Chapter 17 4 страница

After slicing open Roose Bolton, Ned handed the dagger back off and stepped away from the five still slowly dying prisoners. Despite having just brutalized the five condemned, an act that he knew Jon Arryn would never have approved of, Ned felt no shame nor remorse. In fact, he felt nothing. There was no satisfaction. No horror at what he'd done. Just…calm.

" Not since before the time of the dragons has such a crime warranted the Traitors Death, " he said, speaking loudly over the dying moans of the condemned. " Remember well what you have seen here tonight. For the North remembers! And we have no mercy for those who break the laws of gods and men. Now, to bed, all of you. We have an early start in the morning…for we have more traitors to deal with in the south. And we will need to move quickly if we are to catch them all. "

Not a single word was spoken as Ned marched away from the stakes that were holding onto the five still dying prisoners with Jon and Robb quickly falling into step beside him. There were no further words that needed to be said. The message given tonight spoke far louder than any words he could've uttered. And now…now the wolves would make sure that their message was delivered to the south once more.

The morning after the executions of the traitorous Northern Lords and Lady was a somber affair for everyone in Winterfell as most were still trying to come to terms with what they'd witnessed the night before. Add to the fact that most of the nobles had sent their families home that morning, and Winterfell suddenly felt a lot quieter than it had been in some time. The only sound within Winterfell was the steady knocking of training blades as they bashed against one another as the men of the North trained. And amid the dozens of training men, and even a few women, overseeing their training was Nox. The training regime that morning had been a rather impromptu affair that had begun with just Nox, his Apprentice, and his Acolytes. But soon enough word got out about their training and seemingly within minutes the entire courtyard was full of guards, Lords, and Ladies, all hoping to garner some attention from the famed Northern Sorcerer.

And he had granted their wish, though he was sure that many of them now wished they had not as Nox's form of 'encouragement' was usually demonstrated with a swift bout of Force lightning to motivate those he felt were lacking. But despite the brutal pace he set and his encouragement to not screw up, not one of those who came to the yard had left. Their anger at what had transpired and the thought of vengeance against those who had wronged them driving the men and women of the North to push themselves harder and harder.

As he passed by the Greatjon, who was struggling badly with getting used to fighting with only one arm, Nox's hand shot up as if he were making a motion to swat a fly. A high-pitched squeal came from behind him, followed quickly by more than a few choice words and the sound of several bodies hitting the ground. Turning around, Nox faced towards the pile of bodies, though mostly he was staring at the smallest member of the pile who was trying desperately to disentangle herself from the limbs of those she'd collided with.

" Another failure, Arya, " Nox sighed as most of the training around them paused to watch what was going on. " You know the punishment. Fifty swings of the sword and two laps around the yard. Then, you will try again. If you fail again, then I will have you doing embroidering for the next three training sessions instead of training. And the rest of you, back to what you were doing unless you want to be made an example of as well. "

Wisely, everyone immediately went back to their training as Arya quickly scrambled to her feet and ran off to start her punishment for failing once again. Unlike Jon, Robb, and Theon, who were currently sparring off to the side of the yard in a Robb and Theon versus Jon match, and Bran who was under the careful tutelage of Ser Rodrik Cassel, Arya's training for the day did not include sparring. Instead, he'd decided to focus on having her refine her rather unique Force ability. To that end, he'd given her a single task for the day. That task being to get within five paces of him without him noticing her. So far, she'd made five attempts at the seemingly simple task, and she'd failed on each attempt.

As Nox started to make his way back towards his Apprentice, he slowed his pace as he felt another presence enter the yard. Or rather, two presences. After several long moments, all movement in the yard stopped and stared in open disbelief at what they were seeing. Standing just outside the training yard, looking more than slightly uncomfortable in the breeches and leather padding covering her body, was Sansa Stark. Standing just behind the eldest daughter of Lord Stark was her newly named sworn sword, the former Wildling woman Osha wearing leather armor complete with her newly acquired sword-spear sheathed but held in her left hand.

