Author's Notes –

So Pokémon Go….. It's my new addiction…. So much so that I've given up a different mobile game that I really enjoyed for it and might give up a second… As a player and semi-immature adult I just have to say this – Please be respectful! While Pokémon and pokestops might be at cemeteries and memorials, please be respectful of those locations and observe proper decorum.

Ned

In the absence of the King, King's Landing had grown quiet and less hectic for the Hand as the remaining members of the Small Council had little to do other than meet to advise the Hand on the few matters that sprung up while the King was traveling to Casterly Rock. The meetings with the Small Council which occasionally ran into the late evening when the King was present took less than an hour in his absence, leaving Ned more time to tend to his own business.

It nearly felt as though he were back home in Winterfell in that the days were more peaceful and he had the time to interact with the men and women that served him in the Red Keep. Though he did not use Ice while sparring, Marach had provided him with a suitable blunted long sword that was close in length and weight to Ice.

The small mansion that the handful of Stormriders and their multitude of recruits were housed in had come to be known as Storm's Keep, or Stormy Keep as the perspective Stormriders and Crows were always rushing to and fro as though they were preparing for a storm. To someone who had survived two wars though, the sounds and actions brought to mind some of the darker days in his life. The clang of metal on metal was dampened slightly by the padding that the squires wore beneath their armor. Those not sparring were mixing common potions, tending to their armor, or repairing/reinforcing the building and walls. It was said that even in the dark of night the recruits were often training so as to learn how to fight in the darkness if not tasked with aiding the Gold Cloaks with patrolling the city.

Several men in gold cloaks exited the compound, halting to note the Hand's presence.

"Lord Stark," the Commander of the City Watch said with a formal bow as he exited Storm's Keep.

"Commander Humfrey," the Hand returned.

It was not unusual for the City Watch to practice with the Stormriders. The failed coup had cost the former commander of the City Watch his head as he had taken Lannister gold in exchange for his aid. A humble captain of the Dragon Gate, Humfrey Waters had been promoted to commander of the City Watch, and had proven Robert wrong in that someone better had actually managed to take over the position despite the corruption of his predecessor.

Humfrey was the bastard son of a Blackwood noble and had climbed the ranks of the City Watch due to his earnestness and diligence. He was also a man of the Faith and had been but a boy during the Sacking of King's Landing by the Lannisters. Those who had lived through the end of Robert's Rebellion there were few Crownlanders who held the Lannisters in high regard. With the downfall of the former Queen and her co-conspirators the remaining members of the Small Council had felt it best to find someone whom the Lannisters did not have ties to and Humfrey Waters was the most qualified person that met that description.

"They are practicing with axes." Though still adorned in his blackened armor with four golden discs and golden cloak, it was clear that the commander had been practicing with the Stormriders.

Ned nodded. As a seasoned warrior he had proven his skill with a long sword, but had rarely ever hefted an axe in battle.

With a return nod, Humfrey excused himself and his men, leaving Ned to enter Storm's Keep.

Piles of unevenly cut wood filled the yard as teams of youths scurried to cut, carry, and pile the wood. While the recruits often had weapons training, they understood that most of them would be stationed along the Wall and clearing trees and cutting firewood was one of the duties that they would have regardless of which order they were assigned to. The exercise was not just a practical lesson but also allowed the recruits to become more familiar with the tools/weapons as well as building and training their muscles.

The advanced recruits were actually practicing with the axes - learning tactics, fighting, and learning how to defend against them. Two squads of four to six faced off against each other using blunted shields while others practiced throwing axes at wooden targets.

"Lord Stark," the Stormrider's current instructor called out, "come to join us is see." Rose, like most of the other original Stormriders, was an accomplished fighter despite her youth. She too was a bastard, though there were far too many noble houses for even the Hand to keep track of. Still, like the other original Stormriders she was educated. It was one of the reasons why he was not against Arya and Bran joining their ranks.

"With the King in Casterly Rock, I find myself with more time on my hands," Eddard replied. "I was hoping to join my men in some sparring."

Pulling up a baton with a cloth tied to it, she waved it, signaling the end of the skirmish between the two practice squads. Four fresh recruits stepped forward as she handed the baton to her second. "Five on five?"

Strapping on his helmet, Eddard nodded as his own men set aside their arms and took up their tourney weapons. Standing in the center of his line, the Hand accepted his practice sword from Big Tom before turning to face the young recruits. The Stormriders rarely ever fought one to one, preferring to work on the group tactics that had helped their elite members win the last two major tourney melees.

