The space was small and the temperature was cold but Val would say at least the crows fed them. Leaning against the ice cells she tightened the thin blanket around her after finishing the last spoonful of once warmed up beans. A miserable cold sleep almost found her when the wooden door creaked open.
After a moon of questions and imprisonment she no longer rose for those at the door. Instead of the large black coat of a crow Val was treated to a new sight. He wore heavy steel with a black bear coat dyed in grey. The clasp that that held it near his collar bared a howling wolf that looked very familiar though.
The thing that caught the attention of the prisoner was instead of the paleness the North and beyond the Wall was known for this man bared a permanently tanned face with handsome features shared by some other crows. The grey eyes were the same as the one called Rodwell though.
"Val I assume you want out of this cell?" At this question by the boy with a smooth voice she could only nod shivering. "Come join me for a discussion." The boy….man spoke with a strength to him. This was not the first Torrhen she met who did not carry any aura to him. Rather this man spoke of leadership and confidence from his facial features alone.
She slowly rose to her feet and walked into the hallway. The thin slippers doing very little to keep her feet warm on the cold stone beneath her. The cell door closed behind her leaving the thin blanket behind, an instant fell onto her thin body as the cell door slammed shut. The blond hairs on her arm rose up as she shivered.
The young man seeing this took off his warm coat revealing a tight long sleeve black tunic wrapping the coat around her shoulders. The black bear provided instant relief and the leather lining felt of something that could keep her warm far beyond the wall.
"Are you the one called Torrhen?" She asked as they walked down the hallway passing a few black brothers who stared at her with lust.
"That is my cousin, my name is Ser Arthur Stark, the son of former Lord of Winterfell, Eddard Stark and Lady Ashara." Val stopped right in her tracks at this and refused to move even when budged.
"I demanded to speak with the one called Torrhen. I seek an audience with the Savage Wolf not a puppy." She mocked him tired of talking with people who claimed they were as important or friends with Torrhen just to get information. Rather than receiving a backhand or his face contorting into anger like many of the crows that questioned her this one remained calm and spoke with a quiet voice of authority.
"Please follow me or I will stript you of that warm coat and the rest of your clothes and put you back in your cell. I will even take that warm blanket you cherish so much right now." Arthur warned and did not even wait for her. He kept walking towards the exit while she looked back down the hall just thinking about sitting in the cold cell in the nude. She quickly ran after him.
He did not speak while they weaved through the cells and she would peek at times in them. She now saw Morna with her mask that had been taken away and a much warmer blanket. Arthur noticed her lack of movement staring at Morna scarfing down a small deer thigh just cooked.
"We came with blankets for your people that surrendered and the ones we brought from the Forbidden Forest. This one said the gods gave her the mask and I would be a fool to ignore the gods in this regard. Now come along Val."
They now made it to an office that acted as a choke point for the cell corridors. She passed a mirror and noticed her once beautiful hair was frazzled and all over the place.
"Ah Ser Arthur, I see you are taking this one out for a walk. Do you claim responsibility of her and any actions she takes?" A black brother who was sitting behind a desk asked. The man who had the delicate features of dorne who once was a captain in the Yronwood forces was now sorting out some of the prisoners papers.
"Aye and tell Lord Commander Joer Mormont that I require an audience in a couple hours." Arthur commanded and the young man in the black coat looked down at an appointment book as Arthur scratched his and Val's name into the prisoner log.
"Actually Ser Arthur, Lord Commander has a standing appointment with Commander Alliser Thorne. I will write you in…." The man started off but soon had his book flung across the room and Arthur stared into the man's eyes.
"You will write me in because never forget it is House Stark that feeds, funds, and gave this fucking wall manning. If little Torrhen Mormont wants to practice fighting with his great uncle you will write him in because he is off Stark blood. Am I clear?" He growled causing the woman to be impressed and the man to be terrified. He only muttered a yes and went to pick up the book to comply with the order.
They heard a laughing coming from the open doorway and Val saw the same long face but an older man. He wore the coat she recognized as a ranger for the crows.
"There is no need to terrify my brother nephew and remember we on the wall still do not take sides or play favorites. Us at the Wall appreciate the help by Torrhen provides but we serve the realm nephew not Winterfell. Now I was just hoping to have a word with this young lady before me and my rangers head off." Benjen asked and with a nod all three exited the building. Val could only look towards the brother with a small smile on her face admitting he had very handsome features, even for a kneeler.
Walking across the wooden balcony she saw two massive direwolves play fighting. They walked down the steps coming to a beautiful woman of 17 or so with long black hair and a long face. She wore the Stark sigil as well. The woman had a true northern beauty that any warrior lusted over.
"Ah cousin it seems your soon to be bride has some competition. I am Princ…. Lady Lyarra Stark and my brother is the one you seek audience with. I assure you we both have the authority to do what needs to be done."
When Lyarra finished she merely tapped her leg and the large direwolf bounded up to her. It took all the resolve inside of Val not to run into the nearby building have been stalked by many direwolf packs beyond the wall, her younger brother many years prior even fell to a pack with her parents leaving Val and Munda to mourn their lost kin.
"Lola, go take Dawn hunting with you. You both need to eat." She ordered and Dawn looked at his master receiving a nod. Both horse sized wolves bounded away from the castle scarring many of the black brothers.
"So it is true, House Stark has direwolf companions. Do any of you warg into them?" Val asked astonished.
"We will get to that later but first you will answer my Uncle Benjen's questions or I will place you back in your cell nude." Arthur warned her. She wanted to resist but knew it would come out anyways.
"My good brother as the Thenns refer to them is gathering a force to march on the wall to seek safety. Scouts keep going missing and even the creatures of the forest seem sparse. Some say it is the "others" but even more are not sure." She relayed as they walked to a fire pit with some crows. In the distance you could see the direwolf of Stark practicing with the crows of the Wall.
"He has the western tribes, eastern tribes, the Thenns, the cannibals, and even the giants. Mance declared himself King-Beyond-the-Wall and through some battles all agreed to it."
"Why did you flee? You were united and strong as one unit yet you chose to get captured along with 2,000 wildling brothers and sisters." Lyarra pondered seeing one of the wilding children running through the bailey of Castle Black. Close behind her Jory was making a bear noise chasing her causing a smile to cross her face.
"We fled because we heard of the exploits of Tormund and how well he was treated by the one called Torrhen. We are told Tormund even became the right hand during a recent war in the south. We do not seek to fight your wars but we require your protection. Mance wants us to take Castle Black but with your defenses and now new numbers we would be slaughtered."
Benjen sat back and listened to the conversation piecing the story together. The harsh wind danced across the court and as Val looked around pulling the coat closer spying many of her wildling brothers and sisters being processed by those bearing the direwolf.
"Where were your people located when you fled? And do you know where you were headed?" Benjen now asked mentally pulling up a map of beyond the Wall.
"Well they were at the Fist of the first men and we again lost a whole team of scouts that went north. From what I hear they were headed to Hardhome on the eastern border. They are willing to risk slavers for a spot to remain secure until they can plan their attack."
Lyarra could only pale knowing that is where their secret ships were being built.
"Arthur we must send ships to Hardhome right away. We have too many plans in those buildings and with that many wildlings headed over there we cannot risk it or defend it properly." She urged and he nodded waving for heir Wylis Manderly over. The fat heir from White Harbor who had come to discuss naval strategies with Crow Captain Corlys Velayron walked the courtyard dodging a group of wilding children.
