The hot humid air of Pentos surrounded him like a second skin. Even in his room, where the cool stone walls kept the heat at bay, Ser Arthur Dayne still sweated like two suns hovered above him. This summer has been a long one, he sighed. When will it end.
The knight was sitting in a wooden chair, cushioned and decorated with gold and silver, reading a tome; a book which depicted stories of the great knights in Westeros, hand picking the legends and glorifying their tales. The book had been Jon's favorite when he was young, and he hastened a guess that it was his favorite still. Arthur enjoyed reading the tome every now and then because it reminded him of home; a way to escape to somewhere familiar. And there's no better time to escape but now.
Weeks had passed since they arrived at Illyrio's manse. The days had been long and unfruitful; Lunches and dinners were accommodated by drawn out stares and scowls between Viserys and Jon, constantly picking up on small chides and insults, taking any chance to berate one another. Daenerys and Arthur merely watched the exchanges, the knight coming to understand that he would have to intervene at some point, but for now, while only words were being thrown, he would keep back.
However what was most irritating was the Magister's vague discussion of plans, and how he expected to help them. Arthur knew the man was trying to butter up Jon; the knight saw the both of them hold short conversations after meals, Jon frowning and scowling like he didn't want to listen. Ser Arthur wondered what they spoke of, assuming it was the Magister's plans for Westeros, but he hadn't the clue on the specifics. Jon was no longer forth willing with that information. Not since the incident with Viserys and Dany.
They met for training with their steel, a good way Arthur found to funnel the boy's anger, but he didn't speak much, only brooding over what sat inside his head. I have to find a way to reach him. To get him to speak to me once more, the knight knew. This had happened in this past, but it'd been much simpler as he was younger then. Now, nearly a grown man, the knight feared Jon might resent him forever.
Arthur sighed, shaking his head, putting the book to rest. Don't think such things. It'll do no good. He thought maybe he should have taken the boy's side on the matter of Viserys's abuse. It wasn't like he agreed with the prince's actions. But the knight understood what he needed to be; in the middle, the mediator for the whole family. He couldn't be that if he took sides.
Even if it was the right one.
He'll get over it in time, the knight reassured himself. And I can only speak to him, try to make him understand. There's nothing else that I can do.
He sat in his seat for awhile longer, pondering the thoughts that grew in his head, before getting up and fastening his sword onto his back, heading for the door. It was almost lunch soon, and Illyrio had said he had news from Westeros that needed to be shared. Arthur could also perhaps find Jon, relieve some of his thoughts, and try to garner the boy's own opinion. If he wants to actually speak, that is.
One of the Magister's slaves passed him as Arthur left his room, the girl bowing her head as she passed. He watched her leave, feeling a small anger brew deep inside. The servant slaves that roamed Illyrio's palace was one thing the knight could not grow used to. He could see the sadness in their eyes, the scars on their arms and faces, their bodies worn from the pain and labour they'd experienced their entire lives. They were suffering, and Arthur wondered at times how he could trust in a man who would use people like this. But I don't trust him, do I? Illyrio Mopatis was many things; rich, powerful, a source of many connections around the known world. But trustworthy was not one of them. However him and his friends were Arthur's only connection to Westeros.
And Arthur couldn't keep his promise to Lyanna without help.
Arthur headed to the dining room, where most of their meetings took place, Illyrio always preparing a banquet in advance, his gluttonous nature not stopping even when it was time to talk. Daenerys and Viserys were already there, sitting near the head of the table side by side; Dany as always peering down at her lap, while Viserys searched around the room, looking impatient. When he caught sight of the knight, his eyes brightened.
'Ah, there you are! Finally. And where is that boy of yours? Illyrio has news, important news
which must not go stale.'
'I've sent for him, do not worry my prince.' Illyrio said, taking a bite out of a lone apple in his
hand. Ser Arthur went to sit, gazing towards the doorway he just came through, awaiting his ward.
Minutes passed, and Viserys's impatience grew as he drummed his fingers on the oak table, one hand under his chin, eyes glued to the archway at the end of the room.
'You're sure you sent for him?' He asked, for the second time.
'Yes, my prince. Do not worry, he shall arrive soon.'
'Well maybe we should start without him if he's going to be late. He's wasting all our time. There's no use in waiting if he would treat us like this.'
The knight went to speak, to defend Jon as it was the least he could do, but Illyrio held up his hand, giving Arthur a look, before turning to Viserys. 'We shall wait a while longer. He will need to be here, to hear of this news from Westeros. I assure you, it's important.'
