Astapor 295 AC.
Dany.
She was furious at her nephew, they'd only just arrived here and now he was leaving, again, he was leaving. She hadn't been the only one, Gerold and Oswell too hadn't been happy that they were being told to stay and as for Lyanna well, Jae may have been king but that didn't stop the tongue lashing he got from his mother.
"You can't go, we've only arrived here, we have work to do." Lyanna said angrily.
"I don't get to choose mother, if I'm told I have to go then I have to go, Arthur will be with me and I've sent Syrax to Ser Richard to organize an escort I'll be fine." Jae said his voice soft.
"My king should the usurper hear of this trip, should word get out it would put all our plans, it would put your safety at risk." Gerold said.
"I know that Gerold, but I have to accept that it won't happen, I have to believe in the visions that led us here, if I don't then I'm already lost." Jae said resignedly.
"I want to come with you." Lyanna said.
"No."
"You are my son, I'm coming with you." Lyanna raised her voice.
"I am the king mother, I can order you to stay here, please don't make me." Jae looked towards Dany then.
"Jae's right Lyanna, I don't like it either, but he's right, if he needs to go then he needs to go, we've all seen how this works." Dany said and Jae nodded to her.
"I don't like it." Lyanna said.
"It'll be fine mother, it's a short visit to see Uncle Aemon and drop off some supplies and then we'll be returning, I'll have left and be back on The Dragon's Lament before anyone even knows I'm there." Jae said and Lyanna nodded.
The rest of the day was spent going over the running of the city, Jae had let Dany take the lead only interjecting when she looked to him, she had caught him on more than one occasion looking at her with a proud smile on his face. When the meetings were over with he led her to the area they'd set aside for the dragons, it was a large open terrace with a covered shaded part where they could rest and had trees and plants they could hide and play in.
Though the dragons would sleep in her and Jae's rooms mainly, they could if they wished to, sleep out here too and Brankardix and Rhaegon especially seemed eager to do so. Ellanys though was less happy about it her dragon preferring to stay close to Dany while their bond grew. She watched as Jae walked to the two male dragons, kneeling down in front of them he began to speak softly, the whine which came from Brankardix drowned out quickly by the loud shrieks Rhaegon gave.
"What's wrong Jae?" she asked moving towards him.
"He's not happy, neither of them are but Rhaegon especially, he wants to come with me."
"Could he, I mean could you bring him?"
"No Dany I can't, even if, no I can't, it'd be bad enough if word of me got out, if word of the dragons does, if anyone saw him, no, it's too dangerous."
"I understand."
"I wish he did." Jae said with a small laugh which she returned.
Eventually Rhaegon calmed and Jae walked back over to the black dragon looking him directly in the eye, the happy chirp he gave afterwards surprised her, but when Jae came back it was clear why.
"I told him I'd stay here tonight, sleep out here on the terrace with him and that the sky above was his now, he was free to roam it at his will."
"Is that, is that safe Jae?"
"He's a dragoon Dany, he's going to do what he wants, we can only ask him not to we can't tell him." Jae said and she nodded.
"Is this really necessary Jae, you going there?"
"It is Dany, he's our family, he needs me, you too. Knowing you're here, that our family is well, knowing of the dragons, how would it make you feel if you were him?"
Dany smiled as she thought about, finding out about Jae about her family had been the happiest day of her life, being with her nephew, being allowed to grow to be who she wanted rather than who anyone else though she should be was everything she dreamed of. The plans they made, the dragons all of it paled into comparison to not being alone in the world and when she thought how her uncle must feel, yes it was clear that Jae needed to go.
"What do you need me to do Jae." she said determinedly.
"You're queen here Dany, be a queen, help the people, mother, Gerold, Oz they'll help you should you need it. Ser Richard and the rest of the company should arrive before I return. Gerold and Ser Richard know what to do then so they'll handle that part, but you're the only dragon here Dany, rule."
"I will nephew, you can count on me."
"I do you know."
"What?" she asked.
"Count on you." he said with a smile.
"I, thank you Jae." she said her voice cracking with the emotion, being trusted, valued, this was what she wanted all her life, that and being loved and her nephew loved her, of that she was sure.
"You need to take care of the dragons most of all Dany, talk to them, Ellanys especially but the others too, Rhaegon is temperamental but he'll listen and Brankardix he'll miss me but he'll have you, let them fly free Dany, for soon you and I will be flying with them."
