:-[Chapter 5]-:
As the party was approaching fast, Lord Stark decided to send his oldest with as small company to reach his brother. Lyanna had begged to go to, claiming she was an even better rider than her big brother but her father and mother were firm, she had to stay with Benjen to wait for them. She was put in a small blue and grey dress for the occasion and Harry thought that she looked quite cute dressed like that.
Suddenly, the sound of horses trampling the ground was heard. Brandon Stark was the first to enter, as the Heir of Winterfell and just behind him was the second child of Lord Rickard. Eddard Stark has returned to Winterfell.
:-[T.A.B]-:
As the Starks brothers were entering the court, the entire Household was there, applauding their Lord's son return. Rickard knew they respected him, but he also knew few people agreed with his decision to let his second son leave the North for fostering.
Harry was placed behind the Stark family with Hedwig beside him. He looked at Eddard. While he could see a very small smile on the corner of his lips, he could also see the frosty demeanour Brandon warned him about. As soon as he would get to know it, he would warm up to him.
Behind Eddard was the Heir of the Stormlands, Robert Baratheon. At thirteen years of age, he was already as tall as any man. Harry could see a massive war hammer on his back. His sigil, a black stag on a yellow field, was proudly displayed on the flag one of his knights was holding.
Brandon got down his horse to greet his father.
"Father, I bring to you my brother." Said proudly the eldest of the Stark children.
"Thank you, Brandon." Started Rickard before turning his attention to Eddard.
"Father, I thank you for the warm welcome. I have missed home dearly." Said Eddard.
"Welcome back home, my son. Winterfell is very happy that her son is back." Rickard said to his son while putting his hand on his son's shoulder. Lord Stark turned his attention to the Heir of Storm's End.
"Lord Robert Baratheon, Winterfell welcome you and your men. Bread and salt await you within the great hall. A feast in honour of my son's return will be held tonight. "
"Thank you, Lord Stark." Boomed Robert who, without a second thought hugged the man.
Rickard simply chuckled at the Heir's antic and returned the hug. It was more of a welcome to someone from the North than some fancy arse Lord from the South did.
While the castle's servants were guiding the guests to the Guest Hall, Eddard went to his mother. Who was clearly over the moon to see her son.
"Mother, I am happy to see you after all these years." Started Eddard.
"I am most please to see you my son. You have grown into a very fine young man." Said Lyarra making him stood a little more proudly at the comment. "Come, let me show you how your sister Lyanna and your brother Benjen have grown."
"Hi big brother!" said an overjoyed Lyanna. She was so young when he left, barely able to follow him anywhere. He was also always studying with Maester Walys or training with the Household guard like Brandon.
"Sister, you've grown into a beautiful young lady. I brought you a gift from the Vale, if our Lord Father accepts it." said Eddard while looking at his father who nodded.
Ned looked behind him and waved at one of the man. A knight brought a magnificent horse before the Stark family.
"This is here my sweet sister, is and horse from the Vale. They are known to be amongst the best of the best in Westeros and Lord Arryn accepted to gift you one, knowing of your love for horses."
Lyanna squealed in joy before jumping into her brother's arms like a brown haired missile. It was a beautiful gift and she could wait to ride it.
"Does he have a name? Can I go ride already or do I need to train him?
"No he doesn't, the honour to name him is yours. For the training, it is also a no. The horse trainers in the Vale assured me that he was ready to be ridden. No one has however as I wanted you to be the first."
"Daughter, the gift is yours so do not take offense. I wish for our horse trainer to be sure he is ready before your first ride with him, understood? Said her father firmly.
"Yes Father, I understand, thank you!" said his only daughter, already thinking of multiple names for her new horse.
Eddard chuckled, seeing his sister so happy. Turning his attention to his little brother Benjen, he saw that he was a little shy. Not really surprising, he thought, since the last time he was barely a little more than three years of age.
"And for you, Benjen, I remembered that you wished to become a great warrior? I brought you a book on Aemon Targaryen, son of Viserys II."
Seeing that his little brother didn't seem to know who it was, Eddard offered a little more information.
"Mayhap you will know him by his alias, Aemon the Dragonknight."
