The Winter King
Author Notes: sorry for the long wait. I promise to get more chapters updated sooner. I hope everyone enjoys.
Chapter 12: Always Brothers
Harry read the report carefully. The royal wedding proved to be a disaster. However, it was good for him. Joffrey was dead. Killed by drinking some poison. It was terrible because he died in Cersei's arms, yet it was sweet because the arrogant prick finally got what he deserved. Just remember the reports of how he would torment Sansa made his blood boil. So he was a bit happy that the prick was dead.
However, Sansa disappeared. While this made him worried, he was also pleased. Mostly because Cersei, who had accused Sansa of killing her son wanted her dead. If she had to find somewhere to hide from even the Queen Regent. Harry suspected Varys was involved somehow. He was a spider who played a dangerous game. He never truly risked his position and played the game carefully.
However, Harry received word that the Night's Watch has ventured north beyond the wall. Now there were wildings running loose and terrorizing settlements near North of the Wall. This was deeply disturbing him. Which brought him to his war council. Commander Cyrus, his oldest Commander. Wearing the full body armor of Valyrian steel. He also dealt with the intelligence of the Northern Army. Commander Brise, his Ranger Commander. Was wearing a lighter weight version of the armor of her fellow counterparts. She had on the silver chest plate with arm greaves. Her swords were not heavy like her fellow Commanders, instead, they were light and thinner, as well as a bit shorter. She had a recurve bow in her hands with a set of quivers on her back.
Then there was Commander Tarik Kidwell. A season swordsman. On the best fighters, he had in his army. Next to him was Commander Chrestan Tarner. Like Tarik Kidwell, he was a seasoned fighter. One who like to use dual swords, unlike Tarik Kidwell.
"We have the Boltons at their choking point. Now there are more wildlings venturing in the North creating havoc." Harry said. "Solutions."
"We have limited information. However, our information network suggestions these attacks are merely a diversion." Commander Tarik said.
"Perhaps I should visit Castle Black. Speak to my brother about what is going on. I feel the Night's Watch would have more information than we do." Harry said.
"That may not be a bad idea. Do you know anyone at Castle Black?" Commander Brise asks.
"Awe, my brother… Jon Snow. He's with the Night's Watch. He would be able to provide me the intelligence we need." Harry said.
"The timing couldn't be worse. We're just getting ready unite the North and now we have to deal with Wildlings." Commander Chrestan said.
"Something big is going on. The number of wildlings that have appeared can't be too much of a coincidence. Move our army north near the wall. Also, send out patrols and scouts to find these wildlings and track them. Possible finish them off before they can do any more damage to the people and the lands." Harry said.
"I'll begin camps and search parties right away." Commander Cyrus said.
"Commander Brise, you'll come with me to Castle Black. Bring a platoon of your best with me. just in case some wildlings or hill tribes attempt to attack us. Commander Cyrus, you have the army until my return."
"Yes, your grace." The commanders said.
It was barely ten minutes pass by when Harry gets on his horse with Commander Brise and takes off towards Castle Black.
They said nothing as they rode on. Harry was confident with the Rangers of the North. They were the best-trained men and woman in the Northern Army. They train themselves daily for survival, tracking, scouting, combat, sentry, espionage and sabotage. Unlike the main army wielding heavy swords, they carried with them two long knives. The long knives sheath was on the lower back just below the quiver. They were thin and weren't as long so they didn't have the reach. However, they were light and had speed on their side. The Rangers wore plated Hauberk chainmail. The plates covered their torso and back with plates covering the upper thighs. As they were limited in Valyrian Steel, only the plates to cover torso, neck, and back. Instead of gauntlets like the rest of the army used, they wore leather bracers and greaves. To signally the ranger look, they wore dark green tunics short sleeves with hoods over their chest plate. They had to be fast and nimble on their side to overcome their opponents.
Harry took an immediate liking to the Rangers due to the simple fact how effective they were both on the battlefield and off the battlefield. They proved effective scouts and trackers. They also were skilled in infiltration. The many castles and forts they snuck into that were held both by traitorous Northern Lords, and the Iron Born. When they proved to be most effective, providing accurate reports on the enemy and even assassinations when they needed to. They were crucial in planning attacks and strategy. That is why Harry trained with them. He also made it official. The Rangers were the Elites of the North. To be a Ranger was a great honor. In his army, it stood more than hundred thousand strong. Only five thousand were Rangers. They also served as the bowmen of the army. He had ten thousand heavy Calvary as well as ten thousand light Calvary. The rest was both heavy infantry, which made up about fifty thousand and light infantry which was around twenty thousand men.
