A/N: A longer chapter than usual since the last upload. I'm hoping to surprise a few people with this one. Where this chapter begins and where it ends is a testament to the story going forward.
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The main streets flooded with masked citizens celebrating in harmonic bliss participating in drinking, dancing, and festivities customary to the holiday. Two masked men lead their dates behind them admiring the rare celebratory spectacle in the capital. "Well girls here we are," the masked man said stopping the group outside a three story residence.
"This place is most enchanting!"
"It looks so fancy, there are many people inside."
"It's nothin ladies one of my several owned establishments in Westeros." He held in a grunt from a kick he received courtesy of the shorter man. "Alright in we go."
The group passed prostitutes, spectators, keepers, servers, and wealthy patrons to reach the private room on the top floor. "What did I say ladies? My buddy's place is indulging is it not?" Tyrion removed his masquerade mask gesturing them to follow. "Let's have some Arbor Gold wine shall we?"
"Oh my we've only drank Dornish red wine, it was always much too sour."
"Dornish or shitty Reach wine doesn't compare, the bottles are comin all night. Let me take these from ya girls." Bronn took their furs and bags settling the items in the lounge.
"You were most impressive the way you handled those soldiers fighting amongst the crowds." The brunette said sitting on Tyrion's lap.
"Easy woman I haven't started pouring yet." Tyrion's smirk grew as the blonde sat on his other side. "As the king's hand I just try keeping the peace. There's nothing like the threat of a night sleeping in jail next to pig shit in order to keep it."
They giggled taking their wine goblets, "you're like the king in a way." One of them said affectionally stroking his scarred face.
"In a way yes I consider myself a king but not of this city. Have you ladies ever heard of Casterly Rock?"
"Is it nicer than here?" The raven haired woman wrapped around Bronn asked.
"Alright calm down friend, High Garden is the place of your dreams ladies." Bronn said hoisting a laughing woman over his shoulder dragging the other by her waist. "It's a whole lot better than some fortress on some desolate rock."
Tyrion mocked a laugh, "I'm sure in Dorne they mentioned how rich the Westerlands are. Tell me have any of you been to Lannisport?"
"I've always wanted to go. In Sunspear people talk admirably about Lannister gold and their wealthy cities."
Tyrion sipped from his cup holding them closer, "Well I can assure you there's more than enough to spend in five lifetimes."
"Horseshit." Bronn coughed.
"How about we move this party to the room?"
The blonde chuckled running a hand over him, "what's the rush my lord? We have all night."
"Tell us about what you do, it must be thrilling being Hand of the King." The brunette added playing with his collar.
"Really ladies," Tyrion held his hands up, "there isn't much to tell. It's all boring policies to aid Westeros into the power she used to be."
They pouted drawing closer, "there must be something exciting that happened, there's nothing on par with a good story about daring deeds to loosen women up." The blonde said boldly placing his hand underneath her dress.
Tyrion gulped downing the cup's contents clearing his throat, "when Stannis's fleet attacked King's Landing in the Battle of Blackwater, I commanded the city's main defense. Though the songs don't sing about it, there I was leading five thousand seven hundred gold cloaks, eight hundred mercenaries, three hundred knights, and men at arms against Stannis Baratheon's calvary."
The two women indulged him grabbing wherever they could, "so you're a military man too? A war hero. I always wanted to be fucked by one," the brunette nibbled on his earlobe, "tell me brave warrior, is that where you got this scar?"
"Yes I got it in a duel with a rebellious kingsguard, Ser Mandon Moore. I barley managed to best him in single combat by a stroke of luck." Tyrion poured his drink faster ignoring Bronn's obnoxious cough.
Tyrion barley moved threatening to be stripped in his chair, "I haven't finished my second cup girls." He said watching the last button on his shirt pop off.
"You're that much closer my lord," she said placing Tyrion's hand on her ass pressing his face between her friend's breasts. "Do tell us about how you slain the dragon queen."
Tyrion recalled the last memories shared with Daenerys. The events leading up to the Red Keep and the city's destruction while hundreds of thousands perished including the most important people to him, his siblings. "I didn't slay the dragon queen..."
"Mm then who did? Surely he couldn't have been braver than you."
"A lot braver actually. He saved me from execution after I renounced my title. He's a far better person than I am. Wherever he is I'm sure he's happy." Tyrion downed the wine forgetting the past indulging in the beautiful Dornish women.
"I told you we are living our best lives." Bronn appeared swiping a wine bottle toasting Tyrion, "cheers friend."
"Cheers." Tyrion muffled through two pairs of breasts.
"Well Mister Hero, it's rude to keep a lady waiting." The friends kissed one another moaning and teasing playfully onto each other's lips. The brunette interlocked her hands with the blonde unclasping their dresses letting the silky clothing fall to the floor.
Tyrion clamped his mouth shut downing his cup, "I can die happily now knowing this is as good as it gets." He remarked following his guests to the chambers.
Knock Knock Knock
The room fell still filling with the sounds of ecstasy, "Yes spank me harder!" Tyrion obliged finger fucking the brunette with a free hand, "tell me I'm fucking dirty."
"I'm not entirely sure what you mean."
"Oh gods tell me I'm fucking naughty!" The blonde said burying her cheek in the pillow.
"Alright your fucking naughty." He said giving a spank to both. "If you two keep this up I'll bring you to my place."
"You honor me my lord we've only just met."
"To the rest of the night then ladies." He refilled their cups eyeing them hungrily.
Knock Knock Knock
The pounding at the door grew louder, "fuck off no service!"
Bang Bang Bang Bang
Bronn sighed, "excuse me ladies I've got to straighten out some drunken wanker." He said throwing clothes on. "I said I'm comin ya bloody idiot."
Bronn placed a hand over his eyes, "why did I even open the— What is it Tarly?"
"I hope I'm not interrupting something—"
"Little late for that, what brings you here?"
"Well it's actually really important see-"
Bronn shook his head placing an arm around Sam's shoulder leading him into the hallway, "yes yes very important," He turned Sam back to the room, "I'm busy at the moment fuckin Dornish twins. You ever fucked two twins from Dorne at the same time Sam?"
A grin broke out across his features, "that does sound important. I didn't want to intrude on your evening if that's what you're implying. I came to tell you the king requested a meeting—"
Bronn retreated to the door, "I'm gonna stop you right there, tell your grace we got terrible sea food poisoning."
Sam lodged his foot in the doorway, "I insist you two come along, I don't want to come back here and force you guys out."
He snorted holding in a laugh, "you and what army Tarly." Bronn said shutting the door.
"Samwell Tarly huh? What did he want?" Tyrion asked gulping a bottle struggling to throw the other shirt sleeve on.
"What the hell happened to you? You jump in the sea? You're soaked like a newborn seal."
"Thank the gods I didn't drown considering I'm not the best swimmer."
"Fair point." Bronn grabbed an unopened bottle popping the top off, "dear old Sam said the king summoned us."
Tyrion knitted his brows, "that's unusual, our king has stuck to the council schedule routinely since his inauguration. Did he say what it was about?"
"Don't know, didn't care enough to ask," he shrugged swigging the Arbor Gold, "said he'd be back to force us out."
Tyrion halted a chuckle, "him and what—"
The door cracked nearly splintering in half sending the door handle flying. Tyrion and Bronn stepped away hearing unintelligible arguing outside. The chamber door burst off its metal hinges crashing to the floor. Brienne of Tarth emerged from the dust marching toward them.
"Army..." Tyrion trailed off downing the rest of bottle.
"Are you fookin nuts?" Bronn shouted pointing at the collateral, "for fooks sake this goes in the books! This is coming out of your earnings Brienne."
"I tried to warn you." Sam said standing beside the kingsgaurd commander.
"Fuck off! You said nothing about her busting my door down!"
"Lady Brienne, Samwell, good to see you both. Care for a drink?"
Brienne narrowed her eyes, "how many times have I told you I'm not a lady." She pinched the bridge of her nose, "I'm not surprised this is how the both of you still choose to spend your spare time."
"That reminds me allow me to introduce my friends Annika and Estrella." Tyrion watched the Dornish women stare in awe of Brienne placing their hands on her gold armor.
"What're they doing?"
"Seems they've taken a liking to you, or your gold rather."
"Who're you tall lady?" Estrella asked placing a hand below the knight's sword belt. "We've never seen a knight woman before."
"Alright that's far enough miss." Brienne removed their hands, "it was nice to meet you both, but we have to leave for urgent business with the king."
"We know," Annika knelt next to Tyrion kissing his cheek, "our man is the king. A war hero."
