Version 2.0
As the midday sun hangs high in the sky, casting its golden rays over the sprawling lands of Winterfell, the bustling activity of the kingdom is becoming the norm. The influx of newcomers has brought a flurry of excitement and change to the once-quiet countryside, as travellers from distant lands seek refuge, opportunity, and wealth from the Winter Kingdom.
Whilst having his lunch Brandon, received a message from Jorah, asking for his help in resolving a dispute that had become all the more common with the influx of people. With a furrowed brow and a sigh, Brandon sets out to see the problem.
As he emerges into the crisp winter air, the sound of distant voices carries on the wind, mingling with the rustle of leaves. Making his way through the streets of the village, Brandon's gaze falls upon a gathering of villagers, clustered around two families locked in a heated dispute.
With measured steps, Brandon approaches quickly spotting Jorah on the outskirts as he shakes his head as his shoulders slump.
"Jorah, what is the problem?" Brandon says, his voice cutting across the chamber of voices, silencing the gathered crowd.
"My King," Jorah says scratching the back of his head. "Well, these families are in a dispute over religious beliefs. Tom's family worships the Old Gods, while Jon's family just moved here and follow the Celtic gods. They got into a bit of a fight this morning while working on the village farmlands when they both prayed for a good harvest this season. They got into a dispute about which one was better, and a fight broke out between them. I happened to be on the farmstead at the time and managed to break it up, but they have been fuming at each other all day."
"Thank you for your work, Jorah," Brandon says, patting him on the shoulder and giving him a warm and grateful smile.
As Brandon walks past the groups of people, he looks towards both Jon and Tom as they both appear embarrassed that the King of Winter had to personally come to put an end to their dispute.
"Tom, Jon," he said patting their shoulders. "I appreciate your care and consideration for the fields and the growth of crops in the Kingdom, but that should not cause you two to fight over it. There is no reason that you both can't worship your gods and beliefs as long as they don't bring harm to the village and kingdom."
"We understand that my King, but it still does not answer who will give us the best harvest," Jon says. "Sucellus will provide us the best harvest, but Tom refuses to believe that" he continues, as the tension between the two starts to rise again.
Tom shakes his head. "The Gods are everywhere and in everything, Jon. They shall listen to our prayers and give us a harvest."
Feeling the rise in tension, Brandon interjects again. "Men do not fight in the streets; you are men of the North and are better than this. You can both worship your gods and pray to them as you see fit, but you do not have a right nor the need to force others to do the same. I cannot imagine that either of your gods demands of you to force your will upon another," he says, addressing them.
"No, my King," they say together.
"Then now you shall not enforce your beliefs upon each other. In my Kingdom, you are welcome to any beliefs you wish, for we have more concerning issues than fighting each other. The Kingdom stands strong when we are together, not at odds with each other," Brandon says, his mind filled with images of the Others as they attacked his village.
The two men look sheepishly at each other, having been reprimanded by the highest power in the Kingdom.
"Yes, my King," they say before leaving, not wanting to feel such pressure gazed upon them again.
"Thank you, my King," Jorah says whilst the crowd starts to dissipate whispering among themselves.
"I don't know if what I did solved anything though Jorah." Brandon questions.
"I guess time will tell then my King." He says before leaving to attend to his work.
/
Days pass in Winterfell. Though the religious dispute that had happened in the village seems to have settled for now, Brandon, cannot shake the feeling of unease that gnaws at his gut. As he sits in his solar, surrounded by the familiar trappings of power and authority, he knows the peace won't last long.
Lo and behold in the quiet solitude of his chambers, Brandon gets a report from Theon. With a furrowed brow, he listens intently as Theon speaks.
Theon tells of the Ryder Kingdom, where much like the Winter Kingdom, people are flocking to their lands in search of protection and sanctuary amidst the increasing turmoil of war. Seeking comfort in kingdoms winning its wars. Displaced by conflict and strife, refugees seek the area of the Ryder Kingdom.
He speaks of raids into the Winter Kingdom, forced matching to and from the Amber Kings Lands. Many were fought off by the militia of the villages that Theon and Brandon had implemented in each village. The raids will only continue and most likely pick up in intensity.
The mountain clans, ever embroiled in their rivalries, continue to clash with one another, their skirmishes echoing through the valleys and ravines like thunder in the night. Though the details are sparse, they do occasionally receive news of new clans rising and others brutally ended.
The Glover King emerges triumphant in his war against the Warg King, taking his lands for himself. After intense previous wars and battles, the Warg King was in a weakened state and lost the battle but knowing Bran, he won't be happy about it and is sure to build up his strength.
But the true upheaval comes in the east, where the Red King finds himself facing a new alliance formed by the Widower King and the Slate King. Together, their forces clash with the might of the Red King's armies, their combined force proving enough to win the battle. In a decisive battle, they emerge victorious, and lands are seized as spoils of war, and in the case of the Slate King lands returned to rightful ownership.
Meanwhile, the Tower King bold move against the Locke King, seeking to expand his influence and territory. In a swift and decisive conflict, the Tower King attacked the Locke King, however unlike what he wanted or expected he was soundly thrashed. Rather than gained in power he was found wanting.
"We must focus on our wars first Theon," Brandon says. "The Amber King seems to have no want to keep our peace and is aggravating for another."
"It would seem so my King," Theon stated.
"If he is looking for a fight then we will have to give it to him," Brandon says. "We will march in a few moons time, send a message to the Amber King that he has broken the agreement and that he has started war."
"Brandon you are still the only King to announce wars." Theon states. "Why?"
Brandon sighed. "Because that is who I am, I will defeat our enemies fair and square Theon. If I can only fight and defeat my enemies when they are at their weakest, then I am not worthy of ruling them. Only by beating them at their height will they submit to my rule." Brandon said, fire burning in his eyes.