Version 2.0
As the days wear on and tensions continue to mount, Brandon constantly finds himself listening to more wars and disagreements between kings.
First, a feud between the Greenwood King and the Barrow King, born from a disputed agreement following the Greenwood King's defeat at the hands of the Ryder King, and then the Barrow King extorting him. The Barrow King says the agreement they talked about is valid and his lands are forfeit whilst the Greenwood King says they are not as it was annulled after his loss to the Ryder King. Though both rulers are still weakened from their previous wars, their animosity knows no bounds. Raiding parties clash in the borderlands, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake as each side seeks to assert its dominance and uphold its interpretation of the agreement.
The second news is the worst though. Open war has erupted between two of the children of the forest groves in the Wolf's Woods. The Grove of Elder Oak and Hawthorn, have from out of nowhere declared war against the northeastern grove. It was only after Brandon asked did he found out the northern grove that harboured and helped Aloe, providing resources for his rituals to create his monsters that are how hunting humanity and killing in their wake.
What he thought would be the one place where their would-be peace had burned into ashes as the war spread even to the depths of the forest. He held his head in his hands and Theon gave him the report, another sigh escaping his lips before he called for Edric, Lyanna, and Jon.
"The entire North is at war," Brandon said as they walked into the sola. "Not a single bit of land is not set by bandits, fighting kings, monsters, or raiding. The North is not far off from being in the same conditions as the Long Night in terms of people's deaths."
He gets raised eyebrows and looks of shock from the group.
"Hey, hey Bran, calm yourself. No need to be so pessimistic." Jon says patting Brandon on the shoulder. Things are looking bad I grant you but don't let it get you down come on man." Jon smiles at him.
"I know, I just want you guys on the same line as me. The North is looking bleak, the kings around us will rise and fall with time but I won't allow that to happen to us." Brandon smiles at them. "Words can never express how much you guys mean to me, so instead I give you something so that the entire Kingdom can recognise you and allow your family to live proud of this moment," Brandon said, his smile wide as he gazes upon his greatest friends and companions.
"I grant to each of you the title of Thane," Brandon intones solemnly, he rises from his desk. With measured steps, he approaches a weapon rack adorned with finely crafted bronze swords, their gleaming blades catching the flickering light of the hearth.
Each sword is a show of fine craftsmanship, forged by skilled hands of the growing number of blacksmiths in the village. The blades, honed to razor-sharp perfection, bear runes down the length of the swords, their delicate lines shimmering in the firelight like stars in the night. The hilt was wrapped in supple leather, dyed a deep shade of crimson, its smooth surface warm to the touch Along with their tile of Thane engraved followed by their name, to never be forgotten.
At the pommel of the sword, a wolf's head is carved, its jaws are open in a silent snarl, baring teeth that seem to gleam. With a sense of reverence, Brandon runs his fingers along the contours of the pommel, feeling the weight of it.
"May these swords remind you and your family of the accomplishments that you have done for this kingdom. They give you the right and will of the King to hold land in my name, should you choose it so, to take on all the rights and responsibility that they bear, this you must swear to house stark to hold forever swearing on the honour of your created family name." he declares, his voice echoing through the chamber with quiet strength.
First, he gives one to Jon for his creation of coins and his work to enrich not only Stark house by the Kingdom through trade and wealth between its people. The second to Edric for his commitment, leadership, and bravery in battle and all that he had done for the Winter Kingdom. To Lyanna for her bravery and leadership in leading her men and for all the help that she gives them in their training. Finaly to Theon for loyalty to the King and for all his help and work in creating and managing the King's Guard.
And as the newly appointed Thane's accept their swords they kneel and swear their oaths to House Stark swearing allegiance and loyalty for this own house to House Stark, to rule in their name, and to stay true to them.
"This is cool," Jon says.
"Mmm" Edric comments. "It is nice and all, but what is the point?" he asks Brandon, earning a slap on the arm from Lyanna for being so insensitive.
"That is alright, Edric," Brandon says, smiling at them. "I have made it so that with the title of Thane, you can hold lands that I can grant to you. Rather than like the village chiefs who are elected by the village people, you can command multiple villages in an area. You collect their taxes and control the levies of the area. In return, you pay the king a portion of your tax, and in times of war, you must provide levies and men to fight in my armies. You also have the responsibility to look after the people of the villages and protect them from harm. I would also ask that you try to improve your lands and make them as prosperous as they can be. So, would any of you like land? Also, if you wish, you have the right to take up a family name and create your house."
"No," Theon says quickly, which surprises Brandon. "I am good, Brandon. I am not interested in all of that extra work. You are so busy doing stuff that I want nothing to do with. I just want my inn and trading. Thank you, though. I am keeping the title now that you have given it to me. It seems pretty cool," he says, smiling at him.
"I have no wish for land, my King," Theon states. "I just wish to serve the crown and help where I can. Though I will think on the family name."
"I don't wish for land at the moment," Edric says, along with Lyanna. "Mainly because we don't want to move out of Winterfell at the moment. But in the future, we will."
"Alright, I will leave it to you," Brandon says.
/
As the dawn breaks over the Winter Kingdom, Brandon stands at the head of his army, his gaze fixed upon the horizon. The air is crisp and cool, the air standing much cooler, and the winds pick up as they march forth into the heart of enemy territory. Setting out for his battle against the Amber King.
The landscape passes them in a patchwork of rolling hills and lush valleys, painted in hues of green and gold beneath the cloudy sky. The trees sway gently in the breeze, their leaves tinged, while distant mountains loom on the horizon. As they journey for weeks southward, Brandon feels the cold start to set on his skin as they march the wind flicking off his skin sending goose bumps down his body.
Crossing the single crossing on the west part of the White Knife River, they venture into Brandon Lands on the other side, their footsteps echoing against the terrain. But as they press forward, Halvar marches up to Brandon. The Amber King's army has been spotted, marching towards the designated battlefield as agreed upon.
Yet, to Brandon's surprise, Halvar says from the southern part of the White Knife River, a second army approaches, this one carrying the banner of the Locke King. It seems that both kings have set their sights on Brandon.