Deepwood Motte.
About twenty kilometers to the north lay a horseshoe-shaped beach that curved from the mainland into the waters of the Bay of Ice.
At low tide, the exposed stretch of sand extended for eight or nine kilometers.
Because of this, Horseshoe Beach was the closest point for ships traveling to and from Bear Island.
It was morning.
The weather was clear, sunlight bright, and a gentle sea breeze drifted in.
In the distance, the steady crash of waves echoed across the shore, putting Galon in a relaxed mood as he reined in his horse on the sand.
Behind him, fifteen soldiers, each leading a second mount, also gazed out at the sea in silence, waiting for the visitors from Bear Island.
After his last patrol of Sea Dragon Point, Galon had sent word to Winterfell about the Ironborn landing there.
When Robb received the message, a letter from Bear Island arrived at the same time.
Lady Maege Mormont reported that Ironborn had landed on Bear Island, killed two people, and then fled.
By then, Lady Mormont had already learned of Theon Greyjoy's death in Winterfell.
In her letter, she wrote that she suspected the Iron Islands were seeking revenge for Theon and believed this group was only an advance force.
Robb was greatly alarmed when he read it.
He had not expected the Iron Islands' retaliation to come so quickly.
After careful discussion with Maester Luwin, Robb sent letters to both Deepwood Motte and Bear Island, urging them to strengthen defenses and share information.
If Ironborn were encountered, there was to be no mercy. Strike first.
After receiving Robb's reply, Galon and Maege Mormont independently wrote to each other to exchange intelligence.
And so, Maege Mormont's visit to Deepwood Motte came about.
After waiting for another half hour, a black speck appeared on the blue sea.
Galon shaded his eyes and looked closely, soon making out an oared warship with a banner flying from its mast: a black bear on a green field.
The sigil of House Mormont.
The ship drew closer.
When it neared Horseshoe Beach, Galon swung down from his horse and walked toward the shoreline.
Roger, the guard captain recently returned from Winterfell, followed with five men.
The others stayed behind to watch the horses.
Before long, the Mormont warship ran aground.
A short, powerfully built woman with gray hair leapt from the deck.
"Lady Mormont."
Galon stepped forward with a smile.
The moment Maege Mormont saw him, surprise flashed across her face.
Compared to half a year ago, Galon looked like a different man entirely.
She exclaimed, "Galon, it's only been half a year, and you've changed so much. You've grown tall and strong."
"No wonder your name has reached Bear Island. The Bear Slayer."
When she said the title, satisfaction appeared on her face, as if she were pleased that Gawen had such a son.
"If I had a choice, I would rather not fight bears at all," Galon said with a shrug, his tone easy. "That time was far too dangerous."
After Jorah Mormont fled into exile, Maege became the head of House Mormont and chose to strengthen ties with House Glover.
Their lands both bordered the Bay of Ice. For centuries, they had depended on one another, standing together against Ironborn raids.
The bond between the two houses ran deep.
In fact, had Gawen not sought a match with House Stark, Maege had once considered marrying her daughter to Galon.
Among all the houses of the North, Bear Island was House Glover's staunchest ally, without question.
That was why Galon spoke to her without formality, openly and honestly.
Maege laughed heartily, like a man, and slapped Galon's solid arm.
"A man shouldn't fear danger. Come to Bear Island sometime. I'll teach you how to hunt bears myself."
At that moment, several more members of House Mormont jumped down from the ship.
At their head was a slender, black-haired woman Galon had seen before at Gawen's funeral: Dacey Mormont.
Behind her followed a girl of eight or nine with the same black hair.
Maege turned and introduced them. "My eldest daughter, Dacey. You've met her before."
Then she gestured to the younger girl. "And this is my youngest, Lyanna."
Galon nodded to Dacey with a smile, then looked at the famous young She-Bear with clear admiration.
In the original tales, Lyanna Mormont was mentioned only briefly, but later stories had made her unforgettable.
Her fearless words when she chose to support Jon Snow, and her courage in battle against a giant, left a deep impression on Galon.
He smiled at her and said, "Lady Lyanna, welcome to Deepwood Motte."
Lyanna looked up at Galon with curiosity. Thinking of his title, her eyes shone with admiration.
She returned the greeting with confidence. "Good day, Lord Galon."
Galon smiled again, then turned back to Maege. "Lady Mormont, let us return to Deepwood Motte and speak in detail there."
Maege nodded in agreement.
The Mormont warship would remain here for the night. When Maege returned the next day, they would sail back to Bear Island.
With Mormont soldiers guarding the ship, there was no worry it might vanish.
Galon led the Mormonts ashore.
Soon after, the Deepwood Motte soldiers handed extra reins to Maege and her family.
They mounted up, with Lyanna riding together with her sister Dacey.
Once everything was ready, Galon led the group toward Deepwood Motte.
After four hours of riding, they reached the North Bailey.
As they entered, a hundred-man unit competition was underway.
One force was led by Jon Snow, the other by Ron Glover.
The two formations faced each other.
At Robett's signal, both sides shifted rapidly into different formations and began probing attacks.
Jon's unit sent twenty soldiers forward, spears raised, forming a sharp wedge that drove toward Ron's line.
Ron's unit held steady. Fifty men formed a shield wall, blocking the assault.
The remaining fifty split into two groups, pushing in from both flanks toward Jon's center.
Seeing his attack stalled, Jon remained calm and sent his remaining men to intercept the flanking forces.
The formations twisted like a whirlpool, pulling everyone into the clash.
The two units collided, fighting at close quarters.
Spectators around the field beat swords against shields, cheering for their favored side.
"Fight! Fight! Fight!"
The roar was deafening.
The moment Maege Mormont entered the North Bailey, her blood surged at the sight. She stared in astonishment.
"Galon, what is this?"
Galon explained, "I fear the Ironborn may strike at any time, so I've begun drilling my men in earnest."
Maege frowned. "Aren't you afraid they'll be injured training like this?"
Galon answered solemnly, "I would rather they be injured in training than die on the battlefield."
"And besides, men of the North do not fear pain."
Maege nodded repeatedly. "True. We Northerners are not soft southern nobles."
Galon gestured toward the still-clashing formations and asked with a smile, "Lady Mormont, what do you think of my troops?"
She watched the two units shout and struggle against each other and sighed. "The soldiers of Deepwood Motte can truly be called formidable."
"Even the Tallharts of Torrhen's Square would be no better."
Had she not known this was a drill, and that most of the weapons were wooden, she would have thought it a battle to the death.
Both formations held firm. Even in the fiercest clashes, neither collapsed into chaos.
Their commanders shouted orders constantly, applying tactics and forcing the other side to reveal its hand.
Galon laughed aloud.
"Haha."
"You flatter me, truly."
Seeing that neither side would decide matters quickly, he turned his horse.
"Lady Mormont, please come with me. We won't disturb them for now."
Maege nodded and followed him toward the South Bailey.
Dacey and Lyanna watched the contest with bright, excited eyes, reluctant to leave.
Only after Maege called them several times did they finally ride on, looking back with regret.
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