Sure enough, the cheers had barely died down when someone called Ethan's name from the edge of the crowd:
"Captain Ethan! Captain Ethan—where are you?"
Ethan answered loudly, "I'm here!"
A guard wearing a robe embroidered with an ice-wolf sigil hurried over, saluted, and said,
"Lord Robb has ordered a tent set up for you near the castle. Please follow me."
Ethan nodded. "Very well."
He then instructed Eddie and the cavalry to collect the spoils of war while he himself walked toward the outskirts of Riverrun, where several bonfires burned brightly and a large, somewhat tattered tent stood among them.
Conrad was already waiting outside the tent with several men. He said to Ethan,
"Captain, give the orders—what should we do next?"
Outside the tent some of the more knowledgeable wounded soldiers were already clutching their injuries, anxiously waiting for Ethan's arrival.
Ethan knew that lives were the most important thing and he would never let a comrade drag a badly wounded body while waiting for him to eat or rest. He immediately began assigning tasks:
Vitaly would lead First Combat Squad, fully armed, to stand guard outside the tent—preventing any surprise attacks from remaining enemies and keeping order.
Fibert and Kevin would each lead Second and Third Squads, specializing in carrying stretchers, assisting the female medics in holding down struggling wounded men, and boiling water over the campfires to sterilize bandages.
The wounded lined up in orderly fashion on the open ground outside the tents. The medical-team women sorted and treated them according to severity: those with internal-organ or head injuries received priority, followed by those with broken bones or deep muscle wounds, while superficial cuts were set aside for later in case infection or other complications appeared.
Northern soldiers received priority according to status, followed by northern prisoners; ordinary Westerlands soldiers were treated only if Ethan still had strength left.
Any soldier with non-life-threatening wounds who tried to jump the line so he could return to the fighting was firmly turned away by Vitaly and her men.
Although this battle had been a great victory, the number of northern casualties was significantly higher than in the Whispering Wood, making Ethan's workload much heavier.
Thus Ethan and the Silver Hand team worked through the night. Only when the first light of dawn broke did Ethan—having exhausted the last drop of his mana and the final sip of heart-tree sap—finally bring the intense treatment work to a close.
By then every wounded man who had waited outside the tent had been treated and gradually drifted away.
After the last patient left, Ethan sat down on the ground, enduring the bitter aftertaste of heart-tree sap still on his tongue, and sighed inwardly:
"No… if the war continues like this, even if I don't die on the battlefield I'll die of exhaustion at the operating table."
Ethan made up his mind to train a few more Sunwalkers—not for any grand reason, but simply to make his own life easier.
With that thought he summoned a crystal from the void in front of his chest. Playing with the eight-sided crystal pillar—about the length of his middle finger—he found it perfectly clear, containing a liquid that glowed with soft golden light and swayed gently when the crystal tilted.
The golden liquid, like condensed sunlight, gave off a sacred and lofty feeling. Ethan realized this was most likely the artifact capable of nurturing the Seed of Holy Light.
Yet a problem immediately presented itself: how exactly should he use this crystal?
A thought flashed through his mind. A single drop of golden liquid seeped from the crystal wall, fell to the ground, and instantly sprouted a lush patch of green grass.
Was he really supposed to drip the liquid onto someone's forehead like that? Would there be hidden dangers? Could the person's mind be controlled?
After all, the brainwashing power of the Holy Light was well known. If Ethan's goal had been domination and conquest, creating a host of warriors who knew only how to fight and possessed no independent will would have been an extremely tempting option. But he knew what he truly needed were like-minded comrades—not soulless automatons.
Therefore, out of caution, Ethan decided to conduct experiments on animals first—once the situation had stabilized. He would begin with mice, gradually move to rabbits, then larger animals. Little Bell the snow-bear had already secured a testing spot, and as for Ghost the direwolf, Ethan planned to consult Jon Snow before making any decision.
With his mind made up Ethan could finally sleep in peace.
Yet he had barely managed three hours of rest when his messenger Marvin woke him, saying Lord Robb had invited him into the city.
Although he did not know the reason, an invitation from the commander was a mark of favor from Robb and could not be refused.
So Ethan washed his face with the leftover hot water from the night's surgeries, mounted Lightning, and followed the guards who had come to escort him.
A short while later he reached the banks of the Tumblestone, where several small boats were moored. Robb and his direwolf were already aboard the first boat; his mother sat at the stern of the same vessel. Several other boats carried high-ranking nobles.
Guided by the guards Ethan started toward the last small boat.
As he passed the second boat Lord Karstark's voice suddenly rang out:
"Captain Ethan—come ride with us."
Ethan looked over and saw Lord Karstark sitting with the grey-haired old nobleman he had met the day before. Opposite them stood Lord Jon Umber—the towering, burly man whose two severed fingers Ethan had healed.
"May I?" Ethan hesitated.
"Come aboard," Lord Karstark invited warmly. "You are Torren's savior—do you not deserve a seat here?"
