The week following The Battle of the Grey Grass, Prince Rhaenar received a message from his father, King Viserys, summoning him back to the Red Keep.
King Viserys and Queen Aemma deeply cherished their children, and it was known that they felt the absence of Rhaenar during the new year festivities.
Among them, Rhaenyra, the realm's delight, seemed to be particularly affected by her brother's absence, as her recent mood had turned sour. Queen Aemma attributed Rhaenyra's somber state to missing her beloved brother.
Despite the longing to be with his family, Prince Rhaenar remained resolute in his decision to complete the bootcamp before returning home. This put him under time pressure, as he could not afford to be absent from the Red Keep on his upcoming twelfth name day.
Interestingly, the exact date of Prince Rhaenar's birth had become a matter of contention. Grandmaester Runciter, who was present at the time of his birth, had kept records that should have noted the precise date.
However, multiple accounts purportedly written by Runciter had circulated, each with different dates. Scholars debated these accounts, either seeking the glory of determining Rhaenar's official birth date or pursuing the truth, it was not always clear.
Consequently, various speculative wordings and theories emerged, ranging from claims that he was born on the 81st day of the year, to suggestions his sister was born minutes a few minutes before midnight, resulting in different name days despite them being twins.
Nevertheless, the prevailing consensus was that Prince Rhaenar was born on the Spring Equinox, aligning his birth with the 20th day of the third moon. The notion of the Spring Equinox held a romantic allure and gained widespread acceptance.
It is worth mentioning that within the royal family, celebrations extended far beyond a single day and encompassed a fortnight of festivities. Exact dates were often interpreted within the general timeframe, rather than adhering strictly to specific days.
Regardless, as someone who closely accompanied Rhaenar and witnessed numerous of his name days, it became evident that only after his younger years did the Prince begin to specifically commemorate his name day on the equinox. (However, it is important not to read too much into this, as the Prince was known for his preference for simplicity and practicality.)
With a looming time pressure, Prince dedicated himself to moulding the troops into a formidable force. They advanced into the third phase of their training, where intensive drills focused on mastering advanced techniques with sword, spear, and shield.
This phase also included a series of tests that every volunteer, regardless of their future role as either steward or soldier, had to successfully complete.
The volunteers' archery skills were put to the test, with targets set at varying distances based on their abilities. Different targets were designated for children, those feeble, women, and men.
Accuracy, speed, and proficiency at different distances were evaluated.
Among them, Ronny stood out. Growing up the son of a hunter in the pine forest near his home in Drye Den had equipped Ronny with exceptional archery skills, earning him top marks in all three categories. The camp applauded his impressive display.
However, when Prince Rhaenar approached Ronny, instead of showering him with praise as expected, the Prince simply remarked, "Impressive. But we know you can do better!"
This response showcased Rhaenar's high expectations, not only for individuality but also for intangibility. He entrusted Ronny with the task of serving as a role model for archery in the camp, nurturing the progress of others, especially those who struggled with their shooting abilities.
The sling test followed a similar format to archery, but the troops quickly became enamored with measuring the total distance they could sling a rock as the primary metric for boasting rights.
However, a debate arose regarding the officialism of distance records due to variations in rock sizes and shapes, leading to disparities in throwing distances.
It was Theodore who proposed a solution to the issue. He suggested testing slinging with objects of different sizes, ranging from pebbles to fist-sized rocks, as these were the typical shapes encountered during travels.
Rhaenar was intrigued by this idea and wasted no time in commissioning the creation of such objects from the smiths in King's Landing.
A shipment arrived with metal balls in two sizes: pebble and fist. Additionally, Rhaenar ordered the creation of a third-sized ball, weighing around 16 pounds for men and 9 pounds for women, which he humorously referred to as the "meat head" category.
While rocks of such mass would be scarce during a campaign, Rhaenar was confident in the entertainment value of this heavier-weight class of ammunition. The sizes of these third-category projectiles were standardized thereafter, as the troops insisted on maintaining an official record book.
