:-[Chapter 10]-:
"It is good to see you again Lord Eddard." Said the knight of the gates. "Open the gates! Let them pass now."
The massive gates slowly opened before them. Leading the way, Eddard was the first to pass through the entrance, followed closely by Robert Baratheon and the rest of the northern host. Next stop, Gulltown.
:-[T.A.B]-:
Waiting for them at the Bloody Gates was the envoy of Lord Jon Arryn. Leading them was none other than Elbert Arryn, Heir to the Vale. He looked exactly like what Harry imagined a knight would look like in his shinny armor. On his breastplate was the sigil of the House Arryn, the falcon.
Elbert was a tall man, following the pattern of the Arryns, tall with broad shoulder, blond hair and with piercing blue eyes.
"Eddard. It is about time you are here. We are waiting for you and your men for days." Sternly asked the knight.
"We marched at a reasonable pace, my lord Elbert. No need to exhaust the men before the battle even begins." Started Eddard. "I followed the exact instructions of my father, Lord Stark. Perhaps you should send him a raven, yes?"
Not being known for liking people who go against his orders, Elbert really didn't want to go against the Lord Paramount of the North.
"No need lad." Said the man, grinding his teeth. "We need to get going. Lord Arryn is waiting for us in Gulltown where our fleet is stationed. It will take us another week at least to be there. We still have a couple hours of daylight left."
With that comment, he turned his horse around, leading the Valemen under his orders to the Vale's city.
'The man seems slightly full of himself.' Thought Harry, watching from afar. 'I guess not all knights can't be like Ser Rodrik.'
The Cassel man was at Eddard's side, obeying his Lord's order to the letter. His gaze was firmly on the horizon, even when they had passed the Bloody Gates.
"Aye, you are right of course my lord." Humbly said Eddard. "Our men are ready to march for another couple hours. Ser Rodrik, have the men follow us, then come back to my side, I will be at the front with Robert and Lord Elbert."
"Yes my lord. It will be done." Answered the knight who waves at Harry, signalling to follow him.
"Lad, you will stay with the army. Ser Elbert doesn't like people who aren't important enough to him to be near him. The South is not like in the North." Warned the man. "Help the men with everything they need. Once we are at Gulltown, I will come to get out, understand?"
"Yes Ser Rodrik."
:-[T.A.B]-:
"What news of Winterfell girl? Anything we should know?" Harry asked his direwolf mentally.
"Nothing much really. My days are pretty much staying with young Benjen or Lyanna depending on what they do. Lady Lyarra and Lord Rickard have been very clear on this and you know I take my duties seriously, Master."
Harry chuckle at this, remembering all the time he got mail at Hogwarts. She was almost always the first one to come to give him his.
"How does Benjen fare with his duties?"
"Very well I think. The people respect the Starks so much they don't really care they are speaking to a child. His mother's presence help too and as much as I hate to admit it, the old two legged Maester is giving sound advices." Answered the white direwolf.
"That is good. See if you can watch him but stay with Benjen. His security is too important for us to risk. I know he has Alyn watching his every step, but with you he have the best bodyguard possible. Keep your nose and eyes sharp, understood?"
"Of course Master. Nothing will happen to little Benjen, you have my word as a now quadruped." Laughed Hedwig. "What about you? How are things on your side?"
"Sleep, travel, train, eat and repeat. Eddard is a natural leader. Maybe the Starks really have this in their blood. I am trying to enchant object to project light with the Lumos spell but since you are not here with me, I had very few chance to practice. I can't even meditate or I would have to ask too many questions on how I can cut my sleep by half. Over and all, it is pretty boring, no action at all except for the sparring with the men."
"That can be good. Focus only on your training with the sword and shield. Two legged Kalvyn said, warrior's way. Once you are back in Winterfell, we can continue to explore magic together."
"You're right Hedwig. That's exactly what I've been doing. I just wish that this campaign would go faster. Travel in this world is very slow, I just wish I could have my broom."
"Then what? Fly to Gulltown by yourself and arrive weeks earlier than the army? Said Hedwig, trying to be the voice of reason. "Forget about your broom. Maybe later or in another adventure we can focus on developing your magic and other transportation mode."
"Fine, fine girl. I'll stop whining on transportation mode in the future." Laughed the young wizard.
"Good, now if you will excuse me, little Benjen have been gracious enough to give me an entire roasted pig tonight. Did I tell you that I like this little human?"
Through the familiar bond, Harry could almost feel his direwolf's excitement. It happened often when she was excited for something, usually with her food. It was something that he wanted to explore. Since his talk with Lord Howland Reed about skinchanger, he wanted to explore that avenue.
"Hedwig, what do you know of the skinchanging ability?" Have you heard anything on your end?"
"Well, little Lyanna has been in Winterfell's library a lot since all of you left to war. Skinchanging was in the Stark's family centuries ago. Now, it is a pretty much gone ability. From what I understand from the human part is that you can control the animal you are bonded with by taking said animal's mind. That's pretty it sadly. It seems the Starks of old didn't like to put their knowledge into books." Hedwig explained.
