AN: Really quickly I would just like to tell everybody that I realized that I accidentally forgot to write a scene in the last chapter that has now been added. Aerion now kill Ser Ilyn during the battle which is what I initially intended, so Arya has in fact finished her list.
Now as for the reviews there are a few people who responded to via PM because you asked direct questions so I won't respond again here.
A Frozen Shadow: They were very well deserved deaths I very much agree. Hopefully you like how I handled Stannis and Aegon in this chapter.
Guest: I'm glad people liked that little scene between Nymeria and Drogon, I try in insert little scenes like that to add a bit of levity with the overall seriousness of the rest of the story. Rickon you get this chapter and then Jon next chapter. I'll let you find out how things turn out with Stannis and the eventual paring for Dany.
.indeed: Glad you like the way I have explored Arya's character as I really love doing it. Also happy you like Aerion as well. I certainly think they are a well matched pair, something I have trouble imagining with many of the other male characters people tend to pair Arya with. As for the speed with which the campaign is going I can explain my thinking on that as it isn't just arbitrary. Aegon Targaryen was able to conqueror the Seven Kingdoms in two years when he only landed with 3,000 men in a country that wasn't war torn and divided. Daenerys landed with tens of thousands and was able to negotiate her way into greater numbers with the advantage she held. Her biggest opposition was the first battle she had so it was my thinking that the overall conquest wouldn't take nearly as long as Aegon's but I can still understand your point.
lordmantis: you did in fact tell me you enjoyed the story before but I'm happy to hear it again.
Mezzer 5.2: Glad you like it, happy reading!
carik of the hunter moon: Thank you it is nice to know that the writing is good, keeping the character true to themselves is one of my chief concerns so glad you think I've succeeded. Hope you enjoy where I take the story.
naleight: As always thank you for your review As for the friendship between Loras, Aerion and Arya it is something that has just kind of developed as I've written, it isn't something that I originally had planned so I'm glad you like it. A few people like that scene between Arya and Aerion and it is good to know it worked. I just thought it was definitely the sort of the Arya would do given the opportunity. As for the development of Aerion and Arya's relationship I'm always trying to make it where there is less and less they don't know about each other and for Arya, Aerion is the person she is truly comfortable showing everything. I really loved writing the deaths of Walder, Roose, and Ramsay. I also liked having the opportunity to really unleash the dragons but there will be other instances too. As for Nymeria, I couldn't live with myself if I didn't make her just as awesome as her human ;)
Disclaimer: A song of ice and fire is the property of George R. R. Martin no copyright infringement is intended and no profit is being made from this story.
Early the next morning Arya awoke before Aerion. For a short time, she simply sat in their bed with her ear to his chest and a small smile on her face. The previous day's events were still vivid in her mind and Arya couldn't help but feel lighter in both body and mind. The years of struggle and training all meant something more now that she had finally managed to avenge her family. She looked at Aerion's peaceful face and her smile grew slightly as she remembered his decapitation of Ilyn Payne. Well he did say he would help me with the list. Arya then realized she had something important to attend to. I need to send a raven to Sansa, she would want to know that our parents and brother can finally rest easier with their betrayers gone.
Arya gently disentangled herself from Aerion and left their room in search of the Twin's resident maester. She knew the man would likely have a raven designated for the Eyrie amongst the many messengers. Arya was unable to find him in the castle where her and Aerion slept so made her way out of the castle and toward the western bank. As she exited the building she noticed a large fire outside of the castle walls on the other side of the river. Well looks like all of the dead were collected while we slept.
Arya made her way across the bridge quickly and couldn't help but notice the blood stains that littered the causeway near the far gate. I wonder just how many we lost destroying the Bolton's and Frey's. Whatever the number she had no doubt a good many of the men from the Vale who volunteered to take the gate were amongst the number. I wonder if Ser Lyn is amongst the dead, it wouldn't be the first time some foolish man died because of his pride.
Arya continued walking uninterrupted until she reached the fourth floor of the western castle where she heard the telltale ruffle of wings that could only be ravens. As Arya entered she was met by a maester who she shouldn't have been surprised was quite clearly a Frey, bearing the weasel like appearance and weak chin of the man she had killed just two days prior.
The man was young for a maester and she wouldn't be surprised if he was actually only an acolyte. Arya paid the man little mind as she walked into the rookery. Unsurprisingly, the room was quite cold because of the open window to allow entrance of the various ravens. Arya sat down at a table, pulled a piece of parchment from a stack and wrote a quick explanation of everything that had happened to her sister.
It was just as Arya was finishing that a raven flew into the room and landed on the table just in front of her. The maester made to approach the raven but she quickly raised a hand stopping him in his tracks, "No need maester, this raven is mine." He looked at her oddly before seemingly accepting her words and turning to tend to the rest of the many birds.
She relieved the bird of its burden and recognized the elegant writing of Rhea upon the parchment. I wondered when we would get another letter from her, if I'm honest I expected to hear from her sooner. The raven moved to one of the cages to await Arya's eventual reply. Pocketing the letter she approached the maester who seemed to diligently avoid looking at her now, "Please send this to the Gates of the Moon," he seemed to hesitate for a moment, "you serve this castle maester not the name that goes with it."
He reluctantly nodded before taking the letter from her hand. She turned to leave before the maester cleared his throat forcing her to look back, "I am sorry milady but there is a letter here for the Queen," she could clearly here a bit of venom in the title, "I know you are one of her advisors, would you like to take it to her?"
Arya was surprised by the man's lack of decorum but didn't see a problem with taking the letter. Without responding verbally she took the letter from his outstretched hand and made her way back down and out of the castle.
She quickly crossed to the eastern bank and found the room that Daenerys had taken as her own. The Queen wisely stayed away from the Lord's Chambers that once held Walder Frey; the walls still permeated the noxious stench that Aerion, Arya, and his unfortunate wife were subjected to as he neared his death. Instead, Daenerys had taken up residence in one of the Guest Quarters nearest to the main hall. They were quite large and more than large enough for just the woman alone.
Arya nodded at Rakharo, who stood guard outside the door, before knocking. She heard 'enter' from the other side. Daenerys was alone in the room, save for Ser Barristan, reading a book the title to which Arya couldn't see. The Queen was wearing a light blue silk dress that Arya had no doubt would likely cause most of the men in the Seven Kingdoms to blush.
Daenerys looked up from her book and smiled, "Arya, to what do I owe the pleasure?"
Arya reached into her pocket and extended the parchment in Daenerys' direction, "A raven arrived for you while I was sending my own and the maester asked if I would deliver it to you."
Daenerys laughed lightly, "You must be the most well trained messenger in history." Even Ser Barristan smiled slightly at that as the Queen unrolled the message and read it quickly, "Well good to know the man has some sense that others haven't."
"Your Grace?" Ser Barristan asked expectantly.
"Stannis Baratheon requests a meeting so that we might avoid any hostilities." Arya was mildly surprised, from everything she had heard Stannis was quite adamant that his claim was the only rightful claim. Perhaps his red priestess convinced him this was the best course of action, after all dragons are the embodiment of fire. Or maybe this is simply a ploy to attack Daenerys much the same way that Baelish intended.
Arya figured there was a simple way of determining that, "Daenerys did he say where he intended to have this meeting?"
"He did. He says that he will arrive here from Greywater Watch pending my response." Arya hummed her approval, "Hopefully we can end this without any further issue and worry about the threat looming in the North."
"Agreed," Arya said with a slight furrowing of her brow, "I can't help but think that the longer the Others have to plan the more difficult stopping them will be. I know the Wall has kept them back as of yet but it hasn't kept back the Winter that came with them."
Daenerys sighed a little exasperated, very much in agreement with Arya's assessment, "I hope Lord Stannis will simply accept my offer so that we can finally finish this war, the realm can stop bleeding and we can begin working out everything that follows." She seemed to fall off into her own little world then.