"A war hero?" Brienne arched a brow, "what did he tell you two exactly?"
Tyrion waved a hand dismissively, "well this has been quite the evening girls I think we should—"
"He is most brave! Blackwater battle's warrior hero. He defeated a knight like you." Estrella said.
"A knight like me? Brienne suppressed her chuckles, "let me take a wild guess, he told you he got that scar before he killed Mandon Moore." Brienne failed to stop a laugh earning ones from Bronn and Sam.
"So you didn't kill a kingsguard in single combat?" Annika asked.
Tyrion's words were drowned out by the others laughter, "He was killed by a squire." Brienne said leaning on Sam barley containing herself.
"A squire?"
"Now ladies I may have exaggerated a bit—" Tyrion stumbled receiving a slap from Annika as she stormed out the room.
"It appears I deserved that." Tyrion turned to Estrella, "Estrella darling I'm—" the second slap nearly knocked him over. "It appears I also deserved that." He said placing a hand on his cheek, "well since you've ruined my evening we best get a move on."
Bronn wrapped his arms around his dates, "you really fooked yourself good with that one. Have fun at the meeting, tell the king I'll have the financial reports next time."
Brienne cleared her throat halting their tracks. "If you don't mind me asking ladies what kind of deeds did my friend tell you he accomplished?"
"Come on girls don't be hasty now we were having a lovely evening, don't leave." Bronn cursed watching them disappear down the hall. "You two know how to fuck up a perfectly good night, know that?"
"I tried to warn you Bronn." Sam said showing a grin.
"Piss off Tarly!"
The four left the brothel making their way through the city pushing past rowdy and belligerent crowds too intoxicated to care about anything other than their personal indulgences. The people stormed through the marketplace, gathering tightly around merchant stalls, timbered inns, taverns, and brothels.
"What's so damn important the king drags us out here on holiday? I was happy enjoying these festivities, look at all these jolly fucks."
Brienne rolled her eyes, "will you stop talking, I'd like to try concentrating on making it through this mess. It was hard enough tracking you down."
"Doesn't give you a right to be bustin a respectable business owner's doors down without a warrant does it love?"
"You can afford another door Master of Coin, Lord Paramount of the Reach and Lord of Highgarden."
"Well excuse me Brienne of fucking Tarth," Bronn draped an elbow on the Grand Maester, "I got one word for you Sam, yikes."
Tyrion witnessed a fight breaking out noting the people's behavior never really changed. It didn't matter months earlier King's Landing was nearly decimated, yet people didn't aspire to adapt. Instead things worsened, it didn't matter who ruled everyone would be in the same place doing the same things that fulfilled them. The age of heroes was dead, it appeared most were inclined to serve their own selfish desires rather than helping people because it was the right to do or simply their nature drove them to do it—He was not among the latter. Tyrion trailed Brienne marching up to the crowded fight.
"Step away or I'm going to have to use lethal force." Brienne said separating the two groups hurling insults at each other.
"Stay outta this!"
"This ain't none of your damn business."
"What's the problem here?" The insults stopped as some backed off becoming intimidated by the taller woman in armor carrying a big fucking sword.
A faction leader stumbled pointing at the parallel group, "these fuckers didn't pay up, their pooch lost the fight fair and square."
"Goddamn liar! You buffed your hound with deer antler. We ain't paying up!"
This was a waste of time, there wasn't a need to kill each other over a dogfight. "You both should fight again at a later date, no more cheating and no more swindling deals, you are to both fight fairly and honorably. I'd be happy to pay for a round of drinks—"
"I told you to stay outta this you dumb bitch! Women aren't knights, they're incapable of commanding men. I ain't leaving without my coin." He pulled out a large hunter's knife approaching the rival group.
Brienne held a hand out stopping him, "put the knife away sir or I'll have to use lethal force." He ignored the warning spitting on Brienne. She wiped the saliva from her face not removing her gaze from him.
"I can't tell if that's the ballsiest or stupidest decision I've ever seen but this is gettin good boys." Bronn said resting a hand on a hilt.
"I said outta my way nasty bitch—" The forceful impact from Brienne's strike snapped the man's wrist forcing the knife to drop. She roughly secured his hands behind his back cuffing them together waiting for the guards.
"Y-you broke my damn wrist."
"Ya got off easy prick, had it been me I would've gutted you where you stood." Bronn said tossing him to the Lannister guards.
"I'm thrilled you enjoyed the show," Tyrion said to the stunned spectators. "I suggest you all leave before you wind up like the other guy." The groups scrambled pushing past one another forgetting about their current beef, "that never gets old." He smirked following the others.
Tyrion frowned glancing at the kingsguard commander, "is everything okay Brienne?"
"Why wouldn't it be?"
"Answering my question with another of your own isn't exactly an answer." Tyrion smiled as she continued on unwilling to respond, "don't let one cocksucker's words dampen your spirits. To most you are an inspiration, a beacon of hope. I would even go so far as to call you a hero."
Brienne met his gaze, "I'm just a knight trying to do her duty justice," she slowed her steps walking beside Tyrion, "you know as well as I do he isn't the only one thinking those things." He noticed the emotion brimming on her features threatening to spill over. "I...I thought I'd get a little more respect y'know...Since I've arrived here everything I've done feels fruitless."
Tyrion nodded understanding the feeling of being unappreciated and receiving lack of respect despite working a lifetime for a coveted position only for the void to remain. "Believe it or not I know what you're going through. The tree may be fruitless at the moment, however it isn't hopeless."
"How do you mean?"
"I was hoping you'd ask," Tyrion swiped a three quarter full bottle from a drunkard's dangled fingertips wiping the lid chugging greedily. "You're the first lady knight in Westeros's history, there will always be those who support the conservative ideals this country established believing women should be kept in their place. You can only control what you can Brienne, wear it on you like armor and it can never be used to hurt you. Your doing the best job you can, and in time they'll come to see as one of the fiercest and honorable kingsguard in history." Tyrion tossed the empty bottle aside belching loudly, "that's up to you of course. If you let the opinions of drunks in fleabottom get to you and start beating them to satisfy your anger you won't be better than most of the kingsgaurd I knew serving under Joffrey—only more of the same."
Brienne couldn't help smiling, "you do have a way with words Tyrion, when your sober enough to give them that is. I assure you I plan on doing better, I have to if I'm to protect and serve our king."
"That's the spirit." Tyrion took charge of their group spotting a favorite restaurant of his, "we can't go to a small council meeting on an empty stomach, let's eat shall we? It's on me." Tyrion met the owner inside reserving a private table gated from the hectic crowds pouring into the streets. The four laughed toasting their mugs of ale eating through their courses. It was rare to spend time enjoying each other's company outside of council meetings.
"That hit the spot. You get enough to eat Sam? I'll pay for anything this Lannister cheapskate won't."
"I'm paying for everything."
"I got enough, couldn't eat another bite. I'm taking the rest home for Gilly and the little one."
"How is Gilly? She must be coming along well, it's been awhile since the last time I saw her." Brienne said.
"She's doing well, thanks for asking. I tell her to take it easy at the bakery but you know her."
"Sounds about right, she's working harder than you Tarly." Bronn added.
Sam chuckled, "you're not wrong about that," the maester stood abruptly, "watch my belongings, I'll only be gone a minute. I have to retrieve textbooks I ordered from the citadel."
"I'm comin with ya then." Bronn stood tossing his hand cloth on the table.
"There's no need the bookstore isn't far, I'll only be a minute—"
"Aye that's the problem my brainy friend, if someone doesn't go with ya you won't leave." Bronn said wrapping an arm around his shoulder leading him onto the pavement.
"You oughta stop by for dinner one of these nights, Gilly's cooking is better than any restaurant."
"I might take you up on that offer, nothing beats a home cooked meal. Do you guys drink?"
"Of course not."
"We'll work on that..."
Tyrion watched them vanish in the crowd sipping from the goblet. "So, are you seeing anyone?"
Brienne arched a brow mid-sip settling the cup, "what in the seven hells is that supposed to mean?"
"I was simply trying to trying to address the elephant in the—" He glanced around for a moment grimacing, "outside."
"This is going splendid so far." Brienne sipped longer than usual ignoring Tyrion's glare.
"All I mean to say is I'm worried about you Brienne—"
"Don't. I never needed someone to worry about my emotional needs thank you very much."
"That's exactly my point. Regardless of our circumstances the realm is at peace. You deserve time to decompress."
Brienne shook her head, "I don't plan on spending my time trying to find love. I only care about my duty."
