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The flames of the campfires flickered in the cool night breeze, casting long shadows over the rebel encampment. The air was filled with murmurs of soldiers sharing tales of heroism and mourning comrades lost at the Trident. Amid this blend of hope and grief, Steve Rogers sat in his modest tent, leaning over a map of Westeros illuminated by the soft glow of a lantern. The weight of what he was about to propose pressed heavily on him.
The fabric of the tent parted, and Ser Barristan Selmy stepped inside, his posture as composed as ever, despite the lingering stiffness in his movements from the wounds he bore. The knight's silver hair gleamed in the dim light, a stark reminder of the long years he had dedicated to honor and service.
"Captain," Barristan said, inclining his head. "You summoned me."
Steve looked up, his gaze steady. "I did. Please, take a seat."
The White Knight hesitated for a moment before lowering himself into the chair opposite Steve. His presence was a statement of trust—a trust that had been forged amidst the chaos of battle and the mercy shown by Steve on the blood-soaked fields of the Trident.
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#### **The Warning**
Steve began without preamble. "There's something I need to tell you about the Lannisters."
Barristan's brow furrowed slightly, but he said nothing, waiting for Steve to continue.
"They haven't declared their allegiance yet," Steve said, his voice calm but firm. "But if history follows its usual course, they'll use this rebellion as an opportunity to secure their position—and they'll do it in the most destructive way possible."
"What are you suggesting?" Barristan asked, his tone cautious but curious.
Steve leaned back in his chair, folding his arms. "When the rebels march on King's Landing—and we will—the Lannisters will offer their aid to the city, claiming loyalty to the crown. But it'll be a lie. They'll betray the Targaryens, sack the city, and leave a trail of devastation in their wake. Innocent people—women, children—will suffer."
The knight's jaw tightened, his hands curling into fists on the table. "If that's true... it's a betrayal of everything Westeros should stand for. But how can you be certain?"
"I've seen what men like Tywin Lannister are capable of," Steve replied. "And I've seen what happens when good men like you stay silent, thinking it's not their place to act. We can't let it happen, Barristan. Not this time."
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#### **A Plan to Protect the Innocent**
Barristan's eyes met Steve's, a mix of anger and resolve burning in their depths. "What do you propose?"
Steve leaned forward, his voice low but filled with conviction. "Tomorrow, I'm going to speak to Robert. I'll ask him to let us—just the two of us—advance ahead of the main force. If we can reach King's Landing before the rebels do, we can secure the city and protect the people before the Lannisters have a chance to strike."
The knight's expression shifted, skepticism and concern evident. "That's a dangerous proposition. The two of us against an entire city?"
"We won't be alone," Steve said. "The city's guard is fractured and afraid. Most of them won't want to fight if they see a chance to avoid bloodshed. And the smallfolk? They'll follow the man who protects them, not the one who threatens their lives."
Barristan leaned back, his gaze thoughtful as he considered the Captain's words. "And Robert? Do you think he'll agree to this?"
"That's where I need your help," Steve admitted. "You have Robert's respect, and his ear. If we present this together, he'll be more likely to listen. You've seen the destruction war brings, Barristan. You know what's at stake."
For a long moment, the knight said nothing, his thoughts clearly turning over the possibilities and risks. Finally, he nodded. "Very well, Captain. I'll stand with you. But if we're to do this, we must be certain that our actions will save lives, not cost them."
Steve extended his hand, and Barristan clasped it firmly. "We'll do it right," Steve promised. "No unnecessary bloodshed. Just a chance to stop this war before it consumes everything."
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#### **A Night of Reflection**
After Barristan left, Steve remained seated at the table, staring at the map of Westeros. His thoughts were heavy with the weight of what lay ahead. He had seen war and destruction on scales unimaginable to most, but this world—the fragile balance of honor and treachery, hope and despair—was unlike anything he had known before.
He traced a finger along the route to King's Landing, his mind filled with memories of battles fought and lives saved. This was his mission, the purpose given to him by the One Above All. But it wasn't just about fighting—it was about protecting, building, and giving people a chance to hope again.
The distant murmur of the camp faded as Steve closed his eyes, letting the silence wash over him. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new battles. But for tonight, he allowed himself a moment of stillness, knowing that the decisions he made now would shape the fate of an entire realm.
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