Roads to Power

(re-edited chapters) 288AC

"Well, well, well, how is my favorite brother doing?"

Speak of the devil, and she shall come. That was what Nora thought as a grin spread across her face, seeing Damien's aloof demeanor.

Damien had undergone a growth spurt in the past year, far surpassing their father's height now. With his raven dark hair and sharp amethyst eyes, the younger man was coming into his own—his baby fat had melted away, replaced by a strong jaw and a more defined frame. He kept his hair cropped short now, likely for practicality—something Nora couldn't help but notice.

"Hello, Ser Arthur," Nora couldn't help but tease, playfully acknowledging the recent knighthood her brother has earned through the acts of valor he performed throughout the year.

"Lady Nora," Arthur replied, slightly bowing, his lips curling into a smirk.

Alsas, with his expression morphing to a more natural state, finally got down to the nit and gritty. "Father isn't exactly pleased when I told him I was moving on," he said, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "But you expected that, didn't you?"

Nora turned, her attention seemingly focused on her knitting while occasionally drifting toward the row of taverns her brother had built. The structures had taken shape over the past year, a quiet testament to the younger man's ambition and intellect. "Those taverns? They're all yours now. Take care of them. You know the drill—20% of the earnings go to Father as taxes."

 Nora Nodded. "Also, Ellena wanted an embroidered necklace with our house symbol. Can you pick one up for her? I'll be away for a while and miss many of her name days."

Nora hesitated momentarily, his brother's words hanging in the air. "Don't worry, I'll make sure everything is handled. You know I've got you covered in your big sister, after all."

Damien's body seemingly relaxed at the assurance. "What about the men? How many are coming with you?"

Damien's body tensed slightly. "Of the 32 I had recruited over the years, only seven agreed to come."

"Those ungrateful vermin," Nora's voice hardened with frustration. She had watched how Damien had treated them, how he had invested in their training and equipment, raising them from the ground up only to have them abandon him now. "I can't believe they'd leave you behind like this."

Damien, sensing distress, put a calming hand on Nora's shoulder. "No need to get upset on my behalf, beloved sister. We knew some of them wouldn't follow. I can't make them come, and I've already accepted that."

Nora's jaw tightened. "But they should have come. You've done more than enough for them. They owe you."

Damien let out a calming breath, looking away as if considering his words carefully. "Being angry at something you know is coming doesn't change anything. That's truly just wasted energy because, at best, you can only control your three feet zone."

"I still think they should pay for this," Nora mumbled her mind racing with thoughts of retribution. If her brother were to leave, and these men who dared stayed behind... they would learn the hard way. "They should have known better."

Seeing her intentions written across her face, Damien just sighed, but his voice remained steady. "Let it go, Nora. Getting angry won't solve anything. Besides, some of them have families. I understand where they're coming from."

Nora's fists clenched. "So what? Men go to war for their lords, families or not. It's their duty!"

Damien's expression softened, truly touched by her concern and familiar devotion. His tone was reassuring. "I'm not upset about it; I just don't want you making enemies where there don't need to be any."

Noras's voice dropped to a mutter. "I'll be watching them. And if they don't stick to their word..." she let the implication hang.

Damien shook his head, a faint smile crossing his lips. "I'm bringing the best men I could find. Don't worry; those coming with me are ready for whatever's ahead. They've got the finest armor and horses money can buy. And—" He paused, an almost mischievous glint in his eye. "I've even brought along Steffon."

Nora raised an eyebrow. "Steffon?"

"Yes, a Hedge Wizard," Arthur said, clearly proud. "He's not just some wandering fool. He's a skilled healer—good as any Maester. Better, in some ways."

Nora frowned. "A hedge wizard? I don't know, Arthur. Lords don't trust them. They're seen as beneath us."

Damien gave a small, knowing smile. "The smallfolk trust him, and that's all I need. Lyon's been with me before and is as reliable as any healer I've known. Besides, you'd be surprised what some local magic can do when you need it most."

Nora was unconvinced troubled by her brother's safety. "A Maester would be a safer choice. Hedge wizards have... a reputation. They're unpredictable."

Damien's face darkened slightly, his tone becoming more serious. "Steffon accepted my request when I asked. He's trustworthy. And I'm not concerned about reputations regarding saving lives."

The shift in Arthur's demeanor caught Nora off guard. Her brother's usual easy smile was gone, replaced by a sharp edge in his eyes. The playful banter vanished momentarily, and Nora realized the gravity of what his brother was setting out to do. This wasn't just some journey—this was a dangerous undertaking where Damien would need every ounce of strength, cunning, and trust he could gather.

Nora let out a long breath, the weight of the conversation settling over her. She knew her brother was right—anger would only cloud her judgment. But the thought of her little brother walking into the unknown with only half of the men he'd trained, a hedge wizard, and a world of danger waiting for him... It was enough to make Nora feel uneasy.

"Just... be careful out there," Nora finally said, her voice softer.

"I will," Arthur replied, his usual smirk returning, though it now carried an undercurrent of something more profound. "And if I don't make it back... you'll take care of little Ellena for me, won't you?"

"Of course," Nora said, her gaze hardening again, though this time with something like resolve. "You're not getting off that easily. I'll make sure she's well looked after."

A smile flickered onto Damien's face, his eyes momentarily distant. "Good. Because no matter what happens, I know I can count on you."

The weight of their conversation hung as the two siblings stood there, the silence broken only by the faint sounds from the busy town across them.

Damien's journey was only beginning, but Nora knew the road ahead would not be kind. Not for Damien and certainly not for those who failed or crossed him.

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Greyjoy Rebellion soon, yet our protagonist has a business near Lannisport. Numera inspires the next chapter (check them out); also, remember the keywords inspire, not copy. I have a lot of fun new ideas. P.S has my spacing gotten better if not how many lines do you want between each paragraph.