11th Month of 291 A.C. Pentos

Prince Aegon Targaryen

It was nice and quiet in the house, winter was finally ending and summer was coming back to life. Aegon had always liked summer, feeling the heat had made him feel alive. Things were beginning to move onward as well, the Rogares continued to make good on their promises and the throne's treasury was slowly running out of money to growing expenditure from the King. Aegon smiled at that thought, soon enough they would have the throne where they wanted and then they would make their move. A lot was going to happen very soon, and Aegon was determined to ensure that the family benefitted from it. Looking at the boy who was sat beside him though, he once again wondered how he was supposed to mould this child, a boy he could barely stand into something worthy of his brother.

Sighing he turned to the boy and asked. "So tell me Jon how are you enjoying Pentos?"

The boy looked at him anxiously and replied. "Very much so my prince. The people have all been very kind and caring towards me. And Princess Daenerys and Lord Aemon have been very good friends as well."

The boy hesitated and Aegon could feel impatience growing within him, putting it down he says. "But there is something more is there not? What is on your mind Jon? You can trust me."

The boy is silent for a moment and then says. "I do miss my home, and my family. I was wondering if I could write to them. I would not write anything bad I promise. I would only write to say I am well. I know they must be worrying."

Aegon sighs at this and says. "I am afraid that is not possible Jon. I know that you miss your family, I can understand it. But it cannot be done. Soon you shall understand why. For now though know that you are missed but that your family know you are safe."

The boy looked ready to argue and sure enough he did. "Why can't I send a letter? My father would call of the search then. He would not think to challenge you if you were to merely return me to Winterfell. Why am I here anyway? It's not like I add anything for you. I am just a bastard boy from Winterfell who no one cares about."

Aegon feels some of the anger grow inside of him but squashes it. "Tell me something about Winterfell. About you and your family and the people there. Talking about them will ease your mind."

The boy seems to perk up somewhat at that. "Well Winterfell was always warm. Even during the winter it was warm. Because of the hot springs under the ground. They kept the castle warm even during the coldest nights. I and Robb used to go exploring round the castle and playing with the servants' children and other noble children. We played knights and fought and pretended to be knights from ages past. And we often used to fight with the snow making snowballs. One time Roddy, joined us and we caused a right racket round Winterfell."

Aegon smiles at the boy and says. "Go on Jon. What more can you tell me of Winterfell?"

"Well there was maester Luwin who was always nice and kind to me, and would teach me and Robb about the history of the Seven Kingdoms. I learnt about House Targaryen during my lessons and about the famous members of the house from Maester Luwin." The boy says.

"And who was your favourite members?" Aegon asks.

The boy considers this for a moment and then says. "I always liked Aemon the Dragonknight. He was a true knight and defended his sister from the insults of others. Especially his brother the evil Aegon. He was a good man who died doing his duty to his king and to his queen."

Aegon smiles at this and says. "A good choice lad. Aye the Dragonknight was a true dragon. I personally like Daeron the young dragon when I was your age, such boldness and cunning at such a young age. Though now I quite like Bloodraven. You know who that is?"

His nephew nods and says. "I do my prince. Bloodraven was one of the great bastards, a son of Aegon the Unworthy who served his true king loyally and served the Targaryens loyally until the end. He did all he could to keep them on the throne and keep it away from the Blackfyres."

Aegon nods impressed and then says. "Well go on. Tell me more about Winterfell. What were your parents like?"

The boy is silent for a moment and then says. "My father is an honourable man, stern and just. He is also very kind to myself and my siblings. As for Lady Catelyn, well she is not my mother. I do not know who my mother is, but she is nice to me and kind. She never treats me badly because I am a bastard, in fact it is only Theo Greyjoy who seems to constantly go on about that." n

Aegon is intrigued by this and asks. "Theon Greyjoy? He is your father's ward is he not? What does he say to you Jon?"

The boy nods and then says. "He mocks me for being a bastard. He says I will never amount to anything and the moment Robb becomes Lord of Winterfell I will be banished from Winterfell because Lady Catelyn will never stand to have her husband's bastard in her home. He always says that I am not good at anything and he says he will beat me if I complain. I do not like him. Yet for some reason others seem to like him."

Aegon feels some anger at his nephew's words and says. "Well Greyjoys are traditionally stupid, so you need not worry about his opinions Jon. It is only your own opinion that matters. Now what do you think?"