Two days later she stood at the docks of Astapor, Lyanna and the Kingsguard with her as she watched Jae, Jon Connington and Arthur sail away, 'please be safe, please return' she thought to herself as the ship disappeared from their view. She turned to Gerold and Oz who nodded and stood behind her and Lyanna, Grey Worm and a dozen unsullied in front of her, she nodded to Missandei beside her and they began to walk back to her city.
Jon Connington.
As much as he loved sailing and especially on The Dragons Lament, it was still a boring thing to do, though the king had done his best to keep them entertained and Jon could listen to him sing and play his harp for days on end. Any doubt that he was his father's son would be removed immediately if someone heard him sing, for Jon each time he did it he was transported back in time and if he closed his eyes he could see his silver prince once more.
They had stopped in Tyrosh and met up with their escort, Jon was pleased to see his king had asked for knights and received them, Ser Clarence was a good man as was Ser Marten and the others were equally impressive. What had surprised him was how many archers the king had asked for, something which the king said would become clear once they arrived in the north. All in all there were over one hundred men accompanying the king, all of them mounted which he'd been happiest about.
"Looking forward to going home my lord?" Ser Clarence said as he joined him on deck.
"I'll not return home for a while yet Ser Clarence, it's the islands for me and then back to the king."
"Aye, me either though we'll be soon passing by my home, it's the closest I've been in over ten years." the knight said sighing,
"Do you regret it Ser, the choices you made?"
"No the king's father was the best man I'd ever met my lord, until I'd met the son." Clarence said with a soft smile.
"He'll bring us all home." Jon said softly.
"That he will my lord, now come he wishes to speak to you." Clarence said and he turned to follow the man down the stairs.
Walking into the kings room he found Arthur and Kalors standing guard, the giant man leaning against the wall to the left while Arthur stood rigid at the kings shoulder, the king was looking down at the map in front of him and when he saw him enter he bid him take his seat. Jon sat down and the young girl Ariane came in carrying a tray with some food and wine which she placed on the table, the king giving her a warm smile before she left.
"Jon I've been looking at the map and I think it's crazy to allow you to come to White Harbor with us and then take a ship, Driftmark has a dock does it not, would it not be best to stop there ourselves?" Jae asked.
"My king, it would be safer if you did so in White Harbor, should news travel from the north then by the time they took action you'd be long gone, if you stop you risk too much." Jon said and was relieved to see Arthur nod in agreement.
"Perhaps it would, but it's not just my safety I'm worried on Jon." the king said and Jon felt his heart swell in gratitude "Besides this way I get to pass Dragonstone," he added getting a laugh from the room.
In the end the decision was easy, they sailed to Driftmark and the king joined him on deck as the islands came into view.
"Are you sure you can trust them Jon?"
"Aye, I believe so my king."
"Be careful, there is much that needs to be done Jon and I'd have you by my side when it's time."
"I will my king, you too, whatever happens make sure you stay safe." he said and the king nodded before walking away.
He stood looking on as the dock came into sight, his guards joining him, the ship wouldn't be resupplying on Driftmark saving that for Bravos and White Harbor so almost as soon as they departed the ship would leave. He had offered to take a small row boat in, but the king had turned that down, Jon still smiled at being told he was a representative of the king, he'd not have him arrive like a beggar. As the ship tied itself off Arthur walked towards him, the knight looking formidable even without his Valyrian armor and Dawn.
"I came to wish you well Jon."
"Thank you my friend, I..look after him Arthur." he said his voice shaky as he voiced his fears.
"He'll probably look after me Jon." Arthur said laughing and he couldn't help but laugh with the knight.
When he disembarked the four guards he took with him quickly got their horses ready, it was only a short ride to the castle but he looked forward to it. As he mounted his horse he looked to see The Dragons Lament sail off, his king standing on the deck looking at him, Jae gave him a nod and then turned to head below deck and Jon prayed he'd see him soon.
Arriving at the seat of the Velaryon's Jon could see just how far they'd fallen, Driftmark though impressive had become less than it once was, the number of ships they controlled, the heavy taxes they faced all combining to humble the dragonspawn supporters as the usurper dubbed them. Making them swear oaths to his brother only making their humiliation complete in Robert's eyes, When they reached the gate the guard stopped them and Jon took a deep breath.
"Who are you and what is your business here stranger?" the guard asked suspiciously.
"I seek an audience with your lord." Jon said.
"I asked you name." the guard said as he moved his pike forward.
"Tell Lord Monford, that griffins still fly." Jon said and waited as the guard sent word to the lord.
