stark as a Kingsguard if he shall have me" offered Barristan respectfully,
"No one doubts your honor, Ser. What Jofferey did to you was unpardonable, but how can we trust you to guard our King when you served the Lannister's not long ago?" asked Lord Umber gruffly,
"Greatjon, let this decision be made by the King and his brother at the moment since His Grace is not present. It is not for us to pass judgement" spoke Lady Maege frankly, earning a tired but accepting nod from the Umber lord who looked at Jon.
Barristan watched Jon look at him closely for several long moments before offering his hand.
"I cannot make any decision regarding Robb's Kingsguard as that right belongs to my brother alone. However a good man offered me a chance to make amends when I failed as well in the past" said Jon with a smile, as he recalled Lord Commander Mormont sparing his life when he tried to desert from the Night's Watch to help Robb.
"But should you choose to help us in inflicting defeats upon the Lannister's, then I am confident he will be more favorable to accept your request. I would personally vouch for it"
Barristan smiled and nodded before accepting the boy's offered hand as he was helped back on his feet.
"Where do you want to hit the Lannister's next?" asked Barristan sincerely, which earned devious grins from Lord Umber and Lady Maege alongside a thin smile from Jon.
"Oxcross"
(Winterfell)
Benjen Stark looked at his crippled nephew with utmost seriousness as he finished his tale of the expedition beyond the Wall. Beside Bran, even Rodrik Cassel and Maester Luwin were extremely pale after hearing the First Ranger's tale of what was coming for them all.
He was shocked by the news of Ned's execution and Robb's march to war to avenge his father, the fact that Jon had to tried to desert from the Watch to help in that quest was something he was still trying to grasp.
Regardless, he had a more important task to do in comparison to the wars between men.
The time to grieve Ned would come, but not right now.
"Is this absolutely true, Benjen?" asked Rodrik hesitantly,
"On my honor. My entire force sacrificed their lives battling the enemy and making sure I reached here to give you the news. An army of wildlings and the White Walkers themselves march towards the Wall, we need help and I see you have already raised nearly 12,000 men outside our gates" said Benjen with some relief,
"They are to deter a possible Greyjoy invasion. Nearly half the Iron Fleet has been spotted at a distance from our shores by the Manderly Scouting ships...and this tale of White Walkers...if it was any other man other than you Benjen" said Luwin tiredly,
"The Children of the Forest and The Three Eyed Raven are real and need my help?" asked Bran for the first time,
"Yes"
"But I'm a cripple" refuted the boy with skepticism clearly present in his young eyes, making Benjen nod and produce a vial holding a greenish red colored liquid inside of it.
"Only together we can defeat the Walkers and they have seen you playing an important role in the War. Just like Brandon the Builder whose name you share built the Wall. Now, we need another Brandon Stark to guard the realms of men. According to them, if you wish you can go North of the Wall to learn all they have to teach about the enemy and our past...I can help you get there" explained Benjen,
"And what if I do not wish to go? Robb asked me to protect our home and people alongside Rickon, am I supposed to abandon them all with the threat of a Greyjoy and Wilding Invasion hanging over the North?" asked Bran seriously, making Benjen nod with a sigh.
"The Children and The Three Eyed Raven foresaw this, if that is the choice you wish to make then they have another offer"
"What is it?"
"This is a potion developed by the Children with their Magic, one powerful enough to bring even the dead back to life. It was one of the instruments used in the creation of the White Walkers. It can restore your legs and enhance your powers tremendously...but there is a cost and terms" said Benjen sadly, even as Bran's eyes widened in shock over the faint possibility of having his legs working once again.
"What are they?" asked Luwin hesitantly,
"You will never be able to have children of your own and you must swear to visit the Children to learn how to defeat the Great Other once you have secured the North from the threats it faces at the moment" said Benjen carefully, and Rodrik didn't see the fleeting look of sadness in the older Stark's eyes.
"And?" prompted the old knight impatiently,
"The one who chooses to inherit this power, one from beyond the realms of men shall perish in a few years"
Luwin froze even as Rodrik made a silent gasp, but Benjen was surprised when Bran merely signaled Hodor to lift him up and take him towards one of the windows from where the young boy observed the 12,000 strong army outside Winterfell.
An army called by him as Acting Lord of Winterfell to defend their country against the rising threats.
One which he was never destined to lead due to his cripple status...but now there was a chance.
