"C'mon Rion, you can't just stand there, how are you going to prove to mother and father that you are one of the best swordsmen to grace our lands? Don't you want to be better than Ser Hugo Royce? Or maybe Ser Artas Grace, the sword of the Heavenly King, Jael?"

Caeserion Castwater was a bastard of the Lord Vicarion Connington, they lived in a small village that seemingly still used Swords and Bows when the gun was easily ready for people like them to use, they were the Lords of their own town, they were supposed to be the best and yet they were treated like the baseborn bastards of Gallow's End. This was something that he had never truly understood, their father had never understood what it meant to wield a gun and neither did they, they always fought as if they were nights and sometimes, it felt all too dreamy for Caeserion. 

"Are you being serious? Why should I a Castwater try to impress your mother? She hates the very ground I walk on, she is nothing but a bitch and now I must be the one to harbor her ever cold gaze, I am not someone to be simply walked over, I am Caeserion Castwater, one of the best swordsmen since Yoren of Benon. I will not be treated as if I were a mere child like Dagen, I am your better, you know this, I know this! I am not going to be treated lower than my station!"

It was here that his own trueborn brother had struck him with the blunt tournament sword, Caeserion simply looked at him for a moment, knowing that his elder was trying to get him to pick up his sword and fight for once. Instead, he watched the man that he knew to be his half-brother and yet he did not feel anything, he did not feel disappointment or anger. He felt a ball of excitement well up in him as his brother's eyes had challenged him, making him pick up the sword and finish this. 

"Loka, do you know what you are doing? I am asking you this once, with respect to our father and the rightful King, Jael. Do you accept this duel with your bastard brother, Caeserion?"

The words that were spoken when a Castwater wanted to spar with a highborn, someone like Loka and Dagen, the heirs to Kentown of The West. It was needed if Caeserion did not wish to be whipped, he knew this was going to be something that the Lady Astrid would try to use against him, something that would be used against him in a trial to ensure he died and not become the next Gerion The Great-Water. 

"I do, I swear by our Father and Rightful King, Jael."

And so it began, the battle between Brother and Brother, the clanging of steel and grunts had caused many of the eyes to turn upon them, watching the duel with fascination as if it were the Artas Grace and Hugo Royce dueling. People were in clear support of Loka to win, neither noticing the easygoing look that Caeserion had sported, some refused to acknowledge and others did not care but it was clear that this battle or spar, was not out of Caeserion's level, maybe he surpassed it even.

"Caeserion! Caeserion!"

Turning his head, Caeserion noticed the chants of the crowd had started to turn to support him but it was then that he noticed that his brother had lost his cool and lashed out in anger before him.

He weaved out of the way before grinning to himself only to be tackled to the ground as he looked up at the sky's white light and for a second he had to wonder, who tackled him?

"It's time to wake up Caeserion, you've much to do..."

"Who's that? Sister? Valerie?"

Shaking his head Caeserion came into contact with his own sister, the one that had looked out for them since her mother had died in a fiery crash that had left little to be discovered and many things to be unanswered. While his sister had cried, he did not shed a tear for the woman who had referred to him as the bastard of the family, the one who brought shame and nothing but problems. He was not going to be a mourner, instead, he was singing 'Ding-Dong the witch is dead' and all the children shall sing their joyous tunes. 

"What are you doing? You know not to disturb me when I am sleeping dearest sister, just what have I done to earn such a wake-up call that requires me to be woken up in such a way?"

His sister had given him the 'look' - that very look that their dearly deceased Father had given him whenever he had spaced off or slept for too long and would wake up sweating like had just survived the first world war. It was that look that he hated, the look when people would believe him crazy and always believe that he had not been a Knight or a Bastard, yet he felt the same way here, people treated him much different but he did not bear the family name, nor did he inherit his father's looks. 

Caeserion had bowl-cut dark-red hair and an oddly feminine shaped face as his lips were plump, that had drawn the attention of many suitors looking to bag the teenager of the Old-City. It was his body that many others would have noticed as he had filled out, gaining muscle in some places but not looking overly so like a bodybuilder, he was toned and that was that. Still, he did not appreciate the looks and would prefer not to be stared like he was the last piece of chocolate at a candy store. 

"You went off again, whispering about oaths and that boy again, Loco, was it?"

