The North. Wintercity Winterfell. 280 AC-
The main fortress of the North was a herd of action. Some time ago the Harren Hall tournament had been held with the North, making the southern nobles ridiculous in the worst possible way. Those who would use tournaments in a nutshell to be seen in the best possible way. Although Hariric didn't give a shit, he felt his magic certainly a little at ease. The idea of putting the people of the south a little in their place was clearly fine from the point of view.
Some would point out that that was possibly the straw that broke the camel's back. But he would never have expected that the southern nobles could be such fucking idiots or in this case the crown prince behave like an idiot. No. I never suspect it from man. But the prince had possibly made the greatest mistake of all time. That mistake was nothing more or less than kidnapping his sister Lyanna here in the North and taking her to the south of all things.
Someone had helped the prince. In two parts. Someone had invited the prince to enter the North. A problem with all the magic is that although he had placed magic to avoid kidnappings in his fief, truth be told, he could not do anything about it to prevent aggressors and scum from entering. There was too much land and although I could do it that would put too much stress and damage the law lines which in the end would end up doing more damage to all its little magics such as soil improvement, climate improvement and water purification.
Magic was formed by a series of rules. But the most important was the property law. The property law dictated that only when you had permission could you make barriers come out in an entire area. The larger the territory, the more permission you needed. And as is natural, he did not intend to tell each noble family about the magic that the Starks possessed and that later the children of their family would possess.
Letting you know that he could manipulate magic would have meant in a few words that everyone and his mother would have wanted him to solve their problems in some way. That he was the person who makes things possible. Although he could certainly do a lot of good, Harry knew that if he wanted a nation to prosper, he needed to be constantly interested in advancement.
The second reason would be anger. The south would not accept or welcome magic or what is worse than someone else possessing it. He knew that the teachers would do everything in his hand to put their hands on not only his children but his nephews and much more. The mere idea of those scum thinking of doing such a thing made their power completely crazy.
He knew that if the word of magic spread, his vassals would fight over who would marry his children, something that was flatly denied. His children were going to choose their partners themselves, he had no doubt about that. Their children would select with whom they would spend the rest of their lives (marriage alliances). It was too easy a way if you stop to think about what it is naturally to get a hostage. He had known Olenna Tyrell's plans to do that to her daughter.
Anyway, the thing and the final point is that the good prince had taken advantage of a weakness. He should still have been able to locate the entrance to all things. That was until he realised that a very powerful magic had stuck his nose in the matter. Someone had placed himself in the middle of his path thinking somehow that they had a right of some kind to be able to.
R´Hllor was in Harry's opinion along with the seven the most powerful god. Well with the new increase in the population of the North as well as the belief that it was the ancient gods who were helping them, the ancients were gaining great amounts of power and strength on their side. This power and this strength meant in a few words that the North had some divine protection. But R´Hllor was not only a god with a large number of followers but also received life offerings so in terms of power he was more than capable of doing considerable damage.
When his original (and it was hard for him to admit it) told him that he would have to save the world, he was very surprised. His original told him that the world was approaching a cataclysm-type situation. These situations are when there is a supreme death with absence of life and the gods of death from hell take control of a whole world. Normally it would be left without further ado but the problem is that when they have done that to a world they want to do it to many other worlds.
However, he should have realised it. Gods. No, God. There was more than one fucking god involved in this shit. So he possibly had more enemies to deal with. This was in itself very bad news if he had to say it. The mere idea of having to deal with more than one divine creature bothered him. The good news in words of its original is that no god can set foot on the human plane without the help of a being who acted as a body and then although powerful they were limited. What is more important could be completely blocked. But with this he learned the lesson. Don't leave for another day what you could do perfectly in a moment.
Hariric, however, focussed on the room. In addition to his mother and his wife Ashara there were five more people present. All of them were the commanders of each of the legions. Each of them looking at him with clearly alarmed eyes. It was strange that it was called a meeting without more. The truth be told is that no one could imagine a reason for him to call them all to have a meeting.
"Mr., where is Tykren? As one of your legion commanders, allow me to be the one who mentions that it is very difficult for me to believe that I would not be before you when you send us to call.'' Alec was the first to mention with obviousness what he was in essence and was happening. For Alec, truth be told, if his lord ordered to call a meeting, it had to be for something incredibly serious. So it was natural for everyone to be present. Everyone knew that Tykren Reyne was not only extremely loyal to his lord that in addition to that he was a person who would never offend his lord.
"Three months ago my sister decided that she wanted to go on a tour of the north. Visit the main fortresses of the north to be able to witness what she said in her own words me putting a fire on the buttocks of each of my lords so that they would modernise their fortresses''. The truth is that he knew that his sister just wanted to get away from what it was like to be locked up. Her sister hated above all the idea of being locked up and even more importantly she despised the possibility of not making her own way in life.
