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93.54% Game of Thrones: Dovahkiin / Chapter 58: Brandon Stark

Kapitel 58: Brandon Stark

Moat Cailin, The North, ninth moon of 281 AC

Brandon Stark POV

The North and its people held the Neck in high regard, the place where thousands of Andals invaders were crushed and defeated. A place hit by the hammer of waters and where one hundred of the 500 Giants that came from beyond the wall chose to settle. Brandon Stark could only imagine how useful these giants could be, both in wartime and peacetime. They were excellent builders and surprisingly good at farming, as many didn't eat meat. Their mammoths could carry heavy loads, and in wartime, they would be one hell of a cavalry.

As he approached the ancient ruins of Moat Cailin, Brandon couldn't help but imagine how imposing the Fortress would be when rebuilt. The Moat would be rebuilt as per the agreement of his Father and Lord Dovahkiin; a Stark would sit in the moat, most probably, Eddard.

Brandon and his party, consisting of Lyanna, Barbrey, and many other northern lords and heirs, were greeted by a group of crannogman; their leader wore classic crannog leathers and had a trident in his hand; he bowed to Brandon in respect as he addressed him.

" My Lord Brandon, Moat Cailin is yours. I am Jijen Blackmyre of Blackmyre Hall, third son of Lord Blackmyre." Jijen Blackmyre said calmly, and Brandon smiled at the small man.

" Rise, Lord Jijen. Tell me, how is the construction going? Is everything going as planned?" Brandon asked as he knew Jijen Blackmyre was the one overlooking the construction of the Canal.

" Aye, my Lord. Everything is in order, and thankfully, there was no conflict. The giants are a peaceful lot… most of the time. They usually don't start fights and rarely get into one, and the men are too afraid to disturb the giants' peace after the whole assassin's issue in Skagos." Jijen said, and Brandon grimaced.

" What happened? Why would the men fear the giants for something that happened in Skagos?" Lyanna asked curiously.

" Well, mostly because they were so angry they began sparing against themselves and training as if reading for some war. They would lift giant boulders and throw them in fits of anger when they were told the attack was not meant only for Lord Dovahkiin but his young daughter as well." Jijen answered truthfully, and Brandon once again grimaced.

" Have the Lords coming by ships arrived yet? Is my brother here?" Brandon asked

"Is the Ice Dragon here?" Smalljon Umber asked

" Ice Dragon? Do you mean Lord Dovahkiin or Lady Dovahkiin's dragon?" Jijen asked, and Smalljon laughed

" Aren't they the same? They said the she-bear tamed them both! The best warrior in the realm, the most feared Lord, couldn't fight against the she-bear's cunt!" Smalljon said, and all present laughed.

" Guilty as charged…" a deep voice said on Brandon's left, which made him almost jump; as he looked to his left, he saw Lord Dovahkiin standing with a smile on his face

"By the Old Gods! How long… how the fuck did you sneak on me! There are more than 60 guards and 40 Lords here!" Brandon asked loudly as the other lords looked flabbergasted at Lord Dovahkiin.

" You have your secrets, child… I have mine. Lord Brandon, Lady Lyanna, Lord Umber, Lord Smalljon, Lady Barbrey…" Lord Dovahkiin greeted them all, " How was your trip? I hope it was uneventful… lack of excitement is better than the excess of deathly situations; most of the time." Lord Dovahkiin said

" Where is Benjen?" | "Everything was alright," Brandon and Lyanna said at the same time

" Was Rickard allowed to come?" Asked Greatjon Umber.

" Only the five best students at the college were allowed to come…." Lord Dovahkiin said, " And Rickard was one of them. The boy is one of a king in self-alteration, second best, losing only to Benjen. Still, my foster-son in on a league of his own; he is almost as talented as I was when I had his aged," Lord Dovahkiin said. Brandon noticed Greatjon looked incredibly smug, as did Lyanna.

" Where are they?" Lyanna asked again, with irritation in her voice. Lord Dovahkiin looked at her with a raised eyebrow.

" Aye… wolf blooded indeed. But I will not amuse you this time, little one… Rickard spoils you too much. You will have to wait like everyone else." Lord Dovahkiin said, and Brandon laughed, much to Lyanna's annoyance.

" Father doesn't spoil me!" Lyanna and Lord Dovahkiin said simultaneously, but Lord Dovahkiin's voice was in mockery.

