Chapter 10: As the World Turns
First of all, thank you guys for all of the support. The favorite, the follows and the reviews mean a lot. Keep it up! Secondly I see there are some questions which I will answer (To best of my ability) right now.
: Owain is not perfect and Robb is not an idiot. This was the first chapter both of them appeared in. You can't judge either of them from last chapter alone.
Ruci: PM me and i'll explain the best I can.
Alex: Thank you for the compliments, my friend. That fuels my fire.
Last Enclave: At the end of last chapter Ned got letters from his allies and Rhaegar. The letters of his allies let him know they were coming to his aid. Rhaegar's told him the war would end with Tywin's capture and so it ended with a trapped lion, his fate will be an interesting one.
12D3 Gorillaz: Yes my friend, he did get the girl. Just keep reading on.
Rhaegar
King's Landing, 299 AC
The peace that held the realm was now uneasy. The High Septon had never been his friend. Since the day he had announced his following of a new faith, the rotund man had been against him. It mattered not to him. He was king and he was one of the chosen of R'hllor. To his delight, the lord of the light had spread throughout the realm, most notably the Stormlands and the Crownlands.
"Your grace, something seems to be bothering you." Rhaegar looked up to see his Hand and closest friend.
"Evil is on the horizon Jon. But R'hllor's light grows brighter." Rhaegar could feel it. As of late the flames had grown larger, brighter and more intense. His God, the one true God, was awakening.
"You speak of the Faith?" Jon asked.
Rhaegar nearly snorted at his ignorance. Jon was a nonbeliever of Gods. He did not blame his friend for his lack of knowledge, of sight. There were many like him. He would be the one to guide those from the shade of ignorance into the light. For now he would play the small game.
"Yes, Septon Bart moves dangerously. He and the Most Devout had been meeting nearly by the day."
"We must stop this sedition before it becomes our downfall. The Faith believe they are above the crown. We cannot allow that type of behavior. You are the highest power in the realm, we already let three kingdoms secede."
Rhaegar frowned at his friend's words. They were true, it was one of the reasons he coveted Jon do much. The man spoke his mind. Sometimes it was what he needed to hear.
"The Starks, Arryns and Greyjoys will see the light. For now we must deal with the problems in our own lands. Call the council and invite the illustrious High Septon."
Images flashed in front of his eyes as he gazed into the flames. He saw it all. He saw the shadows slowly creeping from the North. The mighty white lion roaring upon the rock. The red wave coming from the east. It was much more that he saw but it was not clear to him. Nonetheless he knew his place in the set of things, a leader but the leader. No, that place belonged to his son, the destined prince. The one who would lead the world into a new era.
Today would be the start of that. He pulled himself away from the brazier as the door opened. There stood the boy, no the man in question. He looked every part of a Targaryen. His silver hair was cut short, allowing his bright purple eyes to show. He was nearly as tall as his father but lankier. A confident smirk was planted on his face. The two embraced quickly before parting. Rhaegar would not trade his son for any other.
They had no time to talk as the members of the Small Council poured in. First came his Hand, followed by the Lord Commander Jonothor Darry. Then the rest settled in. Rhaegar looked at the men around him. Stannis Baratheon sat as his Master of Laws. Ser Jaremy Rykker was the Master of Coin. His kinsman Monford Velaryon took the position of Master of Ships. The man known as the spider, a man who saved his life, Varys was Master of Whisperers. The Grandmaester was out taking care of his pregnant wife.
"My lords-" Rhaegar began but suddenly the door creaked open.
A robust man, clothed in robes, decked in jewels and gold strutted in with his nose pointed high. His eyes fell on no man as he walked to his seat. The men of the Small Council glared at the man as he sat down.
"Nice of you to join us, your holiness." Rhaegar failed to hide the sarcasm in his tone.
"Likewise, King Rhaegar."
"Now that we are all here we can discuss the matters of the realm." Rhaegar looked to his Hand, "Lord Connington."
The fiery headed man cleared his throat, "The first and most important order of business is the recent actions of the Faith."
All eyes turned to the so called representative of the Seven. To his credit he didn't falter under the gaze of the powerful men.
"What of them? We only preach the true faith. It is out of my control as to what is done because of it."
"Watch your tongue, that is the king you speak to." Ser Jonothor Darry eyed the man with eyes of fire.
"I only speak the truth. The voice of the seven comes from me and their will breaks free. Remember who crowned your ancestor, King Rhaegar." He spat, focusing on the word king.
He pushed away from the table, storming out of the room.
"You were not dismissed." Ser Jonothor rose to stop the religious head.