In a flash the two squads closed – their blunted weapons clashing with either shields or other blunted weapons. The recruits were younger and smaller than his Winterfell men, yet they held their ground as they deflected the swinging blades of their opponents and waited for an opening to exploit. Little Ed was the first to be "killed" as one of the recruits managed to slip under his blade, trip him up, and then tag him with their own blade even as their partner prevented any of the other Winterfell men from assisting Little Ed.

Pressed by Rose, Eddard could not spare too much of his attention to the welfare of his men, though he did see Big Tom eliminate one of the recruits with a thrust that pushed a young recruit off of his feet. He managed to deflect the youth's partner's attack before bringing his sword down on the first youth's armor with a light tap.

Rose was skilled, but she lacked the power and precision that Marach and the other elite Stormriders warriors had. Her strikes were calculated and did not leave her over stretched or off balance, but a well timed parry on his behalf allowed him to lower the point of her weapon into the ground so that he could step on it and force her to the ground. He tapped the back of her armor, eliminating her from the fight.

Looking up he saw that two more of his men were eliminated, leaving just himself and Big Tom to face the largest of the recruits. The axe wielding boy was just barely able to fend off Big Tom's strikes, but managed to twist his weapon so as to trap his opponent's blade. A punch to the face nearly force Tom to relinquish his blade, but Eddard stepped in, tapping the recruit's side with his practice blade and ending the session. It had been less than five minutes, but each of the participants was sweating.

"Well done," Rose said as she removed her helm. "Again?"

Before he could reply, another voice replied. "Lord Stark has other business." The dark skinned Marach stood in the shadow of the mansion with two scrolls in hand.

Exchanging his practice blade for Ice, he nodded at Tom, "Make sure to run the boys through their paces."

"Yes my lord."

With a nod, the senior Stormrider in King's Landing waited for the Hand as everyone else turned their attention to the drills. "I was just about to head to the Red Keep. These just arrived." Eddard eyed the scroll, noting that the seal had not been broken but that a ribbon tied around it had his name written on it.

Taking the scroll, he carefully broke the plain seal. A cursory scan of the unfamiliar handwriting suggested that the writer was young and still inexperienced with writing, but then he noticed the name at the bottom – Brandon Stark.

Father –

I hope that this letter finds you in good health. I know that much has happened since I last saw you, but know that I am doing well.

The Stormriders are treating me well, though I find little time to climb the keep as I did in Winterfell. Lady Alma and Lady Reis have set up a strict schedule for my rehabilitation and studies which keeps me fairly busy. I did manage to ride out on patrol with Jon the last time he visited Icemark and am reminded of the day that we found Summer and the others.

I understand that you had to execute the deserter, but his tale of encountering White Walkers which caused him to desert. You said that a madman sees what he sees. I wonder at the validity of his tale now as I, along with several other members of the Stormriders and Night's Watch, have fought against wights. We have not seen any White Walkers, but for nearly a week our scouting party had been constantly harassed by scores of wights.

I shudder to think what would have happened at the Wall had the recruits that the Stormriders brought up not been there as the now refurbished keeps along the Wall have reported more and more encounters with growing numbers of wildlings who are being chased down from their lands towards the Wall and the Gift by the wights and their masters, the White Walkers.

Lord Commander Mormont is not one to speak of the situation until he has a better grasp of the situation, and has ordered that our commander not speak of it as well, but the situation here is not what it was. Uncle Brandon has been missing since before Jon and I arrived, and many rangers and scouting parties have vanished. Only those who have gone North with the Stormriders have returned. Unfortunately both the Night's Watch and the Stormriders are busy trying to rebuild the Gift for the new settlers, and the attacks ceased a prior to the Summer Solstice, but there are concerns that once autumn returns so too will the encounters with the wights.

I know that if I had faced the wights with just the Night's Watch brothers, I too would have fled the Wall. Lady Reis speaks of how the troupe had fought the undead before, though never in the numbers that they encountered north of the Wall. Their magic helps, and they are slowly finding some Sworn Brothers who are capable of using magic, but still there are too few.

I believe that I was meant to come to the Wall. Lady Reis says that my own gift for magic is remarkable - beyond anything that any of the other recruits have displayed. She also says that there are things that I can do that she and the others cannot. Yet as wondrous as magic is, it is also very terrifying.

The next paragraph was struck out as though Bran had not wanted to share his thoughts or had thought to omit them. A sense of fear for his young son caused his throat to constrict.