Arya just nodded, "I will take my leave Daenerys." The Queen made a slight wave of her hand and Arya quickly left the room only to run into Daario as she turned down the next corridor, "Ah, Arya how nice to run into you." The blue haired man smiled with a surprising lack of mischief.
"Daario, I assume you have business with the Queen?"
"You would be correct, Lady Stark," a slight bit of teasing entered his voice, "I was just told the number of casualties during the battle and thought she would like to know."
"I would like to know." Arya said rather abruptly.
"Not surprising," he deadpanned, "even though we were able to fight through the gate quickly we lost roughly a thousand men there alone. Ser Lyn died with his men and his younger brother Lucas has taken up Lady Forlorn."
Arya wasn't remotely surprised that the knight died with his men, "And what were the final numbers on the battle Daario?"
"Oh well because we were being funneled into the area slowly we lost roughly 8,000 men total while all but 700 of Bolton's 20,000 were killed. In truth we were quite fortunate, we could have lost far more if it weren't for the dragons and the timely arrival of Nymeria's wolf pack."
Arya was impressed by the overall totals; to lose less than half as many men as their enemy when they were the attacking force, was fantastic.
Arya shook herself from her brief musings and returned her attention to the sell-sword turned general, "Well I am sure that Daenerys will want to hear your news so I will leave you to it."
As she made to leave Daario spoke keeping her there, "It was slightly frightening you know." Arya raised one elegant eyebrow in question so the man just continued, "I mean the look on your face after the battle yesterday."
"What look on my face?" Daario could tell that she was genuinely confused.
"You didn't even realize it did you?" She shook her head slowly, "You and Aerion both had these small smiles on your faces as you walked across the battlefield after everything was done." He paused for a moment, "Dozens saw it and many thought the pair of you had lost your minds. The Queen explained it to a few of her advisors, myself included, so I think I ought to offer my congratulations." He extended his hand, "It must feel good to finish something so important to you." Arya took his hand and squeezed rather harder than he expected if his wince was anything to go by.
"I take it the soldiers aren't afraid of me and Aerion then?" Arya's tone was light but she was actually slightly concerned about this. It wouldn't do for people to see us in a bad light when we are so closely attached to Daenerys.
Daario laughed rather loudly at that, "Oh no, the men aren't afraid of you… at least they aren't any more afraid of you now than they were before the fight." He finished with a large smirk.
Arya threw a quick punch at the blue-haired man's arm, "Do I really need to remind you just how foolish antagonizing me is?"
Daario took a step back but the smile didn't leave his face, "Well that would certainly seem to prove my point."
Arya huffed but decided to leave the man to his own devices as she turned back down the corridor Daario's laughter followed her though. She had the urge to turn around and smack the laughter out of the overconfident bastard. But that would be letting him win. Arya chuckled to herself; she really did enjoy the ostentatious man's antics, she was impressed with his ability to stay so jovial even during a campaign.
It was just a few minutes later that Arya found herself back in her rooms only to find that Aerion wasn't currently there or at least that is what she initially thought before she felt a pair of arms wrap around her midsection. She turned around with a smile on her face while offering up the piece of parchment from his mother.
Aerion leaned down to kiss her taking the letter from her hand at the same time, "A letter from my mother finally?"
"Yes Aerion," she smirked, "I'm sure you have been more than a little worried since we haven't heard from her."
Aerion lifted his nose up haughtily at that, "I don't worry about my mother." He held the pose for a moment before they both burst out laughing.
"If you had silver hair instead of black I could have mistaken you for Aegon there with just how conceited you managed to sound love."
Aerion's faux pride fell immediately as he gagged, "That wasn't funny Arya." She just smiled back at him innocently.
They both chuckled again and sat down next to each other at the table in the room. After a short moment of silence Arya decided to turn to more important matters, "The Queen received a letter from Stannis Baratheon."
Aerion dropped the piece of parchment in his hands and looked her in the eye, "What exactly did it say?"
"He asked that there be an attempt to settle things peacefully. Once Daenerys sends her reply he plans to travel here for discussions."
"Well that is certainly better than we could have hoped for." Arya just hummed in agreement as Aerion grabbed the letter from the table again and quickly began reading.
Aerion and Arya,
I apologize for not sending this raven sooner but we had news of your movements and when last I intended to send it you were headed to the Iron Islands. While I might not like the Spider he is incredibly useful when you want to know where someone is in the Seven Kingdoms. I hope this reaches you before you are in battle again.
It was fantastic to hear that you won the Battle of the Blackwater Rush, or at least that is what people here have begun to call it. I was more than a little worried when I found out that my only son had to fight a reassembled monster of a man in single combat though.
Aerion chuckled at that as he could easily imagine the scolding his mother would give him for putting his life in danger in such a way, "She is never going to stop seeing me as her baby boy."
Arya patted his cheek affectionately, "No she won't, it's her job to worry about you; particularly when you are fighting in the middle of a war.
I suppose congratulations are in order. I am extremely happy for the two of you, I really had no doubt that it would happen in time. The way you looked at each other even after just a month made it incredibly obvious that you were at least attracted… so to say I'm unsurprised that you have progressed to an actual relationship would be an understatement. Marik is extremely happy for you as well.
I have some happy news, Rhona is with child again. Apparently it happened right around the time of Queen Daenerys' arrival and Ashlyn is excited about being an older sister. She is positively bouncing off of the walls and it has irritated her mother at times. Daessa has done what she can to help and I believe there are plans to have her go to Braavos to visit little Nela soon. I miss seeing those two together though.
Aerion was clearly happy for his sister as a wide smile broke out across his face. Arya found it funny just how fond Rhea was of Nela. Though I can completely understand, the little girl is easy to care about. She leaned into Aerion's shoulder as they finished reading.
Now I am going to wrap this up, I hope this finds both of you well and that your campaign is almost finished by the time this reaches you.
With Love,
Rhea
"Well it was certainly good to hear from her." Aerion said after a moment.
Arya stretched the slight distance between them and pecked him on the cheek, "I'm surprised you aren't more concerned about her acquaintance with Varys."
Aerion's smile dropped into a noticeable grimace, "I don't like it but there is nothing I can do about it from hundreds of miles away. My mother is an incredibly strong and astute woman, I have no doubt that she can handle the Spider and whatever machinations he might have planned for my family."
"I completely agree." They composed a reply that likely included things she had already been told if she was still in regular contact with Varys.
It was three days later that Daenerys along with the vast majority of the prominent members of her army were waiting in the courtyard of the Twins for Stannis Baratheon and his contingency of Lords. Arya was hoping desperately that Rickon would be amongst their number even if the young boy was unlikely to recognize her considering he was only three last they saw one another.
It was just before noon and they had been standing out in the cold for maybe a half an hour when the red and gold standard of the former Lord of Dragonstone pushed through the gates.
Arya had never met Stannis in person before but she could honestly say that his reputation matched his appearance. He was not an ugly man but not nearly as handsome as his younger brother Renly. He was large though, probably as tall as Robert had been. What little hair he had was dark and his eyes were the common blue of the Baratheon's. He had a large jaw with a tight cropped beard. If Arya didn't know any better she would have sworn that he was grinding his teeth. This is not a man to be trifled with, just the look of him screams stern and unflinching. Let's hope he can see sense despite his prickly nature.
On his left was the man she could only assume was his most trusted advisor, Davos Seaworth. Arya had a mind to go and thank the ordinary looking man with graying hair and brown eyes. He was the one who managed to find Rickon.