Ethan observed the expressions of the other two men on the boat. Seeing no objection he accepted gladly:
"Then I will not refuse."
Once aboard, Lord Karstark introduced him:
"Captain Ethan, this is Lord Brynden Tully—brother of Duke Hoster Tully and the famous 'Blackfish' of the Vale. This is Lord Jon Umber; I believe you already know him."
"Old Blackfish," Lord Karstark said to Brynden, "this is Captain Ethan Cole—the man I told you about, the one who saved Torren from the Stranger's grasp."
Ser Brynden extended his hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Captain Ethan."
"The honor is mine, Lord Brynden," Ethan replied, shaking the knight's hand. From the strong, callused grip he could still feel that this was a tough old man who refused to grow old.
Ser Brynden continued, "Last night I witnessed your bravery firsthand. It truly lives up to its reputation. I hope we may fight side by side again in the future."
"Of course, my lord. It would be my honor to fight alongside you," Ethan answered.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries with Lord Umber the boat beneath them began to move slowly.
They drifted downstream, letting the powerful current of the Tumblestone carry them past the towering water-mills.
Inside the mill-tower massive waterwheels creaked and roared while soldiers and smallfolk lined the sandstone battlements, chanting Robb's name and shouting "Long live Winterfell!"
The little fleet made a sharp turn beneath the waterwheel tower and glided straight through the surging river. The great arch of the water-gate gradually came into view. With the clank of heavy chains the enormous iron portcullis slowly rose.
Passing beneath the arch and the walls they moved from sunlight into shadow. Yet Ethan's small boat soon returned to daylight. Boats of every size were moored around them, securely tied to iron rings set in the stone.
Once the vessel was safely tied Ethan saw Lady Catelyn being escorted into the castle by a young nobleman.
Meanwhile Robb waited patiently on the steps by the water. After the grey-haired old nobleman—Ser Brynden—had come ashore, Robb spoke:
"Ser Brynden, please lead us to the godswood."
But Ser Brynden gently shook his head. "Your mother is still upstairs speaking with her father. I will wait for her return."
He then turned to the captain of the guard beside him and ordered, "Charles, send someone to guide the Young Wolf Lord and his generals to the godswood."
Soon, surrounded by the northern host, they followed a young freckled guard to the godswood of Riverrun.
This godswood lay in the southwest corner of the castle—a triangular plot enclosed by two curtain walls. Though not as grand or imposing as the godswood of Winterfell, its warmer climate gave it a more delicate, refined beauty.
At the heart of the grove stood a slender weirwood, its trunk carved with faces that seemed to hold a hint of sorrow—lacking some of the ancient fortitude of its northern kin—while lush redwoods and old elms surrounded it.
Robb walked slowly to the heart tree, knelt, and stood beneath the canopy of green leaves that formed a natural parasol.
He planted his sword in the soil before him, the tip sinking deep into the earth, gripped the hilt tightly with gloved hands, and prayed devoutly.
At the same time Greatjon Umber, Rickard Karstark, Maege Mormont, Galbart Glover and the other lords—whether familiar or unknown to Ethan—all faced the heart tree and knelt beside Robb. They were all steadfast believers in the Old Gods, hailing from the barren yet resilient North.
In the godswood everyone prayed fervently—except for Theon Greyjoy and Ethan, the two who did not follow the Old Gods, who remained standing upright and looked distinctly out of place.
Theon grinned and gave Ethan an exaggerated smile. He formed a ring with his right thumb and forefinger, tilted his head back as if drinking, then raised an eyebrow and jerked his chin toward the castle—clearly inviting Ethan to join him for a drink.
Ethan shook his head politely, declining Theon's offer. Theon shrugged, turned, and disappeared from view.
A while later Lady Catelyn entered the godswood. She stood quietly to one side, not disturbing those who prayed.
Only Ethan noticed her arrival and bowed to her with his hand over his heart.
Yet Lady Catelyn returned only a detached glance before looking away, seemingly unmoved by his courtesy.
After the prayers ended Robb rose slowly and sheathed his sword. He looked up, saw Lady Catelyn standing there, and said,
"Mother—we must hold a council. There are many things to discuss and decide."
Lady Catelyn's expression turned grave. "Your grandfather wishes to see you, Robb. He is very ill."
Robb's face showed worry, yet he still answered firmly, "Ser Edmure has already told me of Grandfather's condition, Mother. I am saddened for Lord Hoster—and for you as well. But we must hold the council first, because we have just received news from the south: Renly Baratheon has declared himself king."
Lady Catelyn was visibly shocked to hear the name "Renly." She blurted out, "It must be Lord Stannis—"
Galbart Glover, standing beside Robb, echoed, "My lady, we all think the same."
Then everyone moved to the great hall, where four long folding tables had been arranged in a square with upward-opening corners. Under Robb's direction the council officially began.
Lord Hoster, too ill to attend, still dozed on the balcony, reminiscing about the sunsets over the long river of his youth.
