Game of thrones: The Lustful sellsword

The North was shifting. Rumors of bandit attacks had spread across Winterfell's outer town, and I knew that if Ned Stark was preparing to act, there was an opportunity for me to exploit.

A sellsword was only as good as the jobs he took. And this? This was my way into Winterfell.

But I wouldn't grovel for the chance. No, they would invite me themselves.

Stirring the Flames of Fear

I spent the next few hours blending into the crowd, moving from tavern to marketplace, dropping carefully crafted whispers into the right ears.

✔ To the merchants: "Heard the bandits struck again. Killed a merchant's son this time. If Lord Stark doesn't act soon, we might see another broken caravan tomorrow."

✔ To the common folk: "They say the bandits know the routes too well—maybe they have a man on the inside, feeding them information."

✔ To the guards: "If Lord Stark's men fail to catch them soon, it'll make him look weak, don't you think?"

Within hours, the tension in the town had doubled.

Fear spread like wildfire, and panic led to action.

By midday, I found myself sitting in a small alehouse, enjoying a meal when I heard exactly what I had been waiting for.

A group of Ned Stark's soldiers entered, their expressions grim, their voices lowered but urgent.

They sat nearby, unaware I was listening.

"Lord Stark is putting together a hunting party. He wants this problem ended quickly."

Another man grunted, shaking his head. "These bandits are ghosts. They strike fast and disappear before we can even track them."

A younger soldier leaned in. "Maybe we need outside help. Someone who thinks like them."

Hook.

A fourth soldier scoffed. "Lord Stark would never trust an outsider for this."

Line.

The young soldier took a sip of his ale, shaking his head. "There's that sellsword in town—Damon Waters, I think? I heard he's been asking about the bandits all morning."

Sinker.

I smirked to myself, finishing my drink.

It was time to make my move.

Letting the Prey Come to Me

I didn't go to them.

I let them come to me.

It didn't take long. An hour later, as I walked through the market square, I felt a presence behind me.

I didn't react immediately, letting them think I was unaware.

Then—a firm hand clamped onto my shoulder.

"You're Damon Waters?"

I turned slowly, meeting the gaze of Ser Rodrik Cassel, Winterfell's master-at-arms. Behind him stood three Stark soldiers, their expressions serious.

Perfect.

I arched a brow. "I am. What do you need, Ser Rodrik?"

He studied me for a moment before speaking. "Lord Stark is assembling a hunting party. We hear you've been taking interest in the bandit attacks."

I allowed a small smirk to cross my lips. "Who hasn't? Seems like half the town is talking about it."

Ser Rodrik wasn't amused. "You seem to know more than most."

I shrugged. "I make it a point to know things. Information is as useful as a sword in my line of work."

He crossed his arms, his sharp eyes boring into mine. "Are you offering your services?"

I chuckled. "If I was offering, you'd have to pay me."

That made the soldiers shift uncomfortably. Ned Stark wasn't the kind of man to pay for blades outside his own men.

I let the silence hang between us before sighing, pretending to consider.

"Let's make this simple," I said, lowering my voice. "You take me with you, and if I help you get rid of the bandits, I don't ask for payment. Call it… goodwill toward Winterfell."

Ser Rodrik frowned. "And why would a sellsword like you do that?"

I shrugged. "Because I have my own reasons for wanting to prove myself here."

He narrowed his eyes. "You want something."

I smirked. "Of course I do. But I'll earn it."

Rodrik was silent for a long moment before finally sighing. "Fine. You'll ride with us."

Walking into the Wolf's Den

I stood at the gates of Winterfell an hour later, watching as the hunting party assembled.

✔ I had been given a horse, weapons, and a place among Stark's men.

✔ Ser Rodrik himself introduced me to the others—not as an outsider, but as an ally.

✔ I hadn't forced my way in. They had asked me.

I smirked to myself as I mounted my horse.

I was in.

Now, all that was left was to show them that they couldn't do this without me.