GOT: Harry Stark

Harry and Val made record time, reaching Castle Black in just over three days.

The credit, of course, went to Ater. Upon arriving, he immediately lay down in the stables, quite exhausted.

He did not even approach the mares as he usually did.

Val crouched down and patted his head a couple of times, much to Ater's annoyance as he snorted at her.

"Stop bothering him. One of these days he'll throw you off his back," Harry said with a laugh.

Val poked the muscles of his shoulders a couple more times before standing up.

"You'd fall with me," Val said, looking at him as they walked through Castle Black.

"I doubt it," Harry said, looking at her disdainfully.

Val only gave him a mocking look before observing their surroundings.

"It seems the welcome isn't as warm this time, not even for the great Harry Stark," Val said, noticing several cold looks.

"I'm not surprised. Jeor has probably already told them what's going to happen. At least they haven't attacked us," Harry said, watching them calmly.

"Would they dare?" Val asked with genuine curiosity.

"Who knows?" Harry said with a calm smile as they made their way through the castle corridors toward the Lord Commander's quarters.

After knocking on the door, Harry opened it and entered when he heard Jeor's voice.

"Boy, it's good that you're here," Jeor said as he stood up to greet him.

"Jeor, how is everything?" Harry asked with a smile.

"I'm not sure. I've only observed what seems to be an internal conflict. Quite a few people have died, according to my spies in the area," Jeor said, somewhat helpless about the situation.

"I told you not to send spies. The situation is quite clear," Harry said, shaking his head. Even so, he could not blame the old man for being cautious.

He occasionally sent Hedwig to watch the situation, so he was quite calm.

In the worst-case scenario, he could quickly mobilize several men and defend the Wall.

Val immediately frowned and looked at him with concern. She knew that if Mance lost control of the situation, her sister would become collateral damage.

"Boy, I've barely been able to sleep. I've even dreamed about these wildlings laying siege to us. There is no way I will remain blind to what is happening on the other side," Jeor said irritably, ignoring the look Val gave him.

Harry only smiled, not giving it much importance. What truly concerned him was the Watch.

"How is the Watch taking the changes?" Harry asked, looking at him.

"Hm, they're not happy, but there's little they can do. Your name is still quite intimidating," Jeor said with a slight smile.

"Although you can't exactly call it an official announcement, almost everyone knows that the Watch either gives up its neutrality or loses the support of the Starks. We don't have much choice," Jeor said, looking at Harry.

"Are you still resentful?" Harry asked, looking at him.

"Why wouldn't I be? I'm the 997th Lord Commander. The neutrality passed down for thousands of years is going to be broken under my command," Jeor said with a dejected look.

Harry remained silent, looking at the old man before letting out a sigh.

"Don't give me that look. I'm cornered too, whether you believe it or not. The Free Folk have lived for thousands of years without many problems beyond the Wall. Why do you think they're suddenly so interested in living south of it?" Harry said, looking at him.

"I've thought about it," Jeor said with a nod before falling silent.

"Only a threat great enough could make them put aside their differences and unite, but a threat of that magnitude is almost too terrifying to believe," Jeor said, looking at Harry.

"Unfortunately, the situation seems to be that terrifying," Harry said with a frown.

"Do you know what it is?" Jeor asked with a grim look.

"Although I can't fully confirm it since I haven't seen them with my own eyes, it seems to be the Others," Harry said after a moment of silence.

"Heh, it almost sounds like a joke," Jeor said, shaking his head.

"I wish it were. Then I wouldn't have to go through the headache of relocating thousands of people," Harry said, shaking his head.

"Get out of here. Don't play the victim now," the old man said disdainfully.

Harry let out a small laugh before standing up.

"I'll see you later. I'm going beyond the Wall to see what's happening," Harry said with a nod before leaving with Val, who gave Jeor a look before following him.

The old man remained there watching them leave before standing up and approaching the books on the shelves. His hand slowly moved across the titles until it stopped on one in particular.

Harry left the Lord Commander's quarters and walked alongside Val through the castle corridors.

When they reached the stables, he noticed that everyone fell silent when they saw them.

"Hello, I need two horses," Harry said, looking at one of the guards.

The man opened his mouth to answer, but the guard beside him spoke first.

"My lord, the horses need to rest," the man said, bowing slightly.

Harry raised his eyebrows before letting out a small laugh.

"Rest from what? I ordered that there be no more patrols," Harry said with an interested expression.

"We only follow the Lord Commander's orders," the man said, raising his gaze to look Harry in the eyes.

"That sounds perfect to me, since your Lord Commander follows my orders, and I remember ordering him to stop the patrols," Harry said, smiling calmly at his apparent provocation.

Val looked at Harry before placing a hand on her sword, but when she saw him shake his head, she simply shrugged.

"The Nigh—"

"The Night's Watch has lost its neutrality. You should accept it. Now... will you give me two horses, or would you rather spend the rest of the day in a cell for disobeying orders?" Harry said, interrupting him.

The man hesitated for a moment before gesturing to his companion.