'Then Tykren would be with her. He does not separate from her unless something commands him. In short, an unexpected event happened while they were travelling. Is Tykren dead, my lord?'' Although Dareon spoke with cold calm, you could almost accurately hear what the fury was in his voice. Since Tykren and he met, they had been rivals and much more. He had great respect for the warrior who was born from the lands of the West. The mere thought that he was dead infuriated him. That also led to thinking about who could have killed him since he was not a weak man.
"The last information I had from them was when they were on their way to the Umber fortress to pay their respects to the Umber house and at the same time give them a couple of gifts in my sister's own words. It was actually Big Jon who warned me about it. They recovered Tykren but he had many injuries and he has not fully recovered''. Hariric nodded to Jon who only nodded in agreement. If there was an accurate truth about the man, it is that he respected the fighters and therefore that meant that anyone who bothered with him would end up dead in some way.
''One of my patrols discovered where the place and the battle took place. There were quite a few dead. Tykren was lying on the ground more dead than alive but fortunately we were able to take him to my fortress where our doctors could see him. He had many serious wounds and had lost blood but he will survive.'' Jon spoke with certainty that what he said was true. He could hear the murmur of the other commanders thanking them that his comrade had survived the event in question.
"Jon immediately sent me an owl informing me of Tykren's state. As is natural immediately that means in a few words that someone had kidnapped my sister. And quickly eliminate the savages for two reasons. The first was how well armed the corpses who were in the place were. The second...it was an emblem''. Hariric showed them the emblem. A burning heart. Everyone cursed immediately. Since White Port and black Wolf Port had grown up many factions had wanted to make a niche one of them was a certain annoying religion to which they did not give permission not for the offence of the religion but for their actions and methods. Was it okay to execute someone? Burn them alive? Bad. And even worse he got with those who burned children.
"I didn't know that the sect of the burning heart had the balls to even think that they had the authority of some kind to think that they could think that they would get away with it, my lord, but that doesn't explain why the hell they could turn against us." Rickon spoke with a voice of not being able to believe it. It was the most normal thing if you stood and think about it, of course. What did these people have to gain from all things? What the hell were they looking for? What was the thing they seemed to think they would be harvesting anyway? It didn't make sense.
"They weren't alone in this. In fact, they had the support of a certain lord from the North who is currently gathering a military force for when we make our own movement for whom he dared to do such a thing to my ally and my sister''. The way Harry spoke made it clear in everyone's eyes that things were not going to be nice at all for people. They couldn't say they blamed him about it. How were they supposed to blame a brother for defending his family? Were they supposed to defend what the fact that someone had dared to make such a move in the North?
"I'm sorry to say it this way, my lord, but seriously, has a nobleman and lord of the North thought of all the things that could be right to do such a thing? I would also like to point out How do you expect us not to deal with him first of all? Because it's an internal threat that we can't allow.'' You could practically hear the disbelief in Willem's voice that it was difficult for him to understand how someone could expect to be left to be when they had obviously made an action against all the lords of the north. It was the most natural.
"Because he expects us to focus first of all on getting my sister back. I will not deny that this is an intention that I am sure to see done no matter what anyone tells me. But it's more. A fucking southern pussy has thought that he can do this gentlemen. He thought he could kidnap my sister, attack one of my commanders and conspire to see me and my family dead... it's unacceptable''. The voice with which Harry spoke was so flat and so cold that many could say that it promised more than anything colossal damage to all those who somehow dared to move against him.
"Hariric What do you mean by a southern pussy has dared to do such a thing? I had thought that this was just one more fucking way for someone to think that he could transfer and try to fuck us all by asking for a ransom for your sister of all things.'' Jon spoke for the first time and could practically hear what his disbelief was in essence. He had thought that all they had was a traitor in hand. A person inside his kingdom who wanted to usurp them in some way.
"Because when my father was in the lands of the rivers negotiating a possible marriage contract between Catlyn Tully and my brother Ned, the information reached not only to him but to me that Rhaegar targaryen is the man who helped kidnap my sister and that he had taken her with him to use her against the North in some way". When Harry released the bomb you could practically hear the sound of crickets. It was understandable if you stook about it. None of them could seriously believe that the crown prince could somehow believe that such an idea was acceptable in some way. It was simply impossible to believe.
"My lord, excuse me if I sound offensive in any way. It's not my intention, but how did Lord Stark find out what was happening to his daughter before we found out? In other words, I deduce that we would have already found out about the person responsible if possible''. Dareon now gave his friend a serious and firm look that in a few words told him that he wanted an answer about it at the same time that he let him know that he was surprised in many ways that something like this had happened.
"It's not offensive. Even I myself found this strange and unknown if I have to say it. I don't think I know in any way. But I can deduce that someone wanted it to be known. Father immediately went to the capital to ask the king for the return of my sister. My father... he was locked up in the black cells it was lucky that our infiltrators were able to get him out of there''. What was not said is that the king had wanted to kill his father with a death by fire. What better way to say that he has the power than to kill Rickard Stark?