It took a few minutes and the sight of the lord himself standing on the parapet above them to gain him access, when he did his guards were shown to a room but not disarmed and Jon took that as a friendly welcome if nothing else. He was shown to a small solar and he grimaced at the dampness the walls showed, when he entered he saw Monford sitting there his bastard brother by his side, a large smile on his face.
"I told you Aurane, they fly high indeed." Monford said and motioned for Jon to sit while pouring him a glass of wine "it is good to see you old friend."
"You too Monford, Aurane."
"My lord." the bastard of Driftmark said with a nod.
"So what brings you here Jon?" Monford asked.
"I need your help, Monford, the dragons are returning."
"The dragons are dead my lord, word landed even here of Viserys and what he did to his sister, though at least he died in the process." Monford said with disgust.
"Who do you hold your allegiance too my lord, should there be another war would you support the stag or the dragon?" Jon asked and watched as Monford looked to his brother before turning to him.
"Support the stag never, after what he and the lion did, I do what I do to survive Jon, for my house to survive. I take the insults and the ignominy because the dragons are no more, but there's not a day that goes by that doesn't make me wish it were different." Monford's words rising in volume as he spoke.
"The Old, The True, The Brave." Aurane said beside him.
"The Old, The True, The Brave." Jon said raising his glass.
Highgarden 295 AC.
Margaery.
She sighed as she looked at her brother and Renly, preening over each other's clothes, Garlan was to one side sparring against three men while her father cheered him on. She sat with her cousins who were gossiping about how handsome the king's brother was and how he'd make someone a fine husband and she resisted the urge to scoff. The day Renly would please his wife would be the day the dragons flew over the sky her grandmother had said once and she still giggled at the thought of it.
It was clear his affections lay elsewhere and as she looked at her brother she wondered if they had more going on than just squire and lord. Loras's preferences had been well known to her from the time she'd walked in on him in the stables a little over a year ago, thankfully he'd just been kissing the other boy at the time. But Margaery loved Loras most of all her siblings, Willas being too serious and Garlan too focused, Loras knew how to have fun and that made her days less boring.
"What do you think Marge, isn't lord Renly handsome." Elinor said and she just rolled her eyes.
"If the king looked like that when he was younger it's no wonder maidens fell for him." Megga said as she stuffed another creamed cake into her mouth, her cousin was already considered plump, she really didn't need another cake, but the girl didn't care and Margaery wouldn't have anyone speak badly of her.
"Move along little hens." her grandmother said as she made her way to the table.
Her cousins needed no second invitation and were gone before her grandmother sat down, her large bodyguards standing behind her immobile as always. She looked on as cheese and summer wine was placed in front of her grandmother, the serving girl moving quickly in fear of another tongue lashing like the one she'd received a few days ago. Margaery loved her grandmother but she was not a patient woman and when she felt she wasn't being deferred to enough, her thorns would show.
"Have you heard the latest stupid idea your brother and father have concocted?"
"No grandmother." she said truthfully.
"Apparently that idiot brother of the king thinks you look like Lyanna Stark, as if a wolf could match the beauty of my rose." her grandmother said taking a bite of the soft cheese.
"I don't understand grandmother?"
"Of course you don't, only a fool would understand a plot this stupid." she watched as her grandmother looked to her father and rolled her eyes.
"What plot?"
"Oh that, apparently Renly's been showing your picture to the king, telling him how much you look like Lyanna at the same age, trying to get the fat oaf interested so he'd set aside Cersei and marry you." her grandmother snorted.
Margaery couldn't believe it, to call it stupid would be to raise it to a level it could never reach, not only did she look nothing like Lyanna Stark but to think Tywin Lannister would allow his daughter and grandchildren to be set aside was the height of stupidity. The realm already had fair notice of what the old lion did when he felt put out, here his vengeance would be visited upon the realm ten fold. For Margaery though it was the thoughts of the king himself that worried her most, she had met Robert more than once and the thoughts of laying with him filled her with dread.
"Don't worry on it sweetling, I'd never allow it to happen." her grandmother sad seeing the concerned look on her face.
"I know grandmother." she said and smiled.
"It's the crown prince who's the goal Margaery, he's the key to the throne, so when we return to the capital speak to him, charm him, wrap him in your vines and mark my words you'll be queen."
Margaery smiled outwardly but inward she sighed, she had met Joffrey and found him a horrible unpleasant boy, he was arrogant, spoiled and she believed him to be cruel too, having heard a terrible story about a cat and what the boy did to it. He would be even worse than his father for a husband she feared and she shook her head, she would do her duty, she would help her family grow strong, even if it left her weak in the process.
