Chapter 13 CLANS

" " Dialogue

' ' Internal thought

«» Written note or letter

*** Scene break

() Author's explanatory note

Late 273 after the conquest.

The northern mountains are extensive, not as high as those of the Vale according to my father, but even more difficult to climb due to the cold blowing from the Bay of Ice. Despite being guided by the Wull clan, it was a difficult climb. After 15 days of camping in the mountains, we reached our destination.

Contrary to what one might think, the clans have fixed constructions, nothing like tents made of skin or something similar. Additionally, there was more vegetation than I thought; not just rocks and snow, but pine forests and bushes full of berries.

Within the territories of the Leddle clan, there was already a sea of people awaiting the arrival of the procession. The leader of the Wull clan, Edgar Wull, the clans are very excited, as no Stark had personally visited their lands in a long time. The welcome was simple, no banquet, but there was music and dance in honor of my father. It was surprising to know that there were enough houses for all the guests from other clans; apparently, they gather regularly in this place.

"The Stark" is the name given by the mountain clans to the acting Lord Stark. What they do not know is that not everyone enjoys this privilege; only those who have been tested in battle and have led the clans in a war earn that nickname, recognizing them as true lords or magnars. My father, for leading the tribes in the War of the Ninepenny Kings, earned the title.

"Wow, there really are many," said Brandon.

"That's right, son. All the mountain tribes in one place, women and children apparently."

"Father, when do you think we can speak with the Wull tribe and the others about the mine?"

"Father, I would like to see the men I sent to be able to summarize what they found and what I could offer to the clans."

"Of course, son. Farewell."

"Hmm, I don't think you can handle the matters one by one, son. It seems it will be a more general discussion. Tomorrow all the great chiefs will join."

Carlo was one of Marwyn's acolyte assistants and the chief explorer I sent to these mountains a few years ago. Seeing him was surprising; he had grown a beard, dressed in animal skins, and seemed to be arm in arm with a woman. "Carlo," I shouted.

"My Lord Stark, welcome. I was about to go look for you," he said nervously.

"Haha, don't worry about that, Carlo. "

"Thank you, my lord. Let me introduce you to my wife, Stancy, daughter of the clan."

"Ohh, a pleasure and congratulations. It seems your time here has not been only work."

"My lord, the work took less time than expected, so we had a lot of free time."

"Very well, Carlo. I won't bother you, but I want a summary of what you found."

It turns out that sending investigators was unnecessary; apparently, the clans already know the locations of all the deposits and mines in their land, but they have never exploited them, except for the three iron mines. In total, they accounted for a gold mine, two silver mines, four other iron mines, a copper mine, and tin as well. Also, Carlo informed me that there are two sections of the mountain that they were not allowed to approach; one is a sacred place for the clans, and the other is a frozen mountain peak.

Apparently, I need manpower. There are many mines and many projects. Although births have increased, and thanks to there not having been a long winter in these two years, the population has remained high, I would still need a decade or two to have enough people just to mine this mountain.

The discussion with the clan leaders was a straightforward matter. I presented my idea of ​​starting to exploit the mines and likewise presented the idea of ​​installing metal tracks and cargo carts to make mineral extraction more efficient. Although human strength would still be needed to move them, fewer people would be needed to transport more material. The tracks would be created in the forges of Last Heart, and the metal would come from the same operational mines in the mountain. It seems that the Starks would have to give up part of our iron ore reserves, but once they worked, we would have more mineral and a percentage of what the other mines produce. Although they agreed, there was still one problem.

I was surprised to learn that although each clan has a territory and a lord, important decisions, as well as discussions about resources and war, take place in a tribal assembly, in which every man and woman of the tribe participates. At least 100 people from each tribe must gather for the assembly to be valid, which can take a long, long time.

While we waited for the discussion and the outcome of the assembly, Brandon and I explored the mountains. I found nothing in the vicinity, but one day the Chief of the Norrey clan told me that there was a sacred place in the mountains that had an ancient heart tree; some said it was full of treasures.

