3 3- A new Addition

289 AC

Horn Hill, The Reach.

The crisp autumn day in Horn Hill had turned into a bustling, anxious affair. The Tarly family awaited the arrival of a new member. Edward was buzzing with excitement. He had been looking forward to this day for months.

As the sun hung high in the sky, a messenger approached Edward, his face beaming. "My lord, Lady Melessa has given birth to a healthy baby girl," he shared.

Edward's eyes sparkled with amusement. "It seems like our last discussion about future alliance with the North made father more excited then I thought."

Sam, his twin, couldn't help but fidget with worry. "Do you think Mother is all right?"

Edward placed a reassuring hand on Sam's shoulder. "She's in the best hands, Sam. Mother is strong. She'll be just fine."

Desmond, the youngest of the Tarly children, was perched on a nearby barrel, his big, curious eyes locked on Edward. "Big brodder, where Mommy?"

"Mother's having a baby, Desmond," Edward explained with a gentle smile. "She'll be back soon, and you'll have a little sister to play with."

However, Randyll Tarly was not there to witness the birth of his daughter. He had been away from home, leading his men in the ongoing Greyjoy Rebellion. Edward had not seen his father in what felt like an eternity, but he understood the importance of his father's duties.

During his father's absence, Edward had taken it upon himself to intensify his training. With Wolverine's healing factor, he didn't have to worry about pushing his body too far. He explored various martial arts, using Wolverine's experiences and memories as his guide. He also utilized his mind-reading abilities to spot and recruit fifty talented young boys, all aged between eight and twelve. He trained them using modern methods and unconventional techniques, pushing them to their limits.

After a year, the Greyjoy rebellion finally came to an end, with the crown emerging victorious. Randyll Tarly returned home, and Edward wasted no time in updating his father on everything that had transpired during his absence. Some things, however, he chose to keep to himself, hidden behind a mask of youthful innocence.

Randyll, curious about the young recruits, pitted them against his seasoned men in hand-to-hand combat. Edward's proteges fought valiantly, despite not emerging victorious. Their resilience and skill left an indelible mark.

Curiosity piqued, Randyll inquired about their training regimen and the peculiar fighting style they employed. When he learned that his son had trained them, he couldn't contain his astonishment. Edward was then challenged by one of his father's men, and to the surprise of everyone present, Edward emerged victorious.

Edward took the opportunity to address his troops, his voice ringing out with authority. "ATTENTION!" The soldiers snapped to attention as Edward continued, "Today we had the chance to test ourselves against the finest warriors of the Reach. Though we didn't win, I am proud of the progress we've made. With just one year of training, we became stronger than ever, I have faith in each and every one of you. And remember It's not just about strength or numbers, but skill and strategy that win battles. Trust in your training, and when the time comes, the rest of the realm will be our prey to hunt."

The soldiers, who had been observing and listening to the speech, had gradually come to respect and admire Edward. They appreciated his dedication towards his men and his unwavering confidence. They knew he was a leader who would lead by example, much like his father.

During this time, Randyll took Edward aside. "You've certainly been busy during my absence.

Edward, ever the tactician, replied, "I've observed what works and what doesn't, Father. In one year I managed to turn boys into Men, they became stronger and faster than ever before. They may not have won today, but they fought valiantly."

Randyll considered his son's words carefully. "I want you to continue their training. And I want to see the training methods you came up with in action."

Edward nodded. "I will not disappoint you, Father."

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293 AC

Horn Hill,The Reach.

The sound of arrows cutting throw air could be heard through out the yard. Randyll was looking at his son who was challenging (provoking) his finest warriors into competing with him and his men in archery, behind him Sam and Desmond, while his youngest stood there proudly and confidently observing his big brother, his other twin who is supposed to be there for his brother acted shyly avoiding his subject's eyes, looking down when ever someone locks eyes with him, bringing shame to his House.

Randyll already knew how good is Edward with the bow from all the hunting they did together after all his son was a prodigy, talented in everything he puts his mind into, the perfect heir to House Tarly.

Edward, now ten years old, had created a unique fighting style that was all his own. Using his mind-reading ability to predict attacks, his sharp senses, reflex, and flexibility to evade, and his mastery of mixed martial arts to strike, he was nearly untouchable. He seemed to anticipate every move his opponents made, as if he could see seconds into the future. Fighting against him was a nightmarish experience for others, and he intended to achieve the same mastery with the sword once he reached Winterfell.

As this was his last day in Horn Hill, Edward spent the rest of it playing with his brothers and assuring his mother that he will take care of himself and he will keep in touch as he will be sanding letters from time to time.

Late at night, as Edward enjoyed his time with his family, he still had one more thing to do before traveling to the North. He made his way to his father's quarters, knocking gently before entering.

Randyll looked up from his desk, his brows furrowed. "Edward, what brings you here at this hour?"

Edward closed the door behind him and took a seat across from his father. "I wanted to talk to you, Father, it's about Sam."

Randyll leaned back in his chair, his expression wary. "What about him?"

Edward took a deep breath" I think it's time for Sam to go to the Citadel to study, you are wasting his talent and time by keeping him here."

Randyll's eyes flared with anger." You want me to send my son, to a place where weaklings burry there heads in books, reading and writing other people's achievements, ABSULUTLY NOT!. We are warriors and warriors we should remain."

Silence fell the room as father and son looked at each other for a while.

"who's idea was it? it is the Measter right, he must be the one feeling your head with these useless ideas" Randyll asked looking for answers.

"it's my idea, the Measter had nothing to do with it." Edward told him.

"then you aren't as cleaver as i took you for." Randyll said as he turned his back and continued his work.

Edward remained calm as he simply made himself conformable on chair" then allow me to ask you father, who has the best spays in Westeros?"

Randyll stopped for a while and answered" it's ether the spider, the Tyrells or the Lannisters"

"it's the Citadels" Edward replied trying to catch his father's attention. " in every house there is a Measter from the Citadel observing, educating, and consoling every lord, be it great or small. the Measters collect intel from every house under the noses of Lords, just because they are too proud to see them as a threat."

Randyll turned towards his son eyes wide open. As he sat in contemplative silence.

Edward leaned in, his voice low. "Father, having twins in House Tarly is a blessing. Just as I have been blessed with physical prowess to become a great warrior, I believe Sam is blessed with a great mind. He could become the youngest Arch Maester in history, but he needs to be in a place where his talents can shine."

Edward observed as his father's facial expressions started to change and continued "If Sam becomes a Maester, we can summon him to serve and educate the future generations of House Tarly without the Citadel's prying eyes. And if, by chance, Grand Maester Pycelle dies due to his age, the crown will need to choose a new Grand Maester. Who better than the youngest ArchMaester in history?"

Randyll sat in silence, pondering his son's words. Edward had always been astute, and his arguments were sound. It was a plan that had the potential to elevate House Tarly's standing in the realm.

As he mulled over his son's words, slowly warming to the idea. Randyll finally answered" he will stay and train in Horn Hill for 3 years, if he doesn't show any improvement, I will write to the citadels and he better have the potential you spoke of, because if he doesn't, I will make him take the black.

Edward nodded in appreciation. "Thank you, Father. I believe it is a decision that will serve our house well."

With their conversation concluded, Edward bid his father goodnight and returned to his chambers. Tomorrow, he would set forth on his journey to Winterfell, and the path that would shape his destiny in the North.