Jae.
After leaving Jon on Driftmark they had sailed past Dragonstone and he had felt his emotions rise, luckily Syrax had landed on his deck in front of him a large fish trapped in his eagle's claws. He smiled as she tore into her meal, her thoughts of the chase and the land around them filling his mind. Jae had planned leaving her with Dany but she had other ideas so he had brought her with him much to her delight.
Seeing the different land around her had pleased her, when she saw another eagle she had laughed at it's pitiful size, compared to her it was a mere sparrow. Over the years his bond with Syrax had grown far beyond what he considered normal, but it was her own growth which seemed unnatural, Bloodraven had told him his power fueled it and Jae couldn't argue with the man. Turning from the eagle he looked back to the island of his ancestors, this had been their home and to see banners carrying the stag enraged him.
He waited until he was calmer and once Syrax had finished her meal he walked down the stairs and entered his room, his mind was clouded and he needed to rest. Laying down on the bed he fell into a deep sleep and was happy this time to see Bloodraven waiting for him.
"I had thought not to see you yet." Jae said as he walked to the man.
"It is easier for me here young king, to travel to Essos even in dreams takes more effort, but here, I am home."
"So what lessons are we in store for today?"
"Eager aren't we, but today is not so much a lesson, more a gift."
"A gift?"
"You've done all I've asked young king, all the gods have wished, here now and without question you've set things in motion that will help the realm, yet you've asked for nothing."
"It's my duty."
"It is, but not all life has to be a duty, come see." Bloodraven said and he followed as they walked on a rocky shore.
"Dragonstone?"
"It is, now look."
Jae looked as he saw a man with dark hair chase after a young girl and boy, the girls dark hair and purple eyes visible even at a distance, he saw the silver haired boy laugh as the man tried to grab him, the girl giggle as the man fell over. The two children jumped on top of the man and began to bounce up and down on his chest, before he rolled over and began to tickle them. He heard a voice calling in the distance and looked on as a beautiful brown haired woman called to the children.
"Rhae, Egg come stop messing with your father he has work to do." the voice lightly chastised the children,
"Muña please, Kepa can we play some more." the little girl asked pleadingly.
"Of course you can my little dragons." the man said and both children laughed as he tickled them some more."
"You are impossible." the woman said when she reached them before shrieking happily when she was pulled to the ground and tickled by the man and the children.
"That's why you love me."
"It is my love." the woman said and Jae smiled as the man kissed her.
"Who are they?" he asked Bloodraven.
"They are you young king, you and your family." Bloodraven said and Jae turned to see the woman and the children walk away while the man looked at him, it was him he could see it now, older but it was him.
"I..I don't understand." Jae said.
"That is what you're fighting for Jaehaerys, not just the future of all men and women, but your own future too, that's your reward should you succeed." Bloodraven said.
When he woke the next day Jae felt invigorated, a new sense of purpose having taken hold of him, it was one thing to think of saving the world, to think it was you're duty to do so, but another to save a life that meant something to you, to save someone you loved. Jae had been prepared for it, for whatever the future brought, but last night he'd realized he hadn't considered his own future once. He had assumed victory would still end in his own death, but now he saw the possibility of what would happen, of what could happen and he realized he wanted it badly.
The next few days Jae spent going over plans in even more detail, he and Arthur spoke of contingencies, of what ifs, they discussed what would happen if this move failed or if that succeeded. Arthur had been worried at first that he was becoming despondent that he had begun to concentrate on the failures rather than the successes even though neither had occurred yet. At one point he'd come right out and questioned him on it clearly showing how worried he truly was.
"You can't think like that Jae, worrying about what would go wrong, you need to think more on making sure your plans are well thought out, which they are, I've not seen anyone spend so much time on things as you."
"I know that Arthur, but I need to be prepared fully, should I needed to change my plans I need to have the ideas ready, delays and indecision will lead to defeat far easier than being overly prepared."
"Yes, but I don't want you to go down the same path as your father, thinking the worst before it ever happened."
"Arthur I'm not, trust me on this that's the last thing I'm thinking. I'm thinking of the future of my future, this I swear to you is the truth. I've seen it Arthur, what could be, what I could have and I want it, I want it more than anything in this world."
"Want what Jae?" Arthur asked.
"Children Arthur, children, a wife, a future I want it all, help me please, help me get there."
"You are my king, where you lead I follow." Arthur said with a determined nod which made Jae smile.
Winterfell 295 AC. (takes place after the the final pov of the chapter).
Ned.