His nephew is silent for a moment and then says. "I don't know. In Winterfell there were people who would always bring up the fact that I was a bastard. Yet no one here has mentioned it. It's almost as if it makes no difference."

Sensing his opening Aegon pounces. "That's because it does not Jon. Many people will bring up what you are to hurt you for their own ends. That is because they do not feel comfortable in their own skin. In this world you cannot let that affect you, for if it does it will be your downfall. The only thing that you can judge yourself by is your own personal view. Your actions speak louder than your words. Do what you must to show the world you are a good person and the world shall listen and take note. Do nothing and the world will assign tags to you, till you are a hole in the ground."

His nephew nods and then asks. "But what if I don't know how to do that?"

Aegon smiles inside, and thinks to himself that this boy is far too easy. "Why myself and King Daeron shall be there to guide you. We would not be looking after you so if we did not think you could achieve great things. Everyone can achieve great things Jon, they need merely try to think beyond limits." With that Aegon looks at his nephew and says. "Now I do believe you have lessons to attend Jon. If you ever need me I am here." His nephew stands and bows before leaving.

Shortly afterward his brother and King sits in the seat where the boy had sat moments before. Daeron looks tired but happy, no doubt he has been with Ashara before coming here. "So brother of mine. How did it go with the boy?" Daeron asks.

Aegon looks at his king and says. "Well. The boy has begun to speak more of Winterfell and his family. It would seem he had a fairly happy life there, though he does not know it for his lament at not being named Stark."

"Indeed." His brother says. His eyes glinting with some sort of thought. "Perhaps if we were to make him a Stark that could make it even easier for us to get him to speak more about his father and whatever he knows of the man."

Aegon looks at his brother and then says. "I doubt it would serve much purpose Your Grace. Jon Snow knows nothing about his father's inner workings. And that he does not comes as no surprise. He is but a boy, a boy who harbours hatred against the Greyjoy boy in Winterfell and who looks upon his step mother with kind eyes."

His brother looks at him then in some surprise. "So Stark told his wife about the boy's parentage then. That must be the only explanation for it, otherwise no woman would rightfully accept their husband's bastard into their homes. That Stark has managed to pull the wool over everyone else's eyes is something of a miracle. The boy would be dead by now had Robert Baratheon learnt of it."

Aegon nods and then asks. "What news is there brother?"

The king is silent for a moment then and then says softly. "Things are moving more quickly than anyone had thought. It would appear the Rogare bank's coffers are swelling with money from Westeros, both laundered and from trade. Robert Baratheon is looking there for answers to questions none have the answer to. And it would also appear our friends in Volantis are gearing for war."

Aegon nods as spymaster it was his job to know such things. "At least Maegyr has warmed up to the idea finally. He is no longer dallying about this or the other thing. It will help when Baratheon finally comes knocking. Mother had asked if we meant to take Jaehaerys with us to Tyrosh when the war finally came."

The king looks at him then pale violet eyes looking at strong violet eyes and his voice is soft when he asks. "And what did you tell our mother?"

Aegon looks at his brother for a moment and then says. "I said we would take him and ensure he received protection but that it was necessary for him to come to prepare for the future war. He is a man grown now and it is time he acted as such."

The king nods and says. "Good. Too long he has remained here. I fear Pentos has made him soft. Ser Gerold says he is a good swordsman the best of the three of us. We shall see if that is true. I mean to ensure that Ser Gerold comes with us. It is time my lord commander shook the cobwebs from his shoulders and fought once more."

"And who will guard mother and the children whilst we are away fighting?" Aegon asks.

"Ser Richard shall do the job. The man drinks too much and as of late I have found his reminisces about Rhaegar too annoying to bear. Tyrosh will be a dangerous adventure and I need my men sharp and aware. Ser Gerold is all of those things even now." The king says.

"A smart move then Your Grace," Aegon says and then asks. "And what will you do with the company once this war is over? Ser Myles is faltering in health. And many will look to you to lead them through the next few years."

The king is silent for a moment and then in a soft voice says. "I shall go for the leadership. But I will not waste men on pointless missions. The disputed lands are safe for now, Lys is safe as will Tyrosh be at the end of this. Myr will be only major contention for the next few years. And when Volantis finally erupts then we shall see action again. But we must be ready for the usurper, for he is always waiting for his hammer to come to service once more."

Aegon nods and then asks his brother. "When do we leave for Tyrosh?"

The king is curt in his reply. "Tonight."