Chapter 1: Difficult Partings
Arya was cold. Not so much physically, though the wind blew fierce on Dragonstone. Despite all she had been through she felt more alone now than she could remember.
Brienne waited patiently. Brienne always waited patiently. It was one of the few things Arya really liked about her. Unlike Sansa, Arya had never warmed to the swordswoman.
"The tide is about to turn." Arya didn't need reminding. Brienne reflected, Brooding must be an intrinsic trait of the Starks. Not that there were many Starks left. Or would be any more in the future. For what felt like the millionth time Brienne wondered if Arya would really go through with it.
Knowing Brienne wouldn't leave until she said something Arya commanded, "Get into the launch. I'll join you in a moment."
Arya stood there not even sure in her own mind what she would do. She was not used to being so indecisive. But she knew the answer. It was that this journey felt so final. She could not shake the sense that this would be the last time she would stand here.
"Arya!"
Arya was genuinely surprised. That didn't happen often.
Spinning, she saw Daenerys standing at the top of the steps leading to the landing. She looked as magnificent as ever, dressed all in lilac. Arya had never felt any fondness for pretty dresses. Dany couldn't get enough of them.
"Arya!" Dany cried again. She ran down the steps as fast as her condition allowed. As soon as she reached her other spouse she threw her arms around her. Arya found Dany's lips locked onto her own. This was more passion than she had seen from Daenerys in months. It was a welcome sensation.
A powerful longing swelled within her as she matched that passion with her own. Suddenly, Arya felt like doing it right here, right now, and to the seven hells with all the people watching. Fortunately, Daenerys still had control of herself. She reluctantly pulled away and the two parted.
Only then did Arya see that she was crying. "Dearest heart, what's the matter?" As if it wasn't self-evident.
Dany gasped for breath, "I'm so sorry."
"For what?"
"For driving you away."
Arya was torn between shouting her agreement with this obvious observation and denying it. In the end, Dany's feelings won out.
"Nonsense. You and Jon need some time together. And I need some too."
Arya was undoubtedly one of the best liars in Westeros. But there were times when Dany could tell. She chose not to challenge her. "You'll miss Ned."
Arya couldn't help but laugh. Surprisingly, Dany's obvious regret only served to clear all the doubts from her mind. "Of course. And you. And Jon. And Rhaegar and Catelyn. How could I not? You are my family. All of you."
She wiped the tears from Dany's face.
"I will come back. I promise." She spoke with a confidence that was hardening into certainty. Never before in her life had she felt as certain of anything as now.
Dany took her hand. "I feel so terrible. I can't help blaming myself."
"Jon does need reminding sometimes that he has two wives."
The two laughed. Arya looked down and placed her hand on Dany's bulging belly. "Have you thought of a name?"
Dany always insisted she knew what sex the babies would be. So far she hadn't been wrong yet. "Rhaella."
"It's a good name. She and Ned will love playing together. And you, no doubt, will be planning their wedding by the time I get back."
Dany had to laugh. Arya liked the sound of it. "Probably."
The laughter left her eyes. "You will be careful? Promise me."
Arya nodded. "Promise."
The two embraced one last time and Arya turned to the waiting launch. Brienne helped her in. The rowers were all Ironborn; hard men, fighters all.
As they rowed her to her ship, named Summer after Bran's direwolf, Arya had to look back. Standing where she had been, Jon had joined Daenerys with the children. Six year old Rhaegar, whom Dany insisted on calling Drogo, was holding her hand. He definitely took after his mother. Those who could still remember said he was the spitting image of his namesake. Catelyn was scarcely a year younger. She clung to Jon's leg. She also took after her mother, though it was easier to tell that she was Jon's. This difference caused tongues to wag, but Arya had no doubts about Rhaegar's parentage. After all, she had been there. Jon held up baby Eddard. The cutie had a lost expression on his face. She definitely saw her father in him. He would be a world-class brooder. Jon waved his tiny hand.
Arya felt her resolve crumble. She looked away, unable to bear the sight any longer. She had to go now or she never would.
On board Summer Asha stood waiting. She and Arya had never been the best of friends. Their first meeting hadn't been cordial. In part it was because Asha blamed Arya at least a little for Theon's death. She had grown up knowing that she was about the only one who actually cared for her little brother. Their father certainly hadn't. But what Arya had done, using Theon to kill their uncle knowing he would die because of it, Asha couldn't forgive. Yes, people said he had redeemed himself. But she never thought he needed to redeem anything.
