Eddard Karstark had learned a little about the Brotherhood Without Banners, a group whose reputation was whispered across the Riverlands. Even in this altered timeline, their notoriety preceded them.
It was difficult for the Lord of Light, R'hllor, to resurrect the same person repeatedly without drawing attention, and yet here they were. Still, their first meeting was slightly awkward.
In the dense forest, Eddard's gaze fell upon Berry Dondelion, the one-eyed man whose tattered clothes fluttered in the breeze. The Lord of Blackport had suffered much recently, and the scars were evident. Beside him stood a Red Priest—likely Thoros of Myr—whose weathered, haggard face radiated devotion to his god.
In the distance, thirteen men in threadbare armor, clutching rusty weapons, hid among the trees, guarding McKen and his three companions. Their vigilance spoke of desperation as much as loyalty. On the other side, Angai, who had recently won the archery championship, held a longbow taller than himself. His cold stare bored into Eddard, and word had it he had squandered ten thousand gold dragons on Chataya's brothel. If Eddard had the time, he would have asked, "How on earth did you spend it all?"
"Gentlemen, I am here," Eddard said, his tone sharp as he stroked Black Feather perched on his shoulder. "Release my other four subordinates, ask what you will, and then decide carefully on the reason you'll use to convince me to spare you, the thirteen men behind you, and that archery champion."
Black Feather screeched hoarsely from the side. For some reason, after Eddard had bonded with this raven using his Animal Friend skill, the bird had grown attached to him. Not only did it follow him daily, but it had even learned to speak—a fact that left even Scholar Bennet puzzled. Still, it was advantageous, and Eddard let it be.
Thoros's face broke into a serene smile. "Respected Lord Eddard, may the Lord of Light bless your kindness. Do not be angry. Our identities are special, and we must weigh many considerations before acting. Our methods of invitation may lack formality."
An entire night, plus most of the following day, had been enough for Eddard to extract valuable information from the four Northmen. There was little else to do: a slight provocation would incite the crude Northmen to retort, and inadvertently, Eddard's image in Thoros's mind had become richer.
Berry Dondelion was the second son of House Karstark, Hand of the King to Robb Stark, and commander of the River Crossing Legion—a future Earl of Golden Tooth. He had gained fame by killing Ser Fowler Prester of Feast Hall, and later personally slaying Ser Kevan's son. Then there was the "Mountain" everyone in the Brotherhood feared—Gregor Clegane.
Despite his brutal reputation, Clegane's character held an unexpected depth. Though cruel to his enemies, he showed kindness to commoners. He had recently led troops to eradicate bandits, and after a clash with House Frey, he had restrained his soldiers from plundering Twin River City and nearby villages. In Westeros, such behavior was rare.
"Less talk. Your Lord of Light won't bless me, and probably doesn't care whether he looks my way," Eddard said, frowning. "Let us get to the point." He was busy and could not afford to waste time. Initially, he had been tempted to charge and eliminate them all at once. Damn it—they were interfering at a critical moment! But after a moment's thought, he abandoned the idea. For the sake of his four subordinates—and the Lord of Light—he would meet them. Yet if their explanation failed to satisfy him, Eddard had already decided on hard labor and, after the battle, exile to the Wall to confront wights.
Berry's one remaining eye, sharp and piercing, softened slightly as he spoke. "Lord Eddard, if you answer my question, the Brotherhood Without Banners can help you fight House Tarly. An army of over ten thousand is advancing along the King's Road. Their target is either Karin Bay or Twin River City. We can ambush their supply train and alleviate your pressure."
He had carefully considered the consequences. If Eddard Karstark were honorable, they would have an ally. If he were corrupt, they would invoke the Lord of Light's judgment with fire and sword. Observing Eddard now, it was clear his intentions fell into the former category. His anger eased slightly at the prospect of reinforcements.
"How many men do you have?" Eddard asked cautiously.
"A little over a hundred—thirty-some cavalry, sixty or seventy infantry," Berry replied swiftly. Then he challenged Eddard directly: "Did Gregor Clegane truly die by your hand? Where are his bones? I must see them!"
Eddard clicked his tongue, slightly annoyed. "If you wish to see the corpse, you will need to travel to Dorne. I gifted that monster to Prince Martell. And even if it were nearby, it's been far too long. Common sense should tell you that bones aren't kept indefinitely, even in the wilderness."
Berry's frown deepened. Without seeing the bones, the truth could not settle in his heart. Clegane had been an insurmountable obstacle. Berry had once been tasked by the Hand of the King to pursue the Mountain, only to face ambushes and failures, losing an eye along the way. With the Riverlands pacified, their bandits dispersed, and now, news of Eddard's victory over Clegane reached Berry, drawing him to Twin River City.
Breaking the silence, Eddard said, "I have many responsibilities. I cannot waste more time here. Do not bother with ambushes. Remain in Twin River City. Once I begin communicating with Prince Martell, the truth will reveal itself."
The city's forces were stretched thin. Though the Brotherhood acted aggressively, they were ultimately reliable. Their presence could strengthen the city's defense. Thoros leaned toward Berry, speaking in a low voice that Eddard's keen hearing caught.
"Berry, you can trust him."
"Wouldn't that confine our brothers?"
"No, we have nowhere else. Our supplies are scarce, our weapons old, and our food won't last. Twin River City is a temporary haven."
"I do not know him. I do not trust him."
"I trust him. His soldiers speak of him with reverence. He prevents plunder. That is a rare quality."
After a tense pause, Berry relented. "Very well, Thoros. I trust your judgment."
Their mutual reliance, forged through faith in the Lord of Light and survival instincts, allowed the negotiation to succeed. When they approached Eddard again, Thoros bowed elaborately. "Respected Lord Eddard, we accept your invitation to aid in the coming battle. We only ask to be treated as equals."
Eddard understood the meaning: they would not serve as expendable cannon fodder. A slight smile played across his lips. "Worry not. You will receive the same treatment as my soldiers. Perform well, and you may claim your bounty and return home in peace."
Having amassed wealth from the Frey family's centuries-old holdings, Eddard was generous when it mattered. The addition of a hundred or so troops to Twin River City's defense was a boon.
Thoros's gray-blue eyes sparkled mischievously as he snapped his fingers. The previously hidden captives emerged, unharmed, along with their mounts. Abel and the others took McKen and his companions.
"My Lord!" McKen, gray-haired and humbled, knelt with the others. "I failed your trust."
Eddard helped them to their feet. "It was an accident, beyond your control. You fulfilled your duty. Rest now. Theodore has provided horses and food. If all goes well, you must still proceed to Seagard."
McKen's relief was palpable. "My Lord, this time, we will not fail—even at the cost of our lives."
Eddard nodded silently.
Berry added matter-of-factly, "Lord Eddard, a few of your horses were injured by the tripwire. I put them out of their misery. When possible, Blackport will compensate for the loss."
Eddard's expression remained stoic. "I trust you will do so." He gestured toward the men. "Now, report to Twin River City immediately. Time is critical."
With that, Eddard mounted his steed and galloped toward Twin River City, the wind carrying the promise of reinforcements, and a pivotal battle looming on the horizon.
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