Sorry, guys. I know it's been awhile. Thank you all for reading, liking and reviewing this story. It means the world to me. I appreciate all your feedback. Hope you like it!
Chapter 16
Bifurcation
...
Meralith climbed the stairs to Vyolet's room on the east tower. The room, for its position, was constantly filled with sunlight. That's why Meralith had chosen that room for her daughter. It was the least the she could do since Vyolet was barely allowed to the gardens. It was just too much of a risk and her daughter was too wild and too young to be cautious.
Meralith walked with the servant girl assigned to take care of Vyolet. The girl was bringing Vyolet her midday supper and was telling Meralith about the amusing stories her daughter had told her. She had been dreaming of dragons, the girl laughed. Vyolet said she was one and she was flying on the sky.
Meralith smiled softly and opened the door to her daughter's room, but the room was empty. Meralith turned to the servant girl who looked as shocked as the woman.
"Where is Vyolet? Where is my daughter?!" She practically yelled.
The girl shrunk, looking at her mistress desperately.
"I'm sorry, my lady, I don't..."
But Meralith didn't listen the rest. She ran downstairs past the girl, almost knocking her down. She ran thought the corridors, knowing perfectly her daughter had gone to. Or at least, she hoped so.
"Vyolet! Vyolet!" Meralith cried reaching the sunny gardens, looking around the bushes for the littler girl. "Vyolet!"
"Mother!"
Meralith turned around and her heart almost gave up. She felt relief to see her daughter unharmed and smiling, but she was playing with some flowers on the fountain. If the girl lost her balanced she would fall into the water.
Meralith ran to her and pulled her away from the fountain.
"Oh, my... Come here, my child. Thanks the Gods...! Are you hurt? You know you can't play outside without supervision, especially near the fountains!"
Vyolet pouted upset.
"But why not?"
"It's dangerous, sweetheart," Meralith replied, rubbing the tiny arms of the five-year old. "You know why."
Vyolet looked up at her, looking scared.
"Bad men will take me away."
Meralith nodded. Vyolet's head lowered, her eyes sad.
"But, shall I not play outside? Ever?"
"No, you will. But not yet, alright?" Meralith assured her with a smile. "I'll protect you. I'll make the bad men go away."
Meralith pinched playfully Vyolet's small chin and the little girl giggled. Then the woman rose to her feet and grabbed her daughter's hand.
"But now come. You shall late for your language lessons."
Vyolet pouted again.
"I don't want to, Mother. Valyrian it's so boring..."
Meralith woke up startled, Vyolet's voice still ringing in her ears and for a moment she swore she saw her daughter again as a five year-old. But it wasn't Vyolet who woke her up, but her son, Korban.
"Mother? Are you alright?"
Meralith had fallen asleep on her window seat and now he back and hips ached but she didn't mind. She was also cold for the night air, entering through the opened window. The woman sat straight and turned to her son.
"You should be asleep, sweetheart," she told him, grabbing his hand and pulling him to her. His son was barely thirteen, but he had been running the household since Meralith was going mad with worry. It was unfair to him, and she knew it. She wasn't the only one missing Vyolet.
"So do you," Korban replied hugging her back. "You need to rest."
Meralith nodded.
"I will. I promise."
She let go of her son and closed the window with a last stare. Her son noticed.
"I miss Vyolet too," he told her. "I even dreamed with her."
Meralith smiled, looking outside the trees, playing.
"You did?"
Korban nodded.
"She was well. She was alive. She was in the forest with a dragon."
Meralith's smile faded and she turned to her son.
"What did you say?"
Korban shrugged.
"A dragon. A blue one. That must mean good luck, doesn't it? Dragons were strong. It must be a good omen. It must mean she's alright."
Meralith forced a smile and nodded.
"It must."
She hugged him again.
"I'm sure she is alright," Korban told her looking outside the window as well.
It was a few hours now since Vyolet and Jaqen had left the underground temple. They'd been riding between the trees, trying to not be seen. Jaqen had been watching her since. They had talked all this time about what had happened in that small amount of time. They hadn't talked about the temple they had destroyed or the priests they had killed. Jaqen could still smell a faint hint of smoke on himself, but he was more concerned with Vyolet. She hadn't said a word, and her face was blank void of emotions. She would definitely make a good Faceless Man, Jaqen thought, if she learned to rule her face like that on command. However, he was sure it was the shock of all the recent events. How close they had been to die, at least him. Jaqen was sure they wouldn't hurt Vyolet, but the damn priests had tried to manipulate Vyolet into killing him. He himself thought he would have to fight her. He knew Vyolet wasn't a violent person, but there was ambition in her heart and they offered her her freedom and her family's in exchange of his life. It was so quick he hadn't had time to think about it, about her sacrifice. Perhaps she just thought they were lying to her and wanted to use her. Perhaps she didn't had that much consideration for his life, but still he couldn't help but feel thankful. And relieved. He knew now she would follow him to Braavos, no need for him to play with her feelings or to mess with his. He was itching to get rid of the Lorathi's face, his feelings messing with his mind, but he was worried about Vyolet's reaction. Has this situation broke her? Or was she just processing everything? Even the little dragon perched on her shoulder was hissing demanding her mother's attention but Vyolet's mind seemed too far away. He didn't like it. He preferred if she cried or scream or something. At least he would know she was alright, not this bland facade.
