The Stark Shadow

The cold northern air bit sharply as the gates of Castle Black creaked open. Rickard Stark rode at the head of his retinue, his expression as stern and unyielding as the Wall itself. Behind him followed Eddard, Brandon, Benjen, and Talion, flanked by soldiers of Winterfell. The men of the Night's Watch stood at attention, their faces marked by a mixture of wariness and weariness, their black cloaks blending into the somber landscape. 

The Lord Commander, Qorgyle, stepped forward to greet them, his breath clouding in the chill. Before any pleasantries could be exchanged, Rickard dismounted, his eyes hard and his tone colder than the wind. 

"Wildlings were spotted south of the Wall," Rickard said, his voice sharp and direct. "Too close to Winterfell for comfort. Tell me, Qorgyle, how did they slip past your watch?" 

The Lord Commander's jaw tightened, but he inclined his head, gesturing toward his chambers. "Come, my lord. We'll discuss this in private." 

Rickard nodded curtly and strode after him, leaving the rest of the party to survey the shadowed expanse of Castle Black. Talion turned to Eddard and Benjen, who lingered nearby, curiosity etched on their faces. 

"Come," Eddard said, motioning to Talion. "Let us show you the Wall." 

The trio moved through the yard, where men of the Watch practiced with swords and shields. Their strikes were erratic, their movements clumsy. Talion watched in silence, his discerning gaze noting the lack of discipline and cohesion. 

"Most of these men are criminals," Eddard explained as they walked. "Murderers, thieves, and deserters. They take the black to avoid the axe, but many have little experience in battle." 

Talion nodded, his expression neutral. "It shows." 

Benjen led them to the lift, its chains clanking as it hauled them skyward. As they reached the top of the Wall, the sheer scale of the icy barrier took Talion's breath. The horizon stretched endlessly in every direction, the wilderness beyond a vast, untamed expanse of snow and shadow. 

Eddard grinned as he stepped onto the parapet. "What do you think, Talion? It's said there's nothing like it in all the Seven Kingdoms." 

Talion's gaze swept across the northern expanse, unease prickling at the edges of his mind. "It is a marvel," he admitted, though his voice carried a heavy undertone. 

Benjen, curious, pressed further. "Have you ever seen anything like it?" 

Talion considered the question, memories of the Black Gate stirring within him. "Not like this, no," he said after a moment. "Where I come from, we had defenses, but they were nothing like this Wall. We relied too much on peace, believing the darkness would never return. When the Uruks came, we were unprepared. They struck with a fury that peace had made us too weak to withstand." 

Eddard and Benjen fell silent, his words a sobering reminder of the price of complacency. Talion turned to them, his expression grave. 

"This Wall is strong," he said, "but those who defend it must have the will to act. Without it, even the mightiest fortress will fall." 

Benjen's jaw tightened, determination flaring in his young eyes. "The men of the Night's Watch may be criminals, but they're also legends. They guard the realms of men, and I will stand among them one day." 

Talion studied Benjen, seeing the spark of resolve that belied his youth. He placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "It is a noble choice," he said. "If that is truly the path you choose, I will help you prepare for it." 

Benjen nodded, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you, Talion." 

Benjen and Eddard exchanged a glance, their youthful curiosity tempered by the weight of Talion's words. Eddard broke the silence, his voice soft. "Tell us more—about the Black Gate, and what you faced there." 

Talion sat on the cold stone, gesturing for them to join him. The vast emptiness of the north stretched before them as he began his tale, his voice steady despite the sorrow that clung to his words. 

"A storm raged the night they came," he began. "The Uruks, creatures of darkness, attacked without warning. My son, Dirhael, and I fought side by side to hold them off. I sent him to find my wife, Ioreth, to protect her." 

His voice faltered briefly, but he continued. "I found her later, hiding in the Great Hall. I tried to clear a path for her escape, but then I heard her cry out. When I turned, the Tower of Sauron had her at swordpoint." 

Eddard and Benjen leaned closer, their expressions rapt. 

"The Tower ordered me to drop my weapon," Talion continued. "I obeyed, but I was ambushed by the Hammer of Sauron. He crushed my hand and beat me nearly to death before they dragged me to the top of the Black Gate." 

He paused, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "The Black Hand of Sauron was there. He... he slit the throats of my wife and son before my eyes, chanting in a dark tongue I didn't understand. Then he turned his blade on me." 

The silence that followed was heavy, broken only by the faint whistle of the wind. Eddard and Benjen exchanged a glance, their young faces etched with sorrow. 

Talion stood, his voice steady as he looked out over the Wall. "I was bound to vengeance," he said. "But vengeance alone is not enough. It is what you choose to fight for that defines you. Remember that, Benjen, when your time comes." 

Benjen nodded, his resolve unwavering. "I will stand against the darkness, as you have." 

A faint smile touched Talion's lips. "Then you are already on the right path."