New chapter! Thanks for all the support!
x
Only when the pot-bellied King Robert finally collapsed drunkenly onto the long table, snoring loudly, did the rather dull Stark banquet officially come to an end.
Servants began carrying the drunken nobles back to their chambers.
Those who could still walk left on their own,
while the completely unconscious remained where they were, fast asleep.
When Robb returned to his room with Bloodwind, he found Theon already waiting.
As soon as they entered, Theon reported that he had been discovered while following Jaime earlier that day.
Robb thought for a moment before speaking:
"Theon, starting tomorrow, have Owen follow Jaime Lannister. Back when he lived with the mountain clans, not even the most cunning prey could escape his tracking."
He paused briefly, then continued:
"After that, select a few capable members of the Wolf Guard and spread rumors in the villages around Winterfell that a direwolf has been seen in the Wolfswood."
"Understood."
Theon nodded.
"I'll report back once everything is arranged."
After working together for some time, Theon already understood how Robb thought.
When Robb wanted to explain something, he would do so himself.
When he didn't, asking was pointless.
Robb then asked:
"How are things progressing?"
"The goods have already been delivered to us. They're being transported now. I've also arranged the personnel rotations in the main castle."
"Good. Get some rest. We'll meet at the training grounds in the morning."
"Good night."
…
Cersei slowly swirled the wine in her goblet.
She cast a disdainful glance at Tyrion, who sat across from her, before speaking to Jaime:
"House Stark has produced a rather promising heir. I've already informed our father of this. What do you think?"
Jaime replied absentmindedly:
"When hunting birds, one usually shoots the one flying highest first."
"Geniuses tend to die young."
"If something 'unfortunate' were to happen to this Young Wolf… it would be perfectly normal."
In truth, Jaime wasn't particularly interested in the topic.
He was simply responding to satisfy Cersei.
Cersei seemed pleased with the idea.
She raised the goblet to her lips, thinking.
"Then… what kind of accident would be convincing?"
Tyrion let out a sarcastic laugh.
"Planning to kill your host's son while staying under his roof."
"You two really are worthy Lannisters. Just like our father."
Cersei set her goblet down on the table, irritation clear in her voice.
"Can't you ever say something pleasant?"
"If you enjoy the privileges of being a Lannister, you should also fulfill your responsibilities."
Tyrion first smiled at Jaime.
"Of course I know how to say pleasant things."
"Ask the whores across the continent. They've heard plenty of kind words from my mouth."
Then his smile vanished.
He looked directly at Cersei.
"Privileges?"
"I spent years at Casterly Rock dealing with mountains of filth that could have piled up there."
"Thanks to me, the Lannisters will live in a clean environment for decades."
"And yet I still owe you something for being a dwarf?"
He continued coldly:
"Besides, in our father's eyes, I don't even deserve the Lannister name."
"So don't say things like that in front of me."
Tyrion slammed his cup onto the table, rose to his feet, and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.
Jaime raised his hand as if to stop him.
But as he watched his brother leave, he realized he didn't know what to say.
Cersei remained seated, staring at the closed door with hatred, biting her lip.
…
At dawn the next day, Robb appeared on time at the entrance to the training grounds.
All members of the Wolf Guard were already lined up.
Even Smalljon, who had drunk himself unconscious the night before.
Robb gave a subtle nod.
Then he stepped forward and began the day's training.
As the sun rose, Winterfell slowly came to life.
The castle's inhabitants were already used to seeing Robb and his men training.
But for the visitors from King's Landing, it was a curious sight.
At that moment, Robb was leading formation drills.
Along the outer corridor of the training grounds, Joffrey walked in his elegant cloak.
Under the sunlight, his golden hair shone brightly.
With the handsome face inherited from his parents, he looked every bit the perfect young noble.
Many of the maids of Winterfell cast admiring glances at the prince.
Joffrey wasn't particularly interested in women himself.
But he enjoyed the attention.
When he arrived at the training grounds with the Hound and several guards, he saw Robb and his men marching.
He stopped and watched.
Observing the orderly movements of the formations, Joffrey began clapping and laughing.
"Ha ha ha!"
"How lovely!"
"Marching so neatly!"
"This kind of training is perfect. No one gets hurt."
"Unlike the soldiers in King's Landing, who train with real weapons and end up bleeding… sometimes even dying."
Every member of the Wolf Guard understood the sarcasm.
At first, they themselves had doubted this kind of training.
But after real combat experience, they had come to understand its value.
Disciplined formations greatly increased efficiency and survival on the battlefield.
Even so, without Robb's command, no one reacted.
They continued marching perfectly.
Robb completely ignored the provocation.
The training continued.
Seeing no response from Robb, Joffrey grew even more provocative.
"Hound."
He turned his head.
"Have you ever seen an army of cowards in King's Landing train like this?"
"First time, Your Highness."
The Hound replied in his deep voice.
Joffrey laughed loudly.
"From Westeros to Essos, no one uses a method as ridiculous as Winterfell."
"A bunch of cowards!"
The guards around him began to laugh.
All except the Hound.
Robb led the formation to the opposite side of the training grounds.
Then he stopped.
He drew the blunt training sword from his waist and pointed it forward.
"Swords!"
"Advance!"
Clang!
All members of the Wolf Guard drew their training swords.
Maintaining formation, they advanced behind Robb straight toward Joffrey.
Their eyes burned with killing intent.
As if they were once again facing those wildlings.
The Hound reacted instantly.
Clang!
He lowered his dog-shaped helm, stepped in front of Joffrey, and drew his sword, taking a combat stance.
The other guards stopped laughing.
Only when they saw the Hound move did they realize the situation.
They quickly drew their swords to protect the prince.
Joffrey, standing in the middle of the group, had gone pale.
He had met Robb's cold gaze.
And in that moment, he truly felt that Robb meant to kill him.
"Protect me!"
"Damn it! Let's get out of here!"
"Move! Now!"
x
x
x
If you're enjoying the story, don't forget to add it to your library and drop some Power Stones.
Your support really helps the novel grow!