章 15: Chapter 14 No GLOVER
Descending the mountain while nature transitioned from rocky mountains to dense, green forest was fascinating. I still don't understand the geography of Westeros; how can there be such abrupt changes in vegetation? And how is it possible that some houses, like the Glovers or the Karstarks, haven't destroyed the forest near their lands? It's almost as if the forest itself refuses to disappear, something I truly appreciate. The smell of the undergrowth is something I will never tire of. Perhaps I'll start a private forest once I manage to open the canal at Moat Cailin.
The fact that there's a swamp has to do with there being too many springs in the neck, but not large enough to form rivers. So, perhaps it can feed the canal with those springs.
Theo Wull is a good travel companion, thanks to his above-average physique and solitude. I've been able to push myself to the maximum in our training, leading to a drastic improvement in my skills.
We actually took less time to reach the fortress, so I decided to stroll through the forest without getting too close; I have no desire to see the Glovers. I prefer to explore as much as I can. Perhaps I'll spend time in the forest while Brandon and Father talk politics. I know my father was informed that I left the mountains, but I don't think he'll mind if I don't accompany him. For now, I have more important things to do in the forest, like hunting for treasures.
I'm not sure what orders were given to Theo, but convincing him not to go to Deepwood Motte was easier than I thought. Perhaps mountain folk don't feel very comfortable in stone castles.
Let's continue exploring the forest and having duels as I move to a specific area: just two horses, two men, and 5 pups.
Living in the forest was liberating: walking on trails with only the dim light filtering through the imposing trees, walking without a plan, seeing the various colorful birds fly among their nests, enjoying the spring warmth, hunting with the bow. This is what I really imagined when I thought of a trip to the North, not going from one castle to another resolving conflicts or making plans.
"Ufff, too bad it will be for a short time," I murmured.
Of course, not everything was just wandering around. As we moved south through the forest, we found many bandit camps. Most only had 7 to 10 men, although there were others that were large, about 30 men, with small guarded fortresses. Hunting down these groups was more fun than I thought, at least the small groups.
The tactic was simple but risky; with only two men, it was more of a silent assassination. We slipped through the tall vegetation and quickly took out their sentinels. Most common folk don't think they'll be attacked out of nowhere, at least not so far from the main routes, so they don't tend to be alert if a companion or two disappears for a few hours. This gave us time to gradually finish off the bandits, either with a well-placed dagger in the neck or with an arrow.
The end is always similar: the few survivors notice something odd and gather. If there are too many, we retreat into the forest and let them stew in fear for a day or two; besides, letting the pups howl does nothing to help their nerves. Then, a classic sword fight to finish off the group. I'm not saying it's easy, but against tired and poorly equipped bandits, Theo and I are more than enough.
From these groups that we managed to eliminate, I gathered the amount of 80 dragons and 500 silvers, as well as many products for trade. A good entertainment, no doubt. We didn't attack the larger camps; too much risk for two people, but I have them located. I'll deal with them later.
After some time and significant detours, we arrived at the place I wanted. It was a clearing near a waterfall, as far as I know, the only waterfall in the Wolfswood around here. The reason: the meeting with the order.
While Theo and the wolves rested, I silently went out accompanied by Buck.
***
"King Eddard, welcome. We were expecting you."
"Arwen, good to see you. How are things going?"
"Well, my lord. We learned about the details of your journey. I'm sorry we couldn't intervene."
"Don't worry, Arwen. But tell me, do we know who paid the Skagosi to attack?"
"No, my lord. We still don't know."
"Very well, Arwen. We'll find out who's responsible in time."
"Yes, my lord."
"Ok, Arwen. I don't have much time; my companion is sleeping, so take me to meet the others."
It turned out the order has more people than I thought, and quite varied. Four Wargs, five Wood Witches, several healers, and even some minor lords. The biggest surprise is that two maesters serving in the North are part of the order. Apparently, it's one of the best ways to gather information. Only the leaders; most of the spies are common folk who work for them, so moving them all is complicated.
The meeting was fascinating. Also, it seems they had no idea that a Green Man existed in the mountains, nor about the Bulls' pact. Apparently, they are two different organizations, both serving the Starks, both working for the Long Night but unconnected. That leads me to ask, how many more organizations did the Starks create in 8000 years of history? I know that if I hadn't met Arwen, I would have created my own. Perhaps I should travel further south to see what other secrets the family holds.
Before leaving, I called Arwen aside.
"Arwen, I need you to activate the spies in King's Landing. Start spreading the rumor that the Starks are seeking a royal marriage. Also, have Tywin's spies in the North confirm it."
"Of course, my lord, but is that true?"
"No, I would never marry any Stark to the dragons. But I need Tywin to believe it, and hopefully before my father's envoy arrives in King's Landing. Also, start another rumor, but this time from Dorne."
"Of course, my lord. And what would that be?"
"Dragons, or at least signs of them in Skagos or in the lands beyond the Wall, making it seem like traders are spreading them secretly, but nothing confirmed."
"It will be done."
"Thank you, and take care. See you in Winterfell in a few days."