"Who said anything about love? I was talking about enjoying the pleasures life has to offer."
"Drop it."
Tyrion sighed, "I know you've been going to see him." He met her gaze reaching out, "I miss him too, he was all I had."
"I told you to drop it." She pulled away drinking from her cup, "I don't need your worrying."
"I understand how you feel, I loved my brother dearly. I know that he loved you."
Brienne returned his glare, "I know he did." The knight bowed her head suppressing a chuckle, "he loved her more."
Tyrion nodded, "he did."
"We had a special bond I admit...She was the love of his life, it was only right he came here to spend his last moments with her."
He nodded, "she was. They shared a womb, coming into this world together it was only right they went out—" Tyrion paused taking a drink calming the sudden shakiness, "one of the last things he told me was he never cared for innocents or otherwise."
"He said the same thing before riding south." Brienne sighed, "in the end he cared. Despite all your sister's deeds she was just as much an innocent as everyone else when the dragon queen burned this city."
The king's hand watched the crowds of people hoping his siblings would walk by carrying a newborn babe. He blamed Daenerys. He blamed his sister. He blamed his father, he blamed Joffrey. He blamed himself more than anyone. He never took the path of honor choosing charming cleverness to deceive and disarm those he came across. Since arriving in Meereen he'd been deceiving his queen. Daenerys was right in the end. At his core he truly only knew how to serve his own interests, for his family, for the Lannister name. "I can't help feeling I'm responsible for their deaths," Tyrion bit his lip turning his gaze to the pedestrians, "I killed my father of course, I killed my girlfriend Shae, I betrayed Varys, I was useless when the dead attacked, I failed to save the honorable Tarlys. I couldn't protect my own siblings or nephews and niece. I couldn't save poor Missandei. She only wanted to live a life of freedom and I couldn't even see to that."
Brienne reached out for him this time, "Don't blame yourself Tyrion. You couldn't have known what would happen, you did the absolute best you could."
Tyrion grimaced once more, "that's the thing, I didn't."
They remained silent for a few moments watching patrons at the nearest table shout in celebration. "It seems like they're having a bit of fun. I bet they acted the same way before, doing the same damn thing. We never change who we really are."
"Is that why you spend your time binge drinking, laying with every woman who throws a look in your direction."
"Precisely. I haven't changed and don't find a need to. Does that make me a bad person?"
"No actually," Brienne finished her drink signaling for another, "you're just not as special as you think you are."
He grinned examining the wine selection, "harsh but justified. I don't disagree with you. I'm no hero either, those don't exist anymore, aside from you of course."
"Stop telling people you were the hero who defeated Mandon Moore, Podrick doesn't appreciate it."
"I did help."
Brienne offered a smile, "you did. You're not a bad person. I know that because you signed up for the same job I did. To protect the realms in the king's name. That's all we need to better ourselves, fulfilling our duty.
"You're right Brienne, as long as we're upholding our duty that's all that matters." Tyrion drummed his fingers on the table awaiting the ordered wines arrival, tipping the server a gold coin when he set the bottles down, "so Brienne, did you have any holiday plans before being summoned by our king?"
"I was planning on traveling to Winterfell to visit the Queen of the North."
Tyrion smiled warmly refilling their cups, "ah I haven't heard from Lady Sansa in some time. She's doing well I trust?"
Brienne matched his smile, "from the letters I received it sounds like the North is prospering better than ever."
"That's nice to hear."
"She's asks about Bran the most, how he's doing, if he plans to visit. I can tell she's worried most about Arya, she said they exchange letters and is expecting one back soon." Brienne averted her eyes to the half full cup, "she talks about that Jon fellow the most." Brienne said sipping the wine.
Tyrion set his cup down, "Jon Snow. I didn't think I'd hear that name for awhile. Did Sansa say how he was doing?"
"No, unfortunately the Night's Watch keep a tight lid on their personnel and activities only allowing letters to be delivered to their Lord Commander. I heard he left Castle Black over a month ago leading the wildlings beyond the wall and hasn't returned."
"Well wherever he is up north I'm sure he's happy."
Brienne sighed, "he made the right decision. There wasn't any other way."
"I know. Hopefully he understands that. If anyone deserves to be happy it's the hero of Westeros."
"Are you two gettin cozy without us?" Bronn asked appearing through the crowd dragging Sam by his collar.
"Perfect timing the wines here and we were just beginning to miss you both."
"It would've taken a minute had Sam not been reading every damn book he came across."
Sam hoisted the large trunk securing it in his grip, "I didn't anticipate my requests being delivered so soon. There's some interesting ones—"
"Yeah yeah tell me about it later. Pack the wine to go, let's not keep the king waitin."
"That's the second best idea you've had all night." Tyrion finished his cup leaving a bag full of gold coins on the table heading toward the keep with the others.
The small council entered the meeting room greeting Ser Davos the master of ships.
"For fook's sake it's about time you all show up."
"Good to see you too ol' chum." Bronn replied.
Davos smiled picking up the food's aroma, "you guys went to dinner without me? I assume that's mine then."
"Apologies Ser Davos, this is for Gilly."
"Why did I even bother to ask?" He took his seat conversing with Brienne who shared leftovers of her own.
The council members let silence overcome the spacious room awaiting their king's arrival. Tyrion broke the tense silence scooting his chair back painfully slow filling up a goblet. He sat drumming his fingers on the table, "I never got to finish our story from our inaugural meeting. I once walked into a brothel, in one hand a honeycomb in the other an ass—"
"Don't say it." Bronn said pouring a cup shaking his head, "don't fookin say it."
The doors opened drawing their gazes to Podrick wheeling their king to the table's head. "Thank you all for coming in on your days off, take your seats. You must forgive me for calling your here after dismissals this morning. I won't waste time since I'm sure you have other important matters to address. I will get right to it." The small council sat in silence studying their stoic ruler.
"Daenerys Targaryen woke up a week ago. Moments after I sent the order to retrieve you she returned to Mereen from Valirya.
Podrick stumbled back catching his balance against the wall. Bronn downed his cup quickly pouring another another cursing under his breath. Davos pinched the bridge of his nose shaking his head. Sam tightened his fists staring at the table unbelieving the person who burned his father and brother was alive. Aside from a heavy sigh Brienne gave no outward indication of how the news affected her. Tyrion's hands refused to listen to him shaking profusely as he failed to grasp the goblet setting it down.
Bronn's chair slid back alerting the room, "I gotta get the hell out of here. The dragon queen is going to fly over in a few days and burn us alive. All due respect your grace I fought a dragon once and watched my men die, I prefer to keep my life."
"Have you lost your mind! Sit down you imbecile, you'll be no safer in Highgarden or here in the keep."
"I agree with Bronn, I have to get Gilly. I could hide her in Hornhill, it wouldn't feel right keeping her here."
"I'm likin the cut of your jib Tarly."
"Sit down both of you." Bran commanded forcing them into their chairs, "Daenerys isn't returning to Westeros. I would've spoken it into existence weeks ago when she first awoke and taken the necessary preparations."
Tyrion gulped unable to drink, "your grace we should've been notified immediately, hundreds of thousands of peoples' lives could've been in danger. I think we had the right to know the moment Daenerys woke."
"No offense to any of us but I'm sure if we were told the information would've found a way to the people and caused an uproar. I'm more curious your grace, how did you know she wouldn't come to Westeros?" Davos asked.
"As I said she traveled to Valirya when she first awoke. Drogon and his mother's physical condition are too poor at the moment to fly half way across the world. Drogon is in worse shape, he flew north, far beyond the wall that I lost sight of him in the receding blizzards. When Drogon emerged a few days later Daenerys was completely encased in ice before the trip to Volantis." Bran paused glancing at the small council, "I watched her during her week long stay in the Targaryen's once glorious homeland. She observed the stonemen tribes living there relishing that they worshipped her as a goddess."
"Since they're stonemen surely she didn't come into contact with them." Tyrion said eyeing the king.
"She burned them."
The room stilled into an uncomfortable silence, "I'm not able to see everything. My powers are vast but not omnipotent. I meant it when I said there needed to be a master of spies, it's time to meet him."
Everyone turned their attention to the door nearly losing their breath, "Varys..." Tyrion absentmindedly knocked over his cup quickly cleaning up the mess.
"I needed someone who had connections across all lands not just in Westeros; meet Varys the spider." Tyrion didn't take his attention away from the spitting image of his deceased friend. Everything from the graceful strides, the serene stoic gaze always guarding emotions, to the clothing he wore and even physical traits—a near perfect carbon copy.
