Ok, here's the promised omake. 1266 words.
A New Stark Tradition
Robb had been shocked when Harlon had shown up to rescue him and Theon. He would have expected his father to have ordered Harlon home, all things considered. Did that mean that Harlon had disobeyed their father? It was almost a ridiculous thought, but here they were.
Harlon and Jon had apparently needed to talk about the situation and deal with something they'd found in the cheesemonger's manse, which was fine with Robb. He needed some time to himself. Theon's death had hit him hard, and he really didn't want to think about it, but he had run out of things to do while he was waiting for Harlon to come tell him what to do next. Theon was his best friend, and his loss had left a hole that he didn't think could be filled.
A small part of him wanted to blame Harlon for coming, that if he hadn't Theon would be alive, but he couldn't. He knew if the positions were reversed he'd do the same thing, and he'd have probably fucked it up far worse and then both Theon and Harlon would be dead. No, Harlon was the smartest person Robb knew. Probably the smartest person in all of Westeros, if not the world. Harlon took risks, but they were rarely foolish ones. If Harlon had thought it the best time to strike, then it probably was. It was his fault for getting himself and Theon captured anyways. Further, he knew that Harlon would probably blame himself anyways.
"Robb." Harlon's voice pulled him from his thoughts.
"Harlon, I...," He stopped himself from making excuses. He knew what was coming. One of Harlon's lectures, and one that was thoroughly deserved. Harlon would tell him how much a fool he'd been for coming all the way to Pentos to duel Jorah Mormont, and how much trouble he'd caused his father and the North in not only getting himself and Theon captured but also losing his Shardplate and Ice, only to have them be giving to Viserys Targaryen of all people.
That is not what happened. The next thing Robb knew he was on the floor, his jaw aching. What the fuck!? Harlon had just punched him! And it wasn't a bad punch either. Had Harlon gotten stronger?
"You damned fucking idiot of a brother, do you have any idea how much I was worried about you?"
Harlon held out his hand to help him up, and Robb took it. Harlon's grip was fairly strong. Yes, Harlon had definitely been doing some kind of training. Harlon hugged him tight, and Robb reciprocated. Both twin brothers had tears in their eyes.
"I'm glad you're alright. I don't know what I'd do if my idiot brother was lost to me."
Robb actually managed a laugh. "Yeah, I'm really glad to see you. I honestly thought I might never see you or home again. But what the hell Harlon, I was expecting a lecture and you punch me? Didn't think you had it in you!"
"Well, about that... I managed to make Jon both pissed off and pleased with me at the same time, and it's what he did. I figured we could make it a family tradition." Harlon chuckled, but then he became somber. "I'm sorry about Theon. I know he was your friend, and probably like another brother to you. Hell, I thought he was an ass, but even part of me thought of him as a second little brother I had to watch out for..."
"Thank you, Harlon. It means a lot to hear you say that. Don't blame yourself. There's nothing to be done for it."
Harlon looked uncertain about it. "Yeah, still, I'll try to do better in the future if I can. Now... why did you disobey father in the first place? I'm not going to judge, we'll both get enough of that from father when we get back, but..."
"Uhm... I was trying to impress Dacey Mormont, and Theon thought this might work."
Both Harlon and Jon facepalmed.
"Hey! You said you wouldn't judge."
Harlon and Jon exchanged looks, and Harlon responded with a sheepish grin. "I lied."
The three brothers simultaneously burst out laughing.
"Ok, let's just figure out what we should do next."
"Yeah... about that. There's some things you need to know, Robb. I'll start with the most important fact." It was then that Harlon started muttering some words that sounded outright impossible to Robb's ears. Suddenly, the flame from a nearby candle leapt from the wick straight into Harlon's palm. "Magic is real."
Robb gaped in awe, as Harlon held the flame, and then returned it to the candle.
"What I just showed you was the True Name of Fire, something I'm admittedly not too good at yet. Even so, I have other magics. But I should tell you how I came to attain this knowledge...," Harlon then regaled him of the tale of his last few months in Oldtown. Harlon had fought a Demon of all things, and then learned magic from Archmaester Marwyn. He had then started learning the magics of the First Men from Lord Leyton Hightower. The notion that Harlon could actually think twice as fast now actually frightened Robb a little - Harlon already thought faster than everyone else. How many metaphorical swords would be chucked off castle walls now that Harlon's genius was in overdrive? Harlon finished his story, getting to how they arrived at this point.
Then he let the next bomb drop.
"Jon and I are going to teach you some magic."
"What?" Robb was shocked. Him, learn magic?
"Yes. Jon is very talented at the magic of Time, specifically in the realm of Observation. Right now he can reliably see a few seconds into the future."
Robb blinked. "Well, that sounds impressive, but what's the use of that?"
It was Jon that responded. "Think about it, will you? What if you had known even a fraction of a second in advance what Jorah was going to do when you fought him. What if you could know how he'd move, if you're about to get hit, or if the blow you intend is going to fail?"
Robb's eyes lit up at the prospect. Jon was already a tough opponent, but he could now predict his opponent like that? There's no way in hell he'd ever win a sparring match again. Harlon though saw the gears turning in Robb's head and had to speak up.
"I will warn you though, there are risks. Overuse of this ability can lead to insanity, temporary or even permanent if you abuse the ability too badly." Harlon continued to tell him of the risks, of how it could be countered. Robb didn't fail to pay attention. He was excited to learn something so powerful, but if Harlon was saying it could drive him mad he'd be cautious. Being reckless had gotten him into enough trouble for a good long while.
"Good, it looks like you understand. Now, I'm going to give Ice back to you, and I'd like you to give me the Shardblade you got from the cheesemonger. You're better with a greatsword than a Shardblade, and I'm better with a Shardblade than a greatsword. Best to be optimal, if we're going to make it home." Robb nodded and made the exchange. "Thanks. We'll begin your lessons tomorrow. For now I need to go take a nap. It's been a long day. You should probably get some sleep too when you get a chance."
"Yeah, see you in the morning."
