(2 months later)
[Brynden's POV]
As the first light of dawn touched Riverrun, I headed to the training yard with a certain eagerness. The cold slightly stung my face, a reminder of the firmness needed to handle these boys. Each morning was a new chance to forge them, to push them until they found their limits and then shatter them. So far, that hadn't been too difficult.
These two peasants from Quentyn's lands, Roderick and Edric, they hadn't held a sword for long, but I saw potential in them. What happened to their village drove them to push themselves further each day, and I was certain it would continue to motivate them, hopefully down the right path. As for William, he had been training with me for a year now. Even though he didn't have the same burning drive as his companions, he put twice as much effort into his training as if getting better was all that was needed as a motivation. His progress reflected that exponentially.
When I arrived, William was already there. His tall figure stood prominently against the misty morning backdrop. I don't thing I have ever seen a seven name day boy that tall, he certainly didn't get that from his mother. Not that I'm a giant myself, just a bit taller than most. With a wooden sword in hand, he was moving with grace. A year of practice had made him fast, agile, precise with it, qualities that were honed futher day by day. He performed fluid movements, seamlessly linking gestures with silent efficiency.
Edric and Roderick arrived shortly after, and it didn't take long to notice Edric's impatience in his stride. He walked briskly, raw energy radiated from him, but it lacked direction. His keen eyes betrayed a thirst to prove something. Roderick, in contrast, seemed more composed. His tall, slender figure moved carefully, and his contemplative gaze always seemed to analyze before acting.
"You are late." I said coldly, not raising my voice. My gaze settled on each of them, making them flinch slightly. Unlike William, they didn't dare be overly familiar with me. As they should.
"Apologies, Ser Brynden." Roderick mumbled, head bowed. Edric mirrored him silently with the same reverence.
"Save your breath." I retorted sharply, "Excuses won't bring back lost time. But perhaps by redoubling your efforts, you will save me from having to give you another lesson in discipline."
I let them stew for a moment, observing their posture. Edric was tense, ready to spring, while Roderick tried to hide his nervousness. William stood straight, eyes fixed on me, patient. He already knew what was coming.
"Before I let you spar." I said, pausing to ensure I had their full attention, "You are going to run. Three laps around the yard, fast. No slowing down. And if I see anyone falter, it will be five laps for all."
Without waiting for a response, I snapped my fingers. They set off immediately, William in the lead, his long strides giving him a comfortable advantage. Edric followed, trying to catch up, his face already strained. Roderick kept his pace measured, mindful of each step.
"Faster!" I shouted, "You plan to crush your enemy at that pace?"
Edric growled, pushing harder. His powerful legs pounded the ground, but he was burning energy too quickly. Roderick, behind him, didn't appear as fatigued even through I knew he was giving what he could, but his lack of speed was concerning. As for William, he was running as if he had been born to do it, steady, agile, every movement optimized to conserve energy.
When they finished their third lap, all were panting. I gathered them together. Their faces flushed from exertion ; Only William seemed ready for more.
"Good." I said, giving them barely a moment to catch their breath, "Already tired? This is where real training begins."
I lined them up in front of me, "Today, it will be two against one. Edric and Roderick versus William. No holding back. Show me I am not wasting my time with you." I said, before throwing two wooden swords at Roderick and Edric.
Edric smirked, "Ready to be put in your place, William?"
William didn't flinch, his intense eyes fixed on his comrade, "You are cooked."
"Less talk. More action." I cut in, ending their exchange.
As soon as they took their places I gave them the signal, "Begin!" Edric lunged immediately, muscles straining, his wooden sword crashing toward William with raw force. But his attack, though intense, lacked precision. William sidestepped fluidly, almost effortlessly, his expression impassive.
"Edric, your aggression makes you predictable!" I snapped, "Think before you strike!"
Frustrated, Edric growled but didn't reply. He attacked again with the same result, another miss, leaving him off-balance.
Meanwhile, Roderick hung back, eyes scanning William's every move. His caution seemed more hindrance than help.
"Roderick! Standing idle won't win you fights!" I barked, "Doing like Edric couldn't be worse than this useless hesitation!"
Gritting his teeth, Roderick tightened his grip and finally advanced, attempting a lateral strike. William parried easily.
"At last, some movement." I muttered to myself.
But William wasn't staying defensive. He took the offensive with a speed that surprised even Roderick, whose reactions was decent. William's strikes were precise, relentless. The two boys struggled to keep up. Edric's strength was useless against someone he couldn't touch ; He was exhausting himself in rage. Roderick's hesitant blows lacked the confidence to challenge William.
"Pathetic." I muttered, "Your combined might should overwhelm his talent. And yet, you fight him one at a time. Did I tell you not to attack as a team?"
Edric's face reddened with shame. His fury escalated, and he attacked wildly, his blows more unpredictable but clumsier. William dodged again, extending his leg to trip him. Edric stumbled but stayed upright.
"Get a grip, Edric. Next time you pull something that stupid, I will throw you out of this yard myself." I reprimanded harshly, "Anger is a sword you are holding by the blade."
Seeing an opening, Roderick tried to capitalize, finally, some form of cooperation. He aimed a calculated strike, faster this time. William blocked it without difficulty but gave a brief nod in acknowledgment.
"Being stronger doesn't give you the luxury of acknowledging your enemy mid-fight!" I barked, "Focus."
William immediately resumed his assault, tightening the noose. Defense was no longer his concern. Edric and Roderick were out of breath, unable to counter his speed and precision. In a swift motion, William disarmed Edric and knocked Roderick's sword away.
