Prologue[AT1]
He could not see what was around him. He knew the jagged and cracked stone of the earth was beneath him, but the ash and smoke filled sky impaired his vision. He knew it would be gone soon. It was only a matter of time before he felt fresh air on his wings and the warm heat of the summer sun would heat his tired body. As the smoke and ash grew thin he began to see the light of the outside world. Most days a poison wind took to the skies and discouraged his hopes. But today would be different because today he would be free.
Finally the sea and sky revealed themselves. He felt the cool sea wind as his thrust his head to the sky and let out a column of flame that reached into the sky and grew high and higher as the seconds passed him by. But from the depths of somewhere far off, came a noise and he was awoken from his slumber.
Jared, a baseborn boy of ten, rose from his bed in such haste that he fell groggily to the floor. As he stood, he pushed back the long brown strands of hair from his eyes. Before him stood two tall men, both in steel plated armor and matching helmets. Attached to their shoulders were the golden cloaks of the City Watch. Behind them the rising sun rose over the unseen sea and showered them in robes of golden light.
"What can I do for you two," asked Jared.
"We are to provide escort for you by order of the Master of Whispers," said the gold cloak on the left.
"Come with us," insisted the gold cloak on the right.
From the walls of the city came a blast of a war horn. Jared pulled on his pants and followed the gold cloaks out of the small hovel in one of the poorest sections of King's Landing, called Flea Bottom.
The gates were open and in came an army. They were armed in mail and heavy armaments of swords and shields, bows and spears. Over them flew the golden lion of House Lannister. They were led by their Lord, Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West under Aerys Targaryen, the Second of his Name, King of the Seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm.
After the news had reached them of the defeat and death of the King's son, Rhaegar Targaryen, at the Trident, many grew in fear. It was said that Eddard Stark marched to King's Landing with a host of Northmen at his back. The sight of the Lannister host brought hope and reassurance to those in the city.
But something was seriously wrong. The Lannister men drew their swords and turned on the gold cloaks. They slaughtered them and all the men, women, and children they could find.
"Come with us now," said one of the gold cloaks that stood with him.
"Where are we going?" asked Jared.
"The harbor," said one of the gold cloaks, "If anything went wrong, we were told to get you to the harbor and have you leave with extreme haste."
They raced through the streets of King's Landing. The city was filthy already but the streets now ran red with blood. One of the two gold cloaks with him stopped to fight off several Lannister men as Jared and the other gold cloak continued on.
"Come on now," said the remaining gold cloak, "Just go down the
sta-." An arrow appeared through his throat and he fell. Jared pulled his sword from his scabbard and ran down the stairs as another arrow barely missed his shoulder.
At the bottom of the stairs, stood a very dirty man in stinking rags and covered in dirt. Jared pushed past him but he grabbed his arm and pulled him into a corner.
"Let go of me," commanded Jared, brandishing the sword.
"Relax child," said the man who Jared recognized as Varys, the Master of Whispers.
"Lord Varys, who would want me dead?" questioned Jared. "I'm an orphan and a bastard. I don't know my father or remember my mother."
Varys pushed Jared's hair from in front of face to reveal his violet eyes.
"These eyes are what is causing your danger, that and the blood inside you. You may be a bastard and a cousin, but royal Targaryen blood flows through your veins. Now leave this city and never look back."
Stunned, Jared did as Varys said. With sword in hand, he hopped upon one of the ships departing the harbor and never looked back.
[AT1]Prologue: Page 1
