The first training session for the Wolf Cavalry was actually very simple—archery.
Most of them were already elite soldiers produced through strict training. Even if they weren't masters of riding or swordsmanship, they had at least reached a high level of proficiency. Trying to further improve their individual combat ability through training was extremely difficult—this was the so-called law of diminishing returns.
So Robb focused more on training these Wolf Cavalry soldiers in military tactics.
Once numbers came into play, the advantages of tactics would naturally reveal themselves. As long as they were trained properly, these fewer than three hundred Wolf Cavalry could even kill three hundred Mountain That Rides!
No matter how hard they trained their individual skills, however, it would be impossible for them to survive five rounds in a one-on-one fight against the Mountain. That was precisely where the charm of tactics lay.
Today was the first day. Robb intended to give this unit what it lacked most through training—absolute obedience to military orders.
Leading the soldiers on horseback into the forest near Moat Cailin Bay, Robb raised the bow in his hand and shouted to them:
"Obeying orders is a soldier's foremost duty. Now I will announce the Wolf Cavalry's first military order. Do you see the whistling arrow in my hand? This is a specially made arrow of mine. When it's fired, it produces a sound like a whistle."
"From now on, whenever my whistling arrow is released, every arrow in your hands must be fired along with it. No matter who the target is, no matter when it happens. Anyone who violates this order—death penalty!"
As Robb spoke, he noticed that some of the Wolf Cavalry still looked a little confused, so he immediately drew his bow to a full moon, preparing to give them a live demonstration.
Whoosh!
Wheee—!
The whistling arrow shot out, its sharp, piercing sound echoing through the forest.
The Wolf Cavalry shuddered in their hearts. They immediately scrambled to raise their bows and fire in the direction of Robb's whistling arrow. Even though they didn't understand the meaning behind it, following orders was enough.
"Very good. Not a single one of you fell behind," Robb said with a satisfied nod. "It seems you've fully understood what I said just now. I hope you remember this firmly, because it concerns your lives."
The praised Wolf Cavalry all wore rather proud expressions on their faces.
After that, Robb led his men roaming through the forest. Whenever they spotted prey, he would fire a whistling arrow, and hundreds of arrows behind him would immediately follow. Very few animals could escape such a dense rain of arrows.
The moment the prey fell, Grey Wind—the enormous direwolf of the frozen plains—would instantly dash out, clamp it in his jaws, and drag it back, placing it beneath Robb's horse as if asking for praise.
"Well done! Well done!"
Robb was in an excellent mood and praised them repeatedly. "Carve your own marks onto your arrows. After today's hunt, I'll collect every arrow from the prey. Whoever hits the most will receive one Gold Dragon!"
"Stark forever! Robb forever!"
The Wolf Cavalry hadn't expected their lord to be this generous. Today's wave after wave of money-based incentives nearly threw them headfirst into the money pit, never to climb out again.
This money was just too easy to earn!
Every Wolf Cavalry soldier was secretly delighted.
The hunting soon came to an end. Seeing that the sky was about to darken, Robb prepared to lead the Wolf Cavalry back to Moat Cailin Bay.
That evening, Robb honored his promise from the day. He called over the Wolf Cavalryman who had hit the most prey and, in front of everyone, handed him a Gold Dragon.
That Wolf Cavalryman's hands trembled with excitement. With this Gold Dragon, he could replace all the armor on his body with brand-new gear!
With the rewards distributed, the first day of training ended just like that—without incident, even peaceful and steady.
Everyone slept soundly, looking forward to another competition like this the next day, imagining how they would spend their time freely and lavishly after winning a Gold Dragon.
Early the next morning, Robb did not disappoint them. He brought Grey Wind and the Wolf Cavalry back into the forest of Moat Cailin Bay to continue hunting.
But today, their coordination was clearly much better. The moment Robb's arrow left the string, countless arrows behind him followed instantly. The Wolf Cavalry's reactions were several times faster than yesterday.
Seeing their current performance, Robb felt very satisfied. Good—it was time to give them a small test.
When Grey Wind once again dragged back a small deer, Robb didn't stay on horseback. Instead, he dismounted with his bow to inspect the prey. Then, without warning, he raised his bow, aimed at the horse he had just been riding, and fired a whistling arrow.
Whoosh!
Whoosh whoosh whoosh!
Most of the Wolf Cavalry hesitated not at all, releasing their arrows toward Robb's horse. The poor animal was instantly turned into a porcupine.
However, three Wolf Cavalrymen reacted half a beat too slowly. They hesitated, confused—wasn't that Lord Robb's mount? Were they really supposed to shoot it to death?
By the time they came to their senses and prepared to nock their arrows, they realized that everyone's gaze had turned toward them. The Wolf Cavalry who had been beside them had silently moved away, leaving the three of them surrounded in the center.
The three men were scared out of their wits. They looked around desperately for Robb, stammering in panic, "M-my lord… I… I didn't mean to…"
Robb said nothing and walked straight up to them.
His face was expressionless. "You are soldiers making a mistake for the first time, so I'll give you a special privilege."
"Th-thank you for your mercy."
"No, no, you've misunderstood. This is not a pardon of your death sentence. I'll give the three of you a chance to duel. All three of you, together. As long as you can kill me, I'll spare you."
Robb's arrogant words stunned everyone present. Theon was the first to step forward in opposition. "Robb, you can't do this—"
"Shut up!"
Robb cut Theon off, speaking in an icy tone. "You are a Wolf Cavalryman now. Remember your identity. Do not do anything beyond your station. I won't remind you a second time."
Theon was frightened into silence by Robb's emotionless gaze. Seeing this, the other Wolf Cavalry didn't dare say another word.
The three Wolf Cavalrymen looked at each other. They knew they had no way out and could only gamble everything.
Attacking a noble was also a capital crime on the continent of Westeros—but not acting now was a capital crime as well!
Since death was inevitable either way, they might as well die like warriors.
Besides, there were three of them, all cavalry, while the other side had dismounted. Their chances were actually quite high!
How could infantry fight cavalry? The advantage was on their side!
The duel began. The other Wolf Cavalry spread out, clearing space so the four of them could fight honorably.
The three Wolf Cavalrymen took up their stances, grabbed their lances, tucked them under their arms, and charged toward Robb Stark in the distance, seeking one last chance at survival from the man who intended to take their lives.
Hooves thundered in unison, sounding like rolling thunder. Yet Robb, standing before them, did not move an inch, as if he were waiting to die, waiting for the lances to pierce his body.
The other Wolf Cavalry felt their hearts tighten, afraid that something might happen to Robb.
When the warhorses were only five meters away from him, Robb suddenly moved.
He leapt high into the air, and crimson lightning suddenly erupted around his body!
Twisted red lightning coursed over Robb's form, gathering toward his hands. The electric glow surged, thunder scattered in all directions, gradually condensing into a long blade of red lightning!
[Lansseax's Glaive]
[A prayer that manifests the power of the ancient dragon Lansseax, capable of summoning a red lightning blade that sweeps from the air. Each slash releases thunder and lightning.]
Looking at the three Wolf Cavalrymen right in front of him, their faces filled with disbelief and terror as if they had seen a ghost, Robb swung the red lightning blade in his hand without the slightest hesitation.
...
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"Game of Thrones: Dragon Prince"
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(End Chapter)