1 Chapter 1: The path to Harrenhal

Bright...so bright that I could barely open my eyes. It stings, painfully so. I then felt water rush beneath me and a few splashes that struck my face giving me a bit of comfort from the stinging heat.

As me eyes began to settle I then saw that I was laying down as I faced the sky. Picking myself up from where I laid, I was introduced to a marvelous sight.

'A beach... but how?'

I clutched my head in pain as a ringing pervaided my senses once more. 'fuck!!!' The pain was too great! It feels as if my skull is bring broken in half. It went like that for how long, I do not know. Then it all stopped with the remnants of a clicking sound.

I hunched over and puked my guts out. After washing the taste off my mouth with the salty water of the sea, I splashed my face to wipe away the sweat that had built up in me.

Minutes pass as I caught my breathing once more. Deep breaths that calmed my heart and the cool winds that calmed my body.

'Ok... so that's what happened.'

I was reincarnated into a random world with a random gift due to my slightly above average karma.

'too late to start grumbling about it now.'

It wasn't till I was resting on the sand that I realized what I was wearing.

It was a full plate armor. It had falcon motif located on the shoulder. It looks well made. Though if I had to say so, it is exaggeratingly decorated. But being from a modern world, I could hardly care. The cooler the better I guess. As I stood I saw the handle of a blade sticking out of the sand and as I pulled it out, I was greeted by a magnificently decorated blade with a bronze cross guard. The blade does looked curious with its rippling pattern. Putting the thought aside I began washing my face once more and finally saw myself.

A younger version of Arthas Menethil. Not bad. I do have sharper features like my eyes chin and nose instead of the Chad like face and chin of the original.

I hooked the sword to my back, and secured a second shortsword right next to a pouch containing a hundred gold coins and started walking inland with the hopes of finding the nearest town while holding my helmet in between my armpit.

Not far from the beach I arrived at a small town. With farmers, fishermen, builders and workers ranging from the young to the old living their respective lives.

I started walking towards them with the hopes of getting some directions.

"Hello there." I waved as I greeted an old man.

He stilled as soon as he saw me. He looked fine when he saw my youtful face but then he got nervous once he saw my armor, best I appease him.

"Calm good man. I mean no harm. I simply wish to ask for directions."

He relaxed but still stood guarded. Progress I guess. He looked surprised at my question too, or if I'm paranoid enough, I'd say suspicious.

"May I ask uhh Ser?" I nodded. "Where you hailed from and where you wish to go?"

"I am not from the nearby Kingdoms and as per my destination. I have none I'm afraid. But where I could make good coin would be good, I have unfortunately lost most of my belongings to the sea."

His eyes widened for some reason. Not from surprise but more from realization. I must have hit the nail or something there as the people soon started sending me pitying looks.

'ok... Not the best reaction but better than hostility I guess.'

"I would advice west of here Ser. You aren't far from Harrenhal. I hear of a great tourney to be held there in a weeks time."

"Ah! My thanks good man." I gave him a gold coin from my pouch. And started walking in the direction he pointed at. I turned to see the old man bowing and thanking me profusely but I just waved him off and continued on my way.

It was too much of a reward but to me not really so. He gave me a not just the directions but the timeline I'm in. That should be more than worth it.

My travel was quiet for the most part. Only stopping to check on my gift.

"Gandálfr" I murmured as I swung my sword.

Or I could say, complete weapon mastery. Lucky would be the best way to describe it. I don't have the runes though, eh! Less flashy shiny hand the better.

My armor though is just an extra set. It's steel for sure. I don't know what kind but it washes off any dirt very easily and extremely heavy as it actually broke a tree branch as thick as my arm. But in my hands, it's light as leather.

'FUCK!!' A headache! Uhk! It happens when I try to access information from my past life. While most are readily available there are things that looked either blurry or downright painful. If I can't find a way around this, I'll have to rely on myself more instead of prior knowledge.

Three days into my travels and I ran into something I could only call as a highway robbery. A caraven of twenty warriors were being swarmed by a hundred vikings.

*Spurt!!!* *Thud!*

Ok... Nineteen warriors. Sighing to myself I slap the indecision out of me.

'Don't bother with what ever reason or excuse you may have Goodman. You know you can't really turn a blind eye, even more so for this one.'

"Damn it..."

I cursed as I rushed into the battle. With my sword drawn I cleaved through three men in a handful of seconds. Though the warriors looked surprised I simply gave them a nod and then went back to the fray.

I ducked under a sword as mine found his waist. I continued the spin and cleaved another. I raised my sword in a downward swing and tore through a man. Through a wooden shield, arm, and torso. Spinning out of a spear thrust while cutting the assailant's head off at the same time. I then elbowed a man in his nose charging at me from behind and then grabbed his head as I planted it brutally on my armored knee as leeped at him.

I saw a look of fear in their eyes as these vikings began hesitating. They mixed well with anger and bafflement. But I can't stop now. Not when I can finally see what kind of people they are.

Skulls and bones hang off the bodies like accessories. From a beast's skull in their shoulders... or a baby's hanging off their waist. So small and so young as it could still fit my boyish palms.