Within a few minutes, his companion saddled two horses before handing them over.

"Hm, good work," Harry said with a nod before giving one of the reins to Val.

They both mounted their horses before passing through the tunnel. The biting cold breeze greeted Harry once again.

Harry took a deep breath, releasing a large cloud of mist.

"Did you miss the cold?" Harry said, turning to smile at Val.

"It doesn't bother me, but it's not like I love this freezing breeze either," Val said, rolling her eyes.

"You've become quite the southerner," Harry said teasingly.

"Fuck you," Val said with a laugh as she spurred her horse forward.

Harry laughed and chased after her.

Following Jeor's directions, they rode for several kilometers until the forward camp came into view.

A group of riders immediately came out to intercept them.

Val spurred her horse forward a little and, lowering her hood, revealed her face.

"Val?" one of the riders asked, looking at her.

"Falk? How is the situation?" Val asked, recognizing the young man.

"You'd better go in and ask your sister. Honestly, I'm not even sure what's going on myself," the young man said awkwardly.

"Hm, take me to her," Val said with a nod, ignoring the inquisitive looks directed at Harry.

They were both guided toward the center of the camp, directly to a large, well-protected tent.

After a brief check, they both entered and found Dalla.

Dalla was looking at a letter with a worried expression when she heard a familiar voice she had not heard in several months.

"Dalla!" Val said with delighted surprise upon seeing her before quickening her steps toward her.

"Val!" Dalla said in surprise before smiling broadly, standing up and rushing to hug her.

"I'm glad to see you. It looks like you've gained a little weight," Dalla said with a smile as her hands squeezed her waist.

"On the other hand, you look thinner," Val said with a laugh as they ended the embrace and she looked into her sister's eyes with an affectionate expression.

Harry watched them with interest. He had never seen Val show that expression toward anyone; she normally maintained a tough and cold attitude around most people.

"Oh, you brought your man too," Dalla said in a flat tone when she noticed Harry.

"Hm? Do I hear a little hostility?" Harry said, raising his eyebrows as he looked at his sister-in-law.

Like Val, she had blonde hair and blue eyes. Standing beside each other, they almost looked like twins.

But when he turned to look at Val, Harry noticed that the blue of her eyes was more turquoise than her sister Dalla's.

"Are you looking for differences?" Val said with a laugh when she noticed his contemplative gaze.

"I can tell you several," Harry said with a smile.

"You can tell me later," Val said, her lips curving.

Dalla looked at her sister in surprise before looking at Harry. The knowing look they shared gave her all the information she needed.

"So you really do like this guy. What refined taste you have," Dalla said, looking at her sister mockingly.

"Hey, this guy has a name," Val said with a laugh.

"I don't even know what to call you. Should I call you my lord?" Dalla said, raising her eyebrows.

"Just call me Harry," Harry said with a slight smile.

"If you say so," Dalla said, looking at him for a moment before nodding.

"So? What's happening?" Val asked, looking at her sister.

Dalla immediately became serious and began recounting what had happened.

"Several tribal leaders are causing trouble. Our position and our apparent communication with the Wall were leaked. They think we've betrayed them," Dalla said with a sigh.

"My husband tried to say that it was only a forward camp, and it worked for several months. We've even avoided contact with the Wall, but the rumors have continued to grow," Dalla said, helpless about the situation. She was also frightened; she feared for her husband's life.

"I see," Harry said with a nod.

"There are fifteen thousand people in this place. They're people my husband selected who only want to live a good life. A large portion of them belong to our tribe."

"But Mance's leadership is becoming increasingly unstable," Dalla said with a grim look.

"I understand. Don't worry, I'll take care of it," Harry said, looking at her solemnly.

"Prepare everyone and tell them to march toward the Wall. I'll personally check every person before they cross," Harry said, looking at Dalla.

"So soon?" Dalla asked with some surprise.

"More than a month ago, quite a lot of provisions were moved, enough for now. They'll make camp several kilometers south of the Wall while I help Mance stabilize the situation."

Dalla was surprised, but even so, she obeyed and quickly passed along the message.

Around two hours later, the entire camp took down their tents before beginning the march toward the Wall.

Even the children were hardy, helping carry things during the march.

Because of that, the march was quite fast, and before nightfall they had already reached the tunnel.

Dalla ordered them to set up camp and announced that they would cross the Wall the following day.

Morale was quite high. For people who only wanted to live peacefully, the Wall had been their prison, but once they were on the other side, it would become their greatest source of security.

Harry returned to the Wall and spoke with Jeor, telling him what would happen the following day. With some sadness, he nodded and quickly gathered all the men of Castle Black.

Around five hundred men gathered. Their looks toward him were not entirely friendly; they all suspected what was about to be announced.

Their expressions of dissatisfaction and helplessness did not escape Harry's notice, but they had no choice but to obey.

Harry's gaze swept over the group of men. Most of them did not dare meet his eyes, but even so, he knew he had to make things clear. One wrong step and there might be no turning back.