It is at times like this that I recall your words of caution – "Winter is Coming". For now, all that we can do is prepare ourselves for the winter that will come.

Bran

As a man of the North, Eddard was used to the cold and even missed it since arriving in King's Landing, but the chill that ran through him as he reread his son's letter was far harsher than any winter that he had faced while in Winterfell.

Rolling up the scroll, he glanced at Marach. The dark-skinned youth was more than just the senior officer in King's Landing; he was a master of the shadows and often had crucial information. The look on the youth's face suggested that he was expecting to have this conversation. "You've fought wights before?"

"We have fought undead," Marach stated in a hushed tone. "I have not seen the remains of what the others fought beyond the Wall, but from what they have told me these 'wights' as you call them are different from what we fought in Valyria. There the undead were shades, or animated piles of bone – from what I've heard the wights are much more susceptible to Valyrian steel than the undead we previously fought. It is because of our Valyrian blades and our magic that the Stormriders emerged unscathed while the Brothers of the Night's Watch did not."

"We need to inform the King," Ned stated.

"We will, once he returns, though Ramza may inform him should he see him in Casterly Rock," Marach's calm was reassuring as were his words, but Ned could not help but feel uneasy. "From what I have heard, Lord Commander Mormont has tasked the Stewarts with looking into the wights and White Walkders, as well as how to defeat them."

"How is it that you received word before me?"

Marach shrugged, "We have better birds."

He eyed the youth, noting the large raven on his shoulder. "Is it trained to fly back to Icemark or to Castle Black?"

"This one is trained for Icemark and King's Landing," Marach replied. "I do have some trained for Castle Black as well."

Eddard nodded, "I would pen a letter to Lord Commander Mormont and one to Commander Orlandeau."

Ramza

As weddings went, Radd's was nearly as lavish as the King and new Queen's. With the tourney held on the field between Lannisport and Casterly Rock, the banquet was held in a nearby grove beneath a towering tent and the ceremony was held in the godswoods. The heart trees stood in the shadows of the taller cedars and old birches, where only the Stormriders and the few northern lords present entered watched the entire ceremony. It was clear to most that the godswood had been hastily erected as the handful of weirwoods stood no taller than a mounted knight and the heart tree still had the scent of freshly carved wood.

Though he was not one to listen to muttered conversations it was obvious that there were many that could not resist the urge to share their knowledge about the former prince who now rode with the Stormriders though he was bound for the Wall.

"Stand with me," Ramza muttered to the prince turned squire.

The younger blond blinked, surprised by his commander's request. "Sir, I do not think it wise"

"You earned this right," Ramza stated as he nodded at the squad. Only Red Walder, Brienne and Sandor were recognized as nobles, the Stormriders as a whole were held in some regard due to their recent actions and the favor of the King. It also helped that the new Lannister heir was once one of their number and that several members of the squad had challenged and defeated the bride's chosen champions as companions and champions of the groom. Ramza and Brienne were both champions of the sword and shield, Sandor was a champion of the lance, and Joffery champion of the bow. After defeating the bride's champions they had endured and defeated several challengers to retain their seats once the competition was called. As champions they were expected to sit with the groom and offer the couple a gift.

Several gasps of surprise filled the tent as the four Stormriders arrived with their gifts. He was glad that none of the guests screamed or cried out, though the young commander was confident that nothing would startle the beasts beside them.

"We offer the young lord these magnificent creatures to the young couple," Ramza said with a wide smile. "I understand that lions are your house emblem – they are formidable and fierce creatures and would fight well by your side should you need them too, though they are also remarkable hunters."

The unchained lions were far larger than shadow cats and their golden hair matched the Lannister heir and his wife's hair perfectly.

Taking his new wife's hand in his, Radd led her from the table and stage to the banquet floor. It was clear that the young beauty was doing her best to not show any fear in the presence of the unchained pride of lions even as her fearless husband strode towards the beasts.

"You never cease to amaze me," the groom clapped his friend on the shoulder with his free hand before reaching out to the lone male lion cautiously. The lion sniffed his hand before lowering its hind legs into a sitting position. The three females followed the male's lead, each waiting patiently as Radd and then Janei presented his hand to them before running it through the hair on their heads.

"Where did you find these?" breathless bride asked.

"We encountered them along the Ocean Road," Joffery replied. Janei eyed her disowned nephew but hid her expression behind an insincere smile. "The second commander and I were hunting when we encountered this pack. They had just taken down an auroch and were defending their kill, but somehow the second commander was able to win them over. You would not believe how difficult it was for us to keep this a secret from everyone. We had to make sure they were always downwind of Nymeria."