Edmure took the high seat of House Tully with Brynden the Blackfish at his side and his father's vassals seated on either hand.
After news of the victory at Riverrun spread, the Riverlands nobles who had fled in defeat began to return.
Thanks to Lord Rickard's introduction Ethan was spared the awkwardness of a first meeting and was able to observe this important council freely.
Among those present were Karyl Vance, who had inherited his father's title after the latter's death at the Battle of the Golden Tooth, along with Marq Piper and the young son of Ser Raymar Darry (a boy about Bran's age).
Lord Jonos Bracken arrived furious from the ruins of Stone Hedge, keeping as much distance as possible from Lord Tytos Blackwood.
At the council Lady Catelyn, Robb, and the northern lords sat opposite Edmure Tully in the high seat.
Theon Greyjoy sat to Robb's left. Galbart Glover and Lady Mormont sat to Catelyn's right.
Lord Rickard Karstark was gaunt with grief over the loss of his son, yet his eyes still burned.
His eldest son had led the Karstark forces against Tywin Lannister at the Green Fork and his fate remained unknown. Of his other two sons who had come with him to Riverrun, Eddard had died in the Whispering Wood and Torren had lost an arm and was crippled. Despite everything Lord Rickard found some consolation: Torren, though maimed, was at least spared the life-and-death trials of further battle.
Meanwhile, in a quiet corner of Robb's camp, Ethan found his place. He had earned the respect of the nobles for his bravery in battle and for healing many wounded men, and was now able to watch this important council.
The meeting began with a cacophony of arguments that continued late into the night.
Each noble made full use of his right to speak—some shouting, some cursing, some reasoning, some mixing persuasion and deception, some joking, some bargaining, some even slamming cups on the table and issuing threats.
During the council people frequently stormed out only to return later—either sullen or smiling.
Ethan, holding a cup of wine, sipped gently, sat quietly, and listened intently.
From the generals' conversation he learned that Roose Bolton had regrouped his defeated army at the Neck causeway, while Ser Helman Tallhart and Walder Frey—still holding the Twins—had turned back, crossed the Trident, and were heading toward Harrenhal. Currently two rivals for the throne had emerged: Joffrey Baratheon and his uncle Renly Baratheon.
Many lords were eager to march on Harrenhal at once for a decisive battle with Tywin Lannister and eliminate the Westerlands forces.
The hot-blooded Marq Piper even advocated sending troops west to strike Casterly Rock. Yet many others urged caution and against haste.
Jason Mallister specifically pointed out that Riverrun currently occupied a crucial position on the Lannister supply line. They should use this advantage to cut off Tywin's reinforcements and supplies, strengthen their defenses, and allow the exhausted army to rest.
However Lord Tytos Blackwood ignored all cautious advice. He believed the war should be ended as quickly as possible, capitalizing on the momentum gained from the Battle of the Whispering Wood.
Therefore he not only advocated an immediate march on Harrenhal but also requested that Roose Bolton's troops move south to provide support. As was customary, House Bracken always disagreed with House Blackwood. Thus Jonos Bracken rose and urged everyone to pledge allegiance to King Renly and march south to join his army.
"Renly is not the king," Robb spoke for the first time, breaking the silence.
Hearing that, Galbart Glover quickly advised, "My lord—you cannot possibly pledge allegiance to Joffrey, can you? After all, your father died at his hands."
Hearing this Ethan looked up in disbelief and softly asked Lord Rickard Karstark—who was resting beside him—"Is Lord Eddard truly dead?"
Lord Rickard nodded heavily and answered in a low voice, "Yes—he was beheaded on Joffrey's orders. None of the warriors who followed Ned to King's Landing survived. You did not know?"
Ethan shook his head, murmuring, "I… I truly did not know…"
"The Stark family—" Lord Rickard sighed and did not finish.
Robb continued, "Joffrey is Robert's eldest son. By the laws of the realm the throne rightfully belongs to him. Even if he is a villain, that does not mean Renly can become king. If Joffrey dies—believe me, I have seen that day is not far off—the throne will pass to his brother Tommen."
Ser Marq Piper retorted, "Tommen is a Lannister too."
"That is true," Robb said, sounding troubled, "but even if both brothers were dead it would still not be Renly's turn. He is Robert's younger brother, and just as Bran could not become Duke of Winterfell before me, Renly cannot take the throne before Stannis."
Countess Mormont agreed, "Lord Stannis is indeed more deserving of the throne than Renly."
Yet Marq Piper disagreed: "But Renly has already been crowned. Highgarden and Storm's End are on his side, and Dorne will not stand idle.
If the forces of Winterfell and Riverrun join him, then five of the seven great houses will be under his command. If House Arryn also sends troops, that is five-sixths of the realm's power!
Six against one, my lords—we can soon have the Queen Mother, the Imp, Lord Tywin, Tyrion, the Kingslayer, Ser Kevan and the rest impaled on our spears! We can achieve such a glorious victory simply by pledging allegiance to King Renly—so why pledge to Lord Stannis? What can he give us?"
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