Eddard Stark and Catelyn stood in the corridor on the third floor of the main castle, their expressions indifferent. They watched as Will, Jory, and the six others prepared to mount their horses. Beside them stood the elegant and beautiful Sansa, with her red hair and blue eyes, the handsome Robb Stark, the sharp-featured Bran, who dreamed of becoming a member of the Kingsguard, and Theon Greyjoy, who wore a mocking smile on his slightly tilted chin.
Theon always carried a sense of morbid superiority when dealing with those he considered beneath him.
Jory and the other five had already mounted their horses, but Will stood calmly beside his steed. Although he was a man of the Night's Watch, largely overlooked by most present, two children had come to see him off. One was Arya, lean and wild-eyed, with a fearless demeanor, and the other was Jon Snow, whose mature and introverted temperament belied his age.
"Arya, remember to play hide-and-seek with Nymeria and try to catch her tail," Will said with a smile. This exercise was essential for developing the agility needed for superior swordsmanship. Catching the tail of a direwolf was no easy feat, but fortunately, Nymeria was always by Arya's side. Whenever she had free time, Arya could engage in this playful yet beneficial game.
She would gain much from this tail-catching exercise.
"I remember, my black brother. I'll miss you," Arya said, jumping up to hug Will.
Arya's attire made it hard to tell she was a girl; one might easily mistake her for a boy. But this "boy" was more spirited than most grown men. She was fiercely loyal, befriending butchers, stable boys, and even vagabonds. In her young heart, it seemed that everyone was born equal.
On the third floor, Sansa frowned. "Mother, what is Arya doing? She lacks the decorum and dignity of a noble lady, embracing a man of the Night's Watch who holds no title. She's only known him for a few days!"
Eddard Stark replied, "Arya has been this way since she could walk. The kennel workers, blacksmiths, servants, and even the vagrants in Winter Town are all her friends."
"And now she's added a man of the Night's Watch to that list," Theon said with a laugh, looking down at Will with a mix of arrogance and disdain. "And a deserter at that."
Robb shot Theon a glance. "Theon, Will is a ranger of the Night's Watch. His skills in reconnaissance and tracking are among the best."
"Yes, he certainly proved that by scouting Winterfell. Truly remarkable," Theon sneered.
Downstairs, Jon did not hug Will or shake his hand. He simply stood quietly, his eyes filled with warmth. In just two or three days, Will had shown him more genuine friendship and respect than most had in over a decade. Will treated him as an equal, unashamed of Jon's status as a bastard. Jon had realized this during their first breakfast together.
Jon was reserved by nature, but unlike Arya, he acted with restraint. Besides, he could feel Catelyn's disapproving gaze on his back from the third floor, even without looking up.
Will stepped forward and embraced Jon, whispering in his ear, "Brother, I know you want to join the Night's Watch. Speak to your father. I'll be waiting for you at the Wall."
Jon's quiet eyes lit up at the words.
Will patted him on the shoulder, released him, and gave a subtle wink. "Tomorrow, a man named Tyrion Lannister will arrive with King Robert. He'll be a good friend to you. Listen to his advice, brother."
As Jon looked on in confusion, Will mounted his horse, raised his hand in a salute to Eddard and Catelyn. Eddard, maintaining his lordly composure, nodded slightly in acknowledgment.
"Brother Will, will you come back to Winterfell?" Arya called out as Will began to ride away.
"Arya, I promise we'll meet again," Will replied, turning to smile at her.
"Thank you, Brother Will. You convinced Father to let me practice swordplay and martial arts. Even though Septa Mordane says I'm just a wild child, I know better."
"Arya, remember, we're true friends. If you ever need to talk, go to the godswood and speak to the heart tree. I might just hear you," Will said loudly. With a kick of his spurs, his horse galloped forward, the sound of hooves echoing behind him as Jory and the others followed.
***
By evening, the group of six riders had traveled hundreds of miles from Winterfell. The smooth road of the Kingsroad lay behind them, and the rugged mountain path ahead began to climb.
"We've covered enough ground today. The terrain here is open and vast. Let's make camp," Jory suggested.
Will surveyed the area. It wasn't an ideal spot for camping, as there was no natural barrier to shield them from the wind at night.
"Alright," Will agreed.
На самом деле, независимо от того, согласился он или нет, Джорри спрыгнул с лошади, как только объявил, что они разбивают лагерь. Остальные четверо всадников последовали его примеру и тоже начали готовиться к стоянке.
– Слезай и помоги, – сказал Джорри Уиллу, который сидел на лошади неподвижно.
– Нет, через мгновение тебе снова придётся садиться на коня, – улыбнулся Уилл.
Джорри и четверо всадников переглянулись с удивлением в глазах.
И действительно, спустя совсем немного времени на горной дороге впереди показалось знамя с изображением ледяного волка. Десс держал знамя в руке и медленно спускался с холма в сопровождении двух молодых рыцарей в сверкающих доспехах.
В левой руке у каждого рыцаря был небольшой щит для атаки, а в правой – тренировочное копьё.
Копья были без наконечников, их острия смотрели прямо в небо.
Эти тренировочные копья были специально изготовлены: если нанести сильный удар по доспехам или щиту противника, передняя часть копья рассыпалась. Это делалось для того, чтобы защитить участников от травм во время тренировок.
– Мой великий брат в чёрном, твои боевые навыки настолько впечатляют, что ты одним ударом победил моего старого друга сэра Родерика; ты ранил Теона Грейджоя контратакой без щита; а затем, используя меч против копья, ты отсек палец Роббу и выбил у него оружие.
– Твоё мастерство владения мечом первоклассно, и говорят, что ты также отличный наездник. Ты лучший следопыт в Чёрной армии, и у тебя, должно быть, есть лучшее копьё для конных атак. Как раз так получилось, что мы встретились здесь, и мой друг-рыцарь хотел бы попробовать сразиться с тобой в конной атаке. Осмелишься ли ты принять вызов? Не волнуйся, это всего лишь тренировка, и она не причинит тебе вреда, – Десс подъехал на лошади, его голос звучал звонко и уверенно.
Хорошее представление начиналось, но ещё до его начала Уилл уже всё понял.
Дерево Ваньняньсинь из Священного леса оказалось достойным другом.
– Я очень рад, – сказал Уилл. – Местность здесь открытая, идеально подходит для конных атак. Хотя я давно не тренировался в этом, я с удовольствием составлю компанию рыцарям для развлечения. Кстати, мастер Десс привёз с собой отличное вино. Может, сначала выпьем по глотку?
Обновлено: 09.04.2026