Demonstration #62

As Eddard Stark strode through Castle Black's yard, flanked by his sons and accompanied by Ser Selmy and Tyrion Lannister, his furrowed brow hinted at his intrigue mixed with a touch of wariness. The unfamiliar young man with an otherworldly countenance caught his eye, engaging in conversation with Benjen. 

They had been summoned by the Lord Commander to this secluded spot, the area cleared of all but them, for some mysterious demonstration. Ned wondered how Mormont aimed to sway him regarding the wildlings, but he anticipated answers soon enough.

Scanning the space, he spotted the Lord Commander, Maester Aemon, and Qhorin Halfhand observing from a balcony, their nods a silent acknowledgment. Ned returned the gesture before refocusing on the ground. Benjen and the enigmatic young man, Gale, evidently noticed their group and began to approach.

"Benjen," Ned acknowledged with a nod as they neared, his tone a mix of curiosity and caution. "Who's this?" He gestured subtly toward Gale, his gaze cautious yet inquisitive as he studied the unfamiliar figure.

Benjen's smile broadened with a touch of pride as he introduced the young man. "This is the young man I've been telling you about-- Gale," he said, gesturing towards him. 

Gale, respectful but informal, placed his hand over his chest and greeted Ned. "Greetings, Lord Stark," he said with a nod, maintaining eye contact with Ned as he spoke.

Ned's frown deepened slightly at the informality of the greeting, but he remained silent, keeping his gaze fixed on Gale, a mix of curiosity and wariness evident in his eyes.

Gale, still wearing his friendly smile, continued addressing the group. "I'm sure you're all curious as to why you're here, and I won't waste time," he began, ready to reveal the item hidden on his back. "Ser Benjen must have already explained the bizarre encounters we faced, sparing no details. But I imagine words alone aren't enough to sway you..."

"During my stay with the wildlings, I managed to retrieve a peculiar item-- one that would hopefully help you better understand the danger we face..." Gale began, intending to reveal the concealed iceblade on his back to Ned and the others.

However, Ser Barristan Selmy stepped forward with calculated authority, interrupting the impending reveal. "Hold on a moment, lad," he interjected, raising a restraining hand. 

His voice, though calm, bore a hint of expectation. "The stories Qhorin and Benjen regaled us with painted you as a miracle of the gods made into flesh. I'd like to witness your capabilities firsthand before delving further into this discourse if you'd oblige me," he proposed, his fingers gently resting on the hilt of his sword.

His statement hung in the air, a palpable challenge. "If you cannot beat a weary old man like me in a friendly spar, then we'd have nothing to discuss," he concluded, his gaze narrowing with intrigue and skepticism.

Intrigued, Lord Stark found himself invested in the unfolding scenario. He, too, was eager to witness the veracity behind the stories spun by Benjen and Qhorin about Gale. Although Ser Barristan's interruption appeared to delay the so-called demonstration, it didn't bother him in the slightest. 

Robb and Jon exchanged puzzled glances, uncertain of the situation, while Tyrion smirked knowingly, familiar with Ser Barristan's capabilities despite the knight's age.

Gale smiled wryly. "A weary old man certainly wouldn't be the words I'd choose to represent Ser Barristan the Bold... fear the old in a profession where most die young, or so they say..." he remarked. 

Ser Barristan chuckled lightly. "Flattery won't sway me, lad," he replied, shaking his head. "Will you accept my challenge, or shall I walk away from whatever this is?" he continued, his gaze piercing Gale's as if seeking the depths of his soul.

Gale nodded in agreement. "It would be an honor to spar with you, Ser Barristan," he remarked, turning to the first ranger. "I seem to have left my sword in my room. Would you mind lending me yours, Ser Benjen?" he requested. 

Benjen nodded, ready to offer his weapon to Gale. However, Ser Barristan intervened once more."You seem to have a blade on your back, lad... is it not your preferred weapon of choice?" He inquired with genuine curiosity.