Radd smirked as the lions encircled him, rubbing his legs and stomach with their heads.

"They are claiming you as one of theirs," Ramza explained.

Radd clasped the squire's hand firmly, "This is a wondrous gift my friend – Thank you!"

Radd shook each of the champions' hands. "Thank you all!"

With the four champions excused, they were lead to their seats beside the other champions. Ramza recognized both men; the first was of course the Mountain and the other was a hedge knight known as Brom who had participated in the Queen's Melee and had apparently joined the Lannister bannermen.

Little was said by any of the champions during the meal. It was not until the food had been cleared away and the dancing began that Ramza slowly slipped away from the crowd. Though none of the Stormrider were adorned in their plate or chainmail, their silks and leathers provided them with a means of protection, while their daggers and throwing knives were all the armament that they were allowed to keep on hand, though there were tents pitched near the tourney field where many of the participants kept their weapons and armor. Even under the protection of the Guest Right, the Kingsguard were armed as they sat near the king, still mindful of the failed coup by the former queen and several of their own who had ties to the Lannisters.

"How do you manage to slip away so easily?" Joffery asked as the younger blond finally managed to pry himself away from the crowd.

The older blond shrugged, "I try to not stand out. Did you not see me follow Sandor to the appetizers, then trail behind a pair as they moved away from the dance floor, and finally the slip in with the servants as they cleared some empty trays?"

The young squire mentally retraced the other's steps. "It's easier for you – everyone who sees me starts whispering and muttering when they see me."

"They won't miss us here," Ramza stated.

"More training?" Joffery sighed.

"Would you rather stay?"

Joffery shook his head, "I didn't say that."

With his armor strapped on and weapons in hand, Ramza felt much more at ease then he cared to admit. Westeros was not at war, but there was something beneath the surface that bothered him. Subtle hints of trouble beyond the actions of bandits and marauders that harassed travelers. Something was amiss, but what he knew not. He hoped that Marach

"Training?" It was Red Walder, come down from the wall to attend his cousin's wedding. Though noble born, he was not one to favor banquets and fine eating, but he was not one for the gossip and doublespeak that was common amongst nobles, thus his earnest desire to join once the King had recognized them as a troupe. "I see that you are as devoted to training now as you have ever been."

Ramza grunted, even as he was swatting aside Joffery's blade. The younger squire quickly sidestepped, avoiding the shoulder charge that his more muscular opponent tended to favor whenever he was fighting unarmed and had managed to perry or deflect an attack. Though Ramza stressed the need to train, he was not one to become repetitive. Rather than charging he countered with a kick, taking out Joffery's lead leg and sending him sprawling into the ground.

"You let yourself get drawn in," Sandor chuckled, announcing his arrival.

Extending a hand to his opponent, Ramza aided the squire to his feet. "You're getting better – but you need to be aware of the footing and the distribution of your own weight as you move. Be mindful of your weapons and the ways that your opponent will need to defend them."

"I'm not used to fighting with two weapons," Joffery sighed.

"None of the others are either, that's why we trained you to fight with both hands," Ramza countered. "Even Waldor, Sandor and Brienne were forced to learn how to fight with either hand. What would happen if your strong arm were injured in battle against wild animals or wildlings? Stop thinking of formal battle, prisoners and randsom – against wild animals if you surrender you become dinner."

"I should have known that this is where you lot would be," Arya sighed as she approached their camp. "Are you still trying to learn to use two weapons?"

Joffery nodded.

"Let me have a go," the spirited girl suggested as she grabbed a pair of weapons.

"Let the boy catch his breath," Sandor interjected as he pulled out his blade. His mighty blade was longer than both of Arya's combined.

Ramza knew that Arya's blades were meant for quick and precise strikes which could fare well in a duel but were nearly useless in a pitched battle against armored opponents. A normal opponent with a longsword would be formidable, but one with Sandor's combination of skill and speed added another level of difficulty for the young girl. Undaunted, the young Stark stepped forward.

And inexperienced fighter would have thought it a mismatch citing Sandor's size, skill and experience, but Ramza knew better. Yes, the big knight had two advantages over the young girl, but she had her own advantage – speed. While it was true that Sandor could be surprisingly quick, he was nowhere near as deft as Arya.