That same night, after everyone had gone to sleep, I sneaked out with Buck to go to the Weirwood of the stories, which, I was told, was at the highest part of the mountain not far from the Liddle tribe itself. The climb was the worst part of the entire journey from Last Hearth to the Liddle clan, but it wasn't the air or the steepness of the path; it was something different, as if the atmosphere resonated with magic. My vision was useless, as if thick, colorful fog covered everything. I don't know how far I walked, but it felt like years. When I reached the summit, I was amazed.

There, in the middle of a small valley filled with green grass and flowers, stood three weirwood trees as large as the one in Winterfell, but something told me they were older. I noticed they didn't have faces carved into them. As I approached, a voice sounded behind me.

"Impressive, isn't it, King Stark?"

Startled, I turned around to see an old man looking at me with a smile.

"Impressive, but why... doesn't it have faces?" I replied as naturally as I could muster.

"Hahaha, it does have faces carved, my young king, but you can't see them. We hide them so the ravens can't see us."

"Oh, I see. But tell me, my lord, to whom do I have the pleasure of speaking?"

"I have no name... wouldn't it be better to say that I don't remember it anymore? But the few who come here call me Syxt. I am what you would call a Green Man."

"My lord, I apologize if I offended you by coming without permission."

A smile almost like that of a grandfather watching his grandson misbehave appeared on his face.

"You didn't offend me, Young King, and no one comes here without permission. I myself asked little Owen to inform you of this place. I knew an old friend would come. He told me you have a taste for adventure and treasures."

"Hahaha, it seems you have me pegged."

"Come, young one, sit down, let's talk a bit."

"I'm sorry, Lord Syxt, but I have to return soon."

"Don't hurry, young one. I asked your father to be informed of your visit so he wouldn't worry about your disappearance."

The small talk turned into a class that lasted for hours. He spoke to me about the magic of my family, the reason for being here, and why he needed me to come.

It turns out that awakening my gift made every magical being notice my presence like a beacon in the darkness, so I needed to learn to control it. So he trained me. I don't know how long I was with him, maybe a day or two, because I didn't feel hungry or thirsty, although I think I slept a few hours.

"That's enough, Young Wolf," he said, pulling me out of my meditation.

"You know, initially we wanted it to be my brothers who would guide you within the Isle of Faces, but your magic grew faster than we thought at first, and without guidance, you could be in great danger. It's very easy to get lost in magic."

"But why didn't I feel anything until now?"

"That, young king, is thanks to the protective runes you found. They prevent others from interfering with your magic and also block the animal impulses of your bonds."

"Others? Who else?"

"There are many. A lying raven, a fragment of stone, some old embers, even some very cold and very angry children could be a problem if you were to use your gift beyond the barrier."

"But don't worry about your family; although many have the gift, not all shine like a beacon attracting moths."

"I appreciate your guidance, my lord."

"There are still many more magics latent within you, but they will awaken in time. When the time comes, visit my brothers in the south; they will help you."

"For now, it seems you have a journey to continue."

"Thank you again, Syxt."

"Go on, boy, but before you leave, it seems you have some gifts," he said, pointing toward the base of the weirwood.

As I approached, I saw a small burrow, and from it emerged a puppy.

It was a small pile of white fur with heterochromatic eyes, one blue and one yellow. As soon as I saw him, a bond formed between us.

"Ghost," I murmured.

The puppy looked up, recognizing that I was speaking to him.

Clearly, he wasn't Ghost, but I immediately reacted to his white fur. (I'm sorry, Jon, it seems you'll have to find another name for yours.)

Behind him, more puppies emerged, three to be exact, two brown and one black.

Here's the corrected text:

"How is it possible? There are no direwolves on this side of the Wall."

"Hahaha, the reason there are no direwolves here is that there is little magic on this side of the Wall. They are a magical race; they feed on meat and magic to survive, but in these mountains, there is still enough magic."