"Did the southerner think he could execute your father and former lord of the Stark house when he only went to demand that your sister be returned after having been kidnapped from all things? Please, my lord, tell me that we are going to start a good way to remind these southern pussies that we are not their fucking dogs.'' Jon was the first to make his personal opinion about it known. As not each and every one of the legion commanders made it clear what they felt. As they thought that the mere audacing to say such things of their lord was against what justice was in essence. Many looked at their master with a look that made it clear: violence was the only viable option here of all things.
"It was never my intention to let it be. But we can't wait until more. That's why I called to send everyone. Of the seven legions, one will stay in the north. Dareon explicitly trusted that you would be able to put Bolton and his allies on the ground after they thought they could help that bastard prince with this shit.'' Hariric looked at Dareon. The Rogare was obviously questioning what he could have in mind. More than one man looked curious about the fact that he was telling a stranger that they had to put their faith in him. It's true that they could trust him. That he had shown his ability and what is more important his loyalty, but why not another? Why the one of all things?
''My lord you honour me with the opportunity to show my devotion and love for the North by being the one who takes care of and brings the enemies of the north to their knees but I have to question Why exactly me of all those present? I don't want to say that I won't be up to the others but I would like to know exactly why you trust me so much''. Dareon of course knew that Hariric wanted to trust one of the most powerful magic users to impose and destroy his enemies. With his mastery of fire magic and other skills, Dareon knew that Hariric expected him to bring Bolton to his knees.
"There was never an offence. More than anything because I know the other knights and I think none of them would want for anything in the world to refuse the opportunity to come with me to the south to repeat the exploits that made the first men famous when the Andalusians thought that their shit could impose itself on the first men''. Hariric could see that he had all the attention of his lords. I couldn't say that I blamed them about it. All of them were deciding at that point that he was very right. That their pablaras brought nothing more than truth, did they want to leave their lord to defend the North when they themselves wanted to impose what in essence their blood, power and strength to the southern pussies?
''Hahaha well you say it Stark. We wouldn't let you go by yourself and steal all the fun - the opportunity to remind those fucking southern pussies that we northerners are a powerful force capable of imposing their fucking asses instead. So yes. We will leave the North in Dareon's confidence. Please, I hope you know the honour we are giving you with this''. Jon smiled amused. The mere idea of putting so many idiots in their place who had thought for years that they could fuck with them in some way. He was simply too good to let it be without more.
"Of course I'm perfectly aware. The trust placed in me I guess I must say that the North is in no way wrong to trust me. I will make sure that the bastards who somehow think that they can face the North will feel my anger in every sense of the word.'' Dareon bowed his head making it clear to everyone that he would give his word about it.
"It's not necessary to say anything about it, gentlemen. Dareon trusted you with this important task but I warned you that it is very possible that Bolton not only has the support of his people but of mercenary companies to help him with this. After all, the prince's plan is clear if you stop to think about it.'' Some would say that they were surprised that the prince of all things had these plans but everyone perfectly agreed on that point that the prince who had decided of all things that it was perfectly fine to kidnap a young woman who was seen as a princess in the north.
"Lord Stark, I understand this war that is coming. We are talking about the southern prince kidnapping a member of the northern royalty. In addition to that there is also the fact that his king has tried to lock up the previous Lord Stark not to mention the deaths of the guards who came with him but why not have the military support of other nations?''. Alec presented what was in his personal opinion the question of why things were being done. It's not that he distrusted his lord. During the years that they had become legion commanders it had become clear that all of them were capable and skilful in more ways than one.
"We could ask for help. But it would be very expensive. Not to say that I refuse to let a fucking southern pussy tell me how to approach the war, do you know that if we fight in their own way we have to make pacts, alliances and in addition to that respect their laws of what war is?''. Saying that Hariric was against it was like saying that he was capable of drinking more alcohol than all of them combined.
"If I decided to ask the Valley for help, they would ask me for things. I have no doubt that one of the demands would possibly be to join our armies, something I refuse. The northern army is disciplined and efficient. They all fight more than efficiently but join them with another army that has a different way of fighting? Fuck no''. Not to say that they would possibly be trying to sneak spies, murderers and more. Jon Arryn may feel good trying to tell everyone that he is great as a gentleman and all that shit but he was an Andal from beginning to end and he would not deny the opportunity to fuck the North in some way.
"Not to say that we would have to put our armies to work according to their nobility. Most of the army, although it responds to the officers, many of them are either bastards or people of low birth who have managed to reach the top because of their command skills. The number of boys of nobility who stand out is very low if you stop to think about it''. Rickon said the grimace that everyone could know at that moment to put their soldiers under the command of untrained people? No joke.
"That's not my only concern. In the south they see war as a way to achieve glory. What glory is there in people killing each other? What's good? What can you go home and say how many people you have killed? What a shitty joke they think. And they would tell us to make war with fair confrontations and all that shit''. Something that Haariric despised with the passion of a sun is that people seemed to think that war was a way of shouting look at me I am the strongest. I didn't see it the same way. Like a Black who was educated, you only went to war when your enemy was too stupid to think he had a chance and it was your duty to educate him about it.
