Bran decided to find Ser Rodrick and work on his skill with sword and shield. He would be going South soon, to pursue his dream of becoming a knight. While he was still young, the more training he could get the better. Bran found him outside the armory, talking to the younger of the Baratheon princes.
"I don't know what those southron knights were teaching you, but that's no way to hold a shield!" Ser Rodrick scolded, crossing his arms. Tommen said nothing, adjusting his grip so the shield now covered his face.
"No, no, now the things too high. Well, I- Oh Bran, perfect. Come here, boy!" Bran was a bit frustrated he had to practice with the golden-haired prince. While they were the same age, Tommen was much less mature than Bran, and much more timid. He was not nearly as good a fighter as Bran, and would not make a good sparring partner.
"Pick up a practice sword," Rodrick barked. "And a shield. Perhaps you can help the prince learn a thing or two."
"Can't we just train," Bran complained, "I don't have much time before we leave Winterfell."
"All the more reason to practice against a southron opponent," the master of arms replied dismissively. "Now get your armor on!"
Tommen's not really much of an opponent, Bran wanted to say, but he held his tongue. He would not win this argument, and nothing good could come from insulting the prince, no matter how weak he was. While pulling his armor on, he glanced up and noticed his mother watching him from a raised walkway overlooking the courtyard. She was a stern woman but was kind to those she considered part of the family. From her eyes, Bran knew she was seeing how he acted around the castle's esteemed guests.
"Okay boys, come over here where there's more room," Rodrick ordered, moving them to the middle of the courtyard. Tommen was obviously struggling, his shield held to high, his stance horrible. As Bran raised his weapon, he knew he could easily defeat the prince.
"Okay boys, let's see what you got!"
Comments