A swift diagonal cut from the Hound was unchallenged by Arya who nimbly ducked under the strike and rushed to counter with her own stabbing thrust. Her lighter blades scored against the studded leather but the big man proved to that he too was rather quick on his feet as he barely managed to shift his weight so as to avoid having his light armor pierced by her twin sabers.

As they were only sparring, sessions ended with a hit with a weapon being scored, when one was disarmed or ceded the bout. Had her blades connected this particular bout would have been over, but Sandor's pride demanded that he make a better showing of himself even now.

Sandor stayed on his feet, following up with a diagonal slash that went from low to high, not allowing Arya to duck under the attack this time. Using his range and power to his advantage, he kept her out of effective striking range. A safe fighter would have tried to force her opponent to wear himself out, but Arya had been trained to think of each sparring session as a real battle. Perrying the next strike she forced an opening and rushed in only encounter Sandor's thick leg as he kicked at her. The tip of her blade went wide and before she could recover her footing the Hound had tapped her should with the flat of his blade.

"You nearly had me this time pup," the Hound stated as he withdrew his sword.

Another two pairs of young squires squared off once the Hound and Arya had removed themselves. Practice was useful, but nothing like the real thing. It was his duty to ensure that those under his command were ready for battle though he felt slightly guilty that he had not been able to determine who the planted spies in his troupe had served, he was relieved that they had died honorably while fighting the minotaurs.

After weeks and in some cases months of traveling with him, the other Stormriders knew that the squires save for Joffery were to make themselves available to aid any laymen should they receive a request. The jobs that they undertook were a means to build good will and relations with the commoners, something that many of the nobles had long since forgotten or ignored. It helped that most of the recruits were common-born though the few nobles had also learned that they needed to be accessible.

"I see that you are as much of a task master now as you were when I joined," Ramza glanced at Red Walder, one of the few noble born recruits. "There was talk amongst the newest recruits that you were going hard on them because of the losses that you suffered in Dorne – though it could be said that the Dornish are just not as strong as they think they are."

"None of us are," Ramza shrugged. "I am constantly trying to find my own limits."

"I apologize for not arriving sooner, but the lions were truly impressive, though not as impressive as the behemoths that our young Stark is training with. Still, it is nice to feel the warmth of an actual summer rather than the chill of the Wall. I had heard of the tales of the North and the Wall, but had thought them but tales to scare children."

Ramza nodded his head. He had heard of the wights and though they were similar to the undead skeletons, from what Reis and Rapha had imparted to him it was clear that these creatures were different. Mytheril, or Valyrian Steel, was oddly effective against the creatures. That the wights were different from ghosts and skeletons was an understatement, but the degree of difference was just being discovered.

"You are eager to return to the Wall, I can see it in your eyes," Red stated.

"I would stand with our brethren where ever and whenever we take the field," he replied.

"That is why everyone follows you," Walder said with a slight smile as he nudged one of the younger recruits. "There are few who would lead on the field."

"Your words are as sweet as the honey cakes that they served," Ramza joked. "I am but a man, as you are."

Red smiled, "You are set to leave on the morrow?"

Ramza nodded, "The King's entourage is wiry of staying in Casterly Rock too long given the recent history between the crown and the Lannisters. Lord Lannister may welcome him with open arms but there might be those who would wait for an opportunity to slip in a dagger. Are you set to return to the Wall?"

"Aye, though I will stop to see my grandfather," Red sighed. The second in command patted the older man's shoulder. While Red had not stood out in the Hand's Tourney, he had been one of the best knights amongst the Fray's men. Add that to his father's plans to use the knight to court favor with Lord Frey meant that Red's father had been more than a bit upset at the loss of such a useful pawn. "Tis better to be true to one's self then to allow yourself to be another's pawn. The Commander believes the Night's Watch will need more support. It is unlikely that my grandfather will agree to send anything unless he can benefit from it. More and more caravans are traveling through his lands on their way to and from the Gift and they bring good business to the taverns but father says that he is displeased by the number of travelers disrupting his peaceful land. Still, he is pleased by the number of nobles that have passed through – he has arranged several marriages for my uncles and aunts."

As the rest of the gathered Stormriders gathered and took turns sparring, the sub-commander and the three squad leaders discussed the growth of Queenscrown and Moletown as well as the deployment of the squads. Though they only had enough to field a full squad, Ramza was used to working in smaller groups when needed. It had been abnormal for Red Walder to come down with only a group of five to support him, but the Stormriders were spread thin with everything occurring at the wall.