He paced outside the room, the Maester and the midwife inside with Old Nan and his wife, it had been far longer than any of the other children's births and he had grown fearful as the hours slipped by. Robb had taken the other children to his room but where Theon had sloped off to he had no idea nor did he care, as much as he tried the boy was not family. He heard the sounds from inside the room, the babe crying and he smiled, his child was born, it took what seemed to be an age for the Maester to open the door and let him in.
His wife was smiling broadly at the babe in her arms, she looked healthy and happy and he could wish for no more. Both the Maester and the midwife too looked to be in good spirits but it was Old Nan he looked for in the room, the woman's smile told him everything would be all right, all was well. He walked to the bed and his wife handed him the small bundle her eyes shining with the love he too felt for his babe.
"Meet your son my lord." Cat said and he looked at her, another boy he had another son.
"Rickon my lady, we shall call him Rickon." he said and the babe cooed, his blue eyes seeking his.
He held the babe and felt content, something he had only felt when holding his wife or being with his children, when the babe began to cry he handed him back to Cat and turned his head as she bared her breast to feed him. The noise of the babe suckling filled him with joy though, a son, a healthy son, they were truly blessed he thought as he spoke to the Maester.
"All is well Maester, the babe, my wife?"
"It is my lord, both are healthy and well, we could not be more blessed."
Later that night as he lay in bed he considered it, everything that had happened in his life had led him here to this point, for years he had thought he'd been living a lie, living his brothers life. Lord of Winterfell, Warden of the North, Cat's husband, all of this was supposed to be Brandon's, though his brother didn't wish for it. He was the second son, a small keep and maybe if lucky a pleasant wife, though his thoughts briefly settled on violet eyes which he shook from his head.
He loved Cat, truly, it had taken time and was not without it's challenges but over the years he and he believed so had she, had grown to love one another completely. His children were more than he could ever wish for, the new babe, his second son Brandon, his beautiful daughter Sansa and honorable heir Robb, but as always his thoughts lingered on his wilful daughter, his wild wolf, Arya. The adventures, the scrapes, the messes the girl got into, all made him laugh and try as he might he could never be mad at her.
He hated where his thoughts inevitably drifted too next, it had been ten and two years since she'd died and yet she clouded his mind and forced him at times to withhold his affections from his youngest daughter. Arya was as impetuous, as fierce as Lya had been and it was that which he feared more than anything. That another wolf would catch the wrong eye and it would end in disaster, no he would not allow it, he would protect her, he would protect her even as he had failed to do so with his sister. As he finally drifted to sleep, he whispered their names into the pillow, his family, his pack and his duty to protect them, even from themselves.
"My lord, my lord." Vayon Poole said shaking him awake.
"Vayon, I, what's going on, what hour is it?"
"It's almost noon my lord, when you didn't come to break your fast I wondered if I should?" his steward said apologetically.
"I thank you, you did the right thing Vayon, I'll dress now, is there food available?"
"I'll see to it at once my lord."
Ned hurriedly dressed and made his way to his wife's chambers, finding her asleep he lightly kissed her forehead while walking to the crib to look inside at his son. The babe was fast asleep a small little grin on his face and it warmed his heart to see the babe look so healthy and content. He leaned forward and placed a small kiss on his son's cheek and left the room quietly as he begun making his way to the hall to break his fast.
As he got to the hall his youngest daughter came barrelling into him, her dress was torn and muddy and her hair messed up, it took only a moment for the reason for her rush to come running down the hall. Sansa was dressed immaculately, her hair perfectly brushed, her dress intact and were it not for the large mud stain between her neck and dress, he'd have not thought anything of it, but when he saw it he sighed.
"ARYA." Sansa screamed at her sister.
"I'm sorry father, it was an accident" Arya said looking up at him her lip quivering and her eyes big and tearful.
"No it wasn't you little liar, you did this on purpose, father she did this on purpose."
"All right, All right, what happened?"
"Jeyne and I were walking past Arya when for no reason she suddenly turned and threw mud at us." Sansa said standing straight her hands clasped in front of her.
"You liar, I hate you, I hate you." Arya said her tears falling freely from her eyes now.
"Sansa, why don't you go and get changed love, I'll make sure Arya is punished appropriately." Ned said smiling at his daughter.
"Of course, thank you father." Sansa said turning and heading to her room.
"Now come little wolf, tell me what really happened?" Ned said and Arya looked up at him, he reached down and wiped her tears getting a small smile in return.
They walked into the hall and he sat down and began to eat a meal of eggs and bacon, washing it down with some cool milk, Arya sat beside him her tears had stopped though she still looked upset, he waited until she began to speak on her own.