"Is death certain, Uncle Benjen?" he asked quietly,
"You will die in a few years at most as this power burns through your mortal body. It was my duty to carry this message and offer to you as the Children saved my life and those of my men from an ambush laid by the White Walkers. You can refuse and chart your own course in life, the benefits and consequences of that shall also be yours" explained Benjen with great patience,
"But I'll never walk again, be a Knight, and always be reliant on Hodor to carry me around like this or a chair?" asked Bran frankly, as he looked directly at Luwin now.
"Yes, my lord" replied the Maester sadly,
"Then it's better to die on my feet than sitting on my knees for the rest of my life"
Rodrik was up on his feet as was Luwin and both men only received a brief sad smile from the young Stark in return of their protest.
"All my life I wanted to be a Knight, one who is brave and honorable. Someone who protects his people...my dreams were stolen from me. If not for my family and the grief it would cause them...I would rather be dead than live like this"
"Bran...please think about this once. You shall never have children and die in a few years if Benjen's tale is true" whispered Luwin sadly,
"Then I'll die on my terms...defending our lands and people. All things considered, it would be a good end. As for children, I can't have them in this condition either so it makes no difference" explained Bran honestly,
"We must consult your mother and King Robb first, my lord" urged Rodrik seriously, earning a nod from Luwin.
"Robb left you incharge as the Stark in Winterfell. If you become whole with this power by some miracle and march to conflict, it would leave young Rickon as the sole Stark here. He's too young to look after Winterfell or even himself, please reconsider" requested Luwin,
Bran wanted to argue but couldn't knowing the promise he made to Robb of looking after their youngest brother and their home. Rickon was already miserable with everyone gone, if Bran left too then he would truly feel alone and betrayed by his entire family.
"Very well, I shall stay here until Mother returns. Maester Luwin, send a Raven to Robb asking for her to be sent back to Winterfell. Rickon needs her, once she returns I will be free to follow my own path. But I am taking this offer and will not hear any more on this" said Bran decisively,
Luwin and Rodrik wanted to protest but Bran didn't relent and stared at both older men harshly making them finally back down as he then turned towards Benjen.
"Uncle Benjen, you will help me in this task as you promised the Children. Until Mother returns, you are to train and counsel me alongside Ser Rodrik on warfare and oversee my training should I regain my legs" said Bran,
"My Duty is to the Night's Watch, Bran" reminded Benjen with regret,
"That didn't stop Jon from helping Robb and our family. But I understand your position is important as the First Ranger, I can send 500 men and a considerable cache of arms and rations right away to Lord Commander Mormont to defend the Wall against Wildings for now in return for him allowing you to help me. Alongwith a promise of providing aid of the rest of our forces here once the Greyjoy threat is handled"
Benjen considered the proposal for several long moments, the Watch was down to less than a thousand men and dwindling supplies. The Southern Kings would never help them, either out of reluctance or being caught in their own wars at the moment.
Jon had already sent more than 150 men in the form of Lannister prisoners and survivors from Gregor Clegane's rouge force alongwith a decent cache of arms and supplies. He would send more but Benjen wasn't sure if the help would make it in time.
Bran's offer of 500 Northern men and supplies immediately could bolster their defenses, and if the boy truly brought the rest of the 11,500 warriors he had gathered...the Night's Watch would have a fair chance of defending the Wall against the Wilding hordes.
Robb would have to be consulted for such a large commitment...but his nephew would not resist too much if the North was attacked by the Wildings.
I couldn't be there when you needed me, Ned. Nor could I be there for Father, Brandon or Lyanna...but I can be there for the children. It's the least I could do...
"I will write to Lord Commander Mormont and convince him. You have my support, Bran" promised Benjen, earning a smile from the young Stark.
"Then let's prepare for our campaign, Uncle"
(Reach)
Edmure Tully had been riding for days in unfavorable weather alongside Samwell Tarly and his personal retinue to reach the Tyrell host that had once pledged their loyalty to the deceased King Renly Baratheon.
After his death, The Stormlords under Renly had either switched back to Stannis, with only a handful returning to Jofferey or choosing to stay neutral from further conflicts. That still left the Reach who had a host of nearly 80,000 men atleast in contention...something which Jon had entrusted him to try and gain in Robb's favor by offering the Tyrell's the Stark King's hand in marriage among other favorable concessions to garner their support.
They were a few days away from reaching the last known location of the Tyrell army and had currently taken refuge in a roadside inn with Edmure having sent a few men to continue scouting for the Tyrell host's exact location.