They were also well supplied and well-funded. Due to the trades in Essos and Braavos. They also had a fleet, but no real Commander of the Fleet. Not yet at least. Though several captains did look promising to hold that position. Thanks to Harry's time in developing a fleet. They had over five hundred ships that resemble the galleons from Harry's originally world. These new ships size made them a threat in the Narrow Sea. They've had a few skirmishes with the Royal Fleet of the Iron Throne, and have come out on top. Pushing the Royal Fleet away from the North and the Riverlands. However, they have yet to lay siege to King's Landing as Harry knew he couldn't lay siege to King's Landing with just naval power. King's Landing was a major trade hub and had many routes that kept it supplied. Not just from the sea, but from land as well.
Harry was going to change that. Once he found a suitable Fleet Commander he would lay siege to King's Landing with both his fleet and army. Sack King's Landing as it's never been sacked before, and finally put the Lannisters heads on a pike.
However, Harry had to be cautious. Tywin Lannister was dangerous and he held absolute power over the Seven Kingdoms. Mostly do his wealth. He could buy certain loyalties from many families but also his dangerous and ruthless aggression towards anyone who stood against him. Even if they were his own family. He was both a skilled politician, who was able to get his way and a dangerous military commander. He kept the Lannister Army in tip top shape with the best equipment and training possible.
Well, second best. Harry's army was in far better shape with the training and equipment they had. Mostly because the constant import of Valyrian steel from the mountains of Essos where the army made their weapons and armor from. They also found a heavy mining depot of gold and silver. As the Northern Army didn't want payment, but Harry made sure they were paid both through food and income. Harry took an eighty percent cut from all the gold and silver that was mine. The miners who dug the silver and gold, took a commission of five percent of their findings as well as food to feed themselves and their families.
Harry was sure the Lannisters would flip out once they realized Harry was becoming the richest man in the North and could buy anything he wanted. The first thing he did, was not only clear the North of debt but also made sure to do deposit all his gold and silver into the Iron Bank of Braavos. It got to the point he was ten million in income alone. The Iron Bank, pleased with the steady flow of gold flowing into their banks agreed to Harry's demand for Braavos to trade with the North. Officially, however, they were neutral in the war. However, many Braavos men and sailors began working for the Northern Fleet. Helping with trades in Essos and the free cities, improving the flow of trade and income.
Harry's mind went back to the present as he stood before Castle Black's gate. A single horn was heard to inform them of his arrival. The gate slowly opens as Harry and his guards of twelve ride inside.
Ser Alliser Thorne appeared near the Commanders Office and had a nasty look on his face the moment he saw the Direwolf flags. He quickly schools his features and walks down as Harry jumps down from his horse as Commander Brise jumps from hers.
Harry took note that many of the Brothers of the Night Watch were watching Commander Brise carefully with their eyes. A few even made snag comments about her.
"What does the renegade King of the North want with Castle Black?" Ser Alliser asked with a nasty tone in his voice.
"You would do well to mind your tongue, when in the presence of a King. Of I'll take your head." Harry said in a threatening voice who was not at least intimidated by Ser Alliser Thorne.
Alliser Thorne had a nasty look on his face as he drew upright to make himself imposing.
"Disrespectful tone he has. The traitorous son of a traitorous bastard." Janos Slynt said.
Harry turns to look at him and realized he was the one who betrayed his surrogate father. His Lord Eddard Stark. Harry's hands reach for his sword that was resting on his lower back. "Perhaps," Harry said as he looked dangerous at Janos Slynt. "I should take your head," Harry said as he slowly unsheathes his long knives, but he didn't withdraw them. Janos Slynt obvious didn't like the look of how Harry was looking at him and tried not to cower at Harry's menacing glare.
"What brings you to Castle Black?" Ser Alliser repeated, this time in a loud and commanding voice.
"Wildings have been sighted more than ever and we have reports they're nearly a hundred wildlings south of the wall. I want to know more about what has been going on in Castle Black and the Night's Watch and your failure to stop these attacks." Harry said.
"I do not answer to you. As Acting Lord Commander, I demanded that you leave and be gone." Ser Alliser said in a loud voice.
"Harry." Jon Snow said as he comes down from the elevator and walks up to him.
"Jon, I see you've been bathing with pigshit again," Harry said as he sheathes his sword.
"I see you wash your face with piss every morning." Jon Snow replies. Jon Snow stood before Harry.
Harry and Jon Snow burst out laughing and embrace each other.