"Wylis I need you to use that fleet of yours to get some Ice Warriors to Hardhome and release any ships already created and burn the rest not yet done. Do not forget the plans though, we cannot let them fall into enemy hands." Arthur ordered and Lyarra confirmed the order with a nod.
"Aye I will raven my father right away. I believe we still have some 2,000 Ice Warriors in White Harbor so we will dispatch them with House Manderly men. Also King Torrhen's grandfather is getting things settled in Skaagos so we could use his men as well. House Ryswell certainly has fierce fighters." Wylis reported and walked to the new maester who replaced Aemon due to his health to send the raven east.
"Arty, isn't this our chance to defeat the wildlings in battle and integrate them? I know House Umber has always been against it but if there is something out there then we must created a larger army to combat it. Val, would your good brother take the knee to my brother?" Lyarra inquired and Val could only laugh.
"Mance Rayder is a runaway crow, if he is captured then your brother will have to put him down. The only way he could get the wildlings would be to marry someone close to him in the hierarchy and force his rule upon them." She said laughing but stopped when Lyarra and Arthur looked at her with a large smile.
"Lets just say that someone happened to be the good sister of Mance? Lyarra I think Torrhen could do with one more wife. She certainly is pretty enough for him." He teased her pushing the blond hair out of her eyes. She could only shiver knowing they were not giving her a choice.
"If I refuse?"
"If you refuse then we will do it hard way and use our superior force to make them submit. My way ensures they submit sooner causing less casualties while your way ensure most likely spearwives and children will get caught in the middle and fall. You have thousands of innocents on this decision, choose wisely."
Lyarra now picked up where Arthur left off.
"Also if you accept those 2,000 wildlings you brought with you will be given a settlement just north of the Long Lake on the King's Road immediately. Of course there will be a Stark appointed overlord and you will learn our customs but I assure you it is much better than the alternative."
"Uncle did you need any more information?" She asked and Benjen shook his head. Then the two cousin had a sad goodbye with their uncle who departed to say goodbye to his son as well who made the trip north.
"Tell me Val have you been fucked yet?" Lyarra now inquired as the three walked to lift. Val hated to blush but she tried to hide it on her pale face.
"I do not see how…"
"I find it an interesting topic. Just like Arty here." She said pointing to her cousin who simply raised his eyebrow at Lyarra.
"Why would I find that interesting? I have a future bride that is wanting to fuck me in every storage closet in Winterfell. I swear Randyll almost walked in on us like three times already. Why do you care anyways? You have your lover running right over there." Arty said pointing at Jory who was now being chased by the little girl who was making a wolf noise.
"Wait your lover is a female? Your nobles do not look down on you because of that?" Val asked amazed hearing the stories of their runners that ran back and forth through the wall.
Lyarra did not answer, she simply waved Jory over and greeted her with a kiss.
"Jory I would like to introduce you to Val, Val this is my lover Jory. The only man I would ever let enter me perished in Dorne." She now said sadly missing Smalljon who she was going to approach about courting upon his return from Dorne. Arty pulled her into a hug missing the man as well.
"He died a hero Lyarra, you know that. Without his intervention Rhae would have been killed probably."
"Aye I know that but fuck being a hero. I would rather have a coward husband than a man I never got to approach."
Arty laughed and looked into her eyes.
"That is a fucking lie and you know it. Rodwell died a hero saving Tyene and little Rodwell and you know Rodwell and Torrhen rather die heroes than cowards. Same with me and you. The Stark blood makes us too damn noble."
Lyarra could only nod in agreement as Jory gave her hug never feeling jealous of Smalljon's place in her lover's heart. Val now felt awkward and started to creep away until Lyarra pulled away from the hug and grabbed her arm lightly.
"Do not think I forgot about the question I asked you."
Val could only sigh knowing there was no chance to escape the question.
"Many have tried but I would not let them. Mance tried to arrange marriages for me but I would flat out refuse. I ran away when he arranged for me to marry a Thenn. Looks as if the wolf will be the one that takes me though. Do you think I could...bath or something?" She asked and the group just noticed that underneath the dirt on her face and the wild blond hair was a pretty woman.
"Jory show her the washroom and prepare her bags for travel. We drink tonight in honor of Uncle Benjen's mission and head back to Winterfell in the morrow dropping off the wildlings."
With that order Jory led Val to the next tower to the west via cart; the Queensgate. Greeting them in the bailey was a man of silver hair and deep purple eyes. The man in his late thirties approached her with an easy smile passing by some men bearing the direwolf of Stark. They carried the large direwolf helms and were passing stories back and forth.
"Ah Jory there you are, I was hoping to talk to you about trade opportunities between my castle and Bear Island. We are growing too much grain but lack vegetables such as beans and corn." The man said approaching her. On his hip was a hilt that beared three dragons and was made of fine materials.
"Val may introduce you Duncan Flowers, the bastard of the Mad King who got caught stealing the family jewels. How he was burnt alive I have no idea. Also Lyra is visiting our uncle Joer with her two children so you can go discuss it with her. We have some surplus from what I hear so it should be no problem though."
Duncan never losing his charm all these years at the wall approached Val and kissed her hand.
"Nothing produced north of Wall will ever match your beauty dear. And I assure you my father wanted to light me on fire but funny enough it was Rhaegar that saved me and sent me to the Wall. I was trying to get coin for fare to Volantis to join the Bloody Skulls and I end up here. Life is funny."
They were passed by a large teen who already had a large beard holding protectively the small of the back of a beautiful teen with red hair. He bared the giant breaking chains and sent a nod at Jory before walking to the galley.
"That is the younger brother of Smalljon, Ajax Umber with his new bride Desmera Redwyne. All it took was one battle and he barely lets her leave his sight. When he is not with her there are three men of Umber around her at all times." Jory informed Val and the three started walking towards the bathhouse.
"Duncan, could you please have your men ready the bath for Val? She is to be presented to Kin… Lord Stark when he arrives in Winterfell." Duncan only laughed at her slip of the tongue and walked away to get it ready.
It was thirty minutes later and Val sat in the hot water feeling the dirt from the past moon fall off her body and her hair free of the dirt was starting to shine once again. Taking a small dagger left to her by Jory with precision started shaving her arms, pits, legs, and bush. Finally feeling clean and relaxed Val realized she would be remembered as the free folk that helped force the wildings to become kneelers.
(Scene Change)
The waves were crashing hard on the rock and the former Lord of the Stormlands stood on the balcony of his former solar. With sadness he looked out and saw the spot where his father and mother's ship crashed killing all but one jester. The mood of Storm's End had been down recently and his foster brother would not speak one word to him.
News had just come back that Myrcella was now a prisoner along Tyrion and Cersei releasing her anger out on him left a few bruises on his arm. After finally crying herself to sleep Robert left the room and wondered how different his life would have been if he never fell in love with the rose of the north.
Replaying the death of Rhaegar in his head usually cleared such regrets of her death but today he realized how much he needed her. The moon in Winterfell with Lyanna had been better than the years he spent with Cersei or the damn crown on his head.
His thoughts were shook when he heard two sets of footsteps approaching from behind him. Approaching was his two brothers who looked at their brother with concern seeing tears coming from his face.
"Brother do not worry. We will get you daughter back and the wolves will pay for their insolence." Renly assured him pouring his brother some wine. His wife had put down little Mace Baratheon down for a nap and he just came back from sharing the bed with a stable boy of 18. Thanks to the high collars he wore there were no signs of it.