She recognized a good many of the Northern Lords that filtered into the courtyard. Mors Umber and Galbart Glover, some of the most loyal of Robb's bannerman, were there along with a man bearing the mermaid of House Manderly though he clearly wasn't Wyman. Not nearly fat enough to be Wyman. Her father's old friend and the man who saved his life during the Rebellion, Howland Reed, was there as well. Just behind the Lord of Greywater Watch was the only Riverlord present, he bore the trout of House Tully but in black instead of the traditional white. That is my great-uncle Brynden then.
There were a few Lords of the Stormlands as well and surprisingly a woman of around thirty who certainly wasn't the well known Red Priestess. At first glance Arya would assume that she was related to Theon in some way, perhaps an Ironborn captive.
Arya's attention was drawn from the various lords when she noticed a great black direwolf run into the yard with a boy upon his back. Nymeria yipped happily which drew the lad's attention and Arya was immediately taken with how much he looked like Bran at the same age. Though there is something slightly more wild about him. He had the Tully coloring about him, just like all of their other siblings save Jon. His hair was nearly as long as hers, auburn curls that fell down to just past his shoulders. He was tall for his age and appeared slightly uncomfortable in the current situation. He was closely followed by a tall woman, probably taller than Aerion, who had dark hair and grey eyes. She had the northern look to her but if Arya were to guess she would say she was a wildling of some sorts, especially if the spear on her back was any indication. She certainly doesn't look the type to worry about manners even in a situation like this. Arya chuckled internally as she watched the older woman spit on the ground as she dismounted her horse.
Arya was pulled from her musings by a happy yell that originated from her brother when he spotted the other direwolf in the yard. He climbed from Shaggy's back quickly before both wolf and human approached and nuzzled Nymeria. It was at that moment that she felt Aerion gently pushing her in the lower back, the contact forced her from the spot and with a quick smile in his direction, she began moving toward her little brother.
The wildling woman noticed Arya first and quickly stepped in front of her to cut her off from Rickon. The woman was as large as Arya thought, standing probably just as tall as Aerion but that certainly didn't intimidate the younger woman. Arya stared up into her eyes for a moment clearly being evaluated before speaking, "Please move, I would very much like to see my brother who is currently fawning over my direwolf."
Rickon pulled himself away from the happy direwolves upon hearing Arya's words and put a hand on the tall woman's arm, "Osha its fine, I sincerely doubt there is anybody here who plans on doing me harm."
She stood there defiantly for a moment before moving aside, "Alright then little Lord."
Arya gave the woman a small smile which wasn't returned but she hoped did a little to relieve the older woman's concerns. The smile turned full blown when Rickon came into view behind her. The young boy looked at her curiously before returning the smile tentatively, "This is your direwolf?" he finally asked.
"Yes her name is Nymeria." Rickon's clear blue eyes snapped back to her in a moment.
"So does that... does that mean that you are Arya?" He stuttered as emotion filled his voice. Arya nodded vigorously as the young boy stepped up to give her a hug. She felt tears prickle at the corner of her eyes at the ferocity of his hug. He was clearly more than a little happy to see family again.
"Sansa will be incredibly happy to know you are alright." He pulled away quickly.
"Sansa is alright too?" She gave him a smile that spoke volumes, "I guess our family isn't as broken as I thought."
"No I guess not, I have a question for you though." She pushed him back so that he was an arm's length away, "Do you know if Bran's okay?"
He shook his head in the negative but it was Osha who elaborated, "The last we saw the other little Lord he was with the Reed children heading north."
"To Jon?"
"No, further; there was something or someone he needed to find north of the Wall milady." Arya paled considerably. Chances are he hasn't survived the winter. Arya decided it would be best not to dwell on what might have happened to Bran when she was lucky enough to have her youngest brother alive and whole in front of her.
They were interrupted as the many Lords and Ladies made their way into the castle, she gave Rickon another tight hug, "We'll speak more later, for now we have unpleasant business to attend to." Rickon and Osha seemed about as excited about the impending meeting as she did. With the two following close behind her she walked over to a waiting Aerion. She quickly introduced her brother who looked at the older man a little hesitantly while Osha just smiled knowingly.
As they made their way into the castle and up the various flights of stairs she was approached by the Blackfish, "You look more like Ned and Lyanna then any person I've ever met and I would have to guess that from the embrace you and Rickon shared, not to mention the great beast that stood beside you, that you are Arya."
"Let no one ever call you a dim man Uncle Brynden." She smirked mischievously.
The man gave a short bark of a laugh, "Well you have your aunt's quick tongue as well, I only met Lyanna once but she was definitely the sort to speak her mind."
"I will take that as a compliment."
"It was meant as one, though most men probably wouldn't see it that way."
She felt Aerion give her waist a gentle squeeze. Arya sent another smirk her uncle's way, "Well I guess I will just have to be sure to find one of the ones who do." She turned toward Aerion and then faked surprise, "Oh, well look here I think I managed it already." The Blackfish laughed at the pairs antics as did Rickon behind them on the stairs.
They continued to make small talk until they reached the Great Hall at the top of the castle. The room was arranged with one great table and the black oak chair meant for the Lord of the Crossing at the far end. Daenerys took that seat first before anyone else took theirs. Stannis was on the Queen's left with Ser Davos beside him. As was his right as the Prince in absence of the Hand, Aegon was sitting on Daenerys' right. Arya and Aerion took a seat next to Daario who was just next to Aegon. Rickon was seated just across from them with the Blackfish next to him.
Once all the various Lords and Ladies finished taking their seats Daenerys waited for silence before finally speaking, "I am sorry to inform you that my Hand is not currently here, he is attending to matters in the capital in my absence."
Stannis scowled, "Yes, the kinslaying Imp who was never anything more than drunken little whoremonger."
"Still he was one of the brightest men in the Kingdoms and I can assure you that he is no longer the drunk or whoremonger he was in his younger years." Daenerys' eyes narrowed as she briefly paused, "As for being a kinslayer, from what I have heard you don't exactly have the high ground Lord Stannis."
There was a short moment of silence before Stannis made a sound that would most accurately be compared to a growl, "I would ask that you avoid throwing such slander about your Grace," he ground his teeth momentarily, "I had nothing to do with my brother Renly's death."
Arya was listening intently and she could hear the lie in his voice, she could also see the slight twitch of Ser Davos' eye at the claim. He might not have done the deed himself but Stannis clearly had some sort of hand in Renly's death. "You're lying." Every eye in the room turned to stare at her in surprise, even Stannis' usually stern face showed the seemingly foreign emotion, but she didn't flinch.
"You would call me a liar when you weren't even there Lady Stark?" The man was clearly more than a little angry at having his honor questioned. He turned to Daenerys, "This is how you allow your subordinates to speak to a visiting Lord?"
"If it were anybody else they would no longer be in the room, as it is I would like to hear what Lady Arya has to say."
Arya spared the Queen a quick glance before continuing, "I have been a Faceless Man for five years." the statement drew the usual reaction from most around the room, with the exception of Brynden, Rickon and the woman with the Ironborn appearance down the table. Brynden appeared to be more appreciative than anything, Rickon didn't seem to know exactly what being a Faceless Man implied and the woman was clearly impressed.
"I have heard and told more lies than most of the men in this room put together, I know when a man isn't telling the truth even if it is a half-truth. So let me be clearer Lord Stannis, while I have no doubt that you did not, in fact, kill your brother; I know that there is some part of you that feels responsible for what happened to him." She paused for a moment before gesturing toward the Onion Knight, "And based upon the slight twitch of the eye your most loyal friend gave at your words I have no doubt he knows exactly how complicit you were in Renly's death."
Everybody looked at her slack-jawed for a long moment before Daenerys decided to speak up in a surprisingly happy tone, "Well then if we are through with the mud throwing perhaps we could actually get down to the matter at hand."
Stannis turned from Arya and she could have sworn she could actually hear his teeth grinding this time, "Of course, your Grace." His voice was slightly strained.
