[Golden Parry]
[While praying to the Golden Tree, cause the enemy's blow to deviate and lose balance. This combat technique remains effective even when there is some distance from the enemy.]
A golden inscription manifested in midair. Illusory runes converged, forming a circular sigil. Within the circle, countless golden lines sketched intricate patterns, and at the very center were overlapping, interwoven arcs that drew the eye at once.
That was the mark of the Perfect Golden Order.
The moment this phantom symbol appeared, Greatjon Umber and the old flayer, Roose Bolton—standing closest to Robb—were struck by an overwhelming impulse to kneel down and prostrate themselves in worship.
Thankfully, the illusory emblem lasted only an instant. It immediately erupted into a shockwave before dispersing into the air. Only then did the two manage to suppress the urge to burst into tears, fall to their knees, and confess their sins.
The Golden Parry combat technique deflected every arrow shot toward Roose Bolton. The arrows, having lost all control, scattered in all directions and plunged violently into the ground at the feet of Bolton's horse. Startled, the horse reared up, nearly throwing the old flayer to the ground.
After finally calming the horse, Roose Bolton shot an irritated glance at Robb. He wanted to demand what this meant, yet the words stuck in his throat, leaving him tongue-tied and unable to speak.
He was terrified, fearful, and utterly bewildered.
Just moments earlier, he had clearly seen that among the troops were knights sent out from his own family. So why, in merely a few short days, had those knights cast aside past loyalty and ties, shooting arrows at him without the slightest hesitation?
What exactly had this Robb done?
Had he used magic to control these people?!
Robb still wore his familiar smile. "Hahaha, my apologies, Lord Roose Bolton. Just a little joke. You won't mind, will you?"
Everyone knew it wasn't a joke—it was a warning.
Robb was warning Roose Bolton about his repeated attempts to probe and test him recently.
Roose Bolton was seething inside, so angry he wanted to flay a couple of people alive to vent his rage. But when he glanced at the solemn wolf cavalry beside him, he forcibly squeezed out a smile. "Of course. A very interesting joke."
Greatjon Umber laughed heartily from the side. "Hahaha! Young Master Robb is truly impressive. In such a short time, these wolf pups are already completely different from before!"
Robb responded with a hint of modesty. "You flatter me. I only did a little inconsequential work. Were you looking for me in the forest? Did something happen?"
Greatjon's expression sobered. "The Manderly family's force has arrived. They also escorted your mother to Karhold Bay."
Robb's heart stirred—another powerful helper had arrived. "Quick, take me there!"
The group entered the council chamber of Karhold Bay. The room was already filled with lords great and small. Among them, Catelyn Stark was speaking while frequently glancing toward the doorway, hoping to see that familiar figure as soon as possible.
At last, when Robb appeared at the entrance, Catelyn rose to her feet in excitement.
As a mother—and as a woman whose husband had been taken captive—Catelyn felt both reliance and worry toward Robb. She relied on him because he was now the eldest man in the family, yet she worried because, after all, Robb was still just a child.
How she longed to rush forward, to kiss her son's brow and the bridge of his nose, to see clearly what the child she hadn't seen in nearly a year had grown into.
She was eager to speak with him, to pour out her experiences, to ask about his first time leading troops into battle. She had countless words she wanted to say.
But after taking a single step, she stopped.
Catelyn came from a great noble house and was now the wife of the Lord of the North. She had attended countless political banquets and was keenly sensitive to atmosphere. She realized that the instant her son stepped into the council chamber, every lord present grew serious.
They were no longer relaxed. It was as though they were cowed by some invisible authority. They became cautious and restrained, as if afraid of making the slightest mistake.
Greatjon Umber and Roose Bolton, who entered alongside Robb, behaved like guards. They personally opened the door for him and pulled out a chair, as though attending upon a king.
This…
Had she seen it wrong?!
Even if Ned were here, these lords would never display such an attitude!
Catelyn's face was filled with shock. She could scarcely believe her son had grown to such a degree. It was easy to foresee that he would become an even more outstanding Lord of the North than Ned!
After calming herself slightly, Catelyn apologized to the assembled lords. "My lords, I have traveled a long distance and am quite fatigued. I only wish to speak with my son alone for a few words. I trust you will understand."
All the lords rose at once. Catelyn suddenly had the feeling that they were not leaving because of her words, but because of her son Robb, who sat nearby.
There was ale and cheese on the table. Catelyn poured herself a corner cup, sat down, and took a small sip before carefully studying her son. He seemed taller than when she left, and far more imposing. She truly had no idea how this little fellow had managed to straighten out those lords.
"You've grown a beard. Edmure started growing one at sixteen."
Seeing his mother, the closeness of blood made Robb gentle. Rarely, he even cracked a joke. "This beard is quite troublesome. I think if I shave it off, I'll look even more handsome."
Catelyn laughed. "You don't seem worried that I'll send you back to Winterfell—like chasing a crying little child back to bed. You should know, a year ago, you were still practicing swordsmanship with a wooden sword."
Robb shrugged. "You saw how those lords behaved. I'd wager that if you suggested sending me back to Winterfell, they'd immediately send you back instead."
Catelyn wasn't angry. Instead, she felt deeply gratified. "You really have grown up. It's hard to believe. How did you manage to subdue those scoundrels?"
"I'm a Stark. That's enough."
Catelyn wanted to reach out and touch her son's hair, but after a moment's thought, she drew her hand back.
Robb asked, "You already know about Father, don't you?"
This was what Catelyn feared most. She struggled to keep her terror from showing. "I know. The Manderly family told me when I landed at White Harbor."
Catelyn had long prepared to return from King's Landing to Winterfell to see her children. But halfway along the road, she encountered a dwarf by the roadside—Tyrion Lannister, the little demon of House Lannister—drinking wine.
She had always believed that the little demon had tried to kill her son Bran, so she immediately gathered people and had him arrested.
Afterward, she went to her sister's territory, intending to have her sister kill the little demon to vent her anger. Unexpectedly, the dwarf escaped.
A few days later, news of a great upheaval in King's Landing reached her ears, and she hurried back to the North to discuss countermeasures with her son.
Catelyn said with some disappointment, "My sister… she's unwilling to send the knights of the Vale. So we won't be able to gain the Arryn family's support."
...
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"Game of Thrones: Dragon Prince"
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"Game of Thrones The Glory of a Knight"
(End Chapter)