She looked back at the ship with resentment mixed with a touch of pride. A ship designed by a Stark girl who had never crewed a ship in her life. A ship more advanced than any that had ever sailed the oceans before.
Asha followed Arya into the gardens of the new royal palace on Dragonstone. It was an impressive feat even with dragons to help the construction. Built in only a few short years, it rivaled the Watergardens in splendor. With them was Gran 'Crackjaw' Goodbrother. He was her first mate and other things.
The well-manicured gardens centered on a large artificial pool decorated in the Dornish style. On a nearby table was a large model of a ship. But a ship like no other. It was long and sleek, like an Ironborn longship. Its beam was also low as a longship too. Yet it had three masts, more than any ship Asha had ever heard tell of. And they towered over the deck, far higher than any before. As if that weren't the strangest of its oddities, its keel was far too small. Such a ship would tip over in even the calmest sea. As if to ensure such an eventuality, the masts were rigged with more canvas than any ship properly should. Even in this the thing was odd. Its sails weren't one large strip of canvas, a lateen, but lots of rectangular pieces all tied to cross beams. And also more than one jib. Such a ship would be more rope than sail.
Crackjaw whispered in her ear as Arya went over to pick up the model, "The queen likes playing with toys."
Asha had to smile, though the silence meant Arya heard every word. Even on the Iron Islands everyone knew it was a bad idea to anger Westeros' junior queen.
Arya though just smiled. She wet her finger to test the wind and Asha helpfully pointed in the proper direction. A life at sea meant she always knew from where the wind was blowing.
Arya carefully adjusted the sails on her toy boat. It was only then that Asha noticed that the model was fully functional. Arya placed the boat facing almost directly into the wind. The queen had set the rigging not to face the wind, but at an angle to it.
"Sha planning to tack that way?" Asha didn't bother to answer him.
Arya didn't either. She simply put the boat into the water and let it go. Contrary to Asha's expectations it didn't flip over. What it did do was move forward at a progressively faster pace. The two Ironborn stared in shock. As the little boat moved on its own across the pond they moved to intercept it at the other end. Asha lifted it and found it was much heavier than it looked. She also realized why. Its keel must have been lined with lead.
Asha, with the wind at her back, readjusted the sails and put the boat back into the pond. With the wind now behind it the boat raced across the pond faster than anything the Ironborn had ever seen.
Arya said, "I've been poring through the maesters' books for months to find the answer."
"Who would have thought those grey rats would know anything about sailing."
"Maester Samwell says the maesters know many things they've never used. They record everything, but never tell anyone."
Asha grunted, "That's why the Ironborn never liked them."
Asha forced herself to smile as Arya climbed aboard. "Welcome to your fleet your grace."
"Princess Asha," Arya nodded back. The two women gripped arms, a sign of respect among equals to the Ironborn. Though whether they were truly equals was very much debatable. "Everything ready?"
"Twenty ships rigged and waiting. We just need your say so."
"Let's not wait any longer. Cast off."
Crackjaw didn't need Asha's nod to repeat the order. "Cast off!" he cried.
On twenty ships, the largest surpassing two hundred feet in length, strips of sail dropped from yard arms. On the shore people cheered as the most powerful fleet ever assembled slowly moved to catch the wind. In the air three dragons, black, white, and red, flew overheard. Dipping and diving, their roars made people duck.
Among one group ashore however there was no cheering. Daenerys shed tears like rain. She reached out and pulled Catelyn to her, embracing her and Rhaegar as if they would vanish. The two children, neither really understanding, tried to comfort her.
"It's okay mother." Catelyn patted her head. How does one address a woman when one has two mothers? Catelyn always called Dany mother and Arya mom.
Jon could well understand the children's confusion. There were times these past few months when he didn't know if Daenerys wanted Arya around.
Arya ran to the stern to watch as Snowflake lighted down onto the barge. Arya had been very insistent in the face of Asha's endless objections. "You can't expect my dragon to fly the entire trip," she told her. Especially where they were going. The fact the fleet would have to tow a giant barge with them wherever they went still rankled. The barge, flat topped and easily the largest ship in the fleet, couldn't go anywhere on its own. Its rudder was even fixed in place. No crew was on it, nor would anyone want to be given that its entire function was to haul a largish dragon everywhere.