"Good," Daenerys replied succinctly, "you are the one who wished to have this meeting so you may as well begin."
"The throne is mine by right," Everyone nearby had to stop themselves from snorting derisively at the statement, "but I know when I am at too great a disadvantage to overcome."
Daenerys chuckled mirthlessly, "The throne is no more yours by right than it was your brother's, he took it through blood and battle. I have taken it back with fire and blood, so do not speak to me of what is yours by right."
"But I digress," She waving off the potential argument, "am I to understand you are offering up an unconditional surrender?"
"Not entirely unconditional." Stannis replied coolly.
"I have five times your number and three dragons," Daenerys pointed out, " why should I accept any of your conditions?"
"Because I am the most skilled and seasoned battle commander in all of the Seven Kingdoms and I am situated in the only Kingdom that has never been conquered." There was no pride in his voice, he was just blandly stating a fact, "I can make your army bleed even if I can't win and the only enemy who wins then is the one all of us must face."
"You are in a Kingdom that has never actually faced dragons because Torrhen Stark was wise enough to know when to yield." Daenerys said patiently.
"So am I," Stannis began, "but that doesn't mean I am foolish enough to do so without some assurances first." He paused for just a moment, "My daughter Shireen is arranged to be married to Lord Stark," he gestured down the table toward Rickon who, Arya noted, didn't look distressed by the idea, "He has served as my ward for years now and I would not have that broken simply because of your coming."
"I have no control over the betrothal decisions outside of my own house, Lord Stannis," Daenerys said lightly, "Anything else?" Stannis seemed quite taken off guard by her casual acceptance.
"I would request that my ancestral home of Storm's End be returned to me to be passed down to a son should I have one or one of Shireen's children should I die before that is possible." There was a hint of resignation in his voice that Arya couldn't help but notice. Then again after all of this time it isn't surprising that he doesn't believe he will have a male heir. Still it is unsurprising he would rather leave it to his daughter's children then let it fall into Tommen's hands.
"I had every intention of returning Storm's End to you, my Lord," this surprised both Stannis and Davos, "I hear Robert took what was yours by right from you even after you defended it during the Rebellion. I thought it best to return what is yours." Arya noticed that Aegon still looked less than pleased by his aunt's decision but he wisely kept his tongue. Whether it is for show or not at least he finally learned when it is appropriate to speak. Arya chuckled internally. Then again I suppose calling Stannis a liar in the middle of peace talks could definitely be seen as speaking out of turn.
Stannis nodded stiffly at the Queen, clearly caught off guard from the show of kindness, "My last condition is that your army fights the forces of the Great Other that reside on the other side of the Wall."
"I have no intention of allowing any threat against my realm's peace to remain. We have thousands of dragonglass weapons stockpiled waiting to be distributed. The Asshai'i assured me they would be of great use to me when finally I came west. From the stories I hear, short of Valyrian steel, they are the absolute best weapons against the Others." This was news to everyone at the table, Arya and Aerion included, "We will end the threat to the realm and do what is necessary to rebuild this war torn land. Hopefully the destruction of the Others will mean an end to this winter as well."
"We can only hope." Stannis said sincerely, "The snows around Winterfell were twenty feet high last I was there, I imagine they have only gotten higher since then. From what my daughter tells me in her letters they have. The castle itself stays blessedly warm due to the hot springs but that does little to help the small folk. From the raven's we have had from the Wall it is holding strong but their numbers begin to dwindle the less food they have to supply the thousands of wildling who now help defend it."
Garlan spoke up at that point, "The Reach has great surpluses, even more so due to our losses in the war and we will do what we can to provide for the Northerners now that we are no longer at war." He addressed Rickon though it was Stannis who responded with his surprisingly sincere thanks.
Daenerys smiled, "If that is everything?" Stannis nodded, "Then I would like to give my thanks to you Lord Stannis Baratheon, you could have allowed this to go on for a time but chose the wiser course."
Stannis responded by taking a knee at her side, "I, Stannis of the House Baratheon, Lord of Dragonstone pledge my fealty to the Queen, Daenerys Targaryen, First of Her Name, Lady of the Andals, Rhoynar and the First Men and Protector of Realm."
If Daenerys was surprised she didn't show it, "Lord Stannis Baratheon, I reclaim Dragonstone as the ancestral seat of House Targaryen and name you Lord of Storm's End and Lord Paramount in the Stormlands."
Arya was surprised when Rickon followed Stannis's example and kneeled before Daenerys as well, "I, Rickon Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, swear my fealty to you Queen Daenerys Targaryen." Arya and her uncle shared a brief smile as Rickon decided not to reiterate Daenerys' many titles.
She bid man and boy rise, "Thank you Lord Stark, Lord Baratheon together I have no doubt we will be able to end the threat to the realm."
Arya was pleased by the way things had proceeded. It is good to see there is at least one nobleman in the Seven Kingdoms who has more sense than pride. Either that or I am going to have to worry about another person who wants Daenerys' life beyond just Aegon and Connington. If Arya was honest she was becoming more certain that an attack was likely, especially now that the other Great Lords had sworn fealty to Daenerys and her House.
As the Lords formerly sworn to Stannis were shown to their quarters on the other side of the Crossing Arya waited at Daenerys' behest for the room to empty. When finally the door was shut behind Rickon and Aerion, the boy was the last to leave as he wanted to talk with his older sister, Daenerys started laughing loudly, after taking a moment to regain herself she started speaking, "Do you… do you have any idea how hard it was to keep a straight face when you called one of the most skilled commanders in all of the Seven Kingdoms a liar to his face as though it was the most obvious thing in the world?"
"I imagine it was quite easy your Grace." Arya replied cheekily.
"You would be wrong, the last thing I needed was to laugh in the man's face at that moment and you put me on the very edge." She paused for a moment, "I suppose I should be mad but your little interjection caught the man so off guard that you probably cut his complaints about the company I keep in half, if not less."
"Happy to be of service as always Daenerys," Arya said with a slight bow and a wry smirk.
"Do you really believe he killed his brother?" Daenerys asked after a moment.
"No but he feels some level of guilt about what happened, he was complicit in the act." That much she was certain of, "If I were to guess it was his Red Priestess that had a hand in it, they say she is a shadowbinder and I know for a fact that they are capable of certain things that would allow her to kill him in the night."
"I can say from my time in Asshai that there is more than a little truth in that." For a woman of as much experience as the Queen, it spoke volumes that there was the slightest hint of fear in her voice, "I suppose it is good luck that the woman isn't here otherwise I might think there was something untoward waiting for me."
Arya shook her head slowly, "While you may have something to fear from Stannis, and I doubt even that, no follower of R'hllor would be willing to kill someone who brought dragons back into the world when they are the very embodiment of the fires they worship so faithfully."
"Very true, I have met just one of the Red Priests in my time but the man was fanatically devout." She said the last with a shake of her head before turning to Arya and waving her off, "Don't let me keep you any longer, I am sure that you want to go and speak with you brother."
"Thank you Daenerys, do you have a plan for when we begin our march?"
"It depends on how long it takes the rest of the men from the Vale to arrive. Between this army and the wildlings we will have nearly 200,000 men." Daenerys told her, a slight crease in her brow, "From what I hear many of those at the Wall are already equipped with dragonglass by way of Stannis, I have enough weapons from my time in Asshai to equip another 60,000 and from what I hear Valyrian steel is just as affective. I sincerely hope that we will have enough to withstand the Others."
"We will." Arya assured her confidently. I haven't been through all of this only to allow a myth to end it all.
"I will take comfort from your confidence my friend." Arya smiled before leaving the room where she found Aerion waiting outside for her.
"I thought you might like me to show you to your brother's room." They fell into step beside one another, "So did the Queen reprimand you for your insolence?" Aerion teased lightly.