"How you been. How long has it been? Four years?" Harry asks the moment they broke.
"Seems longer." Jon Snow said.
"It does indeed," Harry said calmly.
"What brings you to Castle Black?" Jon asks.
"Wildlings. A small band of at least a hundred have been attacking settlement and villages. Mole Town was the latest attack. I need intel on what they're up to and I know the Night's Watch has that Intel." Harry said.
Jon Snow face fell at the news.
"They're going to attack Castle Black. They're attacking these settlements to draw us out in the open. Their leader is Mance Rayder. He has assembled a fighting force of nearly a hundred thousand free folk to fight for him."
"Free folk?" Harry repeated.
"It's what they call themselves." Jon Snow said.
"We have much to discuss. Tell me everything you know." Harry said as he walks inside the lounge that was commonly used for meetings and meals. Jon Snow follows Harry and walks by his side only to stop by Ser Alliser Thorne who stood in front of Harry, blocking his way. He places a hand on Harry to prevent him from going any further.
"I told you to be gone. We don't need your kind here." Alliser Thorne said as he tried to sound both imposing, intimidating and threatening.
Harry was quick and shoves his palm into the throat of Alliser Thorne causing the man fall to his knees gasping for air. Harry then places his foot on his side and shoves his aside. Janos Slynt moves forward unsheathing his sword. Only for an Arrow to hit his sword causing him to drop it in surprise. He looks to see Commander Brise holding her bow with another arrow nocked in place.
Harry walks up the stairs and stood before Janos Slynt. He tries to back away but Harry threw a fist at him causing the man to spin and fall to the ground hard.
"If you have men like these leading the Night's Watch, I fear for the Night's Watch future," Harry said.
Harry turns and sits down on the edge of the balcony with Jon Snow sitting beside him. A young boy walks forward carrying to soups in his hands.
"You're a little young to be in the Night's Watch," Harry said as he took the soup. "What brings you here?" Harry asks kindly.
"My village was attacked by those animals." He said.
"You're fortunate to have survived. I take it Jon has been looking after you." Harry said.
"He has." the boy replies.
"Goodman Jon Snow is. You'd be wise to listen to him." Harry said as he turns his attention to Jon Snow has the boy walks off.
"So what is going on?" Harry asks.
"Mance Rayder is trying to get over a hundred clans south of the wall. He's going to attack Castle Black with his full strength. A small force has already been trying to lure us out into the open to weaken Castle Black strength."
"How do they plan to coordinate this attack?" Commander Brise asked as she looks at Jon Snow.
"Mance said the signal will be the largest fire the North has ever seen." Jon Snow said.
"That could be any day now," Harry said.
"It was wise to move the army near Castle Black. We would be in a position to provide support in case there is an attack." Commander Brise said.
"We're going to need all the help we can get. Mance Rayder has what it takes to beat us. He just doesn't know it." Jon Snow said.
"Do you want me to leave some men here?" Harry asks.
"Would they be joining the Night's Watch or just here to provide assistances?" Jon Snow asks.
"Just assistance. I do need them to fight a war." Harry replies.
"How is the war going by the way. I've wanted to come and help so much it's hard for me to stay here."
"The War for the North is going well. The Bolton's are at breaking point. I reckon it will take only another year before they are defeated. I've cut off their food supplies as well as defeated more than half their army. Either they surrender or they'll starve to death." Harry said.
"I wish I was at your side." Jon Snow said.
"I know," Harry said as he sets down his empty bowl. He stands up as did Jon. The two embrace their arms together to rekindle their strength in brotherhood. "I'll send a thousand men to help reinforce Castle Black. They will be under your direct command. Treat them well." Harry said.
"I will, and Harry," Jon said. "Thank you."
Alliser Thorne had a neutral face as Harry passed by him. Though he did scowl a bit the moment Harry passed him. Harry merely ignores him.
Harry climbs on his horse and turns around before riding out. The gates open as Harry went back to meet with his army.
The thing about war with so many parties was even though you can defeat one party, another party could crash your parade and force you to change directions. The War of Five Kings just took a new interesting twist.
Harry knew, if this Free Folk Army succeed in destroying or capturing Castle Black, they would reign terror all through the North before any army could arrive to stop them.
Author's Notes: Again, sorry for the long wait. I hope everyone enjoys. The Battle of Castle Black will be next and I'll try to have it up soon. Please Like and Review I do enjoy them.
Excited for Game of Thrones Season 7. The teaser looks awesome.
Note: The Long Knives look a lot like Legolas Long Knives from Lord of the Rings and Hobbit.