09- The game of thrones begins

Winterfell, 298 AC

Ethel was in his room when a servant knocked on the door. "The lord requests your presence in the Great Hall," the woman said respectfully.

Ethel nodded and followed the servant. Upon arriving at the hall, he noticed several of his siblings were present alongside Eddard and Catelyn. The servants were diligently decorating and cleaning the hall.

"There's a lot of activity today. Has something happened?" Ethel asked as he sat next to Catelyn, his curiosity evident.

Before anyone could respond, Arya and Bran burst in, bickering, with Arya laughing at her brother's lack of skill with a sword. Ethel always found their relationship amusing.

"Stop fighting and come sit down. We've received important news," Ned said authoritatively, trying to restore order.

Bran sat next to his father, while Arya went to sit by Ethel, still smiling from her small victory. As the other siblings arrived, Catelyn responded to Ethel's earlier question.

"We've received a letter informing us that King Robert will visit with his family. We're using these days to clean the castle and decorate it properly," Catelyn explained with a satisfied smile.

With the entire Stark family gathered, Ned stood up to speak. "Now that we're all here, I want to tell you that the king and his family will arrive in about two weeks and will stay with us for a while," Lord Eddard said seriously. "While they're here, I expect you all to behave impeccably, especially you, Arya, and you, Bran," he added, looking at his younger children with a gentle but firm smile.

Arya frowned but nodded, while Bran tried to hide his excitement. Sansa, always eager for the arrival of royalty, couldn't help but smile. Robb and Jon exchanged knowing looks, aware that the king's visit meant busy days ahead.

King Robert's visit was a significant event, and everyone needed to be at their best. "Father, what is expected of us during the visit?" Ethel asked, wanting to be prepared for any tasks assigned to him. "It seems the game for the throne is beginning," he thought.

"I want each of you to do your best to welcome the king and his family. Ethel, you and Jon will be in charge of organizing activities and ensuring everything is in order. Robb, you will stay by my side during important meetings. Sansa, Arya, and Bran, you will be responsible for showing hospitality to the king's children," Ned explained, detailing everyone's responsibilities.

After the family meeting, the three older brothers headed straight to the courtyard to continue their daily training. Over the years, the three had greatly improved. Thanks to their constant duels, they had learned to become lethal warriors together.

Ethel already had the body of an adult, reaching six feet tall. His physique was muscular yet agile, giving him a lethal combination of strength and speed. During this time, Ethel had developed formidable skills, further enhancing his combat abilities.

"I only have one more level to reach, but with the skills I have now, I don't think any human poses a danger to me," Ethel thought as he broke his brothers' swords simultaneously with a single precise movement.

Robb, panting but laughing, exclaimed, "Brother, you're a beast. I don't understand how you have so much strength. Pity your future enemy."

Jon, picking up the pieces of his broken sword, added, "Ethel, your skill is incredible. But beyond the strength, it's your technique that truly impresses."

Ethel smiled modestly. "Thanks, brothers. But remember, strength and technique are nothing without discipline and strategy. Every battle is different, and we must always be prepared."

The three brothers resumed their positions, ready for another round. The air in the courtyard was charged with energy and determination. The clashing of swords echoed in the open space as the midday sun shone down, bathing the courtyard in warm light.

Jon, with a serious expression, asked, "What's your next goal, Ethel? With your current skill, you're already one of the best warriors I've seen."

Ethel looked at his brothers with a spark of ambition in his eyes. "The next step is to travel and learn as much as I can. I want to go to King's Landing and see what life is like in the capital. After that, I want to continue traveling the world, discovering new cultures and perfecting my skills."

Robb raised an eyebrow, surprised but intrigued. "King's Landing? It's a fascinating but dangerous place. Are you sure that's what you want?"

Ethel nodded with determination. "Yes, I want to experience everything I can. There's so much to see and learn outside of Winterfell. I want to seize every opportunity to grow and improve."

Jon, sharing his brother's ambitious look, said, "We support you, Ethel. I know you'll do great things on your journeys. Just promise us you'll be careful and come back to us."

Ethel replied, "Thank you, and I'll support you all as well. After all, we're brothers," he said with a smile. Then, changing the subject, he asked, "Why do you think the king is visiting?"

Robb shrugged, thoughtful. "It could be for many reasons. Maybe he just wants to see father; after all, they're old friends. But it could also be something more serious. Perhaps he needs help with something."

Jon nodded, considering the possibilities. "That's true. The king's visits aren't usually casual. There may be something important he wants to discuss with father."

Ethel frowned, reflecting. "I wonder if it has anything to do with the rumors we've heard about wildling activity north of the Wall. Or maybe there are problems in King's Landing that need attention."

Robb looked at his brothers, a spark of excitement in his eyes. "Whatever it is, it will be interesting to see what happens. And besides, it's an opportunity for us to meet the royal family. I've always wanted to see what Prince Joffrey is like in person."

Jon chuckled. "I've heard he's quite arrogant. But who knows, he might surprise us."

Ethel nodded, feeling a mix of anticipation and curiosity. "Well, we'll have to stay alert and prepared. This visit could change many things for our family."

Robb stood up, adjusting his wooden sword. "Then let's keep training. I want to be in my best shape when they arrive."

Jon and Ethel nodded, returning to their positions. With renewed energy, the three brothers resumed their training, aware that the future would bring new challenges and opportunities.