Given the size and weight of the third category of projectiles, Rhaenar playfully remarked that only blacksmiths would typically possess the strength to hurl them.
Consequently, these heavier balls, used for entertainment and boasting purposes, became commonly referred to as "the hammer" due to their weighty resemblance to the heavy hammers used by smiths.
From that point forward, they were simply known as hammers, as it seemed impractical to refer to this game-like category of ammunition as "heavy rocks."
The first person to establish the Rhaenarian Sling-Throw record was Ivan, a resident of King's Landing who worked for a blacksmith for practically nothing so that he could help feed his family.
Ivan impressively slung the hammer a distance of 150 feet, which later that day extended to 163 feet after Sari fine-tuned his form.
This achievement surprised everyone, as Gorgeous George, the most physically imposing of the volunteers, was expected to win quite handily. It served as a reminder that proper form could triumph over raw physical talent.
Similar to the archery winner, Prince Rhaenar encouraged Ivan to strive for improvement and entrusted him with a leadership role among the slingers.
During the spear-throw test, participants aimed for accuracy and distance.
With a length of approximately 6 feet and weighing around 3 pounds, the Rhaenari spear was slightly modified for optimal use in the pseudo-phalanx formation. Prince Rhaenar envisioned his troops not only mastering close combat but also demonstrating skill in the spear-throw.
Leon, a farmer from a village on the eastern banks of the Gods Eye lake, achieved a noteworthy throw of approximately 15 yards, setting the record.
The more astute will notice a theme develop: Prince Rhaenar appointed Leon a mentor to inspire and train other aspiring spear throw enthusiasts within the army.
There were other tests, rather queer at a first glance, but are worth noting.
With the help of Cranky Pete and Hayden Cuckright, the Prince was able to utilize the camps manpower to swiftly build what he called an 'obstacle course'.
The course's makeup was rather impressive, so it's worth noting it's constitution.
The obstacle course was a physical training designed to test and improve the agility, strength, endurance, and problem-solving skills of personnel. It consisted of a series of obstacles strategically placed throughout the designated area.
The course had ten main components.
Wall Climb: A vertical wall that required participants to climb using techniques such as ropes, handholds, or footholds.
Rope Swing: Participants swung across a gap using a rope suspended overhead, testing their upper body strength and coordination.
Balance Beam: A narrow beam or log that required participants to maintain balance while traversing it.
Wheel Run (later named the 'Garvey Run'): Participants ran through a course of wooden wheels placed on the ground, requiring quick footwork and agility.
Net Crawl: A large cargo net suspended horizontally, which participants had to crawl under or climb over.
Monkey Bars: A series of horizontal bars at different heights that participants had to traverse using their upper body strength.
Mud Pit: A section filled with thick mud where participants crawled or waded through, adding an additional challenge to the course.
Low Crawl: Participants crawled on their stomachs under a series of low obstacles, testing their ability to maneuver in tight spaces.
Rope Climb: A vertical rope that participants had to climb using only their arms and upper body strength.
Log Carry: Participants carried heavy logs or weighted objects for a specified distance, testing their strength and endurance.
Witnessing the multitude of volunteers engaging in this rigorous training was a truly awe-inspiring spectacle.
Surprisingly, it was during the obstacle course phase that we saw the greatest reduction in volunteer numbers.
We first anticipated that the grueling forced marches in full gear would be the most challenging aspect of their training.
Our assumptions proved incorrect. The volunteers had become accustomed to the physical strain of marching since day one, and the associated discomfort had become almost second nature to them.
When it came to navigating the obstacle course, we encountered a notable increase in individuals expressing their desire to quit.
Some were intimidated by the heights of the wall climb, while others struggled to maintain the necessary speed during the wheel run. The rope climb, perhaps, elicited the most trepidation among the participants. Many questioned the practicality of acquiring such a skill.
However, Prince Rhaenar swiftly reminded them that their lives would have been in grave jeopardy if not for their ability to swim, emphasizing that it was best to entrust strategic decisions to the leadership.