"Wow, I thought I had to go north of the Wall to find a wolf for myself, or maybe wait for rumors from the Wolfswood. I didn't think I would find one so soon," I said as I stroked the puppies' heads.

"Thank you, Syxt. I must say I've always wanted a direwolf," I chuckled.

"And it doesn't surprise me, Young King. Most Starks are always born with a connection to a direwolf, although not all manage to find each other and form a bond."

"It seems there is one for each Stark child. Tell your brothers to take care of them and trust them; they are more than just the symbol of your house."

"Thank you very much," I said as I picked up the puppies in my arms, although Buck, who helped, took Ghost and carried him himself.

As I descended the mountain, I couldn't help but think about the many things I had learned during the days I was here training.

' For example, it seems there are more wargs in the north than everyone thinks. Most realize they have the gift but don't use it.'

' Another thing I learned is that the mountain tribes have contact with other tribes from very distant places, such as the Stone Crow tribes or the Children of the Forest in the Vale, as well as small tribes that live in the mountains between the Reach and Dorne. They communicate using messenger hawks owned by the wargs of the tribes. It turns out that one of the reasons the tribes keep attacking the Vale is because they have never received the contrary order from the Starks since the War of the Three Sisters between the Kings of Winter and the Kings of the Vale and the Mountains. Of course, it's not like I could send a raven and let them know to stop; the Stark they recognized and who gave the order is no longer here, so some Stark would need to go and earn their respect and ask them to stop. Similarly, only some tribes recognize the power of the Starks; others only threaten the Vale out of selfish desires or old grudges.'

The journey back was less burdensome than the climb. The atmosphere seemed not to reject me as much. After an hour of walking, I reached the territory of Clan Liddle. Immediately, I headed to the leader of the clan's house. As I passed through the settlement, I saw people bowing to me or commenting surprised about the puppies I had in my arms.

"Welcome, Young Stark."

"Thank you very much, Chief Liddle. I see the camp is emptier than a few days ago."

"It's because the dogs have already returned to their own homes," replied Chief Wull as I entered through the back door, "Lord Stark."

"Chief Wull, a pleasure then. Did the assembly end quickly?"

"Hahaha. It seems you lost track of time. The meeting lasted a whole week."

"Damn," I thought. "Oh, it seems I lost track of time."

"But you seem to have gained a good companion."

"Haha, it seems the Starks have direwolves again."

"As it should have always been, Young Wolf... as it should have always been."

"Well, my lords, you know where my father stays. He will surely want to see me after so long."

"On that note..."

***

' It seems my father and the others left a few days ago for the Bear Islands, and we will meet at Glover Castle within a moon, so now I am alone. According to the mountain clans, it will take me about 10 days to reach Glover Castle. They offered to accommodate me and train me in their way of fighting in the meantime, something I gladly accepted.

And so it was for 10 days; apparently, the mountain clans are experts in the use of two axes. When they fight, they enter a state similar to the Viking Berserkers. Although I still haven't mastered all their skills, my dual-wielding style has improved by leaps and bounds.

Today is the day I need to start my journey. The son of Chief Wull, Theo Wull, will accompany me. It seems he didn't leave with the other heirs as he was waiting for me. So now I have another giant as a companion. Before I leave, I met with the chiefs again to thank them and chat one last time.'

"My lords, thank you for your hospitality. I will return soon with gifts."

"Hahaha, of course, Young Wolf. My son will continue to help you with training; you seem to have talent with axes."

"Thank you very much. If you don't mind, I would like to ask something."

"What would that be?"

"What is on that mountain peak? My men have told me that no one goes near there. Could you tell me why?"

"It's an old story, Young Lord. When we fled the cold, the First King of Winter left an order: we would live in these mountains, but there is one forbidden mountain. We cannot dig or approach that mountain until the Long Night approaches. He knew that men forget, that nobody will remember his father's kingdom, as he only knew stories from his homeland. He knew the warning wouldn't survive the passage of time, that it would only pass into folklore. So, he ordered us to keep the secret. The truth is, no one knows what is buried there. We only know that someday we will need it for the Long Night. So, we don't know what it holds; maybe weapons, maybe magic. The truth is, no one knows. He only said that a king would come and demand that it be opened, and on that day, we would fight again as we did during the first Long Night."