'Not to mention that the southerners would expect us to catch the nobles and more shit alive. It's not the form of the North. If something is put in front of you with the intention of opposing you like winter you eliminate it. Winter does not discriminate in any way against anyone. And that's what the army of the north will do, won't it, my lord?''. Willem could see the thought of his master.
"It wouldn't make sense. What's wrong with the south? What can they give us? If we catch your people, what are we supposed to ask for in return? It's complete shit that they expect us to adhere to their senseless forms of war in this whole case. In war, your enemy must know that they will not be able to with you and that facing you is a death sentence, period.'' Some would say that Hariric was being very tough and very brutal about it but he didn't believe it at all.
"If what we have to expect from the birds is that we abey by their rules then the fish would possibly be marriage lawsuits thinking in some way that they can get involved in the affairs of the North. And the deer honestly prefer not to agree with a man who is like Robert Baratheon of all things''. Dareon could see. If they asked for help in this shit they would be facing all the things that were demands and more demands from everyone thinking that they could get away with it somehow.
"However, our enemy will have several armies. The army of the Dominion with one hundred thousand men. Dorne's army with ten thousand men minimum. The army of the Crown Lands that are another ten thousand men. Not to mention all those who side with the other kingdoms in what is their mission to put us in our place''. Hariric could tell that it was a war that was against them. In numbers at least. But like all things, numbers only had power if you gave them the slightest opportunity and he intended to eliminate the numerical force.
''As if it mattered. I know that Lord Stark wouldn't be doing what he's doing if he didn't have a plan. So you can count on me. But we still have to settle this, my lord. What will we do with those who have positioned themselves in favour of this shit? We cannot forget what they have done to us, my lord.'' To say that Jon was looking forward to putting the southerners in his place was an understatement. From his point of view, anything that teaches them a fucking shitty lesson was perfectly fine actually.
"The south hopes to gather an army. But it's not a professional army. The most professional they have are their experienced commanders such as Lord Tarly of the Dominion as well as their so-called knights. I have the firm intention of putting all of them in their place and believe me when I say that it will be in a way that will make everyone in the world know that it is the North that has the power now.'' Hariric saw the men nodd. Everyone in the room was convinced that this was the best way to do it and they also agreed that they trusted the gentleman who to date had not disappointed them.
''Besides, as if that wasn't enough, they don't know anything else. I didn't want this gentlemen. I would have been content to make the North an extremely powerful and strong kingdom that would make the other kingdoms respect us. It seems that what we are and internal betrayal has made the North enter a war''. Although it could be hard to believe it, Hariric had been content to take revenge intelligently. A blow here. A blow there. A little death on his back. Everything to hurt the south. However, it seemed that that would no longer be a possibility.
"We have nothing against you, my lord. Since you have been able to help the North, thanks to whom do we have the ability to feed ourselves? Thanks to you, who has allowed us to build better homes to take refuge and give us more warmth? It was you. So if these little shits have some kind of problem I say let's give them their problem up the ass``. Jon roared earning the approval of everyone present. None of them was going to deny the harsh reality. That it was thanks to Lord Stark of all the people who had more chances in this life than ever. That it was thanks to the same man they clearly called lord who cared about them who were now the kingdom with the greatest future of all.
''With all due respect, sir. I can understand that you don't like the idea of war. But it was only a matter of time, did you really think that the people of the south would like the north to flourish of all things more above them than all the other kingdoms? Yes. That's a good joke if I have to say it, my lord.'' Willem shook his head. Even if he would like it to be in a completely different way, the harsh reality is that southerners would not tolerate in the slightest the possibility of a threat to them.
"The southerners have always seen us down, my lord. I understand perfectly that you don't want in any way a fight with them without more. It would be disastrous in reality. But like it or not, southerners would not take the chance of a strengthened enemy. No. They were going to end up doing this somehow or at some point in reality''. Alec shook his head thinking about how the southerners would only be more and more jealous and over time there would have been an action. What would have taken longer? It's true. But in the end the only thing that mattered is that they had seen themselves in this situation because of a southern prince.
''With all due respect Lord Stark you never went for a war since when is it a crime for a lord to do everything possible for his kingdom? Since when is it a crime for a lord to strive for his kingdom? Not my lord. Whether they like it or not, the reality is that only because of the fact that the North was growing strong they would not like it and therefore it was only a question of whether they would do this or anything else problematic. Rickon knew that his master was a man who actually cared massively about what the North was like. I knew I didn't want a war. Of course, like anyone else, I wanted to see the south being fucked in some way but this was simply an unexpected thing.