He knew that his sister had meant well but he had always wondered if she purposefully had called the people in his dreams incorrectly as if to mock him and his odd world, he shook his head laughing, heading off and brushing his teeth. He stopped for a moment before turning his head, smiling thinly towards her as his violet eyes had narrowed on his sister for a moment. 

"Loka, sister. His name is Loka, you do seem to always interrupt me and my jolly good companion, don't you?"

He had never told his sister the truth of his dream-world, the world that had almost felt like his second life but that was nonsense, how would he remember that? He had always disregarded and only told his family of the people, never the world and what it felt like, it was too much and he knew that he would be shipped off to an insane asylum, he was not going to be a Yorys of The South.

"Yes I do, I've never really heard of what you do with this jolly good companion, however. It seems almost private to you, sacred."

Caeserion stopped for a moment before smiling as if his sister had done the most grateful thing anyone had ever done for him. He stepped forward and took her hand in his, he made sure to hold it tightly, not wanting to break that little amount of contact they had for these few moments. 

"It is sacred to me dear sister, maybe in time I will tell you what I do but for now, I do believe that you have a date with Freddie and I have to get to the newsstand, have a good day!"

"Hey! I am the one that's meant to say that!"

Caeserion gave his sister his own look of boredom before shrugging and heading on his way to his local job, he just didn't know that this one shift of his usual paper-route job would change his life and he would soon become involved in a world that was much more dark and sinister than the one he had dreamed about...

Caeserion walked his street and he did notice that people gave him looks, the looks that he had received in that world and he never forgot their faces. You see, his father was not a simple man or one of the men that had these jobs that had him breaking his break for peanuts. His father worked down at a little restaurant called The Mona Lisa, he never understood how his father came to work there but he assumed that it made him untouchable, he sure acted like it. 

He was sure that was why he was getting a little money working for the newsstand giving out papers, his father may have put in a word for him and from there, he simply worked and enjoyed what he did. He did not ask for anything above his station, regardless of who his father was and what he did for a living. He just wanted to keep his head low and continue doing what he was doing, only that never happened, there was always a couple of boys that called him a bastard. 

They were known as Vito and Tony Sciacca, they were obviously two boys who knew what his father did and who he was. They had information that even he did not have, while he left them alone and never paid them much mind, they took this as the chance to make him remember his place in the world. He was not going to be better than them, nor was he going to be recognized as something above his station, he was simply going to be known as the bastard of Victor Conti. 

"Hey, kid! Get over here! You've been standing there for the last five minutes, I been wondering what was wrong with you for a moment there. You always seem to go off into your own world."

Caeserion shook his head as he turned his mythical violet eyes to upwards, looking at his boss, Emilio. He smiled before he shook his head, knowing that Emilio had never got mad at him for going off in his own world sometimes. He stepped forward and taking some of the papers, making sure that he stocked up enough before coming back for the second trip around. 

He was about to head off and begin his route but felt Emilio tap his shoulder, turning his head, his eyes had connected with Emilio curiously once again. Emilio placed something in his hand and it was a thick brown envelope that seemed ready to burst due to the amount of money inside it, now Caeserion did not ask what was wrong, nor did he ask what was the envelope for. He simply nodded and began making his route before making one last stop to the place where he was supposed to deliver this money. 

"Eh, make sure to drop that off. Make sure you give it to the correct person who should be called Gerry, you'll see him and make sure that he knows Emilio has paid his 'taxes' - understood?"

Caeserion nodded before heading on his usual route, he did notice that Emilio was worried as his eyes had widened for a single moment before he made sure to turn back to his work. Whatever what was inside this envelope currently, the business surrounding it was no concern of his and he had started to make his journey, he had even gotten some tips for the said journey of delivering papers and earned a whopping amount of fifty bucks. 

He started to take his own route to the surprising restaurant of The Mona Lisa, he was surprised, what business did Emilio have with these people? They weren't exactly lacking for membership it seems as Caeserion eyed their cars with his boredom still showing, he had admired them for a moment he parked the bike and entered the establishment, it was only then that he heard the mocking laughter of the familiar Vito and Tony Sciacca. 

"Well, look who we have here. The bastard, hm, what is he doing here Tony? Do any of these people even know him?"

Caeserion tried walking past but was pushed back into the wall, he knew this was not going to be something that they would be letting go. He balled his hand into a fist, trying to remain calm but another push, trying to get a reaction out of him sent him over the edge. They would get their reaction and more, they just poked the Wolf...

