Version 2.0
"I am no coward Theon," Brandon said as he looked at his resting army. "I won't be swayed by a difficult battle; we all fight for something greater than what we have now, and I won't stop till I get it."
"Yes, my King," Theon says.
The morale of his army is low after their previous defeat against the Ryder King. He cannot afford to let it waver any further, and showing weakness now and retreating before the battle has even started might weaken his men's resolve in Brandon.
And so, with a steely resolve and a heart full of courage, Brandon orders his army to march onward for the next day and towards the designated battlefield where destiny awaits. The sound of marching feet fills the morning air, a steady cadence that echoes through the valley.
As they draw nearer to their destination, the men start to slow their march down and at camp, they wearily look around at each other as they gather for the night's dinner. It's here where all the men are that Brandon addresses them.
"I know that you are uncertain of the future battle, but I have no doubt that you will prevail and prove to the enemy that we are not to be messed with, for the enemy does not have each and every one of you in their line. Show them what we are made of and prove your prowess to them all." Brandon said.
With those words in the men's minds, the army marches forward where only battle can tell what the men are worth.
As the armies converge on the battlefield, the winds whip up again as they start to let the armies with cold air. The landscape stretches out before them, a mostly flat expanse interrupted only by gentle undulations and scattered patches of woodland. In the distance, low hills rise like sleeping giants, their slopes cloaked in the verdant hues of summer.
Upon this canvas of green and gold, the army of the Winter Kingdom and their adversaries of the Amber and Locke King set up. Tents spring up like mushrooms dark dank room, forming orderly rows that snake across the landscape. The Locke King also sets up camp not disguising that he is here and in the open, for Brandon to see him, though it is not surprising that he would rather fight in open battle than hide to attack like some coward.
As the soldiers set about their tasks, Brandon issues messengers to each of the enemy camps wanting a meeting so that he can get a better understanding of what he is against.
/
Amidst the vast expanse of the open plains, where the horizon stretches out in all directions like an endless sea of green, three figures converge. Clad in the garb of kings, their banners snapping in the breeze.
With measured steps, Brandon approaches his counterparts, his expression betraying none of the turmoil that churns within him.
"Kings," he begins, his voice calm and composed, "I was not expecting you to join forces to fight me Gareth. I would not have expected this from you," Brandon asks.
"You forced my hand," Alden Amber says, his voice laced with disgust. "Joining forces with this rabble," he gestures to Gareth. "Though it disgusts me, he has his uses." Gareth remains completely silent.
"This battle will decide my Kingdom, Brandon, and I will be victorious and win back my lands. Just watch me," Alden declares before storming off, not allowing Brandon to respond.
As he storms off, Brandon turns his head to Gareth, raising an eyebrow and earning a shake of the head from Gareth.
"He is a crackpot. I can agree I am not fully sane, but that man is crazy," Gareth says. "Forget about him; he is incompetent and useless anyway. I am here for battle, Brandon. You might not have outright lost, but you did not win, and it was not against me," he says, staring down Brandon, his anger bubbling at the edges. "I want a good fight, Brandon. Your rise in power both in your trade and people flocking to your villages should make this interesting. Both now and later."
"Is that a warning?" Brandon asks.
Gareth shrugs. "I don't fucking know. Just watch yourself and don't fucking die. People don't like others outshining them, so watch yourself."
"Wow, insightful, Gareth," Brandon says, a slight smirk on his lips.
"I can smell fights from far away, Brandon," Gareth says as he starts to walk away. "Make sure that you can keep fighting."
"My King," Theon asks after the other kings have left. "I have gotten a separate message from Alex, Alden's son. He is waiting over yonder for a meeting."
"Lead the way, Theon," Brandon says, his interest piqued.
In the distance, Brandon spots a gathering of men, their figures silhouetted against the golden light of the sun. Their faces not betraying anything, their eyes sharp and watchful as they scan the horizon for any sign of danger.
As Brandon draws nearer, he can sense the tension in the air, as the men stand rigid their hands not far from their weapons.
"Alex," Brandon says. "You wanted a meeting."
"Yes," he replies, his voice heavy. "This war between us is pointless. My father will lose; there is no doubt in my mind of this. Many of the men don't want to fight, they are feeling the sting of loss and my father has been increasing taxes to fund his armies. However, many in the King's guard still believe in him, and my father is convinced will gain much from defeating you. I came here to ask for your help; defeat my father so that he may never stand proud in front of the men again."
"So that you can take over?" Brandon asks rhetorically. "Why would I empower my enemy by removing a weak king and replacing him with a stronger one?"
"What is it you want?" Alex asks his resolve quick to respond.
"Your loyalty and allegiance to my kingdom," Brandon says, earning the eerie of Alex's men, who start to draw their swords before being stopped by Alex. "You knew I would ask this, Alex; you are a smart man. But I don't do it for greed. My line will unite the North through conquest and diplomacy in friendship. I don't expect you to answer now, but when I win this war, I expect an answer." With that said, Brandon leaves, letting Alex and his men debate amongst themselves.
"My King," Theon asks. "Was that so wise? Do you think he will accept?"
"He is a smart man, Theon. He knows the weak position of his kingdom and that after this war, they will be even weaker with such weak morale among the people and their dislike of the king. He understands my position and the love the people have for me. If he were to fall under my rule, he would have an easier time gaining the love of his people when he becomes king."
"He will become King?" Theon asks.
"It looks like he has been angling for it for quite a while. His understanding of his father and the people of the army tells me he understands his kingdom well. Only someone interested in ruling would go to such lengths to understand his kingdom."
Theon falls silent while they march back to the camp. He looks upon his king in a new light, watching as he becomes more understanding of what is happening around the North. A king setting the path down for his line to rule it well.