DAGGERS TO THE HEART Part 1 - GAME OF THRONES

Ser Barristan I

The recent weeks had thrust Barristan Selmy into amaelstrom of conflicting sentiments. Initially, he regarded the younggirl asserting herself as Arya Stark with a healthy dose ofscepticism. A mere resemblance to her aunt wasn't enough to dispeldoubts, yet her reservoir of knowledge exceeded the plausible rangefor an impostor. Barristan, ever the vigilant knight, evencorresponded with Lord Eddard Stark, seeking confirmation of thisunexpected claim. The Warden of the North's reply sealed theauthenticity—his daughter, in truth, had journeyed alongside TheonGreyjoy on a mission to secure a skilled blacksmith.

In the wake of this revelation, Barristan foundhimself on the brink of anticipation. The prospect of encounteringRhaegar's progeny stirred a unique fervour within him. Therevelations from the self-proclaimed Lady Arya—though shevehemently denied the title—painted a portrait of a young manbearing the essence of his father's character and the visage of hismother. Theon's jests about prettiness aside, the anticipation ofconversing with Ned Stark at Winterfell kindled a flame withinBarristan's soul.

Amongst their trio, the blacksmith emerged as anenigma, a puzzle that stirred contemplation in Ser Barristan Selmy'sseasoned mind. The decision by Ned Stark to dispatch his daughter andward all the way to King's Landing was nothing short of audacious, anintriguing move that demanded scrutiny. Complicating matters was theundeniable familiarity Barristan felt when regarding the lad. Itwasn't until Arya unveiled the truth, revealing Gendry as Robert'sbastard, that the puzzle pieces clicked into place. The realizationstruck with a weightiness that mirrored the rumourscirculating—whispers of the grim fate awaiting anyone suspected ofbeing a progeny of King Robert Baratheon.

Gulltown, a temporary anchor in their journey,detained them for six long weeks before the northward voyage to WhiteHarbor became feasible. Ser Barristan, initially bound for the narrowsea in pursuit of Daenerys, Aerys's last living daughter, found histrajectory altered by the unfolding revelations. The emergence of JonSnow, if the claims held true, presented a seismic shift in the powerdynamics of Westeros. A true heir to the Iron Throne, and not theexiled girl across the narrow sea, seemed to redefine the veryessence of his quest to regain the true heir to the Iron Throne.

The biting chill of the North clawed at SerBarristan Selmy's every fibre Six interminable weeks spent weatheringthe harshness of Gulltown, coupled with another month navigating theunforgiving seas, culminated in their arrival on the frost-kissedshores of White Harbor. The veteran knight, unaccustomed totravelling so far north, found himself ill-prepared for the frigidordeal. Fortunately, Lord Stark had the foresight of enlisting theaid of Lord Manderly, ensured the provision of essentials for atleast one night. A reprieve granted by a warm bed and adequate attireto ward off the relentless cold.

Embarking on the next leg of their journey, theyset sail up the sinuous course of the White Knife river,transitioning into a horseback ride from Castle Cerwyn to thelegendary Winterfell. As the sprawling silhouette of Winterfellgradually materialized on the horizon, Barristan's eyes, seasoned bycountless tales, bore witness to the colossal reality of the castle.Its vastness, surpassing even the expanse of the Red Keep, struck himwith a revelation. Scepticism gave way to awe as the grey edificeseamlessly melded into the sombre northern skies.

The anticipation etched on Arya's countenance asWinterfell's looming walls drew near was palpable. Home, a sanctuaryfor most, radiated from her like a beacon of joy. Yet, BarristanSelmy, seasoned as he was, couldn't shake the disquieting observationthat beneath the youthful facade, Arya harboured a maturity thattranscended her years. Instead of the exuberance expected of a girlher age, she exuded a feline poise, a subtle prowess that allowed herto navigate unseen, a quality that unsettled the seasoned knight.

Passing through the imposing gates, the sight ofNed Stark's familiar face offered a reassuring anchor in the sea ofuncertainties. Dismounting from their horses, a rare spectacleunfolded before Barristan's eyes—Arya shed her composed demeanour,transformed into a genuine, unrestrained little girl, racing towardsher father with an unbridled enthusiasm that painted a grin on LordStark's face, a rare sight to behold.