"Oh no, she laughed rather loudly before thanking me for my insolence." Arya finished with a wink.
Aerion smirked, "Yeah that sounds like her."
As they walked through the doorway into the western castle of the Twins they ran into the other woman who had been present at the peace talks. She was long legged and lean with curves in the right places. She wasn't a great beauty but she had a certain type of appeal to her with her short dark hair and dark eyes that held a great deal of confidence.
Arya decided to stop and talk to the older woman, "You have the Ironborn look to you." She stated bluntly.
The woman snorted derisively, "And you have the northern look to you, what of it?"
Arya was unperturbed by the woman's attitude, "What Ironborn would be amongst Stannis' forces?"
"I am not amongst his forces as you put it," the woman sneered slightly, "technically I am his prisoner. My name is Asha Greyjoy."
Arya didn't have any noticeable response. So I was right in thinking that she had to be some sort of relation to Theon. "Stannis does not seem the sort to treat his prisoners so kindly."
"I am valuable or at least I was; he was able to avoid my uncles' raiding parties by threatening my death. Seeing as neither of them have any children and Theon was beheaded for his betrayal of your family," There was sadness in her voice that Arya could understand even if she had no love in her heart for Theon after what he did, "they could either attack or heed Stannis' warning. They chose to attack the far better stocked lands to the south instead of saving their niece." Her voice oozed bitterness as she spoke of her uncles.
"Well your Uncle Euron is dead, by your Uncle Victarion's hand," Aerion spoke up, "You are now one of only two remaining Greyjoys."
Asha's laugh was hollow, "I suppose that makes us nearer extinction than the Starks. My father must be simply rolling in his watery grave."
"Forgive me but I have absolutely no issue with that." Arya interjected.
"No I imagine you wouldn't." She eyed the younger girl for a long moment, "It is hard to believe someone that looks like you could possibly be one of the Faceless Men."
"Looks can be incredibly deceiving my Lady." Aerion responded for her.
"I suppose I know that is true better than most. Most people didn't take me for much but I managed to captain my own ship successfully for years." Arya had a feeling that she was speaking to a kindred spirit of sorts in the Greyjoy woman. She had met others obviously, Brienne of Tarth and the Mormonts, but Asha was another woman from one of the Noble Houses and with that came certain expectations. She certainly seems like someone who never had any interest in doing what people thought was required of her.
Arya was pulled from her brief musings as Asha asked her a question, "Do you know if it was truly a Faceless Man that killed my father? There were rumors obviously, and I am certainly inclined to believe that Euron would have been more than willing to kill his brother if it would gain him control of the Seastone Chair."
"I heard that it was in fact one of ours who took Balon's life though I could not say for sure who hired him." Arya knew little of the facts about that particular assassination, only that it was performed by the House of Black and White.
"It was my uncle, of that I am sure." Asha's eyes were hard as stone at the thought of her father's death. Though she shook herself rather quickly, "It is a good thing to know, thank you."
"You are welcome, Lady Asha."
"One more thing," she said before they could leave, "I hear you led the attack on the Iron Islands, while there you didn't happen to encounter a man named Erik Ironmaker?"
Arya looked at her quizzically, "Would he have been on Pyke?"
"Yes, a morbidly obese man who needs others to carry him around as he lacks the ability to walk under his own power any longer." She clearly disdained the man.
Arya almost chuckled at the image in her mind, "Then no, I saw no such man while on Pyke."
"Good hopefully my beloved husband finally ate himself to death, thank the Drowned God that I never actually consummated that sham of a marriage." Asha said spitefully.
This time Arya did chuckle and Asha looked at her slightly confused, "I just think as husbands go I would say I had it worse."
Asha actually shuddered, "I would have to agree. I have seen many example of what Ramsay Snow was willing to do to people and I can't imagine that he would be any kinder to his wife. In fact, I heard tell exactly what he did to the poor girl who was used in your place when my brother saved her."
"Well no one else will ever have to find out, my direwolf ripped his throat open." Asha gave a malicious little smile that spoke clearly of her approval.
"That man did terrible things to Ironborn and Northerners alike; it is a good thing the bastard has left this world."
"Agreed," both Aerion and Arya responded together. As Asha started to walk away Arya decided she had one more thing to say, "I am sorry, about your brother, I never particularly cared for Theon but there was a time where he was a part of my family."
Asha shook her head sadly, "My brother was a good person once. He did very little of what the Northerners accused him; he didn't kill your brothers and he didn't burn Winterfell but that didn't change their desire for his blood." Her eyes looked at nothing, something haunting their depths, "In the end, execution was a kindness after what Ramsay did to him. His mind was broken and his body desecrated. I am just glad I was able to convince Stannis to give him the blade and not the fire." With that she bid them a quick farewell as they went their separate ways.
The pair walked silently up the castle steps and on the third floor Aerion gently guided her away from the stair case and toward one of the doors. They passed various northern Lords, all of whom had kind words for Arya. The North loves the Starks, I doubt that will ever change.
Aerion pushed open the third door to the left on the furthest corridor and they found Nymeria and Shaggydog pawing at each other playfully, though they had little space to do so in the room. Rickon was looking on happily while Osha was over in the corner sharpening her spear.
Rickon eyes lit up the second he saw Arya in the doorway. He pulled her over to the bed in the room and sat her down before he began talking excitedly. She listened intently though much of it was just the excited ramblings of a young boy who hadn't seen his family in a very long time.
After a while Arya was finally able to ask a question around the constant stream of talk, "So what happened to you since I left for the capital?"
And so he explained, in far more detail than she expected of someone so young, how he came to be under Stannis Baratheon's care. Rickon told her of Robb calling the banners, the anger he felt at being left alone for so long and the savageness of Shaggydog when Summer was forced to fight him into submission. He cried as he spoke of Maester Luwin's death and the Sack of Winterfell.
"And then Osha took me somewhere safe."
"Where did she take you?" Arya asked sparing the wildling woman a quick glance.
"Skagos…" the young boy was going to continue but was cut off by Arya almost immediately.
"Skagos the island of cannibals?" Her eyes narrowed to thin slits of grey that caused Rickon to stutter out an apology.
Osha spoke up for the first time in the conversation then, "They're no cannibals girl," The word was said harshly though Arya chose to ignore it, "that is just a story told because sometimes people do what is necessary in the cold of Winter."
Arya was absolutely incensed, "So you took my brother to an island known for resorting to cannibalism during the Winter? Are you touched woman?"
Aerion chuckled beside her and she shot him a glare that quickly shut him up but Rickon certainly didn't see the humor in it, "Enough Arya!" It was half command, half demand of a petulant child, "Osha kept me safe, the Skagosi were helpful and did nothing to put me in danger." His mood suddenly changed, "Plus I got to see unicorns."
Arya took a moment to compose herself, realizing that her anger was just out of misplaced concern, before returning her then softened gaze toward her brother, "Well I am glad you were safe, and it must have been incredibly exciting to see unicorns."
"It was." He responded excitedly. Arya gave Osha a brief but warm smile that the older woman understood for the show of gratitude that it was.
"So Rickon, how did you go from living safely in Skagos to being Lord of Winterfell and Lord Stannis' ward?" The young boy straightened as he went into his explanation.
"We were living on Skagos for nearly a year, it was very cold there but the Crowls helped shelter us."
"Who are the Crowls?" Aerion asked curiously.
"One of the Noble Houses of Skagos," Rickon paused, "though they are nothing like the Noble Houses from the rest of the realm."
Osha snorted, "Noble House is a bit overstating things, the Crawls are just one of the stronger clans that hold sway on the island."
"Right, anyway continue." Arya prodded.
"Well one day we were approached by the Onion Knight," Rickon seemed to like the man if the fond smile that crossed his face was any indication, "he was very nice, though he really didn't seem to appreciate the fact that I initially told him I wouldn't come along."
