The shout of incantations sounded through one of the training grounds of Riverrun as the two witches had been training for about half an hour. This had been a constant sound for over a week since Arya had gotten her wand. They trained both amongst themselves and, at times, with groups of soldiers charging at them with practice swords.
"Expelliarmus!" shouted Arya, aiming her wand at Arabella.
"Protego!" said the other girl as she deflected a ray of red light coming from Arya's wand.
"Confringo!" Arabella answered, sending a brownish-yellow ball of energy at high speed towards Arya.
As a 7th year student, she was more than familiarized with the concept of silent casting. However, she preferred to speak the spells out loud so Arya would get used to their correct pronunciation. It also gave the duo an extra air of mystique as they spoke words that no other person in this place could understand.
"Protego!" the northern girl said at the last minute, stumbling backwards and deflecting the spell towards a nearby wall, that got momentarily singed.
"Arya, pay attention! You almost got hit! Remember, you need to be aware of your surroundings and sharpen your reflexes to be quick. Either spells, swords or arrows can kill you on the battlefield if you're not aware of them." she snapped on a harsher tone than she intended.
The girl looked sheepishly to the floor then added.
"I'm sorry, I'll be more attentive"
Normally, Arya would be more rebellious, even if it would be her own mother scolding her. With Arabella, however, she didn't feel any urge to be angry or rebel. The girl not only felt a great connection with Arabella because of their time together, but she also was grateful for all the knowledge she was being able to learn.
She wasn't learning the same way Hogwarts students were, as her lessons were more focused on combat spells than other utilities. Therefore, she knew some combat spells that only older students would, while some first years spells which were less useful to their current scenario were left neglected.
Arabella looked at the girl and upon seeing her worried face she softened her tone.
"The charm Protego is the most important spell in our arsenal, don't forget it, okay? If we don't use it properly, what happened back on the River Road can and will happen again. I trust you will train your reaction time with it more, yes?"
"I will!"
"Good! That's also something I need to work in, so don't worry Arya, you've made great progress so far. You have mastered spells with impressive speed. Your father will be proud when we see him again."
At the mention of Lord Stark, the young girl's face turned somber.
"Do you think we will see him again soon?"
Arabella thought for a moment before speaking.
"Yes, Arya. Although I think it will take a bit more time than we would like. The roads to King's Landing are very dangerous now. The Westerlands are sending raiders into the border regions of the Crownlands and Riverlands. While I believe you and I could make a stealth trip and avoid their detection, I highly doubt your grandfather would allow us to leave in such conditions and sending an escort with us would only slow us down and increase our risks."
"I miss them" she said, implying the rest of the family when she said them. Arabella knew that, this time, she even meant Sansa.
"I miss your family too, Arya. They've been great hosts to me during the months I've stayed in Winterfell and I grew quite fond of you all, Wolves of the North. But especially of a little she-wolf who wants to show the world she's stronger than any Lady."
Arya cracked a smile when she heard the veiled praise and the heartfelt words coming from Arabella. Then her voice sounded more concerned when she asked.
"Do you miss your friends?" there was no need to ask about family, since Arya already knew of their fate from previous conversation.
Arabella sighed and for a second it seemed that she was going to cry, but she quickly recomposed herself and answered.
"I do, Arya. Quite a lot to be honest and I hope to see them again. They were my family back in Hogwarts, just like it feels that the Starks are my family here in Westeros."
"Even Jon?"
"Of course, Arya! Even Jon. Where I'm from we don't have bastards. As far as I'm concerned, Jon is a Stark."
The young Stark beamed with a great smile that gave subtle hints of the future beauty that the "horse-faced" would have in the future.
"I'm sure we'll see them again. Once I'm strong enough, I'll help you with the portal spell and you'll be able to visit them again. I promise"
Arya came in to hug her and they embraced for a few seconds before the sound of steps was heard coming towards them.
"Lady Slytherin, Lady Stark" the guard bowed his head "Lord Holster Tully is assembling a war council and he asks for your presence, My Lady."
"Can I go too?" Arya asked in excitement.
"Arya, war councils are no place for children."
"Neither is the battlefield, but we're going there anyways, no?"
"Not if I can avoid it" she said, raising an eyebrow at Arya's quick thinking and sharp rebuke.
"But you're training me for battle! Why if not for us to fight?" she asked with the slight tone of her rebellious nature.
"I'm training you to survive if you ever need to fight, not to go charging head-first into conflict."
"I understand. But can I go anyways, please please please???"
Arabella sighed and smirked.
