[New functions available.]
[Soul Absorption: Any life taken by you or your subordinates leaves behind pure Soul Power.][Soul Power: 0]
[Current Magic Fluctuation: Weak]
[Basic Magic Exchange List:]
Magic Armor:Summons a force-field barrier. Deflects magic, mimics chainmail against physical attacks. Weak vs. Piercing.[Cost: 10 Soul Power / Activation: 1 Soul Power / Limit: 3x daily]
Burning Hand:A fan of orange-red flame erupts from your palm. Range: 10 feet. Duration: 5 seconds.[Cost: 10 Soul Power / Activation: 1 Soul Power / Limit: 3x daily]
Enchanted Blade:Infuses your weapon with elemental power. Lasts 30 mins. Damages magical entities.[Cost: 10 Soul Power / Activation: 1 Soul Power / Limit: 5x daily]
I didn't even have time to geek out over the new system update before a small cavalry unit caught my eye.
The guy in the lead was Ser Cleos Frey. He'd grown up at Casterly Rock, and you could tell he had that pinched, nervous look of a guy who was always the smallest dog in the yard. His brown hair was thinning, and he looked way too happy for a guy carrying a suicide note.
I knew who he was. After the Whispering Wood, I'd made a point to walk through the prisoner camp just to see the "celebrities." There was the Kingslayer, looking like a caged god; Willem Lannister, who looked like he'd given up on life; and then there was Cleos, who just sat there muttering to himself.
He was currently heading to King's Landing to deliver Robb's "peace terms" to Cersei.
Honestly? It was a joke. Robb wanted total independence, the return of Ned's body and sword, and an exchange for his sisters. If I'd been in the inner circle sooner, I would've told Robb to trade the minor Lannister cousins just for Sansa. One kid for another. It wouldn't have been a guarantee, but it was better than asking for the moon.
As for Arya? I knew that girl. She was already halfway to Harrenhal by now, playing "tough survivor." I thought about sending someone to find her, but that was a fool's errand. The Lannister raiding parties were burning everything between here and there. I'd just have to trust that her "main character energy" would pull her through.
Robb was the one in real danger. If he tripped, he was dragging me and my entire house down with him.
"Let's move," I told my guys as the messenger party vanished into the distance.
I headed back to the Karstark camp. I had a plan to farm some Soul Power by "suggesting" some trial-by-combat matches for the prisoners. No execution, just "voluntary" fighting. Robb couldn't complain about that, right?
Ever since that red comet showed up, everyone had a different theory. The Northern soldiers thought it was a banner of revenge for Ned Stark. The Riverrun guys thought the tail looked like a trout, signaling victory.
Personally? I just saw fire.
My "cheap" father, Rickard, had finally crawled out of the Godswood. He was back in command, which meant he was ready to burn, kill, and plunder his way through the Westerlands. That gave me the perfect cover to "take a few days off" and "clear my head."
Instead, I took Abel and Dita and shadowed Theon Greyjoy.
Theon was acting like he'd already won the war. To pay for his "diplomatic mission" to the Iron Islands, he'd hooked up with three merchant convoys, charging them a "protection fee" to ride with him. He was rolling in silver stags, and he spent every bit of it on wine and women.
A few days later, we hit Fairmarket. It was a bustling trade hub near the Blue Fork, full of shops, taverns, and "entertainment." Soldiers and merchants flocked here to blow off steam.
Theon was out for a stroll, looking for the famous Tulip Tavern. He was supposed to be with Patrek Mallister, but Patrek's dad, the Lord of Seagard clearly didn't want his son hanging out with a "squid" in front of the troops. The Mallisters hated the Ironborn; their whole castle was built just to keep guys like Theon's family out.
I watched from the shadows, dressed in ragged leather armor and a dusty cloak. I looked like just another mercenary guard.
Theon was walking down the cobblestone street, looking annoyed, until he saw her.
She was a knockout. Shimmering red hair, bright blue gown, and skin like cream. She looked like a lost princess. When she saw Theon, she did a little "shy" routine, blushing and looking down.
Theon, being the narcissist he is, took the bait instantly. He straightened his expensive clothes the ones he bought to show off to his dad and walked over with his best "I'm a big deal" smirk.
"My lady," he purred. "Theon Greyjoy, at your service. Foster brother to the King, heir to the Iron Islands. Might I have the honor?"
The girl giggled, extending a rose. She didn't say a word, just led him toward a quiet courtyard by the hand.
Theon was probably already imagining the "passionate gasps." He followed her through a gate, and CLANG it shut behind him.
The last thing he saw was the girl's shy expression turning into a bored frown.
THUD.
I stepped out from the shadows as Abel dropped the heavy club. Theon went limp.
"This guy says he's the King's brother," the girl said, her voice totally flat now. "I'm raising the price. At least one gold dragon."
Dita Calandre stepped forward, her hand on her sword. She looked at me for the call.
"Give it to her," I said. "Then tie her up and gag her. I don't need any witnesses."
Abel didn't waste time. He slapped the girl hard enough to knock her out and started tying both of them up. He stuffed a dirty handkerchief into the girl's mouth while Dita tucked a gold dragon into her tunic.
"Drag him inside," I ordered.
Inside the stone room, I watched as Abel dumped a bucket of cold water over Theon's head.
The Ironborn sputtered, his eyes snapping open. "Do you have any idea who you're messing with?!" he screamed before he could even see where he was. "I'm—"
SLAP.
I hit him hard enough to rattle his teeth. "I know exactly who you are, Theon. Save the 'noble' speech for someone who gives a damn. You're just a prisoner now."
Theon's eyes finally focused. He recognized me. "Eddard Karstark?! What the hell is this? I didn't do anything to you!"
"It's not about what you did, Theon," I said, leaning into the light. "It's about what you're going to do. I'm going to make you disappear. As long as the world thinks you're 'missing,' your dad will have to think twice about invading the North. Maybe I'll even save the Stark kids from the mess you were about to make."