"How exactly did he convince you to change your mind?" There was a hint of concern in Arya's voice that Osha apparently picked up on.
"Nothing bad m'lady," Arya couldn't help but note the change in title. I suppose m'lady is better than being called girl.
"Arya would be fine Osha, at least here when we are just amongst ourselves," The wildling woman nodded. "So if Ser Davos didn't do anything untoward to convince you to come with him, what did he do?"
Rickon smiled maliciously and at that moment Arya could see more than ever the extra bit of wolf's blood in his veins from spending so much time with the wildlings, "He promised that I would have the opportunity to make the people who hurt Maester Luwin and Ser Rodrik pay. He also told me exactly what had been done to Robb and promised me those people would pay as well. He told me that none of it was possible unless I came with him to rally the North."
"So you decided it was best to pursue justice for our family?" There was more than a small hint of pride in Arya's voice, she was impressed that one so young had learned Maester Luwin's lessons so well. Family is the most important thing.
Rickon nodded once with a grim look that she didn't like seeing on his young face, "There was no other choice."
Aerion looked to Osha, "And why did you go with him if you don't mind my asking?"
"I said I would keep him safe and I had no intention of going back on my word. He was in more danger with the southern lords surrounding him than he was in Skagos." She glanced away for a moment, "Also I had no issue with getting further away from the Wall."
"Thank you." Arya said sincerely. Osha responded with a curt nod though her fondness for Rickon was obvious for the couple to see.
"So I know once you were revealed to the Northern Lords they did exactly as Stannis desired and rallied to you and his cause."
Rickon gave her another nod, "We were able to drive them out of Winterfell, mostly because I knew the ins and outs of the castle so well. We beat them back at every castle until Bolton was finally forced to flee from the North with those loyal to him and join up with the Frey's here." Arya knew most everything else from there; Stannis' forces were unable to push back any further with the snows in the Neck and were forced to take up residence first at Moat Cailin and then at Greywater Watch. The fighting tapered off drastically over the last year being nothing more than small skirmishes.
Arya gave her brother a teasing smile, "So… what do you think of your bride to be?" Rickon gave a small smile though Osha snorted derisively.
"She is very nice, older than me though. She is at Winterfell now." Rickon sounded rather fond of the girl.
"And your issue?" Arya addressed the older woman.
"She is unclean; the grey death will take her someday. She might not be able to infect others any longer but when it comes back for her it will kill everything she touches."
"Greyscale?" Aerion asked her and received a nod. Arya didn't particularly like hearing this but knew there were instances where children were able to survive the sickness and never relapse.
"Well, I am just happy that you like the girl." Arya said with a little hesitancy, "Not everybody can say that about their betrothed."
"The girl is sweet enough," Osha admitted begrudgingly, "if not the prettiest thing in the world."
Rickon then asked a question that Arya had been contemplating how to answer, "So what have you been doing since you left the capital? And what exactly is a Faceless Man?"
Arya explained as much as she was comfortable with, leaving out a great deal of the more unsavory details. She was happy to note that he didn't seem fearful of her when she explained exactly what it meant to be a Faceless Man, instead like most over excitable young boys he was fascinated. Aerion and Arya shared a wry smile at that.
The conversation turned lighter after that, Arya just enjoying being in the company of another of her siblings. They learned that he was learning how to fight from one of Lord Stannis' knights, a Ser Osmund Wylde. Aerion offered to watch him spar and give additional help where he could; Rickon seemed happy about the offer. By the time they finished the conversation it was time for the small feast that had been laid out in honor of the peace agreement. Nobody in the room really wanted to attend but they did nonetheless.
Three days later, Arya was walking alone in the castle while Aerion helped Rickon in the yard. She received a letter from Sansa telling her first, of her joy knowing that Rickon was alive and well as reported and second, that the reinforcements from the Vale had already been deployed and would be there within the week. Arya was on her way to inform the Queen of this information when she ran into Daenerys' taste tester, a servant named Taeva, carrying a tray of food obviously meant for the Queen. The woman had surprisingly good reflexes as she kept any food from falling to the ground.
The woman was short, barely over five feet tall. She was a slight thing with very subtle curves and narrow hips that would never be good for childbearing. She had dark-eyes the color of ironwood bark and hair a dark chestnut brown that complemented her eyes.
Arya quickly realized a few problems with the scenario though; the woman was clearly from Slaver's Bay, her skin color was indicative enough of that, yet unlike just about every other person from Essos, save the Unsullied, she wasn't covered from head to toe in as many furs as she could find. The other issue was that the taste tester did not usually bring Daenerys her food. Ser Barristan took up that job, not wanting there to be any opportunity for interference with the food between taste tester and Daenerys. So, looking at the woman in front of her Arya was immediately on high alert. This is a Faceless Man, a life for a life that is the rule. I wonder who Connington gave in service to the House of Black and White in return for their service. I thought he would make his move soon but even I am surprised by this.
The woman, or more likely man, apologized quickly to Arya who just waived her off, "Nonsense, it was an accident. I assume you are going to give the Queen her afternoon meal?" The woman nodded meekly. Well whoever is underneath that face has clearly been here for some time to have gotten the mannerisms right. I should have noticed something sooner.
"Let me accompany you." Arya offered with a smile. The 'woman' kept her composure and just nodded kindly.
As they walked it was the little things that confirmed Arya's suspicions, they were good Arya would admit but in her time in the House of Black and White she had become one of the absolute best. The would-be assassin held herself with just a little bit too much pride for her supposed station, kept her shoulders just a little bit too straight and walked just a bit too anxiously to pass for the real taste tester. Poor Taeva, she is probably dead in a closet somewhere. Daenerys is going to be devastated when she finds out.
They weren't far from the Queen's quarters, but as they drew closer Arya was sure to keep the other 'woman' in front of her so as to watch for any sudden movements. The door to Daenerys' room was partially open allowing for Arya to maintain her position behind the faux-Taeva. They entered to find Aegon, Stannis and Daenerys talking together.
"I could not tell you the exact state of Dragonstone, my Prince, Loras Tyrell laid siege to the stronghold at Cersei Lannisters command and may have done his fair share of damage to the building." Stannis' deep voice carried to the door first.
"Then I should expect the Tyrells to help me restore the castle." Arya had to admit that she was impressed that the princeling seemed to be learning something from his aunt's manner. When she first met him, he certainly would have demanded petulantly that it be fixed immediately. Hell he probably wouldn't have even been able to manage a civil conversation with Stannis when first we met.
"Excuse me, your Grace," 'Taeva' began, "but I have your afternoon meal." Stannis and Aegon both looked at the source of the interruption while Daenerys looked to Arya. The former assassin gave the Queen a minute shake of the head that was responded to with the barest of nods.
"Thank you Taeva but doesn't Ser Barristan usually bring me my afternoon meals, I am surprised the old knight would break his habits. He is ever so protective of me."
The Faceless Man didn't miss a beat, "The old knight was busy in the courtyard. The time must have gotten away from him." Arya certainly hoped that was the truth, she was quite fond of Ser Barristan.
"Oh well then, thank you Taeva." The Queen gave her a kind smile, "But I'm really not hungry at the moment perhaps you would like to eat the meal instead?" The other two nobles in the room looked at her in confusion but she paid them no mind. The assassin clearly wasn't expecting that as a response but recovered quickly.
"Thank you your Grace, but I would not think to take your meal. I shall just leave it here in case you change your mind." Now that was the wrong thing to say, as any of the people from the Bay would happily accept their beloved Queen's offer, the Faceless Man bowed low before heading for the door with a greater haste than was perfectly necessary.