Snowflake wasn't as large as Viserion had been. But then she wasn't as old as he was when he'd died. Arya expected her to get a lot bigger. Their current set of dragons were already growing faster than Daenerys' had. A combination of abundant food and plenty of space. Jon made certain that the flock used to feed them was kept well stocked.
Nymeria hadn't been too happy to be left behind. But Arya knew the direwolf wouldn't like being cramped on board the ship. Besides, best to let Nymeria wander the countryside. She never had gotten reused to castle life after living for so long in the wild.
Snowflake opened the deck hatch, her teeth easily snagging the edge of the lid. The Ironborn had been flabbergasted when they saw that the dragon could figure out for herself how it worked. The dragons acted like animals or spoiled children so much that it was easy to forget that they were highly intelligent. Maester Samwell thought it was because they were more emotional than rational. Like the direwolves, they reacted more to their riders' feelings than their thoughts. After alighting inside Snowflake pulled the hatch closed.
As the ships vanished over the horizon Jon and Daenerys went to a meeting of the small council. Dany had recovered herself and changed her clothes. She showed no sign of the emotional distress she had been in earlier. Prominently displayed at her shoulder was the Hand of the King pin.
Everyone stood as they entered. Except Olenna. She seldom got to her feet these days.
Master of Laws was Davos. It was the job he specifically asked for. The irony was lost on no one. Olenna was acting as Master of Coin until Jon chose a replacement. He hadn't yet. Asha was Master of Ships, but Aurane Waters was now serving in the post as he had been one of the first Westerosi to ally himself with Daenerys. Grand Maester Ibrose filled the seat of the maesters. The seat for the commander of the Kingsguard sat empty.
Davos spoke first as he usually did, "Everything went well your grace."
"Yes." Jon and Dany took their seats. "I noticed none of you were present." His tone was neutral, yet they could sense a bitterness behind his words.
"We were watching from the castle your grace. We felt it was best to allow you the time alone."
Olenna snorted, "Davos always tries to be polite. I'm sure you already know what they all think." Her voice was no longer as firm as it once was.
It was Dany who answered her, "Yes, we have noted your… disapproval."
Davos was caught trying to be nice without being too obvious. Unfortunately, he wasn't the gifted liar Arya was. "Not at all your grace. We all… heartfully hope for your continued happiness."
Jon's look was almost amused. "You don't need to keep pretending. That is not why we are here." He turned to Olenna. "My wife says that you wish to retire."
Olenna never bothered to hide her feelings. She was almost sad. "I am far past the time I should have retired. I am at the age where there are few my age left. I'm tired. I want to go back to Highgarden. This place is far too cold for me."
That wasn't entirely true. The interior of the castle could get quite hot. Like Winterfell used to be, Dragonstone had underground hot springs which kept it warm no matter the weather.
"Besides, I have already found a replacement." The girl sitting next to her, whom neither Jon nor Daenerys had ever seen before, rose to her feet. She was a strapping young lady, little more than a maiden really, with the dusky skin of the Dornish. "This is Elia, Oberyn's eldest living child. She has studied with me for some time. She knows her sums better than most. She'll be a fine addition to your council."
Elia sounded almost timid. Very different from her father and older sisters. "I have studied accounting with Maester Wendel. I can promise your graces that I can handle the kingdom's finances."
Jon smiled reassuringly. "If the Lady Olenna recommends you than that is good enough for me."
"You always struck me as over trusting." Olenna teasing tone did not belay her criticism. Jon was never bothered by Olenna. Her mockery and sharp tongue never got to him strangely enough.
After Elia returned to her seat Davos spoke again. "Not to put a dampener on the proceedings, but isn't it time your grace chose a new Master of Whispers?"
The others around the table sat in consternation. Nobody had wanted to broach the subject before as it would have sounded too much like they were trying to hex Arya's voyage.
But Jon wasn't the least bothered, "The Lady Arya has already recommended someone. We are going to meet him once this meeting is adjourned."
"Might we ask-"
"No. Good day to you."
Jon was not normally so short with people, least of all Davos. But he and Dany wanted to know who it was they were meeting first before presenting him to the council. He stood and that meant the meeting was concluded.
Jon and Dany entered the very gardens where Arya had shown Asha her model. The two didn't know whom they would meet or even what he looked like. So it was fortunate that he introduced himself.
