A/N: Thank you to all my readers and reviewers. It's been a couple of weeks since my last update, but that's not necessarily a bad thing as sometimes new ideas for this plotline begin to take seed during that time. I do like taking characters that we do not know that much about, such as Ser Arthur Dayne, and fleshing them out more. That's one of the fun things about writing fanfiction – you have all these great characters in which we already have basic background knowledge, and we can expand on them. I hope you enjoy this latest chapter.
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones and make no money from the writing of this fiction.
Chapter 10
The mountain trembled, the dry scrub and grasses catching fire as scorching flames shot up through holes and fissures of the rock surface. It would only be a matter of time before the chained and angry dragon inside pulled himself free.
Darius Blackfyre stood on the rock lip of his cave fort gazing across the valley in deep thought and concern at the mountain on the other side of the grassy plain they had cordoned off for their purposes. All these decades in the planning, they had built this place, sending family members far and wide searching for dragon eggs, and bringing them back here to this secluded valley in the mountains.
It had been their dream to see the return of dragons to the lands, with the Blackfyre's as the dragon lords. As descendants of Targaryens, they were the blood of old Valyria and longed for a return to the times when the Valyrians had ruled over all. Everyone would bow before them; the world would be theirs to command. All the careful plans, the gathering of any books and scrolls they could find on dragons, the nurturing of the newly hatched dragons – all of it was now in danger of being quickly unraveled.
They had never counted on this happening, and worst of all it had been his dragon that had taken a different path. His dragon had been the first to hatch, and the fastest to grow. He had been the first in his clan to ride a dragon. It had been the most exhilarating event of his life. And now, Ebrion, his glorious dragon mount, no longer allowed Darius to ride him. Ebrion began throwing him off his back and roaring defiantly at Darius. Moody and despondent, the dragon was beginning to affect the other dragons as if he were an alpha of a wolf pack. When Ebrion roared, the others listened. The Blackfyres now feared Ebrion would lead the others to rebel against them.
It had been so long since this many dragons were alive in the world at the same time – not since before the Doom of Valyria. Darius was beginning to realize that they might not know enough about them. He strode back into the fort in search of his uncle, Clasys, who was the clan historian and master researcher. Clasys had been pouring over the texts and scrolls they had about dragon lore, trying to find answers to their current dilemma. Knowledge had been limited to what had survived, or had been passed down, from ancient times and he was beginning to realize how incomplete it really was.
Clasys looked up from his scroll when Darius walked in and shook his head. "I'm sorry, nephew, there is nothing to help us here."
Darius began pacing in front of the table. "If we lose control, it is not just our future that is gone. They will begin foraging out of our valley and into the villages, then the cities."
"We may have to kill Ebrion, before it is too late," Clasys said. "He is unlike any of the others. He grows too quickly and is displaying a cunning and intelligence that does not bode well for any of us. With him gone, the others may accept their masters without fight."
It hurt to think of killing Ebrion, the dragon he had raised himself. He would rather exhaust all other options before even considering that path. "No," Darius stated. "I will travel to the Isle of Lys. I know they must have more of the old knowledge we seek. The wise men hoard knowledge there, but I will make them tell me what we need to know."
Clasys looked dubious. "Ebrion will break his chains any day now. There is no more time."
"Then let him!" Darius snapped. "I don't care if he swallows a few villagers. I will leave for Lys now and find the answers we seek. I will not let everything be lost."
A loud rumbling resounding in the fort and everyone began running to the entrance to see what was happening, Darius and Clasys as well. Across the valley, the huge dragon had broken through the top of his mountain cave, causing the boulders and trees to tumble down the sides. The chain around Ebrion's neck was still attached the large boulders under the rubble as the dragon stretched his large wings and roared loudly to the sky.
OOOOO
Jon's eyes flew open and he sat up quickly, looking about the cabin of the boat. Everyone had been resting throughout the warm afternoon, waiting for nightfall before they could safely leave Blackwater Bay without being spotted. They had been exhausted after staying up all night and then escaping King's Landing. Jon was sweating and his heart was beating too fast. He stood up and climbed the ladder to the top, taking gulps of fresh sea air into his lungs.
"Can't sleep?" a voice asked behind him.
Jon turned around to see Arya sitting on the deck a few feet away. She had a dagger on her lap. He went and sat down next to her.
"I tried," he replied, "but sometimes I get these dreams that wake me. What about you?"
"I can't sleep either," Arya said. "I just want to get away from King's Landing. I've been watching for boats."
"It's just about dark enough to sail," Jon assured. "We'll be leaving soon."