"Lord Reed seems pretty convince I am one. While I doubt the skinchangers can talk telepathically to their animal, I am sure we can find something useful to do with that later on. Anyway, have fun eating girl." Finished the raven haired boy.
:-[T.A.B]-:
Gulltown was a very important city for the Vale. As the only grand city of the region, it was also the only economic port big enough to transport the army of Jon Arryn and Eddard Stark.
The city was strategically positioned to trade with the North, King's Landing and of course all of western Essos. In his lessons with Maester Walys, Harry learned that the city was very, very old. It was even older than the Andal's invasion thousands of years ago.
As the Heir of the Vale, Elbert took upon himself to enter the city first. His Lord Paramount, Jon Arryn, was at the city gates, waiting for them. His mere presence forces the respect of the men beside him. Dressed in his shinny armor, the Lord of the Eyrie awaited them surrounded by his best knights, also dressed in full armor.
"Lord Arryn," Began his Heir, "Lord Robert Baratheon and Lord Eddard Stark, per your wishes. I would have been here earlier but the young pup wanted to keep his men to a slower pace."
Harry could actually hear the growl coming from the army. Relationship between the North and the Vale was very precarious. They have an old history of fighting and the Heir's jape was definitively not helping in the matter.
True to his starting reputation, Eddard stayed calm, simply watching Elbert with his cold grey eyes.
"My Lord Elbert, I have al..." began the Northman before getting interrupted by the man beside him.
"We marched at a regular pace you fucking shit!" Robert's booming voice echoed though the court.
"Robert Baratheon! Watch your language in my presence young man. Respect your elders." Firmly ordered the Lord Paramount.
The Heir of Storm's End's mouth closed shut but let out a small growl in the process. His eyes promising pain.
"That is enough from all of you. I already know all of this. Lord Stark himself has sent me a raven explaining the move. Lord Eddard did exactly what his father asked of him. He did what was expected of him and followed the instructions. Nothing more will be said of the matter." He finished.
"Very well my lord. When do we leave for the Three Sisters?" Eddard asked quickly before Robert could say something and offending someone else while trotting beside his foster father.
"In two day. Your father's men are ready in White Harbor and will be leaving in a week. Baring any storm, well should be able to launch our offensive at the same time on the islands." Explained the old man. "Ser Elbert will show your men their quarters for the duration of your stay. After this meaningless war, you and Robert will return with me to the Eyrie."
"Of course Lord Arryn."
:-[T.A.B]-:
If travel by horse was bad, travel by sea was a pain. The rocking of the waves against the ship made him sick in the stomach. If only he got some Pepper-Up potion in stock. Maybe if could try to find the ingredients later on and try to cultivate them within the trunks.
By the personal invitation of Eddard Stark, Harry was able to come to the final meeting before the Three Sisters invasion. Inside the room were Jon Arryn, Robert Baratheon, Eddard Stark and many, many knights. The young wizard was sitting in a corner beside Ser Rodrik who was still acting as the Stark's protector.
In the middle of the cabin was a table with a map describing the invasion plan. Jon Arryn, flanked by Elbert and another knight of the Vale, was explaining for the last time the operation.
"Eddard, you and Robert will attack House Borrell on the island of Sweetsister. Your father will take care of House Longthorpe on Longsister. The forces of the Vale and House Sunderland will launch our own attack on the last house, House Torrent of Littlesister. We are coordinating all of our fleet to attack them simultaneously."
"What about me, my Lord Arryn." Asked Ser Elbert, puffing his chest.
"You will act as the Commander of our forces. You need the experience, like our young lads here." The Lord of the Vale answered while pointing at both his foster sons. "I will go with them with a small force with our best knights. We will act as the combine force of the Vale and the North and all of us, together, we will defeat the rebels. May the Gods help us."
"May the god help us." Chanted the knights beside Jon Arryn.
:-[T.A.B]-:
Marco, son of Markus, was galloping in the direction on the capital of the North. He was travelling alone for months now in the direction of Winterfell, under the orders of his lord. He was one of his most trusted, he knew. How else could he have had such an important job?
'It was about time. I've been in his service for years. I've always done the job correctly.' Thought the man.
Marco Hill was from the Westerlands. All of his life, he had been at the service of one of the most ruthless lord in all of Westeros, Lord Tywin Lannister, the Lion of the Rock. He had done many different jobs for his lord, mainly spying. Of course, the other jobs weren't really nice, like the job he was on at the moment.
'Why did it have to be so far in the North? Why couldn't I gone to the Reach or even Dorne? All of those fresh cunts waiting for me.' Whined the spy.
The cold wind of the north was relentless against his face. Deep down, he knew he was only being use for his appearances. He looked more like a northerner than a westerlander. With deep black hair and beard, which he let grow during his travel, he was hoping to pass undetected by the population. He took the time to steal some clothe from Wintertown to help even more. He was convinced he would succeed. His lord promised riches when he would come back. Maybe he could ask for a knighthood.
