GoT Shadowborn: The Rise of Ashford

The roads had slowly begun to change. The forest gave way to rolling hills, and the once dense foliage of the Riverlands was now replaced with more open landscapes, dotted with the occasional village. The sounds of life—the distant hum of the city—grew closer with each passing day. As they neared Riverrun, Ethan felt a strange mix of anticipation and unease stir inside him.

The last week had been filled with simple routines—training with Bjorn, helping the caravan with its goods, and learning as much as he could about the world around him. The people of the caravan were no longer strangers, and Ethan found himself warming to their company. It was an odd feeling. For so long, he had lived in isolation, preferring the cold comfort of solitude. But now, surrounded by these simple merchants and tradesmen, he felt something stirring—an awareness that he was beginning to belong. For the first time since arriving in this world, he could almost imagine himself becoming part of something larger.

But Riverrun was coming into view, and with it, a new set of challenges.

The last stretch of road that led into the city was lined with rolling fields, the river running to the side, gleaming like silver in the afternoon light. The caravan had stopped briefly to rest near the outskirts, and Ethan took the opportunity to observe the sprawling city ahead.

Riverrun was magnificent—its stone walls rising high into the sky, guarded by men clad in armor. The Tully sigil, a leaping fish, was visible on banners and flags hanging from the walls. It was a city of both power and pride, one that commanded respect from all who entered. But even as Ethan admired its grandeur, he knew the city would not be kind to him. Not yet. Not until he had found his footing, not until he had proven himself worthy of attention.

"Ready?" Borin's voice cut through his thoughts, and Ethan turned to face the older merchant.

The caravan had begun to pack up again, preparing to enter the city. Borin, ever the helpful guide, had taken it upon himself to ensure that they wouldn't have trouble with the gatekeepers. "We'll need to be careful, though. Not everyone here is as friendly as they seem."

Ethan nodded, grateful for Borin's insight. He had learned much from the older man in the past week, not just about the world, but about survival. Riverrun was a city of intrigue, and Ethan would need to tread carefully.

They approached the gates, and Ethan felt the weight of the situation pressing on him. He had to be careful with every step. As Borin and the other merchants spoke with the guards, Ethan kept his gaze lowered, following their lead. He had little interest in speaking to anyone at this point; he was still trying to blend in.

Once they were allowed entry, the caravan moved into the heart of the city, and Ethan was struck by the sheer size and activity of Riverrun. The streets were crowded with people—merchants hawking their wares, common folk going about their business, and soldiers patrolling the streets. Everywhere he looked, there was movement, there was life. And in the midst of it all, he felt small, out of place.

Bjorn was at his side, as always, and the two of them made their way through the city toward the merchant district. It was bustling, alive with the noise of business. People shouted to one another, bargaining, making deals. Ethan took it all in—his eyes darting from one group of people to the next, taking note of the power dynamics. The merchants, like Borin, were influential here, but so were the lords, the knights, and the guards. Power was everywhere, and it was up to the individual to carve out their space within it.

"We should stick together," Bjorn said, his voice low, but with an edge of determination. "Riverrun is a city of many faces. Trust no one but your own."

Ethan nodded, keeping his voice steady. "I'm not here to make friends. Not yet, anyway."

As they moved through the market, Bjorn led him toward a quieter alleyway off the main thoroughfare. It was less crowded, a place where the merchants could speak without worrying about eavesdroppers.

"I've been thinking," Bjorn began, his eyes narrowing. "Once we've settled into the city, you'll need to figure out where you want to go. The world doesn't just give you power—you have to take it."

Ethan glanced at him, intrigued. "And how do you suppose I do that?"

Bjorn smirked. "First thing, you need to prove your worth. You've got the skill to fight, but you need more than that. People here respect strength, but they fear power."

Ethan couldn't help but think of the gods, the reason he had been brought to this world. What was their purpose? What were they expecting of him? But for now, he kept those questions buried deep within him. The answer would come in time. He would forge his own destiny, and perhaps in doing so, he would uncover the truth about why he had been brought here.

The next few days were filled with adjusting to life in Riverrun. The caravan found an inn on the outskirts of the city where they could rest. It wasn't luxurious, but it was safe, and for now, that was all Ethan needed. He spent his time observing, watching the people, learning how things worked in the city. The merchants came and went, making deals, exchanging goods. Every now and then, he caught glimpses of knights and soldiers, their armor gleaming in the sunlight, their faces hard and unforgiving.

The more he learned, the more he realized that power in Riverrun wasn't just about wealth—it was about connections. And while he could use his strength to make a name for himself, it wouldn't be enough. He needed allies. He needed to build a network, one step at a time.

Bjorn had been more than generous with his time, continuing their training in the evenings. Each night, after the caravan had settled in, they would find a quiet corner to spar. Bjorn, a skilled fighter, was patient with Ethan, teaching him the nuances of combat—how to read an opponent's movements, how to defend as much as attack. It was slow progress, but Ethan felt himself improving with each lesson. And it wasn't just about the sword—it was about discipline. Control. He had the strength, but now, he was learning how to wield it with precision.

Bjorn had also offered him something else—advice on how to survive in the city. "Riverrun isn't a place where you can just charge in and hope to win," he said one evening, as they practiced under the fading light. "You need to learn the politics of this place. The Tullys rule, but they're not the only power. There are plenty of factions, and they all want something. The question is—what do you want?"

Ethan didn't answer right away. He wasn't entirely sure what he wanted yet. But the one thing that was clear to him was that he couldn't do this alone. He needed to find the right people. He needed to be patient, to wait for the right opportunity.

The week had passed quickly, and now, as they stood at the edge of the riverbank, Riverrun looming in the distance, Ethan couldn't help but feel the weight of what lay ahead. The city was both a challenge and an opportunity, and he knew that he was just beginning.

Bjorn slapped him on the back. "We've come this far. It's time to see what Riverrun has to offer."

Ethan nodded, his eyes focused on the horizon. The city had become more than just a place. It was the beginning of his journey—a journey he knew would be fraught with danger, intrigue, and decisions that would shape his destiny.

And as they made their way into the heart of Riverrun, Ethan's mind was already working, calculating the next move. What path would he take? And, most importantly—who would he become?