The time seemed to pass slower as they rode in silence. Finally, Vyolet spoke.
"If I'm not wrong, there's a town ahead," Vyolet told Jaqen pointing south west with her head. "We could get some provisions there, before heading north."
Jaqen glanced at her. He was relieved she was talking again but her face remained emotionless.
"And how can a girl plans to pay for these provisions?" He asked softly.
"You can change faces, Jaqen. I'm sure you could get a couple of coins without someone noticing."
Vyolet gave him a look and Jaqen smirked, chucking lightly. Vyolet heard him and smile softly. Jaqen sighted internally. So it was only the shock and she was well.
"A man would get a cage as well. It's not wise going around with a dragon." He nodded at Meralian perched on Vyolet's shoulder. "People would try to steal her, or kill her."
The dragon was too small to be a great defense. Her fire was powerful, but the stream was very narrow. If they came across a group of soldiers they could be overpowered easily. Meralian seemed to understand this and she hissed at Jaqen. Vyolet chuckled and pet the little dragon's head but nodded in agreement. Jaqen hid the satisfaction that seen her smile caused her.
"I'll stay by the river in the meantime," said Vyolet looking at Jaqen.
The man gave her a look but didn't disagree. He didn't forget what had happened the last time he had left her alone in the woods. But she had proven she could defend herself and this time she had Meralian with her.
Jaqen told Vyolet to stay hidden between the trees, to be careful and not make noise and if there was trouble to ride to the town and find him. He left her his horse and a second dagger, before changing his face and going to town afoot. With a war going on, there would be more than one idiot trying to rob him, and he didn't want to attract unnecessary attention.
Another problem arose as a man walked to the town. He was worried about Vyolet. Not worried as a master should worry about his student, or like a Faceless Man should worry about their mission. This was fear. He feared for her. The last time it was such a short trip, such a small span of time and yet she had almost been killed, she had almost died poisoned. Back in the underground temple, a man knew he wanted Vyolet, but he just attributed the want to the face of Jaqen he was wearing. Jaqen had admire Vyolet's resilience and strength, relished on her temper and when she came out of that pyre nude and glowing under the flames he had been as speechless as lustful. Sleeping in the same bed, wearing that face day and night didn't help, but he had been sure he would be free of those thoughts once freed of that face. But that wasn't quite the case. Because he feared losing the girl. Not failing his mission, but losing her.
As the town came into view, Jaqen shook his head and pushed those thoughts away. He needed to focus and did this quick. The faster he was, the sooner he could put those vexing fears to rest.
Jaqen stole swiftly several pockets. He buy two water skins, a small wooden crate, a bow and some arrows, a couple of thin sausages, some stale bread and a small piece of cheese. It wasn't good food but it wasn't rotten. He guessed that with the war still going on resources would be scarce. He managed to find some nice apples, though.
The town however didn't have a rookery, but there was one a bit far ahead. They would have to go there before leaving for Braavos.
Jaqen returned to Vyolet and was relieved to see her still where he had left her. She was sitting on the ground, her back against a tree and Meralian asleep on her lap while her mother pet her. Jaqen changed his face back to the Lorathi, not wanting to startle Vyolet.
When she saw Jaqen approaching she smiled brightly. The man felt a jolt of happiness, seeing her face lighting up again, after all they been through. Lighting up at the sight of him. Well, a man reasoned. He couldn't helped these thoughts after all, but they weren't his, they were the Lorathi's. Nothing more.
"Everything alright?" He asked her, kneeling beside her.
Vyolet nodded softly, to not startle the sleeping dragon.
"You?"
"Yes. But a man still needs to send a message. There's a rookery down the road. Shouldn't be far."
Vyolet nodded again.
"Alright."
"I brought food," Jaqen told her pulling out the piece of cheese and bread and shared it with her. "Eat some before we leave so we don't have to make more stops."
Vyolet took it, before patting the spot next to her. A man watched the spot before obliging and sitting next to her. She is just being nice, he reminded himself. She has always been with the people close to her.
Jaqen then passed her one of the water skins. The girl looked at him as he took a sip of his.
"Is that water or ale?" She asked.
"Ale."
"Can I have some?"
Jaqen turned to her, a smirk peaking off. She hadn't complain once since they left Harrenhal despite them sleeping on the ground or eating bad food but her tastes were still of a high born lady, even if she tried to hide it.
"You're not going to like it," he warned her.
Vyolet shrugged, smiling.
"Can't be worse than that foul wine that Yoren used to drink."