"While I miss Myrcella dearly it is a wolf that I am crying about brother. I care for Cersei but why did Ned have to take Lyanna back to Winterfell in that dark damp crypt? She belonged in King's Landing with the grandest statue the city had ever seen."
"Robert you know the Starks have their traditions just like us Baratheons have. Now speaking of Baratheons and Starks we must go to your godswood to celebrate my daughter's marriage." Stannis reminded him. Nodding all three brothers left the solar and started walking through their ancestral home.
"Why did Shireen want to be married before the old gods? You and Selyse raised her amongst the seven." Renly wondered now wanting to burn down the godswood in his home. He attempted to but some of his captains believed in the old gods and losing their support would cripple the Stormlands navy.
"We tried but apparently she felt something at the godswood in King's Landing that she never felt during the sermons from the septas. Selyse tried to force her to marry before the seven but Shireen has become much more stubborn as of late and refused."
"Stannis the problem is she is too much like our father. Once he found his footing in something he was the most stubborn man I knew short of Ned." Robert laughed and Stannis could only nod in agreement.
They made it out to the godswood at Storm's End and saw a lot more lords there then they expected.
The black nightingales of House Caron waved proudly as Lord Byrce Caron of Nightsong stood proud in his armor next to Shireen who wore a beautiful green dress and had her hair tied back. Lady Shyra Errol of Haystack Hall stood beside Bryce with her men waving the sigil of Errol. The next lord surprised them the least though as the sigil of the three grains of wheat waved proudly. Lord Arstan Selmy of Harvest Hall stood proudly with the sword wielded by Ser Barristan The Bold in his sheathe.
The former squire of Prince Rhaegar; Ser Richard Lonmouth stood tall and proud still holding the sword in his sheathe gifted to him by the fallen prince just before he marched towards the Trident.
Farther down you had Lord Casper Wylde of the Rain House along with his wife who had a flat cruel look on her face. Lord Eldon Estermont though along with his son and heir to Greenstone Aemon Estermont stood with a smile looking at his great niece who had a large smile on her face.
Ser Davos sat there with all his sons and wife stood at the laughing amongst themselves.
On Bran's side you had Eddard who had not looked towards his former foster brother once along with the Kern Warriors. Lyanna Glover looked over at the king and his brothers with disgust spitting in the ground at the sight of them. Selyse for her part walked up with Cersei and Maergery. The three babes were down for a rest but Joffrey and Tommen walked beside their mother.
Since the birth of his children Steffan and Cassana, Robert had taken his duties seriously coming up with strategies with his war council for the coming conflicts.
"Well let's get this started." Robert boomed as they all took their place. Robert stood between his two sons placing a hand on each of their shoulders. Joffrey with the encouragement of his father had started to take training seriously with his Uncle Jaime and now developed a decent attack form.
A woman in rags stepped before the betrothed couple and started speaking in the old tongue. Only Bran, Eddard, Lyanna, Jorah, and Beren Tallhart could understand her though.
"Please gods of old watch over this couple and bless their union before the godswood. May the ancient and true gods of old watch over you." She recited making up the vows since there were few written prayer that had to be said. Mainly it was all determined by the one tending the tree.
All those that spoke the language including Bran now spoke the one prayer known to all worshippers of the old gods.
"Steady our hand in a fight, steady our heart in love, and steady our justice in the truth." With that Bran leaned in and kissed her lips for the first time and she melted into him. When they released their first kiss they all heard clapping from the crowd short of Selyse and House Penrose. Shireen looked over at the face on the tree and it almost felt as if the gods were looking at her with approval.
Robert walked up to Eddard who was congratulating his son and new daughter and tried to speak with him. Instead of hearing one word Eddard walked away from him walking towards the one course meal her mother had the cooks prepare. Lady Seylse stated she would not waste the food on a false marriage before false gods. Ser Gregor Forrester kept pace with Eddard acting as his personal captain of the guard.
Bran gave him the same treatment but Shireen gave her uncle a quick hug and kiss on the cheek before chasing after her husband.
"Father can you believe the disrespect the wolf has shown us? We ought to make an example out of them." Joffrey sneered as he came up with his mother and brother.
"Do you forget nephew that the wolf holds onto your sister? She will be in Dorne with Mors by moons end where they hate us even more than the North. The child of the person that slayed Princess Elia is now a prisoner of theirs." Stannis reminded Joffrey who grumbled something before walking away.
"Stannis you know the one who slayed Elia was killed by Eddard, it was not Robert. Should we not at least attempt to intercept the boat?" Cersei asked now to the Master of Ships.
"Dorne views your father along with any stag just as guilty as the Mountain. And on rescuing your daughter, if you were to fail there is a high chance she would not even make it to Dorne. Her body would wash up on the shore. What we must do is get prisoners to exchange for your daughter of equal value."
Robert listened to his brother's advice and put it in his memory. They walked into the hall where Ser Garlan Tyrell was dancing with his sister Maergery and Bran was dancing with his new bride. Shireen moved with unconfident steps having lived in a tower until recently but Bran having grown up in the rowdy North held her confidently guiding her elegantly around the floor. She personally thanked the gods Shana had taught her at least the steps a few nights prior.
After a few speeches and a toast they had their meal and Bran and Shireen went off to their room. With the door closing behind them both teens blushed and looked away from each other with Shireen walking to the window. She looked down at the town her father had stolen from him as Bran walked behind her and hugged her from behind.
"Would I be a bad person if I said I wanted my birthright?" She asked pulling him closer. She jumped slightly feeling his growing member along her backside.
"Would I be a bad person if I had a plan to get you your birthright?" He asked now placing a kiss along her bare neck causing her to shiver.
"A plan? You mean for me and you to rule the Stormlands under the rule of Torrhen?"
She now started to feel his hands drift up her body to her breast causing lust to fill her whole body.
"That is the plan my beautiful wife. We will take back what was rightfully taken from your father and the people will follow you. Selmy and Errol already support you, we could possibly get more as well. Ser Arthur of House Lonmouth would happily kneel before Rhae as well since she is the kin of Rhaegar. We will start with those since they are the most easily swayed." She now listening to husband tried to hold her moan in but the failed.
"Why ...not approach House Florent or Estermont Bran? They are kin to me."
Her breathing started to speed up knowing what would happen next.
"House Estermont is too loyal to Robert who supports Renly as Lord of the Stormlands, House Wylde has been making coins hand over fist with trade deals by Renly, and House Seaworth is much to loyal to your father who is much to loyal to your uncle. Lord Caron has already pledged himself as part of Renly's guard so he is out. Those other three houses can be manipulated for our needs dear wife. And With House Florent, they could be turned but we must approach your grandfather, if he was to reveal our plan he would have to be eliminated. But he would probably support his niece rising up taking the title Lady of the Stormlands. We will just leave out the part of part of you becoming lady passing up your mother."
She let out a pout feeling his hands leave her bust but grew nervous feeling him untie her dress from behind. The dress fell to the ground leaving her in only her small clothes.
"What of my father and uncles?" Shireen now asked turning around and kissing her husband's lips taking off his tunic.
"Renly will be sent to the wall, Robert will be killed, and most likely your father will follow Renly to become a black brother. And do not argue about Robert's fate, discuss that with Rhae. Well? Do you want to rot away under the rule of your parents and uncles or rise up and take your birthright?"
Bran now was taking off her under top and she could only close her eyes in humiliation as he stared at her bare breast with greyscale across it. Instead of hearing him walking away she felt lust once again fill her as he started to kiss her breast and nipple.
