Chapter 22 Bloody Wolf and Impaler

In an unprecedented move to instill fear in the hearts of the Andals and protect the North from Andal from Essos, Theon Stark devised a daring plan. Accompanied by Vlad, his trusted ally, they set sail with a formidable fleet towards the distant lands of Essos. Their mission: to deliver a resounding message that would deter any future invasions.

Upon reaching Essos, Theon Stark took a radical approach. He wanted to leave an indelible mark on the minds of the Andals, ensuring they would think twice before setting foot on Northern soil again. In a bold display of power, he commanded that the lifeless body of Argos Sevenstars, a prominent Andal leader, be prominently showcased on the prow of his ship. The sight of their fallen comrade served as a chilling reminder of the consequences of challenging the might of the North.

Not content with a mere symbolic gesture, Theon and Vlad orchestrated a series of devastating raids and scorched a multitude of Andal villages. The Northmen unleashed their fury, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake. Hundreds upon hundreds of Andals fell victim to their ruthless campaign, their lives cut short as a stark reminder of the Northern forces' wrath.

In a manner akin to Vlad's infamous tactics, Theon ordered the heads of the fallen invaders to be impaled on spikes, arranged in a grisly display of deterrence. The sight of these severed heads served as a haunting testament to the merciless nature of their adversaries. It sent a chilling message that any future attempts to invade the North would result in a similar fate.

Theon Stark's fearsome reputation grew exponentially from these merciless acts. He became known as the Bloody Wolf, a name that echoed throughout the realms, a symbol of his unyielding resolve and unwavering determination to protect his people. Similarly, Vlad Tepes unique powers , with his gruesome methods of punishment, acquired the epithet Vlad the Impaler, a name that struck terror into the hearts of those who heard it.

The joint efforts of Theon Stark and Vlad had achieved their desired effect. The Andals, upon hearing of the bloody campaign and witnessing the macabre displays, were gripped by fear and trepidation. The North had successfully established a reputation for ruthless defense, deterring any further incursions into their lands.

As the celebration continued in North Winterfell castle, the atmosphere was filled with joy and triumph. The victory against the Andals had brought a sense of relief and pride to the people, and the castle echoed with laughter and music.

On the grand throne, Theon Stark sat with his wife, Jeana Stark, by his side. They were a formidable couple, strong and respected leaders of Winterfell. To Jeana's right sat her son, Jason Stark, a young man with his father's stern gaze and his mother's grace.

But it was Eliza Stark, Theon's younger sister, who caught the attention of many. She exuded a captivating aura, with her striking features and athletic physique. Standing at around 5'4" (162 cm) tall, she possessed a slender and toned figure that hinted at her active lifestyle.

Eliza's black hair cascaded down past her shoulders in sleek, straight strands, contrasting beautifully with her vibrant grey eyes. She possessed an enigmatic charm that drew people in, and her presence in the celebration did not go unnoticed.

Vlad, a distinguished figure in his own right, found himself at the center of attention. As the rumors of his powers circulated among the lords, some saw an opportunity to strengthen their own positions by offering their daughters' hands in marriage. However, Vlad was cautious and kept his distance from the inebriated lords, politely declining their advances.

In the midst of this spectacle, Vlad's eyes caught Eliza's subtle glances. Their gazes locked, and a silent understanding seemed to pass between them. Intrigued by her captivating presence, Vlad found himself equally drawn to Eliza, her beauty and enigmatic nature intriguing him.

King Theon Stark stood before his loyal subjects, his gaze filled with a mix of admiration and respect as he addressed the gathered crowd. With a voice that carried authority, he spoke, "Today, we stand witness to a momentous occasion, a testament to valor and unwavering loyalty."

Theon turned his attention to Vlad Tepes, whose unwavering dedication and formidable skills had proven invaluable to the North. Vlad stood tall, his eyes fixed upon his friend.

"Vlad Tepes," Theon continued, his words resonating with weight, "your service to the North has been nothing short of extraordinary. Your prowess in battle, your unwavering resolve, and your strategic genius have earned you the respect and admiration of all who have fought alongside you."

Theon's words were met with resounding applause and cheers from the assembled crowd, a testament to the impact Vlad had made on their lives and the collective consciousness of the North.

"In recognition of your remarkable contributions," Theon declared, his voice carrying the weight of the crown he bore, "I hereby bestow upon you the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a warrior in these lands. From this day forth, you shall be known as Lord Vlad Tepes, the founder of House Tepes."

As the words hung in the air, a wave of excitement and awe swept through the gathering. The honor bestowed upon Vlad was not merely a title; it represented the birth of a noble lineage, a legacy that would endure for generations to come.

Theon stepped forward, a ceremonial pendant in hand, its design depicting a wolf , symbolizing Vlad's formidable skills and unwavering loyalty. With great reverence, he placed the pendant around Vlad's neck, signifying the official recognition of his new noble status.

"Rise, Lord Vlad Tepes," Theon proclaimed, his voice filled with conviction. "May House Tepes stand as a bastion of strength, honor, and resilience in the North. May your legacy inspire future generations to protect and defend our land with the same unwavering dedication that you have shown."

As Vlad rose to his feet, the crowd erupted into thunderous applause, a testament to the deep respect they held for him. He stood before them, a newly anointed noble, the founder of House Tepes, ready to carry the weight of his newfound responsibility and continue his unwavering commitment to the North.

Celebration restarted and both Vlad and Eliza started interacting with each other.

Unbeknownst to them, Theon, always observant and perceptive, noticed the silent exchange between Eliza and Vlad. A smile played on his lips as he realized the potential connection brewing between the two.He smiled and thought"Ohhh this is an interesting development."

It had long been his desire to see his sister find love and happiness, and he could not think of a better match for her than Vlad.

As the celebration continued, Theon's mind began to devise plans, envisioning a future where Eliza and Vlad would stand side by side?

So he was already planning to set up meeting for both.So the seeds of a new love story were silently sown, waiting to blossom in the days to come.