"I'm honored to join you all on the small council in service to the six kingdoms. The Varys you knew was more than a mentor to me. He was more a father figure to all his little birds, I simply happened to be the big bird. He confided in me his growing concerns about the dragon queen before he left Essos ordering me to await his next message. Unfortunately I received his final will a day before the burning of King's Landing. In the event of his untimely death he named me his successor to serve the realm in his name."
"Welcome to the club we're all a buncha merry fucks." Bronn said refilling his glass.
"You look like him, you walk like him, hell you talk exactly identical to him. I assume you were required to become a eunuch remaining immune to life's addictive pleasures. Even if you carry that name, you will never be Varys."
Varys offered a smile, "my mentor talked highly about the great Tyrion Lannister. He considered you a close friend and trusted confidant, yet birds from Dragonstone tell me it was you who betrayed him to save yourself from judgement."
"We don't have time for this." Bran's voice broke their stare down. "Lord Varys has reports from Essos's free cities. He serves as my eyes and ears among the people."
Varys bowed taking a seat, "once again it's a great honor serving you your grace. Essos is still practicing slavery now more than it's ever been—"
"Then it seems my seven years plan went to shit."
"On the contrary Lord Tyrion, the Dragon Bay cities surrounding Meereen; Yunkai, Astapor, New Ghis, and Mantarys are pushing forward the plan to two years. The cities are doubling down on their loyalty to the queen. citizens, masters, and slaves are peacefully easing into a coexisting free society."
"I see. Those cities aside from Meereen aren't major players in the power struggle for control over Essos. That's one way to attract numerous enemies." Davos said.
"Right you are Ser Davos Seaworth, the dragon bay cities are caravanning toward Meereen in droves to see their beloved queen return. I assure you Daenerys Targaryen has a lot bigger problems at her doorstep than a grudge war against an ailing Westeros that clearly neither side is prepared for."
"They're planning to kill her." Sam said surprising the others, "the major city states: Qarth, Braavos, Myr, Pentos, Volantis, Lorath, Lys, Tyrosh, Norvos, and Qohor have practiced slavery since the beginning of written history. It's something too ingratiated into their culture to cut out forcefully in only a few years."
"As more information is received I will keep you updated. It remains Daenerys isn't a threat to the realm at the moment." Varys added.
The room released a collective sigh feeling less tense than moments earlier, "alright let's say I believe you. The dragon queen isn't comin. We need a contingency plan in case of an emergency." Bronn said.
Not to worry." Bran said. "I hand selected a ballistic and weaponry engineering team to calibrate several deficiencies and flaw designs in the bastillas lining the city walls. They implemented the design to work the way it's counterpart the scorpion moves. The large iron clad arrows are now chambered carrying three shots before a reload. The cables have been reinforced to neutralize a dragon long enough to drag it outside the gates before striking with our trebuchet catapults. During my reign I intend to never see this city burned again."
"That's goddamn brilliant your grace, I think I'll stick around." Bronn toasted Bran earning a semblance of a smile.
"There is another I wanted to talk about since summoning you here." Bran said.
"Another threat your grace?" Brienne asked.
"No, I'm talking about Bran Stark's cousin Jon Snow."
"Jon is alive and well isn't he? I felt like I haven't seen him ages." Sam grinned hearing of his oldest and first friend knowing he was doing what he does best.
"I was most pleasantly surprised hearing of his progress, Lord Varys give the small council an update."
The master of spies smiled folding his sleeves together, "my birds tell me the king beyond the wall is changing life for the wildlings as well as the Night's Watch. Hardhome has emerged amongst the ruin standing as a capital and trading town establishing a trade route to Whiteharbor. His caravan survived tremendous ordeals to journey north; they were ambushed by a vicious pack wolfpack that killed off his strongest warriors. Many men, women, and children lost their lives in a raid by a cannibalistic Thenn tribe led by the brutal Horace the chained who was slain by the king himself.
As of recently he's been establishing more settlements aiding his people while also overseeing the wall's refortification using ice blocks from the frozen seas and lakes left in the walker's wake. Unfortunately he is no longer acting lord commander yet he aims to reinforce the vacant sixteen castles manning the wall; Westwatch-by-the-bridge, The Nightfort and Greyguard to name a few."
"Excellent, thank you Lord Varys," Bran said turning to the others, "soon it will be time to bring Jon Snow back to Westeros."
"Your grace," Sam drew the three eye raven's attention, "I've never questioned your decisions, nor will I, it's just..."
"Finish your thought grand maester."
Sam wiped a brow glancing at the council, "I sent out the letters at your order to the rulers of the seven kingdoms decreeing to deny Jon Snow's request for prisoners, volunteers, and disgraced lords to aid the Watch. I may be a grand maester now, I started out as a ranger and will always be one until my dying day. Had it not been for Jon I wouldn't be sitting here serving you, all us wouldn't for that matter. I'm asking you your grace, to reconsider your stance on the Watch's proposition."
Bran didn't blink staring at the opposite wall. "Your concern is understandable Samwell Tarly. However we can't spare anymore people to the Watch, we need to prioritize rebuilding the capital while we strengthen our military. Helping Jon Snow isn't our responsibility."
"You got nothin to worry about on my end, I tore the proposal up throwin it in my fireplace." Bronn smirked uncorking a wine bottle pouring another glass.
"I denied his request, the Westerlands can't afford to lose anymore citizens or work induced criminals. As much as I respect him, the fact of the matter is there are no resources to spare." Tyrion said.
"I'll take any punishment your grace," Davos said, "I took the liberty sparing the Night's Watch three ships at his request. It's the least I could do after all he's done for me."
"You did the right thing Ser Davos, there is no punishment necessary since ships is something we have plenty." Bran ran his gaze over the small council, "I want to switch gears for a moment. We need to gather all major houses in Westeros; the North, Vale, Stormlands, Riverlands, The Reach, Dorne, Iron Islands, Westerlands, and our very own Crownlands. It's time to hold the summit to rally all banners here. We need to keep peace in Westeros. I intend not to make the same mistakes our past families have done."
"Very good your grace the messages will be sent to all the prestige houses in the coming days." Varys said bowing.
"Well said." Tyrion toasted Bran downing the wine.
"Sounds like one giant party, can't wait."
"That concludes everything I wanted to discuss with you all. We'll resume our normal schedule, have a great rest of your holiday." Podrick wheeled Bran out the doors leaving the council meeting.
Sam stood first, "I really should get home, I don't want to leave Gilly home alone for too long." Brienne and Davos left with Sam while the rest stayed.
"Perhaps we got off on the wrong foot." Tyrion said coming to stand next to Varys.
Varys nodded, "your reaction is justified considering what happened to my late predecessor. His letter proved prophetic about the events that transpired. Knowing him like I did he was content to sacrifice his life to protect the realm, and more importantly a cherished friend."
Tyrion smiled dropping his head, he didn't deserve to be called the previous Vary's friend. He always felt he took something from him never giving anything in return for his aid over the years. He didn't think he could change but it was never to late to try in his late friend's honor. "Even though we just met, I have missed you dearly."
Varys smiled folding his sleeves together, "Somehow, I know old friend."
Bronn surprised the pair placing a hand on their shoulders, "since you don't have a cock or balls I assume you can't fuck girls right?"
"I'm far past the distraction of lust or sexual attractions. I've seen countless men in Lys succumb to the madness only to never be found...At least alive."
"I'll never understand Eunuchs." Bronn shook his head, "you do drink don't you?"
"That I do partake in, there's nothing more enjoyable than expanding my pallet and love of delectable wines throughout the lands."
Tyrion smiled widely for what felt like the first time in a longtime, "I really have missed you Varys. We have a long night ahead of us, there is much to catch up on." Tyrion said leading the lords to the keep's entrance.
"Sleep well my king." Podrick tucked Bran in halting at the doorway.
"What is it Podrick?"
"Did you really know Daenerys Targaryen wouldn't come to Westeros?" Podrick waited at the door patiently shutting it after a few moments realizing he wouldn't receive an answer.
Bran stared at the ceiling rolling his irises and pupils back leaving the milky white sclerosis visible. He astral projected his conscious free sending it through the castle walls high above King's Landing entering a raven. Bran exhaled in sync with the bird's respiratory system being able to see through its eyes and feel everyone of its movements. The raven spread its wings soaring along the King's Road leaving night behind entering the north's morning fog. Bran sped past a bustling Winterfell emerging from the clouds descending onto Castle Black.
A watchmen guard stepped off the wall lift, "open the gates!" He yelled narrowly dodging a raven flying past his head. "I hate fucking birds."