Benjen eyes opened wide hearing the name. He was one of his heroes. He took the book almost reverently. "T-thank you, brother." Said a happy Benjen, it was a great gift.
Eddard just ruffle his hair before noticing Hedwig. His eyes squinted a little bit, like multiples thought assaulted his mind at the same time when his eyes got bigger at the realisation.
"Father, mother, why is there a direwolf here? Said an extremely surprised Eddard.
:-[T.A.B]-:
Hiding in his office, Maester Walys use the fact that the second son of his Lord was arriving after multiples years of absences. For once, he was left alone on his chambers, claiming illness. His workload would only increase with the arrival of Eddard and Robert. Even more so, Rickard had ordered him to educate the little peasant shit stain.
To his great dismay, the boy was very intelligent, grasping letters and numbers extremely easily. The only thing the peasant had difficulty was remembering were all of the names of the Lord and lands in Westeros. At least, his fucking direwolf wasn't staying during the lesson anymore. The beast had earned him the fist of the Old Wolf in the face.
On his desk, was the letter he wanted to send to his employer.
T.
Greetings, my Lord. I bring you news from the North. The great storm is finally over. The damage around Winterfell itself is of no consequence. Some wooden buildings have been broken but nothing too serious. Wintertown however has been partially destroyed by the storm. Several house succumbed to the violent northern winds. Lord Stark himself, along with his Heir and his personal guard, went to the city to help with the repairs.
I need to tell you this, my Lord. During the storm, Lord Rickard Stark went out during the storm with a few men. They came back with a young boy who was passed out and had a direwolf. The beast is still young however. Mayhap there is something to do with it. About the boy, Lord Stark doesn't want to say why, but this child has some importance to him. I will try to elucidate this mystery before the next letter.
The beast has earned me a violent beating from Lord Stark himself. I complained about it when it started growling at me for no reason during one of my lessons. I made the mistake of wanting to skin the beast alive and I believe the only reason Lord Stark didn't banish or kill me is because I was the one who gave birth to his children. I am however on a thin line; I am more watched than before.
Eddard Stark and Robert Baratheon are in Winterfell, send by Jon Arryn. They travel by land, as the Heir of Storm's End wanted to see Moat Cailin. The reason for their visit is
Maester Walys looked at the beginning of his letter. It was a good start. However, he will have to wait until he knew the reason why Eddard Stark was back so soon before sending it.
:-[T.A.B]-:
While Rickard went with his two eldest in his solar, Harry decided to continue training. He was finally able to do some sparing. He decided to do like Brandon and spar with some of the guards. As he didn't want to disrupt their routine more than necessary, the wizard decided to change partners during each of his spars. Of course, he lost all his fights but every time, he got backup, having the will no to make the same mistake twice.
He heard a booming laugh behind him. When he turned back, he saw none other than Robert. The tall teenager was standing behind him, hands on hips with a big smile on his face.
"So you are Winterstorm, the guy Lord Rickard found in the forest during the storm?"
"Aye, I am my Lord Baratheon. My parent died in the storm and thanks to the Old Gods, my Lord Stark found me, as did Hedwig here."
"Oh yes, the dog. I heard about it while in the Vale. Particularly loyal if the rumour are true." Said the highborn.
"Hedwig is very loyal indeed, I couldn't ask for a better companion. However my Lord, she not a dog, but a direwolf. You can ask Lord Stark if you wish." Smirked Harry.
The surprise on Robert was worth a hundred golden dragons. It was understandable since direwolves were not suppose to be south of the Wall. Right now Hedwig was the size of a big dog, which was why a lot a people were still confusing her for a canine.
"A direwolf you say? Ah! That's a good one kid. I'm sorry to tell you this is just a big dog and nothing more." He said laughing out loud before leaving, making Hedwig growl slightly.
"Well, that was interesting." Thought Harry, touching his direwolf's head, calming her.
"He is a southerner Harry." Said Benjen, still with him. Rickard had asked him to watch over him while he was training, which the young wizard readily agreed. "They do not have the same beliefs as us. Like Maester Walys says, their ancestors are the one who destroyed the weirwoods made by the children of the forest long ago."