"The Bulls," I said, remembering some things from the diary.

"Hahaha, it seems something has survived from those times. Yes, King Stark, we are the few survivors of that noble house. Only a Stark can command us; it has been so for 10,000 years, and so it will remain."

***

'My house comes from a centuries-old tradition, according to my father. From a young age, we are trained to hunt, to track. Our days are long, but we serve faithfully. The smallfolk adore us and fear us in equal measure; they even bring us offerings.

Occasionally, the most valuable among us is entrusted with the individual protection of targets selected for their importance. For a few years, I have been entrusted with the care of the king's son, something for which I am more than grateful. Since we entered into service, his family has never lacked food or shelter—houses which, in the cold north, are the greatest blessings we could obtain. We pay for it by always being alert.

But I am not alone in this arduous work; I have a quite capable companion. He is in charge of logistics while I am in charge of protection. Although his guard duty is not as demanding as mine, I know he gives his best when my lord requests it. A few days ago, new recruits arrived in our small company of two; they are still inexperienced and a bit wild, but I see potential in them. I take advantage of the moments of the day when the young lord is with the giant to train the recruits. They learn quickly, and they grow even faster. Perhaps in a few years, they will take care of the things I cannot, like accompanying my lord in war. But until they are ready, I will protect them; they must grow. I know my lord will need them soon, and I will ensure they are best prepared.

Speaking of the new giant accompanying my lord, he is noisy and loves to fight, the complete opposite of the other giant who regularly follows him, who is quiet and discreet, something I value. I miss the other giant; he has an almost religious fascination with the king's son. But something only I know is that deep down, he is a soft-hearted fellow who brings me snacks sometimes.'

"Buck, let's go; we need to keep moving. Please, watch over the puppies."

'Serve faithfully to my master.' thought the black dog

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DIARY OF BRANDON STARK

I gathered the few giants and children of the forest remaining in the south to the other kingdoms of the continent, and we fought. The enemies were fewer, worn out by my father's efforts. The war lasted years; the cold wore us down, but we resisted. We managed to drive them north; we won, but nothing remained of the once-first kingdom of Men. The green plains where the Bulls dwelled froze; the people of the forests became small, ununified tribes of my father's kingdom. Only a handful rise where he fell alongside my brothers.

Today, I traveled north of the Wall; I wanted to pay my father's pact, to pay for the alliance that cost so much blood. Most of the Bulls had become cannibals, inhabiting the frozen mountains. The tribes did not recognize anyone as having forgotten their past. I did not find giants and children of the forest; perhaps they are all hidden, perhaps all dead.

The only ones who still remember are the Tennts, but they will not follow me to the south; they will watch over the land of eternal winter as a self-punishment for my father's death. I do not blame them, but they blame themselves for surviving. But it doesn't matter; they will always have a place at my table, a place in the south.

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Hello readers, here's today's chapter. You know, it's a bit late because I had to rewrite the chapter a couple of times and add some things.

At first, I planned for Ned to get his wolf north of the Wall, but I don't think there's a way for him to just go to the Wall and come back. Also, there's no one at the Wall to get him a wolf and give it to Ned... I thought about leaving it for later, but I need a big and intimidating wolf when he goes with the Arryns.

I won't introduce the Mormonts on this journey; I have plans for them later, as well as for their island. Anyway, many things and small changes in the drafts.

Lastly, some dates:

Confirmed: Ned will go to his upbringing in 275.

The Harrenhal tournament will be in 282, a few months later than in canon.

Canon is supposed to be in 298.

The Long Night tentatively will be between 303 or 305.

I won't say more dates because I consider them spoilers.

That's all, thank you very much for reading.