Before 'Taeva' could reach the door Arya grasped their shoulder with a strength that stopped them cold in their tracks. The Faceless Man actually winced at the contact before they were forced to look into Arya's cold grey eyes, "Let's be honest here servant, I was the absolute last person you wanted to see on your way to the Queen's Quarters."
"I am sorry Lady Ary…" They winced again as Arya tightened her grip.
"Who are you?" Arya almost growled out.
"Taeva," Was the quick reply.
"Lie, I was taught by the waif and became the better liar, and in such a distressed state you aren't quite as good as you would be usually. Now I ask you again, who are you?"
Resignation showed in the stolen eyes before 'she' responded, "No one."
"Very good," Arya pushed the 'woman' against the wall before reaching her hand up toward 'Taeva's' hair line. In truth, Arya had no interest in subjecting the other occupants of the room to what she was about to do; there was a reason that she hadn't changed back in front of anyone since joining Daenerys. It will be even worse since I am forcing it.
Arya's nimble fingers slid underneath skin and started pulling away. The sound of tearing flesh caused the others in the room to cringe involuntarily; even the battle-seasoned Stannis Baratheon couldn't stand the noise. As the pealing layer of skin passed the Faceless man's eyes they changed from a dark brown almost black, to pale green. As the transition was being forced a scream was pulled from the man's throat and blood began to seep out slowly from the Faceless Man's ears, though Arya knew it wouldn't be fatal.
It took a full minute of agony and that awful, gut-wrenching sound of tearing flesh before instead of Taeva standing before them it was a short man of stocky build with mousy brown hair and an ugly nose. When finally it was done Arya asked the question she already knew the answer to, "Who hired you to take the life of Queen Daenerys?"
The man looked away, "I am not privy to that information."
Arya grabbed her dagger and drove it into the man's shoulder, "Lie, do not do that again." The man grunted in pain but didn't scream out again.
"It was Jon Connington," Aegon looked horrified though Arya didn't have the ability to look at his face from where he was standing. Arya was obviously unsurprised but wanted to know the details of the agreement, "How did he get in contact with you?"
"He sent a raven to the House of Black and White requesting our services." It was unusual for the Faceless Men to take up a contract not requested in person but they clearly made an exception.
"I take it you were already in Westeros when the details of your assignment were given." The man only nodded as blood seeped around the dagger in his shoulder.
"Do you know what he traded for your service?" The man shook his head vigorously. Satisfied for the moment, Arya yanked the dagger from the man's shoulder.
Daenerys glared at the failed assassin, "You are not the first to try to poison me but I hope I can make it so that you are the very last." She turned to Rakharo, "Bring Jon Connington into the yard, I will be down shortly." The Queensguard left the room at a run.
"Your Grace," Aegon spoke and two pairs of purple eyes locked onto one another, "I swear to you I knew nothing of this." Arya was more than a little surprised to find that there was no lie in his voice.
"Tell me honestly nephew, did you ever have plans to remove me from power?" Daenerys' voice was sharper than Valyrian steel as she stood and began making her way out of the room.
Aegon mulled over his response for a long moment as they made their way toward the stairs, "Jon and I had hoped you would alienate the various Lords whom you conquered in hopes that I could step in to offer an alternative." Daenerys was unaffected by this piece of information as it certainly explained his desire to see her use the dragons and destroy various Noble Houses, "In my attempts to convince you to do just that I looked the fool," Arya was surprised by his self-awareness, "I have watched and learned from the way you handle yourself as ruler and I cannot help but feel that you were right, I had and still have much to learn. My education was fantastic but it did not prepare me for what it really means to be in a position of power."
"Seeing your constant successes in winning over your enemies," he spared a quick glance in Stannis' direction, "I realized the folly of my machinations. Jon was less than happy about this, I argued with him quite heatedly and told him that he should leave it be, but it would appear that he didn't listen. If I were to guess he had this plan in place before ever I realized my mistake."
Arya was mildly impressed, it appeared the change he had undergone in the recent weeks was genuine, not just some ploy to be seen as a loyal nephew. That was the reason for Connington's intense anger when recently I spoke to him, he simply couldn't handle the idea that years of his life were going to waste.
It was at that moment they reached the courtyard where Rakharo, Ser Barristan, and Aerion had Jon Connington kneeling on the ground, Rakharo's arakh was digging into the former Hand's neck keeping him from moving. Stannis actually looked happy to see the man in such a position. Robert was his liege lord and yet he fought for the Targaryen's during the Rebellion, it doesn't really surprise me that the man so concerned about justice would want to see Connington in this position.
Daenerys walked forward so that she was stood directly in front of the kneeling man and the petite young woman was as intimidating as the her dragons in that moment, "Jon Connington, you are accused of hiring an assassin for the express purpose of killing your Queen, this is treason and the punishment is death." Drogon landed atop the castle behind her at that moment looking squarely at the perpetrator. Connington showed a quick moment of terror before recomposing himself.
There were dozens of men in the yard, many of them Lords who began speaking in hushed whispers, "The man behind me," she gestured to the Faceless Man who Arya had dragged along with them, "Has confessed before myself, Lord Stannis, Lady Arya and Prince Aegon to being an assassin hired through the House of Black and White by you. Do you have anything to say in your defense?"
The man looked at Aegon pleadingly for a moment, but the younger man showed nothing but apathy for the man who raised him. Jon Connington spat in Aegon's direction, "I did everything I could for you, in honor of your father and this is the thanks I get?"
"I did not ask for this Jon, there is no honor in this, it is cowardly in the extreme. And since you obviously forgot let me remind you that my father you thought to honor was the Queen's brother " Aegon's voice showed the first signs of emotion as he knew the man who had taught him so much was about to die.
Arya spoke up then, "What was the price Lord Connington?"
For the first time the man looked ashamed of his actions, he gave a resigned sigh before answering, "I was to provide the House of Black and White with a child every year until I died." There was a collective gasp at the implied price before Jon Connington pulled up his sleeve. The skin all along his arm was flaked and gray, or completely blackened and dead. "I didn't think I would be providing them with much." Aegon was the most shocked as he took in the destroyed skin.
Daenerys turned to the three others who had been present for the Faceless Man's confession, "War is no time for the kind of division this sort of action causes, so justice must be swift. I remove myself from deliberation as I am the afflicted party, but you three shall serve as his jury. What say you?"
"Death," Stannis said without hesitation.
Arya looked at the man for a moment and couldn't help the small bit of sympathy she felt. He is watching a lifetimes worth of work come to an end. The sword would be a kindness though, death by greyscale was infinitely more painful than the quick bite of a blade.
"Death, your Grace," Arya said after a moment's pause.
Aegon looked as though he would be sick as he warred with himself. He stared at Jon Connington for a long time before the soon to be dead man gave him a gentle smile and the barest of nods. Finally Aegon spoke, "Death," he turned away immediately after that.
Daenerys turned to the three of them, "Which of you will carry out the sentence?" Arya immediately drew Blackfyre but Aegon stopped her before she had the opportunity to do the deed.
"No, I will do it." Aegon drew his sword as a block was placed under Jon.
"Any last words, my Lord?" Daenerys questioned as he was pushed into place.
"Aegon is the one true king of Westeros." Daenerys nodded in her nephew's direction and the blade quickly fell severing his head from his body in a single motion.
A cheer went up in the crowd as the treasonous lord met his end but Daenerys paid it little mind as she turned to the Faceless Man. As the Queen approached he whispered to Arya, "You were one of us once."
"I was but I'm not anymore." She said with a hint of pride.
"They won't be happy that I failed." There was an implied warning in his words
"No, they won't," She agreed, "but they will leave the Queen alone with the contractor dead, especially when they learn of his deception."
The man didn't respond as Daenerys was now standing directly in front of him, "You admit to my attempted murder, the penalty is death." She extended her hand toward Arya who still had Blackfyre drawn. She handed over the ancestral Targaryen blade and watched as it was quickly dragged across the man's throat.
