(1,200 words)
- Percival Bolton POV -
- Riverrun – Riverlands – Westeros – 269 A. D. -
I had taken advantage of being in this place to expand my non-magical knowledge. Because. . . House Bolton was not a house that appreciated knowledge very much. Hopefully we had a Master, and he wasn't a very competent one to say.
House Tully was a very old house in Westeros, originating from the time of First Men, the first major migration that Westeros experienced. Although they then succumbed to the second invaders, the Andalusians.
At that time House Tully ruled only the territories of Red Fork and Tumblestone, two contiguous territories, with the fortress now known as Riverrun at its centre.
But the important thing is, at the time of Aegon's Conquest was when House Tully reached real power. Overthrowing House Hoare, who at that time ruled Riverlands and Iron Islands as their kings. At that time they were known as Lords of Riverlands and Lord Paramount of the Trident.
That is why, being their motto "Family, Duty, Honor", their betrayal against House Targaryen and The Crown in the future rebellion is so disgusting. This would matter to me if I were a more "normal" person, but I can understand them. I'd do the same if it matched my goals.
I also learned that House Tully has ten major vassal houses. House Blackhood of Raventree Hall, House of The Stone Hedge, House Darry of Darry, House Frey of the Crossing, House Mallister of Seagard, House Mooton of Maidenpool, House Whent of Harrenhal, and many more.
I had never learned so much about the history of Westeros, oh, well, there was another time, which was when I traveled with my father and brother for Lady Lyana Stark's first birthday, one of the main causes of House Targaryen's end as rulers. Although now I was only a one-year-old. An innocent baby who doesn't know what his future holds. Well, the truth is, no one knows, just me and maybe. . . The Three-Eyed Ranven? I don't know, I think he can only see the present and the past, not the future. I should review the notes I made some time ago on future knowledge. Because, of course, I'm not a guy with a perfect memory, but I'm not stupid enough to let that valuable knowledge get lost either.
There are important events in the story, weaknesses of the characters as well as their personalities, loyalties, and the most important thing to understand a person, their goal. With also some interesting facts like how to revive dragons.
- Winterfell – The North – Westeros – 268 A. C -
"Remember, we have to be respectful but that doesn't mean we're below the Starks. We were once "Red King of the North", fighting the wolves on an equal footing. Our vassalage is temporary, sooner or later we will recover what is ours. But now we must keep it to ourselves", our father told us as my brother Roose nodded firmly in his eyes.
I, on the other hand, only gave a normal nod, although what came in through one ear came out through the other. The guy was convincing himself by the time he would bow his head.
It was no secret that the Stark and Bolton didn't get along very well, and that enmity continued with Marlon Bolton, my father, and Rickard Stark, the present Lord of House Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. Although Rickard Stark, from what I've heard, was a wise and mature man, so he wasn't guided by my father's grudges.
The problem would be the next generation. With my brother Roose Bolton, and Lord Stark's eldest son, Brandon Stark. Who was known for his passionate, impulsive behavior, as savage as his sister in the future or more. A kind of Robb Stark, only worse. A great achievement for a man as useless as the temporary "King in the North" was, if you can call him a clear man.
Not that I'm a great example of overcoming. I'm a treacherous, a coward, and my greatest power comes from abilities given away by a higher power. But it's not like anyone knows that at some point. The first are things I must try to keep secret to get a more reliable image, but the third characteristic is something I must keep secret imperatively.
Upon entering it was more in view the beautiful but rustic snow-covered fortress. All the vassal houses of House Stark were invited, as well as many houses elsewhere. At my age of only seven, there wasn't much I could explore without guards on me, but my own father. But I did what I could.
The party itself would be in the big hall of the place, an enclosure to the right of Winterfell's South Gate. Although we entered through the north gate, so we had to walk through more intricate corridors to get to our place. Fortunately, on the way we came across the guest house, where we left our belongings.
House Reed, House Glover, House Mormont, House Umber, House Manderly, House Karstark, House Dustin and many more. That's just The North, since there were houses in different places.
Curiously, there was no House Tully presence, I don't know why, but there was House Baratheon, House Arryn and vassal houses of these. There was no presence of House Lannister and his vassals. Same with House Tyrell, House Martell, House Greyjoy or the same House Targaryen of royalty.
"Milord", said Marlon Bolton as he lay his head down in front of the Starks.
Rickard Stark was in the lead, Brandon Stark to his right, and Eddard Stark to his older brother's right. Brandon was the same age as me, while Eddard was two years younger. Although none of them were as handsome and fine as me. They were wild, northern-style, unlike me.
"Lord Bolton, a pleasure as always. I already knew your firstborn, but it's nice to meet your other puppy", Rickard said with a polite smile as he looked at my father.
I, on the other hand, was with an expressionless face, and with lost eyes. I had no interest in a dead man. The same was true of his eldest son, who looked at me with an extremely curious face, as if he were some kind of circus animal. Must be my black eyes and strange face for this part of the kingdom. Ned on the other hand looked at me with caution and a little fear.
"That's right, let me introduce you to Percival", Father said, and I could see him clenching his fist a little, something that Rickard also noticed. He's probably aware of everything, but he won't lose his greatest ally to an unnecessary and improbable conflict.
If I were in your position, there would be no Bolton left alive, and to be sure, all your loyal soldiers would be sold into slavery to make the most of the circumstances. But I'm not surprised such weakness of a Stark. Despite having a trained and large army, not as trained as Dorne, not as large as The Reach, but it's a good mix. But still, they are weak.