"What do you think of our chances, Samwell?" asked Edmure in a whisper, as he and the Tarly lad currently devoid of his Night's Watch cloak sat in a corner drinking ale while a few of Edmure's guards sat in nearby tables.
"House Tyrell always had higher ambition. The fact that they backed Renly in the hopes of making Lady Margery queen despite him not having the rightful claim shows their naked lust for power. Even with Renly gone now, I fear they would be even more desperate to safeguard their future...it can go either way. They can't stay neutral, Tywin Lannister wouldn't forgive that if he wins the War" advised Sam carefully,
"So they may back the Lannister's despite all the bastards have done?" asked Edmure in disbelief, making Sam shrug.
"Be careful with them, my lord. Even if you manage to convince them to support House Stark...they will ask for a very steep price"
"You sound awfully distrustful of them considering they were your liege lords before you joined the Night's Watch?" questioned Edmure out of curiosity,
"I don't dislike them, my lord. It's their naked ambition that makes me pause, even my father while respectful of them...still preferred to keep himself at a safe distance from getting caught in House Tyrell's ploys to gain more power. Just my personal opinion" replied Sam honestly,
Edmure nodded as he drank his ale and looked at the fat lad with curiosity.
"Jon told me you and Dacey Mormont suggested this idea to him in the first place. You're not much of a fighter, and this isn't your War either unlike Jon who has more of a personal stake. Why risk your life in this endeavor?" questioned Edmure,
He didn't miss the guilt and hesitation in Sam's eyes and allowed the boy his moment...
"My father forced me to take the Black or be killed in an accident of his making since he saw me unfit to lead our House. My own family gave up on me as did most of the men at Castle Black mostly due to my craven nature and inability to fight. Jon was the only one who stood up for me, protected me, he was more of a brother to me...than my own blood ever was" said Sam,
"He is a good lad" agreed Edmure, making Sam lower his gaze in shame.
"And I betrayed him. Attacked him like the craven I am from the back to stop him from abandoning the Watch in order to go South to join Robb. In that moment, I convinced myself that I was doing it to save his life...but another selfish part of my heart was afraid of losing the closest friend I had at Castle Black. I didn't understand how he felt...couldn't stand by him when he needed me most. Even so, he forgave me...I owe him my life, Lord Edmure. He is the brother I chose and if doing this means I can make amends...then that is what I shall do" explained Sam without hesitation,
Edmure nodded but before he could reassure Sam, they both heard the sound of a large number of horses approaching towards the Inn. His men and the heir of Riverrun prepared themselves and not soon enough as a group of Knights and guardsmen burst through, one's bearing the sigil of House Tyrell.
At the front of the group was one of Edmure's men who had been sent to Scout the location of the Tyrell camp, the man looked bruised and beaten making them all raise their swords even as Sam fidgeted nervously.
The patrons of the Inn and its owner quickly scrambled towards cover but a thunderous voice stopped the Tyrell forces from attacking.
Sam blanched in shock when none other than Lord Randyll Tarly entered inside making his men give way with the utmost respect and fear. The Lord of Horn Hill looked as intimidating to Sam as he remembered, but for even a moment the old general looked surprised upon seeing his dishonored son there.
But soon enough, Randyll composed himself before looking at Edmure without a flinch.
"Lord Tully, you are under arrest for trespassing into our lands without prior notice. Lay down your arms and there will be no need for bloodshed" warned Randyll frankly,
"I am on important diplomatic mission representing King Robb Stark and wish to speak to Lord Mace Tyrell" explained Edmure seriously,
Randyll raised a curious eyebrow before looking at the Riverrun heir with the closest thing to disappointment.
"Then you are too late, my lord. For your King is an enemy of ours"
Edmure frowned in confusion but it was Sam whose eyes widened in horror as he frantically stepped beside Edmure.
"They have declared for the Lannister's! Run, my lord! They intend to take you hostage" implored Sam in fear,
Chaos erupted in the next moment as the Tyrell forces descended upon the Rivermen at a single nod from Lord Randyll.
Edmure was about to join the fray when Sam gestured four of his men to grab the heir to Riverrun which they did swiftly.
