Chapter 61

Version 2.0

Over the next few days, Benjen and Harlon continued their collaborative efforts to enhance the crops for the kingdom. While they toiled in the fields and experimented with different varieties, Brandon's mind was occupied with expanding upon it, and came up with the idea of a trading hub.

Envisioning a more efficient way for farmers to exchange goods, Brandon conceived the concept of a centralized trading centre. He saw it as a hub where farmers from the surrounding villages could converge and trade their crops on a larger scale, traders could gain more goods and farmers gain access to more traders. With a more robust and interconnected community compared to individual deals between farmers and traders of their village.

With this Harlon gets access to a wider range of crops he needs and farmers can make more from their extra crop as they have a wider market of people to sell to which means more potential deals.

As Brandon diligently worked to set up the trading hub with Jon, he was interrupted by Theon and Halvar, a declaration of open war between the Locke King and the Slate King made even worse when the Locke King utilized Brandon's land as a strategic route for attack.

The Locke forces had crossed the river that separated their territories, manoeuvring around and launching a surprise assault from the side, like a dagger into the stomach, pressing into the Slate King's. The implications were dire, with Brandon's domain becoming an unwitting stage for conflict, it would not look good on Brandon and the Slate King would not take kindly to it.

The Locke King had played it well keeping his army hidden for so long as to attack freely at the Slate King's weakness. The only reason that Branon is getting this news is that his army was spotted when they were crossing the river to attack, they were spotted by a local fisherman. Through their village rider and eventual raven, Brandon received the news but at that point, much time had passed, and war had set on the east.

Sitting in his solace Branon contemplated his next move.

"My King," Theon started. "The Locke King has dragged us into his wars by using our lands to attack another king. This does not look good on us if we do nothing for it makes us look like an accomplice."

"The Locke king has always been a wild card, Brandon. He loves to fight, and you are a big target, if he can drag you into a war he gets to fight you," Edric explains.

"I know," Brandon says exasperated. "But he is also not an idiot, he would not fight a war he could not win. Very well, Halvar, send to the Slate King that we had no part to play in the Locke King's scheme, and in fact, will help him in his war against the Locke King. Send to the Locke King that we do not take his slight against us lightly and that we declare war on him. Theon, gather the men and sent out a notice for the levels to the villages. We march to war."

"Yes, my King," sounds out from his men.

"My King before you go." Halvar starts. "I'm sorry but I am needed with the children of the forest. Hawthorne thinks he has a lead on Aloe, but it is in another King's Land, so he needs someone to go for him. He has asked if I could go."

"Say no more, go, anything on Aloe is good, the sooner we stop that madman the better. Take what you need but just be safe you don't know what else he has made since we last saw him."

"Thank you, my King," Halvar said, happy to be moving with the Children of the Forest.

/

Brandon and his men busily prepared for war, rallying villagers, collecting weapons, and stockpiling provisions. The majority of their weapons were crafted from bronze, with a few cases of obsidian mainly from men on the outskirts of the village who were more likely to fight the monsters of the North. Riders were sent from other villages that housed raven points once news reached them, and gathering points for the men were set.

Amidst the preparations, Brandon headed to a specific house. Upon entering, he found a bustling scene with a group of cheerful children running around. The woman he had come to see was busy overseeing the activities in the house. Her name was Elinor, a compassionate soul who ran the village orphanage. After the Long Night, many children were left without parents, and Elinor had taken it upon herself to provide them with a home and care.

Her warm smile was infectious as she greeted Brandon. Her eyes, a deep shade of hazel, sparkled with an innate gentleness that immediately put others at ease. Strands of chestnut hair framed her soon rose-checked face.

"Brandon." She happily exclaims as she kisses Bradon. "Is it dinner time already? Sorry little Ed was having a tantrum again. I'll start to cook in just a moment."

"It's fine, love. It's not dinner time yet." Brandon says, taking her hand. "Open war has started; the Locke King used our lands to attack the Slate King. I march tomorrow."

"Oh." She says visibly deflating.

"I wanted to come so that we could spend time together before I go. I don't know how long I will be gone." Brandon says.

She cheers up again. "Right, let's have the best dinner and then we can play with the kids again, they miss you too. Come on." She says dragging Brandon further into the house before ringing's of 'Uncle Bran' scream out as the kids see him.

Laughter echoed within the walls as children played joyfully, completely carefree from the turmoil awaiting outside.

The room was adorned with colourful drawings and handmade crafts, as the kids spent their free time exploring the wonder of their minds. The air was filled with the savoury aroma of a delicious dinner crafted from the bountiful produce of the orphanage garden. Tables were adorned with fresh vegetables and fruits.

Seated among the children, their innocence spreads to Brandon as he plays army with the boys or a party with the girls, as he smiles and laughs with them. As the night grows Elinor gathers the kids for a nighttime story which quickly fills the house with giggles and joy, as the kids tuck into bed and snuggle under the covers, he tells the story of a brave young warrior saving the village for the big bad werewolf.

/

Under the leaden sky, Brandon's army began its march. The rhythmic beat of countless boots echoed as the beating sun radiated down on them. They traversed the landscape, their many spears raised to the sky, glinting in the light.

At the forefront of the procession, marching in disciplined unity, were the elite soldiers of House Stark—Brandon's household guards. Dressed in immaculate bronze armour and wielding a combination of bronze and obsidian weaponry. Their movements were precise and organised under the watch of their king and captains. With him, Theon, Edric, and Lyanna as his captains, whilst Jon and Jocelyn held down the fort at home.

Accompanying the army were various support elements crucial for a sustained campaign. The supply train, a line of carts laden with tents, food provisions, firewood, and such, followed an organized formation. Among the convoy, were cooks, ensuring the soldiers remained fuelled for the challenges ahead, along with blacksmiths and tailors there to make sure their weapons and armour were in the best of shape.

Managing the logistics was Theon's second-in-command, a capable man called Erland. His young good-looking face was a standout from most of the men, but it is quickly forgotten when he gets chatting as his charisma flows off him like a waterfall. Quickly loved by most he is easy to get along with and loves to chat and talk with anyone quickly getting the name butterfly.

/

Open skies, unburdened by the oppressive grip of the Others, spread above in a vast canvas of blue. Sunlight bathed the rolling hills in a warm glow, casting long shadows as the army passed through the verdant meadows. The grass, now swayed with vitality, was a lush carpet of green beneath the boots of the marching soldiers.

As they traversed the terrain, the army encountered many villages along their path. These settlements, once battered and struggling, now stood proud and happy. The houses were repaired, roofs no longer weighed down by the heavy snows of the Long Night, farmers gathered and chatted, wives went out to farm and play with their kids whilst eating mid-day snacks.

Villagers, their faces reflecting newfound hope, lined the streets to watch the procession or join the growing army. Children played in the fields, laughter resonating in the air, birds chirping overhead, their wings catching the gentle breeze, as the smell of fresh foods wafted the army.

The army marched through this renewed land straight to war.