Harry nodded at Benjen, returning their attention to training. They spared together every day now. Of course, the youngest Stark was losing every single one due to his short size and range. Every time Benjen fell to the ground, he got back up with even more motivation. It seemed like nothing could deter him.
"Do you have any ideas why your brother came back? I was my understanding that he was supposed to wait until his fostering is over before coming back yes?" asked Harry to Ser Rodrik.
"You are correct Harry. I see the Maester teaching helped you a lot. Lord Eddard was indeed supposed to stay in the Eyrie until he reached the age of sixteen. Lord Arryn must have a very good reason to send him." Said the knight.
Harry nodded at the man before turning his attention to Benjen. He needed to be one hundred percent concentrating on the spar. His friend was maybe smaller and weaker than him for now, but he was quick. Both of them have decided to follow Brandon's path of fighting only bigger opponent, Benjen being to only exception to Harry or course.
This method wasn't without pain. Fighting against tougher opponent meant that the blows were much heavier and faster. One time, Brandon asked to spar with Harry, wanting to see his progress. It took less than five hits before the young wizard was on the ground, yielding to the wooden sword in from of his green eyes.
Harry did not mind the perpetual losses. After all, how else can you learn?
:-[T.A.B]-:
In Lord Rickard's solar, Eddard and Brandon took each a seat offer by their father. It was the first time the second son of the Warden of the North was acting as a relation between two nations.
"Father," began Eddard. "Lord Jon Arryn himself has given me this letter for you. He didn't want to risk it with a raven."
Rickard took the letter from his son's giving hand. It was still sealed with the Arryn's sigils. He broke the seal and started reading.
To Lord Rickard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North,
I send this letter with important news. We have reasons to believe, that the Sistermen, on the Islands of the Three Sisters, have the intention to revolt. We have obtained information from the island through strategically placed spies. The House of Sunderland is about to lose control over their bannermen. The House of Borrell, the House of Torrent and the House of Longthorpe are going to rebel against them. We don't know when, so we don't have a lot of time.
I know they are on the control on the Vale. However, the House of Manderly have the biggest and nearest fleet at proximity. They have been a thorn in their side for generation and I am sure you will agree that we cannot afford this to escalade in a full scale war. I have the intention of striking first and with the North's help, make them understand the strength of the Vale of Arryn.
Your son, Eddard has gracefully offered to bring this letter to you once I explain the importance of it. I wanted Robert to stay here but he insisted about seeing the beauty of the North.
I await your answer eagerly, Lord Stark.
Lord Jon Arryn, Lord of the Eyrie, Defender of the Vale and Warden of the East.
Rickard took the letter and threw it the fireplace. This was maybe a good way to start making the allies he wanted. Sure, he son was already fostering there and from what he knew, it was going very smoothly. Fighting in a war however might have the desired effect to create strong bond between the Vale and the North.
"Well Father?" asked Brandon who was not willing to wait. "What is so important for Jon Arryn to send my brother here during his fostering?"
"We are going to war against three minor houses in the Three Sisters."
"Do we call all the banners Father?" asked again Brandon eagerly.
"Not all the banners my son. Those are minor houses, barely able to muster a few hundred men. "We will take only our own men. House Manderly will loan us their ships and crew as part of their oath to us. Lord Arryn will probably take as many men, to put a show of force, as he is the Defender of the Vale."
"Who shall lead the host, Father?" asked calmly Eddard.
"I will." Said the Old Wolf in a voice colder then the Wall.
Thank you everyone for reading Chapter 5 of The adventure begin! Please let a review in the comment, letting me know what you think about my story.
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Criticism is always welcome as long as it is constructive.
To Virgo1234: Thank you for beta reading!
To Drakena: I thank you again for reading one again.
To Wrixel: This is a very good question. My answer is that I will try yes. I am creating an OC for that. Thank you for the review.
To agnar: Yes, Harry's presence will change some things with the Starks. I still need the Rebellion to start for the plot to advance however which is one of the reason Rickard will still try to marry his children in the South.
To everyone: Any ideas for Lyanna new horse's name? Let me know in the comments!