''You have many revolutionary ideas. The system you are using is unique and being so good has seriously helped the North to move forward no matter what anyone says about it. But those same ideas are what have made others feel jealous, my lord. If they were really competent they would have done the same in reality. And instead they think that the power of war is what will bring them victory. Make no mistake, my lord. They are the culprits, not you.'' Dareon decided to clarify things as best he could for the man who owed so much and many things.
Hariric closed his eyes feeling happy. In the past I knew that the Northern leaders would only have talked about the glory of war and how they didn't care. Now they seemed to think much more carefully which was a pretty good advantage if he had to say it. He liked that his lords were able to think much better than they were before. And what's more, if he was sincere, he felt quite good knowing that they were much better at saying things than simply thinking about themselves. He spoke well of his system and spoke well of what he had worked for. Opening her eyes, her gaze could be said that she was full of power.
"Mobilise the legions. Dareon will march to charge against the Bolton house who have been gathering the forces of the Hornwoods and the Ryswells. Your order is simple: no mercy. Without mercy. These bastards would try to use this as an excuse to rise up. Well, I say let's give them some of the fire they're really looking for. Send them to death but bring me the living lords. I want those idiots to be judged before every gentleman in the north.'' You could practically hear the power in Lord Stark's voice.
"As you command, my lord. I will make sure that the military forces of the seventh legion are ready. But without Tykren, who will rule the sixth legion? That is, his second in command is your brother Ned who has earned the place with his command ability. I know he is capable but my lord asked me if it is really a good idea to leave him in such a responsibility''. Some would have accused Dareon of not trusting ned. That was a lie. It was that he thought that with Ned Stark being the second child, many could think that having him in charge of a legion could be for reasons born of what is in essence of his brother's favouritism.
''My brother became the second in command of the sixth legion on his own merits. He is most of all a capable man. A powerful and strong fighter. And a man who I think has earned everyone's respect. Tykren would be wallowing over us if we decided to choose someone different for the command of the sixth legion when he is there.'' He was just stupid. His brother had proven to be the best fighter of all and therefore the best who could lead the legion more than anything. It was the most sensible thing if you stop to think about it, of course. It didn't matter what others said. What mattered was what the evidence said.
''As you command Lord Stark. I'm leaving right away. The sooner we put the Bolton forces in their place, the better. My lord, there is only one question, once the army is defeated, what does it take over its castles? Are they assaulted?''. Dareon sent him a look that asked if he had to do it himself or if it could be that these fortifications were assaulted in some way by the agents of the war wolves? After all, their specialty made them the best for that field of skills if you would think about it. His master didn't think about it even once before looking at him. It was quite obvious that I had already planned for it actually
''The castles and family fortresses of the traitors will be treated immediately. I will leave that in the hands of those who are specialised. And not even a soul will be forgiven. By the act of betrayal of the lords of each of the houses they will see the end of their lines and these new lands taken for other lords. Some would say that hariric was being brutal but he saw it as a good thing.
Like one, each of the commanders stood up and greeted. They had their orders. Gather the legions. Get them up and running. The time when the houses that made the North suppourated was over. Everyone nodded according to hariric before nodding to Dareon. Dareon gave a single sign of respect to Hariric before starting immediately. I had his orders. I had a mission to fulfil above all else. Those who had dared to look badly at the Stark house had to pay. He knew perfectly that this was a mission from which he expected a lot from him but he nodded in agreement knowing what this was.
Hariric closed his eyes while he had certain thoughts. The North was going to war. It wasn't a question of whether they did it or not. It was an absolute matter. His nemesis side was practically demanding it. Although the Potter magic had been good to numb and weaken the brutal desire of nemesis, it was still there. A desire for revenge against all those who had dared to attack the Stark house. A desire beyond all doubt that he spoke of bringing revenge and justice by and to the north by all means. It didn't matter what others thought and even more it didn't matter what others wanted. The force of the north would be deployed by all means.
Hariric was very aware of what this meant. Until now, southern houses had only seen the North as a potential economic threat. They knew that the power of the North was born neither more nor less than the fact that the North had natural defences that made them impossible to conquer. That was the idea that everyone had. No one believed that the North had the strength and power to make everyone pale because of power and strength. It was an absolute rule that everyone knew perfectly well that the North, although it possessed the most ferocious warriors in the past, did not possess the greatest military force... Hariric had changed that in a more than brutal way with his actions.
His grandfather Arcthurus taught him several more than remarkable and important military lessons. The first to highlight is that the one with the most men does not always win, but the one with the better soldiers. The better the battle units, the more superior you will be against external threats. It was a lesson he learned. The Potters before their father believed in that with monstrous strength. Always training its elite forces to be able to fight against larger armies. There was a reason why the Potters did not bow to British royalty, something that his father or sperm donor felt failed because of his practises and ways of being so childish.
His grandfather trained him for everything. To apply magic in ways that some would be surprised. That his power was above all capable of taking anyone who offended him ahead. Such was his reason for living if he had to say it. The power. Strength. The ability. Everything had to be on his side if you really realised it. Arcthurus Black trained and taught him so that every action was calculated. When Harry defeated his enemies, he did it precisely and efficiently. Don't waste and waste. Kill several enemies at the same time. That was one of the legendary subjects that was taught to him by his grandfather and he was more than happy with it if he was sincere.