"What kind of dream did you have?" she asked.
Jon wrapped his arms around his knees and let out a little laugh. "Can I trust you not to tell anyone?"
"Of course," she replied.
"I dreamt of a very big dragon bursting out of a mountain. His roar was so loud, it woke me from sleep. It was strange. I felt as if I were truely there, standing with him on top of that mountain, looking at the sky once more."
Arya's eyes shone with excitement. "Those must be dragon dreams."
"What?"
"Dragon dreams," she repeated. "Haven't you read the histories of your House? Targaryens can have dragon dreams."
"I suppose I should have paid more attention to the history books," Jon smiled. "I was always anxious to get back outside with Harran and our horses." Jon's education had been extensive. Ashara had hired maesters of many different disciplines to teach him. He even had a maester to teach high Valyrian, though Jon never really understood why until now. Ashara had even sat with them and learned as well so Jon would have someone to practice the language with. "Tell me of these dragon dreams, cousin."
"They don't have to be dreams of dragons," she explained. "They can be about the future too, or about prophecy. Some of your ancestors had dreams that came true."
"Let us hope my dream does not come true. The dragon was very angry," he grinned.
"I wish dragons were still around," Arya said, "I would love to ride one. Can you imagine flying high above everything, even the mountains?"
Jon thought back to his other dreams, the ones he frequently had. In those dreams he was flying, soaring high above the land and seas. Perhaps there really was something to the phrase "dragon blooded". He had always thought it was just another way of identifying those of Targaryen lineage. Was there actually something special about his blood?
"It would be quite an adventure," he replied. "Come on, let's go find something to eat."
OOOOO
"What do you mean you can't find them?" Cersei yelled at the captain of the city guard. She paced the floor of her private quarters, her mind reeling with the events of the day. Ned Stark had somehow slipped away during the night. Not only that, he managed to get Sansa from the Red Keep as well. Such incompetence had never been seen before! She stopped in front of the guard and drew her arm back, striking him on the face with a hard slap. If only Tywin was here instead of fighting in a stupid war for her damned imp of a brother who was foolish enough to get himself captured by Catelyn Stark, none of this would have ever happened. He had taken their best soldiers with him and left her with this sorry lot.
Joffrey had taken it upon himself to ride out with a group of soldiers, declaring that he wanted to be there when the Starks were captured. Cersei could not believe the devious tortures Joffrey promised upon Ned and Sansa when they were captured. It was chilling to think that her own son could conceive of such horrors, but he was King now and if she did not find them first, she feared what he may do. Oh, how she wished Jaime were here instead of riding off to war. Everyone had left her alone to manage this mess.
She turned to Lord Baelish and Lord Varys who were both standing nearby, looking concerned. "Can either of you offer any council? Or are you as useless as everyone else?" she snapped. She stepped in front of Varys. "Sansa was taken from here and none of your little birds saw a thing?"
"Sadly, no, your Grace. Even little birds sleep," he replied. "Perhaps she walked out on her own."
"After killing her guard with a sword through the throat?" Cersei snarled. "That little mouse couldn't kill a spider." She stepped closer to Varys, leaning in his face. "But I can."
She spun about facing the captain again. "What are you still doing here?" she yelled. "Go find Ned Stark or I'll have your head!"
OOOOO
Night fell and Prince Trystane had navigated the boat out of Blackwater Bay and onto the open sea, the smaller sailing vessel following behind him. The Starks would soon board the other boat and sail to White Harbor and their home to the North, while the rest of them continued to Sunspear to face Prince Doran. Trystane put down anchor and went below to join the others who were in conversation. "It is time, Lord Stark," Prince Trystane announced. "The captain awaits your family."
Ned nodded and looked about the cabin. "I don't know how to begin to thank you for all you have done. I was certainly a dead man and now I am free. My daughters are safe as well."
"You return to war, Lord Stark," Ser Barristan reminded. "And White Harbor may not be safe. The Lannisters will expect you there."
"House Manderly are my bannermen. They will aid us," Ned replied.
"They will be the first to be attacked, and their best men are most likely with your son's forces," Ser Barristan countered. "It is best that you avoid White Harbor and make land elsewhere."
Ned looked concerned. He studied the faces of his daughters, knowing that the journey home may turn out to be long and dangerous. They would be hunted the whole way. And if they reached Winterfell, Ned knew he'd have to leave them behind to join Robb in the war. As far as he knew, Catelyn was still at the Eyrie with her sister, holding the imp hostage. His two younger sons were there alone with minimal household staff to look after them as it was. And while Winterfell would be far enough from the battles, the crown would certainly be expecting Ned and his daughters to be going there. They could have already dispatched assassins.
