Honor and Cruelty

299 AC, Golden Hills…

Rody, accompanied by a group of trusted Greycloaks, made his way through the encampment, selecting skilled and agile men to join Lord Karstark's scouting mission. He sought out those who possessed a keen eye and a knack for stealth, knowing that the success of their endeavor relied on their ability to gather information without alerting the enemy.

Once the group was assembled, Rody led them to a designated area away from the main camp, where Lord Karstark awaited their arrival. Rickard stood tall and stern, his armor gleaming in the sunlight. He acknowledged Rody's presence with a nod before addressing the assembled men.

"We ride forth to disrupt the Lannisters' supply lines and gather intelligence on their defenses," Rickard declared, his voice carrying authority. "We must strike swiftly and disappear like shadows, leaving no trace of our presence. Each of you knows the risks involved, but the importance of our mission cannot be understated. We shall bring honor to our houses and strike fear into the hearts of our enemies."

The men listened attentively, their eyes reflecting a mixture of determination and anticipation. They understood the gravity of their task and the role they played in the larger campaign. Rody couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in the soldiers he had chosen. They were the best of the best, and he had full confidence in their abilities.

As the scouting party prepared to depart, Rody stepped forward, his voice projecting with authority. "Remember, our goal is to gather information and cause disruption, not to engage in unnecessary combat. We will use stealth and guile to achieve our objectives. Trust in your training and rely on each other. Our success depends on our unity and cohesion. Now, let us move swiftly and silently, like the wolves we are."

With his words lingering in the air, the scouting party mounted their horses and rode out of the camp, disappearing into the surrounding countryside. Rody rode at the front, his senses heightened, scanning the terrain for any signs of danger. He knew that every step they took would bring them closer to the enemy's domain, where the risks would multiply.

As Rody and Lord Karstark led their scouting party deeper into enemy territory, they found a moment of respite during a brief rest stop. The riders dismounted and sought refuge under the cover of a grove of ancient trees. Rody could feel the weight of their mission, the gravity of their task, but he also recognized the need to maintain morale and camaraderie among the men.

Lord Karstark approached him, his expression a mix of weariness and determination. Rody respected the seasoned commander, knowing that his experience and insight were invaluable to the success of their campaign.

"Rody," Lord Karstark began, his voice laced with a hint of fatigue. "His Grace and his family talked about you a lot and I listened to what you did while we marched to the South. You are indeed a brave man. If you would ever need help, you can come to me. Starks and Karstarks are kins, those dear to them are also dear to us."

"I thank you, my lord. I will not forget your promise." Rody nodded his head heavily, "We Northmen need to stick together during this war, after all."

"This war... It's unlike anything we've ever faced. The independence of the North, the Riverlands at our side. It's a bold move, one that our ancestors would have approved of." Rickard said.

Rody nodded, his gaze fixed on the flickering campfire nearby. Lord Karstark sighed, his eyes gazing into the distance. "The Stark name carries weight, Rody. They are the keepers of our people's legacy, the defenders of our rights. Eddard, he bears that burden now, and it falls to us to support him."

Rody understood the weight of those words. The actions of King Eddard Stark loomed large in their hearts, and Robb's actions were a testament to the values instilled by his father. The quest for justice and freedom had united their cause, drawing them into this war against the tyranny of the Lannisters.

"I see that you are carrying your honor high but it is better for you to understand it before we do the deed. The real war just began, we were defending until now, however, it is time for us to attack now." Lord Karstark continued, his voice harder. "For our people's safety, we must destroy others' lives. There will be deeds you will shy away from but you must do them even if it means you will become the monster you try to escape from."

Rody nodded, his thoughts turning to the villages they had passed through, the faces of the common folk etched in his memory. The suffering they had witnessed, the atrocities committed by the Lannisters, only fueled their resolve to bring justice to the realm.

"We fight for House Stark, my lord," Rody affirmed, his voice unwavering. "I was a smallfolk once and it was House Stark who raised me from my lowly station and made me the man I am today. I would do whatever it requires for the benefit of House Stark. You do not see a Northman kidnapping a foreign prince for House Stark everyday, right?"