" Sansa, " Nox greeted the young girl. " You're late. Training began hours ago. "

The young wolf girl looked more than slightly uncomfortable as she stood before him shifting her feet back and forth. " I – I'm sorry, Lord Nox. But I – I wasn't sure how I shou – ah! "

Hands covering her head, Sansa ducked out of the path of the wooden training sword that Nox had sent spiraling her way. But the wooden blade never even got close to the young girl as Osha quickly stepped in its path and snatched it out of the air.

" Tomorrow, " Nox said flatly. " You will catch it. Not Osha. "

" Um, yes, Lord Nox. " Sansa stuttered, taking the wooden training sword from Osha and holding it awkwardly.

" For being late, you will work with your sister today, Sansa, " Nox ordered, motioning towards where Arya was practicing her down strikes with her training sword. " You'll start with fifty swings of the sword, then follow along with your sister's current regime before coming back to me. Understand? "

Sansa frowned as she looked over at where Arya was located. No doubt she thought that he would be training her directly from the start. And while he had every intention of doing just that, he needed to test her first. See if she truly was ready to learn.

" As you will, Lord Nox, " Sansa responded, awkwardly bowing to him before making her way over to Arya.

" And what 'bout me, Sorcerer? " Osha asked, staying in place even as her charge walked away. " Lord wolf wanted ya to train me to make sure I was capable of protectin his little wolves. "

" He did, did he? " Nox asked, slowly approaching Osha with his hands at his sides. " Then, let us see what I'm working with. "

Summoning another tourney blade to his open hand, Nox spun in a tight circle as he used the Force to propel himself up and over Osha while simultaneously striking down at her exposed neck and shoulder. But Osha proved quicker than he'd anticipated as she dropped into a roll across the ground to avoid his strike and coming back to her feet just as Nox himself landed. Her excitement peaked as the sheath left her weapon, revealing the Valyrian steel for all to see as she charged at him. Tossing the tourney blade aside, Nox summoned his lightsaber into his hand and activated it just in time to parry Osha's well controlled thrust.

Instead of locking blades with him, Osha turned with the parry, spinning around in a tight circle and building up momentum as she adjusted her grip to the end of the sword's hilt to increase the strength of the coming blow. A blow that struck nothing but air as Nox slid his feet back just enough to let the tip of the blade pass within a few inches of his face. As soon as the blade was clear, he shifted again and lunged, stopping the tip of his lightsaber but a hair's breadth from her exposed throat.

" Solid form and footwork, " he summarized, stepping back from Osha. " But your tendency to overextend will be your undoing. The spear, and your sword-spear, have the advantage of reach. Yet you must not let that advantage become a disadvantage. Again. "

Osha took his words to heart as their next round began with her being far more cautious than the last as she tried not to overextend herself this time around. But that caution proved to be her undoing as Nox went on the offensive with a flurry of attacks using ataru and knocking her on her ass within a minute.

" Too cautious, " Nox chided, waiting for Osha to get back to her feet.

Snarling, Osha went on the offensive with a series of quick thrusts to varying parts of his body. Each thrust was met with either an equally quick parry or simple move by Nox to avoid the blade completely. The bout went longer than the previous two, but quickly enough Osha began to get frustrated at not even being able to come close to landing a blow and her movements started to become far more forced and erratic.

" Use and control your anger and frustration, " Nox growled, stepping in close to Osha and driving his fist into her midsection, dropping her to the ground. " Do not let them use you. "

Gripping her weapon, Osha slowly got back to her feet. Her anger and humiliation were such that she was shaking trying to control them while around them the men and women of the North chuckled or outright laughed at her.

