Outside the forest, dozens of miles from the Twins, the afternoon wind felt like a gentle caress, lulling one to sleep.
Eddard blinked, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, as he whispered to a magpie with feathers of blue-purple, black, and white—a whisper no one else could hear.
Clad in his usual armor, Eddard had forty warriors at his back, all fully armed and preparing their weapons, javelins, and bows.
Nearby, a group of warhorses grazed leisurely in the open space outside the forest.
"Lord Eddard, are we not attacking yet?" asked Lyman Frey, his expression a mix of reluctance and excitement. "The scouts assured us that those bandits, carrying their loot, have entered this forest. They're likely camped in a cave or clearing."
"If we act quickly, we can catch them off guard!"
In recent days, Lyman had provided valuable intelligence on bandits twice. Eddard's formidable combat prowess had become legendary; leading his soldiers against bandits was like slicing through butter.
Both missions were completed without a scratch, and the heads displayed on the city walls had spread word of Eddard's capabilities throughout the Twins.
Hearing Lyman's urging, Eddard turned to him, his eyes cold yet smiling. "We will fight, but when and how is my decision, understand?"
Through the magpie, Eddard had seen at least a hundred bandits hidden in the forest. Their mismatched armor, varied weapons, and grimy appearance marked them as lawless marauders.
A real bandit gang wouldn't gather so many people in one place, as it would attract attention and consume resources. Typically, they scattered to plunder their territories.
Unless someone had united them for something significant—likely Walder Frey's doing.
Eddard suspected Walder's motives. He had only earned a few dozen gold dragons from him, and most of his warriors had barely been promoted to [Northern Soldier]. Was the old man already impatient?
Eddard's smile held no warmth, and Lyman felt a chill run down his spine. Quickly, he said, "Of course, it's up to you. I was just reminding you."
"Hmm." Eddard nodded, then called, "Abel, Dita, Konn, come here."
The three immediately joined Eddard, huddling with him as he outlined the battle plan, drawing in the dirt with a branch. When finished, they turned their unfriendly gazes on Lyman.
Without further comment, they organized three ten-person squads, fully armed, and headed into the forest from different directions.
The magpie on Eddard's shoulder took flight, disappearing into the trees. Eddard closed his eyes, and the remaining ten soldiers stood still.
Lyman didn't understand this strategy, feeling awkward as he waited.
After half an hour, Eddard opened his eyes and said to Lyman, "Sir, stay and watch the horses. The upcoming battle is dangerous, and if you're hurt, I can't explain it to Lord Walder."
"Good, good, I understand," Lyman agreed, relieved, and slowly walked towards the warhorses.
His task was merely to lure Eddard's troops into the forest; other arrangements were already in place.
"Let's go!" Eddard commanded, taking his greatshield and battle-axe, along with a bag of short javelins, and led his men into the dense forest.
The forest was filled with the scent of decaying leaves, and dry branches cracked underfoot. Sunlight barely penetrated the dense foliage, creating a gloomy atmosphere.
"Whoosh" "Whoosh" "Whoosh"
Suddenly, arrows whistled through the air, as twenty to thirty dark projectiles shot from the bushes.
Before the first wave landed, archers in the shadows unleashed another volley.
Simultaneously, dozens of bandits emerged, brandishing weapons and charging in chaos.
Their leaders shouted, rallying their men. "Charge!" "Avenge our fallen!" "Seize their armor!"
"Shields up!" Eddard shouted, raising his greatshield. The shield, lined with tough hide and steel, deflected the arrows, which fell harmlessly to the ground.
"Javelins!" Eddard called, pulling a short javelin from his waist and flinging it with expert precision.
The javelin pierced a bandit wearing worn chainmail, pinning him to the ground.
In quick succession, more javelins struck down bandits, some dying instantly, others collapsing with horrific screams.
"Save me!" "Help, Rotten Tooth!" But no one heeded their cries. Panic spread among the bandits, quickening their pace.
Even the leader, while shouting encouragement, lagged behind, using his comrades as shields.
Eddard's soldiers unleashed a second volley of javelins, felling more bandits. Then, Eddard drew his battle-axe, ready for the charge.
As the two sides neared contact, the squads led by Dita Kalander and Karas Snow appeared from the forest flanks.
"Charge!" "Don't let any escape!" their voices rang out, as soldiers brandishing great axes, swords, and spears rushed forward.
Even in armor, their speed outpaced the bandits, quickly surrounding nearly a hundred.
The clash erupted. In moments, over a dozen bandits fell.
Eddard advanced, roaring fiercely, his greatshield knocking down foes like dominoes.
His battle-axe cleaved a bandit's head, showering Eddard's face with blood and brains.
Spitting blood, Eddard's movements quickened. His shield blocked a spear, and his axe struck an enemy's chest, splitting ribs and heart.
A sword swung at Eddard's neck but was deflected by a magical force field. The bandit's grin turned to terror as his arm and neck were severed.
Another bandit lunged with a dagger, but Eddard kicked him away, knocking down two more before the man collapsed, unconscious.
Seeing Eddard's ferocity, bandits fled, only to be cut down by pursuing soldiers.
Konn, agile and swift, led his men around the archers, catching them off guard.
As the frontlines engaged, Konn's charge decimated the archers. Those who resisted were quickly slain.
Someone shouted, "Run! We can't beat them!" The remaining bandits scattered, fleeing desperately.
"Chase!" Konn ordered, throwing his axe to kill another man before retrieving it and pursuing the fleeing bandits.
Each head was worth ten silver moons; three heads equaled one gold dragon. Killing bandits was akin to robbery, and these southern lords were affluent.
Konn, recently extravagant, pursued with fanaticism.
Screams echoed through the forest, fading quickly.
The battle ended.
Eddard watched his men collect heads, glancing at the system with dissatisfaction.
Despite strategic planning, magic use, and his own ferocity, one man still died.