" That's what all spoilt children say." Lord Dovahkiin said, and Brandon laughed again, as did most of his party.

" Who else came with you, my lord?" Brandon asked as he decided to end Lyanna's suffering

" Lords Karstark, Forrester, Hornwood, and Flint. Howland Reed, Harwin Crowl; and Theon Stane." Lord Dovahkiin said. " My Lady wife and daughter as well." Lord Dovahkiin completed.

" And where are they all, my Lord?" Brandon asked calmly.

" Inside Moat Cailin, of course… where else would they be? You insisted on riding from the Moat all the way to Harrenhal after all." Lord Dovahkiin said.

" Let's get in then! It's been ages since I saw my brother," thundered Smalljon

"Aye," said Greatjon as they began entering the castle. Brandon was about to follow them, but he heard a roar in the skies; he looked at Lord Dovahkiin, who was smiling as he looked at the sky.

Brandon had heard about the Ice Dragon, but seeing it land in front of him was something else, Greatjon and Smalljon both returned, running to see the massive white dragon. It was more magnificent than Brandon could ever imagine. The ice dragon lowered itself so its rider could dismount. From the Dragon's back, Dacey Dovahkiin dismounted, wearing a dark red winter dress, Lord Dovahkiin helped her out, and they kissed quickly. Lord Dovahkiin then looked at the Dragon, that seemed to bow to the man, and nodded; the dragon jumped and flew to an abandoned section of the castle, where it "perched."

" My Lords and Ladies… it's a pleasure seeing you all again. My Lord Stark," Lady Dovahkiin said as she curtsied

" Lady Dovahkiin," Brandon said absentmindedly, still mesmerized at the Dragon

" Let us get inside the castle then…." Lord Dovahkiin said as he and his wife began walking to Moat Cailin.

Inside the fortress, Brandon saw many people talking or training, his youngest brother among them. Benjen had grown a lot since the last time Brandon saw him; Brandon couldn't help but marvel at the sight of his little brother fighting three men simultaneously, one of them being Lord Karstark himself. Benjen moved like a wolf, fast, precise, decisive; it was almost like he was dancing.

" Impressive, isn't he?" Said a distinctive voice behind Brandon. "When your father asked me to teach Benjen everything he would need to become the shield of the western shores, I did precisely that. I taught your brother how to battle at sea and land; how to form strategies to break any attack on the North by sea or land. Benjen Stark will be your greatest asset in the wars to come." Lord Dovahkiin completed, and Brandon frowned.

" What about you and your family? Wouldn't you be my greatest assets in the wars to come?" Brandon asked

" That's is quite debatable… would you trust me as you would Benjen? Would you come to me when you have no idea of what to do or how to act? Would you trust me like you would family? If so, then yes. If not, then… no." Lord Dovahkiin said, and Brandon frowned, thinking Lord Dovahkiin's words were borderline treasonous.

" Do not question my loyalty, Brandon Stark!" Lord Dovahkiin said before Brandon could say anything. " I wouldn't be your greatest asset if you didn't trust me, not because I would betray you… but because a hammer can only hit a nail if held by steady hands, and it can only help you to build something if you can use it properly. Your father trusts me; look at what it brought us. Prosperity." Lord Dovahkiin said calmly.

" So you expect me to come to you with any problems I have, to have you make the decisions for me?" Brandon asked, his voice respectful yet challenging.

" Nay. You are the heir to Winterfell, not me. You will rule The North, not me, and honestly, I don't envy your position. What I ask you is that you trust me. Not to make your decision for you, but to give you advice should you need it." Lord Dovahkiin said, and Brandon nodded, " We are of The North, Brandon Stark; we are as strong as we are united and as weak as we are divided. We don't play southern court games here; you know that better than I do." Lord Dovahkiin completed

"Aye… those southern and their games! Damn them all! Father wants me to marry one of them, a trout! A follower of the false gods!" Brandon ranted; he hated the idea of having to marry a southerner woman with no personality, no excitement, only a dull woman.

" It is a good match, although not the one I would make. Lady Blackwood would be a better choice. But Lady Tully is not a bad woman; it could've been worse, honestly. You could've been stuck with a Tyrell girl." Lord Dovahkiin said, and Brandon looked at him horrified.