" They think you're nothing, " Nox said, quietly enough so that it was only the two of them who could hear. " They think you don't deserve the honor and respect Lord Stark has bestowed upon you. They think you're nothing more than a barbarian who doesn't know her ass from a hole in the ground. Show them that they're wrong. Show them what it means to be a spearwife, Osha. Show them that Lord Stark's and my own faith in you is not misplaced. "

His words seemed to do the trick as her anger and humiliation lessened and her focus steadily increased. Slowing turning his lightsaber, Nox started to circle, to which Osha matched his every step. Her hands were as steady as rocks and her demeaner gave away nothing as the two circled one another. Abruptly stopping his movements, Nox launched a series of probing attacks at the wildling woman. Each of which she was able to fend off as she focused solely on him and not those around them.

Back and forth, the two traded blows with neither truly gaining the advantage over the other. Though, in truth, Nox was handicapping himself by not using the Force. If he had, the fight would've been over before it could even begin. And that would simply defeat the whole purpose he had in sparring with her in the first place. But even with Nox handicapping himself, he was still very impressed with the woman's prowess. She wasn't Oberyn's level of skill, but he had no doubt that she could easily reach the Prince of Dorne's level in no time at all.

The two continued to trade blows for nearly half an hour or more before Osha began to reach her limit. Her movements were starting to become sloppy and her breathing was ragged as she tried desperately to keep pace with him. Deciding to end things there, Nox slipped within her reach and wrenched her spear-sword out of her grasp before kicking her feet out from underneath. Her breath left her lungs in a rush as her back hit the ground and Nox had his lightsaber pointed at her throat, all within the blink of an eye.

" Well done, Osha, " Nox congratulated the woman, deactivating his lightsaber and clipping it onto his belt. " Lord Stark has chosen his daughter's sworn sword well. "

" Fuckin shit…" Osha groaned, rolling over onto her front and slowly pushing herself up to her feet. " Flattery words… Ya kicked my fuckin arse. "

" As is often the case with those who try their luck against me, " Nox replied, holding out his hand for her to take. " But you managed to last far longer than most have. Granted, I was holding back, but you still did well. "

Nox could feel her glare as she tightly gripped his offered hand and pulled herself up. " Cocky shit, ain't ya, sorcerer? "

" No, just confident. There's a difference. "

Letting go of his hand, Osha's frustration shifted into a slight amusement coated with a touch of what he recognized as arousal. " That pretty little lady of yours is a lucky woman to have stolen you, sorcerer, or else I would be makin my move to steal ya. But I ain't no poacher like that. "

" Good, " Nox smiled, feeling his spirits lift as they always did whenever he found a decent opponent to spar against. " What are the rest of you looking at? Back to work, or I'll start making examples of you all. "

The men and women in the yard immediately got back to what they were doing. Nursing several sore spots across her body, Osha picked up her weapon and went to join with everyone else in their training regime. As the day moved on, Nox made sure to watch over his newest addition carefully.

Sansa was, well, she was not her brothers or sister, that was for sure. She had the Force potential to match her siblings, perhaps even drawing close to Arya's level now that she wasn't holding herself back for reasons that were frankly beyond Nox. But what she clearly lacked in was the physical aspect of training. She was struggling to even keep up with even the most basic of exercises and her work with a blade was beyond appalling. A fact that Arya seemed to revel in as she time and time again disarmed and smacked her sister. But despite lagging everyone in the yard, Sansa did not give up. She kept pushing herself back up no matter how many times she got knocked down. By the time Nox had finally called for an end to the day, Sansa was barely keeping herself upright and looked ready to collapse right there and then.

" Sansa, " Nox said, walking up to the young girl who was currently peeling herself out of her leather padding with Osha's aid. " Let's talk. "

Sansa looked up at him, her blue eyes wide and clearly exhausted, but she nodded and followed him towards the small garden area he and Nyra had planted near his tower after he'd waved Osha off from following them. Leading Sansa over towards a small stone table and seating area, Nox motioned for her to sit down while using the Force to pull over a large box that contained a full cyvasse set.

" Have you ever played cyvasse, Sansa? " he asked.

" Umm, no, " Sansa replied, shaking her head.