"Leave the thinking to me!"
Completing the obstacle course became the unintended ultimate trial that each and every volunteer had to overcome.
There was no leniency regarding the mandatory nature of this challenge. It served as one of the final psychological barriers for the volunteers to conquer, inevitably inducing significant stress throughout the camp.
Some individuals, like Zane or Asher or Mathew, demonstrated exceptional prowess and completed the course within the first few days. Conversely, others required weeks of dedication and perseverance before finally achieving success. Regrettably, the obstacle course led to further attrition among our ranks.
Prince Rhaenar harbored no ill will towards those who dropped out and patiently awaited the completion of those who remained steadfast in their determination.
We called these last ones to complete the obstacle course the 'stragglers'.
Evelyn was the straggler queen. Until then, Evelyn had struggled to excel in tasks traditionally associated with masculinity.
Her skills with the sling and archery were average, I'll give her that, but when it came to sparring or engaging in physically demanding labor typically assigned to men, Evelyn lagged behind, even when compared to our other camp sisters.
While she could offer sound guidance and instructions from a distance on how to lift or jump, her own attempts yielded different results altogether. Despite these shortcomings, Evelyn had become an unofficial leader in the camp, particularly valued for her nimble fingers and adeptness with delicate tasks.
She effortlessly took to weaving and sewing; we even had her try teach Theodore how to stitch a wound. The lesson ended with Evelyn slapping his forehead so many times that a handprint like mashed strawberries was left behind.
In our camp, those who fell behind or struggled often faced ridicule and jesting, or at least as much as they could get away with before Rhaenar broke it up.
The Prince was big on weeding out what he called toxicity: he wanted light of heart, tongue-in-cheek banter that kept the personal comments to a minimum.
However, Evelyn rarely received the toxicity that Rhaenar feared.
People eagerly completed their morning chores to witness another one of Evelyn's attempts at the obstacle course. And it was understandable. Despite her blond hair often tied up in sweaty knots, Evelyn possessed a striking beauty.
The catcalls became particularly raucous when she reached the Mud Pits, the moist brown mud clinging to her slender, toned figure. Instead of the usual impatience or derogatory remarks, words of encouragement flooded the air.
"You can do it!" and "Climb that rope!" echoed around her.
While there may have been some inappropriate remarks initially, the funniest coming from Zane, "Smear some on ya tits!", they swiftly ceased, for crossing Evelyn's displeasure meant facing the consequences such as meagre food portions, heightened bunk inspections, and other unpleasantries that seemed to mysteriously befall those who earned her ire.
We observed Evelyn's solitary efforts on the obstacle course for three consecutive days until Prince Rhaenar reached his limit.
Secretly, he went around the camp, instructing everyone to wake up early the next day.
When Evelyn emerged from her slumber the following morning, her eyes still heavy with sleep, she failed to notice the empty camp. As she made her way to the dining area for breakfast, she discovered all of us waiting for her.
"Morning sleepyhead!" we chimed in unison, following Rhaenar's plan.
"What in the Mother's name?" Evelyn exclaimed, perplexed.
Rhaenar placed his hands on her shoulders. "Today's the day, Evelyn! You're going to conquer that damn obstacle course, and we'll all be cheering you on until you do!"
A blush spread across her cheeks. "No, no, no, you're not."
George found his voice useful this time. "Y-Y-Yes, you are!"
Laughter erupted throughout the camp, the humor derived from the timeliness of George's stutter.
Rhaenar gently rubbed her shoulders, then gave her firm biceps an assuring squeeze. "He's right. It's time."
Evelyn grew frustrated at the seemingly nonchalant attitude of her comrades.
"And what makes you think I can do it? Every day it's the same. I try and try again, expecting a different result."
Chit lacked sympathy. "Sounds maddening!"
"You think that's bad?" Zane interjected. "Try having to watch it!"
The camp erupted in laughter once more.
Evelyn narrowed her eyes. "You could watch for a thousand years, just don't touch me with your dirty hands."