Taking them by surprise, a voice behind them said, "Your grace, your grace, this one is pleased to be called Jaqen H'ghar."
The two spun to see a tall, thin man. He was handsome in a nondescript way. His most noticeable feature was his hair, divided half red and half white.
Jon recovered faster, "I remember Arya talking about you. To be honest I found it hard to believe."
Jaqen merely nodded acknowledgement.
His sudden appearance alarmed Dany. "You are a Faceless Man?"
"A man serves the Many Faced God. This does not prevent one from serving other masters."
"You're not planning on killing anyone?" Jon was really not sure about this.
"Only if his grace asks. During a man's service to his grace he will not be doing any tasks for the Many Faced God. As long as it is understood that a man will always return to serving the Many Faced God."
"It is understood. You know what your duties are?"
"His grace's other queen has already explained. A man finds this acceptable. Perhaps even enjoyable. A man has not served such a task for many years."
"Good." Jon nodded.
Even with their stunning speed it took Arya's fleet some time to circumnavigate Westeros. They made frequent stops both to obtain supplies and to show the world their new ships, particularly at Sunspear and the Arbor. The crowds flocked to see Snowflake. Though they kept their distance.
It was at Lannisport that Arya had her most desirable meeting. As Summer was tied to the peer she leaped ashore, hungry to stretch her legs. A messenger was there to meet her. "The Lady of Casterly Rock wishes to extend an invitation, your grace. You and your officers are invited to dine at the Rock."
"Gladly we accept. Lead the way steward."
The man led Arya's retinue up the peer to a waiting carriage. Brienne was miffed to see that no other transport was included. Arya couldn't hide her amusement.
She turned to Sandor, "You will travel with me. Lady Brienne will bring the Queensguards after us."
The two mounted the carriage after the steward. It was about to move when Arya ordered it to stop. "Your grace?" The man was confused.
Asha had disembarked after the Queensguards. After seeing to the ships, she and Crackjaw moved to the carriage. The steward was not happy to them. A fact Asha reveled in. Arya made the carriage wait until she got on. But there was only room for four.
Seeing that he would have to walk Crackjaw said, "I'll stay with the crew."
"If you wish." Asha wasn't upset. No doubt he preferred carousing with the whores near the dock anyway.
The carriage rolled on and the Queensguards found themselves trudging after.
When the carriage rolled to a stop inside the gates Arya found Sansa standing at the door waiting for them. The years had not changed her sister in the slightest. The two embraced warmly.
"It's been too long. You should have come to see me."
"Duties get in the way. Rebuilding the kingdom takes most of our time."
"No need to tell me. Tyrion's away on business."
"And I was so looking forward to meeting him." Arya's sarcasm wasn't lost on Sansa. "You don't mind?"
"Not at all. I've heard you have a son now. Did you bring him with you?"
Arya shook her head.
"Why not? I want to see him."
"A voyage around the world is not the right place. He needs to grow a little."
"With her." There wasn't any open hostility in her voice, but Arya could hear the hate in it.
For a few heartbeats Arya almost didn't answer. "She is my sister every bit as much as you."
"Only by marriage." That wasn't true and Sansa knew it. Just as she also knew that there was far more than just a sisterly relationship between Daenerys and Arya.
Arya feared that this meeting would break up in acrimony like the last one, but Sansa had no more desire for a confrontation than she. "Never mind. Let me show you inside."
After Sansa had given Arya a full tour of the Rock they returned to the great hall where Clegane and the Queensguards were waiting. The fact the queens both had all-female guards was something everyone in Westeros knew, but the reality of it still struck her. The first thing Sansa noticed was that they all wore matching armor. The second was that their snow white cloaks were trimmed in red.
She was happier to see the Hound and Brienne more than she would have thought. "You finally got rid of that ratty armor." His cloak was different, being trimmed in gold.
Sandor was miffed. "Ratty? It saved my life more than once I would have you know."
Everybody else laughed.
Sansa examined the armor he was wearing. It was like fish scales, but black as jet. All the Queensguards wore the same thing.
"Gendry invented it. He calls it dragonscale." Arya lifted a scale, revealing fine linked chain underneath.
"It's Valyrian steel?"
Arya nodded. "So is our shields and weapons."
"You wear it too?"
"Naturally. It's better than plate and light as silk. We can move fast and don't tire."
She introduced her other guards. "You know Brienne and Lyanna Mormont already."