Ser Arthur could see the anger plain on the prince's face, but he didn't continue to argue, instead leaning back in his chair with both arms crossed, scowling. Then finally, moments later, Jon entered into the room, dark hair a shadow across his face, grey eyes scanning the room.
'Sorry if I'm late.' The boy said, briefing glancing at Viserys. Jon moved to sit next to the knight, then frowned, before turning to sit beside Daenerys. Arthur tried to hide the disappointment on his face, by looking over to Illyrio.
'So what news do you have?' Ser Arthur Dayne asked.
The Magister smiled, one hand darting into his robes before procuring a scroll, the seal broken. He unraveled it, clearing his throat before reading,
'The dawn has started. War runs amidst these lands. The Wolf and Lion pounce at each other's throats, and sides are being taken. Five Kings vie for power, and the Kingdoms are divided. Fire and Blood shall take them all. Fire and Blood.' Illyrio rolled the scroll back, looking down the table.
He pondered over the words for a moment. The Wolf and Lion? The Starks and Lannisters must be at war then. Such news wasn't good. The Starks were the only alliance we could have truly counted on.
'The Spider sent you that?' Arthur asked, wanting to know.
The Magister titled his head to one side. 'Does it matter who sent it to me, ser knight? What matters is that Westeros is in a state of chaos. And chaos is our best opportunity to claiming the throne. Of course after all the other kings have finished fighting, pushing the realm into a state of decay.' Illyrio nibbled his apple to the core before placing it on his plate, now reaching for a bowl of grapes. 'With the right alliances, and enough gold and enough men, the throne can be yours if the odds fall our way.' His eyes flickered to Jon, a wry smile on his lips. 'Your Grace.'
A moment passed in silence, as eyes glanced around the table, most gazing over to the prince whose face had turned bright red. And then Viserys bursted up in anger.
'You dare insult me in front of my face!' He pointed a finger at the Magister, who merely and calmly turned to the prince. 'You try and claim that this boy, this wretched boy who's soft in the head, is the rightful King? Calling him "Your Grace"!' Viserys pushed away from the table, nearly toppling it over and started towards Jon, who was already standing. They were in each other's faces, and Arthur got up from his chair, hand at his sword.
'This is my war we're fighting, boy,' He basically spat the words, but Jon stood tall. 'And you best remember that. You fight for me and this house, and you fight for my throne or you don't fight at all. Find some other place to call home, you petulant little weasel. Coming and crawling into my family and trying to take what is mine.' Viserys turned, staring daggers at Illyrio.
'I am the last dragon. Me. Not this scrawny little boy with dark hair and grey eyes. He is no son of Rhaegar. He may be the son of some Stark slut, but by the gods if he is a Targaryen then I come from the Summer Isles. He is a fake, a fraud. And this knight,' Viserys pointed at Arthur. 'Is deceiving us all! All of us! Even you, you incompetent fool. You fat, oily freak! I am the ruler of the Seven Kingdoms! It is my throne! It is my birthright!' The prince unsheathed his sword, pointing it at Jon, eyes gleaming with rage. But before he could do anything with it Arthur's own sword was out.
The sound of steel rubbing against a scabbard was clear in the room, but before anyone could react, or even see what was happening, Dawn was arcing in the air, striking down in a flash of white.
Viserys screamed. Daenerys screamed. The prince fell to the floor, blood beginning to pump out the stump of his arm, his sword hand falling with him, the steel clattering against the hardwood.
Jon and Arthur sat outside in the courtyard, inside Illyrio's manse the shrieks of Viserys echoed through the palace, a healer at work on his arm. But soon the screams died down, as he most likely was given the Milk of the Poppy. Or he could be dead, a voice whispered, but he shunned it away, staring out towards the gardens the Magister made others groom.
Jon hadn't spoken since the incident. He didn't look particularly upset, which was understandable, but the knight was hoping for something. He had suffered silence for too long from the boy. Arthur needed to hear him speak.
'Are you okay?' Were the first words out his mouth. He glanced at the boy, who was staring off into the distance, away from the world and reality. Arthur realised that may have been the first time he'd seen a man bleed, more than the small cuts he's used to. The knight had made sure the boy didn't seen any of the atrocities that were commonplace in the world while he was young, but grew to understand that he couldn't keep them hidden forever. I never expected I would be eliciting his first example however.