"I'd certainly prefer to use it over any other weapon, but using this particular blade wouldn't make things fair..." Gale hesitated, touching the back of his neck. "It's just that—"

"Now you've made me intrigued..." Ser Barristan interjected, drawing his sword swiftly. "Draw the weapon on your back, lad. I wouldn't have it any other way," he declared, his body tensing for the forthcoming duel.

Gale turned to the Lord Commander with a troubled expression, and the latter only nodded without saying anything in response. 

"Very well..." Gale conceded, reaching to retrieve the blade. "Do take it easy on me," he jested as he began removing the cloth veiling the iceblade.

Under the gaze of all gathered, the icy crystal of the blade gleamed in the sunlight as Gale unveiled it, drawing the immediate attention of Ser Barristan. "This...?" he started, his expression a blend of awe and intrigue.

"It's a white walker's iceblade, taken from its cold, dead hands, and the item I mentioned earlier...," Gale explained, lifting the weapon. Its edge shimmered brilliantly in the light. "A word of caution, Ser Barristan. If you hold your sword dear, I'd advise you to use a spare," he cautioned.

Ser Barristan merely shook his head. "This sword is like any other, a tool meant for the spilling of blood. I have no particular attachment to it," he replied, a faint smile on his lips. "But I wonder if breaking it will be so simple," he added, assuming a defensive stance and lowering his posture.

"I suppose we're about to find out," Gale remarked, firmly gripping the iceblade with both hands as he cautiously approached the seasoned knight.

As Gale closed the distance between them, he took a straightforward approach, lifting the iceblade high and aiming a decisive strike at Ser Barristan. The veteran knight reacted swiftly, hoisting his own sword to parry, preparing to counter Gale's attack with a precise riposte. 

But Ser Barristan's strategy crumbled in an instant as his sword froze and shattered upon contact with Gale's iceblade. 

The young man internally smiled, deftly suspending the momentum of his swing, bringing his blade to a halt just an inch away from the astonished knight's shoulder.

The audience's reactions varied at the sight of the Iceblade's power. Even the rangers, though familiar with its legend, couldn't help widening their eyes—except for Qhorin, who had previously suffered from a blow of such a blade and nearly lost his life. 

Lord Stark and his sons displayed a mix of shock, awe, and disbelief, their expressions contorting before Ned managed to compose himself, adopting a more collected demeanor. 

Tyrion, meanwhile, stood agape, his jaw on the brink of dropping and clearly in disbelief. 

Gale cleared his throat as he withdrew his iceblade. "I understand if this leaves you unsatisfied, Ser Barristan. We could consider this merely a demonstration and engage in another bout with conventional steel if you'd wish," he offered calmly.

Amidst the perplexed murmurs, Ser Barristan chuckled with a hint of amusement. "I'll accept your offer. But I must insist that you continue using that... iceblade of yours," he requested, turning to Ned's son. 

"Would you lend me your steel, young man?" he asked, and Jon, astonished by the unfolding events, swiftly nodded and offered his weapon to the seasoned knight.

Gale sighed internally but made no effort to object. "As you wish," he agreed, observing Ser Barristan begin to shed his heavy armor. 

Their blades had clashed briefly before Ser Barristan's weapon shattered. In that fleeting moment, the veteran knight had gleaned the staggering power behind Gale's strike. 

Although the interaction was brief, Ser Barristan recognized he couldn't match Gale's raw strength. Instead, he aimed to surpass him with agility and skill, discarding the bulkier parts of his armor.

After removing the heaviest pieces, Ser Barristan flashed a confident smile and refocused on Gale. "Now then, lad. Show me how you managed to pry that trophy of yours from a white walker's hands..."

...

Want more chapters? Then consider subscribing to my patr ēon. You can read ahead for as little as $1 and it helps me a lot!

 -> (patr ēon..com / wicked132) 

You can also always come and say hi on my discord server 

 -> (disc ord..gg / sEtqmRs5y7)- or hit me up at - Wicked132#5511 - and I'll add you myself)