Another lesson I teach you: deception. The art of deception was the most important form of power and the force that was quite capable of putting his enemies at their weakest point. It didn't matter what it looked like nor did it matter how it was believed. But at the end of the day he could honestly say that if your enemy was unable to see you come you had the advantage on your side. An advantage that you had to exploit to be able to win by all means. Another of the most important aspects that he was taught. And that's why he had created the forces of the Wolves of War. The North would march. But their enemies would face more pain than they could imagine in this regard.
Some would call it betrayal. Deception. Trap. I didn't believe it that way. The tactical use of the land. The destruction of the roads of provisions. Weaken the infantry force. The North had to win above all and would make sure for it. What happened to history in a bad way? He made fun of it. Truth be told, I could say honestly and frankly that the fact is that history was taught by the winners and he would be the winner of this battle above all. It didn't matter what those people might believe. He also fought for the long term, not for the short term like all of them. I was going to put a sword in the heart of the south. He would make sure that everyone understood the mistake of attacking the North.
While Hariric was sitting on the winter throne, he felt a presence approaching. Smiling, he made a gesture that made no one else approach. That included the little spies. That brought him another smile. The spies were only useful if they were not discovered and he knew of each spy in the north except in the fortresses that he did not control in any way. With that he meant in a few words that he was more than capable of knowing what information was going on. At this moment the little spies thought that first he was going to clean the rat nest. They didn't know but that was just a legion. The other legions travelled south.
Ashara appeared out of nowhere as if nothing had happened. The truth is that she had given with a hug the opportunity to wear leather again. Although Ashara and nymphadora had been the same person, the two of them had different tastes. I didn't mean that something hadn't been taken out. Between the two now they added a bigger whole. Hariric looked at his wife of two lives and smiled when he saw her with leather pants and matching leather boots. Above she wore a leather vest that showed her curves and above a layer of bear skin. At least in this world they didn't kill animals just for their skin. They only took advantage of it.
Ashara had such a cold look that in his violet eyes he almost threatened to kill someone. A shudder ran through him because of the emotion. His wife was angry with someone. If she had to guess, someone had contacted her. So that she would function in favour of the war on Rhaegar's side. Harry smiled knowing that if before she had reasons to doubt what it was like to break ties with Dorne's people, now they were safer than anything. Doran Martell was not such a skilful player. I thought she had a piece forgetting that she was much more than a piece about it. She was a human being and had the same thoughts as any other living being
"I'm glad you were able to save your father from the capital. That man doesn't deserve to die burned like the king's garbage I had planned to do to him and if I have to say it I think it's pretty bad that my children almost lose their grandfather when they naturally love him with so much affection''. Ashara had to make an effort to contain her anger at the possibility of the loss of a man who was so kind to her. The man who was Rickard Stark was worth at least a thousand Aerys. The mere idea of almost losing that man bothered her in many ways.
"I always gave the possibility that some king could have tried in some way to damage the Stark house from which I deduced that the best way to defend ourselves was to have a small attack force in there. They don't even suspect the men and women who live there. They remain so hidden. So well hidden. The truth is that you taught me that lesson well, dear.'' It might not seem like it but she was the person who had taught him more than anything that the art of infiltration was as valuable as martial skills were.
"That's like you. Never leaving things to the possibility that it somehow explodes in your face. You have always been a person who decides that it is better not to take a risk. This has proven to be good, are you sure you probably won't see anyone trying to get your agents out of there somehow?''. She knew from experience that infiltrators had a tendency to last very little when they were submerged by competent people. Being the competent keyword. Of course Varys was there but varys at the same time was a player who had his own plans.
''All of them are perfectly safe. They are the kind of people who are always in plain sight. Always visible. Impossible to lose sight of. How unfortunate it is that you can't be aware of everyone and despite how good Varys is, even he has his flaws that are possible to exploit''. I had been playing this game longer than Varys. Of course the man could give it a little more difficulty. Maybe even make things difficult for him. I wouldn't deny it about it. But in the end, as a good boss who had the espionage and infiltration division, they were more than capable of playing a man like Varys.
"I guess it was expected that it would be like that. You have always been a much more cautious person than normal and at the same time you have a gift for the interpretation of people. I am a little surprised by the ease with which you have trained an espionage division but at the same time I remember that you are the man who brought to his knees all those who threatened you in the past''. Ashara smiled amused by Harry's ability to literally surprise people.
''What can I say. I am lucky in my games and most importantly I have learned from the best. However, what is the reason for your anger? I know you're furious just judging by how you tremble at the possibility of putting your hand on a person about it. It's not good to keep such things''. Harry gave his wife a worried look. He had seen Ashara contain his fury. Sometimes. Like when she was in the other world and Lucius Malfoy tried to turn her into his son's sex slave. Ashara's unprecedented fury should be mentioned. Malfoy Manor was completely destroyed.
