Pinky Promise!!

After a nice bath I have worn some fresh clothes for the evening. The hearth in the room is still igniting keeping the room warm enough in order to not wear any heavy clothing. Lily came back with food. It is mostly some bread,seafood soup and some fruits along with a glass of milk.

I have completely devoured the food within minutes. In the morning after the funeral I wasn't able to eat much. Now I feel energetic after having some food and milk. It has been almost two hours since I have summoned Harvin. He should be near the castle any time soon.

I walk towards the table and open the book that was already there. The book is titled < fun tales of north>. It is a children's book which is common among the lords of north. It contains some interesting stories which are fantasized and captivating for children.

While I was reading the book a knock was given by the guard" young Lord, Lord rickon has called you to his solar."

"All right. Let me grab my warm cloak." I replied as I grabbed the cloak to cover myself and opened the door.

Outside the door the guard was waiting for me to escort me towards the solar. As we walked I observed that all around the corridors candles or light torches where placed to lighten up the way. It took us few minutes to reach the solar.

After we reached the door the guard knocked and said "my Lord, I have brought young Lord as commanded."

A reply came from inside the room" come in". It was my uncle's voice.

The guard opened the door. I logged in and looked around the room to see five people in the room.

I know four of them. Firstly my uncle. Second ser Stefon. 3rd Lily. 4th Maester Cedric. The last person is a middle-aged man with an armor he looked strong with good height and muscles. As I laid my eyes on him I know who it was.

"Duncan, come sit here." My uncle said as he asked me to sit in the main chair of the solar. My uncle was sitting on my right side and Mr. Cedric was sitting on my left.(A/N:Iam gonna use Mr. for Maester) Ser Stefon was standing on the left corner with his left hand clutching onto the sheath of the sword.

As I sat on the main seat. My uncle began to introduce the new person.

"Duncan, the person in front of you is Ser Harvin. He used to protect your mother when she was being raised in the red keep. He is also your maternal grandfather's squire. He came to look for your mother, unfortunately she's no longer with us." As my uncle introduced his eyes dimmed a little with the mention of my mother. He seems to believe that mentioning of my mother would negatively impact me.

"Don't worry uncle. I am not that weak. I know mother left me but her memories are still with me I will cherish them for as long as I live. I know that she loved me very much. That's all it matters." I said. 

Lily's eyes teared a bit when I said those words.

I looked towards Sir Harvin and said" welcome Sir Harvin to rockhold. Thank you for taking care of my mother in her younger years. May I know what will you do now?"

Ser Harvin looked at me and answered " I do not have any plans for now. I was knighted by one of the King's guard during my younger years. Since then I have been roaming around westeros taking care of some bandits during my travel. This has helped me gain some name. But till now I have not yet sweared an oath to any Lord. If you would have me, I would like to swear an oath to you and bind myself to your family."

"What do you say uncle?" I asked my uncle just for some courtesy.

He nodded his head silently.

"Sir harvin I'm ready to accept your oath." I looked at the middle-aged man and said.

"During my years of travel, I have taken up some orphans and trained them as Knights. They have come with me to rockhold. Will you accept them along with me?" Sir harvin requested.

"As long as you vouch for them I am willing to accept them."-Duncan

"Thank you." Said harvin as he knelt on the floor.

"I, Harvin Celtigar, the youngest son of house celtigar, night of the seven kingdoms, hereby solemnly swear to be sword/shield for my Lord Duncan Merstark, heir to rockhold, high Lord of stone dragon shore, from this day to the end of my days."

"I, Duncan Merstark, heir to rockhold, high Lord of stone dragon shore, accept your oath. You will have hearth in my home, the plate on my table.I would never request you to do a task that would dishonor you. Rise, Sir Harvin celtigar, Knight of House Merstark."

We concluded our oaths.

"You look just like her when she was young. I promise to protect you from now and forever." Harvin said with a serious face.

"I believe you." I confirmed to him.

"Uncle, I will go back to my room. Are we going to start our trip in the early morning?" I looked towards my uncle and asked.

"Yes, we will be leaving tomorrow morning when the sun is about to rise. It will be a long journey and all the preparations are done for. Your carriage is ready along with other garages that carry food,tents and other necessary equipment. I need to start your training once you get back from winterfell we should start with horse riding and sword training. Can't have you always move around in a carriage like a little lady." He said with an amusement in his tone.

"Wait for me to learn horse riding and race with you. I will leave you in a dust." I said with equally amusing manner.

"Goodnight uncle. Goodnight Mr. Cedric. Good night Sir Stefon. Goodnight Sir Harvin."

"Goodnight kid"-uncle

"goodnight my Lord"- Mr. Cedric, Sir Harvin, Sir Stefon.