" Father wouldn't… right?" Brandon asked worryingly

" Lord Tyrell did write to him. You were one the most sought bachelors in Westeros. All Lords know I'm loyal to your house, so whoever managed to make their daughter the Lady of Winterfell would have the protection of the North to their House. Lord Tully had twelve of his less loyal bannermen reaffirming their oaths to his house by their own choice… this year only." Lord Dovahkiin said humorously, and Brandon couldn't help but laugh

" Ha… who would've guessed? The Reach begging for our help! The sheer irony! Father chose the lesser evil, then," Brandon said

" Catelyn Tully is not a bad match… I've heard she's quite the looker. Alburn hair and all that. Riverlander through and thorough." Lord Dovahkiin said

" Aye… not a bad prospect altogether," Brandon said, and Lord Dovahkiin laughed.

" Yield?" Brandon heard Benjen say to Lord Karstark

" Aye, lad!" Lord Karstark said, " By the old gods, lad! You fight like a demon!"

" Hahaha, no! I fight like a Direwolf!" Benjen said, and from behind Lord Karstark, a giant wolf made its way to Benjen, who simply petted the large animal

" What the fuck is that? Is that a Direwolf?" Brandon asked as he made his way to his brother

" Brandon!" Benjen said as he walked to Brandon and hugged him, "How long has it been, brother?"

" Too long little brother… too long! Long enough for you to become too good with a sword!" Brandon said, and Benjen chuckled

" Better than you, aye," Benjen said

" That's not what I said," Brandon replied

" That is the truth," Benjen replied, and Brandon smirked

" Shall we see?" Brandon said

"Aye! Let us!" Benjen replied

Brandon had never fought someone as fast as Benjen; his brother twirled and twisted, spun and ducked, dodged and parried like no one else, they fought for 15 minutes, and not once he had the advantage of upper hand over his brother, so it was not a surprise when Benjen blade was on his neck as they both panted.

" Yield!" Benjen said, and Brandon smiled

"Aye, little brother," Brandon said

Brandon and the other Lords didn't stay long at Moat Cailin, only long enough for them to get some rest. Lord Dovahkiin introduced his baby daughter to all Lord; the little girl was a smart one, and according to his Lord Father, she would one day marry his eldest son.

( Time- skip two weeks)

Brandon and his party of Northen Lords arrived at Riverrun two weeks after leaving the Moat. The ride through the Neck and northern Riverlands was smooth and with no problems. The only issue was the crossing at the Twins, but Lord Dovahkiin solved that without even talking to Frey. Lord Dovahkiin, Benjen, and Lady Dovahkiin's Ice Dragon froze the waters of the green fork, creating an ice path of sorts. Lord Dovahkiin's magic was as strong as the Ice Dragon's breath; it was simply impressive seeing him sending waves of "frost" through his hands, and seeing Benjen do the same was honestly the highest point in all that, although not near as powerful as Lord Dovahkiin's Benjen's magic was nothing to scoff at, that frost wave of his could easily kill a man.

The Castle of Riverrun was a beautiful place; the three-sided castle sat at the confluence of the Red Fork and the Tumblestone. The green grass around the rivers contrasted well with the blueish waters of the rivers, which in turn made the White Castle look almost ethereal.

Lord Tully and his household were waiting at Riverrun's gate; his two daughters and young son looked remarkably like him; Brandon noticed.

When he saw Catelyn Tully, Brandon had to give in and admit that, once again, Lord Dovahkiin was right. It could be worse, and she wasn't a bad match; she was one of the most beautiful women Brandon had ever seen.

" Welcome to Riverrun, my Lords! Please have the bread and salt," Lord Hoster Tully said.

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A/N: Wassup guys! One Brandon Stark POV for y'all! The Tourney at Harrenhal is coming!

Thank you for your support!!


next chapter

Kapitel 59: Dear Petyr

Riverrun, Riverlands, ninth moon of 281 AC

Benjen Stark POV

Benjen Stark considered himself a good person; his foster family and natural family taught him the way of the world and how to navigate it without becoming a monster. Lord Dovahkiin taught him about magic, swordplay, how to sail a ship, how to manage a coastal city, how to defend the said city against pirates and reavers, and so Manu more things. Benjen, in his not-so-humble opinion, was ready to lead, prepared to become a Lord, and that was the reason he would be competing in the Tournament at Harrenhal, to show he was ready.

