The White Sword Tower

[The Smith]

"He was. He killed four men, and two with his bare hands the day the Crow tried to take me." Rickon smiles fondly, "He used to lift me into the air and pretend to throw me even in my armor."

[Deleted]

"I wish I knew him," Brynden said. "He sounds like everything a warrior should be. I trained with Ser Jonjen Hill before I came here, and he's fierce. But not affectionate, really." Brynden looked at Rickon. "I'm a good fighter though. I mean to be great when I grow up. I think I could guard you even better than any of these," he waved a hand at the pages of the White Book. He sounded completely self-assured and confident in his own ability.

[The Smith]

Rickon nodded and gave him a small smile, "Well Brynden, it takes more then a strong Sword arm to serve in this Brotherhood. Turn the page, study Qooros Wydman's page. Read how a man, not as gifted with the talents of war can become a legend just by having honor, and bravery. How he can use his head to save his King and his land."

[Deleted]

"Wydman?" Brynden turned to find his shield. "That's a Vale name, isn't it?"

[The Smith]

Rickon nodded "Yes he was. His brother was a legendary swordsmen."

[Deleted]

"How did he save his King and his land, then?" Brynden looked interested.

[The Smith]

"On the night of the Crow's Coup, Gower, Wydman and I were training in a small yard ny my chambers. When the Dornish men working for the Crow's wife came for me, Gower attacked and died. Wydman lifted me up and ran away." Rickon recites with out looking at the pages, "Wydman ran the Keep desperate, knowing that the Crow needed me for his plan to be successful. He noticed that the Lords who did not resist were being allowed to leave, so then an Idea hit tim. He carried me to the chambers of Lord Roland Royce."

Rickon smiles at his own memory of the night, "Roland and his Men were prepareing to sally into the night to fight the Crow's forces, and probably die like so many brave men did that night. Yet then Wydman barged into his rooms, carrying his King. Roland at first did not listen to Qoros, but eventually he realized that the honorable thing to do was to leave the keep. Me masquerding as a page."

"Ser Wydman also realized that for him to travel with me would bring undue risk to me person. The Kings Guard are recognized every where, even out of their White Cloaks. So he made a decision. He left me with Roland." Rickon paused a second to wipe at an eye, "Qoros realized that he was now a danger to me. If he were taken alive he could be made to talk. So he removed his breast plate and charged half a dozen men." He stops and stares at the man's shield.

[Deleted]

Brynden listened to this extraordinary tale in silence. It renewed his awe for the White Sword Tower in which he now lived. "Sometimes I seriously want to give up Duskendale and be a Kingsguard. Especially now." Brynden's eyes shone. "When it's hard to trust that there are still good men in the world, the white knights always make you believe again."

[The Smith]

Rickon nods, "A good Life calls for great sacrifice, a great life calls for Martyrs."

[Deleted]

"No it doesn't," Brynden said. "Baldwin Lannister was great. Horas Bla..." he stopped. "Piers Bettley was great. My uncle Rhodri Arryn was great. None of them were martyrs." Brynden looked a bit scornful. "You don't have to Baelor the Blessed to be a badass."

[The Smith]

Rickon laughed lightly, "I said Martyred Brynden. Not Saint. Three of those men are dead, and the other hides because of his legion of enemies." Rickon snorted, "And that phrase was taught to me by Lord Bettley, so I know he agrees with it."

[Deleted]

From what he had heard of the man, it was extremely hard for Brynden to imagine Piers Bettley as a martyr, but he let it go. "So what's it like being King?"

[The Smith]

Rickon opened his mouth to speak when there is a loud bang from behind them.

Rodrick saunters in and says, "Here is where you are Ricky, I have been looking up and down the freaking halls."

[Deleted]

Brynden dark eyes sized up the other twin quickly enough. He watched him steadily.

[The Smith]

Rickon said nothing but looked at his brother and gave a slight smile.

Rodrick noticed Brynden and then turned to Rickon and pointed at the new boy, "Whats with the lumpy bumpkin?"

Rickon frowned and said, "Roddy!"