"Gentlemen, what's going on over here?"

Standing in the middle of this little altercation was clearly a man of power as Tony and Vito had all but begun shaking in their boots as they looked up at the man who was clearly their better in this situation. Caeserion did not cower like Tony and Vito, he stared up at the man but not with defiance and not with anger, he was curious and when he was curious, he had to ask questions and he knew that was a surefire way to end up elsewhere in this situation. 

"Sorry sir, I am looking for Gerry, I have payment from Emilio at the newsstand. He said that it was his taxes, I asked Tony and Vito who he was, they were simply trying to show me the way, that is all."

Why he defended the two fools, he had no idea but he did have the feeling that he had just saved these two from a world of pain as the man had seemingly stopped eying them before turning his ever cold gaze onto him. It was here that Caeserion learned he should have shut up and let the man continue giving out his punishment but it was too late now, the man had smiled thinly, almost a bit too thin, yet it did show the fact that he was a bit angry. 

"Gerry? He's not here right now, you can wait inside and sit down, I can get to know you for a little bit, c'mon in."

Caeserion knew that he had no options and he was going to be needing to calm down, it seemed this man, whoever he was had taken an interest in him and he could only wonder why. He did know that his father worked here and that was it, maybe they recognized him but he knew that he had taken after his mother more than anything else. So he was sure that he was not recognized, he could only walk beside the man and see where he was going now. 

"Tell me, how often do you meet with Tony and Vito? You seemed to know each other quite well, hm?"

Turning his head to study the man, he could see the sly smirk that was already forming on his lips like a snake that was ready to snap and unhinge his jaws then swallow the information he wanted whole. He wanted something from this, what? He could only ponder and he knew that he could not give the man anything too incriminating, he had dealt with men like him before and that was something he did not want to deal with here as well. 

"I mostly meet them on my paper route, they provide directions and often time shortcuts, we do have the occasional argument here and there but overall, we get along well."

The man hummed, it was here that Caeserion wondered if he had been tested, he looked at Tony and Vito they had kept their eyes on him, yet he could see they were grateful for some reason, just maybe he could use that, he knew what it meant to have support in this time and era. It was not the time that people wanted to alone without friends. 

"Good, that's very good. It's nice to meet you Caeser, I am Benny Markinton. I work for Gerry, you've delivered these taxes with all haste and we appreciate that."

Benny had sat down in a booth, gesturing for the boy he called Caeser to sit down. To which he had done, he knew that it was not an offer, nor was it something that he had the chance to deny because Tony and Vito had appeared behind him, making sure to push him lightly to the seat. 

"Thank you, sir, but may I ask, how do you know my name?"

Benny smiled, it seemed that was the only thing he was capable of to Caeserion. Only that did not soothe his temper, nor did it help his growing worry that he may have been watched by these men who had not even known until today. 

"I know your name because we've been monitoring you, Tony and Vito were to watch you, make sure that you were their friends and if needs be, protect you. Your sister, well, she was watched by one of our associates, Freddie."

Caeserion's eyes had narrowed, he may be the younger here but he did not appreciate being watched as he soon found his anger being spiked up once more as he bit out the words.

"Why? Why are we so important to be watched?"

Benny smiled as he adjusted himself in his seating, he made sure to look at Tony and Vito, he still did not believe the boys had protected their duty but he would talk about that later. 

"Your father is one reason, your mother is the second reason. The family is the final reason, you are Caeserion, are you not? The illegitimate son, or commonly referred to as the Bastard. We're here to protect you, we're your family."

The word family, he had never thought that it could so sound cruel and almost cold hearing it again, it was not right and it most definitely was not meant for him. He choked back a chuckle as soon as it left him, his eyes had widened to that of saucers, only they did not hold the humor that his face was surely showing, they were blank and almost broken. He did not believe himself capable of being watched, he was not meant to be another family's, it was simply him and his sister, Valerie. 

"I'm sorry Sir but I assure you that is not the case, I only have one family member left and that is all, I'd rather not know the family that my mother left my behind. They did not care enough to reach out to me, they do not deserve to know me, wouldn't you believe that is fair, Sir?"

Benny narrowed his eyes on the kid, some people would have taken that chance and run with it like it was the last possible moment they would ever see the sun again. Only this one was different, he did not fight as if he had the strength of ten men, nor did he wish to act like he was better than they are. He simply stated facts, that was something not many people did in this life or at all, he nodded his head in understanding. 