"Very well, but you will keep silent, not bother the Lords making their strategy, and speak only if spoken to. Ah, and I also expect your full dedication to your etiquette lessons tonight"
"Alright" Arya said, feigning defeat.
___________________________________________________________
Lord Holster Tully sat at the head of the long table flanked by his son, Lord Edmure, on his right and his brother, Brynden Blackfish Tully by his left. Ahead, flanking each of them sat some of the most important lords of the Riverlands. Maester Vyman was also nearby, watching the proceedings.
Houses Malister, Blackwood, Bracken, Frey, Haigh, Piper, Charlton, Wayn, Goodbrok, Whent and Vance all were represented. The table was long enough to accommodate all of the Riverlander lords and it had several seats empty for some of the Lords which were either on the front or still arriving from their lands closer to the North or the Vale.
When Arabella arrived with Arya in tow, Lord Holster could not hide his smile. The same could not be said about the other lords of the Riverlands, including Lord Brynden, whose face showed clear discontent at having a girl in the midst of such a relevant conversation.
"Ah, Lady Slytherin, welcome! I see you've decided to bring my granddaughter with you to our gathering. Although, something tells me that she'd come here even if you had said no, am I not correct?"
"My Lords, I apologize if our presence brings you any discomfort" Arabella said with feigned humility before adopting a more assertive stance and a charming smile "Indeed, Lord Holster, I'm certain that Arya would have sneaked in even if I had denied her presence, which I didn't. I'm sure you're not used to women being active participants in war councils. However, since I was invited to come by the Lord Paramount, I imagined it would also be a great opportunity in Arya's education to see how strategy is made by some of the greatest minds of the realm."
"A Lady's education shouldn't involve war and strategy, Lady Slytherin" Lord Jonos Bracken said in almost professorial tone "these are topics for men."
"Well, Lord Bracken, perhaps you're right," she said as she approached the table and took a seat, motioning for Arya to sit by her side "but I was tasked by Lord Stark to educate his daughter to be more than just a noble Lady. I am training her to be a Witch, something that comes with rather different expectations and duties from the ones of a Lady."
She let the words sink in before continuing.
"While her education in court etiquette if proceeding flawlessly, combat is also an integral part of her training, since magic does not discern between men and women, nor do our foes when it comes to killing us. Therefore her presence here is only natural. The earlier she starts to understand how wars work, the greater are her chances of fulfilling her training successfully and becoming the best Witch she could be. We wouldn't want to stop the Lord Hand's daughter from receiving a good education would we?"
She, of course, had inflated the relevance of combat for the average witch and wizard. Even though they were trained in offensive and defensive spells in Hogwarts, most wizards rarely needed to use them. Not that the Lords of Westeros knew that, of course.
Lord Bracken was about to give an answer to her commentary but when he looked at Arabella he saw that despite her calm demeanor and her warm smile, her eyes had no warmth to them. It was as if she was challenging him to open his mouth and speak. Then, he remembered who he was talking to and that she had been the same woman who had killed Amory Lorch instantly with only a flick of her wrist. He chose to wisely stay silent, which earned him an amused scoff from his rival Lord Tytos Blackwood.
"My Lords, I'm sure my granddaughter's presence here won't trouble us. Will it Arya?"
The girl nodded several times as if each time would make it more clear that she wouldn't disturb them.
"Good, then let us continue," said Lord Holster, who since waking up had developed an even greater fondness for Arya after knowing she had helped save him "What are the most recent reports?"
The other lords exchanged unsatisfied glances but no one dared raise the subject again. Then, a young man bearing the sigil of a pink maiden surrounded by white silks, the symbol of House Piper, spoke.
"My Lords, my father reports that he has suffered attacks from the raiders under the command of the Mountain. Several villages were burned to ashes and the people were slaughtered. Our scouts report that the main westerlands force under the command of Lord Tyrin is stationed at Hornvale while Ser Kevan Lannister commands another large force stationed at the Golden Tooth . We fear an attack at Pinkmaiden is imminent and our guess is that they plan to use the castle as a staging ground into the Riverlands and a possible siege of Riverrun and also as their passageway into the Crownlands."
"I understand, Ser Lewis. What preparations have Lord Clement Piper made to counter this?" asked Lord Holster.
"My Lord, we have stockpiled as much food as we could and ordered the nearby village folk to come into the castle. Supply wise we could last for at least half a year under siege. Still, our forces number only 2 thousand men. We have no hope of repelling Tywin's forces if he decides to attack. My father sent me here to request immediate reinforcements."