"There is backdoor over there, get him out of here! Run through anyone blocking your way there!" commanded Sam swiftly,
"Sam-"
"Go! If you are captured, the Riverlands and Robb's quest is doomed! Jon would never forgive himself if that happens for he sent you here on my suggestion. We will hold them for as long as we can, now go Lord Edmure!" said Sam fervently,
Randyll himself stepped into the melee when he saw a group of Edmure's guards dragging the protesting Riverrun heir out of the back entrance only for that door to come crumbling down as more Tyrell fighters entered to block the way.
The Lord of Horn Hill was quite surprised when he saw Sam take up a sword from a fallen Riverrun guard and stand in his way, even as Edmure and his four men battled the guards at the back entrance.
"What are you doing here, stupid boy?" asked Randyll angrily,
"What..does it matter to you? I never mattered to you...it shouldn't change now" replied Sam bitterly, even as he shivered as the Tyrell forces at the main entrance were on the verge of mopping up the heavily outnumbered Riverrun guards.
The sounds of their screams as they died and the clash of steel made him shiver in fear but looking back he saw a glimmer of hope as Edmure in his rage alongside his last four guards was hacking his way through the enemy blocking the back door.
"For the sake of your Mother, step aside boy. This is your final warning!" said Randyll with gritted teeth, as he saw what Edmure was doing.
"Say the word, Lord Tarly" urged one of the Tyrell guards, as he looked at Sam with fury.
Every fiber in Sam's body wanted to flee or hide in a corner, but the thought of the implications behind this development on Jon made him stand his ground. There was no future for him at Castle Black with most Brothers hating him, he could never go back home thanks to his father...but he could aid his closest friend for all that he had done for Sam.
I don't have much to offer, Jon. But I can give you this...
Randyll snarled when Edmure killed the last guard blocking the back exit door and gave the command to stop the Riverlord only to be surprised when Sam blocked the Tyrell guards.
"Lord Edmure, tell Jon I am sorry!"
Edmure nodded heavily upon hearing Sam's request before he and his men rushed out towards the area where their horses were waiting.
Sam barely managed to block the sword of the first Tyrell guard when Randyll didn't hesitate in ordering the attack. He kicked the man in the balls making him groan as Sam plunged his sword through the guard's neck.
Randyll was left speechless.
He was rooted to his spot as he watched his once cowardly son fight with reckless bravery. He had no skill still, but there was a determination in his eldest's eyes which was always missing.
The next two guards tackled Sam to the ground and started beating him mercilessly but the larger Tarly fought back by plunging his fingers through one of his enemies eyes making the man scream and roll away in pain. That still left one more guard who brutally stabbed a knife through his side making Sam scream in pain.
Maybe it was anger or something else which made him grab his own knife and plunge it through his attacker's head making him slump instantly.
The remaining guards charged at the wounded younger boy in rage.
"STOP!"
Sam had tears falling from his eyes in pain even as blood oozed out of his body, he knew he was never going to get back up in time to defend himself as the guards charged forward to end him...only for his father to stop them.
"Go and chase Edmure, I'll deal with him" commanded Randyll fiercely,
The guards nodded and went out of the main entrance through which they came leaving only Randyll alone with his wounded eldest son.
Sam's vision was slowly becoming blurry as he watched his Father walk forward with Heartsbane- their prized family sword made of Valyrian steel now pointed at him.
"Why?" asked Randyll sternly,
"I...was...a...disappointment...to...my...family...I...won't...be...one...for...my...closest...friend...as..well" whispered Sam in pain, making Randyll's eyes widen a little in surprise.
"You have friends?"
Sam coughed up more blood but gave a feeble nod making his father look at the two men killed by his son out of sheer luck and desperation.
"And you killed two of my men for these friends? Went into battle for their sake knowing you are no warrior and will be killed?" questioned Randyll,
"Yes...and...I...would...do...so...again" answered Sam in defiance,
He was surprised when his father nodded in respect even as he raised his sword up and looked back at him.
"You failed as a son and heir...but what you did here for your friend- I can respect that" said Randyll truthfully,
Sam blinked in shock upon hearing the rare praise, probably the only one he had heard in years. But he also looked at the sword hanging over him.
"You said you'll kill me the next time I stepped foot into our lands or near you" whispered Sam in realization,
"So you do remember. Any last words?" asked Randyll without a flinch,
Fear was all Sam felt in every inch of his body as he looked at the large pool of his own blood all around him as his vision started to darken completely, but he refused to show it in front of this man and mustered the last of his strength to look at Randyll with defiance.
"And..now...My...Watch...has...ended"