Jon and his four man ranger squad were bombarded by watchmen eager to see the first ranger return. He descended from his horse handing her to a steward thanking him for the gesture. The ranger greeted his brothers who were eager to converse about his adventures. Jon introduced the recruits slipping past the crowd heading toward their barracks.
"Jon," Noah called halting his tracks, "what should we do?" He asked as the others waited instruction.
"You're fully-fledged rangers, you've all taken your vows. You guys can start by training the others."
"Training? That won't help. A warrior only gets stronger by killing in the heat of a life or death battle." Eli replied.
"You guys are loud. If you got something to say they'll listen. Try to at least sound like you know what you're talking about."
"Where the hell are you going?" Solomon questioned.
"I'm meeting with the lord commander. Don't get comfortable, we're not staying." Jon said. He strode toward the barrack stairs stopping to stare at a raven cawing at him from above. He studied its milky white eyes shaking his head leaving the bird behind.
"Come in." Denys Mallister called hearing knocks at the door. "Please have a seat Jon Snow I will be with you momentarily."
Jon nodded taking a chair folding his hands over his lap noticing the spotless office and the personal touches from the veteran commander. He picked up a silver eagle off the desk examining it curiously. He only had the honor of meeting Ser Mallister during election time and knew next to nothing about the man except his phenomenal thirty three service years commanding the Shadow Tower.
"I would appreciate it if you didn't meddle with my belongings young sir." Denys said facing the bookshelf rummaging through drawers.
Jon fumbled the silver quickly recovering setting it on the desk. "This place used to be emptier, it has a lot more things then I remember."
"You disapprove?"
Jon sat up straighter, "not at all, I only meant—"
"It's fine Lord Snow, I know what you mean. An aging man like me has time to decorate his office in peace time." Denys met Jon's gaze for the first time, "my men and I were fortunate to escape unscathed from the dead. At least that's what I had thought the moment we received news the Long Night ended."
"I'm not sure I understand what you mean lord commander."
"Seeing an upstart like you so adamant about becoming lord commander was inspiring...I heard what Allistor Thorne and his loyalists did to you that night they had branded you a traitor...You and me both know you should be in my seat."
He didn't think about those times, the act of betrayal was the lowest point in his life. The dead were an after thought, he didn't care if the darkness swept through the land. "It's your seat now. I left my position handing the title to Eddison Tollett. When I left for Winterfell I accepted I'll never be lord commander again."
Denys shut the drawer taking his seat placing a stack of letters on the desk, "I understand completely, you enjoy being beyond the wall. What you detailed in your report inspired our remaining forces. You changed the Watchmen brotherhood and the Wildlings lives for the better. I trust your judgement Lord Snow, I'll help you in anyway I can."
Jon smiled warmly, "you've done enough. I'll let you know when something comes up."
"Good to hear," Denys returned the smile tearing the binding string from the letters, "I apologize for the wait, let's get to it shall we?" He asked rhetorically slashing the paper knife across the first letter's top.
"This first one is from Dorne," Jon waited patiently as the lord commander scanned his eyes over the paper, "Doran Martell denied the request." Denys tossed it aside opening another one.
"Ser Bronn Lord Paramount of the Reach." Jon's features remained neutral unfamiliar with the name. "Denied."
Jon shifted in his seat remaining hopeful, "Tyrion Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock, and Warden of the West..."
"I know Tyrion he probably—"
"Denied." Denys threw the letter aside moving on. Jon furrowed his brows unsure of what to expect from the others.
"Gendry Lord of Storm's End, denied."
"Yara Greyjoy, Lord Reaper of Pyke, ruler of the Iron Islands, denied."
"Robin Arryn Lord of the Vale, Warden of the East, denied." Denys placed a hand on his forehead growing frustrated himself.
"Edmure Tully-"
Jon perked up, "The blackfish is my uncle surely he—"
"Denied."
Jon sat back placing a hand over his mouth guarding his frustration. "The king of the Six Kingdoms, Bran the Broken has denied any aid to us, we're on our own Lord Snow."
His hopes were sunk. After sacrificing everything for the realm he thought they would've at least designated one kingdom to aid him. Instead they avoided him like a plague, it begged the question if they even gave a shit. He would have to overcome the odds as he had previously without the aid of Westeros. Jon stood preparing to depart, "a moment first ranger, there's a letter from the North."
Jon narrowed his eyes at the floor, "you don't need to tell me, I already know what it says." He couldn't take another rejection especially from the North. He understood if Sansa wanted nothing to do with him, her life would be less complicated. It made all the sense in the world yet he couldn't bear to hear it even in a letter.
"Sansa Stark Queen and Wardeness in the North approved your request. She sent also sent a letter addressed to you."
Jon froze in place staring incredulously at the letter in the commander's hand, "may I?"
"Of course-" Denys blinked as Jon took the letter running a hand over the direwolf wax seal. He read Sansa's letter smiling at the written words. He folded the letter tucking it safely in his satchel. "I almost forgot you grew up in the Stark household, you must be close to them."
"They're my family."
"Happy to hear that Jon. The wardeness is going out of her way to help you. I'm surprised to hear the North is prospering more than under the rule of your uncle Lord Eddard Stark, gods rest his soul."
The smile refused to leave his face, "It doesn't surprise me Lord Mallister the North got the best leader they could've asked for."
"It looks that way," the aging commander matched the younger man's smile rising from his seat, "the first recruits should be arriving in only days. I need to report this to Watch's council. Make yourself at home I look forward to seeing you return from your scouting expedition."
"I appreciate it lord commander."
Denys held the door open turning to Jon, "what do you expect to find traveling that far north Lord Snow?"
"Nothing."
The lord commander nodded pinning the eagle to hold his clock leaving the ranger alone. Jon read Sansa's letter memorizing the words. It shattered any preconceived notions he had about her not wanting him returning to Winterfell. He traced his hand against the perfect handwriting noticing the small ink blots where she had paused contemplating what to say. He grinned imaging her furrowed brow showing she was in focused concentration. Jon read the lines telling him about her dreams of their family reuniting someday. "I'll come home Sansa...We'll all reunite soon."
Something did trouble him in her letter however that he couldn't ignore. Sansa talked about Arya and her exchanging letters. Based on what he read Sansa was waiting for the next letter which missed its expected arrival time by a week. He tried not to worry about Arya; she was a fierce warrior in her own right, the last thing she needed was protection. Still something didn't feel right but he couldn't charge headfirst after her without knowing what was going on.
Jon shook his head, "We're worrying too much, Arya can handle anything thrown her way." The ranger stood heading to the barracks preparing for the ride north.
The five rangers left the wall riding ahead toward the keep passing Whitetree. Jon didn't know the rangers in his squad very well and neither did they him. He asked on occasion if they had families before the world went to shit. Other than that he didn't take much an interest, there wasn't a need to. The crimes they'd committed spoke for themselves and their choosing the path of Night's Watch ranger spoke volumes. They wouldn't find redemption, they were putting their lives on the line for something bigger than themselves. A ranger's duty could not be taken lightly. It didn't matter who they were, where they came from, or what they believed in. They would all die protecting each other in the name of the brotherhood—that's all that mattered.
The sun dropped hours earlier before the five man squad arrived at the newly constructed community. Wildlings from all over the north gathered here to trade goods, receive a night's rest for their journey or simply to socialize with others using it as a midway point to meet up.
Jon dismounted first hitching his stallion at the horse post. Tormund met the group outside chugging from a horn, "bout time you show up, good to see you Snow."
He shook Tormund's hand keeping him upright. "Same to you my friend."
"You guys took the oath huh? Don't regret it when you die." Tormund offered a small smile, "now that you're rangers no one will kill ya...I think." He gestured them to follow him to the keep's entrance.
"Here they are." Tormund patted Joseph's shoulder heading into the well lit rowdy keep.
"Good to see you again your grace."
"Jon's fine. This place looks a lot better than it used to, I'm impressed."
Joseph chuckled admiring the community his group built, "its thanks to you Jon. Are these your rangers you wrote about?"
"Aye: Eli, Kaid, Noah, and the big guy's Solomon."
"I see." Joseph stepped past Jon studying the men. "Your welcome to stay. When we first settled on this land I gave my word to our king any ranger passing through is guaranteed a nights stay and a warm meal. Though not everyone may be happy about the given circumstances I trust our king more than anyone. He took a chance on you, so will I." Joseph shook each of their hands as they gave thanks heading inside.
