Game of Thrones: The Legend of Jon Arctic - ASOIAF/GOT

Chapter 53 - Winterfell 04.

[Chapter Size: 3300 Words.]

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Third Person POV

Winterfell, 292 AC, Next Morning.

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Jon arrived at the Winterfell training yard, where the Stark men were in full exercise, training with vigor and determination. Around him, a mix of experienced veterans and young adolescent soldiers were striving against each other.

The sound of clashing swords, shouts of command, and the noise of feet stomping hard on the ground echoed through the yard, creating an intense and energetic atmosphere. Jon paused for a moment to observe, his eyes scanning the Winterfell training with interest.

He noticed the dedication and effort of the young soldiers, reminiscent of his own training days there. Jon remained at a respectful distance, observing the training. He noticed one young fighter fighting with a high guard, another with an unstable stance.

"More firmness in your shoulders!" He saw the corrections of Ser Rodrik, efficient and timely, and how the youths responded, sometimes with frustration, other times with renewed determination.

Jon now set his eyes on Ser Rodrik, with the authority of an experienced master-at-arms, moving among the soldiers with an attentive look and a presence that commanded respect. He paused for a moment to adjust the posture of a young man, his hands firm yet gentle, guiding the boy's shoulders into the correct position.

"It's not just strength, boys, but technique and perception. Pay attention to your opponent, anticipate their moves," he instructed, his voice resonating through the yard.

He approached another group, watching them exchange blows with wooden swords. "Controlling the sword is like controlling the mind. Both must be sharp and focused," he said, scrutinizing each movement carefully.

"Move, move! A battle is not a dance, it's survival, it's instinct," Ser Rodrik exclaimed, inciting more energy and aggressiveness in the young ones' movements.

"Your enemies won't give you time to think. You must always be two steps ahead," he continued, his tone of voice alternating between severity and encouragement.

With each instruction, the soldiers responded, some with more skill and confidence, others still hesitant, but all attentive to the master-at-arms' words. Ser Rodrik was teaching not just how to fight, but also how to think and react under pressure.

Jon, wearing a simple leather outfit that gave him a more discreet and less imposing air than his armor that had arrived at the castle yesterday, walked towards the training yard.

As he approached, the soldiers and young recruits began to notice his presence. Conversations in whispers and curious glances turned towards him, recognizing the young man who had returned to Winterfell with so much mystery and glory.

Ser Rodrik soon noticed Jon approaching. He paused his instructions for a moment, watching Jon with a look of interest and perhaps a hint of surprise. After all, the last time he saw Jon, he was just a boy learning the fundamentals of fighting; now, he returned with the air of an experienced warrior as he walked.

"Boy," Ser Rodrik greeted him with a nod, a sign of recognition for the young man who had grown so much. "Welcome to the training yard. Good to see you here again after years away."

Jon returned the nod, "Thank you, Ser Rodrik. It seems the training is going well," Jon commented, observing the soldiers and recruits around.

Ser Rodrik nodded, "We are preparing as always. The North needs to be ready for any eventuality and the winter. Maybe you want to join us, Jon? It would be interesting to see how your skills have developed after I heard that you lived north of the wall."