Winter's Fire → Game of Thrones

xxx. Failures of a Mother

Alios Maegyr

Alessia had been training obsessively all morning. As soon as she saw men training this morning, she stopped the report she had been given and went to join them. I knew she was antsy from last night, but still. Her actions have me concerned. Especially since I hate being left with her lords.

It is clear that the lords around me do not like me. Not even those who back Alessia without doubt like me. At least they do their best to hide it. Their men are quite a different story and have no fear when it comes to telling me what they think or acting on how they feel.

Just a few months ago I would have assumed them savages because all they do is war and bicker. Not even Alessia's wits and drive could convince me that the Westerosi were any more than that, but my opinion now is different. Now I see that all of their fighting and internal politics are over what they believe in. That is at least the truth for the side I have taken.

House Lannister is of a different breed compared to House Stark. They are driven in the way that Pentoshi lords are. All they want is money, power, and to secure their status as the most powerful under their ruler. Hell, they would take the throne for themselves if it would not cause even more issues.

I watched in awe as Alessia fought the team of five men. She spun on her heel, moving with the grace of a dancer rather than a fighter, but her blows struck like a true warrior's. It was clear none of those men were a match for her. Not even together.

Her fighting style was a mixture of Westerosi and Dothraki. I would say that once she develops further skill and has battle experience, she will be one of the most dangerous fighters in the world. Perhaps I should offer to show her Pentoshi styles of fighting as well.

"Prince Alios!" Someone called.

I turned and saw King Robb Stark coming in my direction. I bowed my head out of respect, which was not something I was used to doing. I am still used to having people bow to me, not having to do things the other way around. I cannot complain, though. Doing this means I get to survive.

"Welcome back, Your Grace," I greeted.

There was a look of anger hidden in Robb's eyes, and I assumed Alessia's letter about his mother's failures had reached him before he arrived. I did think it was impressive that he was keeping his cool. I am not sure that I could.

What Alessia failed to realise last night that it was not just that Catelyn Stark had released a valuable prisoner for a foolish reason. That decision has weakened Robb's position in the war. It is entirely possible that House Lannister was hesitating in battle because they were worried about such a valued member. 

Now they are free to do what they want, including killing Northern hostages and even her own sister. Robb does not have anyone of enough value to stop such actions anymore. It would be quite politically cunning of the Westerosi king to kill Alessia's sister once Jaime Lannister returns home. He could then cover it up and allow the North to keep fighting, just to crush their hopes and force errors if things were looking particularly bad.

"How long has Alessia been training for?" Robb asked.

"Hours," I said. "She has been filled with anger since last night." I noticed his worry for his sister. "I would not fear for her safety. Rather, I would fear for the safety of the men who dare to train with her. She has been knocking them down all morning."

"I wish I had her freedom."

It was such a simple, short statement, but it carried a lot of meaning behind it. Being in charge is hard, no matter who you are. Going to war to save your family must be even harder. Then you really realise how many lives depend on you. You see how many people rely on you to keep their families alive.