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#261 - Chapter 35: The Duke of Blood Crow (Part 2)

"Blood Raven! You are Blood Raven, also known as Brynden Rivers, the noble bastard, the kingmaker, the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. Aren't you supposed to be dead?" Bran exclaimed in surprise.

Brynden Rivers was undoubtedly a legendary and controversial figure. People referred to him by various names, such as "Blood Raven" or "Lord Blood Raven." His striking appearance—milk-white skin, bone-white hair, a unique red eye, and a port-wine stain resembling a red raven on his cheek and chin—made him unforgettable.

On his deathbed, Aegon IV made a surprising move: legitimizing all his bastards, including Brynden. This decision changed the fate of many and propelled Brynden to the center stage of history.

When the Blackfyre Rebellion erupted, the twenty-one-year-old Brynden stood firmly by his brother, King Daeron II Targaryen, and personally led the famous longbowmen of the Raven's Teeth into battle. In this thrilling campaign, Brynden demonstrated extraordinary courage and exceptional military talent.

He not only successfully captured the strategic stronghold of the Weeping Ridge but also accurately shot Daemon Blackfyre and his twin sons from three hundred yards away. This astonishing feat shocked the world and established his infamous reputation as a "kinslayer."

However, Daemon's death did not end the war. "Bittersteel" led the rebels in a furious counterattack, plunging the royal army into dire straits. At a crucial moment, Brynden engaged Bittersteel in a life-or-death duel. Eventually, the rebel army collapsed, and "Bittersteel" was forced to abandon the fight and flee. In this fierce battle, "Blood Raven" unfortunately lost an eye.

Brynden served as Hand of the King to both Aerys I and Maekar I. This period was filled with bloodshed and intrigue, with Blood Raven playing a significant role. His heroic deeds and complex character became the source of countless legends and stories, still talked about to this day.

In 233 AC, Bloodraven, then serving as Hand, resolutely decided to convene a Great Council to elect Maekar's successor, to prevent the realm from descending into division. During this time, he orchestrated the assassination of Aenys Blackfyre, sacrificing his own reputation for the sake of the realm's peace.

The newly crowned Aegon V, unwilling to bear the stigma of treachery against the Iron Throne, reluctantly sentenced Bloodraven to death but also offered him the chance to take the black and avoid execution.

In 239 AC, Bloodraven became the Lord Commander of the Night's Watch.

In 252 AC, Bloodraven mysteriously disappeared while leading rangers on a patrol beyond the Wall.

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The Three-Eyed Raven waved his hand dismissively and said, "Those are all things of the past. I stumbled upon this place long ago and was fortunate enough to receive the legacy of the green seers. Now, it's time to take the next step. You've grasped some initial warging abilities, but they are still crude and unrefined. Don't worry, I will provide you with specialized training to help you understand and master your abilities more deeply. Take Bran to their quarters… and remember to bring him a bowl of broth. When you wake up, all will be clear."

At that moment, four Children of the Forest silently appeared. They carefully lifted Bran and carried him to his prepared dwelling. It was a stone chamber nearby. When Bran was brought inside, he saw Osha, Meera, and Hodor sitting together and eating. They held bowls of a dark red, thick soup containing barley, onions, and chunks of meat of various sizes. The rich aroma was tantalizing.

Osha took a large gulp of the soup and guessed, "This must be a delicious stew made with squirrel meat!" However, Meera shook her head and insisted, "No, I think it's made of rat meat." Bran was not interested in their argument. He was famished and hadn't enjoyed such a hearty meal in a long time.

Jojen drank his broth and fell into a deep sleep on a bed carefully prepared by the Children of the Forest. Leaf brought Bran a bowl of thick paste and told him, "This is made from weirwood seeds. It will awaken your greensight."

The broth emitted an indescribable odor that made him nauseous. Bran pinched his nose and gulped it down in one breath.

"Did the Three-Eyed Raven drink this too?" Bran asked, frowning.

Leaf nodded, replying in a solemn tone, "It is the key to unlocking your talent. Without it, you cannot truly understand the mysteries of greensight. The greenseer's body has long merged with the trees… He has surpassed the limits of mortal life, yet he refuses to leave. All of this is for us, for you, and for the entire human kingdom. He retains only a sliver of life within him, but the things he needs to watch are as numerous as the stars. One day, you will understand the depth of it."

After saying these words, Leaf silently gazed at Bran, her eyes filled with deep expectation and trust. It was as if, in her eyes, Bran was the one who could save the world and inherit the mission. At that moment, Bran's eyes rolled back, and he fell unconscious. The effects of the potion were far stronger than he had anticipated…

When Bran woke up again, it was four days later. Jojen seemed much better, though his face was still pale.

The Children of the Forest even kept goats, providing them with cheese and goat milk. There were also oats, barley, and dried fruits stored from the long summer. There was food to be found below the cave, with hundreds of mushrooms growing, and white blind fish swimming in the black river, but they tasted quite good.

Bran felt his body become lighter. He tried to concentrate, and countless specks of light appeared before his eyes. "This is greensight…" Bran exclaimed in his heart.

In the days that followed, the Three-Eyed Raven began to teach Bran how to use greensight. He gradually learned how to perceive his surroundings through sight and sound, and how to communicate with animals.

However, as his abilities increased, Bran also discovered some disturbing things. He often saw strange shadows in his dreams, shadows that seemed very dangerous to him. And they were getting closer and closer…