"I need one last favor," Ned said, turning to Jon. "When you get to Sunspear, can you send a raven to Winterfell, to Maester Luwin, and warn him to trust no one and to make a plan of escape if trouble comes. I will get there as soon as I can."
"Of course," Jon replied, noting Ned's fear for his family. "Lord Stark, I realize you need to return North to aid your son in battle. But is there a reason you must take your daughters as well?"
"I take them home, where they belong," Ned replied.
"Lord Stark," Ser Arthur now spoke, "the sailboat you take is small and swift, but the journey will be long and perilous. It is no journey for children. Your chances of reaching Winterfell will be better if you are alone. Let us take your daughters to my sister. She can keep them safe at Starfall. The crown will be too busy looking North to bother searching Dorne. When all is safe again, you may send for them."
"I cannot ask this of Ashara. If the Lannisters found out, she would be charged with treason," Ned shook his head. "I would not bring such trouble upon your family."
Prince Trystane stepped forward. "Sunspear will protect your daughters." He glanced at Sansa, who blushed and looked at her feet.
"I appreciate that, Prince Trystane, but it would not be wise to drag Dorne into the war if they were found harboring Starks," Ned replied.
"Dorne would love to go to war against the Lannisters," Obara smirked, her sisters nodding in agreement.
"Dorne is not yet ready for war," Ser Arthur commented. "But the time will come when they will join in." He glanced at Jon and then back to Ned. "In the meantime, we can change their names and color their hair. Their true identities will be hidden, like their cousin has hidden his."
Arya stood up from her seat on the floor. "Please father, let us go to Dorne." She glanced at the Sand Snakes. "They train their girls to be warriors there. I want to train too. I want to learn to fight so I can help you and Robb win the war. I don't want to go home and sew dresses all day. That's not me."
Ned gave her a small, sad smile. He had only just got them back and the thought of parting with them again bothered him. Yet, the thought of something terrible happening to them on the journey home was even worse. "Sansa, do you wish this as well?"
Sansa's mouth fell open slightly as she stared at her father with big eyes. She didn't think he'd give her a choice. Both choices scared her, but being hunted by Lannister soldiers while trying to reach Winterfell seemed the worst of the two. Besides, Prince Trystane seemed kind, unlike that monster Joffrey. She couldn't imagine Trystane ever letting his men beat her. "I… will do as you wish, Father," she replied, not wanting to hurt Ned's feelings by choosing Dorne over Winterfell.
Ned shut his eyes a moment and let out a long breath. Catelyn would not be pleased about it, but it would be the safest option for them both, at least until the war was over. He looked from Ser Barristan to Ser Arthur. "Can I have your words that you will see to their safety?"
"You have mine," Ser Barristan replied.
"And mine," Ser Arthur promised.
"Mine as well," Jon added. "They are my family too, Lord Stark."
Ned put a hand on Jon's shoulder. "Aye, they are. I have faith in you, Jon, whatever the future may hold. Your mother would be so proud of the man you've become, just as I am."
Jon couldn't help the emotion that he felt at those words. He clasped Ned's arm in return. "Thank you, uncle," he replied.
Ned squeezed Jon's shoulder one more time and nodded, before turning to Sansa and Arya and holding out his hands. "Come, daughters, let us say our farewells." Arya and Sansa both took a hand, their eyes watering. "Now, now," Ned said, "no tears. Ashara Dayne is a good friend and you must both obey her as well as Ser Arthur. When it is safe, I will come for you."
The two girls threw their arms about Ned and held on, weeping silently.
"Shhh…, now, be brave," Ned said, kissing the top of their heads. "Though you will be known by another name, never forget who you really are."
Arya nodded. "Yes, Father."
OOOOOOO
They had given Ned what supplies they could before he departed for the North with the captain and Jon had given him his sword as well as a dagger. Arya and Sansa stood on the deck of Prince Trystane's boat and watched as their father sailed further and further away. When he was barely visible in the distance, Jon called them over and said, "Let us prepare you for Dorne, cousins."
As they made their way south, Jon began to tell them of his life at Starfall and of Ser Arthur and Ashara. He spoke of the desert and the stars, the balmy nights and the fragrant flowers. He wanted them to see the beauty of Dorne and anticipate the good things to come. Then he told them of Sunspear and the Princes of Dorne. He told them of his time there and how he grew up thinking he was Jon Sand, a bastard, and that he had only known who he was for a short time. He told them of the grand palace of Sunspear and the water gardens where they could swim and sail and listen to the musicians play. He explained life at court and his training, as well as the different types of foods that were served.
