บท 4: Sun in the Mountain
274 AC
The morning comes, Torrhen's eight name day is here.
This celebration was far more lavish than his previous ones. Probably because he's leaving, his Lord Father wanted to have last celebration before leaving for a long time.
Father tried to invite other Lords to my name day, but only Lord Umber came to pay his respects. Most Lords just sent their distant relative with their respective gifts. Some food, clothings or silvers.
What Torrhen did not expect was Lord Stark's second son, Eddard Stark came. Apparently, we were being sent at the sane time.
Torrhen's Lord Father is accompanying him to greet their guests.
A very tiring day, the sun already set. Torrhen went to the balcony of the Holdfast to have some fresh air. It was honestly a surprise that Eddard Stark was there also.
Why is here looking grim and sullen? Torrhen didn't know. Probably he already misses his family.
He decided to strike a conversation.
"Lord Stark, it's a fine evening. I have to ask, why are you looking sad?" Torrhen calmly said.
"Ah, Lord Karstark, it is a fine evening, indeed. I was not trying to spoil your mood being sad. I apologize." Eddard was slightly uncomfortable, but quickly restrained it. He trained a small humble smile to Torrhen and continued, "I was just missing home. Not a moon's turn has passed but..." He looks very sullen.
Torrhen nodded. He presumably sat at the chair beside Eddard. Looking also slight uncomfortable, he said, "I do not underdtand what you're feeling. I will know it after leaving home. That's for sure."
"Though, I'll spend time training all I can get from Lord Arryn. It's a great honor, after all. Being the spare son, you'll have to work hard." Torrhen continued.
Eddard nod and smiled calmly,"You can call me Ned. My family and friends only call me that. Lord Stark is my Father... soon my Brother, Brandon will be Lord Stark."
"Then, you can call me Torrhen. Lord Karstark is my Father. Rickard and his boys will be Lord Karstark in the future." Torrhen said, chuckling a little. It was pretty funny, there was another person of same position.
Torrhen continued, "I heard there will be another ward for Lord Arryn. Do you know, Ned?"
"The heir of Storm's End, I heard. But, I did not catch the name, unfortunately." Ned took a second to reply.
Torrhen took a look at the night sky, finding the silence comfortable,"I wonder, will be the view on the balcony of the Eyrie?"
"We will have to see." Ned replied.
"Yes, we will see. Father said we would depart tomorrow at first light." Torrhen said, standing and patting his rear for dirts."Sleep well, Ned."
"Aye, you as well, Torrhen." Ned replied.
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Berena, his Mother, was tearing up, unwilling to let Torrhen go from her hug.
"Mother, I have to go." Torrhen said.
"Just be a good lad and learn, is that understood?" Berena said, unwilling to unclasp her hands on Torrhen's brown hair.
"Understood, Mother. I will not disappoint you and Father." Torrhen said seriously.
Karlon just nods on the side, while his Mother gave a final hug before letting go. Rickard came up to him, with a small bundle on his arms.
"I know we don't talk that much, but I have to be a good brother for once." Rickard said, unfurling the bundle. It revealed a small axe, a castle-forged steel. They are pretty expensive, especially good steel.
Torrhen smiled brightly, hugging the bundled axe, "I will forever treasure it."
Rickard smiled and gave Torrhen a manly pat on the shoulders, "Then, get going. Lord Stark is waiting for you."
Torrhen smiled for the last time before climbing on his black destrier. He gave them a final look, and turned around to leave.
"Let's go to the Eyrie."
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The Vale, 18th day of Seventh Moon, 274 AC.
In the inns of the Vale, Torrhen woke up after a weeks of riding. They found an inn to stay for a night.
Torrhen is quietly looking at the window, seeing large upon large mountainous territory. This is the foundation that built the Eyrie and its strategic advantage of any siege.
But, of course. Everything has weakness. Torrhen knew that.
They could let the army inside starved until death or surrender. They could catapult the insides of the castle, killing anyone unlucky fellow until they surrender or... it will be a castle full of rocks. Their disadvantage to be surrounded by rocks will be our advantage.
Still, there are times for military thoughts, there are also time for everything. This will be place Torrhen to foster, to learn and to serve.
On the morrow, they will reach the Eyrie. It will begin.
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The Eyrie, 19th day of the Seventh Moon, 274 AC.
Ah, the Bloody Gate of Eyrie. One way in and one way out.
"Ned, do you think Eyrie is impregnable as they say?" Torrhen asked. Very curious what his liege Lord's second son says.
"That is what they said. Every time you encounter the Bloody Gate, you in a trial, every word you say will determine your fate." Ned nodded, staring the huge gate of iron, rocks and woods. Mostly iron.
"Aye, you either enter or leave. They even sense danger. They will bolt your body with arrows." Torrhen stared with amazement.
People of the medieval period use their heads. This world's kind of medieval. Probably reshape from ancient magics.
His senses were blaring, feeling the great magic of Eyrie. Andals invaded this land, it was said that they killed magic as they have killed the Children of the Forest.
"Do you think the heir of Storm's End will our friend?" Torrhen asked.
"Most Southerners think the whole North is a barren wasteland, governed by savages. But, they do not know that winter always come. It will challenge them as well. Northern Lord, especially Starks, don't do well at the south of the Neck, and Southern Lords will never dwell in the North." Ned smirked, which was an out of his character. Being grim and broody at young age, this... was a surprised. Maybe, White Walker will come, or dragons.
"Then, if he's disrespectful, he must know that the North always remember." Torrhen genuinely smiled. Feeling the excitement after leaving Karhold, he'll be successful after all the spies in midst are gone.
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