THE IRON THRONE OF ICE AND FIRE

Whispering Castle, Kleb Territory

Emparu stood tall, only half a head shorter than Greene, making her roughly five foot nine.

Her long, light brown hair was tied back carelessly, accentuating a mix of feminine grace and a warrior's spirit. Her skin, a deep wheat tone, was slightly rough from years spent outdoors.

She was lean but strong, her muscles smooth rather than bulky. In Kleb lands, women farmed and hunted like men, and for one of their own, Emparu was well-maintained.

She wore a brown linen tunic that left her arms bare. The hem barely reached mid-thigh, cinched at the waist with a thick rope. Leather straps wrapped around her calves, and on her feet, she wore straw sandals woven from wheat stalks.

Sensing Greene's gaze, Emparu flexed her toes absently, stretching them against the floor.

Being summoned by the lord himself for the first time was unexpected. Though she was a seasoned hunter, standing before Greene Kleb left her feeling unsteady.

"Emparu," Greene said, his voice calm yet carrying an authority beyond his years. "I hear you brought down a black bear."

The directness caught her off guard, but his measured tone soothed her nerves.

"With help," she admitted. "But yes, I've taken down more than one."

After some idle talk to put her at ease, Greene leaned forward slightly.

"Would you fight for me?"

Emparu hesitated. "You mean hunting savages? I've killed plenty. At least ten. They keep slipping into our hunting grounds, trying to steal our game."

Greene nodded but rephrased the question.

"You're brave. But I mean as a clan soldier—like the men training in the yard. I'll arm you with iron and put a sword in your hand."

Emparu blinked. She had not expected that. Before she could respond, he continued.

"At least two gold dragons a year, more depending on your performance. There'll be loot, too."

It was a generous offer. She answered immediately. "I'll do it, my lord."

Then, as if second-guessing her own boldness, she asked, "But I'm a woman. The rest are men. Will that be a problem?"

Kleb soldiers were all men. Emparu wasn't afraid of harassment—if someone tried, she'd slit their throat in their sleep. She was strong enough to handle herself. No, she feared being ostracized, shut out.

Greene was matter-of-fact. "You have a point. Some spearwives fight alongside my men in raids, but they don't serve as formal soldiers. They handle minor tasks, but this would be different."

He paused. "And mixing men and women too closely causes… complications."

Emparu nodded. Exactly what she thought, though she hadn't found the words. The lord is wise.

"You're well-known among the spearwives," Greene continued. "If I gave you the authority to recruit, how many would follow you?"

"All as soldiers?" she asked, eyes bright with excitement. "I know twenty, maybe thirty, all skilled hunters."

"Then I'll raise a company of spearwives," Greene declared. "The Thorn Corps."

[A tribute to the Queen of Thorns.]

"There'll be war soon. Recruit as many as you can. Those willing to fight alongside men—especially those without husbands—will follow you. You'll lead them as their commander."

The weight of his words pressed against her chest, but Emparu stood straighter. She took a deep breath, swallowing down the rush of excitement that threatened to burst forth. Her dark eyes shone as she met Greene's gaze.

---

Inside the Lord's Study

Greene's tone was solemn. "Emparu, can I trust you?"

Only three people were in the chamber—Greene, Emparu, and Maester Al. The old man sat in the corner, silent, almost asleep.

Emparu hesitated, then looked at Maester Al, studying his still form. Her gaze darted left, then right. Then she gritted her teeth, as if making a choice.

"Do you want proof?"

Greene arched a brow. "Go on."

In one swift motion, Emparu's tunic fell away, pooling at her feet.

She stood bare before him, shoulders squared, cheeks burning, her body taut as a bowstring. A challenge. A test.

For a moment, Greene said nothing. Then his pupils dilated, narrowing again as he looked away.

"Ahem," he coughed. "You're well-built."

A dry chuckle came from the corner. Maester Al, who had been awake all along, bared his few remaining teeth in a silent laugh, blinking at Greene with knowing amusement.

Reality crashed down on Emparu like a boulder. She stiffened, covering herself in a panic.

"That's not what I meant," Greene said, his voice light. "Dress yourself."

She did, cheeks still burning. He let her recover before he spoke again.

"I don't hold it against you," he added smoothly. "Truly, I'm honored by the gesture. Today is a good day."

Still red-faced, Emparu stood before him once more.

"Now," Greene continued, "kneel."

She hesitated.

"On one knee," he clarified. "You are my soldier now."

She obeyed, kneeling before him. The momentary embarrassment was gone. The weight of the moment settled in.

"Repeat after me."

"I am Emparu."

"I am Emparu."

"I swear loyalty to those my lord loves and will hate those he hates."

"I swear loyalty to those my lord loves and will hate those he hates."

"I vow that my words and actions will follow the will of Greene Kleb, and never defy it."

"I vow that my words and actions will follow the will of Greene Kleb, and never defy it."

"From this day until my last."

"From this day until my last."

"I swear by the Old Gods and the New."

"I swear by the Old Gods and the New."

---

Outside Whispering Castle

Drizzling rain cloaked the city in a thin mist.

Beyond the gates stood a girl, no more than sixteen or seventeen, clad in an orange short-robe and leather armor, an old hunting bow slung across her back.

She was small, but wiry. A quiet power lingered in her frame.

Her name was Reina. Brown-skinned, silver-haired, her long ponytail swayed as she shifted impatiently. She peered through the gates, waiting.

At last, Emparu emerged. Reina grinned and bounded forward.

"Hey, leopard," she called. "So, did Lord Greene let you out? How was it?"

Emparu smirked. "Feeling restless again, little Reina?"

She shifted, letting the dark blue cloak drape over one shoulder. Embroidered on the back, stitched in gold, was the swamp marigold of House Kleb.

Reina's jaw dropped.

"The Kleb sigil?" she hissed, wiping rain from her face, eyes going wide. "Are you insane? You'll be hanged! If the lord spares you, the White Walkers will gnaw your bones! Return it—better yet, let's run!"

Emparu held up a hand. "Stop. It's not what you think."

Reina narrowed her eyes. "Oh?" A sly grin spread across her face. "Did the lady leopard please her lord? Is that your reward?"

Emparu flushed crimson but sighed. "Reina, shut up and listen."

The cloak was a gift from Greene—a mark of status. Only two others in the territory wore such a symbol: Ser Pell and Ser Mori.

It was meant to grant her authority in recruiting. A token of trust. But whether she would keep it?

That depended on her success.

Greene's test had begun.

---

Reina, still giddy, bounced on her heels. "This is amazing! We'll have plenty of willing sisters. Just crack a few skulls, and we'll have a hundred at your back!"

"Hah, gold and glory!"

She grabbed Emparu's arm. "And I'm signing up first!"

She spoke too fast for Emparu to interrupt, her energy infectious.

For once, Emparu didn't roll her eyes. She smiled instead.

The two walked faster, the rain forgotten.