'He said the mission was paramount to the security of the Westerlands. What can it be so important so far from Casterly Rock? I mean, I know Lord Tywin probably has many, many spies around Westeros but the North? It is a desolate land with even more desolate people. Nobody in their right mind should live there.' Continue the man with his thoughts.
He remember months ago when Lord Tywin Lannister has send for him to give him his orders.
"Go the North. You shall speak with another of my spies. He shall give you an envelope sealed with the Lannister's sigils, the lion. He will give you a code phrase to identify himself to you. 'The wolf preys on the weak.' And you will give you your own phrase, 'But the lion is king'."
So much secrecy. Of course, it made sense. Every region in Westeros did not take kindly spies. Torture was very often the consequence of espionage. But Marco, son of Markus was good. He was the one who gave him the information about the House Reyne of Castamere about the mines under it. He was the one who gave him the information about the Tarbeck's host movements. He made entire Houses fall.
Now, he would make the Great House Stark fall.
:-[T.A.B]-:
Maester Walys was eagerly awaiting for his employer's envoy. It been many years now since he was force to live his life in the cold desolate land that is the North. He considered himself lucky in a way, at least he was not send to Last Heart of Seven Hells forbid, the Dreadfort.
He perfectly did his job as a spy since he was at Winterfell. Sending information and waiting, that was his job. Well, one of his jobs of course, the other being the maester of Rickard Stark himself.
Since the North was a region who loved to isolate itself, it had been hard to gain the Lord Paramount's trust in the beginning. It took many, many years to finally fully gain it when he saved Stark's wife life during Benjen's birth.
Rickard almost never left Winterfell. He preferred to have his bannermen come to him which made it hard to do anything against the family without being notice. But now with the surprising rebellion in the Three Sisters, Walys and his employer finally had an opportunity to do some real damage from the inside. At he had to do, was give a sealed envelope to the other operator. His own letter was partially describing the man so that he could recognize him.
He was looking intently at the courtyard, waiting for the man describe in the letter. It was something huge, he could feel it. Why else Lord Tywin Lannister would be sending another spy in the North?
But what could it be?
:-[T.A.B]-:
Lord Tywin Lannister, the Warden of the West and most importantly the Hand of the King was sipping slowly of his cup of wine. He took time to stay in Casterly Rock after his beloved wife Joanna died, giving birth to the monstrosity.
His plan was in motion. He was the one who stir the possibly of rebellion among them. Pirates only followed one thing, gold. Through multiples peoples and never, never directly, he financed the Three Sisters' lesser Houses. He was the one who arrange the transport of better weapons. In lieu of their iron weapons, now they possess steal.
The goal was simple. Create a little bit of chaos in a rival kingdom was always good, especially one with so much power. The Arryns were a very respected and hold a lot of power as Warden of the East.
With the dead of the dragons a more than a century ago, the Targaryens were more and more relying on the power of their Lords Paramount. He was hoping that the pirates would be able to do some damage now that they were properly equipped.
When he learned of the departure of Rickard Stark for the Three Sisters, he immediately put his second plan into motion. He decided to send his best agent to the North. The man was scum and a scoundrel, but he brings results, outstanding result.
'The plans are in motion. Nothing can stop that now, not even the Gods themselves. I have made sure the gold I use for the weapon trading was given by a middle man. No one should take all of this back to me and Casterly Rock.'
He looked down the courtyard, where his son Jaime was continuing his training with the men of his Lion Guards. They were his best and he intended for Jaime to be his best of the best. He had many high hopes for his son. The Lion of the Rock would sent a raven to Lord Hoster Tully of Riverrun and discuss marriage between his son and his daughter, Catelyn.
He had the letter from his spies in the Riverlands a couple of years back. The letter said that Hoster now had an heir, young Edmure. Tywin could easily discard the child. If Jaime was to marry Catelyn, their son would be Heir to both the Westerlands and the Riverlands.
Cersei would probably marry Rhaegar Targaryen himself and be Queen. He already had an offer last year by the Martells to marry her to Oberyn but his daughter would never be married to a second son, especially a Dornish man. No, a prince and eventually, a king, would be her husband.
Now all he had to do was founding some utility to the little monster. Maybe he could marry him off to one of his bannermen daughter since he was still a Lannister, the name had enormous value in itself.
Nevertheless, his grandchild from Jaime would inherit the Westerlands and most certainly the Riverlands if Tywin had something to say about it. His neighbours would we weaken, the Vales had no direct heir from Jon Arryn and the North would hopefully had fewer Starks.
The dragons were dead. The lions would retake their places as the stronger animal with him at the top.
:-[T.A.B]-:
Thank you everyone for reading Chapter 10 of The adventure begins! 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 agnar: Welcomed back agnar! I am happy to see you again. For Harry not having full on magical power, you are right. Harry is very weak at the moment and he is not very impressive yet. It will change, the Three Sisters part is almost over (one or two chapter) and after we start another ark in GoT Universe. Until then my friend!
To Claudiomir & williamson7519: Thank you for reading!