Jon sat on the keep's far end sharpening Longclaw using a whetstone watching the others celebrate their freedom playing instruments and dancing around the fires. "Your grace," Jon glanced up at a group of several Hornfoots, "Xander sent us to aid you on your journey north as you had requested."
"You don't have to go, there's a chance we will all die there. You sure your up for it?"
"We know the risks." One of them spoke, "we owe you for allowing us to live freely in the Frostfangs."
"Of course, you'll never have to owe me for that. I'm happy to have you guys, celebrate while you can, we leave before dawn." He said continuing his sharpening watching them join in the festivities.
Jon slipped Longclaw in it's scabbard setting it next to him. His chest tightened reaching into his satchel reading Sansa's letter again, he would be happy to read it over and over.
"I wish to see you again Jon, your family too. Winterfell is yours as much as its ours. Come home soon, love Sansa."
Sansa didn't hate him. This whole time he feared she would tell him to stay away and the North was better off without his presence. The trepidation about returning home dissipated being replaced by a pure feeling of joy.
Jon tucked the letter when Tormund planted in the seat next to him. "What're you reading Snow? It's important since you're not celebrating."
"It's a letter from Sansa." Jon's eyes widened as Tormund snatched the paper away squinting to read it's contents. Jon swiped it from the intoxicated lieutenant, "it's personal, besides you can't read."
"What does it say?"
"You were right, I owe it to them to do all I can for the Starks. I'm going to Winterfell to reunite my family some day."
Tormund slapped Jon's back roughly, "what did I fucking tell ya. Let's get this scouting expedition over with. I'll be rollin in the hay with Brienne of Tarth soon enough." Tormund shoved Jon drinking greedily pushing his way through the crowd.
Jon smiled at the rowdy groups dancing around the fire pits not a care in the world. His smile widened at the sight of Noah being hoisted to his feet by a young woman dancing nervously earning laughs from his comrades.
Sansa was right. He was a believer in her words, she proved a lot smarter than him. If he'd taken their heads that night it would have been a waste of life. Instead they were here, laughing and cheering dedicating their lives to cause bigger than themselves. "Even when I don't deserve it you go out of your way to help me." Jon shut his eyes wishing to see Sansa once more to thank her for everything she did. Mostly he wanted their family to reunite in Winterfell.
The four rangers snores among wildlings ignoring first light beaming through the walls. Jon kicked them awake as they sat up groggily taking in their surroundings. "Get up." The first ranger said, "Hornfoots already began loading their boats on the carts, get a move on."
The rangers and hornfoots grabbed ahold of the carts pulling toward Milkwater's southwestern shore leaving the keep. The groups kept to themselves seeing the river ahead.
"Tormund," Jon called summoning the lieutenant to his side, "take the horses and cross here. We'll meet you in a few days time. Head west at Fist of the First Men, through the Giant's Stairs until the river ends."
"I'll do it, on one condition—"
"You want to go to Winterfell."
Tormund's eyes widened staring at Jon, "stop reading my mind Snow."
"I don't need to be a mind reader to know what you're thinking about. See you in a day." The first ranger watched the horses ride off with Tormund before helping the others drag the boats along the shore.
"How much further sir?" Noah asked dragging his feet.
"Not much, see those rapids branching off into the Frostfangs men? That's where we need to go."
"AYE!" The ranger's boat disembarked first pushing from the banks of the river. Jon secured the rope ensuring it wouldn't break from the Hornfoot's vessel. The boats flowed toward the western rapids diverging from the northern route.
"Hold on everyone." Jon steered from the back moving the convoy into the rapidly flowing water holding the sides. Waves crashed against their boats sending them jetting atop the currents racing across the river.
The currents slowed gradually as the hours passed calming the warriors. They sat in silence vigilant to their surroundings ready for anything. Noah glanced around the boats noting the somber mood, "In the boozer you're a dead man, you'll get hurt and lose your shirt, sit there freezing and shivering." He sang surprising the others. "Ol' lucky lady your largesse is shoddy, you deceive us, then make us angry, make us gamble, make us fight, and stay in the cold till mornin."
"Brrr!" The men sang, "the naked loser moans when he's cold and left alone, shakes and shivers as he groans—"
"Come on sir, you know the words." Noah said continuing to lead the singing.
"I don't." He deadpanned. The King in the North smiled witnessing the comrades link arms rocking side to side. "But now lets roll dice and gamble again," Jon sang joining his squad mates, "and win some drinking money! Who thinks about the winter rain while its warm and sunny."
The soldiers sang, drank, and laughed until night came and gone. Jon didn't sleep as he held one hand on the rotor while reading Sansa's letter in the other. A feeling of happiness came over him before the boat rocked violently stirring the men awake. Jon reached out for the letter as the wind carried it out of reach landing in the rushing water. He ignored the sharp pang in his chest standing to see rapids rushing faster. "Wake up men! Row the oars, rapids ahead!"
The groups scrambled thrown back from the water's forceful waves. Keeping their balance they steered the boats away from the rocky mountain terrain surrounding them. "Solomon take the rotor, Noah hold the rope, Eli, Kaid, don't stop rowing we need to avoid the rocks or we're dead."
Jon stood at the boat's front seeing the end of the river through treacherous white waters. Boulders descended down the mountainside on their right forcing them into action. The rapids declined causing the boats to pick up more speed hurling toward the half submerged rocks. "Hold on!" The Hornfoot's boat barreled into the rangers immobilizing evasive maneuvers rendering the group helpless against the forceful currents. Jon could see they weren't going to make it to the end, "Brace!" He yelled as the boats smashed into the rocks protruding the surface throwing everyone overboard.
A lone deer emerged from the trees approaching the serene river bank calmly drinking the river. It's ears twitched staring at the rapids ahead. The buck prepared to drink again bowing its head. Jon gasped breaking through the water's surface scaring the animal away. He climbed onto the bank collecting his breath watching the others appear pulling one another to land.
"I-I thought I was gunna die." Kaid said heaving on the ground.
"You kidding? That ain't enough to kill a bastard like you." Solomon pulled him to his feet as everyone regrouped.
"Where are the horses? Our supplies?!" A Hornfoot asked glancing around the near mountain range.
"This way." Jon said pointing toward a trail tucked between the trees, "we're not far from the rendezvous point." Jon led the men through trees admiring the wildlife ecosystem migrating east seeking warmer climates. They came to a snowy clearing stretching for miles noticing their horses next to a camp. The warriors regained morale seeing Tormund's successful venture joining the lieutenant around the fire exchanging stories of their time apart.
Jon couldn't sleep. He lost the only thing holding him to the Starks. He sighed pulling out Mance's black and red cloak throwing it over his shoulders shutting his eyes to rest.
"WALKER! THERE'S A WHITE WALKER COMING!"
The first ranger was the first out of his tent. Noah jumped off his horse sprinting for the groggy group.
"Catch your breath then speak boy." Tormund said holding him up.
"There's a white...Coming from the west."
The group raised their torches illuminating the nearby area racing across the cold desert unveiling Dragonglass weaponry pushing their horses to the limit.
"There! Its coming!" Noah shouted turning the group's attention to a looming shadow stalking toward them.
"Be prepared for anything men." Jon's heart raced unsheathing Longclaw. He would end the white walkers for good, there was no other reason he traveled this far north into uncharted no man's land. The group prepped their weapons to strike when the figure stepped into the light revealing itself.
Jon sheathed his sword raising a hand up approaching the familiar man riding atop an undead polar bear, "Uncle Benjen."
"I finally found you nephew." He said flashing a grin hopping off the yawning bear.
"An undead polar bear? This some sort of fucking ruse?" Eli questioned turning to the others.
"I've been waiting for you Jon."
"I knew you were alive." Jon said breaking the embrace.
"I'm technically dead, though not alive either, I'm something in between." He offered a smile waving to the group, "Benjen Stark, a pleasure to meet you all."
Tormund knelt at Benjen's feet, "I'm not worthy to stand in your presence."
"What the hell are you going on about Tormund?"
"Do you know how many ballsy warriors I seen get their fuckin guts ripped from em trying to tame a polar bear? This isn't a man Snow, your a man. This...This is a god." Tormund bowed his head pleading Benjen to teach him.
"I like this one." Benjen smiled watching Jon run a hand over his face.
Benjen bid the last Hornfoot a good rest placing another log on the fire relishing its warmth and having real company for a change after months in isolation. "You can have my tent Uncle Benjen, I don't plan on getting much sleep."
Benjen smiled closing his eyes, "you need your rest Jon. I haven't needed sleep since this happened to me. The children put a stop to the walker's magic turning me into this."
