Chapter 11
Everything had happened so fast, Harmen had not time realize what had just happened. He wanted to get Xelia to explain this whole thing to him, but she was to distracted, ir pretended being so.
-But Xelia…
-I said hash! Don't you have any suspense for the results? For fuck shake Harmen, you're about to find out if you'll be the next Captain!
From the other hand, Xelia deemed her friends bewilderment pretty amusing. Though, she was in an agony about the result. Sallor with another man were taking one by one the oysters out of the pot and showing them to the audience. Meredyth was sitting next to them and she was recording if the oyster was broken or not. Until now, none of them was broken. But the tally was only halfway. After a few minutes, the whole procedure was over. Meredyth cleared her throat and looked at them.
-OK, the tally is over. According my records, Harmen is elected unanimously as the new Captain of the Elite Jackals, since all of the oysters were intact. Congratulations! Well, Sallor now what?
-Obviously my friends, we have a captain at last! Harmen, mind to tell us a few things?
-Huh? Oh, of course…Ah, you see I was ready to congratulate Xelia but she cozen us all so…Well, thank you for trusting me to be your leader and I just hope to prove myself as a worthy one. I will need everyone's help to get through this, to keep the reputation of our company high and make it even higher! Thank you all again!
-I remind you that Xelia, as the captain that had been appointed by her predecessor, has the right to to take her place back from her substitute in the next five years. If not, then Harmen will be our rightful and only captain and of course he will have the right to choose his own successor. My congratulations Harmen!
While Harmen was trying to catch up Xelia, many people were coming by him to congratulate him. Among all these hand-shakes and hugs, he finally trucked her standing in the room's corner. Xelia had breathed a sigh of relief after the results were announced. When he could straggle the crowd, she gave him a hug and ruffled his hair.
-Ah, congratulations Captain!
-Xelia, stop it! Come on, you need to explain yourself. What was this all about?
-There is not much to explain, Harmen. Whatever I needed to say, I said it before. This is over. I can't be a mercenary anymore, let alone a captain!
-I can't really understand why you fell like that, but at least you could have warned me! I came down to earth when you proposed me! And by the way why me?
-I could not think anyone more suitable for the job, Harmen! That's exactly what I asked Demian, and that's exactly how he replied. And warning you? No way, first of all because you would never accept it and secondly...well, I took the decision the last minute! Now, if you excuse me, I''ll go to my chambers and have some rest. It was a way to long morning!
-OK, but what now? What are you planning to do here?
-I don't think that I'll stay here anymore.
-What? And were are you going?
-Home. Eventually, I'm going back home.
-Home? You don't really mean…
-Yes, Harmen. I mean that I'm going to King's Landing, to my brother.
Even though she hadn't done anything tiring, Xelia was feeling exhausted due to the emotional stress she had been through. All she needed was to calm down in her room. She had barely had the time to lie on her bed when the door opened and Hamren rushed in.
-Damn it Harmen! Couldn't you knock first? What if I was naked? And I told you that I need to relax!
-That's not fair! You throw your bomb and then you need to relax? How am I supposed to relax now?
-I don't know what you're talking about!
-You're saying you're going back to you brother just like that?
-You know very well that it's not just like that! It's been a long that I'm troubled about the whole situation with my family. I really need to know what is really going on with my brother by myself and not by stupid rumors!
-So, what are you gonna do? Just show up to your brother, who by the way is the King of whole Westeros, after all this years like nothing happened?
-Yes...No… I mean, I don't know yet.
-OK, and what if he won't accept you back? What if he is still mad at you?
-I really hope that he is not! And that he will be happy to see me. But even if he is not, I still have my younger brother. He is the Lord of Storm's End now. He wouldn't reject me!
-Are sure?
-Yes, pretty much. Anyway, if it's not going to work either… Then Tyrosh and the Jackals are not going anywhere! Remember, the leadership is mine for five years!
-Ah, don't worry about that. Whenever you decide to come back the place is yours. But…seriously Xelia, have you thought about it well?
-Yes Harmen! Don't worry about me, I'll be fine, really!
-Yeah, I know that! It's only that… I'll miss you so much!
-Oh Harmen, I'll miss you too, you know this! I'll miss all of my friends here! But you know, with you it's different! We have been through so much together!
