Chapter 25

After having received word from Ivar of the rebellion of house Greyjoy, I called for a meeting of my inner circle. Understanding the seriousness of the situation, Ivar wasted no time in alerting the others. In less than an hour they all arrived. And here we are, Gentle, Gunnar, Jaren, Brant, Ivar, Aela and myself. I sit at the head of the table and they wait to hear my news.

"I have called you all here because events have transpired that affect us. Ivar has brought to my attention that House Greyjoy of the Iron Islands has rebelled."

I looked at everyone present and only Jaren and Brant looked shocked. The others seemed interested. Jaren looked as if he would speak, but I raised my hand forestalling any interruption.

"We haven't received word to muster by Eddard, but I feel it best that we March out immediately. This foolish rebellion is exactly what we need to earn prestige. To gain recognition amongst the other houses. Now I ask you, what can we spare?" I finished while eyeing Aela and Brent.

"My Lord, using your training regimen, we have a standing force of three hundred. That is not including the city watch." Brent spoke up first.

"We have a hundred rangers at the ready." Aela added.

"I will take the three hundred with me. The guard will stay here to protect the city and keep the peace. These southerners are still proving to be problematic. I want stricter enforcement while I'm away." I said to Brent before looking towards Aela.

"Aela, your rangers would be better used here. Their numbers aren't where they should be yet. And I don't want to waste them. Not only that, we need them patrolling our lands." I finished and she looked dissatisfied, but nodded nonetheless.

"Ivar, I leave it to you to gather provisions. While I am away I trust you to keep this place running smoothly. Jaren will be here to help, I want the two of you working together." I finished.

"What about us?" Gentle asked, referring to himself and Gunnar.

"Do I even have to say it? You two will be coming with me. I have also decided to elevate your station, though you'll still have the same tasks. Effective immediately, you two are now knights, congratulations." I finished.

"As long as I get to fight, I don't really care what title I have." Gentle replied and Gunnar nodded in agreement.

"Okay, now that that's settled, let's get moving. I want to be at Winterfell as soon as possible." I finished.

After that everyone cleared out to make their preparations. All except Aela, she sat in her seat glaring at me.

"Speak," I said.

"You can't be serious in leaving me behind." She said.

"I am, and I will." I replied.

"But why?" She asked.

"I already told you why." I replied.

"My rangers are our best fighting force, you need us." She stated while rising to her feet angrily, her eyes slightly glowing.

I frowned slightly, rising to my feet I walked towards her. My steps were calm and steady. She eyed me every step of the way, her eyes never leaving mine. I stood beside her and stared down at her. Not moving her head, she watched me from the corner of her eyes.

We stood like that for a long moment, until I reached out my hand and placed it on her shoulder, gripping it hard and forcing her to face me. She bared her teeth at me, issuing a small snarl. Staring into her glowing green eyes I could see the beast within, barely held back, challenging. She stared up at me defiantly and I could only grin at her defiance.

Reaching out quickly, my hand was around her neck and I squeezed. Not hard enough to block her airway, just enough pressure so that she could feel it. I felt her heartbeat on my palm, it was fast but strong. She didn't resist, just looked into my eyes, the beast was still there.

I leaned down while pulling her closer, her airway becoming more and more constricted. We are nose to nose now, I could smell her, she smelled good, like the forest added with her own womanly scent. Her eyes lit up and they seemed to challenge me, to dare me. I examined her face, taking in every inch of it. Her auburn hair, her soft pale skin, her lips and the light scar she had at the edge. Her eyes, like looking into finely cut emeralds. I leaned in closer and she pressed herself into me. Just as our lips were going to meet she closed her eyes. I passed her lips until mine were next to her ear and whispered into them with bite and authority in my voice.

"I gave you your orders and I expect them to be followed. There will be no other way, unless I say so, understand?" I asked, yet she did not immediately respond. I could hear her breathing heavily so I went further. Reaching up with my other hand I grabbed her braid and the base of her skull and tugged it, forcing her head back to look up into my eyes.

"Am I clear?" I asked and I could see the beast receding, clarity seemed to come back to her eyes and in them I saw vulnerability, hope, and submissiveness. The need for something on a primal level.

"I- I understand" she breathed out while staring into my eyes.

"Good, for the next time you challenge me you will be punished." I said while releasing her. She stepped back and leaned on the table for support.

Without waiting for a reply, I turned and left the room. As I walked I wondered what that was all about. She had never behaved like that before. Although, I did notice slight changes after her transformation. Could that be it? Could the beast within have awakened something within her? Or perhaps it's just enhancing her emotions. I don't have time to worry about that now, when I return I'll deal with it then.

Making my way back to my home. I decided it was time to bust out the good stuff. I closed my eyes and looked into my inventory. Many items passed through my mind, things I would probably never bring out. I stopped on a particular set of items. If I was going to make a name for my house, I needed to stand out. My size already draws much attention, and my fighting style strikes fear into any who oppose me. But now I need to look the part. I need something to complete my persona. Before me were four items, they are the dragonbone ebonsteel armor. With a thought the armor was brought into the world and laid at my feet. I smiled and went to work putting it on.

Some time later I was fully dressed and ready to go. A knock came from my door and I opened it. Gentle and Gunnar stood at the door looking at me in excitement. I smiled back in return.

"Put on your armor, we ride to war in our best." I said and they nodded and walked into my home. They wasted no time in pulling out their own sets of dragonbone ebonsteel armor and putting it on. We stood imposing and looked like ancient harbingers of death. With a nod I walked out and they followed, we were nearly ready.

It only took a few hours to get everyone and everything ready for our departure. The men were disciplined and Ivar was great at management. I sat atop my horse with Gunnar and Gentle beside me on their own horses. With a nod I turned and began our journey to winterfell. I wonder how Eddard would react seeing my new look?