"You're still Uncle Benjen to me." Jon said grateful to see his admired uncle again. "When this expedition ends we should return to Winterfell and see everyone."
Benjen sighed unable to dampen his nephew's excitement. The wall's magic prevented him from passing through, he was forced to stay beyond the wall until the day it came crashing down. He stared at the moon through the darkness turning to Jon, "how is everyone? I know Bran is the Three Eyed Raven. I've seen you grow from a boy into a man, I can assume the rest are okay."
Jon grimaced knowing how much his uncle missed out on. He told everything about the deaths of the Starks who lived within Winterfell's walls the night before departing to Castle Black. Jon was taken aback witnessing silent tears streaming down his cheeks. "Happen to have a drink on ya?"
Jon handed him his cup watching him guzzle the northern alcohol. The younger man gave his uncle a few minutes to process everything, "would you mind telling me about them? Arya, Sansa, and Bran."
The ranger relaxed sitting back staring at the stars decorating the sky, "Bran..."
Benjen listened to the tale sitting back releasing a laugh, "The Three Eyed Raven became ruler of the Six Kingdoms huh? I didn't imagine things would turn out like that when I aided him up here awhile ago."
"You saw Bran beyond the wall?"
Benjen nodded, "I saved him and Howland Reed's daughter."
"I heard that name before."
"Howland Reed was a trusted friend of my brother. He swore to secrecy when Ned brought you back from Dorne."
"Is he alive?"
"I assume he is. Ned sent letters to him over the years inviting him to Winterfell. He's comfortable as Lord of Greywater Watch and refuses to leave the neck ruling over the Crannogmen." Benjen took the second cup Jon offered drinking it steadily, "tell me about Arya."
Jon stared at the fire warming his hands, "Arya..."
A wide grin came over the former first ranger's features hearing his youngest niece slain the Night King. "I certainly didn't expect that, I would've bet on you defeating him."
"I wasn't strong enough, wasn't prepared as much as I thought. Arya was ready, she can adapt to any situation life throws her way."
"She sounds just like your mother, I would like to see her again."
Jon smile faltered slightly, "did you know Uncle Benjen? About me?"
Benjen met Jon's gaze, your mother told me how much she despised her betrothal to Robert Baratheon and that she loved Rhaegar Targaryen. My brother and I fought several times over the years. I couldn't stand seeing you treated like a bastard when you were my sister's child."
"Even if my father is Rhaegar I'm relieved my mother isn't some tavern whore like others told me growing up. She was a true born Stark, a good and brave person." Benjen sighed contently seeing Jon come to terms with his parentage.
"You're a Stark too Jon. You don't have the name but you have our blood. Always remember that."
The words mirrored those spoken by the man he considered to be his father. "I will Uncle Benjen, I'll never forget."
Benjen's smile grew, "tell me about Sansa. I'm sure my eldest niece is running the North justly and is a great beauty like her mother."
Jon stared near his feet unable to look at his uncle, "Sansa..."
Benjen grimaced hearing his reunion with Sansa and the reclamation of Winterfell. "Roose always hated us Starks. I didn't dare to think he'd take it out on the first born daughter of Ned and Cat." Benjen sighed heavily seeing Jon's expression, "the Bolton boy did something terrible to her didn't he?"
Jon's fists clenched threatening to tear his gloves. He exhaled feeling Benjen's hand settle on his shoulder, "I had a chance to stop it Uncle Benjen...Stannis Baratheon offered me a chance to reclaim Winterfell. I refused him and it nearly got Sansa killed; I could've prevented it all from happening...It's my fault, yet she's helping me when I don't deserve it."
"It's not wise to think this way Jon. You couldn't have known how things would play out. You were right where you should have been. Had you taken what Stannis proposed, the dragon queen would be ruling a pile of ashes formerly known as Westeros. You shouldn't blame yourself Jon, I'm sure Sansa doesn't."
"I'm not sure sometimes. I think their lives would be better without me."
"That's not true Jon. You're family, the wolf pack sticks together. I'm sure they love you very much."
Benjen broke the momentarily silence, "and the dragon queen? You also share her blood."
"When I believed I was still a bastard I loved her, I really did. It wasn't real...We pretended to see the best in each other finding love through our shared blood. In the end she couldn't escape her nature."
"Do you still love her?"
Jon nodded, "in a way I do, I always will. She was my family too."
Benjen relaxed smiling once more, "so, I can't imagine you didn't keep the Watch's celibacy vow. Who was the lucky girl?"
"A wildling girl I was close to during my captivity in Mance's army."
"Her name?"
"Ygritte."
"What color hair?"
"Red." Benjen laughed shaking his head, "what's so funny Uncle Benjen?"
"You remind me of Ned. He said the thing when he was first betrothed to Catelyn."
Jon smirked, "you miss him don't you?"
"Yes very much. Just wish I got to say my goodbyes."
"Me too." The pair stared at the rising light peaking through the mountains realizing they stayed up talking all night.
"Already the start of a new day," Benjen said rising to his feet, "ready to start your training?"
Jon arched a brow, "training? Uncle I don't really—"
"Glad to hear it, let's head out before your comrades wake. If you want to change things in a big way, you need to make big changes."
Jon drew Longclaw enjoying the isolation to duel Benjen. "This is where you wanted to go? Way out here?"
"Beyond the wall is where warriors start over, where they're reborn."
Jon glanced around the barren wasteland, "looks like hell to me."
"Since you're going to hell might as well get used to it. Shall we begin?" Jon charged at Benjen clashing Valyrian and ice. The two parried one another's swings in a deadlock struggle for an advantage.
The group moved during the day riding their horses until night. They laughed drinking until passing out leaving only Benjen and Jon. When the sun rose over the horizon Benjen took Jon out to an isolated spot handing him a heavy steel sledgehammer.
"Go on, start hammerin." Benjen said backing away watching Jon slam the sledge repeatedly sending ice chunks flying.
"You want me to run after you on the bear?"
Benjen nodded, "I suggest shedding anything that could hinder you."
Jon discarded his top clothing keeping pants and boots on leaving Longclaw atop his cloak chasing after the fleeing polar bear.
"What're we doing here?"
"Not all training is physical Jon. Your brute strength and ferocity isn't something concerning me. Have you heard of Ser Arthur Dayne?"
"Only from stories. Father beat him in single combat."
Benjen shook his head, "Howland Reed fatally wounded him when he had his back turned during their duel. Your father told me not long after it happened to clear his conscience."
"I always believed my father to be the best swordsman second only to Ser Barriston Selmy. I wanted to be great just like him."
"Not taking anything away from my brother, Ser Dayne was arguably the best fighter in recent Westorian history. He didn't overwhelm his opponents using strength or raw power." Benjen's ice sword appeared in his hand shattering like glass when he struck the rock formation. "Now observe the difference." Benjen's sword reappeared slicing a chunk of the boulder off.
"You didn't strike hard as the first swing yet managed to cut through the rock."
"A good assessment. It's about precise focus when striking. Your sword is merely an extension of your arm reflecting your will." He remembered unknowingly using the technique in the Battle of Hardhome deflecting the walker's ice sword able to parry shattering the weapons like glass. Having a Valyrian steel sword evened the playing field, his will allowed him to win.
Jon struck Longclaw against the rock clanging against its surface. "Try again Jon, focus." The ranger felt his sword's weight closing his eyes slicing through the rocky surface. "Better, still have a ways to go." Benjen said placing a hand under his chin watching Jon struggle to free his sword from the formation. "Have you ever considered dual wielding?
"No I haven't." Jon said placing a foot on the rock leveraging to release his sword.
"One step at a time." Benjen helped Jon pull Longclaw free sending him to the ground.
Over the next days Benjen and Jon continued their early routine intensifying the training before resuming their journey north. Jon spared with Benjen, hammered the ice, chased after the polar bear, and practiced his focused swings religiously. Tormund jumped on the undead bear only for it to throw him off, "I'm gunna ride you, you beautiful fucking beast." He released a war cry charging once more.
Jon parried sending his uncle skidding on ice, "have you realized it yet nephew? The training means nothing, will is everything." Benjen put Jon on his guard attempting to find an opening pushing the younger man back, "the will to act."
Benjen slipped Longclaw from its owners grip forcing him to roll evading a direct pierce to recover his blade. He turned striking Benjen's blade knocking him to the ice, "yield uncle."
Benjen chuckled, "you haven't won, you sacrificed secure footing to kill me." Jon fell through the cut ice into the frozen lake.