"I was playing father, on my own."
"In the mud?"
"I didn't mean to, it just happened." Arya said and shrugged causing a small smile to appear on his face.
"Then what happened next?"
"When Jeyne and Sansa walked by they, they…." she said her lips quivering with the effort to speak.
"Arya?"
"They called me names father, they said not only was I a horseface but also a pigface too." Arya said as the tears began to fall again forcing Ned to hug her tightly to him.
"It's all right my little wolf."
"I didn't mean to father, I was only trying to make them stop, I didn't mean to hit them." Arya said looking up at him as he held her.
"I know little wolf, now look at me, you are not a horseface or whatever else they called you."
"Pigface."
"Aye that either, you're a beautiful girl Arya, you'll grow into a beautiful young lady one day." Ned said smiling at her.
"I don't want to be a lady, that's not me." Arya said determinedly.
"Aye, I know that, all right here's your punishment." he said and she looked nervously at him.
"From now on you're not to play in the mud in your dresses, you understand, while wearing your dress you'll only behave in a ladylike manner."
"Father, please I."
"Arya." Ned said leaving no room for argument.
"Yes father." Arya said sadly.
"Now after we break our fast you and I are going to see about getting you some new clothes made, since you can't play in your dresses, we'll need to have breeches and other clothing made for you."
Arya looked up at him in shock before he reached over and ruffled her hair and gave her a warm smile.
"Thank you, thank you, thank you." his daughter said excitedly as she hugged him tight.
When they were finished breaking their fast, Arya suddenly having developed quite the appetite he walked with her to the seamstress and had her new clothing ordered, no doubt Cat would disapprove later, but the smile on his daughters face was worth the inevitable argument. He walked to his solar to go over his papers only to find Luwin coming from inside it, the maester quickly walking towards him.
"Lord Stark, forgive me I left a scroll inside from White Harbor when I couldn't find you."
"That's quite all right Luwin, it's on the table?"
"Aye it is my lord." the Maester said nodding as he walked away.
He entered the solar and poured himself a mug of water and sat down, picking up the scroll he read it and frowned.
Lord Stark.
My lord we had some strange visitors in White Harbor today, they arrived on a strange ship of a like I've not seen, claimed to have been from Essos and purchased lots of supplies. They assure me they're heading for the wall and I've sent some men to escort them, my lord the supplies they bought were numerous, if they are indeed set for the wall as they claim then they're doing it a tremendous boon, but I thought you'd like to be aware of it.
Wyman.
He began to write out two ravens, one to the wall and Lord Commander Mormont and the other to the Greatjon to inform them of this, he'd have the Greatjon ride out to meet these men, If they were indeed heading to the wall then there would be no need to worry and he would accept them as friends, if not however, he would need to act.
Monford Velaryon.
When he heard tale of the ship which had arrived at the docks he had wanted to ride out and see it for himself, but almost as soon as he had readied himself it had already departed. It wasn't long after that he found himself looking down on a ghost, an actual dead man was in his midst, he welcomed him into his keep and the tale he told became more fantastical as he listened.
"The king is all we could have hoped for Monford, all we could have wished for his father to be. But he's also got something even Rhaegar didn't have." Jon said as he looked at him.
"What?" Aurane asked.
"He's got dragons Monford, the dragons have returned." Jon said proudly.
"That's impossible, how, no that's impossible." Monford said shaking his head.
"My king makes the impossible happen." Jon said and Monford could see he believed it entirely.
"But dragons' it can't be." Aurane scoffed.
"The king has sailed to Valyria, he returned with treasures you wouldn't believe lest you saw them yourselves, this is one of them." Jon said unsheathing his sword "Griffin's Bite." he said reverently handing him the blade.
Monford looked at the craftsmanship, the reddened blade was clearly Valyrian, the hilt was done in the shape of an eagles claw, the pommel a red griffin standing proud. He had only held a Valyrian sword once in his life and this was even more majestic than that, wherever Jon got this sword it spoke volumes of the king.
"No one's ever sailed to Valyria and survived." Aurane's voice full of disbelief.
"My king has, he went there and came back with a ship the likes you've never imagined, he brought back treasures and gold that his family had never obtained in all their history, armor, weapons and three living breathing dragons." Jon said and as Monford looked to Aurane he could see his brother's wheels turning.
"Where is the king now?" Monford asked.
"That I cannot tell you for I know not, I can tell you where he'll be, where he wishes to meet you?"