"That's enough." I declared firmly, "The bout is over."
They stood there, panting. Edric clenched his fists, frustrated at his failure. Roderick seemed lost in thought, trying to understand what he lacked. William remained stoic, gaze already on the next lesson.
"Edric." I said coldly, "You were pitiful. Your strength is useless if you can't control it. I was foolish to think you had understood that the first time I told you and it was a moon ago. Recklessness will get you killed."
He lowered his eyes, biting his lip in frustration, "I'm sorry, Ser Brynden. I will do better next time."
"Roderick." I continued, "Your mind works, but your body hesitates. Overthinking is as dangerous as not thinking at all."
He nodded slowly, without protest, "Understood, Ser."
Finally, I turned to William, "You are improving. But don't let it go to your head. Overconfidence breeds mistakes."
He met my gaze calmly, "I won't."
"See that you don't."
I observed them for a moment, reflecting on their progress, "Training isn't a game. Our enemies won't be as forgiving as I am. Dismissed."
They began to walk away, each pondering the day's failures, "And be on time tomorrow, or you won't be allowed to train." I added harshly for Roderick and Edric.
As they left, I stood in the yard, arms crossed. Edric had strength, but without discipline, it would always be his enemy. Roderick was intelligent, but excessive caution paralyzed his potential. And William, he was different, gifted naturally, but gifts unmanaged become burdens.
The road ahead would be long and unforgiving. My role was to prepare them, not protect them. The battlefield spares no fools, and neither do I.
"Father." William's voice interrupted my thoughts.
"What is it?"
"May I stay and train a bit more?"
I studied him, gauging his state, "Do as you please."
He nodded, returning to the center of the training yard to resume his exercises, movements calm and controlled.
I watched him a moment longer, silent. He had a fierceness that set him apart, a drive pushing him to always do more. Unfortunately, I knew that same strength would attract challenges, and enemies.
Without another word, I turned away, leaving him to his training. There was still much to do, and time waited for no one.
A guard approached swiftly, "Ser Brynden." He said respectfully, "Lord Tully requests your presence in the Great Hall. He also wishes for lord William to accompany you."
I raised an eyebrow. It wasn't common for Hoster to summon both of us urgently, "Very well." I replied, "We are on our way."
I called to William, "Leave that for now. Your uncle needs us."
He set down his wooden sword and walked beside me silently. His posture calm, but I noticed curiosity in his eyes.
Entering the Great Hall, we found Hoster seated at the grand table, a deep frown on his brow. Scrolls and parchments scattered before him. He looked up as we approached, gaze lingering on William before returning to me.
"Brother." I greeted tersely, "You sent for us."
"Brynden, William." Hoster began heavily, "We have received a raven from King's Landing. The King summons me."
William stayed silent, eyes shifting between us. I crossed my arms, "For what purpose?"
"To give us a hard time, what else?" Hoster sighed, sliding a parchment across the table, "The crown is questioning the extent of the funds we have requested for road construction. They are demanding we justify the investment."
I scanned the parchment, "They are looking for an excuse to withdraw support, even though they proposed it first." I remarked angrily.
"Exactly." Hoster replied gravely, "If they pull out, we will have to lower our ambitions. I suspect this comes from the King rather than the Hand, given Tywin's personal interest in these roads and the constant disagreements between these two. Our companionship during the War of the Ninepenny Kings is long gone."
I glanced at William. He was listening attentively.
"You expect something from us?" I probed.
Hoster met my gaze, "I want both of you to accompany me to King's Landing. Your presence will strengthen our position. Brynden, everyone respects you as a warrior. And William..." He paused, "Edmure's birth isn't enough to demonstrate our house's stability and future. Presenting you implicitly as my heir should work in our favor."
I narrowed my eyes, "You think parading us before the court will sway their decision?"
"It's not just appearances." Hoster insisted, "We need to show a united front. Prove that House Tully is strong and won't be easily dismissed."
I considered his words. Damn politics. But if our family's interests were at stake, I couldn't refuse.
"Very well." I acquiesced, "We will leave when you are ready."
Hoster nodded, visibly relieved, "We depart in two days. Preparations are underway."
"Anything else?" I asked.
He shook his head, "No, that's all. But Brynden..." His tone softened slightly, "Thank you for your support."
I gave a brief nod.
As we turned to leave, Hoster called to William, "Nephew, walk with me a moment."
William glanced at me. I gestured for him to go, "I will wait outside."
Leaving the hall, I pondered the situation. The crown's interference was another complication. Road construction was crucial, not just for trade but for defense. Troop mobility, better communication with our bannermen, it all depended on these roads.
Minutes later, William joined me in the corridor, looking thoughtful.
"What did he want?" I asked.
"He wanted to ensure I understood the importance of our journey." William replied, looking worried, "And advised me on court etiquette."
I scoffed lightly, "Etiquette won't protect you from silk-clad snakes, much less the King."
He looked up at me, "Then what will?"
"Caution. Observation. Speak little and listen much." I said firmly, "Courtiers play their games, but remember, words are far more dangerous than blades in King's Landing."
He absorbed my advice silently as we walked back toward the yard.
"Prepare your belongings in the time you have." I told him, "Take only what you need."
"Yes, Father."
As we parted ways, I headed to the ramparts, needing a moment alone. The view from the walls offered clarity. The Trident flowed peacefully, indifferent to our troubles.
I took a deep breath. The upcoming journey would test us in new ways. I hated the capital ; Honor and straightforwardness held little value there.
But we would face it as we did any challenge ; Head-on and without fear.