"Yes Bran I want my birthright. I want to be lady of the Stormlands like my grandmother before me. Give me this and I will give you anything you desire." She now begged wanting both his cock and leadership in this uprising.
With a wolf like smile Bran threw his bride onto the bed and took her the whole night. That night the couple still nude curled up together finding the love they both had searched for.
It was the morning waves that woke Shireen from her peaceful sleep and she saw Shana her Lady in Wait preparing a tub for the new husband and wife.
"Shana, I need Ser Arthur Lonmouth, Lord Arstan Semly and Lady Shyra Errol in my room in about an hour. Make sure they are not seen." Shireen ordered and Shana with a curtsy left the room to fulfill her task.
Feeling the hardening member of her husband behind her Shireen grinded her hips to wake up the wolf.
"Bran we must bathe, we have company in the hour." She told him and dragged the tired wolf out of bed and into the bath. While bathing they once again made love and Shireen became addicted to the feeling of her husband inside her.
They were finally dressed with Bran dawning a light set of armor bearing the direwolf and Shireen with a simple red dress.
They were drinking their morning juice as the three she requested came through the door. Around the table were three empty chairs so the two lords and one lady took the empty seats.
"Lady Shireen, you have a glow about you right now. I would ask what it was but I remember my wedding night as well." Shyra said winking at her causing Shireen to blush slightly.
"I will not be discussing my marriage night but rather the opportunity we have before us."
This intrigued all three greatly as Richard poured them some juice and placed a hardboiled egg on his plate. She did not say anything but rather started cutting her own egg. She let them stew in silence for a few minutes.
"Well Lady Shireen? You cannot start off and not tell us." Shyra said with impatience knowing the trick Shireen did and hating herself for falling for it.
"You all are barely represented in the Stormland court even though you are all great knights and an accomplished lady, right?" She asked and Artsan who had been shunned in court since his cousin pledged service to the wolf gritted his teeth. He was proud of his cousin but hated that Ser Penrose was raised to the right hand in the Stormlands.
"Did you know they had a huge ball here in honor of the birth of Mace Baratheon and House Selmy did not even receive an invite? We are the backbone of the Stormlands army but we are snubbed in public." Arstan says now spitting on the floor.
"Well at least you are not the center of gossip since I refused Ser Steffan Estermont for marriage. The ladies in court look down on me because I do not whore myself at the will of Renly, I am sick of it." Shrya chimed in and knew the gossip slandering her started with Renly since it was him that set up the betrothal.
Richard could only sit back and chuckle watching the anger build in the two other Stormlanders.
"You want us to be your pawns in securing your spot as Lady of the Stormlands. I was about to write to Queen Rhaenys and pledge myself to her regardless since I served her father but I require something from you if I help you capture the Stormlands."
Shrya look upset at the prospect of her anger towards the current Lord and Lady Baratheon being used against her but Artison simply shrugged expecting to be approached anyways. Richard smiled when Shireen who was holding Bran's hand nodded.
"Through years of service to the dragon Aerys gave my father a small plot of land in southern Stormlands not far from Wyl. During the war House Baratheon under the command of Robert put my lands under the sword, his men went too far killing my mother, father, brothers, and two cousins. All that is left of House Lonmouth is me and my four children; Rhaegar, Rhaenys, Elia, and Lyla and I thank the gods daily that Lord Tarth was dear friends with my father and took my family in during our time of need. I want my family's lands back and a road built from our keep to Wyl to promote trade. Give me this and I will give you my sword, armor, and my last breath to ensure my old friend's kin once again rules Westeros."
Through her years of study Shireen pulled up the map of the Stormlands and Dorne in her head and estimated the cost would not be too high and nodded towards Bran for him to speak for her.
"We agree but we will only introduce you to Lord Wyl, it will be on you to make the terms. If you get greedy and demand too much we are not to blame for the failed deal. Agreed?" Bran asked holding out his arm. Richard extended his arm and shook it.
"Now Shrya tell me what you really want? I learned enough from Torr to know that revenge is not enough. Torrhen went to the Stepstones for revenge and took them for himself. What is it you want?"
Shyra impressed by the young knight pondered the question.
"I am tired of Ser Cortnay controlling the Parchments. It is much to profitable of a peninsula for that little shit to control. Give that to my brother Sebastian and you have House Errol." She said looking at the map already laid out before them. She pointed to a peninsula north of Storm's End that had garnered great profits. Shireen now shook the hand of Shrya and all eyes turned to Arstan.
"Nothing, I require nothing for my service." He said shrugging leaving the table in shock. Arstan addressed the shock.
"My cousin wrote to me often saying how great of rulers Torrhen and Rhaenys were and I am tired having to pay extra grain taxes because Robert is an incompetent cunt who cannot keep the fields in the Reach from burning. The people need to be fed but Robert is not getting the job done. All I require is the ability to kneel before King Torrhen Stark and pledge to him my service personally."
With a smile Bran shook his hand.
"Lord Selmy, you keep your allegiance secret and the same for you Lady Shyra. Do not all the sudden openly trust them but do not show any difference to them either. For all they know you came here to Storm's End for the union to honor the late and sadly departed lord and lady Steffan Baratheon. Ser Richard we will need your men to keep Shireen and if we have any children safe in Dragonstone." Bran informed them and they nodded with Richard listening in close now.
"I do not trust her mother to keep any child we have safe so your men will act as Shie's personal guards. I only came with 25 warriors so your men will be needed. If they accuse you of siding with the wolf just say it is to keep the useless king's niece safe. Selyse would not dare go against Robert and Shie will use Robert's love against him to agree, a guilt trip can go a far way. Now the castle is probably waking up so you two need to leave and be ready to move if we need you." Bran now said to the lord and lady who nodded leaving them alone with Richard.
It was two days later after an emotional goodbye between Bran and Eddard that they left on separate ships. Shireen surrounded by House Lonmouth who before Robert pledged her house solely to protect Shireen stared at her birthright sailing away from her. Selyse tried to dismiss House Lonmouth but Robert overruled her hoping to get in Shireen's good graces once again after a well planned guilt trip. Robert even disregarding the advice even of his brothers in regards to the relationship between Richard and Rhaegar.
Bran passed Ser Richard walking up to his wife wrapping his arms around her waist with two glasses of wine in his hand. She smile taking the wine and feeling his arms around her. She raised her glass to the disappearing castle and quietly toasted "To King Torrhen".
Bran with a smile on his face repeated the toast and drank his wine and kissed his wife. Storm's End would be theirs.
(Scene Change)
The sun was rising off the water as the ferry mistress Jaide was steering her ship into the docks. Mya walked behind Jaide groaning in pain as she held her forehead.
"I see you and Alayna had some wine last night. Tell me you didn't drink that whole bottle? That is twice as potent compared to the normal apple wine." Jaide laughed after receiving a glare from Mya.
"Oh King Torrhen has a slave merchant that needs to be killed. Apparently he is attempting to sell a boat load of slaves he took from the Stormlands in Lys and is using the docks as a transition point. Supposedly one of the men captured is Lord Samuel Whitehead of the Weeping Town. His young son Addam was captured as well so they are the priorities to be rescued."
Mya listened to the kill order storing the details in her head.
"The ship is right in front of us actually and all crew are expendable. I gave a man a bribe to figure out the numbers and he said there are 20 crew members including him so you have 19 to kill."
Mya now laughed at this looking at the slave ship that was well disguised as a cargo ship to avoid breaking the anti slavery pact with Braavos.