" Then I'll teach you, here. You can take the white pieces and I'll take the black. " He then went on to explain how each piece worked as the two set up their sides of the board. " Tell me, Sansa, why did you come here today? "

Sansa's hand stilled as she set down the last of her pieces on her side of the board. " I – I want to get strong. Like my brothers and – and Arya. If – If I'd been stronger – If I hadn't ignored this gift that's been given to me by the gods, then perhaps…perhaps my mother…and Rickon wouldn't – wouldn't…and Lady Nox – and your son –"

" Enough, " Nox chided the young girl. " It does no good to dwell on what you believe could have happened. Instead, learn from what had happened, so that it will not happen again. "

Sansa looked on the verge of tears, but she nodded and sniffed loudly as she tried to hold herself back. " I – Yes, Lord Nox. "

Humming, Nox leaned back and motioned for Sansa to make her first move. " You still haven't answered my question, Sansa. Why are you here? "

Placing her fingers on a piece, Sansa moved it a few squares and leaned back. " I – I want to be strong. "

" Strong? " Nox questioned, making a motion with his finger to move a piece on the board without even touching it. " And what do you think being 'strong' means? Do you think that one is strong simply because they can kill? Or are they strong because they know how to wield a blade or whatever weapon strikes their fancy? Because if so, you might as well stop trying now. Because you will never become a warrior like your sister or your brothers. You simply do not have the temperament nor the skill to do so. No, you do not want to be 'strong, ' Sansa. You want power. "

" But strength and power… Are they not the same? " Sansa asked, clearly curious as to where Nox was going with the conversation.

Shrugging, Nox made a move to counter Sansa's on the board. " In some context, they can be used interchangeably. But most of the time, the two have drastically different meanings. A strong individual could change the outcome of a battle. But one with power and the knowledge to use said power will be able to choose where and when each battle will take place. A clear example of the difference between these two can be shown in Lord Tywin Lannister and his bannerman Gregor Clegane. The latter is far stronger than Tywin could ever hope to become, yet it is because of Tywin's own power and the way that he wields it that he is able to control the man. That, Sansa Stark, is what I will be teaching you. Not to necessarily be a leader like Jon, or a general like Robb, or a warrior like your sister Arya. None of those will suit you. Instead, I will teach you how to become a true player of the great game. "

Standing within the wooden covered bridge overlooking the yard below, Ned Stark watched as his children, all his children, trained under Lord Nox's watchful eye. While he was watching all his children, in truth he was mostly paying attention to his eldest daughter, Sansa. His little red wolf was trying so desperately to match her brothers and sister now, to the point where he could tell even from this distance that she was near the point of collapse from pure physical exhaustion. But despite her obvious lacking in skill and sheer exhaustion, his little red wolf refused to stop as she forced herself to keep pace with the others.

By the time Nox had called an end to the day and dismissed those he was training, his eldest daughter was barely able to move faster than a slight shuffling of her feet. Her newly named sworn-sword Osha helped her out of her training gear and made to help her towards the keep, but Nox waved the former wilding off and instead led Sansa over to a small sitting area in the garden beside the Sorcerer's Tower. Once they were in the garden, Sansa all but collapsed into the seat Nox had offered her before the sorcerer took one across from her and began setting up what he recognized as a cyvasse board.

A not-so-small part of him wanted to march over and hear what the two were speaking of, but he held himself back from doing so. He trusted Nox. While it was more difficult than he cared to admit watching his friend essentially break his children in the yard, he knew that Nox was doing so with a reason. He could only hope that Nox truly knew what he was doing when it came to Sansa, his precious daughter who was so different from her siblings. She would never be a warrior woman, that much was certain. But there was a strength in her. A strength that, honestly, he hadn't even known existed in her until this very morning when she arrived at his solar at the break of dawn to begin learning everything she could from him so that she could handle being the Stark-in-Winterfell while he, Robb, Jon, and Nox went south to deal with the errant maesters.