A week after the meeting, while returning to Deepwood Motte, I ran into Duncan by chance. Apparently, they finished delivering the cargo and were now heading to pick me up. The group split; my 25 guards stayed with me to explore the surroundings, while Brandon's group went to pick up my father and inform him of my condition. We would meet in a few days at Tumbledow Tower, an old watchtower in Wolfswood, a few days' journey from Winterfell. I wanted to return to deliver the furry gifts to my brothers. I also need to deliver a set of runes so that my brothers don't suffer the setbacks of the Warg. No raven will play with my brothers' minds.
While we waited, my group set out to clear out the bandit camps. A good practice for the men, as against small groups of farmers who choose that life, nothing too dangerous for a group of guards too well-trained. A simple and beautiful extermination over two days.
After wandering the forest without finding anything, it seems my luck reacted again. One day, while following the wolves to hunt breakfast with Duncan, I found in the distance, in the middle of nowhere, an imposing and well-preserved castle for what one would expect.
"Duncan, what is this according to the maps?"
"There's nothing here according to the maps, my lord. This castle isn't registered."
"Let's go back, gather the men, and explore after eating."
The gray stone castle had most of the structure collapsed, covered in moss, but not a single tree grew among the ruins. A rotten wooden door still stood in the middle of the path, blocking the way. Inside, noises of people and animals could be heard. When we knocked down the door, we found a well-maintained courtyard, devoid of vegetation.
"Men, split up and explore in pairs."
Just as we crossed the gate before splitting up, I saw them... Giants, a fairly large group of them living within the fortress walls. The bells rang; the giants got alarmed and hid the few children who were walking peacefully. Some of them grabbed logs and weapons, while they watched us calmly.
"Men, battle formation!" Caleb shouted.
"Men, calm down, lower your weapons," I shouted while denying Caleb's order.
"I'm Eddard of House Stark, I come in peace. I want to speak to whoever is in charge."
There was silence as I watched the giants relax. After a few minutes, slowly, a giant emerged from the crowd.
"I am Mager, leader of this tribe," said an elderly giant with white hair, slightly hunched. "Apologies for intruding on your territory, Leader. My men and I don't wish to harm you."
The giant nodded to one of the giants behind him. The giant ran into a house and quickly came out with a huge plate.
"Bread and salt, King Stark," he said as he handed me the plate.
"Thank you," I said as I took it and ate a bit.
"Duncan, pass it on to the others," I said, keeping my gaze on the giant.
"Right away, Lord Eddard."
After we all ate, I spoke.
"Thank you for the guest right. I swear that none of my men will cause any intentional harm to yours."
"And we swear the same, King of Winter."
"Now, Leader Mager, I believe we can speak calmly."
"Of course, King. Tell me, how can I serve you?"
"First of all, I must say that I never believed such a place existed in the forest, nor that giants existed."
"For centuries, millennia, we have been here, protected by runes that block sight and sound. It's been over 300 years since any King of Winter visited our lands. It's not surprising that you know nothing about us. Since the King of Winter Thorrent Stark, no one has contacted us before him... millennia have passed since we were assigned this land, before that."
"Many things have happened since then, Mager. But tell me, is this castle you inhabit yours?"
"No, Majesty. It was granted to us by your ancestor after expelling the original owners."
"And who were they, if I may ask, these original owners?"
"I don't know, my king, but we keep an old banner," said the giant as he pulled out a banner from behind him.
The banner showed a blazon with a flock of scarlet ravens surrounding a black shield.
"Hmm, it's similar to the Blackwood shield, but without the dead weirwood in the middle. It seems they adopted the dead weirwood when they fled south... So, the myth that once dominated part of the Wolfswood in the past is not just a myth."
"Thank you, Leader Mager. I believe I know who the original owners were."
"At your service, Majesty. But if I may ask, what is the purpose of your visit?"
"Actually, we were just hunting bandits and exploring the area. It was these little ones who guided us here," I said, pointing to the direwolves.
At that moment, all the giants who had been standing during the conversation knelt, causing a tremor in the area.
______________________
Brandon Stark's Diary
I returned from the Wall with the few things that remained. The Bulls will live in the mountains, and the few giants and children of the forest that I found wandering will stay in this castle. They are few, a endangered race, but I will save them. I will ensure their contributions are not forgotten, and when the realm expands, when those kings kneel, they will have the land and respect they deserve.
While I was north of the Wall, people started giving me a title: The Builder.
Guilt consumes me. I should have fought; I should have perished with them.
Today, I understood it. Maybe if I hadn't taken so long to unite the south, maybe if my father's kingdom were more powerful, it wouldn't have been lost... I will form a new kingdom, a kingdom capable of withstanding the winter, of bringing down the first King of Winter. They call me that, so I will rule over the winter, over my castle. Winter will fall.
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Hello readers, here's a short chapter. It seems that family problems will take a bit more time than I thought, but don't worry.
My drafts go up to the Harrenhal tournament. It's just that without my computer at hand, translating and completing the chapters is more complicated.
Thanks for the support and the power stones. We're growing fast while I'm not looking. Thanks again. Update on Saturday at first light.
Have a good week.
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