"I'll repeat this one last time. The people who live beyond the Wall are not all the same, just as those who live south of it are not all the same. Some are criminals and others are not," Harry said in a flat voice.

"My lord," an elderly voice suddenly said. If not for his good hearing, Harry might not have heard it.

Turning his gaze, he saw an old man with white hair approaching with weak steps. A faint smile appeared on his face when he recognized him.

"I am the maester of Castle Black. I've heard about your plan. I was very surprised the first time I heard about it," the old man said with a dry laugh.

"It takes a great deal of courage to attempt something like this, and I truly hope it succeeds. The war with the people beyond the Wall began so long ago that no one even remembers the reason anymore."

"This is a good opportunity to put an end to that war," the old man said as the courtyard remained completely silent.

Harry smiled kindly at the old man, probably the most respected person in Castle Black. Having him on his side would make everything go more smoothly.

Just as he was about to speak, a voice echoed throughout the courtyard.

"I don't think they can be trusted. The idea of those wildlings living among us is ridiculous," an older man said in a harsh voice.

Harry immediately frowned and turned to look at the owner of that voice.

"I don't remember asking for your opinion," Harry said, looking at the man with a frown.

The man's face immediately turned red as he glared at Harry furiously.

"My lord, he has a point. It's difficult to trust people who raid our lands," another man said.

A chorus of murmurs filled the courtyard, causing Harry's expression to turn cold.

His gaze shifted from the crowd toward Jeor and Benjen, who were watching the scene with frowns. Some of the murmurs were loud enough to be clearly heard: they spoke of ambushing or poisoning the Free Folk.

Harry's gaze returned to the man who had started it all. His expression held a hint of satisfaction at seeing the support of several of his brothers.

"My lord, as you can see, many of our brothers do not want these wildlings to pass through," the man said, feeling emboldened by the crowd.

"Alliser, enough!" Jeor said with a frown.

"The decision has been made. Anyone who wishes to disobey orders can keep talking," Jeor said as his gaze swept over the crowd. Everyone immediately fell silent.

"My Lord—" Alliser said before his body suddenly rose uncontrollably into the air.

His eyes widened in panic as an invisible force pulled his body forward.

In a blur, he appeared kneeling in front of Harry, his expression terrified and bewildered.

His body seemed to be stuck to the ground, and no matter how much he struggled, he could not move.

The entire courtyard stared in fear and disbelief at what had just happened. Harry gave them no time to think; his voice echoed powerfully throughout the courtyard.

"I can understand that you feel uncomfortable with the Free Folk passing through, but was the Night's Watch created to keep men away? Or was it founded to keep supernatural dangers out of the realm of men?"

His gaze swept across the entire courtyard, and few dared to meet it.

"So much time has passed that perhaps you've forgotten. Magic exists, and so do the creatures that seek our destruction. Out there, somewhere, the Free Folk are not our enemy," Harry said, looking at everyone with a solemn expression.

The men in black had complicated expressions on their faces. Seeing one of their own fly through the air only to end up kneeling before Harry had filled them with fear.

But his speech seemed to have made them question their own vows.

"In fact, it's true. The reason the Night's Watch was formed was not to defend against the wildlings, but against creatures we now consider myths," Jeor said, drawing everyone's attention.

"The Watch no longer has the glory it once had. To survive, we will follow Lord Harry's orders until further notice," Jeor said, looking at his men.

Everyone's gaze returned to Harry. Remembering the way he had sent Alliser flying filled them with fear, but also with a strange admiration for his power.

Most of them understood the message. From the words of their commander and Harry, it was clear that something was happening beyond the Wall.

And Harry's power gave them some sense of security.

Harry noticed the slight change in the way most of the men looked at him and felt relieved to know there would be no major problems from their side. Even so, he could not let the troublemaker off so easily.

Lowering his gaze, Harry saw that Alliser was still kneeling. He had calmed down considerably, although he still looked at Harry uneasily.

"You'll spend the next few months in the dungeon, until the relocation of the Free Folk is finished," Harry said, looking at him coldly.

There was a brief silence in which no one moved until Jeor raised his voice.

''You heard Lord Harry's orders. Take Alliser to his cell,'' Jeor shouted to all the gathered men.

"Yes, Lord Commander," the men chorused.

Two men quickly grabbed him by the shoulders before taking him away.

"See you tomorrow," Harry said, looking at Jeor, who responded with a nod before turning to his men and ordering them to rest.

Harry returned to the room with Val.

"Wow, for a moment I thought we'd end up fighting everyone," Val said, looking at him as she sat on the bed.

"It would be easy. You take one half and I'll take the other," Harry said, his lips curving as he looked at her.

"Could you handle that many people?" Val asked, looking at him curiously.

"Who knows? Maybe one day I'll have to," Harry said, giving her an ambiguous smile.

"How annoying," Val said, rolling her eyes as she watched him undress.

----

Thank you for reading!

If you'd like to support my work, you can find me on as Fast_Writer, where 10 advanced chapters are available.

Thank you for your support!