'The maesters. ' Hearing the creaking of wood, Ned forced himself to rein in his temper as he let go of the railing, which had cracked like dry kindling in the palm of his hand. Ever since he'd learned the truth of the plot against he and Nox, just the mere thought of the grey-rats of the south was enough to drive Ned to a height of anger he had never experienced before. Even his hatred for the Mad King and Rhaegar paled in comparison to what he felt towards the maesters now. There were a few exceptions, Maester Luwin being the only one so far. But the aged maester of Winterfell was wise enough to keep his presence around Ned to a minimum these days. And he was trying, gods knew he was trying, to keep in mind what Maester Luwin had told them about the plot more than likely coming from a small group of maesters. But it was hard, so very hard.

He tried to tell himself, again and again, that the only reason he was going south to deal with the maesters was for justice. But that was a lie. Or, at the very least, only a small part of the truth. In truth, he was going south for one very simple reason. And it was the same reason he went south to depose the Mad King and his equally mad son four-and-ten years ago, and that was revenge. Plain and simple revenge. Plus, this time, there would be no Jon Arryn to rein in the wolfsblood. Quite the opposite in fact, as he would instead be with Nox, who would no doubt be encouraging Ned to follow his wolfsblood.

Feeling a presence approaching down the length of the bridge, Ned forced thoughts of vengeance to the back of his mind as Asha Greyjoy slowly made her way towards him.

" Lord Stark, " she greeted him once she was within arm's length, her tone betraying her nerves as she no doubt was wondering why he'd asked to speak with her.

" Asha, " Ned greeted her in return, trying to find where to begin. " Six years ago, you were taken from your home and brought here as my ward. And while your position, and that of your brother's, could well and truly be considered a hostage, I have truly come to find a new son and daughter in the both of you. "

Asha was clearly uncomfortable with being reminded of just what her true nature here in Winterfell entailed. " Aye, I remember all too well that day… The day my father's idiocy finally caught up to him. And don't give me that look, Lord Stark. I've long ago realized that my father truly was an idiot with what he did. And it was his idiocy that cost my family and my people so much…"

Now Ned felt more than slightly awkward with where the conversation was heading. " That is not why I asked to speak with you today, " he tried to gently correct her. While he honestly agreed with her on the subject of her father, he did not wish to speak ill of her family to her face. " You have been in Winterfell for six years now. My son and heir has reached the age of three-and-ten. By the King's decree, you are free to return to the Iron Isles. "

Asha could do little more than stare at him as she came to terms with what he was saying. " Oh, " she said, blinking and turning so that she was looking out over the courtyard with a look of longing. " I – I guess I'll be sending a raven to my father then. And returning to the Iron Isles as soon as he can send a ship to collect me. "

" Not necessarily, " Ned countered, drawing a sharp look from her as he handed over a decree that he had written that very morning with Sansa's watching over his shoulder.

Taking the piece of rolled paper, Asha quickly unfurled it and read its contents. Then she blinked, looked up at him and then read it over once more. " Lord Stark –? "

" The galleon is yours, Asha, " Ned said, answering her unasked question. " You've more than earned the right to claim it with your actions. A crew will be loaned for your use to return to the Iron Isles, and all I ask is your word of their safe return. "

Excitement and joy started rolling off the young lady as she carefully rolled the decree back up and gently tucked it into her belt for safe keeping. " And…is that all you're asking? A ship and a crew until I can put together one of my own back on the Iron Isles? Surely, there is more to this than just a gesture of good will, Lord Stark. "

'She caught on quick. ' " Honestly, Asha, I truly wish that this was just a simple gesture of goodwill towards the young woman I've found another daughter in. But there is always a price. Though, this is a price that I pray you are willing to pay. " Pausing, he turned and faced her full on to make sure he had her attention. " The price is this. Remember. Remember what you have seen during your time here in Winterfell and use what you have learned to lead your people towards a better future. Remember, as well, that should the Iron Isles try a repeat of the past…then the North will not be as merciful as we once were. And even if I find a daughter and son in you and Theon…I will do what is necessary to protect the North. "