Benjen and all Northern nobles attending the Tournament at Harrenhal stayed in Riverrun for two days, mainly for Brandon to get to know his future wife. Catelyn Tully, in Benjen's opinion, was a disaster waiting to happen; the woman was pious with that disgusting faith of hers; she held the Northern Lords in low regard, although she hid that very well; she also had a very obnoxious septa following her everywhere, the woman, unlike Lady Tully, didn't hide her dislike for Northern things, which was why Benjen was keeping Lord Dovahkiin as far away from the woman as possible. Ragnar's dislike for anything "of the seven" was known throughout the North; a dislike Bejen had accidentally adopted as well.

As he got ready to train with the sword once more, Benjen saw Edmure Tully, Brandon's new squire, enter the training yard, followed by a small boy, who didn't look very happy to be there. The Tully sisters were with them. The yard was full of people; all northern lords were there training for the upcoming tournament, and some ladies watched as they drank tea or just watched.

Lord Dovahkiin was sparing against Brandon, Greatjon Umber, and Rickard Karstark simultaneously, with no difficulty whatsoever. Lynara would cheer for her father from time to time as she apparently enjoyed seeing her father training.

Lady Dovahkiin held her daughter as she fed her small fruits.

"Benjen! Ragnar gave instructions for your training today. He said you were not to spar against anyone and just work on your footwork and dodging. You are to put a cloth in your eyes and dodge our strikes." Theon Stane said with a grimace, clearly not liking his instructions.

" Why are you uncomfortable? I thought I would be the one having to dodge while blind…." Benjen said humorously.

"It's not right to attack a blind enemy; I am good enough with my sword to not have to attack someone dishonorably… it's beneath me." Theon said

" Hum… where's Harwin?" Benjen said

" He got carried out in our spar once again, and his hammer slipped from his hands… the hammer flew and almost Dacey… Ragnar was furious. He put butter in Harwin's hands, took him to Riverrun's Godswood, told him to hold tight on the weirwood tree, and left him hanging in there… 12 feet above the ground… holding with his hands only… Ragnar also put some sharp things on the ground around Harwin." Theon said, and Benjen grimaced

" What will happen if he falls?" Benjen asked

" He will be sent back home… to do the mammoth's dung service with a spoon… for a whole year," Theon said, and Benjen once more grimaced

" Is he allowed to use magic to hold on to the tree?" Benjen asked

"Aye… but Ragnar didn't mention that," Theon said.

" I see…" Benjen said, " Then let's do what Ragnar asked… I don't want to be sent back home." Benjen said as he put a blindfold on his eyes.

Benjen was able to dodge most of Theon's strikes, much to the astonishment of everyone watching; it wasn't hard for Benjen to do so; he had learned from Lord Dovahkiin a spell to amplify his ear's power; he could listen to a sword moving in the air, or where a person attacking him was, which help him dodge attacks, he could hear the footsteps of a person sneaking on him which made attacks from behind almost impossible against him. As Benjen was dodging, he could hear Ragnar defeating his opponents one by one, Greatjon being the last to lose, and Rickard Karstark being the fist. The Northern lords laughed as he trained, completely disbelieving their eyes. Benjen was enjoying doing that so much that he began playing, dodging mockingly and only avoiding the strikes at the last second. That went until he heard

" Theon… out. It's my turn now." Benjen heard Ragnar say, and his whole demeanor changed.

" You are enjoying this too much. I didn't ask you to do this so you could enjoy the glory my fellow Lords barked you in. This whole training was for you to work on your footwork. You are too relaxed and too arrogant about your abilities with the sword. I taught you to be proud of your abilities, not to be arrogant." Ragnar said thoughtfully as he began striking Benjen with a wooden sword. Benjen was fast, but Ragnar was faster… way faster. Each time Benjen managed to dodge, he would take four hits from the wooden sword. It was impossible to predict where Ragnar would hit; the man spun his sword so fast and randomly that it almost seemed like he had two swords.

" Good… now you are taking this seriously. You are from the North… blood of the first men runs thick in your veins! You will not act like a hussy vale knight or a Lannister while I live. You forget your actions might bring shame upon mine and your father's name. You are good, better than many… that doesn't mean you can disrespect an opponent. I never underestimate an opponent; when I fought in Prince's Viserys tournament, I finished all my opponents with one move, not to humiliate them… but to show them respect as I was doing my best! You will do the same whenever you fight against anyone! I will not allow you dirty yours, mine's, or Rickard's name by acting like a Reach knight!" Ragnar said harshly; his voice was not loud, only enough for Benjen and those close to him to hear. Benjen wanted to say something but couldn't, Ragnar waited a few seconds for an answer, but when none came, he turned around and walked back to Dacey and Lynara. Ragnar's words hurt Benjen, mainly because it was the first time Ragnar was disappointed at something he did. Benjen could hear the disappointment in Ragnar's voice; it was almost palpable.