Both still possessed their Valyrian blades. "You kept the direwolf's head?"
Lyanna had grown considerably and could now look Sansa in the eyes. "Of course. My father changed it when he gave it to his grace. I wasn't about to alter it. It's not as if it's out of place."
"Your family has always been most loyal to the Starks."
"There is only one Stark. I would die for her."
Nobody needed to ask who she meant. And the tone of her voice left no doubt as to what she thought of the other Stark sibling.
Before Sansa could recover Arya grabbed her arm and pulled her toward the next Queensguard. Her height too was akin to Sansa's and she wore a Valyrian steel sword whose pommel was shaped like a rearing stallion. "This is Maud Bracken." The woman she presented could have challenged Daenerys in looks.
"I remember you. Weren't you-"
"At King Joffery's wedding, yes." Neither of them wanted to be reminded. "I was still just a girl then."
"Yes. You certainly have grown. The men must have been disappointed."
"Why?"
Sansa was surprised. Maud actually sounded offended. "Because you joined the Queensguard."
Arya intervened, "Jon changed the rules. Kingsguards are no longer required to be celibate. And that applies to Queensguards as well."
"Oh! You are fortunate. There must be an army trying to court you."
Maud gave an indulgent smile. "I try not to encourage them."
"Why?" Sansa was almost begging for gossip.
Arya once again intervened. "Sansa, here is someone else you might find familiar, Alys Hightower."
The next lady Sansa looked upon was not as tall as the previous two. She also had golden hair so fine even a Lannister would've been envious. She held a long, black spear. "You finally escaped your father?"
"He could hardly keep us captive forever without building himself his own maiden vault."
"Which you would have escaped from."
"Just try and stop me." The two laughed.
"How's your grandfather?"
Alys' smile died.
"Oh! I'm sorry."
Alys shook her head. "He never recovered after the Shields."
"He was always very brave. The name of Baelor Brightsmile will always be remembered."
Alys smiled gratefully. "Thank you."
The next Queensguard pushed herself between them. "Enough of this gloom." The impression Sansa had was of dark skin and darker eyes. "Obella Sand." She also had a spear.
"Obella!" Alys screamed. Everybody else laughed.
"You're one of the Sand Snakes."
"That is quite a rude thing to say, but yes."
"Did you teach Alys the spear or did you learn separately."
"She has learned a lot from me."
Alys was even more outraged, "OBELLA!" Alys shoved her out of the way. "I learned from our master-at-arms. She did too." Alys gave her a sharp look.
"You learned from the Hightower master-at-arms?"
Obella was suitably embarrassed. "My father was dead."
There were more than a few giggles.
The last two were noticeable for standing behind everybody else. The red-haired one said, "Let's not forget us. But then the High Born always forget about us." Her friend hissed her to silence.
It was too late. They had attracted The Stare. That's what people called it. Everyone knew, or soon learned, that you never wanted to be the focus of The Stare. The dead-eyed look on Arya's face could make the bravest man piss his breeches. It almost made them piss theirs.
Arya pulled Sansa toward the two. "Sansa, as Yimi says, they are Small Folk. Yimi Tallwood and Joella Heathers. Superb archers both." As Sansa could see, both having bows slung over their shoulders.
"This is definitely a first. Small Folk in the Kingsguard?"
Joella, who was more diplomatic than her counterpart, said, "His grace does not hold himself to old rules."
"Yes." There was a note of disapproval in Sansa's voice. "How well I know it."
The others didn't know how to take this remark.
Sansa broke the spell. "Come, I've prepared a meal for you."
The rest of the night was spent feasting and laughing. All had a great time. None broached any more painful subjects. Asha, who was known to be officially a widow though she had never consummated her marriage, was the focus of much attention. The lords of the Westerlands seemed quite eager to join with the Princess of the Iron Islands.
As the night wore on Sansa turned to the Hound and asked, "What's the commander of the Kingsguard doing here?"
"Watching over the queen." He didn't even stop eating his chicken.
"You're always watching over her," Brienne interjected.
What might have been a tense moment was soon dissipated. "If I didn't she might kill someone."
Sansa almost laughed, "So you're keeping the world safe from my sister?"
"Someone has too."
Sansa waited for Arya to get angry, but she only saw a grin on her sister's face.
As they all went to the apartments they had been assigned Arya came across Maud waiting by her door. She could see the taller woman was inebriated.