-So, when are you planning to leave?
-Well, considering all these stuff I have to take care off...not sooner than a month! I must definitely go to Braavos, make arrangements with the Iron Bank and to make a withdrawal. I'll need coin for the trip and for my first days there!
-Why? Your brother is a king, he got plenty!
-Oh shut up! By the way, you're coming with me, you'll manage my deposits when I'll be away!
-Ah great! Like I haven't undertake enough of your business while you'll be away yet!
-Hey, I trust you more than any one else! That's your fault actually!
Both of them broke into laughter and hugged tightly for a few moments. Xelia was so touched having such a good and loyal friend.
-Now the drama is over! Get out, I said that I need to rest!
-Fine, fine! I'll see you later!
After three weeks, Xelia was almost ready to depart. She was done with the arrangements with the Iron Bank and the rest preparations and now she had pack up for the trip. She had already decided not to take anything more than some clothes and her weapons. Almost the same things she had when she first came hear: a traveling bag strapped on the back of her horse. All her other belongings, were given away to Harmen and to her other friends. Not that she had much. Some furniture, and armory.
Harmen was satisfied, she gave him a helmet with a line of multicolored feathers along the middle of the top. He always admired it but Xelia wouldn't give to him not even for a little while.
-Thanks, I always wanted to have this and I was so jealous of you!
-It's all yours now! But I have to warn you, it is not practical at all during battle!
-Who says that I want for the battle!
-Do I want to know why you want it?
-Hm, better not! So is everything settled?
-Almost! I'm waiting a call for the exact day the ship is leaving.
-So, you've booked one?
-Yes, a cargo ship. You know the owner, you know him, it's Lommas. We had worked with him in the past. He makes the itinerary from Tyrosh to King's Landing all the time. I'll have a cabin, food and drink and a good place for my horse for a good price.
-Damn it Xelia, I'll miss you so bad, I can't even imagine how is it gonna be without you around! Who knows when I'll see you again? If I'll-
-Harmen don't! I'm not dying, I am just going home! I'm definitely gonna miss you too, but we can still keep in touch through Lommas. And of course you can always come and visit me!
-Visit you? Yeah right!
-Don't be stupid! You can visit me anytime you want, for any time you want! You will be my guest!
-That would be funny, me living in this red...palace?
-Keep, the Red Keep. Yes, we will live in the Red Keep! We will be like royals!
-Except you are royal, love! You are the King's sister! A...princess?
-Shut the fuck up, Harmen!
-Language, Princess Xelia!
-Oh, aren't you funny? I'll may hire as my jester!
All that quipping would have kept going for a long time if Meredyth hadn't come all of a sudden and hugged Xelia tightly, getting her surprised.
-Oh Xelia, do you really have to leave? I will miss you so, so bad! You are such a good friend, I will never forget I promise!
-Wow, Meredyth calm down! I'm not leaving right, sweety, I still have a few days!
-I know, but I'm leaving on a mission tomorrow morning and I won't be here when you leave! Besides I hate goodbyes, I couldn't stand watching you boarding on a ship and leaving for ever, it would break my heart!
Meredyth was crying and Xelia was also really touched. Saying goodbye to her friends was much harder than she imagined. Especially Meredyth, they have begun really close the last few years and she was always very sensitive and vulnerable. That's what Xelia thought about her friend until she saw her gutting three opponents in the row during battle.
-I know Meredyth, I'll miss you too, but I don't want to cry or be sad! It's not that we aren't seeing each other again! I was just saying to Harmen any time he wants and that applies to you to! You will be a royal guest whenever you wish!
-Oh, thank you so much… Wait, royal?
-Well, Harmen will explain you further! If you excuse me now, I have business to attend! Good luck on your mission Meredyth!
-There she is again! She throws the wild-fire blood and leaves me back to clear the mess!
-Don't be so dramatic Harmen, every one will find sooner or later!
''For calling me princess, smart-ash''
Her last visit to the local market. She wanted to buy gifts for her brothers and their families. It wasn't easy, she had never met Robert's wife and children. What would they like? And even if she knew Robert and Renly so well, it had been so many years since she last saw them. Their tastes might have changed. After some wandering she decided that she should better but small symbolic gifts for everyone. They were the royal family anyway, it would me easy to get impressed with a gift bought from a flea market! Especially he new sister in law. If the rumors about them shitting gold were true, the little hand-mirror made from ivory that she bought her would have no luck!