"Tell me how you killed him? Please tell me it was creative." She asked Jaide who nodded as the rope was thrown to the docks.
"I had him abducted from his own ship and dragged on our ship while you were getting drunk last night after I actually paid for this nice docking spot. The original one was such shit and would have taken us forever to make it King Torrhen."
"Please can you get to the kill part, as much as your story about docking spots is interesting I wanna hear the kill." Mya grumbled.
"Fine ,fine. Well when I say I bribed him I mean I bribed him with his life. Took him in a row boat into shark infested waters and cut off his hand. It is amazing how many sharks gather when you throw in a bloody hand. Cut off his toes one by one with each lie and placed his now bloody legs into the water pulling them out when the sharks neared. He was quick to tell me what I wanted to know when I pulled him back in the boat but I swear he said he wanted to swim back for some reason." She shrugged causing Mya to burst out laughing and very jealous this was the second shark death she was not apart of.
Mya after a quick talk disappeared down stairs to change into her killing clothes. Diving into the water with two Shadows they entered the open rowing port holes. This shipped used the capture slaves to row so with them all chained up down below the room was clear except for three guards watching over over 5 slaves cleaning up piss on the floor.
Sneaking behind the guards Mya got a double kill at once with dual blades to the backs while the thirds throat was slit. Hushing the slaves they ordered them to hide stashing the bodies away. Two more guards with morning tea walked through the doorway a few minutes to see three slaves terrified with no guards in the area. There was a blood spot but as they were unsheathing their swords two daggers from above entered the top of their heads. Dropping from the support beam the three assassins proceeded deeper into the ship.
Walking into the lower levels they came into the galley where 6 were eating their morning meals. Taking the bows from their back they shot the first three with deadly precision and before the other three could react another arrow was notched and planted in their heart. The bodies being placed in empty barrels she saw the path now split. The stairs that went up led directly to the rooms and the captains solar while another set of stair went down towards the holding where the slaves would be chained. Using signals she sent the two youth assasins up the stairs while she carefully crept down the stairs remaining in the shadows.
Nearing the bottom the Shadow saw candles lighting up a large room so with practice stealth she snuck behind a barrel of mead. Near her were two guards walking around the slaves and on the far end talking transportation cost was the slave driver and the money man for Magister Yono. The man had used the pentosi docks for years working with slavers to get those born free on their way towards Lys to be sold. The scrawny man now argued with the larger one with whip in hand over the price of transportation and his fees.
All across the bottom of the ship floor were the freshly captured citizens of Westeros, many of which looked to have been beaten already. Her heart broke seeing a little girl no older than three not able to wipe the tears from her eyes due to the chains and a whip mark across her bare back. She then struck.
Killing the isolated guard with her dagger after weaving around a child of ten she threw the bloody dagger into the side of the head of the second guard dropping him. The thin man looked up in horror to see the guard drop but as he picked up his blade from the table Mya drew her bow back planting an arrow into his forehead.
She was about smile when she felt the crack of a whip on her back. Mya rolled to the ground in pain but was quickly back to her feet having gone through much worse in her trials.
"I do not know who you are but you will pay for that!" He boomed and swinging his whip randomly and violently. Most of the strikes hit innocent slaves trying to move out of the way. The bars on the floor would only allow them to move so much though.
She attempted to move close but only to be rebuffed with the now perfect accuracy of the slave driver. Her opening came though when with a downward move of his whip it was grabbed onto by a 18 year old man as it was being raised in the air once again. It was the opening she need as she sent a dagger hidden in her sleeves into the forehead of the driver. The large man fell over dead and Mya was now exhausted.
Walking over to a lordly elderly man still in his court tunics she unlocked him first along with his son.
"Lord Samuel Whitehead of the Stormlands I presume?" She inquired picking the lock to his shackles. Samuel had a terrified look on his face as she Mya noticed deep cuts on the man's face and what looked to be a broken orbital bone.
"Yes I am, we were having a small festival at the beach when these slavers pulled up and captured all of us. That over there is Lady Edwyna Tarth, the sister to "The Eveningstar" Lord Sewlyn Tarth." He now pointed at a women in her early 50's that looked to have been raped and beaten. She was nude with her privates red and a black eyes so bad it looked painful to keep open.
"They said she was struggling during her rape so they beat her. Please you must get us back to the Stormlands. I will pay anything you ask." He begged and she helped him up and unlocked his son Adam as well. The boy of ten was handed the keys and started to unlock the 120 people from his party.
They walked over to the bruised woman. She recoiled violently upon seeing Mya approach but was calmed by Samuel's hand on her shoulder. Mya unlocked her and helped her to her feet.
"I am sorry, I did not mean to struggle. I should have stayed still during...during...it." She said now weeping. The effects of being raped the whole journey to Pentos showed it's damaged. Mya hugged the woman and shushed her.
"You are a strong woman who had something horrible happen to her. We will get you home to your brother where you will be safe once again. Now King Torrhen will want to keep his involvement hidden in your rescue…" She started but was interrupted by Samuel.
"You mean you work for the Savage Wolf? Why would he help us?"
"He was helping Pentos with their dothraki problem and heard of your predicament. He cannot save everyone but he will not allow citizens of Westeros to suffer in the bondage of slavery. Now can you find her some clothes and get everyone ready to move out? Keep my king's involvement out of this completely. Tell Lord Baratheon and anyone who ask that a warrior slave rebelled against the slave drivers on the way to Pentos and even though he died you all overtook the ship and sailed back." Samuel nodded hearing this and started giving out orders to his people and a few of the other slaves that were already on the ship. In total there were 300 slaves that were freed.
Making her way up to the deck she followed the trail of bodies and walked into the solar where the slave ship captain was missing his head. Next to him was Magister Yono himself being bled out slowly while he was gagged, on the table were fingernails that were ripped out and teeth that were pried out. The rag in his mouth was a bloody mess. On a sheet he was writing all the names of every contact he ever made, ships to look out for, and other drop off locations.
"Is this all the information Yono? If you are lying to us I will find out anyways freeing those you enslaved but giving your wife and daughters over to Lys so they can pay for your crimes." Mya warned writing down the names of his wife and children on a separate sheet handing it to another shadow. Frantic and getting light headed the magister bobbed his head up and down not wanting his daughter to be trained as a whore in Lys.
She looked down at the sheet and saw that next to three ship names were written Pentos Docks.
"Are these ships docked here now?" He nodded. "Are they full of slaves?" He nodded again. "Anymore ships docked with slaves?" Now he shook his head and the shadow checking his pulse nodded telling the Magister was telling the truth.
"Anything more you would like to add?" He shook his head fearful hoping to survive the day. The shadow shook his head.
"I need you to get his wife and send her to Ghaston Grey on charges of slavery against Westorosi citizens. Also send a missive to Braavos with this information. There are 9 magisters on the list that are breaking the treaty and they need to know this." The man hearing his wife would be sent to prison tried to get up but his legs would not allow it. The man disappeard through the door to prepare the shadows to move.
"I will ask you again, do you have anything else to add to the paper that we should know? The next time you lie your sons will be tied with chains attached to rocks and thrown into the water. The time after that your daughter will be on the next ship out to Lys. She is only ten, she has a lot to learn about when becoming a whore."
The man now grabbed the feather and dipped it into the ink. Quickly he wrote down three more magisters names, eight more locations, and five more ships docked at a nearby port full of slaves.
She asked once more if that was all and the shadow confirmed he was telling the truth. Taking the dagger out of her boot she drove it into his heart causing him to scream into the rag. Blood now stained his expensive tunic.