"I do believe that is fair, very fair in fact. Only it does not change the fact that your father told us to watch out for you, it does not change the fact that you are to be our charge and to be looked after. You can deny it all you want but we will continue to protect you, whether you want to be a part of this family or not, we look after our own."

There was something in him that wanted to scream in anger towards this stubborn asshole of a man, he had never been more embarrassed in his life, he did not need babysitters, nor did he need the assistance of two boys that had picked on him whenever they got the chance. He was a lone wolf, he was a teenager that did things by himself and knew that he could better things than them, if he set his mind to it. 

Only Caeserion watched the man opposite him, he could see that he was not going to take no for an answer, nor was he going to give up simply because he said no. He smiled at him, he admired that about someone, not abandoning them simply because they had denied the first offer, bowing his head before the man, Caeserion stared down at his hands. 

"I thank you for that but I will not need a guard around him, I can take care of myself. While those two look capable enough, I doubt they will scare the more brazen people of this world, we are barely eighteen, what do we know about fighting?"

Benny narrowed his eyes, another lie, he had known that the boy had taken up some training in his life, while he did not practically have the physique for it. He knew that Caeserion trained, instead though, he shrugged and waved his hand. 

"You can learn, can you not? Say if someone was to-"

Tony had gone for a swing, clearly aiming for Caeserion's head as he ducked his head and weaved out of his seat with quick ease. He narrowed his eyes on Benny before the man began to clap with a smirk on his face as he spoke again with a clear amount of childish youth in his tone. 

"I thought you didn't know how to fight, yet here you are, ready to fight and ready to protect yourself. You will leave the envelope here with me, then you will go on about your way and from there, Tony and Vito will accompany you wherever you go, even if you say no, they will go."

Benny held his hand out for the envelope, it was clear that Caeserion did not want to leave it with this man, whatever choice did he have? What else could he do? There was nothing else, he sighed before picking the envelope out of his pocket and placing it in the man's hand, rather forcefully. 

"I'll be seeing you Caeser, it's been a pleasure. Do not forget, you have family here, whether you want them or you do not, we're here for you."

"You know that you need not to follow me, right? I am a big lad, I can get home by myself."

Caeserion was clearly irritated as his eyes had narrowed on the two boys following behind him, he was not moved, nor was he going to be bullied by these two. He was a man of action, he was the son of a great man that had some great connections with these here men of high esteem. Only he was not some fool that needed two men to guide him as if he was the mere precious object of some Lord, even though that world was something he had only dreamed of, he knew that he could make some clear connections. 

"Right, then we go back to the Lisa and get chewed out by Benard, fuck no. Keep walking Rion.."

Caeserion stopped, his eyebrow twitching as he did so, he turned around and narrowed his eyes on Tony. He stepped forward as he could not even put the words together, the only one to call him Rion was Loka and he was most definitely not real, he knew that it was not real. Only here was someone that had never heard that name before in his life. 

"What did you just call me Tony?"

Vito was also looking at his brother suspiciously, it was clear that this was some business that his brother had somehow found out. It did not seem like something he would usually say and just blurted it out like it was easy for him. Only his brotherly instincts had kicked in and he stepped in front of his brother, defending him like he was a noble. 

"Leave him Caeserion, he didn't know what he was saying, let it go!"

It was something that had just taken him over as if to say the name by instinct and only he had blurted it out like it was something he had known for years. He could help but simply watch him for a moment before he tilted his head to the side, he shook his head, noticing that Caeserion had watched him oddly before continuing on his way.

"What the hell was that?"

His brother turned to him, whispering harshly in his ear as he was clearly wondering what he had just done. Only he was not wondering what he had just done, he was wondered what happened to him, it was as if he had lost control of his own body. Only he knew that he was himself, something didn't sit right with him and it all started with the boy opposite him

"Do you think I know!? So shut the fuck up brother, there's something about him, he was too on edge about that name, like he was somehow fearful of how I came to know it."

Caeserion would pretend not to hear their words, they weren't exactly subtle and he was not that far away from that either. He himself had noticed how he lost his cool about that name, it was like it triggered something, a frantic hope maybe. He knew that it was something that he could not contain, he could feel it was something bubbling at the surface. 