"You're skilful to be able to see when I'm angry. I guess it's a good thing. This way you will be able to avoid my inconveniences more often. However, I suppose I will tell you in a few words that Doran has sent me a letter asking me to fulfil my duty to Dorne and make sure that you have a terrible and sad end.'' You could practically hear the sarcasm in Ashara. Practically she just wanted nothing more or less than to go to Dorne and put him in the worst of problems, maybe go through her chest with her spear?
"Did he really ask you that? What a kind way to say that you are dispensable. Possibly some might not believe that you had something to do but my gentlemen are far from being like that and seeing that you come from Dorne you would be the first suspect. What a sure way to send the balance and stability of the north for a walk''. Harry mocked the mere idea and mention of it. It was practically a suicidal plan if he had to say it. Doran was so sure that it would have an effect but the man had no idea of the possible side effects they would have in this regard for the entire North and she would end up dead of course.
' I know you've already come to that conclusion. Doran would somehow think that it is the best way to achieve victory over the North in his personal opinion. If you stop to think about it, it's a possibility. With you dead everyone would be forced to follow Ned until our children are ready. Without us on the page, our little ones are vulnerable to being manipulated or worse killed''. The mere mention of this possibility was enough to make the magic in it stirring, demanding that someone else pay for it.
"Doran thinks this is going to end with being on the winning side. He doesn't even think for a moment that he will be on the losing side. I have to say that the pure idiocy that exists in the southerners is surprising. I like that even before your memories woke up you showed that you had much more brains and the ability to think than the best of them.'' Harry mocked about it since the arrogance of thinking that they had the victory on their side was completely stupid.
"I would say that in his Defence he believes that he has everything on his side. He has the kingdoms that want to see the north humiliated. He knows that if you ask for help they will put nothing more than chains on you. Many chains if I have to say it. With the lands of the river and its demands. The valley and its demands. Not to mention the lands of the storms. He knows you'll never go to them.'' Doran was smart. She would give him so much about it. He had probably calculated all this in advance. But if he thought that was all, he was going to learn the hard way how wrong he was about it.
"I can't say he's wrong. The Land of the Rivers would try to exploit it in some way. They would not only try to force a powerful marriage for their part in the future wedding of Ned. But make insulting demands and demands for the Stark house. That's how annoying they would be.'' Harry mocked the river lands. I knew his ways of thinking. I knew what they were practically planning. Put the blood of Hoster Tully as lords and exploit all the benefits of the Stark house for his benefit. That was not going to happen as long as he lived and in fact he would sink them even more into misery if he had a chance.
"I think I remember that Tully kept complaining about the fact that you married a simple and simple woman like me who hardly has to contribute to your house. While the one in the Tully house had a lot to give. It was always funny to me how the man seems to be in such high esteem if I have to say it''. Although it was certainly fun, it was also annoying from Ashara's point of view. The way man believed that his house was above others just because he was called a lord of the seven kingdoms. It bothered her.
''Please. The only reason why I was even thinking of allowing Ned's wedding with his eldest daughter is because of the door that this action would open for us. I'll leave it for later. But after this war I will be able to subject the river lands to even greater pressure that they are not the ones who are in a position to make demands of any kind''. The mere fact that a house that only ascended to power neither more nor less than the fact that they surrendered without further ado and offered to help the dragons bothered him.
"You should already know that then the war that is to come in no way will end well if I have to say it. It is very possible that everyone looks at the North with different eyes. He will no longer be feared only for his economic but military power''. Ashara gave a look that made it very clear that what she was saying was very true. That the possibility of the threat was completely true and that therefore there was no possibility of hiding anymore.
''It's not something in which I can say I have any kind of power luckily or unfortunately depending on how it looks. Possibly many of my gentlemen will think that it is too good an advantage to spoil it. The truth is that I am more than anxious that the officers' school will put everyone where they should be so that they understand much better how bad things can get if they don't realise it''. If you thought about it, it was a very simple thing to say but no less true.
"That you are making a great effort to see the biggest problems of the North solved is a very serious advantage. However, the important thing is that most of the southern lords will most likely see the North as an even greater potential threat once this war is over''. She had no doubt that the North was going to win this war. Between the fact that Harry was a believer in all kinds of tactics and in addition to the fact that they were not underestimating the enemy while his opponents did, it could be said that they had the complete advantage of it if you stopped to think about it in this whole scenario.
"That was already an option that should have been presented. The lords of the south would in no way allow for anything in the world that the North to flourish while they stay behind. Once they realise how bad and backward they have been, it is very possible that they will see the damage that that means for the rest of the kingdoms. Harry could tell that's what would happen. The kingdoms of the south would shudder at the possibility that the North has evolved and they will be left behind.