Asha's face went slightly pale as kept her eyes on his own. " I understand, Lord Stark. And trust me… After seeing what the two of you can and are willing to do, the last thing the Iron Isles can afford is to piss off the North and the Sorcerer once more. "

" Good, " Ned nodded. " There is one more thing, Asha. Should you choose to not simply be a Lady of House Greyjoy and instead succeed your father…then know that you will have the full backing of the North in your choice. "

That seemed to bring Asha up short. " You'd support…? But what of Theon? "

Frowning, Ned stared down at the young Greyjoy lad down in the yard talking adamantly with Robb and Jon as the three practiced their archery. " Theon is a good lad, and while I feel he has the makings of a good future Lord, he will have known the North far better than he knows the Iron Isles by the time Robert allows him to return to his home. You, however? You know your people. You know how to earn their trust and respect. And I believe that it is through you that the people of the Iron Islands will find a way forward, away from the Old Way of paying the Iron Price. "

" And what if I don't? " Asha asked in an almost challenging but still inquisitive tone. " What if I return home, make a crew, and return to the Old Ways of paying the Iron Price? "

Turning back to her, Ned allowed his anger at the thought of Asha raiding Northern soil to take hold, knowing that as he did his eyes changed to the wolf eyes. " Then you know very well where that path will lead. "

Asha recognized the threat for what it was. " Aye, that I do, " She nodded. " Well, I suppose that I'll be leaving with the morning light along with the rest of you? Only I'll be heading in the opposite direction. "

" That is up to you, " Ned replied. " Your time in Winterfell may have come to an end, but I will not force you to leave if you do not wish to do so yet. "

Asha seemed to consider his offer for a short time before slowly shaking her head. " No. I've spent too long here in the North as it is, Lord Stark. No offense intended. "

" There is no offense, Asha, " Ned waved off her concern. " I understand the longing to return to one's home. I would ask that you spend one last night with us before you take your leave. My daughters, Arya especially, will not take your leaving well. They have grown quite attached to you, especially in light of recent events. "

" And I them, Lord Stark, " Asha smiled. " They're the sisters I've always wanted but never had. Just…one thing, Lord Stark. The grey-rats…? Make them pay for what they tried to do. "

" I intend to, Asha, " Ned promised the young woman, his fist tightening once more. " I intend to. "

Moving quietly through the darkened roads wearing through the great keep of Winterfell, a lone bard moved swiftly from shadow to shadow as he made his way towards the Hunter's Gate and his long road back towards the north. While some might question his caution, even himself to an extent, he knew that he'd already overstayed his welcome here in Winterfell. Well, that might not be particularly true considering the Valyrian steel dagger roughly the length of his forearm that he now wore at his side. But he knew that long he stayed here in Winterfell the greater the chance of his faç ade failing. And if that happened, well, he didn't really want to think of the consequences. Especially now that he had a hope to look forward too.

Reaching the Hunter's Gate, the bard was more than slightly confused to find the gate unguarded. He had specifically decided on this time to leave because he knew that this was when the guards rotated. And Lord Stark was planning on leaving to head south at first light. But still, neither of those could explain why the gate that lead into the Wolfswood was unguarded. Especially with what had just transpired a few days ago. If anything, the guards should be doubled. Not missing. And even more curious was the fact that the gate was wide open.

Keeping a weather eye on his surroundings, the bard slowly approached the opened gate all the while preparing himself for the ambush that he was sure was about to come. " No need for such caution, bard. Had I wanted you dead, you would be dead. "

The bard nearly froze at the voice. A voice he recognized, and one that he'd come to well and truly fear. Keeping a tight hold on his new dagger, the bard turned and found himself face to face with the Northern Sorcerer himself. " Lord Nox, " the bard said, lowering his head but not going to a knee before the famed sorcerer, " I – I was just leaving, my Lord. "

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