"Hey, you! - Yeah, you!"

Caeserion looked up and he noticed a man walking towards the three of them like he was struggling to hold up his own weight due to his legs, he was a rather bulky man with rather skinny legs. He smiled at the three of them, noticing how two of them had gone to either of the middle man's side, making sure that he was protected. 

"Would you boys like to make some money?"

Tony and Vito simply looked at one another, thinking that this man was about to give them some drugs to sell and give him a small percentage of what they profited. Only he had handed them each a pamphlet that advertised a fighting tournament, it seemed a bit odd for them to be involved in this type of thing, it was only when they saw the money that was being offered that they jumped at the chance.

"You can't be serious, a hundred thousand dollars is the cash-prize?"

The man nodded, yet there was something in his eyes that Caeserion didn't like, this was all too good to be true. He knew that with their dislike/suspicion of him that they wouldn't like him all that much but still, he was not going to be allowing them to step into a trap like this. 

"We're in, we'll you see at the um - hall, tomorrow."

Caeserion walked past the man and almost immediately, Tony and Vito followed, both of them talking excitedly about the upcoming tournament and how they would need to make a start on their training. 

'Just who are you, and what are you planning?' - Caeserion and his thoughts were clear, he wanted to know what was happening and he was going to prepare for the worst.

"Why did you tackle me, sister?"

Shaking off the cobwebs, Caeserion stood up as he watched his younger sister look at him like he was in trouble and he had the decency to blush under her glare. He could not believe that he had forgotten, today was the day where all the Lords of Highever would travel to Kentown and fight to crown a Queen of Grace and Beauty, now this happened nearly every tournament but this one was something that he could finally participate in and not be looked down like he was the worst shitstain in Vicary. 

There were three Kingdoms, The North, which capital was Vicary, there was The South which capital was Veluca. There was The West which Capital was Arcadia. All of the Kingdoms were coming together, as a whole there kingdom was referred to as Highever, the world had a lot of history behind it, something that he never questioned because he was too happy, he knew that if he won this tourney, he might just become a Knight sworn to the King of Highever, Jael Montague. 

"Because Father has sent a Raven, they've caught a deserter of the King's Army roaming beyond Manus."

Manus, the place where supposed Deserters and men without honor roamed, it was so bad that tribes had formed, combating each other for dominance. Now each time one man of the King's Army deserted, they would roam beyond Manus, trying to become the next King of Manus, hoping to overthrow the King of Highever, Jael. 

"And he wants me to march with them? Why would they need a Castwater? I am sure your mother would not like me being beside your brother."

Serena shook her head as she took the arm of her half-brother, looping it with hers as they walked the courtyard heading into the dining hall. She did not like the fact that her father had kept Caeserion in the Fishing Village with all the other lowborn children, it was why Loka and herself had chosen to live here with him, they quite enjoyed it as well. 

"Not father but the Lord Gerold of Croft, he has heard of what you did for the smallfolk, gathering a band of villagers, training them and making sure they were ready to fight the army of Bandits that had looted a nearby village. He wishes to see you and Father was convinced."

Lord Gerold? If he was not mistaken, it was his Village that had been looted while he rested nice and easy in his keep. He wondered what he would want with a baseborn such as himself, it was not going to be a pleasant conversation. 

"Gerold of Croft? At least it's not the Lord Urin of Bell, I don't need him taking notice of me yet."

Serena chuckled softly, her brother's always thought with their swords and whenever their blood rushed south, never before had they focused on the world they inhabited. It was always left to her and it was something that she picked up was quite useful, her brother was going to be riding with the next in line for the title of Marshall of The North. 

"Dear brother, you'll soon see the opportunity, for now, go say goodbye to your friends. We ride for Kentown as soon as your done with them, let us go, and let us move with the wind and pray that we arrive early."

Caeserion nodded before entering and noticing his band of brothers, each of them dressed differently as they could all be spotted sticking out, these were the boys that had stuck with him since he had freed that village from the Bandits. They were called 'The Legion' - nothing more than that and their name had become feared throughout The North, only whispers had been spoken of them throughout the South and West. 

"Look what we have here Petyr, a Bull, The White Bull. Just look at him, can you believe this cunt taught us everything?"

Caeserion charged in and hugged all of his six men, they were his brothers and he would not forget that. They had supported him and continued to do, they looked at him like he was a leader, obeyed him like he was a General.