"Stop, let him be, Ser Jonothor. Keeping him here would only cause further problems."
"We cannot allow disrespect such as that. Word would spread and then lords down to smallfolk would think they could challenge you." Lord Connington advised.
"He is right, your grace. The Faith think they're untouchable. We must shatter that illusion." The Lord of Storm's End spoke through gritted teeth.
"Do not worry my lords, all will be fine. There are other things to be discussed, if you would continue Lord Connington."
"The next matter of business is a good one. Volantis and Pentos have chosen to lengthen the trade alliance. Speaking of Essos, Prince Viserys has welcomed another baby boy into the world."
Cheers went up for the prince across the sea. Rhaegar felt joy of having another nephew but still the pain of sending his brother across the sea in exile, ached his heart. After his return from capture Viserys still believed he was king. He knew he would be a threat to his throne and even to Aegon. He had no set place, so Rhaegar set him up with a daughter of a Magister of Pentos.
"Things are going well for the kingdom. But there are still those who wish to break our peace. There are those within the kingdom and those outside of it. The time is coming for world peace and unity, a plan I've been concocting since before my rise to the throne."
Owain
Winterfell, 299 AC
It was happening again. It was another dream. He was seeing through another man's eyes again He looked around him seeing all white, a pearl white. The walls, the chairs, the bed, all made of the same unique substance. In front of him sat a beautiful woman, almost unearthly. She quickly reminded him of his mother. Like his mother, her dark hair cascaded down to the small of her back and her sparkling violet eyes shined all the same, the only difference was her skin was pale, where his mother's had a darker tint.
"Sister, you have to see reason. Ahor is not the boy we once knew." They spoke a language Owain did not know but strangely he could understand them.
The woman turned with eyes of a burning star, "What would you know, Eldric? You abandoned us the moment you received the hand of that sea temptress. You only returned when father died. Ahor looked up to you and you abandoned him, abandoned me."
Owain could feel guilt and sadness but it was not his own. He continued watching through the man's eyes as he reached out towards his sister.
"Aila, I do apologize for my prolonged absence but my life is not with the empire anymore. I have my own family and my own people to rule."
"Do you forget you were once in line to rule this empire?" She spat.
"I have not, but I am no longer. The fated Sapphire Emperor is no more. Now I am Magnar mu Turah." He finished his sentence speaking in Old tongue.
"Magnar mu Turah?" Owain thought in confusion. He had never come across such a title during his studies with Lord Reed, the foremost expert on the lore of First Men.
"Don't speak your savage language in my presence." The woman spat.
"I've spoken my peace, sister." The man moved closer to his sister, "Aila, dear sister, I know I've missed much. I still love you so, even Ahor despite his faults. But sister you know the gift does not lie. Watch our brother, my eyes see a great darkness in him."
The woman said nothing. She stubbornly ignored her brother. Owain felt Eldric sigh before turning away. Walking towards the door he took one last look before opening the door. As the door opened a bright light enveloped Owain's sight.
In an instant he was back in his own body. He sat up, his breathing was hard and his body was covered in cold sweat.
There was only one question in his mind, "Who were they?"
Robb
The morning had come and gone. Winterfell was full of life. Robb moved quickly as he navigated his way to the First Keep. Since his mentor had gone with his mother into Winter Town, and Owain had gone off somewhere, so he decided to train with the Winter Wolves.
He made it to the training grounds of the elite fighting force to see a surprising sight. The King in the North and one of his bannerman battled against each other. He could tell by the fatigued look on their faces that they had been at it for a while. Lords Baratheon, Umber and Frost stood among the soldiers, watching. His father and Lord Dustin circled each other. Both men wielded greatswords, though Lord Dustin's was larger. The circling stopped and his father gained an animalistic look in his eye. Robb knew that look, as did the Warden of the Barrowlands. The large man lunged forward. His father met strength with strength. Their massive blades met in a clash of sparks. Robb smiled as his father used a move Robb had shown him. With a deft use of agility, the king took a step to the left sliding his right foot. In the same motion he released himself from the clash, placing his blade at his bannerman's stomach.
"Do you, yield?"
"Aye." The Dustin lord grinned, "Who would've thought our king, the Quiet Wolf, moved so nimbly."
Everyone including his father laughed. Robb moved to show himself but he was stopped by the arrival of the queen.
"Don't be so surprised, Will. Westeros learned long ago that the Quiet Wolf bites the hardest." A smile adorned the queen's face as she walked towards her husband,
Even though the woman wasn't his mother by blood, he loved her. He never met his blood mother. She died from the chill s not long after birthing him. Ashara had come and filled every void in the Stark household. She never treated him wrong or any different than the children that came from her own womb.
