JOSEPH

A fortnight had passed since his good-brother's departure, and the situation at Knight's Shore was terribly tense. When Lord Gilbert left for the capital, he gave Joseph the reins as Godry, the lord's brother and heir, was known to be extremely resentful. Heir... not for long, Joseph thought. Gilbert was looking for a new bride so Godry, always aggressive and hot-headed in temperament, would not inherit the family hold.

Godry Farring was more than ten years younger than Ser Joseph, but he was strong, fierce and stubborn and the old knight, ever so shy and kind, was unable to stand up to him. The first morning after the Lord left Knight's Shore, Joseph woke up early in the morning, ready to settle some business and meet a few farmers but, when he opened the door to the Lord's audience room, he found it already occupied: Godry was sitting with the farmers he was supposed to meet, chatting and drinking a horn of ale.

"Joseph! Good morning to you? Is anything the matter, ser?" Godry asked with a false courtesy and an equally false smile.

"I... I was..." was all Joseph could say, startled.

"Well, if it's nothing important... my good men and I are discussing business. Remember to knock next time"

My men?! Joseph remained at the door, stunned. The farmers smiled politely, their cheeks reddened by Godry's ale. To avoid any further embarrassment, Joseph left, fuming; he wasn't a vengeful man, but he couldn't avoid the dark thoughts that haunted him throughout the day: if that was his game, so be it.

This childish tension continued for the better part of a week, until Godry decided to stop playing with grown men and go play with his children instead. Good Riddance. Yet, when they walked by in the corridors he'd frown and snicker at him, without any regard for his manners. If that is my Lord's heir, let's hope he finds a fertile girl as soon as possible, and may the mother grant her ten boys!

So, that morning, old Joseph, having enough of the man-child, saddled his horse and visited the tenants himself: the visits were short and most of them asked how good lord Godry was faring. They must have really loved that ale was Joseph's first, bitter thought. When he returned he found Good Godry standing in his way, his arms crossed and a piece of parchment in hand.

I suppose these are not good news...

GODRY

When his brother told him he would be gone for sometime, Godry thought he was trying to make amends for their fight, leaving him in control of Knight's shore for some time, giving him a chance to prove his worth as his brother and heir. His hopes were instantly crushed. Joseph, his brother's dog, was acting lord instead. What man chooses his good-brother over his true brother Godry thought, angry and bewildered. He decided he wouldn't care about his brother's will, as his brother didn't care about his, and did what any other proud man would do: what he was meant to do. And the heir to Knight's Shore was meant to rule knight's shore in the Lord's stead, no matter what dog the lord decided to put at his desk.

When, eventually, Godry tired of fighting for the throne that would one day inevitably be his, he decided to simply enjoy his old brother's absence and do what he pleased. Sitting on the great ebony chair at the high table with his beloved Mel by his side was indescribably pleasing, even more so when old Joseph stopped eating with the family: he'd lunch, sup, and break his fast earlier than the rest of the household so he could return to his papers, as if Godry cared. Enjoy it while it lasts he thought with a grin, every time they walked by in the castle corridors.

That morning Joseph was gone, visiting the farmers, and Godry was savouring it as best as he could. He lied on the ground of the Lord's audience chamber; Vince, his son was running around chasing his little sisters, singing, and screaming and laughing. His beautiful wife, sat on the day-bed, embroidering. A perfect family picture, until someone knocked at the door. Melicent replied, without taking her eyes off her fine needle-work.

"Come in"

"Ser, my Lady" it was master Chayle "A letter has arrived, from Lord Gilbert" he said, and he left.

Mel unrolled the tiny scroll "Oh! It's for Joseph, we shouldn't..."

But Godry had already grabbed the piece of parchment.

Dear Joseph,

I'm most glad to tell you that I may have found a suitable bride: a Rosby girl, Bethany. We should be married within the year, when she comes of age, once this war is over. I shall return soon and relieve you of your burden.

Until then,

Lord Gilbert Farring

Godry read the letter ten times. That sneaky bastard... he thought.

"What is it about, my love?" Melicent asked, concerned.

"About a wedding, dear" he said, closing his hand into a fist. "Between Bethany Rosby and my dearest brother".