Arthur thought the boy might not speak, and he resigned himself to this fact. But then,
'I'm fine. I'm fine.' He turned to the knight, and the knight turned to him. His grey eyes were muddled, and sad, but he could see the strength behind them. 'Thank you for your help. I don't think...I don't think I could have reacted in time. I saw the anger in his eyes. I know...I know if you didn't stop him, he would have put that sword right through me.'
Arthur frowned, scratching his neck, the roughness of his beard at his fingertips. The image of Viserys's hand being sliced, disconnected from his arm was clear and vivid in his mind. It would be an image that would haunt him forever, among many others.
'It's fine, Jon.' The knight said. 'I'm here to protect you. It's my duty. And I wouldn't wish any harm to come towards you. I'm not sure if Viserys would have gone through with it, and we never will be sure. But I couldn't risk it.'
Jon glanced at him again, shaking his head. 'Don't try to cover up his actions. We both know he would have done it. But at least…' Jon paused. '...at least he'll never be able to hurt anyone again.' The boy peered at the ground, eyes fixated.
We can only hope, Arthur thought, sighing and leaning back in his seat. They settled back into a silence.
'I don't want to be King.' Jon broke the quiet.
Arthur sighed, knowing that this would come sooner or later. 'Yes, I know.'
'Do I have to be then? When I see Viserys, and what the desire to be King has done to him, I can only think that it must corrupt a man. Why should I think that I'm different?' Jon looked at him. 'Why do you?'
Arthur rubbed the back of his head, glancing away. When he turned back, a weight pressed down on his shoulders, a weight he'd been carrying the length of the boy's life.
'I've never told you about your father. About Rhaegar.' Arthur shifted in his seat, but the boy's gaze stood strong. That gave him enough confidence to continue. 'He was the greatest man I've ever known. He was just and wanted to do what was right, and he had a kind heart even in the face of being heir to the Iron Throne. I see a lot of him in you, Jon. I have for a long time now. That's why I believe in you. That's why I know you're different.'
Jon gazed at his feet, both hands clasped together.
They were silent for awhile, the words holding a different weight over him now. It was almost
pleasing in a way. The knight had kept them locked up for so long, suffered them for all these
years, that he never knew anything different.
They played the part of silence, a ward and his mentor sitting together.
Until Jon stood, the boy's eyes suddenly wide.
'I should check on Dany.' He said, a worry in his voice. 'She's probably in a wreck at the moment. I can't imagine how she's feeling.'
The knight nodded. 'Go on then, I'll be out here if you need me.' A rush of guilt took him over. 'Tell her that I'm sorry,' Arthur glanced at the ground. 'But I couldn't have risked your life.'
Jon gave him a nod, and started to leave. But then stopped.
'I'm sorry for before. For not speaking to you. It was childish, but I wanted you to see my side. But maybe if I had spoken to you, all of this wouldn't have happened.'
'Don't put the blame on yourself, Jon. This is my doing, and I will face my consequences. Don't try and face them for me.'
The boy frowned, and peered at his feet, but didn't continue to argue.
He nodded once more. 'Thank you, Arthur.' The boy said, different to any thank you he had given before. And then was off, striding towards the palace.
A/N:
Hey everyone, hope you enjoy this next chapter! And sorry for the slow updates, I've ran out of written chapters and am slowing down a bit, as what always happens after I get used to a story, so updates will probably happen twice to hopefully three times a week, but most likely only twice. Anyway, thank you for all your reviews, however I couldn't answer all of them this time due to just the amount. So I'll be selecting a few and answering them instead. Hope you guys don't mind!
TMI Fairy: It's not really about the annulment, it's about Arthur knowing that Jon is the true heir to the throne, and he may not have evidence but as long as he has people backing him and believing that Jon is the true King then evidence won't really be needed. And he has the Targaryen family around him, and a possible marriage alliance with Dany to solidify his title. More will be explained through the length of the story.
angie b: Yes, Viserys is quite a difficult person who is conflicting with Arthur's moral and knightly code. Honor once again isn't always the best thing to follow, but Arthur clings to his ways.
LarryH: I've come to knowing that I can only write the story my way, and not be influenced by anyone else, so thank you for reaffirming that. It is hard sometimes because a lot of people want different things, or want some things to be explained right away, but I can only feed the information into the story in my own way. Anyway, thanks for understanding :)
Hope you guys enjoyed the new chapter!
