Snippet #1966323

EDRICK STARK

Edrick breathed in the warm air of the castle known as the Red Keep, riding up to colossal gates of the capital of his beloved Westeros. A breeze rippled through the party of riders, the Direwolf their emblem. His horse, jet black, snorted at the warmth, not used to the weather. It was a Winter Horse, built of ice and steel, not of this softer Southron metal. His daughter, Alyria rode ahead with his son and heir Brandon. Alyria was betrothed to Steffon Baratheon, and soon, they would be married. His son rode quietly, a mixture of scholar and warrior, admiring the art and beauty of the city and also studying it for weaknesses, the perfect hybrid. His son Brennidon rode beside him, and his Direwolf beside him. He was alert, watching and breathing in the air. Aeron rode behind them, a contingent of Grey Cloaks guarding the youngest like Wolves protecting the youngest of the pack.

He smiled at the honesty, the power, the strength and the North in his children, the finest people in the world. They deserved the life they were about to get. But, Edrick was still not happy. He loved Aegon, his king, his lord, and his friend, and was loyal to the core of his bone. But, in his heart, he hated politics. And being the Hand of the King required him to get involved in politics. Petty disputes, money problems.... these were just some the things his oldest friend had tasked him with. And although Edrick would do whatever his King needed him to, it broke his heart to have to. He missed Winterfell and the bitter cold of the North. He missed his wife, and visiting the Godswood every night. He missed home. He had been travelling before, but he had not always been heir to Winterfell, and when he was, he was younger. He was an older man now, and wanted to prepare his home for the storm that was coming, for something was. Wildling reports were rising south of the Wall, and he was worried. But now was not the time for that. Now, it was time to face his duty, and to honor his King. He turned to his son, and spoke in his usual Northman tone.

"Son, Brennidon, I feel I should tell you something. As Hand of the King, it is now my duty to.....unite the Kingdom as much as Aegon does. So, when the Greyjoy's come to say, I am going to negotiate a marriage between you and one of the daughters. When they arrive, as will all the Houses for Aegon's name day, become friends with them. Get close to them. You will need to. Son, you may hate me for this, but in time, you will understand. It is time you gain a wife."

Edrick slowed his horse down, waiting for Brennidon's reaction the the new task Edrick had just given him.