"We need to move this ship out of dock before the magisters men come looking for him. Go hire a crew and captain and sail this ship to the Stormlands. Take them to Tarth but only tell Lord Sewyln Tarth that it was under Torrhen's orders they were saved. He needs to act like he does not owe a debt to Torrhen. If he plans to tell the stag king then kill him and make him disappear. Also arrange a crew to steal all these ships killing all crew taking the slaves to Dorne." She ordered and the man obeyed leaving immediately.
It was not even an hour later that after bathing on the Dark Ferry that her and Alayna were walking off the gangplank to see the slave ship starting to sail off.
Alayna tried to ask about her mission but got the silent treatment like usual. They saw Lord Anders Celtigar standing with Stark guards near the Pandora. They were currently welcoming the dothraki captains that would be headed back to Westeros with their conquer.
"He has over 30,000 dothraki Mya, how is he going to get that many back home and where to keep them?" Alayna asked as she passed by a whole family of dothraki. The father was tall and wore his face paint proudly. Beside him his wife wore a traditional dothraki dress with a dagger in her belt, the bone handle had a beautiful design of a horse etched into it. The three young children tried to walk tall like their father but only achieved being adorable.
"He may have 30,000 plus dothraki but only 16,000 or so are warriors. The rest are young children, women, or farmers. He will take the ones that need to get to Westeros right away including most of the captain and leaders, some 3,000. The rest who do not settle in whatever rundown castle they are given to create a new settlement will most likely be on their way to Tyrosh to head over with the shipments for trade. Does not cost any extra ships and the ships were headed there anyways." She shrugged recalling from the meeting with a shadow that boarded their ship enroute filling her in.
The boy dropped his wooden arakh from his belt loop but did not see it. Alayna picked it up and approached the family kneeling down she touched the boy on the shoulder who stopped and turned around. The father saw this and worried about a threat to his family since the people of Pentos wanted them dead was about to draw his arakh. Mya was quicker placing her dagger against the exposed throat of his wife.
He gritted his teeth in anger while the woman looked nervous.
"She means no harm, only to return your sons weapon. I am protective of my mate just like you are of yours. You kill mine I kill yours." She growled out in dothraki getting a nod respect from the captain. He took his hand of his blade and Mya resheathed hers.
"Are those across the poison water strong like you?" He inquired as his son was now swinging his arakh happily around.
"Some are not but we seek to get those out of power. Just like Khal Matto and Drogo were unworthy we will unseat Khal Robert." She told him and he placed his fist on his chest in salute to his khal.
"To Khal Torrhen who shall control all that lies before him." He told her and left with his family towards the ship. Juliet had been at the the gangplank with a dothraki translator writing down all the names of those boarding the ship.
"That man Addrivo is one of the deadliest captains Drogo had, his name translates to kill. You are lucky you knew what to do. His wife Jeddi while not a warrior is the finest horse breeder that Drogo had. I see you are new here, I am Ezhi." The dothraki woman said holding onto her babe. The woman out of her battle attire went with comfort today. Her hair was short but starting to grow back. With the man who defeated her dead she could finally grow it back.
"I am Alayna and this is the beautiful Mya. How are the locals treating you?"
Ezhi could only laugh causing the baby to wiggle in her arms.
"As good as you expect. They spit at the sight of us but what we did to this city it is no wonder. We already sent the 27,000 not going to Westeros to Tyrosh on horseback five days ago. I was sent by Khal Torrhen to lookout for you though. Come." Ezhi told them and started walking down the street.
They saw both foals and filly being led through the street to the ship as well. What caught her eye was a hundred youth zorses. The mix of zebra and horses had been known to be some of the rarest and strongest breed of horses in the whole known world.
"Khal Torrhen wanted to make whatever desolate castle we receive the capital for horse breeding in the Riverlands. That is why there are so many foals and fillies going onto the second ship. I believe he even has some valyrias headed to the Harrenhal godswood." She said seeing their confused looks. Now Ezhi was pointing to cages of little white monkeys with bright purple eyes howling. There were even some black foxes known only in the cold forest of Qarth. With Torrhen conquering Drogo he received everything including the animals kept in his palace and storage barns.
They made it to a manor on the edge of the docks. Waving high was the direwolf of Stark at the entrance along with Ice Warriors posted at each entrance. They walked passed the guards after being disarm to the house. Mya had to pout when they even found the blade secured along the bottom of her breast. She hated not being able to expose herself as a true follower of House Stark due to her job nature.
Brienne walked the grounds with the Ice Warriors performing inspections while Lynda Stark layed in a pile of hay catching up on her sleep. They now entered the small manor passing a large dothraki that looked to recently had his braid cut off. The man grunted a greeting before leaving to gather his own supplies.
"Do not mind my uncle, Aggo has been temperamental since his defeat at the hands of Khal Torrhen. Go lay down Ezhi, you will need your rest while little Rhaqqo allows it." A dothraki woman said coming from the corner of the room. Unlike most of the defeated dothraki who had been allowed a short haircut she was forced to remain bald as a sign of her submission. Mya surmised it was a sign of her khal's strength to the rest of his newly acquired horde.
"I am Izzi and I will go get Khal Torrhen." The now identified Izzi walked up to a room at the end of the hall where a fierce female dothraki stood with face paint. Alayna had only picked up a few words of dothraki but she figured out this was his lead guard from their conversation. The guard disappeared and a few minutes later came out with a large bulky man that had a large scar running down his face.
The man in his small clothes approached her and Alayna felt her legs start to shake under the glare of the man. Walking by Izzi he slapped her ass and she gave him a saucy wink before she walked into his room closing the door behind her.
As he approached Mya dropped to the floor kneeling, she was so low to the ground her forehead was touching the ground. On shaky legs Alayna followed suit not wanting to insult her new king.
It took a simple command of "up" and both women stood back up facing Torrhen who leaned against a table.
"Mya I see you made it in time. I have a very important task that I only trust you with right now." At this Mya perked up and with a wave Asheffi opened the side bedroom door and out came a beautiful teen of long silver hair and deep purple eyes.
"This is Lady Daenerys Targaryen and you are to escort her to a location north of us. The captain is already receiving the location but she must arrive safely to her destination. Can I count on you?"
Mya instead of answering walked before Dany and dropped into a curtsy.
"Lady Targaryen, I will see you safe to your destination." Rising from the curtsy she saw Dany smiling at her.
"King Torrhen has bragged about you to me so I trust you with my life. Your Grace, when do I head out?" Dany now asked walking towards Torrhen. He started walking towards the solar and the group followed behind him. Asheffi walked in first and check the room before waving her khal in.
"You will leave tonight so after we have our meal you will start packing. Lady Alayna Reyne I presume?" He now asked looking towards the nervous blond.
"Yes Your Grace, my uncle sends gratitude for saving us from Aegon. And actually my cousin Tion wanted me to give this to you as a thanks for reuniting him with his mother and aunt." Alayna now pulled out a blade that she had been allowed to pass through security with thanks to Ezhi's approval.
She handed the small dagger over that had the seven pointed star of House Tarbeck. Asheffi carried it to her khal who unsheathed it showing it was a beautiful blade that looked to be very old.
"That blade runs in his family getting passed down from lord to lord for the past 1,000 years. The bloody skulls with my family should be out of Volantis and on their way by sea to the coastal castle you gave them on the coastline."
"Do they agree with the terms set out?"
"Aye Your Grace, my brother is sending his raven to Tyrosh once they land to have his daughter transported."