"Yes, I can believe that. You'll do well out there brother, you come back here a Knight and we will travel the globe, make sure that we visit all the brothels this world has to offer. Good luck!"

Caeserion hugged all of them once more as he had finally removed himself he noticed that they had a pack for him, he could already tell that it was full of armor pieces. 

"Remember that you've earned this, you've done everything you could to get this far. Do not let anyone or anything stop you from reaching your full potential Caeserion."

He nodded to Petyr's words as he walked out of the dining hall, as he walked out, he noticed his sister speaking with someone shrouded in the shadows, possibly one of her own men who supported her. She soon followed after him as he noticed the horses were prepared and ready. 

"Are you okay now brother?"

He nodded before looking off into the distance, he could make out a large retinue of men riding off but it was possible that their brother had left before them, wanting to meet their father before they did. 

"I am, let us go sister and see what Father has in store for us, hm?"

Serena laughed before getting on the horse and riding off into the distance, instead of taking the faster route of just getting on the horse and riding off, Caeserion looked at the village that was his home before smiling as he got on the horse.

"A Legion As Low As Ours."

"Why would you wish for the White Bull? He's not exactly one of the best, is he Gerold?"

Lord Gerold had been in Kentown with his army of 7,500, he knew that the White Bull was someone to be feared among Bandits and Bastards, he was already earning himself quite the name in The North. He was certainly the bastard of Lord Victarion, some people did not like that and others, well, others did not support it that way. One vocal person was Lord Urin of Bell, he made it seem like he was going rebel as soon as Victarion kicked the bucket. 

"He is someone to be watched, whenever he makes his move, trust me, we best be on his side."

Lord Gerold and his band of men were interrupted as one of their messengers ran into the room red-faced as he was seemingly running from something, it was then that they heard the familiar sounds of neighing horses as people had ridden into the courtyard, laughter in their voices. Gerold shared a look with his men before they all walked outside and noticed Loka Connington, next Heir to the North. 

"Heir Connington, it is a pleasure to see you here, your Father awaits you in his Solar, come."

Loka shared a look with his half-brother who shrugged before heading inside, it did not go unnoticed the look that was shared between the dreaded White Bull and the Lord of Croft. They sized one another up before sharing a single look, walking away from one another. 

"The Bastard Bull, how fitting how he is here and not where he belongs."

Sharing a look between them, Victarion and his Lady Wife did nothing but narrow their eyes at one another. It was clear that the subject of Caeserion was something that need not be discussed, Astrid, however, did not like how he was coming along to something that was only to support the highborn children of the North.

"Must you? He is my Son, he is my blood, and no one is going to tear him away from what he is by birth. He is a man of the North, I do care if your Brother in the West disagrees and finds his way North, he will be shattered. You have to learn that I am not going to bend or break, Caeser comes on the trip!"

Astrid shook her head before storming out of the bedchambers and bumping into her trueborn Son who had heard everything, it was nothing if not awkward in that situation but she continued on her way as if she had never seen him. She knew what she had to do, yet she did not like it, she would talk with the Bastard and see what she could do to get him to protect his Half-Brother. 

"Come in Son, it's time for us to discuss this ranging into Manus Land."

Both father and son nodded as the Lord of Croft entered, standing by the door with his back to it. He did notice that the room filled with a sudden tension that made him glad for his own life of marriage, knowing that he had not sired any bastards. 

"We will have a total of 75,000 Men, going against 125,000 Men, if the King can field his own in time, we may have 150,000 Men. Still, we will have the better armor and men, these tribes are looking to crown Yoren of The King's Army, a king of Manus. This will not stand and he will be met with an army far greater than anything he could ever imagine, For We Stand Above All."

Caeserion was deep into his cups as he noticed that many of the men who were going to be standing beside him on the field of battle were soon going to be passed out drunk beyond their own thinking. It was then that he noticed the Lady Astrid had sat next to him, she wanted something from him, it wouldn't be the first time. Still, she had treated like he was nothing but the scum of the earth.

"What is it you want Lady Astrid? I am to be heading to my chambers soon, I hear there is plenty a whore waiting for men to plunder them before battle."

He knew what he was doing when he had stated that, she disliked him enough that she did not want him to sire a child from a mere woman of pleasure, he knew that she was an uptight cunt but she was the uptight cunt who mothered his siblings and so he did nothing but drink his Ale. 

