:-[Chapter 14]-:
Saying a small prayer to the Old Gods, Rickard approached the man he thought was loyal to his family, his sword firmly into his hands. Ice sang through the air while the Lord of Winterfell swung her in direction of the man's vulnerable neck.
"Fuck you Stark Said again Walys, looking deep into Rickard stormy grey eyes before dying from decapitation.
:-[T.A.B]-:
Lyanna was alone. All alone, in the dark corridors in Winterfell, no warm was felt from the natural hot springs under the castle. For some reason, snow was covering the stone floor. It never happened this much before. Sure sometime a window was broken by strong winds but never completely covered in it.
On the white snow, Lyanna could see Hedwig's many paw mark, like she had already walk through here before. No sign of the direwolf however. The young girl decided to follow the tracks, having nothing else to do.
Eventually, she arrived at the end where a door was waiting for her. She could see light coming for behind it. Gently raising her hand, Rickard's daughter opened the door, discovering it was her parents' bedroom.
She didn't want to go further, knowing exactly what she would find but like each time, her legs wouldn't obey her at all. She kept walking toward the side of the bed. Between said bed and the stone wall, was the corpse of her mother, the woman who have taken care of her with so much love and birthed her. Her empty eyes were following her as she was walking toward it.
She could see the slowly growing pool of blood forming under her mother. She had a long, bloody knife straight into the heart.
Suddenly, the corpse grabbed her wrist firmly. Lyanna tried to get away but she was unable to do so, the gripping was too strong.
"This is how you will die, child. You are weak." Said the corpse with a guttural voice, not sounding at all like her real mother's voice.
"No! Leave me be!" screamed Lyanna.
"You will die! Die!" repeated the corpse as it was decaying more and more.
"No!"repeated the girl.
"DIE! DIE!"the corpse becoming a skeleton.
"NO!" screamed Lyanna, this time in her own room.
She sat up on her bed, pushing the covers back onto the floor, trembling.
"The same nightmare again? Said a male voice beside her.
She turned around slowly, seeing her father on the armchair he had put in her bedroom the day he had come back from war. Every night, he had slept there. Every night since she saw her mother dead on the floor, she has the same nightmare.
"Y-yes Father." Said Lyanna, tearing up. "It's been weeks, I can't be like this forever!
"You won't, my daughter, I promise you. It will pass. Dreams come and go like the seasons. This one is no different." Tried to explained her father.
"But I don't want to forget about Mother!' cried louder the distress young girl.
"You won't ever forget your mother, Lyanna, you have my word. One day, you will find peace again and I hoped the decision I made the day after the first night I spend here watching you will help you in that direction." Confessed her lord father.
"What is it father?" asked a curious girl, still emotional.
"You shall see in the morning. I believe she will arrive on the morrow."
:-[T.A.B]-:
Lyanna was woken up slightly by her father. The man was softly shaking her shoulder, making her jolt.
"Sorry to wake you, my Lya, but our guests will arrive very soon. Sura is outside and help you get dress, alright?"
The young Stark girl nodded quickly, coming out of the covers. Lord Stark got out of the bedroom, gave some more orders to Sura and went how his way, dark circles under his eyes.
Sura entered the room, carrying clothes in her arms. She herself wore her best dress, gifted by Lord Stark for helping her daughter through her ordeal without anyone asking it of her. The dress was long, covering her legs entirely as well as her shoulder. It was a deep shade of purple with black trims. She absolutely loved it the moment she saw it and she was very happy to get to wear it. She even had fur to go with it!
Since Lord Stark came back and saw the distress on her daughter's eyes, he decided to permanently assign her to Lady Lyanna. Said girl was very happy at that, having taking a huge liking to the brown-reddish eyes girl.
"Come on Lyanna, let get you dress. I think you will love our guests." Smirked Sura.
"You know who is coming? Who is it? Asked Lyanna, curious as ever.
"It would spoil the surprise your Lord Father want for you. I am under strict order not to say anything until you see for yourself. Even Harry cannot tell you anything." Said Sura, still with a small smirk on her face.