Lord Holster and his brother shared a concerned look. It was Brynden who broke the silence.
"I suggest sending troops from Houses Vance, Wayn, Whent and Goodbrook immediately to bolster the defenses of Pinkmaiden with reinforcements coming from Houses Mooton, Darry and Roote. Together, they should be able to hold on at least until Lord Eddard Stark arrives with the Crownlands and Stormlands forces to break the siege." spoke Brynden "In the meanwhile, Houses Bracken, Blackwood, Frey, Vypern and Charlton will reinforce Riverrun until Rob Stark arrives with the Northern army. Then, if all goes well, we can push from Riverrun into the Golden Tooth and cut the Lannister's direct supply line."
The Lords nodded and gave slight murmurs of agreement to the proposal. The Blackfish enjoyed a great deal of respect as a war veteran and many Lords looked at him as their main strategist for this upcoming war. Only one Lord remained unsure, an older man, bearing the sigil of the white eagle over a purple banner.
"What about House Mallister, My Lord Brynden? What should we do?" asked Lord Jason Mallister.
"Lord Mallister, I discussed this matter at length with my brother and we've decided to send you back to Seaguard." replied Lord Holster instead "We are unsure of what the Ironborn will do in this conflict and we fear they may choose to exploit the chaos and raid us. Your orders are to make sure your 3 thousand men keep the north of the Riverlands safely under our control and that the Neck is secured for the Northerners' passage south. Half of House Frey's men will aid you in keeping the order there, while the other half will come to Riverrun as previously agreed"
"Very well, My Lords. I will do as commanded. If any ship of the Iron Islands dare show itself on our shores, I'll plunge them back into the sea to meet their Drowned God ." he said with a grin, earning measured cheers from his fellow Lords.
Arabella felt her heart race at the mention of giving House Frey such an important task as helping to keep the Neck secure. She remembered well what had happened at the Red Wedding, in the third book. It had shocked her greatly when she read it and ever since she had despised the Freys.
Of course, there was no saying what could happen this time, with the story altered so drastically. Their presence in Riverrun and overall mobilization meant that they haven't yet been contacted by the Lannisters, but it would be just a matter of time until that happened.
Still, it seemed the Westerlands were at a great disadvantage this time, since the Crownlands were not in their grasp and the King opposed them fiercely. Perhaps that would be enough to make Walder Frey believe it would be too risky to betray the Tullys? She could only hope.
She thought of what she could do to guarantee that Walder Frey didn't cause chaos. She thought about going to Seaguard herself, to keep an eye on the Freys. But what if the Ironborn never attacked and they were just being too cautious? She'd stay there doing nothing while the real war was happening in the south.
Perhaps killing the old weasel would be a good idea? The thought quickly crossed her mind and then she sent it away. Although she'd probably be able to do it, there's no saying which chaos that would bring into House Frey and the region as a whole, since he had never left any clear succession line to all his lands, given the army of sons and daughters he had. Also there was no guarantee that whomever succeeded him in ruling the Twins wouldn't side with Tywin anyways if the Old Lion made a tempting offer. It was risky and perhaps even pointless.
No, to ensure nothing bad would come from them, she needed to ensure Tywin continued to appear at a disadvantage. This way, the Crossing would remain open for the North as Walder would remain loyal. She needed to go to Pinkmaiden and help against the Lannister assault.
"My Lords, I believe I should join the defense at Pinkmaiden" said Arabella to everyone's surprise, including Arya. "The sooner I get to repay Tywin's favour with Amory Lorch the sooner I'll be able to let this matter go."
"Lady Slytherin! You truly mean to go? It'll be an active battleground, there's no ensuring your safety." Lord Edmure finally spoke "And what about Arya? Are you taking my niece to the frontline too? It's too dangerous for her there. She's just a child."
"Uncle, I can fight! I'll get Tywin myself!" Arya shouted with a fierce determination that shocked some of the lords, while bringing a chuckle to others.
"Edmure, let us at least hear Lady Slytherin's idea before denying her" Lord Holster said in a firm yet calm tone, silencing his son "she said she wanted to get back at Tywin. That means she probably has a plan. I invited her to this war council exactly because I wanted to know if her magical talents could be of any help during the war. My Lady, please proceed."
"You're right to assume I have a plan, Lord Holster. When I was but an infant, Hogwarts, the castle I later went to study, was the grounds of a great siege from a foul dark wizard, called Voldemort and his army, which then led to a battle where he was defeated. He also held the title of Dark Lord and others who feared him used to refer to him as the He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named but I won't honor him by calling him any of these titles. Needless to say, he was one of the most dangerous wizards in our history."