Torrhen sheathing the blade looked out the window and saw the dothraki practicing their bow skill on horseback. They would ride at top speed and release an arrow landing in the target nearly every time.
"Dany what do you think of my new calvary? Do you think the stag stands a chance?"
"Your Grace, the stag will piss their breeches seeing them across the battlefield. Do you mind if I go lay down?" She asked excusing herself and without even looking at her Torrhen nodded watching a tall skinny dothraki hit the center of the bullseye easily.
"We eat in a little bit, I will send someone to wake you."
Dany excusing herself nodded to the rest in the room departed to lay down.
"Good kid that one. She has submitted herself to me and approves of anyone I need her to marry outside of the stag."
"Your Grace I submit myself…." Alayna started off but was stopped with a lazy hand up.
"You submit yourself to the wolf throne but you are already claimed by a good friend of mine. Or is this false?" He asked raising an eyebrow and Mya smiled grabbing her hand.
"You speak the truth Your Grace. May I ask what will be her future in Westeros?" Alayna said now with a releasing the breath she held thankful her and Mya would be able to stay together.
"I have special plans for King's Landing but was thinking about giving her Dragonstone. Daenerys Targaryen, Lady of Dragonstone." Torrhen said out loud listening if it sounded good. With a shrug he sat back down when the archers stopped to take a break. The head archer who had impressed Torrhen knew he was being watched so put on a good show for his khal.
Zorro now on his turn earning his name which meant "to scream" in dothraki did his trademark scream while riding at the target getting bullseyes on both arrows. His scream was a weapon in it's self on the battlefield. His high pitch scream leading his men had been known to scatter the enemy before an arrow was released.
The occupants minus Torrhen looked towards the door being opened seeing a half asleep Lynda carrying a stack of heavy books. Without saying one word she placed the books on the desk and left closing the door behind her to find her napping spot once more.
"You will take those books and reports and studying them on your way to the location with your lover. Once you come back to Winterfell with your lover you will keep your true identity a secret and take over as Mistress of Coins. Choose any name you want but your identity does not leave this room or the people on that ship. Are we clear?"
Alayna nodded quickly and walked over to the table seeing ten old books on kingdom finances and 4 full ledgers of Stark finances.
"Now I am going to rest unless anyone has anything else?" He looked around the room and no one spoke so he departed with Asheffi behind him.
Walking into his room Izzi was already nude laying on the bed waiting for him. She had entertained herself by playing alone. A vicious smile crossed his face as he shut the door to claim his dothraki prize. Asheffi guarding the door outside could only shake her head that a single man made her, a woman who love the male body celibate. He also made her sister who had been a tease but never spread her legs for anyone into his personal whore.
While Torrhen claimed victory over Izzi's womb Dany who stood outside the door listening to their conversation could only smile that she would be Lady of Dragonstone. With thoughts of her leading a people once again devoted to the three headed dragon she slipped into a deep sleep with one last thought.
"Lady Daenerys Targaryen, Lady of Dragonstone.
(Scene Change)
She sat high in the tree with bow in hand and thoughts wandering. The cold air cut past her but with her finally able to declare elk season open with population fully back and even higher than before she was at peace.
Hearing rustling of the leaves Sarra looked out and saw a beautiful elk that would easily feed a small orphanage. Drawing back her bow Sarra looked down the markers and was about to release when the rustling of leaves ran towards the elk scaring it away. With a frustrated growl she saw her niece Domina chasing after her half brother Oberyn through the woods.
Oberyn had a big smile on his face while Domina looked ready to kill him. With one loud whistle that both children immediately recognized they stopped and look up at the tree to see their Aunt Sarra climbing out of it.
Oberyn stood next to his sister and waited for Sarra to approach with Princess who emerged from a bush with a deer of her own. The large buck was carried by its throat as if it was a sheet of paper. Ser Martyn Cassel who stood at the base of the tree and following his princess could only watch the children's terrified expression in amusement remembering when it was Lord Eddard disciplining Sarra and Lyarra for similar offenses.
"What did I open yesterday?" Sarra yelled at them approaching them with anger. Oberyn afraid off his aunt hid behind Domina who glared behind her at him.
"Well?" She said now tapping her feet. Vayon Poole ran up to them out of breath with a few of his men ready to pass out.
"Sorry Princess Sarra I…" He started but stopped receiving an angry glare by her.
"I imagine you did your best to protect them but if these two wanna stay in the castle and not watch the Ice Warriors sent back early march in then they will remain quiet." She said dropping a hint. Oberyn and Domina both obsessed with anything warrior culture related from the marching to the training looked up in fear.
"I was giving my sister a treat but she started chasing for no reason. I swear Aunt Sarra I am innocent." Oberyn held his hands up showing he had nothing to hide.
"That is a lie and you know it. Him and Mors thought it would be funny to "accidentally" spill a whole tray of berry tarts on me. He even ruined the dress Mama Rhae got for me!" She growled pointing to the front of her grey dress where the blueberry and strawberry jam still remained staining it.
Oberyn not denying it looked away.
"Come let's go to the castle and settle your punishment and never play in the woods like this during hunting times. I would never forgive myself if either of you got hurt or killed by either a hunter or an animal. Are we clear?" Sarra now said kneeling before her niece and nephew rubbing their cheeks with concern. They both nodded with guilt knowing they were wrong.
With the men of House Poole bringing her two bucks to the orphanage they walked up to the castle with Oberyn apologizing to his sister. Sarra had truly been surprised how everyone of Torrhen's children connected with each other even though they just met.
They reached the bailey to see Ashara playing with little Sansa and Rodwell with Tyene walking down once again into the crypts to tell her husband about her day.
"Aunt Ash, we need to get her to Harrenhal soon. She needs to do something besides mourning my brother. I miss him too but she is getting lost in ghost of yesterday." Sarra said sadly and Ashara could only nod agreeing.
"Mors get over here!" Sarra boomed and trying to look like he had no idea why he was in trouble came over with his practice sword that he was quickly out growing. Both Obe and Mors had trained nonstop together and their practice had shown in the results of mock battles.
Myrcella who had been getting to know Mors came over. She was less happy to be in Winterfell since Tyrion explained they were political prisoners, her cousin Joy had already been sent to Port Lyanna three days prior. That being said Tyrion also advised her to get to know Mors since they would be married and still could share a happy life together.
"Aunt Sarra I was with Myrcella so I have no idea what happened. Isn't that right Cella?" Mors turned to his betrothed and asked with her shortened name she was growing accustomed to. Before she could answer though Sarra interrupted.
"You will not rope Myrcella into your lies. Now you will apologize to your sister and teach her some of moves you know. After that you will take all of her dirty dresses and take them to the washroom with Osha and she will teach you and Oberyn how to wash clothes. I want all of her dresses like new. Any questions?" She asked but left no room for questions. Shaking his head Mors with his betrothed walked towards training grounds with Oberyn and Domina in tow. You could hear a sincere apology as they walked away.
"You will be a very good mother one day Sarra." Ashara said proud of the lady before her she helped raise.
"Like I will ever find anyone, I thought Dormund would be the one to tame my wolf but alas it was not to be. I think I will write to him though, I miss his stories." She laughed thinking about the stories and jokes they would share before they were betrothed.
"I will talk with my good sister though, I have a task for her that will take her out of Winterfell." Sarra told her aunt and with wave she walked down the stairs to the crypt. She passed by the winter kings of old and stopped at the King Who Knelt. In his hand in a spot that remained empty for so many years was the chalice he drank from almost 300 years ago.