"Warm your chest, your arms will take care of themselves." He said tossing twigs into the fire. "You're stronger than your father Jon. I know the rage that drives you an impossible anger strangling the grief until the memory of your lost loved ones just, poisoning your veins, and one day you catch yourself wishing the person you loved never existed so you'll be spared your pain." Benjen met Jon's gaze, "your anger gives you great power. If you let it, it will destroy you."
"What's your reason to fight Jon?"
"To protect others who can't de—"
"Your real reason."
Jon knitted his brows clutching the white wolf hilt, "I'm fighting for myself, to get stronger. More than anything I want to protect my family."
Benjen smiled contently, "let's continue where we left off."
Jon chased after the bear for what felt like miles. His legs gave out as he fell quickly recovering still giving chase. Benjen halted seeing Jon collapse to the ice from pure exhaustion. "Come on Jon, get up. Get up. That's it." Benjen said witnessing the king rise with a renewed determination brewing beneath his eyes pursuing the bear across the land.
Days later he began running in front of the bear at a reasonable pace building more stamina than ever before. His fierce sword strikes became sharper, deadlier, and faster able to cut through the hardest surfaces with relative ease. Jon blocked Benjen's sword shattering it and disarming the other kicking Benjen to the ground offering him a hand up. Benjen laughed taking his hand, "you got it Jon!"
The Hornfoots and rangers watched Jon in awe. He sprinted in front of the polar bear keeping a consistent distance, "run little crow run!" Tormund yelled behind Benjen chugging from his horn spilling most on the bear. Everyone celebrated that night realizing they were reaching the journey's crescendo.
On the following day they rode reaching a tall mountainous plateau with a frozen waterfall placed in the center. The group had arrived at the world's edge. They left their horses using spikes and grappling hook scaling the low mountain. Reaching the top proved disappointing, there wasn't anything but snow pillars and an empty court yard where the walkers brought newborns to raise as their own.
"There ain't nothin here." Tormund said as they continued searching the area.
"Find something Uncle Benjen?" He nodded leading the group to a bridge overlooking a canyon. The two squads crossed coming to stand in front of a cave larger than any seen previously.
"I bet an ice dragon lives in there." Noah said earning a punch to the shoulder from Tormund.
"Only one way to find out." Jon and company lit torches preparing their Dragonglass weapons and explosive powder to act as a flare in case of an emergency. Everyone eyed each other entering the darkness journeying into the unknown.
It felt like hours until they came to their first obstacle. A gap too wide to jump stopped them from delving deeper into the cave. Jon tossed his grappling line hooking it to the cave ceiling securing it tightly. He swung across patiently waiting for the others. He whipped around guiding the torch toward darkness, the feeling of being watched was too familiar to be ignored. "Hey Jon I need a light."
"Alright." He said glancing uncertainly toward the abyss before turning back to the group watching them cross. They paid no mind to side passages staying on the central path. Falling rocks caused the group to turn back the way they came raising their torches.
Noah's screams forced the men to pursue him heading deeper into the caves. They halted seeing a light at the end of the tunnel approaching cautiously unsure of what they were dealing with. Stepping into the illuminated chamber they noticed Noah slumped against the far wall.
"Jon." Benjen called while the others checked on Noah bringing him food and water. "Do you know what this is?" He asked approaching the horn inscribed with an indecipherable language.
"It's the horn Mance said he possessed. Sam told me this could undo the magic surrounding the wall and bring it crashing down. I thought it was a legend...The Horn of Winter."
Benjen nodded, "world's finest explorers searched for hundreds of years for this. It puzzles me how it ended up unprotected in a place like this."
"Can you read the inscriptions?"
"No, it's written in the Giant's ancestral tongue."
Noah coughed receiving pats on his back, "I swear something grabbed me, it was as big as a direwolf."
"You'd be dead had it been a wolf." Eli replied.
"I swear it—" Noah choked on the water unable to hold the food.
"Come on the food ain't that bad." Kaid said patting his back. Noah coughed out blood leaning against the wall clutching his stomach.
Jon knelt at his side placing a hand on his shoulder, "tell me what's wrong kid?"
"My s-stomach something..." he yelled tearing the shirt open revealing movement beneath his skin.
"What the fuck is going on?" A Hornfoot asked watching the rangers bring out a medical bag.
The agony became unbearable as Noah's skin contorted stretching into a round shape moving underneath the surface. "Don't tell me something's moving under his skin." Solomon said unable to remove his eyes.
"Hold still." Jon clutched his shoulder lowering the knife to Noah's skin. He cut into the flesh causing Noah to grasp his wrist screaming. "Bite down on this kid," Jon said placing a stick between his teeth, "trust me it helps." He proceeded to cut along his stomach popping out an eight legged arachnid.
A Hornfoot stomped on it staring at the others, "s-spiders, what the fuck is going on?"
"Hold it tight Solomon." Jon said wiping the knife on an alcohol cloth applying it to the wound, "get the bandages ready Eli." Jon dug in once more pulling a second fist sized spider out killing it.
"You're gunna be alright." Jon patted his shoulder reassuringly.
"There's more in me. I can feel them moving around, the legs prodding and tearing my flesh."
"It's your mind tricking you. I've been stabbed plenty of times and afterwards I—" Jon tore his gaze away unable to look at him.
"You saw them in my head didn't you?"
Jon held his shoulder, "you're gunna be fine, take a minute." He was hallucinating, the sight of Noah's head crawling was something he had to put out of his mind—he needed sleep.
"I think we can scale this wall and reach the top. It's directly above so it may be difficult. If I can create a line we can make it." Kaid said stating his case to Jon.
"You're our best climber, we're counting on you."
"It beats the alternative. We don't know what the fucks in these caves." Tormund said.
Kaid ascended thirty five feet in a minute span hooking a line near the top wall. He stopped his climb in front of a large hole layered in ice. He stared in the crater's abyss feeling his heart stop for a moment.
"Get a move on chicken shit!" Tormund yelled spurring Kaid into action. He sat on the edge throwing the grapple toward the light unable to latch it. He reeled the line in glancing over his shoulder. "Got it." He grunted falling onto his back screaming at the sight of eight large eyes staring at him.
"Kaid?! You got it what the hells going on?!" Jon and the others approached unable to comprehend the large leg like appendages appearing out of the hole.
The ice spider's tusk like fangs pierced his chest causing Kaid to spit up blood unable to free himself from the webbing. He let out a whimper never imaging to look into the eyes of something so horrific. He felt the spider's venom paralyze his nerves melting his insides. The ranger grabbed a stone igniting a spark and stabbing the arachnid's eyes forcing it to drop him. "Rot in hell ugly fuck." Kaid released the red powder engulfing the hole in fire.
Jon and the others backed away from the wall not believing what they were seeing; charred remains of Kaid and a direwolf sized spider landed on the ground from above. Everyone's blood ran cold noticing movement out of their peripheral. "Those are no rocks." Tormund said moving toward the exit.
"We need to leave right now." Benjen said leading the group the way they came.
"Run!" Jon shouted witnessing spiders descend toward the group pursuing them into the complex cave network.
Benjen halted at the gap commanding the men to use their grappling hooks while Jon stayed behind lending a shoulder to Noah. "Stop Jon." He said opening his shirt revealing several spiders moving inside him, "I'm infested, I can't go on."
A shrieking whistle caught their attention, time was running out. "It's been an honor sir—" Noah spit out blood as it leaked from his eyes and ears.
Jon handed him a torch admiring Noah's bravery, "It's quicker than falling asleep." He held his shoulder piercing Longclaw through his chest as he unstrapped the red powder bag letting the torch scorch his body just as the spiders appeared.
The explosive fire halted the creatures tracks allowing Jon to receive his first glimpse of the arachnids. The largest one remained while the others fled at the sight of fire. Jon stared directly into its eight eyes wondering what the fuck this thing was. It let out a whistle mourning the loss of its burning young popping out of Noah's corpse. The spider charged through the flames receiving a slash through its fangs causing it to crash to the ground. Jon spun Longclaw in his hands bringing the blade down into its head. He grabbed the torch to meet the others to escape just as the fire extinguished.
"We need to go now!"
Jon could hear Benjen's voice and the crawling along the cave's walls behind him. The fire must've went out allowing the flesh eating arachnids to pursue. "Go now! Go!" Jon yelled determined to get the others across. The group secured their lines swinging to the other side unaware the cave ceiling was collapsing due to the collective weight. Jon barley had time to grab a line before shoving Benjen and Tormund to safety while the rest fell into the bottomless pit, heading deeper into the spider's lair.
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XXX
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A/N: Next will pick up where this left off.