"No. I will not be the source of any suffering. And suffering is what will come if I let your kind live."

With those words I continued the fight. I will give them a warrior's death and nothing else.

Time past in a blur as blood and flesh flew across the air, painting the ground red. Screams of pain, anguish and cries for mercy fell on deaf ears. Unfortunately for them, I have made my decision and I am not one to take it back lightly. No matter how much they pleaded.

After several minutes the last of them had fallen. I turned to see whom I had just risked my neck to. Seeing their article of clothing they were obviously Northmen. Furcloaks and boiled leather armor. Though the weak hearted would identify their faces as savage or barbaric, in my eyes they are simply hardened. I have seen the expressions countless times from both my father and grandfather. Both being military.

"Greetings good Ser. I am Rickard Stark. I thank you for coming to our aid." Stepped forward a man more hardened than the rest. Thick beard but cleanly cut. His black hair is slicked back yet untamed as it spiked from behind and eyes of grey that told of countless battles.

"No thanks needed my lord. I know an ambush when I see one. It was only natural that I help knowing I could not turn a blind eye."

'fuck...I said too much.' "My name is Arthas. Arthas Noname" I added as I removed my helmet.

As expected, there was. Gasp from the back but most of the men were looking at me with wide eyes. Can't blame them, they got out classes by a kid after all.

Rickard showed a glint of understanding and a bit of greed. And nodded in thanks.

"I do not mean to be bold Lord Stark, but could I trouble you for the reason for your presence here. You are far from the seat of the Old Winter Kings."

Rickard smiled at the acknowledgement. "Aye. That is true but the Tourney of Harrenhal is not one to be ignored."

"A Royal summon?"

"Apologies child." I scowled at that. "I meant good Ser." He corrected with good humor that I smiled at making the men laugh slightly. "Royal messages are finicky, You could never truly tell how much you are allowed to divulge or not."

"I understand my lord. And thank you for understanding as well. Please just call me Arthas."

"Then call me Rickard." I was about to retort when he continued. "Consider this a token of friendship, from the man you saved." as he entended his hand towards me.

"Rickard then." I accepted as we shook hands.

"Father!"

"Lyanna, come! I wish for you to introduce yourself."

From the carriage ran a girl barely out of her late teens I believe, black of hair and grey eyes. She has a wild presence about her but her expression seemed tamed. She wore a dress, nothing too fancy but elegant no less. Enough to hug her growing figure and draped in fur cloak.

"Ser Arthas, allow me to introduce my daughter. Lyanna of House Stark."

"Greetings my lady." I greeted as my lips brushed through her knuckles.

"Well met Ser. I thank you, we would have feared for the worst had you not come."

"Don't be. Believe me even I hesitated." yeah that surprised them.

"And yet you came forth."

"I like me sleep my lady, and there was no way I was gonna get any if I had walked away. I knew that much." I smiled softly. It's true though.

'AGAIN! FUCK! Is me being younger making talk too much!?' I internally screamed as I realized what I had just said.

"Hahaha. The signs of a good man Ser." said Rickard. I simply bowed in acknowledgement instead of answering.

"If you are headed to Harrenhal, would you mind if I join you?"

"Not at all. A blade as fine as yours would be a welcome in our company."

I was then given a horse who much to my surprise is just as easy to ride. I have to admit this gift is OP as hell in this world. Throughout the ride Lyanna kept glancing at the second sword at my hip. A shortsword with the same crossguard. Like I said, I had a full set, except for the helmet.

It was through it that she started conversing with me. Mainly curiosity about where I hailed from or what I had seen across the Narrow sea.

I told her of what I knew. The free cities, the constant skirmishes for the Disputed Lands. The savagery of the Dothraki Hordes. The Honor of the Horse Lords. A few words of traditions here and there along with some practices performed like the eating of the heart of a newly risen Khaleesi and the performances or shows of power performed by the Warlocks of Qarth.

I told her of battles and what would occur there but I never really told her I fought in them. If she and the others made the wrong assumption, who am I to deny them? But then again I was joked at for being a kid so, maybe not.

The hours passed in silence well into the night where we made camp in a small clearing close to the road or path as they say. It was late past midnight when I woke with a sudden start and my hand automatically gripping my shortsword.

Hearing a rustling outside I checked to see what it was. To my surprise I only saw Lyanna sneaking about to the forest.

'ok...? that's a bit stupid of the girl... Right, a princess by any other term. Typical stupidity then.'

Not wanting to risk anything I decided to follow the stupid girl. Not far from the camp she stopped as she then drew a sword. And then started swinging it. She was clearly trying to imitate a practice drill she saw somewhere but...

"Your footing is wrong."

"Eeep!....What are you doing here?"

"The real question is princess, what are you doing here?"

"I. Am. Not. A. Princess!" She whispered harshly.

"Let me put it this way. You snuck out of camp. Not informing anyone. And dove deep into unknown territory with no real knowledge of not just your surroundings but also your capabilities. Hoping to do something with no knowledge of how to do it but with the simple wish that you could... Does that sound about right?"