"For hands of gold are always cold..." Theodore murmured.
"Enough," Rhaenar intervened. "Eat your fast. If you don't pass, we'll all tread on glass."
Evelyn widened her eyes. "What? How did you come up with that?"
Zane had been the one to suggest it, but given her reaction, he hesitated to claim credit. "It rhymes, don't it?"
"Only fools or children come up with such nonsense," Evelyn retorted. "Besides, why would we waste something as rare as glass for a bet like that?"
Asher seized the opportunity to jest at Zane. "She has a point. What's next? Glass in our arse?"
Nevertheless, the entire camp watched intently as Evelyn undertook the course that day, each time seemingly on the verge of giving up.
Time and time again, she released her grip on the monkey bars from exhaustion, hesitated to climb over the wall, prompting her to return to the starting point and begin anew.
But then, something remarkable happened just before lunch.
When it appeared that she was depleted and ready to abandon her efforts, Rhaenar shouted, "DAMN IT EVELYN, IF YOU DON'T COMPLETE THE COURSE ON THIS NEXT ATTEMPT, YOU CAN FORGET ABOUT ANY POSSIBILITY OF OUR MARRIAGE!"
The impact was immediate. The dejected Evelyn straightened her hunched posture with defiance, her expression silently conveying, 'So, you have chosen death!'
It was far from graceful. She shed tears through the most challenging sections and let out a piercing scream during the rope climb, but she did it.
That night, we indulged in an extra special feast to celebrate Evelyn's unwavering determination. We raised our glasses in toast, and amidst the jesting cries of "When's the wedding?", her accomplishments were hailed.
Then came the final test, a demanding forced march covering 20 miles, to be completed within five hours while carrying full gear.
By the time of the death march, most participants had become accustomed to the enduring strain of walking. They were making their way through the challenge with relative ease. However, there was one individual who teetered on the brink of failure.
Garvy Threechins, previously known as Fivechins before shedding a chin or two through his training, hailed from a family that owned the renowned Ivy Inn.
Situated along the Kingsroad, the Ivy Inn was a popular haven for travelers heading south to the capital.
Renowned for its diverse range of meals, the inn baked its own delectable pastries, crafted cheeses from locally sourced milk, and showcased the bounty of salt and freshwater fish from the Blackwater and the Gods Eye, respectively.
Each member of Garvy's family possessed their own culinary specialty.
His brother, Marvy, was celebrated for his exceptional pies, claiming that the secret was in the pastry. Garvy's mother mastered the art of breadmaking, while his father Darvy's roast meals became the stuff of legends. His sister's pickled onions garnered popularity due to their perfect balance of acidity and saltiness.
As for Garvy himself, his specialty was a stew renowned for its unique blend of robust flavors, particularly the distinct touch of ginger.
Despite his slimmed-down physique, remnants of Garvy's love for his family's cooking were still apparent on his body. Although he was no longer as rotund and his skin had shed its pasty pallor (which prompted Sari to jestingly dub him a "wheel of cheese" on the first day), Garvy remained the perennial straggler of the camp.
He consistently lagged behind during marches, perpetually drenched in copious amounts of sweat.
And it seemed like it was going to be more of the same. Garvy dragged his feet, already far behind the formation. He was almost about to give up until Prince Rhaenar ran down from the front and to his side.
"You've busted your ass way too much to call it quits now!"
It was then that Rhaenar pulled out a rather humerous contraption. On a stick he tied a rope, and at the end of that rope was a carrot.
"I know it's not your favorite," said Rhaenar, running just ahead of him, the carrot dangling in Garvy's face.
"But damn it, Garvey! You better reach for that carrot, because if you don't make it to the finish line, it'll be the last fucking thing you ever eat!"
Sure enough, Garvey sped up as if the wind pushed at his back, and he completed within five hours in what was a miraculous come back.
So it was before the end of the second moon that everyone managed to pass their capability tests, (they called these physical tests 'passing your capables'.)
But Prince Rhaenar had a few more things to do before he returned home.
-Brien Flowers