Version 2.0
After days of intense fighting and exhaustion, Brandon ordered the army to rest. The camp buzzed with activity as the medical team tended to the wounded, while Brandon and Edric joined them, aiding wherever they could as after two battles, was overrun with men in need of tending. They worked diligently under Elara, organizing the team into pairs to look after patients. She had designated an area in the camp for the medical team, with tents and provisions close by to aid all those in need.
Whilst the army rested, the prisoners were released, and the deal was put into effect. They departed with their horses, heads held low as they trudged back to their camp, no words or insults came from them.
After a few days of much-needed rest, the army resumed its journey home, moving at a more relaxed and leisurely pace. Passing through dense forests, their leafy canopies form a cool cover from the unyielding sun above. The air is rich with the earthy scent of damp soil, while shafts of sunlight dance through the foliage, casting light on the forest, watching as ghouls scampered around the army, some even getting in fights with passing dire wolves. The rustling leaves and creaking trees accompanied the howling wolves and snarling gurgles of the ghouls.
The meandering river greeted the army with the comforting sound of flowing currents as they rested to bathe and wash in the refreshing waters. Then stepping onto familiar soil, the homeland welcomed them with open arms, and the winds stroked their cheeks as they made their way home.
Venturing through open fields, the landscape unfurls like a golden carpet before them, bathed in the warm hues of the setting sun. The countryside stretches out in rolling waves of amber. Villages dotting the horizon burst with life, their inhabitants bustling about as they tended to the golden wheat fields.
Brandon returns home to Winterfell, welcomed with open gates and warm embraces by family and friends, each smiling before the kids of the orphanage run to 'Uncle Bran' cheering and asking for stories. As the hours pass and the fire burns low, Brandon cools down and plays in the moment.
The next day dawns crisp and clear over Winterfell, casting a golden glow upon the castle and its sprawling grounds. Brandon returned to his duties in the Solar gazing upon those around him.
"Let's be honest, we lost that war," Brandon sighed. "I've been pondering over it all night. We gained little and lost many lives. I admit many mistakes led us here. We pushed the men too hard, exhausting them for consecutive battles. We played into the enemy's hands and over-exerted ourselves. Only our fighting skills saved us in the end."
"Agreed, my King," Theon started about to say more, but Brandon interrupted, "It's alright, Theon. No need to apologize. Let's focus on learning."
"Yes, my King. Everything leading up to the battle was flawed. The forced march, consecutive battles, and then getting caught by Eamon. But I'm unsure how we could've avoided it. We couldn't show weakness," Theon explained.
"We should've avoided the situation from the beginning," Edric chimed in. "Ned dragged us into that battle, but we worsened it by a lack of information about enemy armies." He said starting at Halvar.
"I can't perfectly see through dense forest Edric," Halvar said grinding his teeth. "I did my best; I would like to see you try scouting."
"Silence you two," Brandon said.
"My husband brings up an important point," Lyanna added. "We countered the cavalry effectively with the terrain, but it won't work again. We need something new that will work against the cavalry, perhaps ranged units."
"Well need to brainstorm that, Lyanna. As for the battles, we should avoid situations where we don't know all the information, Halvar I leave this to you." Brandon fell silent for a moment. "Theon, rebuild the King's Guard. Edric, Lyanna, and I work on countering the cavalry. Otherwise, Jon, any news on the home front?" Brandon inquired.
"The best," Jon responded excitedly. "The coin idea has been a hit. Traders love it. The mint is working tirelessly, producing copper and silver coins, and has made traders eager for stalls in the trading square where most of the coins are."
"Excellent work, Jon. I must find a way to reward you," Brandon mused, appreciating Jon's dedication.
"I won't turn that down," Jon replied.
Brandon shakes his head, determined to find a way to reward Jon and everyone who contributed. They deserved it.
/
As the days pass, news of the battle between the Ryder King and the Winter King spread like wildfire, carried to the far reaches of the realm. News of the first 'losses' for each of the kings sparks great interest in every king.
Along with the news of the battle, the traveling traders also bring the newfound currency from the Winter Kingdom. These coins, bearing the Stark Household sigil design, quickly captured the minds of traders far and wide.
They quickly converge upon Winterfell, slowly becoming a bustling hub of commerce and activity. From all corners of the North, traders arrive, their wagons laden with goods ranging from pelts, furs, fish, and grain to tin and bronze. The newfound currency flows freely, enabling House Starks to procure a wealth of resources from distant lands.
However, with more people and traders on the roads Monsters start to flock to them like a fly to a corpse. Reports of werewolves prowling the forests, ghouls feasting on the flesh of the fallen, and even sitings of roaming White Walkers with their posy of wights send shivers down the spines of everyone. News also spreads of the new monster, which Brandon reveals as the Isdråk, as it prowls the lands hungry for its next meals, waiting to strike.
Yet, even amidst the encroaching monsters, the allure of coin remains undiminished. Traders, now armed with newfound wealth, flock to Winterfell in search of goods whilst protecting themselves with more mercenaries. Traders aren't the only ones who can see the benefit of coins. Men who can fight and mercenaries are drawn to the village like moths to a flame, their swords, spears, and skills becoming prized commodities in an increasingly dangerous world.
/
With the newly reinforced king's guard at his side, Brandon prepares to move out to confront the rising threat of monsters plaguing the Winter Kingdom. Armed with both obsidian and bronze weapons, the group sets out from the gates of Winterfell, hoping to bloody the recruits and mesh them with the old ones.
They venture forth into the wilds, their journey taking them through remote villages and hamlets, where the influx of traders and guards has brought newfound prosperity but also dangers with more monsters appearing every day. Villagers, grateful for the protection offered by Brandon, greet them with smiles and cheers, as Brandon asks about their lives and the state of the village militia that he can see walking around the village and training a group of villagers.
As Brandon and his King's guard delve deeper into the wilderness, they encounter scenes no doubt reflected in most of the north. Ghouls, feast upon the flesh of a recently raided trader, their wretched forms illuminated by the pale light of the moon, as they become much more active at night when it is cooler for them.
Yet, the 'height' of their journey is an Isdråk, still new to the North their population is quite low, though Brandon fears that it will change over time. They spotted it in the distance, its icy blue scales gleaming in the moonlight. Despite its formidable appearance, the Isdråk is but a juvenile, its size paling in comparison to what Halvar and Hawthorn described in the mountains. With a mixture of caution and curiosity, Brandon and his companions approach the creature, their weapons at the ready.
The battle is quick with so many men, and by the end of the king's journey, the recruits have shown their worth.