"Your grace, might I have a word."
"You don't need to ask. You know that."
Despite the alcohol Arya could tell that Maud was scared. "I… I've been meaning to ask you."
She hesitated and Arya grew impatient, "Yes?"
"This is such a long trip and you undoubtedly miss your family. It-it-it must be quite… lonely."
Arya could see where this was leading, but didn't interrupt.
"What I mean is…" She reached out to take Arya's hand. "I would be honored… to… help relieve your loneliness." She leaned down as if expecting a kiss.
She didn't get one. She got The Stare instead. It sobered her up fast.
Arya pulled her hand away. "Don't ever ask me that again." Arya didn't raise her voice, not when she was threatening. That was one of the danger signs. When she was shouting people knew they were safe.
She vanished into her room.
They stayed for a time in Lannisport. They didn't strictly speaking need to, but there was one other passenger they were waiting for. He arrived barely in time to catch them before Arya finally got tired of waiting.
The man, who was obviously a maester, stepped aboard just as the crew cast off from the peer. He was accompanied by another much younger maester, likely his apprentice. Neither Arya nor Asha needed any introduction, for they knew him well.
"Arch Maester Marwin," Arya greeted him.
"Your grace. Our apologies. It was a much more onerous trip than we'd expected. When we heard you were travelling around Westeros we tried to catch you at Old Town."
"I was expecting you to be there when we arrived."
"Ah… yes. Things happened."
His apprentice said, "The arch maester had to take a roundabout route."
Arya arched an eyebrow. Brienne asked, "Does this involve a woman?"
Marwin almost struck his apprentice. "No! No, of course not." The listeners didn't bother to hide their amusement. "We simply had trouble acquiring horses. This is my apprentice Jack."
"Maester Jack." Arya saw he already had a couple of links in his chain. He must be intelligent for his age. What a pity he must deny such a mind to so many ladies desperate for affection.
The two were carrying a number of books and scrolls and were on the verge of dropping them. Brienne came to the rescue. "Brienne, lead the arch maester and his apprentice to their cabin. The crew with bring them the rest of their baggage." There was rather a lot of this frankly. Between them the two maesters had managed to bring with them more than the entire Queensguard put together.
As they sailed north towards the Frozen Shore Marwin gathered everybody together to discuss their mission. Really, it was just Jack who didn't know it.
"We will head north following the Frozen Shore. If we continue to follow it we will inevitably travel west." He pointed to one of the many maps he had brought along.
"Forgive me arch maester." Jack spoke a little too fawningly, which none of the ladies found endearing. "But why has no one done this before?"
This was actually a common question. Asha was quick to answer it before Marwin could, "Because we will be moving into the teeth of the strongest winds in the world."
With complete disinterest in Marwin's outrage, she proceeded to take a writing stick and draw lines on his precious map.
"This is the direction of the winds along the Shore. They are constant and powerful. No ship could hope to travel against them. And going out beyond the Shore is worse. You'll never find your way back."
"But… why hasn't anyone gone directly west?"
"People have. Most don't return. Those few who have speak only of endless ocean."
Arya began flipping through the maps. "That is why we are going north. Inevitably Westeros must come close to the eastern shore of Essos." She found the map she was looking for. A map of all of Essos; that they knew of anyway. She placed it to the left of the map with the Frozen Shore. "Travelling north we shall round the world and come down near Essos."
Yimi giggled.
"What amuses you?" Marwin wasn't.
"That's crazy. We're just going to sail off the world."
"Why?"
Yimi wasn't the only one startled by Marwin's belligerence. "Everyone knows you'll sail off the edge of the world if you go west."
Surprisingly, Asha spoke in his defense. "Everyone is wrong. The world is a sphere."
The other Queensguards, including Brienne laughed. Their laughter died when they saw Arya wasn't laughing.
"You think that's funny." When she spoke in that quiet voice it was almost as bad as The Stare.
"With respect your grace, its common knowledge."
"It's common assumption. Words spoken out of the certainty of ignorance is not knowledge."
"The Ironborn have known for centuries that the world is a sphere. We've sailed it." Asha was challenging them to deny it. None of them did.
Obella asked, "Why doesn't anyone fall off?"
Marwin was losing patience. "This is not the time for such lessons. If we get bored on the trip I will be happy to instruct you. For now we have more important matters."