"I wish for you to protect my son on this ranging to Manus, make sure that he comes back alive, make sure that he comes back home."

Caeserion would pretend to notice how she never once mentioned the Lord Victarion, his father. He had a feeling that she was still pissed at the man who had done everything for her, even building her a nice little church, even when no one in The North followed the ways of Christianity. 

"I will bring your son back, no questions asked or answered, just go."

He made his deal, he would bring his brother back and he knew that it meant more than just killing, it meant survival the battle itself and cementing himself as a Soldier with the guts to fight for his country.

"After this, It'll be nice to have some ale and soup."

Caeserion had never made his intentions clear with this war, he knew what he wanted from it in the end and it was the chance to become a Knight, a man of the North and more. He wanted to be the best godsdamn warrior since Ser Artas Grace, he knew that would have been a long time coming and it was not going to be easy. Still, the journey was often the best part of the walk to where he wanted to go. 

"Indeed brother? No whores? You live like a priest, one would think that you take to Christianity, should we start calling you Holy Knight instead of White Bull?"

Caeserion laughed, he looked to his brother with a glare as he noticed the way that he seemed to be looking at him with narrowed eyes. It seemed that his brother wondered if it was truly him under this armor. He knew that he looked a bit different without the usual Fur and Hide that he usually wore into battle, only his friends, his brother's had got him this and he would not allow their creation to be hidden away. 

"You need
not worry brother, I heard that there is nothing better than a woman after a battle, supposedly."

Loka laughed but made his way out of the tent, they both knew that it was time and the Manus Raiders would soon be upon them, waiting and wanting to begin their newest round of conquest that always failed in The North, also in The West. They'd never made it South before and if they did, it would have been a bleak time indeed. 

"Come! Father will want to give us some men, no doubt that Lord Gerold will wish to grant you your own as well."

Caeserion followed after his brother, he would pretend not to notice the glares that were laid upon him like he was a plague on this land. There were many other bastards but he knew that this was not the time to dwell on it, he sighed and shifted his helm. He would not need to hear their voices in his mind, he already had enough as is. 

He always wondered why he heard voices and seemingly blacked out for a moment as if he had become unconscious, only no time would pass in Highever, it just seemed like he had woken up from a sleep. He never questioned it, he would just continue going on and fighting to become what he was destined to be. 

"-Rion!"

Shaking his head, Caeserion noticed how many of the lords were looking at him with narrowed eyes, they had by the looks of it tried to call him but he had dazed off and focused on his own dreaded mind. He did notice that his Father was smiling at him for a moment before leaning down, his eyes staring down at the map of Manus and the lands bordering The North.

"Lord Connington, Lord Gerold, may I ask what I am to be doing?"

Caeserion asked quite curiously, he had never asked his Lord Father or Lord Gerold what it was that he was going to be doing for the Northern Army. He knew that it was something out of the ordinary for the bastard as his sister had informed him that it was quite the high honor, something that he would apparently never forget. 

"Castwater, you will be leading 15,000 Men of the Northern Army. You will be leading the Vanguard against the deserter Yoren and his 125,000 Men."

Caeserion nodded and went off to prepare, he already knew this was a high honor, he could see that others had yet to get their assignment but he could also see the tenseness in their shoulders as for how they wanted to lead this battle was not with a bastard but with someone they trusted. It seemed that ever since Gerion Great-Water, men had never forgotten what a bastard could do in the world. 

A battle horn sounded in the distance...

Hooves clashed with the dirt and the sounds of heavy breathing could be heard for miles...

Banners of many Northern Houses lay torn and in tatters on the ground...

The groans of dying men could be heard as they took their last breaths...

The great Northern Army had been smashed, of the 75,000 Men that raised their banners in defense of their home, 50,000 of them had died to the hit and run tactics of the Manus Tribes. 

The Northerners had placed a good fight as well, bringing the numbers of the Manus Tribes down to 60,000, it was a costly battle but not one that was over by any means yet. 

Of the original northern commanders and heirs that remained, it was only Lord Victarion Connington, his sons, Lord Gerold of Croft, and the minor lords who had raised their numbers in defense of The North. 

Caeserion had stood up, addressing the men and his father as the enemy continued raining down arrows upon them.

