Chapter 10. THE TRAINING OF ARYA STARK

Upon returning to Moat Cailin the masons had finished the servant's quarters, three more bedrooms and the barracks had to be furnished. Work was going quickly because the masons worked in shifts. Gendry's forge was up and running as well and he immediately got to work re-shooing the horses. The first thing Tara had to do was make appointments. Eagen was Master of Arms, Akbar was made captain of the Guard. House Sentinel went to Tolass and Hiram is made Castellan. Arya is there listening and observing. The Maester was a man by the name Peter.

When all the appointments were made she held her first council meeting, "At the moment your coffers are overflowing but we will need a steady income. Also I kept huge some of gold about 250,000 in an account with the Iron bank…"

"While you were away we surveyed the surrounding lands…There are ten large farms on your land a two villages…You need to ride out with a small force and plant your sigils…" Hiram said.

Tara looks at Akbar, "Have a force of thousand men ready tomorrow I will ride out with them…"

"Winter is coming and planting season is late so…I have taken the liberty of placing an order of food with House Tyrell…" Tolass says.

"Actually we will be able to plant no matter what the weather, but first we must build these…" Tara takes a scroll from her squire and unrolls it.

"What is it?" Akbar asks.

"Green house! While in Pentos I bought the design from a wealthy merchant…This will allow us to plant and harvest no matter what time of year it is or condition of the weather…We will build twelve and build them for any family who can pay…"

"Good idea!"

"We are getting an influx of wedding proposals from all over the seven Kingdoms. Major and Minor Houses…You should pick one my lady…"

Tara shakes her head, "I am still getting settled in…I don't have time for this!"

"Well you should make time…A union with any of these Houses will increase your power and position among the Northern Lords…"

They discussed other matters then Tara held a huge feast for the servants and soldiers to celebrate. The next day it was back to work. Especially for Arya who is excited to finally work with practice swords. Her excitement vanishes when they fight with wooden swords. "Why can't we work with metal?" She complains.

"You have to crawl before you can stand…Learn to stand before you can walk…Walk before you can run. It's the way of life. I didn't make the rules the god's did."

First Tara shows Arya the motions of the sword how to move from one pose to the next then they spar. Tara whacks Arya on the knuckles, the shoulder, and finally the arm. "Ouch! Why are you so rough?"

"This is the dance of life and death…You lose you die! Now take your stance!" They drill until midday and break for lunch. Then Tara has Arya practice alone while she rides through the countryside touring her lands. When Tara meets her tenants they have a tribute ready, but Tara surprises them by taking less than had prepared.

As time passes Tara finds running a castle and being a Lady Lord is exhausting. Her only relief from the drudge of making daily decisions and management is teaching Arya. She offered her mother but Adeline was a better archer than Tara was. Arya practiced her movements while Tara dueled Akbar one of the few men under her command who could give her a real fight. Sometimes Akbar would win and other times she would win.

"Anyone else!' Tara says after defeating Akbar in an intense duel. Everyone in earshot declined even Eagen.

"How about me!"

Tara turned to find Gendry taking a practice sword from the rack, "So the black smith wants to play swords."

"I'll take it easy on you…after all you are a woman!"

When Gendry said this everyone stopped what they are doing to watch. "Cocky aren't you?"

They square and Gendry attacks surprising Tara with his speed. Tara is taller, but Gendry is just as fast as she is. They lock swords and he shocks her again with his strength. Tara backs away and changes fighting stances. When she does Gendry changes his style and they attack at the same time. Eventually their swords stop at their necks a draw.

"You have skill, but the next time I will win."

"We shall see about that!" Gendry replies.

"Were you holding back?" Arya asks Tara.

"Why?'

"I don't know…I have seen you fight Akbar."

Tara smiles, "No I wasn't holding back he is very good…"

"I think he would make a good husband for you."

"Oh you do!" She grabs Arya and starts tickling her.

The next day Tara is training Arya, "Bucket!" Tara screams and Arya throws a dagger at the bucket sitting on the steps that lead to the kitchens. She is blindfolded. "Wall!" By memory alone Arya must throw daggers at the objects Tara calls out. "Brother!" There is a wooden dummy named Brother for Tara's brother Gregor. "Door!" When the dagger thuds on the door Tara stands up, "Alright remove the blindfold!" Next they practice with the quarter staff and then with the wooden swords. Soon Arya awakens on her own without being told and practices her calisthenics. Then she practices her sword play and other weapons she was taught, living her dream and grateful Tara came into her life.