DAGGERS TO THE HEART Part 1 - GAME OF THRONES

Robb VI

As the relentless rain persisted, hope that it would pass quickly dwindled. Arya, Tormund, Ygritte, and Sigorn had initially placed their trust in Jon's wilderness survival skills, honed through encounters with the Freefolk in harsher climates. Their soothing words to Robb and his mother, placated them for only a time. Yet, as night descended, even their confidence wavered.

The storm showed no mercy, an unyielding downpour accompanied by ceaseless thunder and intermittent flashes of lightning. The wind's mournful howls were punctuated by the ominous sound of trees succumbing to the tempest. Robb, grappling with memories, considered it the worst rainstorm etched in his recollection.

Amidst nature's fury, Ser Barristan, plagued by self-reproach, berated himself for permitting Jon and Sansa's venture without his vigilant presence. Although what help the old man could have provided, was beyond the understanding of Robb. Meanwhile, Robb's mother, a tempest in her own right, cursed anyone unfortunate enough to cross her path.

Come the dawn, Robb, Theon, Tormund, and Ser Barristan convened to assess the situation. The impromptu tour proved brief, for it swiftly became apparent that the precarious stability of the lake's bank was on borrowed time.

The great hall offered refuge to huddled workers, their abodes, and tents submerged beneath the rising waters. Yet, a graver concern loomed—the flood barriers remained sealed, a harbinger of impending catastrophe.

The keep, once encircled by a lake, had undergone a transformation orchestrated by its builder and the vigilant efforts to stave off flooding. With ingenuity, they devised a scheme involving two meticulously crafted tributaries, fortified with bushel faggots, each extending roughly a mile.

These watercourses directed the flow downhill to the lower reaches of the terrain. Within these conduits, strategically placed sluice gates stood guard, regulating the ebb and flow. In times of gentle rainfall, the water meandered through, but under the deluge of heavy showers, a mechanism lifted the gates, releasing the excess and averting disaster.

A reservoir nestled at the base of the hill awaited, poised to capture and contain a portion of the diverted water. Neglecting the opening of these gates would spell inundation for the lake, moat, castle, and village.

In the conspicuous absence of Jon and Sansa, responsibility fell squarely upon Robb's shoulders, cognisant that eventual custodianship of Queenscrown would rest with Tormund. The intricacies of this water-management system demanded the wildling's understanding, an unfamiliar technology in his rugged repertoire.

Assembling in the solar belonging to Jon and Sansa, a diverse group convened—Robb, Tormund, Ygritte, Ser Barristan, Theon, Sam, Maester Fell, Catelyn, Arya, Sigorn, and Rodner, one of the builders instrumental in erecting the system. Robb rose to his feet, a beacon of order in the gathering, poised to seize command and navigate the impending challenge.

In the dim-lit confines of Jon and Sansa's solar, Robb assumed a stance of authority, rising to his feet to bring order to the gathered assembly. Tormund, Ygritte, Ser Barristan, Theon, Sam, Maester Fell, Catelyn, Arya, Sigorn, and the builder instrumental in the water-management system, Rodner, were all present, their collective focus on the impending crisis.

"I've convened us here to avert the looming threat of flooding in both the keep and the village." Robb asserted, his tone carrying the weight of urgency. "Sansa and Rodner devised a system to safeguard the moat and lake from the deluge during heavy rains. Well, it seems we're facing one of those times now."

Ygritte, her demeanour as fierce as the storms outside, snarled her discontent. "The castle's already flooding. It's useless. Might as well stay in a cave."