"But that's not fair!" protested the girl.
"Then let's get you dress so we can go great them, I think I hear the horn coming." Said Sura, while faking to hear something with her hand on her ear.
Lyanna let out a small 'eep' before taking the blue dress Sura had in her arms. The dress was one of her favorite, even he she preferred breeches. They were war more convenient and useful, especially for riding.
She got dressed more quickly than she ever did, wanting to know this mysterious surprise. Never before her father had acted like this for a gift. He used to always simply give her something on her name day without a word. When she was ready, she took Sura's offered hand and followed the multiple guards outside her room.
She was fine with leaving her chambers now, but still insisted at having higher security and her father and brothers readily agreed, choosing the best warriors to make her guard. She was greatly grateful at this, thanking her family members every day mentally.
They arrived at the courtyard a couple of minutes later on time. The guests still wasn't there so she was relieve, not wanting to offend anyone by mistake.
She saw that all of her family members had already arrived as well as Harry. The young boy, no, the young man was standing proudly behind Eddard and Benjen, his hand on the pommel of his sword and shield on his back. He was dressed in full armor, with the addition of a new Stark pin on his chest.
He too had a new job.
Lord Rickard Stark, upon their return, had given Harry another blessing. He had accepted him into his personal guard until he would leave for his future land. He was the youngest man to ever achieve such an honor in Stark's history. The young man didn't stay on his laurel however. He still trained everyday with the men and with Rickard's son. Even Brandon wanted to spar with him the very next day they arrived.
Hedwig was beside her master, loyal as always. She barely left his side at any moment and while Lyanna understood their bond, she couldn't help but miss the giant direwolf's reassuring presence at night.
Her brother's too were dressed in similar fashion. They all looked like the Northern lords they were. Rickard was looking even lordlier, with Ice strapped upon his back and at the forefront of the group, leaving no choice of who was the master of the place.
Lyanna attention was caught by the sound of the horn at the entrance to the castle. She saw a group around a hundred people come inside on horseback. What she saw among them surprised her so much her eyebrows disappeared into her hairline. There were women among them! Women dressed in full combat armor! She never saw this before.
It was then see finally saw the banner proudly displayed beside a mountain of a man. The banner had a black bear in a green wood. The Mormont's banner! She of course knew of the Mormonts, from her studies with the traitor Maester Walys. Led by none other than the Old Bear himself, Jeor Mormont, the man steps down his horse and went straight to kneel in front of his liege lord, followed closely by a couple members of his retinue.
Beside him was a fierce looking woman. Her armor had some ringmail into it, giving her a rougher look than the standard warrior wore. Lyanna could see at her hip a long spiked mace. Lyanna didn't know her but she had the fierce look of a warrior, there was no doubt in her mind.
"Rise, Lord Mormont. Friends do not kneel in front of each other." Said Rickard to Jeor.
The Old Bear immediately rise up to his feet, towering most of the men present with his imposing stature. The others beside him followed his lead with a nod from him.
"My Lord Stark. Apologies for the delay, we encounter a small wilding raid while we were coming here. We had to stop to treat our wounded for a couple of days but thank the Gods, we had no dead among us."
Rickard smiled at that. Of course the Mormonts would apologize for being summoned by their liege lord and fight the wildlings.
"My lord, there is nothing to apologized for. I am glad you and your warriors are all alive still. Here we stand indeed, aye?"
Jeor puffed his massive chest in pride at his lord comment.
"Aye my lord, Here we stand!"
"HERE WE STAND! HERE WE STAND! HERE WE STAND!" chant the entire company in unison.
Rickard smirked slightly at this. He knew the Mormonts were a proud House with a deep history. If you wanted to put their honor in question, you must be ready for retribution. They are used to being attacked by wildling and even sometimes, the Ironborn of the Iron Islands.
Lyanna stood in awe of the woman beside Jeor. She was more of a short woman. She had a strong build while not being fat. She had a fierce look on her face but you could see respect in her eyes for her liege lord. The young girl saw her father turning his attention to the woman.
