IMPORTANT WARNING
Idk why, but half of the CHAPTER 5 was deleted. I already edited the chapter, so pls read again the final parte because its IMPORTANT; it literally covers the full combat with Barristan Selmy.
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GOT: The Dangerous Traveler 6
Rickard Stark I
Year 281 A.C. – Harrenhal
Night had fallen, and the nobles gradually arrived at the opening feast of the Tourney at Harrenhal.
The hall was filled with laughter and murmurs, despite what had happened just hours earlier. But in a secluded corner, under the flickering light of torches, father and son shared a much darker conversation.
The echoes of the festivities barely reached their ears as their words grew more serious, laden with resentment and calculation. Brandon Stark, Rickard's eldest son, clenched his fists as he watched the crowd with contained rage. His face reflected a mix of anger and frustration, and his body seemed on the verge of exploding.
"I can't believe it, Father! That man is still alive after what he did!" Brandon exclaimed in a low voice, his tone vibrating with barely controlled fury. His gaze turned toward the fire, as if seeking solace in its flames. "How could Barristan let Corbray get away with killing Jorah? The honor of the Mormonts is stained, and now that murderer walks around as if nothing happened!"
Rickard Stark, unlike his son, remained calm, almost impassive. His face, weathered by the years and the burdens of his role as Lord of Winterfell, showed no signs of the same anger. Instead, his eyes observed his son with a calculating and steady gaze, as if waiting for the storm to pass.
"This isn't about what's fair, Brandon," Rickard said, his voice deep and authoritative. "It's about what we need. And what we need isn't to act impulsively, but with cunning." Brandon turned, looking at his father with disbelief.
"Cunning? After everything that damned Corbray has done?" His tone was sharp, laced with disdain. "I was ready to fight in the name of the Mormonts, but Barristan ruined everything! That man killed Jorah and did nothing to avenge his death!"
Rickard let out a sigh, as if he had already anticipated his son's reaction. He took a step closer, placing a firm hand on Brandon's shoulder, the contact almost a reminder that anger wasn't enough to rule the North.
"You think in the immediate, Brandon. In the justice that feels right, the kind that burns in your heart. But I think about what comes next." Rickard paused, his eyes fixed on the fire as he continued. "Corbray is a nuisance, but he's not the only problem we face. It's not just him. It's everything happening around us. What do you think would happen if we, the Starks, took sides so… impulsively?" Rickard made a significant pause. "Prince Rhaegar is playing a much larger game, and we must be part of it if we want to secure our future."
Brandon frowned, his heart pounding. The name Rhaegar Targaryen had always left a knot in his stomach. Despite being a prince of royal blood, the Starks had never been close to the Targaryens.
"Rhaegar… what does he have to do with all this?" Brandon asked, his voice lower now, but with clear distrust in his tone.
Rickard looked at him seriously, his face calm like a storm before the rain.
"Everything," Rickard said simply. "He's seeking support, and he knows the North is key to whatever he wants to do. He's testing the waters. That's why I made sure we were present at that trial. He wanted to see how far the prince would go for us, and he went quite far by sending Ser Barristan to defend the Mormonts' name. His game is to win over all the great lords of Westeros. In the end, we must decide if we'll be part of the story being written or if we'll be ignored."
Rickard let his words sink deep into his son's heart. Brandon couldn't help but feel the fury burning inside him, but he also sensed the logic in his father's words. Rhaegar's ambition wasn't a game to be taken lightly.
"Then what are we waiting for?" Brandon asked, a bit calmer but with lingering disgust. Rickard nodded, his calm expression unshaken.
"We're waiting for the right moment. There will be time in the future to carry out this vengeance—if no one beats us to it. Barristan is, or was, an important piece in all this. He was a respected man, and despite what you think, King Aerys II had a certain fondness for him. He seems ill now, but when he recovers… Corbray won't want to be near him."
Rickard gave his son's shoulder a gentle squeeze.
"And, Brandon, don't forget that this war brewing in the realm isn't just about swords and blood. Sometimes, it's better to be inside the game than outside it."
Brandon looked at his father with the rage still burning in his chest, but he understood what he was saying. The politics of Westeros weren't won with fury alone, but with cunning and patience. It was a painful sacrifice, but one the Starks would have to make if they wanted to survive in this game.
"I'll do it your way, Father. But let it be clear…" Brandon looked around, his eyes filled with contained fury until they landed on Lyn Corbray. "I haven't forgotten what that damned Corbray did—to Jorah and to Dacey."
"Don't forget, Brandon, but don't let it consume you. There will be time for everything. And when the moment comes… we'll have our chance. The North remembers."