" I'm sorry, Ragnar! This won't happen again," Benjen said as he took his blindfold off " I swear it by earth and sky, I swear it by bronze and Iron, I swear it by Ice and fire." Benjen completed fastly, which got many people by surprise, as only a handful of them heard Ragnar's words.

" Good…" Ragnar said as he offered Benjen a small smile which the young Stark returned.

The training yard was much calmer after that; Benjen continued to train with a blindfold for a few minutes until he once again heard something that made his demeanor change.

" I challenge you for Lady Catelyn's hand, Tree hugger barbarian! I shall not allow my friend to be taken by a Northern barbarian! You should all be put to the sword! Every man, woman, and child." Benjen heard a young man say.

" What did you say, boy?" Benjen heard Ragnar thunder; his voice literally shook the ground.

" I accept!" Brandon said loudly

" Good! I will gut you li-" The young man said but was interrupted by Ragnar

" What. Did. You. Say. BOY?" Ragnar thundered once again; it was that moment the till now too stunned to speak, Catelyn Tully said

" Please, my Lord, he didn't mean it! Don't kill him! He's like a brother to me!"

" You will not hurt dear Petyr in my father's castle! Heathen," Lysa Tully screeched

At that moment, hell broke loose as the Tully guards moved closer to Ragnar, not in a threatening manner, which was the main reason they were not butchered where they stood, but to protect the Tully sisters. However, if her face was any indication, Dacey didn't interpret it like that, as she held Lynara close and closed her eyes. Benjen and the others heard a loud roar, and a few seconds later, Snowstorm landed on the walls of Riverrun, letting a loud road directed at the Tullys guards and the Petyr boy. The Ice Dragon snared at the Tully guards, who were too stunned to speak.

" Lord Dovahkiin, we are under guest rights, send the Dragon away; I will handle the feeble boy. He will pay for what he said." Brandon said, but Ragnar's eyes never left the Petyr boy, who had soiled his pants. The whole castle was silent as Lord Dovahkiin kept silent

" By my father's name, I ask you to send the Dragon away, Ragnar. Let the heir to the north defend the north's honor!" Benjen said he knew that using his father's name would work; Ragnar was a man of his word; he swore to his father, and his father was the only man that could demand things from him, and even so, his father had to tread very carefully with his demands as Ragnar didn't follow his father's demands out of fear, but out of respect. There was something about his father that Ragnar respected and admired.

Just as Benjen predicted, as soon as he said his words, Ragnar looked at him and nodded slowly.

" Dacey," Ragnar said; Benjen looked at Dacey, who closed her eyes once more; the Dragon roared once more, this time louder than before, shooking the whole castle like an earthquake, it then beat its mighty wings and flew away.

Hoster Tully arrived two seconds after, panting like a fat man, the fear and anger on his face were as apparent as they could be.

" What in the seven hells just happened here?" Hoster demanded

" Your ward almost began a war; should we be worried that the next Lady of Winterfell grew with the same education as the boy who said all northerners should be put to the sword?" Benjen answered with ice in his voice.

" What?!" Hoster asked, but before anyone could answer him, Brandon said

" Go wear your armor, dear Petyr. You will need it." Brandon said; he then turned to Lord Dovahkiin, " May I request your blade, my Lord? It would be an honor to use your blade to win this duel, a good sword Valyrian Sword forged by northern hands." Brandon said, and Ragnar nodded.

" Theon… my sword," Ragnar said, and Theon walked to Dacey, who handed him Ragnar's sword; he then walked to Brandon and gave him the sword.

" Aye… a blade worthy of defending The North's pride," Brandon said, and all Northern Lords shouted in agreement.

"I will honor your request, my lady. But he will suffer first. Death will be merciful; he will have to live with that humiliation. I won't let him forget it, nor will any northerner. The North remembers!" Brandon said to the still, very stunned Catelyn Tully, who nodded stiffly.

" The North remembers," Benjen and the other northern lords said simultaneously.

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A/N: Wassup guys! Here's the first part of this chapter! I couldn't keep writing due to: IPhone. It was getting too heavy for my phone to handle! Hahaha there will be another chapter tomorrow.


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