Passing by her Aunt Lyanna who now had almost dead Lyannas at her feet she saw the beautiful dornish daughter of Prince Oberyn sitting on the ground telling her husband a story with a mixture of laughter and tears.
"Tyene can I talk to you." She asked sitting next to her and staring up at the figure of Rodwell. Wiping a tear from her eye Tyene nodded.
"I have a very important job for you that needs to be done. Do you think you can help me?"
Tyene looked up at her good sister and always ready to serve her husband's family nodded.
"Of course Princ…" She started off but a slight glare of Sarra she restarted. "Of course sister. I was just telling Rodwell how Sansa got a little mutt puppy and named it Ice like he name his wolf."
"This duty will take you away from Winterfell and away from the crypts sister. I need you to go to Harrenhal and supervise the building and fund dispersal of the growth of Harrentown. Apparently Rhae found an engineer in…... where she is and is sending him there. She wants the town to be built up to rival King's Landing."
Tyene could only look up at Rodwell's smile and shake her head.
"I cannot leave Rodwell. Who will remember him I am not here to tell him he is loved?" She said leaning into the shoulder Sarra.
"All of the North will because Rodwell was loved by all Tyene. My father, aunt, and many more generations back are buried here. Do you know how easy it is to forget about my responsibility and talk to the father I never met or complain to my mother about Torr's children being little shits?" She said pointing to the statue of her father and the newly built statue of her mother standing right behind Brandon by order of Torrhen.
"I think about him teaching me to ride a horse or teaching me to shoot a bow every time I pass the stables or the range. We cannot let the ghost of our past control us. Rodwell fell in love with you cause you were strong, show him that strength right now and do your duty." Sarra now pointed to her brother. Tyene realizing her neglected duties nodded kissed her husband on the cheek and left the crypt.
Sarra getting off the ground walked up to the statue.
"Don't worry Rodwell, we will watch over her now." Wiping the last tear from her eye she turned towards the exit to see Abigail with fresh Lyannas in her hand being led by Jocelyn. Sarra wanting to test something she point to the statue of her grandfather Lord Rickard Stark. Jocelyn stopped two short of Lyanna and pointed her sister at the old lord.
Abigail still holding the flowers looked at the statue in confusion. It was as if the blind girl was not using her eyes but rather her soul.
"Josie, why did we stop before our great grandfather?" She asked to the complete shock of both.
"I…. I…. I saw Aunt Sarra and was greeting to her." Josie lied and Abigail caught the lie but shrugged it off trusting her sister. Jocelyn then led her to the correct statute where using her nose to detect the dead flower Abigail picked up the dead flower and placed the fresh ones in their place.
"So it is you that took over me and Lyarra's duties on flowers when we got to busy. Why?" Sarra said regretting getting too busy but after telling Tyene about leaving the ghost in the past she could not be a hypocrite.
"Well daddy always said that growing up she was his favorite Stark and missed her so much. So since daddy is making us safe we wanna honor Aunt Lyanna." Abigail said and received a nod from Jocelyn. She gave both nieces a hug and grabbed their hands and led them out of the crypt.
Upon hitting the open air Abbi looked up with a thought on her face.
"Someone is coming Aunt Sarra." She said as a statement and in fact it was 30 seconds later she felt the trembling of horses coming their way. From the entrance a group of 30 Ice Warriors came in with a mysterious man in the front staring at her. At first she dismissed it but seeing his handsome features never leave her she could only wonder what was on his mind.
(Perspective Change)
Daario for the first time wished he was somewhere warm. Growing up in the desert of the disputed lands he had damned the heat since he was a child but now it was not sounding to bad. Seryna who had traveled with him carrying letters and arrangement for the Ice Warriors that were returning home could only look around in amazement at all the natural green around her. The only forest she was exposed to was the man made ones at the top of a tower in her former home.
They came up to a large town that had a market fair going on and the towns people clapped for them and gave them a clear path to travel through. Everywhere you looked in every house and business they waved the direwolf proud. Slowing down to a trot he saw a young teen boy with a bright blush on his face approach Seryna with a beautiful purple rose.
His father who ran the flower shop could only laugh at his son.
"My Lady your beauty is something that has not been seen since the birth of Princess Sarra or Lyarra. Please accept this Lyanna on behalf off of Micah Torah." He said trying to be smooth and kiss her hand. The kiss was a little too wet for Seryna but the gesture touched her. She accepted the flower and leaned forward kissing the young man on the cheek causing him to blush bright.
"I will cherish this Micah Torah, thank you. Now I may be back for some Lyanna seeds to send to my son at the wall so I will be sure to find you." She said before nodding to the laughing Daario who continued to lead the group through the streets.
"Ah the former wife of Archon Nestah being charmed by a peasant. What would the former slave lords say?" He jested and she could only roll her eyes not taking offense since he was born into the same system.
"Well they are all dead so what does it matter. Now what will Princess Sarra say when she sees that braided goatee? You know northern women like beards." She jested back and he could only grumble to himself regretting telling her the desire to have the fabled Princess Sarra Stark in his bed.
"Maybe your ultimate prize will just move on. Do not worry when she rejects you I will pick up your broken heart if King Torrhen did not rip it out yet."
As Seryna said this the large doors to Winterfell opened up and before Daario could say anything back he saw the most beautiful woman he had even seen holding onto the hands of two little girls. Her hair was tied up and with her tight dress you could tell she had a warrior's physique. Daario tried to look away from the hypnotic grey eyes but could not for the life of him. For the first time in his life his heart had fluttered.
At first it was a joke to bed Princess Sarra but now Daario had one goal in life; capture the wolf's heart.
A/N:
OC List
Chapter 24
Duncan Flowers
Bastard of the Mad King
Sent to wall after trying to steal family jewels for travel expenses to join Bloody Skulls
Saved by Rhaegar allowing him to live adn sending him to the wall
Silver of hair purple of eyes
Lord Bryce Caron(Canon)
Lord of Nightsong in the Stormlands
Lord Richard Lonmouth (Canon)
Former squire of Rhaegar in canon
Lady Shyra Errol (Canon)
Lady of Haystack hall in the Stormlands
Lord Samuel Whitehead (House is Canon but lord is OC)
Lord of Wheeping Town in the Stormlands
Old man with little power in Storm End's court
Adamm Whitehead
Heir to Wheepingtown
Edwyna Tarth
Sister of Lord Tarth and aunt to Brienne
Addrivo
Dothraki and former Drogo captain
Name translates to kill
Very very deadly
Jeddi
Addrivo wife
Has three small children
Expert in horse breeding and Torrhen plans to use her skills
Rhaqqo
Newborn child of Khal Matto and Ezhi
Asheffi's little half brother
Zorro
Captain of Dothraki horseback archer regiment
Name means to scream
Had to feature some Stormland lords into the plot and Shireen still cares about her family but realizes it time to grab what is rightfully hers. She does not carry the blind obedience towards Robert like her father has at being passed over. And Robert is allowing a former squire of Rhaegars to be her protection because he is blinded by love towards Shireen refusing to see any deceitfulness in her at all.
Also featuring Pentos and their slave grabbing techniques because they may be an important part of the future storyline. Pentos is a free city by order of Braavos but that does not mean some magisters do not take advantage of having great dock locations to make money.
Well I sure hope you enjoyed this installment of King Torrhen and sure hope to recieve your messages/comments on anything you want to say or ask.
Thank you
Ric