"Lady Maege Mormont, thank you for coming this quickly in Winterfell." Said the Lord Paramount.
"It is no problem my lord. I was surprised by the raven but with the blessing of my big dumb brother here, we were able to come pretty quickly, if you ignore those dumbass wildlings." Answered the She-bear.
"Maege! Watch your language in front of Lord Stark." Grumble the Old bear.
"No need, Jeor, I find it quite refreshing in fact." Laughed Rickard. "Come. Let us go to the Great Hall. A small feast is waiting for us tonight. In the mean time, my kitchen can prepare food for your people."
"Aye, my lord. But before we do, will you allow me one last question?"
"Of course my friend, what is it?" inquired the Stark patriarch.
"Why the fuck is there a direwolf behind you?" asked Jeor, pointing his hand at Hedwig.
:-[T.A.B]-:
In the Great Hall, in Winterfell, were two Houses with great history between them celebrating their reunion. Ale was flowing and loud music was heard in the four corners of the castle. Lyanna and Benjen were authorized to stay a little bit later this night, since it was a special occasion.
"Lord Stark," started the Lord of Mormont Keep. "I believe it is time for my sister to know the reason of her calling? While we do not mind the ale and food in the least. Last winter was hard as always on Bear Island."
"You are right, Lord Mormont." Nodded in agreement Rickard. "Lady Maege, please, step forward to the main table."
The Mormont woman steps up from her chair without question, a chicken leg in her mouth, to the great sorrow of her brother who shook his head. She still wore her armor but this time, she decided to present herself draped in her bearskin hooded cape. She put a knee to the floor, waiting for her liege lord to start.
"Lady Maege. Due to the unfortunate event in my home lately, I am in need of a strong warrior who can be a sworn sword, or mace in your case, for my daughter Lyanna."
The woman lifted her head quickly, locking her eyes with Rickard, seeing no lies with his words. She did not know what to say. Now she understood why Jeor insisted for her daughter Dacey to come too in Winterfell. It wasn't just a temporary visit or a simple summon. No, it was a sacred duty offered by Rickard Stark, of all people, for her to protect his only daughter. One, if the rumors were true, was traumatize by the tragic death of her mother.
"My lord, I-I don't know what to say." Answered the woman, in shock by the offer, chicken leg falling from her mouth.
Rickard let out a small chuckled escaped his lips. He expected this reaction from the woman. It was very rare after all that a woman could act as a bodyguard. Now, she was asked to be the one of Lyanna Stark.
"Wait until the second part, sister." Said a now heavily smirking Jeor.
"Aye. I want you to also train her. Make her into a warrior like yourself and your daughter Dacey."
Lyanna was completely speechless. Her father has always refused to let her train with weapons, always insisting she act like a lady. Never had he expressed any intention to let her train with her brothers. Now she could and would become a great warrior woman like no other Starks before her.
:-[T.A.B]-:
After the feast, Harry Winterstorm and Hedwig went back into their bedroom. The day had been long with the Mormont's visit. The young warrior was happy for Lyanna, knowing she would find strength when she would be able to defend herself.
As always, his direwolf stood guard right at the door, making sure no one could enter while he would be inside his trunk. As soon as he came back from the Three Sisters, Harry went back to his magical training. Having previously found his own core, he guesses the rest would come easier.
He had decided to focus on spell that he already knew and could use while he had a wand. Levitation spell, Reparo spell and silencing spell were now in his repertoire of wandless magic. The last spell he learned was pretty useful to move silently, giving him an edge in his fighting. Every morning, he applied the spell on every pieces of armor. While his days were mainly training with the Starks brothers, he didn't see why he couldn't practice his magic at the same time.
Transfiguration was still out of his power for now. He couldn't make an object change permanently, it always came back to their original form minutes later. The levitation and the Reparo spell were learned very easily. Harry thought they would be very useful if he managed to get Moat Cailin like he hoped. The castle was in a marvelous strategic place, with the Neck's swamp at its south, forming an almost perfect shield against any invaders.
