Game of Thrones: New Era
Chapter 12 of my Game of Thrones story, enjoy.
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Now onto the story.
Disclaimer: Game of Thrones belongs to George R.R. Martin.
Robb
With their preparations complete, their march began. Robb looked around carefully as he led his army onwards, he was also deep in thought; considering the one true concern they still had regarding their march.
'We have to be careful, we do not want to overextend our supply lines or keeping the army fed will become difficult.' He mused. 'But so far we are yet to find a solution; especially after what the Lannister's have done here in the Riverlands.'
With a sombre expression he considered their options.
He shook his head. 'Making a direct strike against King's Landing is good, but it will not be a swift battle, no matter what we try. Therefore we will need plentiful supplies before the battle is through. If we cannot find some other way, we may actually need to prolong our advance by attacking other cities in the Crownlands, claiming their supplies.'
It was not a method that pleased him, especially as it would cost more lives than they wished; it would also cost time and give the enemy a chance to regroup. T was definitely not an attractive option, but it might turn out to be their only one. As he rode he considered the various people around, all of them ready for whatever lay ahead, all of them laying their trust in him and Gendry.
Several of his bannermen rode nearby, along with others who acted as generals and such for the army.
The one riding closest to him was a man of two and thirty, armed with a two handed broadsword, tall, pale like other northerners and a muscular build; he had medium length brown hair and bright green eyes, although one eye was blind and covered with a patch.
This was Wynston Manderly, a cousin of Lord Wyman and rapidly distinguishing himself on the field of battle.
The Vale lords who had joined with their armies rode along with those from the Westerlands, or Stannis' former men who now served Gendry.
'It's hard to believe that that young man, who helped Arya return to us, would turn out to be King Robert's bastard. Royal blood flows in his veins and he is the most eligible candidate for the throne now.' Robb mused. 'These people fight for him, because they believe in him, because he's convinced them to do so. Much like how my people fight for me...'
Robb couldn't deny he was still uneasy, especially as he knew, back home in Winterfell, his wife Jeyne was waiting anxiously for his return, pregnant with their child. In addition, closer to his current situation, his sister Sansa was present amongst the army, aiding the healers.
While this meant she shouldn't be close to any combat, Robb still worried for her safety several times. It was then his gaze went to the person he had to admit, he knew nothing about.
He narrowed his eyes as he observed them. 'There's that warrior again, they've distinguished themselves several times, during Gendry's campaign. But they never reveal who they are and they seem to want to do something...more. It doesn't make sense; what are they seeking and who are they?'
Robb sighed; he knew he could spend his entire life pondering that mystery. Unless the warrior removed their helmet, or even spoke, it was unlikely they'd get any answers.
Pushing the matter to the back of his mind, he nodded as Gendry rode up next to him. He tensed however as he noticed Gendry's expression. The young man seemed troubled, and also looked as if he wanted to ask something.
"What is on your mind, Gendry?" He asked; trying to ease the tension.
Gendry sighed and shook his head. "I...I don't know how to say this, but I'm worried. About becoming King, what people will obviously expect of me."
Robb nodded slowly, he could understand where Gendry was coming from. After all, Kingship was a duty, one that required almost constant vigilance, a King might reign over his people, but a truly good King served his duty to his people.
"I thought, I could ask for your advice." Gendry continued. "You were pretty much thrust into being King yourself, weren't you?"
Robb nodded "What you heard is true...Truthfully, anyone can become King, it's just a matter of being born into the right family. Being a good King, is another matter entirely."
Gendry sighed. "Yet you've had practice in the matter of ruling, being a Lord's son."
Robb smiled lightly at that.
"Gendry, no amount of training or practice can prepare you for the reality, regardless of you being a King, or a Lord's on." Robb confessed. "The best advice I can give, is what I've learned, often the hard way...as any story you've probably heard of me, and what you saw after we met, can attest."
Gendry nodded; waiting patiently as Robb gathered his thoughts.
Finally Robb nodded and began to explained.
"The best way I can explain it; is to concentrate on what you are doing. Listen to others, heed well the words of advisors, but retain your own mind." He began. "Try to avoid making too many mistakes and if you do make a mistake, it best not be over something crucial."
Gendry sighed softly. "Yet most things a King deals with are."
Robb allowed himself a small smile. "That is a matter of perspective, Gendry, but correct in essentials. Nevertheless, always think hard about what you are doing and make sure you have thought of everything possible, before doing anything. You must also accept that you can't always please everyone, some people...love to be angered."
Robb paused, allowing his information to sink in before continuing.
"If you do all this...You're halfway there."
Gendry nodded slowly. "I...I see. Thank you Robb, I'll bear that in mind."
Robb nodded, smiling and they resumed their march; Robb noting he felt strangely lighter following his talk with Gendry. As they rode however, they soon spotted Davos riding up to them, a scout alongside him.
"Your Grace!" He cried out, addressing both of them at once. "We've just heard, the Dornish army that was sent out from King's Landing, they approach now, they'll be upon us soon."
Robb tensed and immediately they began to spread the word, they had to get ready for what would likely be an intense battle.
End of chapter, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.