Lord Karstark looked at Rody, a glimmer of appreciation in his eyes. "You understand, Rody. The path ahead is treacherous, but with leaders like us by the king's side, I have hope that we can forge a better future."

Rody nodded, his gaze meeting Lord Karstark's. "We must remain steadfast, our journey is far from over, but with each step, we bring ourselves closer to the peace we seek."

With their shared understanding, Rody and Lord Karstark rose from their rest and mounted their horses. The scouting party continued their journey, their purpose reignited by the conversation they had shared. They rode forward, ready to face the challenges ahead, guided by the principles of their king and the hope for a brighter future.

The following morning, the party resumed their journey, venturing deeper into the heart of the Westerlands. They rode through rolling hills and verdant valleys, keeping their senses sharp and their movements swift. The air hung heavy with anticipation, each rider keenly aware of the task at hand.

As they continued their advance, they came upon a small village nestled in a valley. Smoke billowed from chimneys, and the sound of children's laughter echoed through the air. Rody's heart skipped a beat, hoping to find a place untouched by the ravages of war.

However, their hopes were quickly dashed as they approached the village. The men who had once called this place home were nowhere to be seen. Rody's gaze scanned the surroundings, his eyes landing on a group of women and children huddled together near the village well. Fear and weariness etched on their faces.

Lord Karstark's voice cut through the silence. "These are the ones left behind," he stated, his tone devoid of sympathy. "The men of this village chose to join the Lannister army. They have willingly become our enemies."

Rody felt a surge of conflicting emotions. He understood the reasoning behind Lord Karstark's decision, the necessity to sever any ties the Lannisters might exploit. But the sight of innocent women and children, caught in the crossfire of a war not of their making, tore at his soul.

Lord Karstark dismounted his horse and approached the group, his expression hardened. The women trembled as he raised his voice, commanding their attention.

"You have aided the enemy by supplying them with food, however meager," Lord Karstark declared, his voice carrying the weight of judgment. "You have chosen your allegiance, and now you must face the consequences."

The pleading eyes of the women locked with Rody's, silently begging for mercy. He felt a lump form in his throat, the anguish within him almost unbearable. But he knew that this was the harsh reality of war, where difficult choices had to be made.

With a heavy heart, Rody watched as Lord Karstark gave the order. The Greycloaks and Karstark men closed in, their swords glinting in the sunlight. The cries of the innocent pierced the air, mingling with the clash of steel.

Rody clenched his jaw, forcing himself to witness the horrors unfolding before him. He struggled to reconcile the noble cause they fought for with the atrocities they were forced to commit. It was a reminder that war demanded sacrifice, and innocence was often its first casualty.

Once the grim task was done, the scouting party regrouped, the weight of their actions etched on their faces. Lord Karstark's voice broke the silence, "We have accomplished our objective. Now, let us salvage what we can from this village. Our supplies are running low, and we mustn't let the Lannisters benefit any further."

The men nodded, their eyes filled with a mixture of determination and resignation. They set about looting what little remained, collecting provisions and materials that would aid them in their journey.

Rody couldn't shake off the sense of sorrow that lingered within him, the anguish of witnessing the innocent pay the price for the choices of others. It served as a haunting reminder of the brutal reality of war and the sacrifices demanded of those who fought in its name.

As they departed from the village, Rody's gaze lingered on the lifeless buildings, a somber reminder of the path they had chosen. They rode on, the weight of their actions heavy on their shoulders, their hearts burdened with the cost of their allegiance.

Rody fought a war within himself. The images of the village, the pleading eyes of the women and children, haunted his thoughts relentlessly. He couldn't escape the feeling of anguish and guilt that gnawed at his soul.

He questioned the righteousness of their actions, wondering if there could have been another way, a path that didn't involve the loss of innocent lives. The weight of their choices weighed heavily upon him, threatening to crush his spirit.

But as the days passed, Rody found himself replaying the conversation he had shared with Lord Karstark in his mind. The words echoed in his thoughts, their meaning resonating deeper with each passing moment. Lord Karstark had reminded him of the true nature of war, the sacrifices required to ensure the safety and freedom of their people.

In the midst of his internal turmoil, Rody sought solace in the wisdom of their cause. He reminded himself that they fought not for conquest or personal gain, but to protect their homes, their families, and their way of life. The Stark name carried a legacy of honor and justice, and sometimes that meant making unimaginably difficult decisions to protect it.

