In the year 298 AC, this was the tenth year of the long summer that Westeros enjoyed.
On one day during this prolonged summer, King Robert Baratheon of the Seven Kingdoms arrived at Winterfell in the North.
Robb, having groomed his features, styled his hair, and dressed in noble attire with a black cloak draped over his shoulders, watched his father and the King walk side by side toward the crypts, an inexplicable chill lurking in his eyes.
Hmm?
Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Cersei standing next to his mother, engaged in quiet conversation, while observing him.
When Robb's gaze met Cersei's, her beautiful face broke into a friendly smile as she elegantly approached him.
"Your Majesty, the Queen…"
Robb respectfully bowed.
Cersei waved her hand dismissively, indicating he need not bow. She looked him up and down, then softly spoke, "I've heard so many tales of the Young Wolf along the way; seeing you in person today certainly confirms your remarkable prowess."
"Your Majesty flatters me; I merely followed the army to observe their pursuit of Wildlings. Those nicknames are just whimsical titles given by the unobservant smallfolk," Robb replied with a modest smile.
"Is that so?"
Cersei raised an eyebrow at Robb's response, but she didn't say more.
She called for Myrcella and Tommen, then headed toward the Great Keep.
Joffrey, with a sullen expression, followed closely behind, accompanied by the Hound. As he passed Robb, he smirked, "I heard your swordsmanship is quite good. Conveniently, I'm considered a swordsman in King's Landing as well. Why don't we find a time to spar?"
"Of course, it would be an honor to spar with Your Highness!"
Having just seen Sansa casting flirtatious glances at Joffrey, Robb felt irritated and readily agreed.
"Great!"
Joffrey clapped his hands in delight, instantly shedding his gloom, and beamed as he headed toward the great keep, as if victory in their sparring match was already assured.
The Hound, expressionless, followed closely, dutifully fulfilling his role as Joffrey's protector.
From a distance, Jaime noticed that both Cersei and Joffrey had entered the great keep. He glanced at Robb before turning to search for his brother, who had a penchant for inspecting the performances of working girls.
"Robb, none of these people are good, but they have special identities; you…"
Catelyn, who had been silent, placed her hand on Robb's elbow, hesitating to continue.
"Mother, please don't worry... I'm confident!"
Robb smiled and patted Catelyn's hand in reassurance.
He then turned and exchanged a glance with Theon, tilting his head toward Jaime's departing direction.
Theon immediately understood his meaning, nodded, and quietly left Winterfell to greet the incoming party.
Jon watched everything unfold but didn't take any other action, maintaining a straight posture as he stood silently.
***
"Hahaha, you were always so clueless about romance back then."
"Indeed, Your Majesty is the most charming; there are still quite a few of your romantic escapades in the Eyrie."
"Hey, are you bringing up my embarrassing past again?"
The two once-heroic men, now a bit more portly, laughed as they exited the crypt. Everyone who saw them come out quickly lowered their heads in respect.
Catelyn and Robb similarly adjusted their postures and smiled to welcome them.
"I was in such a rush to the crypt to mourn that I didn't get a chance to properly see your children," Robert said as he approached Robb and the others. He first sized up Robb and remarked, "Let me take a look. Oh, so this is the Young Wolf? Very good, a strong and formidable warrior."
"When we were at the Crossroads, we heard people say you had defeated Wildlings against the odds. By the way, where is your bloodthirsty direwolf that eats Wildlings?"
Hearing Robert's absurd rumors, Robb forced a smile and replied, "Your Majesty, those are just baseless rumors that people spread. Please don't take them seriously. Bloodwind is upstairs; if you want to see him, I can call him down."
"I want to see him! I came all the way to the North, and I must see such an interesting direwolf!"
Knowing he had to satisfy Robert's curiosity, Robb pretended to pout and whistled loudly while secretly conveying his thoughts to Bloodwind.
Clang!
After a few quiet minutes of waiting, a massive gray shadow descended from the wooden corridor on the second floor that connected to the great keep. Although it was enormous, it moved with an impressive grace. It leaped onto a nearby cart with a thud before quickly jumping down and darting toward Robert and Robb.
"Oh! What is that?"
"Gods!"
"Protect the King!"
While the people of Winterfell were accustomed to such sights, the crowd from King's Landing erupted in various exclamations, and some guards rushed toward Robert, wanting to protect the King.
"Get back!"
Confident that his brother Eddard would not let Winterfell be in danger, Robert frowned at the guards and shouted at them.
Bloodwind arrived at Robb's side and came to a halt, allowing everyone to see its full appearance.
The now much larger Bloodwind stood about 1.1 meters tall at the shoulder, resembling a half-grown horse in size.
Its thick gray fur flowed smoothly, swaying in the gentle breeze. The two long fangs protruding from its narrow muzzle looked like short daggers glinting with cold light.
Its streamlined body was muscular, supported by long limbs with sharp, deadly claws.
As it made its entrance, the entire crowd felt a strong sense of oppression, as if they were being observed by a top-tier predator.
At that moment, Bloodwind's intelligent eyes observed the people from King's Landing, revealing a hint of mockery.
Robb certainly knew that this creature was intentionally trying to frighten them. He gave Bloodwind a light pat on the head in annoyance.
Instantly, Bloodwind, now aware and clever, nuzzled its large wolf head against Robb's chest, while its fluffy tail began to wag side to side.
In an instant, it had transformed from a predator to a spoiled pet.
"Good! What a majestic direwolf! The title of Young Wolf is truly fitting!"
Robert looked at Bloodwind, his eyes filled with affection, and couldn't help but praise loudly.
"Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty!"
Hearing this, Robb smiled and nodded in return.
"Ned! Are there still direwolves in the wilderness around Winterfell? I want to catch one… no, I want to catch a whole litter to take back to King's Landing and raise."
Seeing Robert's excitement, the more he admired Bloodwind, the more he turned to Eddard and said.
Eddard, hearing the King's whimsical thoughts, suppressed his desire to roll his eyes and replied, "There have never been any traces of direwolves beyond the Wall. This litter of pups is the first I have encountered in all my years in the North.
If Your Majesty wishes to catch more, I think the possibility is quite slim."
"Tch! Ned, you're just as boring as ever!"
Robert, his enthusiasm dampened, waved his hand dismissively and continued to ask,
"I heard there are a total of six pups; are the other five as fierce as this one?"
"No, Your Majesty. The other five are about the size of an ordinary wolf."
"Ah, that's no fun… I'm thirsty, Ned. Bring out your finest wine."
"It has already been prepared, Your Majesty; this way, please!"
Watching Robert and Eddard enter Winterfell's great keep, the steward and servants in the welcoming party immediately became busy, beginning to serve these esteemed noblemen.