As the first light of day peaked over Casterly Rock the Stormriders were packed. Red Walder's group left for the Wall with a score of men destined for the Night's Watch and half that many girls seeking to earn the Stomriders' emblem. Fortifying the four Kingsguard were Ramza and Sandor's units and a third unit consisting of just recruits. Then there were the King's brothers – Lords Renley and Stannis, both with a score of their own knights guarding them, and Oberyn Martell along with four of his daughters. In all they were less than four score, but all of them had proven themselves capable of riding hard. With no wheelhouse to pull, they were well on their way before the other nobles had even begun to stir.

The restless King pushed the pace as though he could not stand to be apart from his new Queen. It was a stark contrast to the overweight and out of shape man who Ramza had met on the Trident. He was still the loud and boisterous man that he'd been before, but King Robert was said to be more attentive and serious when dealing with the other nobles and matters of state though he relied heavily on Lord Stark as the Hand of the King.

With the sun threatening to vanish over the western horizon the King finally called for them to stop at the next holdfast. The tiny inn was nearly vacant as most travelers were still in Lannisport to celebrate the Lannister wedding, though it was clear that the owner was glad to have such esteemed guests.

The owner was a man in his sixth or seventh decade and walked on a wooden leg. The scars on his hands suggested that it had taken time for him to learn the skills needed to butcher any animal. "M'lord," the humbled man said as he presented himself before the King, "the mutton and wine we serve is not suited for a nobleman, much less the King."

King Robert scoffed, "I am not so soft as to need the finest food and drink – I have weathered being branded an outlaw, taking the crown and kingdom, a rebellion and a several failed attempts on my life. I have learned that food on the road can be sparse and difficult to stomach, but it looks as though your kitchen is well stocked and the cook is competent." He smiled at the comely young woman even as she ducked behind the corner to avoid his eyes.

"She is," the man replied. "Sasha, my eldest granddaughter, knows everything her mother and grandmother taught her about cooking."

"Were I younger and more reckless…" Robert feigned sighing. "We bring a nice doe and some turkeys for your granddaughter to prepare, and of course we will take your finest rooms."

As a grandson led the King and the Kingsguard towards a suitable table, Ramza directed the Stormriders, assigning some of them to aid in the preparation of the meal even as he handed over several stags for the rooms and food. Using the skills that they had developed the Stormriders aided the tavern's owner doing any odd jobs – painting, fixing tables and chairs, sewing, splitting firewood, repairing the fence, cooking, and sharpening knives.

Despite his acceptance of Ramza, the King had his limits. Joffery was a constant reminder of Robert's failure as a man. That he had been cuckold by the Kingslayer… well, that was a subject that Ramza did not want to think about. It would have been smarter to send the boy to the Wall with Red Walder, but Ramza knew that it had been he who was responsible for the former prince and that to pass it on to even one as capable as Brienne or Red Walder was not something that he could do.

The knights did not relax, each upholding their solemn vows to the King and the kingdom, though some of them did converse with the handful of locals that had arrived early for dinner. Most were two awed by the presence of the Kingsguard and even more so by the presence of the King. Only a few dared to eat in the same room as the King and his entourage, most opting to eat outside despite the fact that the King wanted to see and speak to the laymen. The King's squire, Luthor Tyrell, a cousin to the Queen, tasted the food and wine, ensuring that there was no poison for the King. The dining hall was large enough to seat three score, but the King and his knights took up nearly half of the hall.

The smell of venison combined with disappearance of the sun lured more of the locals to the inn. Many were startled by the large crowds that ate outside.

Ramza was used to eating quickly as he had spent much time traveling. Getting up to excuse himself, he heard the King call out to him, "Ramza, I have heard tell that you are as good with a lute as you are with your swords. Play me a tune to liven the crowd."

As reluctantly as possible, Ramza complied with the King's wish. The lute in question had seen better days, but after a bit of tuning, he managed to hit the right note. He knew not any of the songs that bards in Westeros played, but recalled a number that he'd heard the night before. Strumming the cords he began to play an energetic tune. It took but a few notes before some of the other Stormriders took up an instrument, adding to the melody. They played no song; instead they combined to play an energetic melody, each of the others following Ramza's lead. The music helped lighten the mood just as the King had hoped, and soon the squires and knights were talking, drinking, and in some cases dancing together.

Fortunately for Ramza several of his squad proved to be better suited for music than he even though they had yet to formally train as either a dancer or bard. Leaving the merry band to entertain the crowd, Ramza resumed his other duties as the squad leader – aiding the Kingsguard in protecting the King.

A/N

I'll leave things here for now.

Dreamingfox