With a heavy heart, Rody acknowledged the harsh reality they faced. The village they had encountered was a small piece in a much larger puzzle, a strategic link in the Lannisters' supply chain. By severing that link, they weakened their enemy and preserved their own chances of victory. It was a necessary sacrifice, as hard as it was to accept.

Rody understood that he couldn't afford to be consumed by doubt and regret. He had a duty to fulfill, a role to play in the grand tapestry of war. The path ahead would be treacherous, filled with more difficult choices and heart-wrenching moments. But his allegiance to House Stark and his unwavering belief in their cause gave him the strength to carry on.

As they rode on, Rody steeled himself against the emotional turmoil that threatened to break him. He focused on the mission at hand, channeling his grief and doubts into a fierce determination to bring justice and freedom to the North.

In the end, he found solace in the knowledge that the sacrifices they made were not in vain. The lives lost in that village, as tragic as they were, would serve as a reminder of the stakes they fought for. Their actions would pave the way for a better future, where the tyranny of the Lannisters would be challenged and the North's newfound independence would flourish.

With a heavy sigh, Rody let go of the guilt that burdened his heart. He knew that their path was fraught with difficult choices and painful sacrifices, but he had chosen to walk it for the greater good. And as the scouting party pressed forward, their purpose renewed, Rody carried with him the weight of his allegiance, resolved to fight with unwavering loyalty for the cause he believed in.

For the following two weeks, Rody and Lord Karstark continued their relentless campaign to disrupt the Lannister supply line and weaken their hold on the Westerlands. They rode under the cover of darkness, striking swiftly and disappearing into the night, leaving destruction in their wake.

Village after village fell to their blades, as they razed them to the ground. Rody's heart felt nothing as the days passed and children and women died at the end of his blade.

But amidst the chaos, their mission took an unexpected turn. In the last village they targeted, they came across an elderly villager who had managed to escape the initial onslaught. Wrinkles etched deep lines into his face, reflecting a life of hardship and wisdom. Lord Karstark and Rody approached him cautiously, their eyes filled with both weariness and curiosity.

The elderly man, his voice trembling with fear and desperation, spoke of the Lannisters' plans in hushed tones. "Spare us, my lord. My granddaughter was just born a sennight ago. I will tell you about what the Lannisters are doing."

A Karstark soldier did not deign to reply and only came close to put an end to the elderly man's suffering but Rickard stopped him at the last moment.

"Wait, let us hear about this old man's words." Rickard said and turned his eyes to the elderly man. "I will let you and your granddaughter go, if you speak the truth."

"They're raising another host in Lannisport," the elderly man revealed without any hesitation, his wise looks leaving its place to a cowardly one.

Lord Karstark and Rody exchanged glances, their minds racing with the implications of this newfound information. The decision weighed heavily on their shoulders, for they knew they had to inform Robb Stark and devise a plan to counter this threat.

"This must be the reason why there were no men even this deep in Westerlands. We must return to the Golden Hills and relay this crucial information to his highness," Lord Karstark declared, his voice firm and resolute. "The fate of the North and our cause depends on it."

Rody nodded in agreement, with a shared understanding, the scouting party turned their horses back towards the Golden Hills, their determination unwavering. They rode with a renewed sense of urgency, the weight of their knowledge urging them forward.

As they galloped through the lands scarred by war, Rody couldn't help but hope that their sacrifices, their difficult choices, would lead to a brighter future. They rode with a purpose greater than themselves, driven by the unwavering belief that their actions would pave the way for justice and freedom.

And so, the scouting party pressed on, their hearts heavy with the burden of their allegiance. Their journey back to the Golden Hills was arduous, but they were driven by a singular objective—to inform their king of the looming threat and rally their army against the newly raised Lannister host.

In the face of the choices they had made and the ones still to come, Rody steeled himself once more, drawing strength from the unwavering loyalty that burned within his soul. The path ahead was fraught with challenges, but he vowed to stay true to his cause, knowing that the fate of the North depended on their unwavering resolve. However, what he did not expect was the surprise that expected them back on Golden Hills.