"Why not take advantage of this to apply for Hariric independence? I know you well enough to know that you are not one of those who like to be subjected in any way to anyone. I know how much it must be bothering you with all the things that is actually happening to you with being someone's vassal''. She knew her husband much better than anyone could imagine. He knew perfectly well that he hated the idea of being subject to any person, whether it was his lord by right or whatever.
''It's very tempting. In fact, for a moment I intended to do it. But it's not the time yet. Your friend Elia's children will inherit the throne and frankly I don't want to put some children in the difficult situation of what would be in short to have to deal with separation. I can be a good monster but I'm still not so monstrous as to do that to children''. Some would find it strange that he said such things. In fact, he found it strange. But he decided that he was not going to do such a thing to the children in any of the ways.
"Although that's very sweet of you, if I have to say it, allow me to be the one who says that I find it more than strange that you don't say to take advantage of you. As you yourself have said, they are only children, so it would be one of the best opportunities to separate yourself from the seven kingdoms and put the north as a power by itself if you stop to think about it, my husband. Ashara enjoyed the look he gave her. It was not necessary to be a genius of any kind to know how much it had bothered him that she told him such things.
''As I said, it's very tempting. It's there. The opportunity... but it's not a good idea. The lords of the North expect me to do something like that. They hope they can do it to get into their stupid quarrels. No. I want the North to stay united. And as I have already said, I know the Targaryen well enough to know that the child once he grows up will fuck her in the worst possible way''. Harry could tell that his wife wanted answers. I couldn't say I blamed her about it.
"You know that when the North becomes independent it is very possible that all the lords of the north will fight each other for the stupidest thing. You want that by the time the North can become independent then all the gentlemen understand only one thing and that is that the North must stay united above all things''. Ashara nodded. It was so typical of her husband. It was a very sensible tactic if she had to say it.
"It's a possibility. Right now every lord of the north except those of the red alliance agree with me that there is a pain in the biggest ass in the form of the lords of the south. But once they believe themselves free they will turn against each other. I have the firm intention of remedying that in a very safe way.'' Of course the magic would be on his side in every sense of the word. But at the same time he had the firm intention of teaching the lords of the north that being free did not mean free of threats.
"Are you thinking of taking advantage of it. Of no name. Well, better that. Although some of your gentlemen will think that you lean towards children just because they are somehow the reason why you are still part of the seven kingdoms. It's a policy that the lords of the south can try to exploit in some way.'' It was never to underestimate in any way what was the right possibility of what humans were capable of winning.
''It's a possibility that can't be denied. As much as I would like to be able to say in reality that things are not like that, the truth is that when the south is surprised they will try to do such a thing. But that doesn't matter. The only thing that matters to me right now is to leave a scar in the south. A scar that hurts every time they think about what they are responsible for with their actions''. Hariric was sure that if there was a way to describe things, it was that the North would leave a mark for life in the south.
"You have always been of the preference to make things very clear... you should know that the moment you leave the murderers will possibly surround you and they will come for you. I don't have the slightest doubt that they will somehow try to reach our children''. She knew that murderers should always be considered present above all things. The murderers against the children of hariric. The killers against her. And the murderers themselves who will come for him.
"Ashara, I am perfectly aware that they somehow tried to kill me or what is worse to reach me. It's not a question of whether they're going to do it. But if they tried to do it. Because they will see the war as that perfectly open possibility. And I intend to make sure that doesn't happen.'' I could practically feel the shadows. R´Hllor's followers were trying to reach his city possibly in an attempt to reach his wife and children. I wouldn't allow it for anything in the world.
"Well. I'll go with the kids. You have many things to prepare for, husband. I am without any doubt also aware that you want to make Rhaegar suffer. Please do it. The mere fact that he thought he could get away with it is a more than serious reason to deal with his stupidity''. For her, Rhaegar's actions were just one more reason for what was pure stupidity that should have been treated in some way.
"Ashara... while he's away, the defences will be under your control. I want you to deal with the threats that come in the best way. I don't want anyone to think in some way that they can put a hand on the children to get out alive.'' Some would question doing such a thing but his trust in his wife was strong. I also knew her quite well. She knew that she was more than capable of putting the fear of the gods on those who thought they could even think of fucking with her in some way.
Ashara nodded before setting off to see her sweet children. Some would classify her as something bad but she was sure of one thing and nothing more than one thing and that is that the mere idea of putting in her place those who could dare to try to hurt her family is a guarantee yes or yes. That's why she left so calmly about it.
Hariric locked himself up to think about things calmly. He didn't like at all the idea of having to leave the security of the north to take care of an idiot. But I honestly knew I had to send a message to the south. They had somehow thought that they could get their hands on their family. Well, it was time to send them the message that they were more than wrong about it. That they had to understand perfectly on the wrong path they were.
Meanwhile, his mind wanders to his sister. She was probably in a lot of pain. He clenched his fists eagerly while thinking about all the ways in which he would make the prince suffer. Hariric Stark promised one thing and that was that revenge would be his.