The next day, one of Lommas' sailors came to find her. The next sail would be in five days. The ship would leave for King's Landing early in the morning and her cabin would be ready. Her horse would have its own place in the higher hold since there would be no other horses on board. As for the payment, she would have to give an advance before the ship sails and the rest of the sum when the ship arrives to its destination. The man emphasized the fact that all the other passengers had to pay in advance and the exception is only for her since she had worked with Lommas before and he trusted her. He also advised Xelia not to mention her special treatment to any one just to avoid others complaining. Xelia reassured him that it would be all right.
That morning, the port wasn't as busy as it usually was. Maybe because it was still early, the sun hadn't risen yet. And that's because it was a little chill so Xelia had to wear her cloak. Harmen and some others were there to say goodbye. They were talking until a young boy, a member of the crew, came by and told Xelia that everything was ready and the ship was about to leave. She gave Harmen one last hug.
-Lommas will be back in ten days. He will let you know that I arrived and whether everything is al right! Would you send me letters with him? He comes to King's Landing all time! I'll write you too.
-Sure Xelia, but you know...It won't be the same!
-I know! I just want to be in touch, let me know about everything is happening here OK?
-OK, and you too!
-Take care of yourself and of all the others! So long Harmen!
-So long, Xelia!
Making great effort not to cry in front of everyone, Xelia rode her mare and headed there where the ship was moored. Roynar, her loyal dornish stallion had died five years ago. Although his death was a big loss for her, she had to find a new horse as soon as possible. Her new one, a beige young mare, wasn't chosen randomly. Her mother had been inseminated by Roynar. Unluckily, except of the colors, she hadn't got her fathers easy character either. She was hard to tame and even after five years she was moody most of the times. Xelia named her Storm just because of her character.
That morning, her naming was fully justified: Storm gave Xelia a really hard time when she tried to board her on the ship. After many efforts, she had to ask a sailor to help her. They finally made it when they enticed her with a big bale of hay. Feeling her nervousness, Xelia tried to soothe her, like she had soothed Roynar when he boarded on that ship, that took them away from home that morning all those ears ago.
-Easy now girl! It's all right, we are just going back home! Remember, we own it to you father…and maybe mine too.
The whole trip was cozy enough since the weather was nice and sunny. Xelia could sit on the deck and enjoy the sun and the fresh air in the mornings and watch the starlit sky in the nights, trying to distinguish the constellations that Meister Cressen had taught her when she was little. She felt so guilty about the way she treated the last time she saw him. She sure was mad at him at the time for betraying her but now she could understand that it wasn't fair for him since he didn't have any other way.
Her cabin was big enough, with a nice and comfortable bed and her own bathtub. Every morning she woke up by the sound of the seagulls who were flying next to her big scuttle, Xelia always some bread for them.
Of course, she was a bit anxious about how Robert will react seeing her after all these years. But she tried to be optimistic. Robert could not kick her away and even if he did, Renly was the Lord of Storm's End and he would definitely be happy to have her back. Or at least that's what she hoped.
The possibility that her brothers wouldn't care for her anymore was a too dark thought for such a lovely morning. The sunbeams were lighting the cabin through the scuttle but Xelia decided to lie in her bed for a bit longer. It wasn't after a few minutes when she heard a knock on her door.
-Who is it?
Who could that be? No one had disturbed her in her cabin so far. She left her bed reluctantly, put on some clothes and opened the door. It was this young boy, who she had first met back in Tyrosh.
-M'lady, Master Lommas sends me to wake you!
-But why? Is there any problem?
-No, no problem thank the Gods! He just wanted mr to inform you that we are arriving in the capital in about three hours.
-Oh, really? Well, thanks for letting me know, you can leave now! No, wait! Take this coin, you were really helpful taking care of my horse!
The young man thanked her and left. Xelia started packing her stuff in her traveling bag. An hour later she was on the deck were the whole crew was being prepared for the arrival. Far in the horizon she could now see land.