Chapter 78

Version 2.0

It did not take long for Brandon to receive the raven with the response from the Umbar King and his now newly owned silver mine. The Umbar King would grant Brandon first access to the resources from the mine for the next 25 years, and in return, Brandon would pay a predetermined price for the silver. The payment would consist of a variety of tradable goods and foods, ensuring a steady and diverse stream of resources for Harmond. Something that Harmond was still in need of as his kingdom continued in its recovery over the Long Night.

Harmond quickly accepted the proposed deal, opening the doors to the valuable silver mines for Brandon, on one condition of a more defined defensive and offensive agreement between the kingdoms. Harmond clearly stated the Red King's interest in his lands as he sent men to raid and attack his lands and with an already set alliance with the Frost King he extended the alliance.

Brandon was quick to respond with a simple agreement, already seeing the Red King as an enemy with his odd obsession with Brandon.

Jon wasted no time in setting up what he proudly referred to as a "mint." This newfound facility would be the forge for the coins that he had introduced. Blacksmiths were brought in, the distinctive dire wolf sigil was hammered onto both copper and silver coins, which when then introduced into the market through the Stark house stalls where goods were traded for coins, and only through people's trust in Brandon did they accept the coins even after they were explained.

As the mint in Winterhaven buzzed with activity, new news arrived. The war between the Greenwood King and the Ryder King had taken a turn. A battle had unfolded, between the kings. Ned had adapted to the Ryder King and marched with some lightly armoured men armed with javelins, hoping to counter the formidable cavalry of the Ryder King.

However, the Ryder King, having observed the success of his cavalry and recognizing their irreplaceable skill, changed them. Utilizing the bronze acquired from his victorious battles, he equipped a significant portion of his cavalry with bronze armour. This decision proved fateful, saving many of them from the small spears thrown by the Greenwood King's forces. In a swift manoeuvre, the Ryder King annihilated the lightly armoured troops, before flacking around onto the main force, securing a triumph on the battlefield.

To compound the Greenwood King's misfortunes, additional distressing news reached him. Before the battle had even commenced, the Barrow King, sensing an opportunity to enhance his power and prestige, had joined the conflict against the Greenwood King. His army marched boldly into the Greenwood King's lands, his needs growing as he saw another king grow in power.

Cornered and facing the combined might of the Ryder and Barrow Kings, the Greenwood King, with the remnants of his army, sought refuge within the walls of his home castle. Ned quickly dispatched a raven to Brandon asking for help using his defensive agreement with Brandon hoping Brandon would keep his word.

Brandon wasted no time. He summoned his forces and marched out to aid the Greenwood King.

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Leading his army with purpose, Brandon traversed the familiar landscape. The journey, however, presented its challenges. The only large crossing on the west side of the White Knife River lay in what was once the Amber King's territory, now belonging to Brandon in the south part of the river. This forced him to take a circuitous route, marching down the river before ascending again to reach the Greenwood King's home village and castle.

The urgency of their mission compelled Brandon to push his army to its limits and a journey of more than a month was done in just under and so they passed into the Greenwood King's lands. As they marched, they passed through several villages. Unfortunately, the signs of recent raiding were evident. The villagers shared of the Barrow King's men taking animals and crops as they marched by not some week ago.

The road was long, but Brandon pressed on, his mind focused on the battle and keeping his word.

As the march continued, men started to lag behind. Men trudged their boots through the uneven terrain with each step becoming heavier than the last. Complaints became all the more common and scuffles and fights became more prevalent during the camp. But Brandon pressed the army forward whilst during camp hours walled and talked with his men never shying away from their complaints, even getting in a couple of fights himself. But still, he pressed the army forward.

The landscape, once familiar, began to change as they neared the heart of the Greenwood King's territory. Verdant forests enveloped the path, their dense canopies casting dappled shadows on the weary soldiers. The air carried a crisp chill, as the sun was blotted out by dense clouds casing god rays through it.

As they pressed on, the surrounding villages became more common and worst affected. Charred remnants and scattered debris filled villages. Crops were burned bodies still lay in the villages whilst the left villagers, worn and anxious faces, their bodies drooping as Brandon's army marched by.

As they drew closer to the Greenwood King's home village, Halvar approached Brandon shaking his head.

"Ned has already fallen," Halvar whispered to Brandon. "Eamon Ryder launched a quick attack on his village, bringing down a part of the wooden palisade before storming the village. Despite putting up a valiant defence on the first day, Ned said he realized defeat was inevitable. He chose to surrender on the second day, offering land in exchange for an end to the conflict, and Eamon accepted."

Brandon's brow furrowed. "We continue the march then. I owe Ned an apology for my failure to help."

Halvar knotted his brow. "You couldn't have done anything to change this, it is Ned's fault for his failure."

"I gave my word to help." Brandon sighed. "I failed my promise."

As Brandon's army continued its march, they drew nearer to the Greenwood King's village and soon emerged from the dense forest, to step out into an inlay in the forest whilst the forest continued around them to their sides, before them, they entered an expanse of the open plains, where the silhouette of the Greenwood King's castle loomed in the distance.

Halvar's voice broke the silence. "My King," he began, "there appears to be an army encamped outside the Greenwood King's lands."

Brandon ordered the scouts to investigate further. The scouts were quick to return reporting the army outside the castle belonged to the Barrow King.