Arya noticed that Arabella's voice had a clear undertone of anger and sorrow.
"Before that battle, the brave witches and wizards who defended Hogwarts conjured powerful incantations that created a shield of sorts around the castle. That shield managed to keep the army at bay for a whole day. Now, I know that it may not sound impressive, but Voldemort had his army of hundreds bombard this barrier with spells that were equivalent to a trebuchet boulder."
The initial disdain that had formed on the Lord's face for the meager day of resistance quickly left their faces when they understood the significance of her words. No force in their world had hundreds of trebuchets to field on a siege. If such spells could truly be maintained, their castles would be impregnable.
"Lady Slytherin, can you truly cast such powerful spells?" Lord Tytos Blackwood asked as if reading the minds of the other Lords.
"I can, Lord Blackwood, but I'm only one person. Even if Arya helps me, we wouldn't cover the same size as Hogwarts. From what I've seen of Westerosi castles, they vary greatly in size, so our effectiveness would depend on that. Ser Piper, how large is Pinkmaiden in comparison to Winterfell?"
She wasn't fully sure but she estimated that Hogwarts would be around the same size as the seat of House Stark, perhaps bigger.
"I wouldn't be able to say precisely, My Lady, but I estimate Winterfell is likely three to four times larger" answered the young man without looking her in the eyes.
"In that case, I'm sure we'd be able to protect the castle. I don't know for how long the barrier will hold, but we can try to cast it again whenever it falls. The only disadvantage is that it will isolate the castle from the outside world while the barrier is up. Those inside won't be able to get out, and no reinforcements would be able to get in. Still, we can dispel the charms in case we need to sally out, but it won't be immediate. What do you say, My Lords?"
The assembled Lords looked at each other without a clear response. Even Lord Bracken and Lord Blackwood momentarily forgot about their feud and looked at each other trying to see their reactions. In the end, it was Brynden who spoke.
"I believe Lady Slytherin's plan has merit. If she really manages to keep such a protection over Pinkmaiden, Tywin will either exhaust himself trying to pierce it or he will have to relocate and attack elsewhere, giving us more time to link up with Lord Eddard and Rob Stark to crush the Westerlands. And, if she doesn't, she can still help in other ways. From what I've heard she can kill a man with just a flick of her wand. This power can be well used in defending breaches on the walls by the enemy or by targeting their main officers."
Many of the Lords flinched at what he meant by targeting main officers. He was suggesting to use her as an assassin to kill the Westerlander Lords during the battle. Thinking that they could be targeted in such a way made them uneasy and they were glad Arabella was on their side.
"I second it," said Lord Malister.
"Me too" added Lord Blackwood
One by one the Lords all voiced their approval until Lord Holster spoke again.
"Very well, it is decided then. However, Lady Slytherin, I urge you not to put neither yourself nor my granddaughter in harm's way. If the situation in Pinkmaiden deteriorates, I command you to retreat either to Riverrun or northwards to Rob Stark. I'll send an escort that will be responsible to accompany you at all times, whatever you do."
Arabella smiled and politely refused.
"My Lord, that isn't necessary. If a retreat is necessary, Arya and I have the means to escape to Riverrun in the blink of an eye. I couldn't bear to have to leave more men behind after fleeing that ambush." she said, thinking about using apparition. She already knew Riverun anyways and the distance wasn't so great so it wouldn't pose a problem.
"I understand, My Lady, but please take the escort anyways. Sieges are very chaotic and having someone by your side to provide support goes a long way to ensure anyone's survival. As far as I know, even Witches can die by a stray arrow in the neck, no?"
"Well… yes" Arabella gulped at the old Lord Paramount's words. She indeed wasn't immortal and the chaos of war could just as well claim her life like that of any other soldier. "I'll take your escort then, Lord Holster. Thank you for your generosity"
"I am the one who should thank you, My Lady. After all, I'm only sitting here talking and preparing for war because of you and my granddaughter's magic. House Tully won't forget it and when the war is over, we will see to it that you're properly rewarded for all your contributions. Your talents, dedication and loyalty are sure to bring us victory" he said before addressing all the others present and standing up "You all have your orders. Those who are to depart for Pinkmaiden should do so before the end of tomorrow to guarantee you'll arrive in time. Lord Malister, you should also depart as soon as possible. I wish you all safe travels and, hopefully, many dead Lannisters by your swords. This council is over."