"He wishes to meet?"
"Of course, why do you think I'm here, we need a fleet Monford, an admiral and a master of ships." Jon said.
"I'm afraid I cannot provide a fleet Jon, we don't have the ships or the coin."
"Coin isn't a problem, it's the men we need Monford, the men to sail them and the men to lead them." Jon smiled at him.
"Coin is always a problem my lord, to build a fleet, to buy the ships it would take over a million dragons just to compare with the royal fleet, not to mention the others the crown could call on." Aurane said shaking his head.
"We have the coin, the king has set aside over two million dragons to cover the cost."
Both Monford and Aurane gasped, with two million gold dragons they could build a fleet which dwarfed any of the others in Westeros, they would be in charge of the largest fleet any Targaryen had ever had. But where did the coin come from? What level of debt was the king willing to go into to regain his throne? For surely if he was willing to spend this much on ships, he was doing similar on an army.
"Jon the Iron Bank is not to be trifled with, you know that, how would the crown ever pay back such an amount?"
"Pay back." Jon said laughing "Monford, the king is paying for this out of his own coin, out of the coin he brought back from Valyria."
He looked to his brother who was actually smiling broadly now, should they really have access to this amount of coin they could re-establish themselves as the house they once were, with a king on the throne who was worthy. Given what Jon said about him, he had no doubt he was, saving his aunt, going to Valyria, bringing back dragons, they could actually do this if they could manage to secure an army too.
"What army have we got Jon?"
"We have the Company of the Dragon led by Ser Gerold and Ser Richard Lonmouth, it's almost 10,000 strong and we have the unsullied who total another 8,000."
"The unsullied?" Aurane asked.
"Slaves Jon, the king's using a slave army?" Monford said grimacing.
"Free men Monford, the princess freed them, they fight by choice, with them and with the loyalist's we raise, we would have over 30,000, there's your army my friend, that's without whatever other plans the king has."
"30,000 won't be enough Tywin can raise almost 70,000, the Vale and the north another 50.000 and the Stormlands almost 30,000, with the river lands 25,000 and the Reach we could be looking over 250,000 men." Aurane said.
"Aegon conquered with 5,000 men Aurane, dragons are a game changer are they not Jon?" Monford said.
"They are Monford, but will the north rise against the son of a Stark, one who lives still? will all the other lands be completely united? I know my king, I trust him with my life, my fealty was given freely because of it. This battle, this war will not develop how you think it might, he is far too clever for that my friend."
Monford nodded in agreement, a king who'd trailed to Valyria, brought back dragons and was preparing to invade, yes this king may be far cleverer than the one who sat the throne, far cleverer than the old lion and falcon.
"What would you have me do Jon?"
"He wishes to meet you Monford and I'm sure you wish to meet him, so lets make ready and sail for his city."
"His city?"
"Astapor."
Arthur.
The stopover in Driftmark had thankfully been short and they were on friendly ground, White Harbor though had been something completely different. No sooner had they landed and began purchasing the large amounts of supplies than they had drawn attention. Eventually the guards had arrived at the ship and they were asked to come visit the lord himself, Arthur had thought about refusing but Jae had just nodded and they were now being led into the grand hall of the castle.
Jae had only allowed himself, Kalors and Ser Clarence accompany him, they had been asked to give up their arms at the gates of the castle but Jae had refused, instead asking for bread and salt. This had caused it's own problems, but once again Jae had spoken up saying if this was how guests were treated in the north, they would take their business elsewhere. Finally they'd been awarded guest rights and as such allowed keep their arms.
"The lord of White Harbor, Warden of the White Knife, Shield of the Faith, Defender of the Dispossessed, Lord Marshal of the Mander, Knight of the Order of the Green Hand, Wyman Manderly and his son and heir Ser Wylis Manderly." the herald shouted as two very large fat men walked in and took their seats.
"My lord, it is an honor to be welcomed into the New Castle" Jae said with a bow.
"Be welcome Lord?" Wyman asked his eyebrow raised.
"I'm no lord, My lord, My name is Jon Snow, my companions Ser Daeron Sand,Ser Clarence Waters and Kalors and I are merely stopping in your fine city on our way to the wall."
"Taking the black lad?" Wylis asked.
"No good Ser, we intend simply to provide the fine men of the Nights Watch with some supplies, most we've purchased elsewhere, the rest we would like to buy in White Harbor as there are things we cannot buy in my homeland."
"Snow you said your name was lad, is the north not your homeland?" Wyman asked.
"No my lord it is not, my companions and I hail from Essos."
