Magic Awakens: Robb Stark IV
Summary: Robb struggles with juggling his duties as the Lord Commander, his trauma and resentment of the past, and fostering relationships with his brothers while maintaining authority. Jon's return is a welcome relief, but comes with it's own difficulties.
Preview: Jon had arrived back at Castle Black a fortnight ago and Robb had enjoyed being reunited with his brother. Robb was running out of allies, even fewer that he trusted. Maester Aemon and Sam were sent to the Citadel, many died beyond the Wall or at Hardhome, and he needed to distance himself from those he considered friends now that he was Lord Commander.
His duties took much of his time, so that left fostering any type of relationship with his men to the wayside. But today, Jon had convinced him to practice in the yard. It shamed him to admit, but he had neglected his swordsmanship. With an impending war against the Others, it was more important than ever to stay sharp and not solely oversee the training of everyone else.
The younger men, and a few young wildling girls, were gathered round as Jon went over the basics for a few newcomers from Hardhome. Ollie, a boy whose entire family was killed by wildling raiders a few days before Stannis attacked beyond the Wall and captured Mance, was helping them. Robb hoped it would be good for him to see the Free Folk his age were no different from him, and innocent of any of their parents’ sins.
Ollie was angry when Robb informed the Watch Jon was leading a mission to Hardhome, and those captured by Stannis would be utilized to garrison and settle abandoned castles and keeps along the Wall and the Gift. Jon spoke to him before he left, explaining the importance of saving them from the Others, that each person left beyond the Wall would be another dead man they would face when they came. It seemed to placate him for the time being.
As Jon ran the drills, Robb was sparring against Leathers, the Free Folk he had named Master-at-arms to replace Iron Emmett. Leathers had him on his back within minutes, but Robb was able to roll out of the way and reach his practice sword. He was embarrassed to realize how out of shape he had become in such a short time, though Leathers was an excellent fighter.
Robb slashed and swiped as he ducked and turned, sweat dripping down his brow, causing him to shiver from the frigid winter air. His limbs began to burn at how evenly matched they were. His brother was right to suggest he spar. His stamina suffered more than anything.
Eventually the years of training under Ser Rodrick and with Jon paid off, as he began to anticipate Leathers moves. His heart hammered and adrenaline rushed through him as he feigned an attack on Leathers’ weak side, which caused him to be thrown off balance and made him slow to recover, before Robb ultimately brought his sword down upon the opposite side. Leathers sword fell to the ground as Robb swept his leg beneath him.
His opponent landed upon the frozen ground with the blunted sword to his neck. He smiled as he yielded. Robb extended a hand to help him up, then welcomed the moment to rest as Jax and Arron were quick to take their spot sparring.
It took him a few moments to catch his breath. His muscles would be sore tomorrow, but he felt better than he had in many moons. As a boy in Winterfell, sparring had been a part of his daily lessons. No matter what occurred in his life, what doubts and stress that fell upon his shoulders, sparring would alleviate it; if even for a moment.
The corner of his mouth ticked up as he watched his men train. He didn’t remain idle, standing to walk over and assist his brother. Satin was there as well, fixing the stance of a young girl. If she was born in Westeros, she never would’ve been permitted to learn, especially at her age.
The girl couldn’t have been more than two and ten. It made him think of his youngest sister, who was just as determined and wild and of a similar age. He hoped she was doing well wherever she was.
Sansa would be scandalized to see so many young women being trained in warfare. Bran would lament he was unable to join. He was meant to be a knight before he lost the use of his legs. Rickon would be old enough to hold his first practice sword.
“Ollie! Ollie,” Jon yelled after the boy, who stomped away, his shoulder bumping Robb’s as he fled the yard with a scowl upon his face and a curse upon his lips.
His brother stopped in front of him, still looking towards where Ollie disappeared, his brooding face showing his concern. Only once Robb asked what happened did Jon turn to look at him.
“He was putting Kyhren through his paces when his father and Ygritte came into the yard. Kyleg called out to his son and when they both looked up, Ollie’s face dropped and he began to shake. When they began to approach us, he ran off.” Jon recanted the story, scratching his beard with his free hand resting upon his hip.
“Kyleg and Ygritte were part of the group that climbed the Wall while we were with Mance,” Robb stated, crossing his arms.
“They were there when Ollie’s family was killed and his home was destroyed,” Robb surmised.
Jon looked worried and sad, his hand moving from his face to rub the back of his neck. “Took part in the raid, most likely.”
Another hour passed of training when Jon challenged him to a spar. Now that Jon trained with two swords, it didn’t take him long to defeat Robb. Though he was impressed he lasted as long as he did against him if he were honest. It brought Robb shame for his negligence and abandonment.
He would need to remedy that quickly, remembering meeting Robert Baratheon and how much respect he lost for the man to see how fat and lazy the once near-mythical warrior had become. How could Robb lead his men if they did not feel confidence in his skills. It wouldn’t hurt to spend this time with them either, the respect it could garner as he got to know them all.
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