With the help on his meditation, Harry found out that he could easily 'stored' his memories in his mind and found them very quickly. Another perk of magic, he thought happily. He tried to remove his armor but still had difficulty with it.
A soft knock of the door caught his attention. He left his armor for late and opened the door, letting him see Sura behind it. The young girl was back in her simpler servant uniform with the exception of the Stark pin which she took care every day before leaving her bedroom.
"Sura? What a welcomed surprise." Said Harry.
"We haven't talk at all since you came back. With my new duties with Lady Lyanna and you with your training and bodyguarding Lord Eddard and Lord Benjen, we couldn't really have the time. But Lady Maege has insisted for me to leave while she has a conversation with her new charge. I am sorry to arrive unannounced but Lord Stark has given me the night to rest." Said the girl, rambling her thoughts.
"It has been way too long, you are right. Please my Lady, come in." said gallantly Harry with a small reverence, making the cute girl giggle.
She entered the room, seeing the simple furnishings of the room. She knew Harry was a simple man, like most of the northerner. She wasn't a materialistic person either, preferring to create relationship than material gain. Sura saw that the young man was still wearing his combat armor.
"Do you need to remove it, Lord Harry? Offered the girl.
"If you do not mind, I'll gladly take the help, you have my thanks, Lady Sura." Said Harry, continuing their banter.
They went in the middle of the room, after Sura closed the door for him. She went behind him to remove the armor parts one by one. Slowly, one by one, she helps her friend come out of his steel 'prison'. When she removed the last piece, the bracer, she saw her favor, the blue cloth still there.
"Y-you still have it?" said a surprised Sura.
"Of course. It was a temporary gift from you while I was away. Its presence always reminded me of Winterfell and the friendships I made here." Explained Harry with a smile.
Sura hesitated a little before continuing. "I am glad you are safe and sound. When news of the fight at the Battle of Sweetsister arrived here, I was scared for you. When I learned that you fell unconscious for weeks I-I-I feared so much for you."
Harry, seeing her tear up, went immediately for a hug. He patted her back, reassuring her while she was releasing her pent up emotions. The young man and young woman stayed there for a moment, appreciating the moment.
"What do you think of Lord Stark's reward for you? A lordship once you marry is incredible. Do you have any lady in mind?" gently teased the young woman.
"S-Sura! I am way too young to even think about marrying." said a deeply blushing Harry. "I wish to become a good warrior for the Stark first and I want to be ready to be a lord first. I know nothing about ruling people and even less how to properly rule a castle or land. I have asked Lord Stark and he told me the Citadel is sending multiple Maesters for his choosing since the last one… well, you know."
"Do you think he will even choose one? His reaction to Maester Walys betrayal was intense. I never thought he would execute him like that."
"I think he was deeply hurt by the traitor. He was supposed to be a good advisor and a friend for years. I can't imagine having a friend betray me like this. I honestly don't know how I would react." Confessed the green eyes warrior as he put the pieces of his armor on the mannequin Brandon had given him.
"I have a favor to ask of you Harry. I need to go to Wintertown to get some things for my new room. Lord Stark has given me some gold for me so that I can buy my own furniture!" said the young woman, excitement shining in her beautiful eyes.
"Aye, Lord Rickard is very grateful that you help his children while he was away. Lya and Benjen really like you. Brandon, Eddard and I will forever be grateful to you for this, Sura. What is the favor?"
"What?" said a confused Sura, lost in his kind words. "Oh! Yes, I want to ask Lord Stark if I can have some guards coming with me but I want to ask you first. If our lord says yes, would you and Hedwig come with me?" asked Sura.
Harry could see hope in her eyes, like she really wanted him to come with her in Wintertown.
"Of course. If Lord Stark don't mind me going to the town, I would love for us to come with you."
:-[T.A.B]-:
Thank you everyone for reading Chapter 14 of The adventure begins! Please let a review in the comment, letting me know what you think about my story.
If you are interested in becoming an Alpha or Beta reader, contact me!
Criticism is always welcome as long as it is constructive.
To RRW: Thank you again, the Maesters will arrive next chapter and then... new arc!