The Sand Snakes had found some shawls to cover their hair and advised them to keep their heads covered until they could blacken their hair, commenting that Sansa's bright red color would surely stand out in Dorne. "Spies may be watching the harbors," Nymeria said. The girls had joined Jon and his cousins on the deck, with Harran soon seating himself nearby as well. All of them wanted to contribute ideas for names and suggestions for their new identities.
"How about we say they are Ser Arthur's bastard daughters?" Tyene laughed.
Jon frowned at her. "Ser Arthur would not bring his bastards to court. He is a knight."
"Jon is right, they should not be made bastards," Trystane added while he adjusted the sails. "I would like to see them at court," he smiled at Sansa.
Nymeria raised her chin. "We are bastards and we are at court!"
"You are royal bastards," Trystane replied. "That is different."
Obara rolled her eyes. "If they are going to be with Lady Ashara, they should be related to her. Doesn't she have cousins?
Jon nodded. "I believe so. I'll speak with Ser Arthur and see what he thinks."
OOOOOO
It was the middle of the night when they arrived at Sunspear, the harbor quiet except for Prince Oberyn sitting on his horse with a contingent of guards behind him. He did not look pleased when they disembarked, his eyes scanning each one of them, noting Ser Arthur leaning on Harran, and stopping on the oldest among them.
"Is that Ser Barristan Selmy?" Oberyn asked, wary.
"It is, Prince Oberyn," Ser Barristan bowed respectfully. "I have renewed my friendship with Ser Arthur and pledged to serve his cause."
Oberyn's eyes flicked to Jon. "Have you?" His eyes then stopped on two unfamiliar girls wearing shawls on their heads and looking nervously around at their surroundings. "And who are these children?"
"They are my cousins," Jon spoke.
Oberyn took another look at them. "Indeed?" he said, knowing that meant they were Starks. They all had to be careful not to say too much out here in public, but he fully intended to get the whole story once they were back in the private audience chamber of the palace. "Does this mean that your mission was a success?" he asked.
"Yes," Jon replied. "I apologize for leaving without telling anyone. It was all my idea and the others should not be blamed. I assure you that Prince Trystane stayed on his boat and was not put in danger's way. Your daughters are unharmed as well."
"It is true, uncle," Trystane spoke. "I have not left the boat until now."
"Your father will be glad to hear it," Oberyn replied. Then he addressed his daughters. "You three will return to your mothers immediately. They have been very concerned."
"Yes, Father," they replied, hurrying off into the city and toward their homes.
"Ser Arthur, thank you for going after them." Oberyn's gaze went to the cloth bandage wrapped around the knight's leg. "It seemed you paid the heaviest price for this folly."
"I will recover, my Prince," Ser Arthur spoke.
"Indeed, but what other problems have you brought for Dorne?" Oberyn asked, his eyes wandering over to their three extra guests.
A carriage was coming up the street toward them. They all watched as Ashara Dayne stepped out and hurried to Jon, taking him in a grateful embrace. "Oh, my dear boy. I was so worried." She held his face and looked him over. "You are uninjured?"
"I am whole, Mother," he replied, a little embarrassed at her fawning. She released him when she noticed her brother was injured.
"Arthur, your leg?" she fretted.
"It will heal, sister." He inclined his head to the two scared girls. "Look who we have brought for a visit. It is cousin Allinor's daughters, Carella and Betina."
Ashara appeared dumbstruck for a moment as she studied her brother's expression.
"I will enjoy getting to know my cousins, Mother," Jon added. It was his way of letting her know who they really were while maintaining the facade of their family secret.
Ashara turned to the two girls and hurried over. "Of course." She hugged them in turn while saying aloud, "It is so wonderful to have you here. I have not seen you both since you were very young. We will have so much fun getting to know one another again."
"It is late," Oberyn announced, having little patience for the pretense happening before him. "Doran and I will see everyone in the audience chamber tomorrow morning. Bring your cousins as well, Lady Ashara." A horse was brought forward. "Come, Trystane, let us get you back to your father." Trystane mounted, giving a reassuring wave to Sansa before trotting off with Oberyn, surrounded by guards.
OOOOOO
A/N: Hope you enjoyed this chapter. Originally, I hadn't planned on Sansa and Arya coming to Dorne. They were to sail away with Ned. But it seemed that some of you wanted to see Jon have more of a relationship with his cousins. That really couldn't happen with them so far away at Winterfell. I'm now happy they will be here as it will add more subplots to play with. Let me know your thoughts. Until next time…