"Father, we must do this, one defining battle, this is something that decides the fate of the entire north. You cannot die and become known as the Lord who lost the North, this is your chance, this is your chance to prove to the Lords who did not raise their banners and show them the might of our Houses combined. This is not just for you or myself or even Loka, it is for all of us! Our home is not about to be raided by a bunch of savages, For We Stand Above All!"

Soon enough it had happened, all the men had rallied behind Caeserion as he had made sure to gather them, they knew what was to happen now, it was the one defining moment, the one defining battle, the one defining call that would make them twice as strong as the cannibal savages across the field!

"For The North!!!"

A Cry of mercy for the enemy to spare them or sheer determination for the enemy to fear them?

Let it never be said that a man with demons is truly safe in his mind...

"Caeserion! Caeserion! Wake up!"

Caeserion woke up in a cold sweat as he looked at his sister, he had just been fighting, there with his other-worldly brother, Loka. He had been fighting for his homeland, he looked around and noticed that there was a woman in a lab coat with Tony, Vito, and Freddie. They all seemed to be watching him oddly as he stared back at them not knowing why they were looking at him like he was crazy, he was not and they did not just understand! 

"What is it you need dear sister of mine? I was having a rest, as I always do."

It was here that he noticed how his sister looked at him, searching his eyes and he wondered if he had done anything, it was then that he felt something wet on his nose and placed his finger on it as he looked down he noticed blood. Yet it was not the usual vibrant red that he would occasionally hide from his sister, no this was black, it was something else and for the first time, he looked at his sister in surprise.

"What happened to me?"

It was here that the woman stepped forward, she wore black-rimmed glasses as her eyes softly fell on him, almost like a mother. He did not like it but did not feel good or even strong enough to tell her that he did not like how she looked at him. He could see that she wanted to help him but with what? There was nothing wrong with him, he knew that none of them understood, they were simply dreams, nothing more, nothing less. 

"I believe I am better suited to answer that, I'm Doctor Veronica Jenkins. Over the past few months, your sister has visited my clinic and told me some things about your condition."

Condition? He did not have a condition, they were dreams! There was nothing wrong with him, there was nothing wrong! He grabbed his head as a thunderous headache seemed to wrack his brain, he could do nothing but gasp as he fell back into his bed, his eyes going wide as he tried to fight the ongoing yelling that he was fine in his head. 

He had calmed down once the woman had stepped forward, placing a calming hand on his own. It was clear that he was still hurt and whatever was going on with him had calmed down due to her presence, he did not know her but found that she could be useful. 

"Caeserion, your sister has told me of the people you speak of, how they talk to you in your sleep and how you often space out, speaking to them, is this correct?"

He nodded, not finding the words to speak anymore, he could only listen to them as he watched their eyes turn unto him. They watched him softly, he could not do anything as he thought and yet he felt the clash within his mind once more and he could not do it. He did not want to do it and he never would, all he could do now was simply lay here and watch. 

"Well, I've diagnosed that you have Schizophrenia and Dissociative Identity Disorder, you've made these people up. Your mind could not separate reality from your desire and your ideas, such as the tournament you whispered about in your head, it was not real and your mind made it up."

He went pale, the blood drained from his face as a single tear went down his cheek, he was sick? He had made these things up, why? They always felt so real, his bond with his brothers? His sister, had he just been sick? Had he always tried to escape from what was real? He looked at his sister who could not even look him in the eyes, was he that much of a stain among this family?

"I-I heard them, no, I heard Tony say the name, he called me Rion on the street! He can't lie about that, even Vito heard it!"

He looked to the two boys who stared back at him with sad smiles of their own, they did not deny it. They had both remembered that moment and even they knew that Tony had called him Rion. 

"Yes, I had called you Rion, not because of what you're going through but because I remembered something. You always used to like being called Rion, it made you feel better about yourself, you never shut yourself away, you were better that way."

Caeserion narrowed his eyes, how had they known about that? How did they even know that it was here that he noticed how everyone watched him with pity, he turned his head away with a growl under his breath. 

"Never about them, for now, Caeserion, you are to join me next week for a session of therapy. We will help you sort your thoughts and see how we can help you, we want you to get better."

The doctor stood up from the bed and walked to the door, hoping to make her way out but before she could, Caeserion decided to utter some daring words as he stared down at his hands. His nose no longer bleeding and his head no longer aching, it had all stopped. 

"And just what if I don't want your help, Doctor?"