GOT the silence before the storm

Chapter 1: The Rebirth of a History Teacher

Year:275 AC

The storm in the Stormlands was as relentless as ever. Thunder rumbled across the sky, like an ancient god throwing a tantrum, and the winds howled through the trees, bending them as if the earth itself might just give up and collapse.

But inside the ancient keep of House Whitehead, there was a different kind of storm brewing. Lady Amara Whitehead had just given birth to a son. The midwives scurried around, muttering curses and trying to keep her calm, their hands slick with blood.

And for one person in the room, this storm wasn't about to be anything like the one outside.

Marcus Whitehead who had not been born into a world of politics or intrigue had somehow been reborn. Once, he was a history teacher in a modern world, his life filled with lectures on the Battle of Hastings and the occasional lost battle with his unmotivated students. Now, he was a baby again, in the heart of Westeros, and the only thing that hadn't changed was his baffling sense of humor.

His last memory was of preparing for his afternoon lecture. He'd been talking about the Battle of Hastings when a strange sensation overtook him. Next thing he knew, he was crying in a cradle, staring up at a pair of squinting, old eyes.

His mother, Lady Amara, had passed away giving birth, leaving him with his distant, cold father, Lord Byron Whitehead a man so wrapped up in grief that he barely noticed his new son.

"Well, this is... awkward," Marcus mumbled to himself, though no one could understand his baby babble. All he could really focus on was the fact that he couldn't move, speak properly, or control his bladder. But his sense of humor was still intact. Thank God for that.

Marcus had been born into a house that wasn't exactly going to be shaping the future of Westeros anytime soon. His father, lost in his grief, had barely spared him a glance. Marcus had a feeling this relationship wasn't going to be the warm, fuzzy kind of father-son bond. Still, the kid had to make the best of it.

At five years old, Marcus was playing in the keep's courtyard, his tiny hands gripping a wooden sword. He was pretending it was a real one, because why not? Everything seemed like a game, even if it was a very, very confusing one. That was when the first "legendary cheat" arrived.

"Ah, perfect timing," Marcus muttered, his small body stiffening. A golden light enveloped him, and for a moment, it felt like time itself had stopped. Then, just as suddenly, the light faded, and a scroll appeared before him tied with an old red ribbon.

Marcus, already used to the bizarre nature of his new life, reached for it. His tiny hands shook, unsure whether to be thrilled or terrified. He unrolled the parchment, the ink glowing faintly. The message read:

Congratulations, Marcus Whitehead. You've shown remarkable perseverance. Every two years, you will be visited by a legendary figure. They will offer their guidance and loyalty, helping you succeed. The first of these figures has arrived. Prepare yourself.

Marcus blinked, staring at the words. "Okay… this is definitely weird," he muttered. "What have I gotten myself into?"

Before he could figure it out, the air shifted again, and a figure appeared before him. An older man in ancient armor, his face weathered but filled with wisdom and authority. He had the kind of presence that made Marcus feel small... and awestruck.

"You may call me Sun Tzu," the figure said, his voice both ancient and comforting.

Marcus stared at him, then slowly blinked. "Wait. The Sun Tzu? The guy who wrote The Art of War? Seriously? You're my first mentor?"

Sun Tzu smiled knowingly. "It appears that the fates have a sense of humor."

Marcus couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, they must. Look, I was expecting maybe a legendary knight, or maybe a wizard, but this? This is next level."

Sun Tzu's smile widened, though it was hard to tell if he was amused or just used to being complimented by confused students. "There is wisdom in your humor, Marcus. And that is why you are prepared for this journey."

"I don't know about being prepared," Marcus said, scratching his head, "but I'm glad to see you're not some dusty, old relic. Just out of curiosity, does this loyalty thing mean you won't bail on me for someone else, right? I'm a kid, I've got zero idea how to rule anything, let alone a kingdom or start a war."

Sun Tzu gave him a sharp, approving look. "The mind of a child can be as sharp as any other. Your mind will lead you to greatness, Marcus. Now, you will learn, and you will lead in ways not seen before."

Marcus took a breath, trying to make sense of the situation. The weight of it all felt... monumental. But it also felt kind of manageable, like he was in control of something he couldn't quite yet grasp.

"So, let me get this straight," Marcus said with a grin. "You're here to teach me how to run a kingdom, strategize wars, and generally make people bow to my will, right? And in return, you're stuck with me?"

Sun Tzu nodded, his eyes twinkling a little. "You'll grow stronger, and with that strength, you will have the tools to succeed in battle and in politics."

"Well, that beats the heck out of my old job," Marcus said, laughing. "Alright, Master Tzu. What's first on the agenda? And can we get some food while we're at it? I'm starving."

Sun Tzu chuckled. "Patience, young one. Your journey will take time, but it will be worth it. Let us begin with your first lesson."

With Sun Tzu by his side, Marcus Whitehead's new life had taken a turn he could never have imagined. In a world filled with storms both literal and political he was about to learn how to make the winds blow in his favor.