"What would a lad from Essos be doing supplying the Nights Watch?" Wylis asked.
"My father was always a supporter of the watch, he recognized the important job they did and always swore that it was our duty to help where we could, I'm in a position finally where I can help my lord." Jae said and Arthur looked on as the two men spoke to each other.
"Why didn't you ask for permission to travel to the watch from the Warden of the north lad?" Wyman asked.
"I wasn't aware it was needed my lord, is not the watch beholden to themselves, does it not swear in it's oath to take no part in the politics of the realm. I assumed it and the land's it sat upon were under the jurisdiction of the Lord Commander and not Lord Stark, have I assumed wrong my lord?"
"No you have not though it would have been courteous to do so." Lord Wyman said.
"And is this a courtesy you expect others to follow my lord, or just me? Would a man from the Crowlands or Stormlands, would a man from the Reach or Dorne be expected to so do, or is it just that I'm a bastard from Essos?" Jae asked standing tall.
"You are an impertinent bastard to speak to the lord that way." Wylis said aggravated.
"My mother is of the north Ser, my father from elsewhere. I was raised on tales of northern hospitality, on tales of how northerners are different than those in the south, more honest, more noble, more honorable and yet I come here to place coin in your coffers, to provide help to a noble order and I'm treated with disrespect, yet it's me who's impertinent.
My lord, you have made it clear to me that I and my custom are not welcome in your city, that the support I offer to the Nights Watch is not enough to be welcomed here. I thank you for this welcome and I shall not forget it, my mother shall be most displeased when I tell her that the north she remembers no longer exists. That it has turned into a land where strangers are not welcomed and their intentions questioned without merit" Jae said and turned around before winking at him making Arthur cough to hide his laugh.
"Wait lad, a moment if you will." Wyman said loudly and Jae turned.
"My lord?"
"You speak harshly but truly lad, the welcome given you today brings shame upon me and my house, I can only ask you accept my apologies and stay as my guest tonight, you and your men are most welcome, will you accept this offer young man?"
"I would be honored to spend some time with my mother's countrymen my lord." Jae said and smiled.
"Well then, let us speak in private if you would, tonight we feast." Lord Wyman said and the few gathered in the hall cheered.
Arthur breated a sight of relief, that could have gone so much worse, a nights stopover would given them more time to gather their supplies for the trip to the wall.
A/N: Thanks to all who've read and especially those who's reviewed this story, up next the wall.
Lord Villareal: Thanks so very much really glad you liked it.
Biohazard: so glad you enjoyed this.
Foxy: Couldn't agree more about Jorah, really glad you liked my take on Astapor.
Princess: so happy you liked this.
FYIgymnast: I loved it too, it's one of her very best moments, so i had to show it here, even if it was a little different, Arthur and Lyanna will happen, there will be movement while in Astapor. As you can see this time he wasn't going to go alone, Valyria was something only he could do, this you bring your guards with.
Outcome: Thanks so much.
Victoria. Thanks so much for saying that, i agree completely on the bloodline, it has to mean something and it needs to have something done with it. With Dany here she'll get to be a different Dany, hopefully one who is still Dany but not needed to be Queen of Westeros. You'll see where we go with the Starks soon, here was just a little check in on them and Marge, as for Ghost he will be joining Jae.
Tianyi: The Iron Bank is like Switzerland they don't give out details, given how much Jae has put in their vaults, no they have no interest in selling him out, in canon Stannis got a huge loan from them and that news didn't filter back to the crown. Jae offers them something the Lannisters, Baratheon's can't.
Stonerguy: While that argument could perhaps be made in a standard setup, given Jae is acting out the will of the gods, do you really think he'd give up an army that could stab him in the back without them interfering? given everything they've done so far. Dany wouldn't stab him in the back here anyway, it'd be the most pointless character turn ever, worse almost than her turn in the tv show.
Or do you believe she's secretly playing him, if so you're reading things i'm not writing. Dany here will be loyal, family first above everything, which if anything is actually truer to her original character arc, it's only when she believes herself to be the last Targ that she sets her sights on the throne.
As for me just doing it for Missandel/Grey Worm, you misunderstand me, i wanted Dany to have the relationship she had with them in canon, but that's not the only reason she gets the unsullied, this isn't a vanity project, i do have reasons for every thing i do, some long term, some short, Dany getting the unsullied is part of her character arc because it's needed for things that come next for her.
Rose: Thanks so very much, really glad you liked it.
Xan-Merrick: Thank you, we'll see it in the next chapter for certain.