"Hello father, mother." Robb greeted as he made himself known. "Lord Dustin, Ser Arthur it is good seeing you as well."
"Robb, you've come to join us?" His father asked.
"I have, father."
The King in the North nodded before signaling for his greatsword. Robb shedded the fur cloak around his shoulders. He stood in the middle of the tiltyard as he drew his sword. The crown prince gave a few practice swings until his father stood in front of him. No words were spoken as they nodded to each other as a sign of respect and readiness.
The teaching of his mentor were in full effect. He eyed his father looking for a twitch of his muscles, a shift in weight, anything to get a read on him. After a while of nothing happening he saw an opening. Taking a step forward he slid to the left swinging downward from the right. The blade would have cut across his father's chest if not for his blade being in the way.
Robb was strong but not stronger than his father. Eddard, who regularly sparred with the Greatjon and Lord Dustin, both men who were massive in their own right, easily pushed his son's attack away.
"Do not fall for everything opening you see, son. It could be your end. Be patient."
Robb was on the defensive now. He back pedaled, parrying his father's attacks. He could feel his hands numbing as the greatsword continued clashing with his blade. Quickly thinking he parried and moved away from his father's ferocious attacks.
"Quiet Wolf be damned."
Taking advantage of the distance Robb used his superior speed to his advantage. The King in the North was hard pressed to block Robb's overhead slash. Robb continued his attack. Again he saw an opening. Shooting forward, he attacked his father's left side. Instantly he knew he made a mistake as a his father used the full force of his planted left foot to burst forward and ram his shoulder into Robb. His vision instantly blurred as his father impacted against him. The next thing he knew his father was picking him up off the ground.
"You're too confident in your abilities. You're good for your age, aye. But listening to those who lived through a war would do you well. Do not ever underestimate your opponent. That is a quick route to death. Do you understand?"
Robb dared not bow his head as his father scolded him. He only nodded, taking in his father's words. His father was a decent swordsman but his true strength lied in his mind, his ability to think, to lead.
"Aye father, I understand."
His father nodded. Robb watched as the King and Queen walked away with a group of knights behind them. Robb continued his training. He sparred against a few willing Winter Wolves before going to train his form and technique in isolation. His training went as usual. With every swing of his weapon he could feel himself improve, miniscule, but improving nonetheless. He would strive until he could single handedly defend his family and kingdom. No man, no woman would dare threaten the peace of the North. He would be known through time as a great king, warrior and in time a great father. These thoughts were what empowered him to train so hard. It was nearing midday when he felt his body starting to heavily protest any kind of movement. He decided it was time to retire.
Robb yawned as he walked through the halls of Winterfell. He had slept longer than he would have liked. The sun had retreated high into the sky and the moon had began taking it's place. Yet it was still early enough for the halls of Winterfell to be alive. That was why Robb found it odd that he was alone.
"Get enough sleep?"
Robb jumped at the voice. He turned to see a smirking Owain. Childhood memories of similar situations entered his mind.
"Don't you ever make noise?" He asked in slight irritation.
"Only when I want to be noticed, brother."
"Where is everyone?"
Robb stiffened as Owain turned serious. It was times when his brother suddenly shifted from light to dark that worried Robb. It was like he was a totally different person.
"There's been an attack." The second born prince's tone was solemn, and stern, "Raiders came from the sea and attacked Seareach."
"We must go get help." Robb moved to leave but Owain stopped him.
"Father, Robert and Uncle Benjen already left with a regiment of Winter Wolves. You are the Stark in Winterfell."
Robb didn't know whether to feel immense pride or insulted. Being the Stark in Winterfell was a great honor but being left behind from a war party could be seen as an insult. Nonetheless he had a duty to do.
"What of Asha and the children?"
"Last word was they were headed here."
Robb nodded, he had things to handle now that he was the Stark in Winterfell. He smiled up at his brother, he wouldn't have to do it alone.
A few days had passed and word still had not come from Seareach. Robb had started to get anxious. It took a fortnight to get to Seareach from Winterfell. There was still much time before his father and uncle reached the besieged castle. He only hoped Asha and the kids were safe until then. Though he was sure his cousin Will would keep them safe, after all he was a better swordsman than Robb's uncle, so said his father.
The baseborn warrior had proven himself different than his Ryswell kin. Going against the wishes of his grandfather, his mother sent him to Winterfell when he was twelve. Being the honorable man that he is, Robb's father took him in and raised him as his uncle Brandon would have. His thoughts were interrupted by knocks at the door.