The two bodies were quickly dragged away and Daenerys instructed that someone locate Taeva's body as well. Arya walked over to Aerion who hugged her immediately.
"How did all of this happen?" He asked softly just next to her ear.
"Let's just say that we are very lucky that I was headed to see the Queen at the same time as the assassin." She looked down at the trail of blood that came from the assassin, "I imagine he knew that he was going to die the second he saw me though he did everything he could to keep up the charade."
"Aegon really had nothing to do with it?" He sounded more than a little skeptical.
"It's the truth Aerion," she was just as surprised as her lover in all honesty, "his change has been far more genuine then you or I thought."
"Well that is good news." Aerion said with a smile, "I suppose we will have to stop giving the Prince such a hard time."
Arya smirked, "Oh, I wouldn't go that far. There is definitely still a certain arrogance to him that is worth poking fun at but his actions today proved a great deal and he is learning what it means to really rule which is definitely a good thing." Aegon and Daenerys were talking in hushed tones about something before they moved back into the castle together. The issue with Stannis was either forgotten for the moment or they felt it had been properly settled.
Arya decided to discuss a lighter subject, "So how is Rickon with the sword?"
Aerion smiled, "He definitely has some natural talent and the direction he has gotten from Ser Wylde has been good." They're conversation continued along that vein as they stayed in the yard to help Rickon who had watched the drama with Connington unfold.
It was three days after Lord Connington's execution that everyone found out exactly what Aegon and Daenerys had discussed afterward. Apparently, the Prince had received a series of correspondence from Arianne Martell and he had reconsidered his stance on marriage to his cousin. That would probably be because while Daenerys no longer cringes at the idea of even spending time with her nephew she will never want him as anything more than her relative. It had been announced that the Prince was now betrothed to the Princess of Dorne and would marry once the war was officially over.
Over the three days, the thousands of pieces of dragonglass Daenerys had acquired over the years were distributed to the army and hundreds more were given torch handles for fire to use against the wights. Though in truth they hoped the dragons would be able to take care of a great deal of the Others thrall.
That night, Arya and Aerion had both been asked to join the Queen in her quarters after the evening meal. Aegon was also present, which wasn't a surprise, but Howland Reed was there as well.
"Ah good you are here," Daenerys said with a smile, "Lord Reed told me he had something important to tell me and claimed that it had something to do with both the Starks and the Targaryens so I thought it best you be present." It didn't really need saying that Aerion would learn of the conversation if he hadn't been there.
The pair took their seat before Daenerys addressed Howland, "Well Lord Reed, you have the floor."
"Most people believe that Rhaegar Targaryen kidnapped Lyanna Stark after the Tourney at Harrenhal against her will." The small man started, his voice soft.
"My father didn't," Arya interjected, "he believed that Rhaegar truly loved my aunt and the realm bled for it."
"That is because your father and I are the only men who survived the Tower of Joy and know exactly what it is that happened," He wasn't at all offended by her interruption, more amused if anything, "with your father's unjust execution that leaves only me."
"So what really happened at the Tower of Joy, Lord Reed?" Aerion asked.
"When we arrived there were three Kingsguard there to meet us: Oswell Whent, Arthur Dayne, and Gerald Hightower, we outnumbered them more than two to one but we only barely managed to survive the fight. It tore up Lord Stark seeing Arthur there dead when he cared so much for Ashara." He stared off into the distance for a moment.
"We moved to the top of the tower and as we opened the doors we were immediately assaulted by the sound of a baby's wails." Arya felt something clench in her stomach at that.
"As we approached the bed we could see there was blood from a recent birth. Lyanna was hugging the newborn tightly to her chest holding onto life as long as she could for her son." The event clearly still weighed heavily on the crannogman's mind even after all these years, "Ned approached the bed and Lyanna started crying upon seeing him. She was so weak but she managed to tell us exactly what happened."
He took a deep breath, "Rhaegar didn't kidnap Lyanna ,she went with him willingly because she loved him deeply. They married in secret," He noticed the surprise on the faces of his avid listeners and pointed out, "it wouldn't have been the first time that a Targaryen took a second bride. They had every intention of telling Lord Rickard but Brandon went to the capital before ever they had the chance and things just spiraled out of control from there with Ned calling his banners to avenge his brother and father and Robert calling his to reclaim Lyanna."
"Rhaegar stayed with her until there was no other option but to rally what remained of the Targaryen Loyalists and meet Robert in the field." Arya had the distinct feeling Lord Reed didn't enjoy retelling this story but felt it necessary, "He left her behind under the guard of three of the greatest knights in the realm to protect his wife and his unborn child. They were not there to ensure she remained his captive as many people have claimed over the years."
"The last thing she did," He swallowed thickly, "was demand that Ned promise her that he would keep her son safe from Robert and his hatred of the Targaryens. It was fortunate that the boy had more of the North in him than anything else, even then he had a dark black mop of hair and his eyes were gray though in the right light you could see purple." Arya finally understood what her father meant in the Godswood about keeping his promise. All that time Jon was never his son, he was Lyanna's. My mother was right, father really did love Jon's mother just not in the way that she always feared.
"Ned named the child Jon, in honor of Jon Arryn, and to keep anybody from thinking he was anything less than his son. From there we went to Starfall where Ned presented Ashara with her brother's sword. She herself had just had Ned's child, but their baby girl was stillborn." The sadness threatened to overtake him, but he continued on, "Ashara could not bear the loss of her beloved brother, the man she loved being married to another, and the only child she would ever be able to have with him perishing in such a short time. We found out that after our departure she threw herself from the tallest tower of Starfall. It tore at Ned terribly when he heard the news." There was a long silence after Lord Howland finished his story
Daenerys listened silently through the entire thing with a pensive look on her face, "So you are telling me Lord Howland, that I have another nephew and that he is in fact Jon Snow, Lord Commander of the Night's Watch?"
"Jon Targaryen, your Grace but yes." Aegon didn't look happy hearing that his father had taken another wife but there was very little that he could do about it over twenty years later.
"The dragon has three heads." Daenerys said under her breath though Arya heard it. The Queen then turned to her nephew.
"I think it is time I admit that you are who you claim to be, tomorrow you will be bound to one of the dragons and when we reach the wall your half-brother will do the same." Aerion appeared happy about this decision but didn't have the opportunity to respond as they were interrupted at that moment.
A messenger, one of Stannis' men, burst through the door parchment in hand and unceremoniously pushed it in Daenerys' direction. Daenerys quickly took the piece of parchment and immediately began reading. Her visage went from concentration to alarm in a split second.
"Get the army ready to march north immediately, we cannot wait for the reinforcements from the Vale."
"Your Grace, what has happened?" The Queen handed the message to Arya before anybody else.
King Stannis,
The Wall has been overtaken, the Others destroyed it with some foul magic in the night. We lost thousands in their initial attack. The small remnants of the Night's Watch along with the Free Folk managed to retreat back to Last Hearth during the day. We probably have two days between us and the enemy.
The Lady Melisandre wishes me to inform you that she is well as is your lady wife.
Please send reinforcements as soon as possible, their numbers will only grow larger the longer we don't have the necessary men to drive them back.
Jon Snow, Former Lord Commander of the Night's Watch
Arya could only stare in horror at the letter.
AN: Now before anybody asks I want to explain my decision with Aegon as it took me awhile just to decide how I wanted the assassination attempt to play out. I will admit that I warred with a different scene in which she could hear the lie in his voice and after Jon was executed for admitting his crimes for doing something they both planned she threatened him in a rather harsh way. Part of it was I didn't want every single one of Arya's suspicions to turn out correct every time. The way I have it while she was correct about Connington she didn't read Aegon's change correctly. He is still arrogant but he has seen a great deal of his errors.