She blushed as she reddened in embarrassment. But she still glared at me. But it looked cute rather than intimidating, specially with that pout in her face.

'Ok, I know her story at least. But let's see if she could be reasoned with... But first'

"Like I said, your footing is wrong. May I?" I asked as I approached her. She simply nodded, probably too embarrassed to trust her own voice.

From there on in I started guiding her in her practice. Giving her tips and so on. She's a natural with the sword at least. She learned fast and is actually determined as she is dedicated to the art and surprisingly patient. 'Impressive.'

A couple of hours later. I believed it late enough that I put a stop to it.

"I believe that should be enough."

"What!? Why!? Did I do something wrong!?"

"No my lady none of that. It is late enough. And anymore of this and your Lord Father will be displeased. Isn't that right Ser?"

From behind a tree stepped out a young man. I believe I saw him standing close to Lord Rickard and was the only one weary of my presence too.

"Aye Ser." He turned to Lyanna. "My lady, it is late enough as it is. Please return to camp at once."

"Come Lyanna. Fighting this will do you no good."

"He will stop me..." She whispered.

"I cannot promise you anything but I will speak with him. I'll see what can be done about it."

"You will!?"

"Do not get your hopes up my lady. I am a stranger to your father, regardless of his favor. I will speak with him but I promise neither success nor failure upon it's outcome."

She nodded at that and so we returned to camp.

Arriving at camp we were greeted by Rickard as he stood stoicly at their tent. Not wanting to escalate anything she simply walked in without a word.

Rickard spoke as soon as she left. "You should have bought her back to camp as soon as you could."

"I did my Lord, this is as soon as possible."

"She could have been attacked."

"As to why I chose to stay by her side."

"And you did not convince her? To return at once?"

"We consider it inappropriate for a foreigner to tell a lady what to do in her own domain. Be they be noble or otherwise."

He sighed as he his shoulders sagged. "Very well, I understand. Thank you for keeping her safe."

"It was no trouble Lord Stark. Though if I may have your ear for but a moment?"

With a nod of acceptance I led him to the extinguished fireplace and sat there with the same man from before standing not far from me.

"My lord if I may be so bold. I would offer your daughter tutelage in the art of the sword."

"No you may not." He answered immediately.

"She has talents. It is unpolished and burried but it is there."

"No, this will the be the last of it. She is betrothed to a Southern Lord. They do not take warrior women kindly. It will do her no good to learn this 'Art' as you had said."

"Lord Stark-"

"No! I will not allow it! Cease this topic at once!" His shout was agressive, enough so that the man behind me drew his sword.

"She will rebel..."

"I beg your pardon?"

"She is a wolf Lord Stark. I do not know about you but the more you cage her the more she would struggle from your hold."

"I am her father."

"And when was the last time she felt like your daughter?" He stilled. 'Good. I can work with this.' "When was the last time you acted as her father rather than her Lord?"

"She could not even dedicate herself in her womanly studies. How am I to trust her with the blade if she is clearly not paying attention."

"She is dedicated. She is merely showing her displeasure at studying what she didn't want to know. If you would allow this I could possibly even make it so that she takes her personal studies more seriously. Sword training as a form of incentive perhaps."

"Bah! It is but a fleeting wish. She would have grown tired of the blade as soon as she felt its grueling path."

'fuck...he discarded reason. Ok time to make it or break it.'

"Rickard what you wish of the North is noble. But I must ask...if it comes at price of your family... of those that you love. With it all truly be worth it? Please I plead of you, the path you thread is but a southern folly. Think of your daughter."

Watching him react I saw a bit of realization from him but then he scowled angrily. Before he could retort I pushed on with fingers crossed.

"Please, think of your wife-"

"ENOUGH!!!"

I held my gaze against his despite the men surrounding me. I can take them I knew that. But my fight isn't with them.

"You over step boy."

"I do, but I must."

"Leave us. And do not return."

'stubborn fool. So be it.' Deciding to step back, I packed my things and decided to move on. 'It's not like I need that much sleep anyway.'

But before I left I decided to give him some parting words.

"I spoke what needed to be said Lord Stark. What you do with that is entirely up to you. As are the consequences of your actions."

He snarled at the last one. Clearly not liking what it meant. As I turned I saw a tear stricken Lyanna standing by the road. As I wiped the tears off her face I gave her one last good bye and my apologies.

"I am sorry. I tried." She nodded at that and surprisingly gave me a weak smile. It was heartbreaking to see. Such a sweat little girl, and all her tragedy. I didn't know what came over me when I kissed her in her forehead but I did no less.

"Good bye, she-wolf." She held back a laugh out of that. Well at least she ain't as heart broken as she were anymore.

I walked briskly through the road not stopping to look back. I got time to prepare and the knowledge of what would occur. Sadly, I suck at timelines. So I have no knowledge of exact dates if they had any. But I believe I have a year before everything goes six feet under.

I can prepare. I can make changes. And that all starts in Harrenhal.