"Come in." He instructed.
In came the First Healer of the North, Maester Luwin. The elderly man had birth every Stark child, sans Will as he was born in secret. The old man walked over to Robb with heavy eyes.
"Ravens have arrived, my prince. I apologize but none are from his grace or Seareach."
"No need to apologize, Luwin." Robb said as he took the letters.
His heart stopped as he saw the sigil on both letters. The three headed dragon of House Targaryen sat proudly on the first one, while the second one was the merman of House Manderly. The first because there had not been direct communication between the two ruling houses of the North and South since the war had ended. The second because he knew what it contained. It was time, his time to marry had come.
"Fetch my mother, hurry."
He would deal with his marriage later, first came the letter from the south. Usually this would be for his father but he was the ruling Stark in Winterfell. He took the bronze dagger from his hip and sliced across the dragon, opening the letter.
Robb sighed as he finished reading. Hopefully times like this wouldn't come around often during his reign, if at all.
"Robb, my dear, is something wrong?" He heard the soft voice of his mother.
The crown prince looked up to see not only his mother but the twins. Robb couldn't help but smile at the view, it reminded him of his childhood. Owain and Alysanne never left the protection of their mother's skirt. He didn't see him but he knew that Ser Arthur was standing guard outside the door, he never left the side of his sister.
"Unfortunately, it seems like Rhaegar wants the kings of the realm to meet. On top of that, Lord Manderly believes it's time that I and Wynafryd marry."
"Well we cannot act without your father's word about the meeting of kings but your marriage on the other hand." Ashara smiled at her son.
"It's finally time Robb, you and Wynafryd are made for each other." Alysanne squealed.
"I can admit that I care for her, I love her in fact. It's not often a prince gets to marry the woman he loves.
"You sound lovestruck, brother." Owain chuckled.
"I am, O. Wynnie is an amazing woman. I'd have no other woman as my wife." Robb said quickly forgetting about the stressful situation with his Uncle's home under attack.
"I will find Ser Wylis and we will handle everything. Do not worry yourself, my dear."
The family moment was broken up by a guard barging into the room. He was forgiven for his intrusion as he announced that the king was back. Despite being confused at his father's presence Robb took off towards the entrance of Winterfell.
Upon his arrival outside he was greeted by his father, Lord Robert and less than half of a regiment of Winter Wolves. His father must have left the other three hundred with his uncle as he saw no signs of battle amongst the men or his father. Though his father did have that ice cold look he had when something was wrong.
"Father, I didn't expect you back so early." Robb heard his mother siblings arrive but he kept his eyes on his father.
"Some...unexpected developments forced a change in plans. Asha was taken." The somber tone his father used made his heart clench.
"No, how?" His mother ran to his father as he got down from his horse.
The king held his queen close, "She stayed true to her warrior ways, lead the defense on the walls. Men climbed the walls and took her. Now Ben is on a warpath."
"Poor bastards, whoever they might be. A wolf is on their tracks now." He heard Lord Robert say.
Robb shuddered, he pitied the poor beings that stood in the way of his uncle getting his wife back. He remembered the days his own father would carry his Uncle back to his rooms after he trained himself into exhaustion. To his fortune, his arduous training paid off. His skill with the blade came second to none and only rivaled by a few, namely Ser Arthur and Jonos Frost. His skills in tracking were some of the best also, Robb had no doubt he would find his wife.
"What of the children and cousin Will?" He heard Alysanne ask.
"And what of the attackers, do we know who they are?" Owain asked soon after in almost perfect sync.
"Will did his duty and protected the children. As for the ones who did this, I haven't a clue. The ships bore no sigil, nor their armor. All of this is strange, I'll know more when Ben finishes questioning the survivors."
"I've more news father." He could tell his father was tired but he needed to know of Rhaegar's daring request. He would let his mother tell him of the coming wedding.
"King Rhaegar has requested a meeting of kings."
The king sighed, "I will deal with this later. I am tired and I wish to clean myself and rest."
Robb nodded, he watched as his father and mother walked off. The Winterguard and Ser Arthur followed behind them.
"It's best we all retire. Tomorrow will not be easy. We will need our rest." Alysanne offered.
Robb nodded, Aly was right. Tomorrow held many challenges. It seemed the world was once again on the move. For better or worse, he did not know.
That's the end of that guys. The only thing that I have to say is I have an appendix for you guys. It'll be put up with this chapter. Until next time, LKnight out.