Chapter 67

Version 2.0

"Gareth's a cunt, along with his cunt of a friend Royce," Edwyn said. The wind flapped the tent cloth carrying in a crisp chill and sounds of amour being hammered back into shape and sword being sharpened.

"That isn't going to help us Edwyn," Brandon said, earing the eerier of Edwyn.

"As if you've helped me, the only reason that Royce is here is because of you, Gareth even used your lands to attack mine as far as I am concerned you have only helped other kings attack my lands." He said getting into Brandon's face.

Brandon waves off Theon who had his hand on his sword. "Neither of us likes this situation and neither of us wants to lose this battle, I can accept that my involvement had caused you problems, but I am here now fixing them. This battle won't be won if we attack each other."

Edwyn rolls his jaw and stairs Brandon down which Brandon returns in kind. "Fine, I'll concede Gareth to you, you have already beaten him a few times, I'll take on Royce. I'll hold him for as long as I can, you better finish off Gareth." He said before storming out of the tent still huffing.

/

Under the broad expanse of the open field, the Winter King's forces and the Slate King's troops marched. To the left, Edwyn faced the Red King, who had hastily brought around 1,500 men to 'reinforce' Gareth.

On the right side of the field, Brandon led his forces against the Locke King. The rolling hills echoed the footsteps as the armies moved closer and closer as their shield walls moved to one another. Banners flapped in the breeze, displaying their king's sigils as their household guards marched under their banner.

As the distance dwindled, the ground beneath their feet quivered as the war cries of the soldiers merged into a deafening roar, drowning out all other sounds. Under the midday sun, the two armies collided with a deafening clash of bronze and the war cries of the combatants. Spear met spear, and shields clanged against shields as the levies of both sides engaged in a fierce struggle. Dust kicked up from the ground as the battle raged on, creating a hazy atmosphere over the field.

Amid the chaos, the kings' flags were on the move. The banners weaved through the tumult, as they reflected their opponents' moving banners.

As the sun reached its zenith, casting an intense light over the battlefield, the ebb and flow of the fight began to change. The Kings started to make their move closer to their front lines waiting to strike.

Gareth had to wait long enough as he charged his men into the front line passing through the levies that part for him and charging into the front lines. Brandon not blind to seeing his enemies moving flags changes in as well moving to meet Gareth in the final battle.

Brandon's men charge through the lines following their banner before quickly colliding with Gareth's force, the clash of bronze and the cacophony of battle echoing across the field. Gareth, hungry for battle quickly finds Brandon with a massive grin on his face.

"We battle again Brandon, though Edwyn is fun, you are much more exciting. Show me your worth." Gareth exclaimed.

"Rude to talk about someone behind their back," Brandon said as he parried Gareth away.

"Maybe, but he would agree he is not the better warrior, but I consider to him, he is a better king. Now fight Brandon." Gareth shouted, as his blood started to pump excitedly, screaming in joy for another day of battle.

Gareth moved with fluidity, each swing and strike executed with deadly precision as he continued to move Brandon to battle.

Gareth parried Brandon's attacks effortlessly, his blade dancing through the air quickly scraping against Brandon's armour. The clash of bronze rang out as their fast-paced duel continued.

Gareth's calculated manoeuvres and expert handling of his weapons showcased a mastery that put Brandon on the defensive. Despite Brandon's resilience, Gareth's clear superiority in battle was becoming increasingly apparent with every exchange of blows.

"You have a smart mind, but your sword is lacking. Keep up Brandon, make it interesting come on." Gareth said as he continued to batter against Brandon's sword.

As the relentless battle between Brandon and Gareth unfolded, it became evident that Brandon was falling further behind as his strength was slowly sapped from him. It was just Brandon's will that kept him going.

"Come on Brandon, show me your might," Gareth whined. "I want to see the man who united the north against the Others."

Again, Gareth battered Brandon's defences, and still, Brandon refused to allow him past.

"I have something that I will accomplish Gareth, and I won't let you stop me." Brandon calmly said before battering aside Gareth's weapons and taking the offensive to Gareth.

"Yes, Brandon, fight me more, give me more," Gareth sang as his blood soared, screaming in ecstasy.

As the battle between Brandon and Gareth raged on, Gareth's frenzied state became increasingly apparent. His eyes glinted with wild fervour, and the ecstasy of combat seemed to consume him entirely. Each clash of blades echoed with a mad symphony.

Gareth revelled in the chaos. His laughter, mingled with the clash of bronze, echoed across the battlefield, drowning out the clashes between the household guards.

"More, more," Gareth said consumed by the battle.

As the intensity reached its peak, Brandon, drove forward and with a masterful parry, he disarmed Gareth of his sword. The Locke King fell out of his battle lust whilst feebly lawing the air with his open hand, Brandon moved again and disarmed the axe from his other hand. The battlefield fell silent for a brief moment, interrupted only by the heavy breaths of the combatants.

Brandon stood his chest heaving with exertion.

"Oh, the joys of battle." Gareth breathed in as shuddered slightly, barely out of breath. "I look forward to our next one."

"Gods your crazy," Brandon said. "Surender with your men Gareth, I will deal with all of that later."

"To the victor goes the spoils." Gareth comments as he smiles at Brandon.

Gareth quickly commands his men to surrender who follow with complaints of not finishing their battles. Brandon swiftly gathered his men, leaving a contingent behind to secure Gareth and his defeated army as prisoners.

As Brandon prepared to move towards Slate King's location, he stopped as he encountered the Red King, who boasted of already having the Slate King in custody.