Jack wasn't so easily put off. "Arch maester, I still don't understand."
Impatiently, Marwin grabbed up one of the maps and bent it so the ends almost touched. "This is how the world works. Not a true sphere, but we don't have time to make a real one. Do you see now how to travel from one end to the other."
Jack's eyes lit up. "Of course!"
The younger ladies looked almost disappointed that he was no longer agreeing with them.
Crackjaw joined the conversation, "Winds are not the only hazard."
Marwin went back to the map of the Frozen Shore. "Quite right. That my boy is why we are here. At least one of the reasons. Shoals line the Frozen Shore for its length so far as anyone has ever tried to find them. We are to map all the ones we can."
"And find ways around them. This is likely to be tricky and we could be doing it for some time." Asha pulled Marwin's map over to her.
Obella asked, "How much time?"
"Not planning to marry anyone anytime soon?"
The prospect of being cooped up in the ships for months went over like a Bowl of Brown.
"It won't take that long." Arya always spoke with assurance. It was impossible for anyone else to know if she meant it. "We have the advantage of being able to go ashore as needed. The real danger begins once we move past the Shore."
"Why?" Maud still hadn't recovered from her rejection.
Arya pulled the map of the Shore over to her and indicated the space above it. "What's here?"
"Nothing."
"You've answered your own question."
The reality of the situation dawn on them.
Arya stood at the gunwale as the fleet was passing Bear Island. She was joined there by Lyanna.
"Want to stop?"
"Not really."
"Having trouble with your family?"
Lyanna sighed. "Not really. My sisters and I always got along."
"Until you joined the Queensguard."
Lyanna looked sad. "Northerners still aren't… resigned to the Targaryen restoration."
"Jon isn't a Targaryen. Not anymore."
"Doesn't matter what he calls himself. He saved the world, but that doesn't mean people have forgotten his family. His father could have prevented-"
"That's assuming too much. You think the Mad King really cared what Rhaegar thought?"
"Probably not. I still think…"
"Don't. What's past is past. We need to concentrate on what happens now."
The snow on the island reminded Arya of Winterfell. She still missed it even though it had stopped being her home years ago.
Over the followings days it seemed Arya had the powers of a red priest. The fleet travelled up the Frozen Shore, long boats taking soundings and marking off the shoals. They made good time, until one of the captains got careless. The Sea Drake scraped bottom, its keel splintering. He got the ship into the shallows before it sank.
Asha and Arya walked along the side, water up to their waists. It was freezing. Several yards away they watched as Ironborn, stripped down to their underclothes, dived under the water to examine the hull.
One of them, Gregor Hardfoot, came up for air in front of them. "It's no good princess. The keel's split. We need a dry dock to fix it."
"Will the hull hold if we sail?" Arya was anxious to keep going.
"Not for long."
Asha shook her head. "Better to abandon it. Or we can have one of the other ships tow it to Bear Island. They should be able to fix it."
"On no account. Build a coffer dam. You'll repair it here."
Asha was outraged, "Here?!"
"I will not abandon one of the strongest ships in the fleet. And I will not halt this expedition for who knows how long. We are protected well enough here as long as there are no storms. You should be able to patch the keel in a few days if you move fast."
"I should?"
"You're the sailor as you keep reminding me. I want to look over the North now that the Wall is gone. We might as well make use of this. Studying the places we go is part of our mission."
Asha knew she couldn't stop her. "Who are you taking with you?"
"No one. Snowflake and I can take care of ourselves."
"Not sure Clegane would agree with you."
"I don't need his permission. Or yours."
Asha didn't like this reminder that she was, for all her title, still an underling. She was right about the reaction though. Clegane wasn't the only one angry over it.
But Arya was right too. She was the queen. And she had a dragon.
"How long will you be gone?" The Hound wanted to tie her up and throw her in her cabin. But she was walking toward Snowflake, who definitely looked too happy for his taste.
"A day, a week, a month, who knows? I'm not tied to a sundial. Once I get a good look at the lands north of the Wall…"
"There is no Wall."
"Where the Wall used to be I can send Jon a note." She mounted up. "People might settle her again someday."
Her dragon wafted snow on them as she launched herself.
The Hound and his Queensguards watched as she flew into the dusk. Asha placed herself in front of them. "The least you could do is give us a hand. Help unload the ship. My men have to concentrate on making the dam."
