The morning sun shone over Winterfell, warming the stone floors of the solar. Maester Luwin sat at his desk, quills in hand, parchment spread in careful order. The smell of old books and ink filled the room. Kaelor entered, his footsteps quiet, and slid into his chair.
"Good morning, Kaelor," Luwin said. "Today, we study the southern houses and smaller lords. Even minor houses can influence battles and politics. Every detail counts."
"I'm ready, Maester," Kaelor replied.
Luwin pointed to the map. "House Lannister of Casterly Rock: proud, wealthy, and influential. They have gold and many bannermen. Pride is both their strength and weakness. Watch how they act in different situations."
Kaelor traced the borders carefully. They may rush if they overestimate themselves.
"House Tyrell of Highgarden controls fertile lands. They feed armies and maintain loyalty through comfort. House Martell of Dorne is clever and independent. Minor houses like Harlaw of the Iron Islands or Blackwood near the Trident are small but can tip battles with scouts or intelligence."
Kaelor nodded silently. He memorized the locations and qualities of each house. Even the smallest lords can make a difference.
"Now, mark which houses might support a southern army moving north," Luwin instructed. "Think about loyalty, terrain, and resources."
Kaelor bent over the map, carefully placing marks. Lannister is strong but slow without gold. Tyrell will help if it is beneficial. Dorne is rugged terrain. Minor houses act as scouts.
"Excellent," Luwin said. "You are starting to see patterns. Understanding strategy is about more than numbers."
After the lesson, Kaelor joined his siblings for breakfast. Brandon and Ned were already laughing, while Benjen bounced impatiently in his chair.
"Kaelor, hurry before your bread gets cold," Brandon said. "I'm coming," Kaelor replied, sitting down.
Benjen grinned. "I'll beat you in training today!"
"You wish," Kaelor answered calmly with a smile. Ned chuckled. "Benjen, focus. Winning isn't everything. Watch and learn."
They joked about spilled milk, tripped steps, and cold water from the fountain. Kaelor helped Benjen, making light jokes, while Brandon and Ned smiled at his calm confidence.
By midday, the training yard buzzed with movement. Warriors practiced with swords, shields, and spears. Brandon and Ned were sparring already, their swings sharp and precise. Benjen bounced on his toes, eager to face Kaelor.
"Footwork drills first!" Ser Rodrik called. "Balance and stance, not speed!"
Kaelor followed carefully, sliding, pivoting, and keeping his center of gravity low. When Benjen lunged recklessly, Kaelor sidestepped and struck lightly with both swords. "What?! Again?" Benjen shouted. "How do you do that?" You left your guard open," Kaelor said.
Brandon laughed. "Little brother, you're too clever." Ned nodded. "He's fast and smart."
Kaelor defeated Benjen repeatedly. Each time, Benjen tried harder, but Kaelor's timing and dual-wielding technique kept him ahead.
"I can't believe a six-year-old keeps beating me!" Benjen exclaimed. "You attack too fast. Wait a moment next time," Kaelor advised.
Brandon stepped forward. Kaelor engaged him, one sword striking while the other blocked. Brandon forced Kaelor back with heavy swings, but Kaelor landed precise taps with timing and agility. "Not bad," Brandon said with a smile. "You're tricky."Not enough to beat you yet," Kaelor replied calmly.
Ned joined next. Kaelor moved quickly, blocking heavy swings with one sword while striking with the other. Ned's power forced him to retreat repeatedly, but Kaelor adjusted, twisting and stepping to avoid the most decisive blows. His strength is greater than mine. I need to stay fast, patient, and focused.
The first sparring round was long. Kaelor and Benjen danced around each other. Benjen lunged, and Kaelor parried, then countered with a slash from the other sword. Benjen tried to feint, but Kaelor read the move and sidestepped, landing a tap on his brother's shoulder. "Again!" Benjen shouted, pushing forward. Kaelor dodged a heavy swing, stepped inside, and tapped Benjen lightly twice more. Focus, timing, observe every move, Kaelor thought. Patience wins over strength sometimes.
Brandon approached. Kaelor met his swing with a block, striking back with the other sword. Brandon's heavy strikes forced Kaelor back, but he moved with balance, tapping Brandon's arm and shoulder carefully. Brandon attacks slowly but strongly. I can redirect his force and create an opening. Ned joined last. Kaelor moved fast, blocking intense swings while striking with the other sword. Ned forced Kaelor to retreat several times, but Kaelor twisted, stepped, and shifted angles, landing light taps whenever possible. I cannot overpower him yet. I must use speed, timing, and angles.
The rounds repeated. Kaelor and Benjen fought fast, Kaelor always staying one step ahead. Against Brandon and Ned, Kaelor used both swords fluidly, attacking, parrying, and retreating strategically. Brandon pushed him hard, testing openings, while Ned's strength and reach forced careful dodges.
Kaelor focused on every movement: thrust, block, sidestep, and slash. Each motion deliberate, each step calculated.
After the sparring, Ser Rodrik approached. Arms crossed, he studied Kaelor carefully.
"You've improved greatly," Ser Rodrik said. "Your footwork, timing, and reflexes are remarkable. Your dual-sword technique is excellent for your age. You scanned opponents. You are unusual for a six-year-old."
Kaelor nodded with a smile. "Thank you, Ser."
"You have a gift. Keep practicing. One day, you will be a formidable fighter," Ser Rodrik continued. Kaelor smiled slightly. I still have much to learn, but this is good.
That evening, Kaelor went to the great hall: smoke and the smell of roasted meat filled the air. Rickard sat at the main table, reading letters.
"Father," Kaelor said, "may I speak with you for a moment?" Rickard looked up. "Of course, Kaelor. What is it?"
Kaelor shifted slightly. "I was thinking about making stronger wine and clearer glass for windows and cups. It could help Winterfell."
Rickard's eyes widened. "Stronger wine and clearer glass? You're six. How do you know this?" Kaelor kept calm. "I read old methods and thought carefully. It's not magic, Father. Just careful work." Rickard studied him. "People might get suspicious. Be careful."
"Yes, Father," Kaelor said. "I'll be careful. I just wanted to tell you quietly." Rickard leaned back, frowning slightly but smiling faintly. "Very well. Keep it quiet. We'll see how it works, but no one else should know." Kaelor smiled. "Of course, Father."
Back in his room, Kaelor drew diagrams for wine and glass, placed his wooden swords nearby, and looked out at the frost-covered snow. Tomorrow new day.