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Chapter 61: Goodwill?
🕑 Added 2023-12-25 14:50:15 +0000 UTCThe idea of having Greenseer abilities sounded cool to Damian. It meant he could potentially see the past and future using the Weirwood tree. However, he hesitated because he felt it might change his personality, much like what happened to the Three-eyed Raven and Bran Stark later on in the show. Damian didn't want that for himself, so he decided to use the Free Special Attribute point on the warging ability.
[ Name: Damian Silvius Stark ]
[ Status: Lord of Iron Island]
[ Age: 14 ]
[ Money: 16342 Gold Coins ]
[ Store ]
[ Build ]
Str -> 16
Dex -> 18
End -> 16
Will -> 11
Int -> 16
Constitution -> 14
Special Stat:
Mana ->15
Free Points -> 0
[Every Five years, on your name day, a free point would be given freely that you can add to any of the above stat.]
Bloodline -> First Men
Special Abilities:
Warg -> 2 -> 3
Greenseer -> 0
Special Attribute Points -> 0
[Every Ten years you get one free Special Attribute point. To gain more points, practice in the given ability or find other ways.]
[ Special Possessions: Magic Spell-Book of Fertility, Treasure Map (Iron Island), Arcane Glyphs: A Guide to Runic Mastery]
[ Skills: Advanced Jousting Skill, Parkour Skill Mastery]
[ Magic Spells: Bless Strength, Know Weather, Accelerate Plant Growth, Oakskin, Luminara Veil ]
Warging was a safer option but still powerful. It allowed him to control strong animals, manage a big group while saving his magical energy. The bonus was that he could stay aware of his surroundings and keep his eyes open in the real world while warging into a single animal – a handy and useful skill.
Currently, Damian has formed connections with three animals: Ace the Falcon, Fenrir the Wolf, and Chetak the Horse. Ace often flew around outside, while Fenrir and Chetak stayed in the space world as Damian hadn't felt the need to bring them into the real world.
The magical bond had not only strengthened their connection but also led to some growth. Fenrir had grown a bit, and Chetak had developed stronger muscles. Damian hoped Chetak grow too tall, so it wouldn't be hard for him to mount the horse comfortably.
"Unless I grow up to be a giant myself," Damian chuckled at that thought.
Investing the points in the warging ability brought about changes in Damian's body that were hard to describe. The bond with his companions strengthened, allowing him to see and listen from Fenrir and Chetak's perspectives simultaneously. He could control them with just a single thought, all while keeping his eyes open and retaining the ability to move his body. It felt like a new and enhanced connection.
Fenrir and Chetak also felt that as they came running and galloping towards him. After rubbing their heads and playing with them for a little while, Damian exited the space world with the promise he would bring them to play in the real world soon enough.
. . .
Tywin Lannister and Kevan Lannister entered their tent, the atmosphere tinged with curiosity and speculation. King Robert instructing Lord Eddard Stark and his brother Damian Stark to stay behind had ignited their interest. They settled into their chairs, exchanging knowing glances.
Tywin, pouring himself a goblet of wine, raised an eyebrow. "What do you think the king is discussing with the Starks, Kevan?"
Kevan, adjusting his seat, replied, "It's hard to say, Tywin. The Starks are a formidable house, and Robert values Eddard's counsel and they are friends. Perhaps it's about the upcoming negotiations with Lord Balon Greyjoy."
Kevan shrugged slightly. "It could be any of those, or perhaps a marriage alliance. Damian is young, and such alliances often secure loyalty."
Tywin's eyes narrowed as he pondered the possibilities. "Marriage alliance... with whom? Robert Baratheon doesn't have eligible daughters, and marrying Damian to a lesser house wouldn't warrant this secrecy."
"True," Kevan agreed. "Maybe it's not about marriage. Maybe it involves some task or responsibility. He has proven himself in the war."
Whatever it is, I want to know. Find what you can, Kevan.
"As you wish, brother," Kevan accepted the task. "How do you think King Robert would proceed with the Greyjoys? Would Balon accept the terms?"
Tywin leaned back, a calculating expression on his face. "Balon Greyjoy is a stubborn man, proud of his Ironborn ways. The terms we presented to Robert are harsh, especially the disbanding of their navy and stepping down as the lord of the Iron Islands. I doubt Balon would accept them willingly even at the cost of his kin being hostages."
"What are our plans for tomorrow if the battle does start?" Kevan asked.
"Find a chance to aid Damian Stark in case he struggles to fight the ironborn or his life comes under threat. Try to gain his goodwill," Tywin said taking Kevan completely by surprise.
"What? But why?" Kevan asked completely confused.
"Let's just say I'm investing in the younger brother of Lord Eddard. He could become useful in the future, and securing his loyalty or goodwill could benefit House Lannister," Tywin replied cryptically.
Kevan frowned, still processing the unexpected turn of events. "Investing in what way? What do you foresee, Tywin?"
Tywin, however, only offered a vague smile. "The future is uncertain, Kevan. We must be prepared for all possibilities. Now go, gather information discreetly. I want to know every detail of what unfolds in that tent."
Unbeknownst to them, Willow the pixie, hidden in the shadows, eavesdropped on their conversation. His tiny wings fluttered softly as he absorbed every word, ready to relay the information to his Lord.
. . .
The next day, horns resounded across the encampment, summoning every soldier to assemble and take their positions. The battle to capture Pyke was on the horizon. Unfortunately, negotiations had fallen through. Balon, demonstrating his defiance and stupidity, had the messenger executed at the gates before he could convey Robert's intentions.
The news of Balon's rash and aggressive move spread quickly through the ranks, igniting fury among Robert and the assembled nobles. The tension in the air was palpable as the forces readied themselves for the imminent battle.
Damian, with his men, primed for battle, stood resolute at the forefront of the army, prepared for the imminent clash that awaited them.