For the next several days Arya flew across the North, travelling over the Frozen Shore to the Frostfangs. She enjoyed herself. She loved flying far more than either Jon or Dany. This little adventure was just the sort of thing she had wanted to do for a long time.
Sometimes she had the urge to just fly south back to Dragonstone. The gods knew she could. But she also knew it wouldn't be fair to those in her fleet.
During a rest she looked north toward the Lands of Always Winter. That was one place she wasn't going. Bran told us never to go there. I guess it's better not to ask why.
Snowflake's head intruded itself into her space, almost knocking her down. "I've been neglecting you recently, haven't I?"
Snowflake's eyes were easily as large as her face. Her head alone was almost as long as Arya was.
Arya hugged the huge beast. "Drogon could have swallowed me whole. You'll never do that, would you girl?"
Snowflake nudged her again. Arya could touch the dragon's mind, her skin changing ability made it possible. It was also why Jon was able to do what no other dragon rider had ever been able to. Bran told them it was because he knew their thoughts and they could know his. Still, even a nudge or a glance could say a great deal.
Arya sensed a thought in her dragon's head. An image appeared in hers. Looking eastward out past the Frostfangs was the Haunted Forest. She could almost see the Fist of the First Men, but her eyes weren't good enough to see more than that.
Snowflake though could see through fog. Through her dragon's eyes she saw tiny figures running out of the trees.
She leapt upon Snowflake's back and the beast launched herself into the sky.
Far below them a woman was fleeing from several men. All of them Wildlings, tough it was no longer possible to tell from which tribe. None looked as if they maintained any sort of allegiance they might have once had.
A huge winged beast flew low overhead. The humans all dropped to the ground. They watched the creature bank around flying back towards them.
The woman screamed. The beast landed between her and the men. They, showing their courage, ran back into the trees as fast as their legs could carry them. The woman was about to run off as well, but the beast turned its great head in her direction. She froze, like the hare being stalked by the fox.
Arya jumped off Snowflake's back and approached her wearily. "You all right?"
"Uh, yes." Her Westerosi had a thick accent. Obviously she was more used to using the speech of the First Men. Arya helped her to her feet. "Is that a dragon?"
"She is."
"I heard tales of dragons. Never believed them."
"What's your name?"
"Yashi."
The two found a sheltered spot, Snowflake helping with the fire. "How long have you been up north?"
"All my life. You Stark yes? You should know."
"I thought all the Wi… Free Folk had joined Mance Rayder?"
"Not all. Some hid. Stayed hid when the dead walked. Didn't want to fight. Didn't want to go south. Live here."
"But there is nobody here now. Why don't you come with me? We've got plenty of space."
"This my home. Die here."
"But you're alone."
"Not forever. Someday people come back. I'll be here when they do."
"I admire your determination. What about those men?"
"They were of the Ice River Clans. Understand, I not want to be with Ice River Clans."
"From what I've heard I don't blame you."
"I will go further north. They not find me there."
"How will you survive?"
Yashi spoke with some pride, "I avoid walking dead men. I survive."
"Can't argue with that. Best of luck to you."
Arya wasn't at all sure of leaving Yashi to live out her life in such a desolate place. But she had always made a point of never forcing anyone to go where they did not wish to.
It had been almost a fortnight by the time she got back to the fleet. She observed as they approached the Ironborn struggling to get the ship off the sand bar. Sandor was in the water with them. The coffer damn had been removed and the sea covered the bottom. The keel though was stuck in the sand.
Snowflake landed and advanced on the beached ship. The men got out of the way quickly. Sea Drake was a large ship, easily 200 tons or more. But Snowflake was a large dragon. She set her shoulder against the ship's side and heaved. The dragon's feet sank deep into the sand, but they eventually found purchase. Slowly, gradually, after a great deal of pushing, Sea Drake left the bar to float free once more.
Cheers went up all around.
Sandor, who was less scared of the dragons than most, walked up to Arya, who was still mounted. "About time you got back."
"You were having so much fun."
"You really are full of shit sometimes."
She laughed. Sandor was the only one she allowed to talk to her that way.
The fleet was sailing past the Frozen Shore, soon to leave all known lands altogether. Arya stood on the bow, the freezing wind blowing in her hair. Marwin joined her there.
"We will be soon past all maps. Unknown territory." He was excited. "Can you imagine what we'll see?"
"The future is always unknown."
END CHAPTER 0NE