Jaqen bowed his head, conceding her that and handed her his water skin. Vyolet grabbed it and took a sip of ale. Immediately the drink burnt her throat and a foul taste invaded her mouth.
"I stand corrected. It is disgusting," said Vyolet coughing. But she took another swing.
Jaqen chuckled, watching her amused. After the third sip, he took away the water skin.
"I think that's enough, lovely girl. A man cannot manage a drunk girl while hiding a dragon."
"I'm not near to be drunk," Vyolet protested, nudging Jaqen.
The man buffed and gave her a look.
"A man will not forget this abuse," he said with a smirk.
Vyolet chuckled slightly.
He felt her more than heard her, her arm resting against his, shaking slightly with her laugh. Jaqen couldn't help smiling. Vyolet then leaned her head and rested it on his shoulder, biting onto her piece of bread.
This close to her, Jaqen could smell the scent of rose water still in her hair. It wouldn't take long for that smell to disappeared he thought, contemplating the road they had ahead of them. At least until they reached Saltspan. So he indulged in it, thinking he wouldn't have that fresh sweet smell again, even if Vyolet had the opportunity to take such a luxurious bath again. Because she was to be his apprentice. The Lorathi may had been lusting after her, but a man was to become her master. And she trusted him. He wouldn't break that trust, wouldn't cross that line. It would only hurt her and their friendship.
They ate together in pleasant silence. Jaqen enjoyed this meal much more than the ones in the underground temple. Yes they had had rich meats and fine wines, and soft comfortable chairs, instead of a tree, stale bread and cheap ale, but this time he hadn't to be alert, to have his guard up every step up the way, analyzing each bite. He just relaxed for a few moments, feeling the refreshing breeze, hearing the small noises in the woods along with the soft hiss of the dragon and Vyolet's breathing.
When he looked down at her, he noticed she had finished eating and was now looking ahead. Her hand still petting Meralian.
"Is a girl alright?" He asked her, watching her closely. "She seems too pensive."
Vyolet smirked softly and looked up at him. Her chin now rested on his shoulder, her face too close to his. Too close to his peace of mind.
"It's that a bad thing?"
Jaqen smiled but didn't say nothing. Her eyes didn't look sad, and he face was relaxed. Her cheeks were rosy probably because of the sun and her pinks lips were shining and opened ever so slightly.
"I just... I'm thinking about what Vaesa and Laedor said," said Vyolet, biting her lip.
Jaqen looked up, chiding himself once again.
"About the prophecy?" He asked. "About the prince that was promised?"
Vyolet nodded, moving her face away from his shoulder. Jaqen both was thankful and regretful of the lost contact.
"Have you heard about that?"
"A man has," Jaqen replied. "Does a girl thinks she's the one meant to bring the light back?"
"No, not at all," Vyolet replied. She didn't lie. "But... they did mention a war. Another one."
"Prophecies are a very tricky thing, lovely girl," Jaqen replied, shrugging. "You can try to interpret them, but a girl should not accept them as truth."
Vyolet nodded and looked ahead at her horse. The blade without hilt was tied to the saddle, shining under the sun. Jaqen followed her gaze.
"We should get a hilt for this sword," he said. "It's a very fine blade. It would be a shame if it goes to waste."
Vyolet agreed and they remained in silence as Jaqen finished eating. He was about to stand up when Vyolet turned to him again.
"Jaqen, I know we're going to Braavos, but where are we going exactly?"
The man turned to her and saw it was just plain curiosity.
"A girl doesn't need to worry," he said. "She'll see when we get there."
Vyolet pouted and for a moment she looked younger than she was.
"Come on," she said. "Can't you tell me anything?"
He looked at her pleading eyes and sighed, thinking of what he could disclose for now.
"It is called the House of Black and White."
Vyolet rose an eyebrow.
"Sounds ominous. Why it is called that?"
"A girl would see."
"And what would my training would be?" She asked with a bright smile. "Would I be able to change my face like you?"
"Only when you become a master, lovely girl," Jaqen replied, smiling at her enthusiasm. "There's a long road ahead of you."
"That's alright. I'm not afraid," she replied firmly.
Jaqen smiled at that.
"A man knows you're not. That's one of the reasons why he chose you."
Vyolet grinned brightly.
"Really? What are other reasons?"
Jaqen didn't reply. His smile turned into a smirk and he pulled an apple out of his bag and handled it to her.
"A man would keep that for himself."
...
They were back in the road twenty minutes later. Meralian was not happy with the cage but didn't try to destroy it. They rode through the forest until they passed the town Jaqen had purchased their supplies and reached the next village. It was bigger and it was closer to Casterly Rock so Vyolet kept her hood up.
Jaqen went to a smithery to get Vyolet's sword a proper hilt. Then, he found a rookery and sent a message to his master. He informed him of his trip until now and that he would be bringing a live dragon as well.
Meanwhile, Vyolet went to get some clothes. The dress she was wearing was thick enough for the cooling weather as well as her cloak, but her slippers would be torn to pieces. Vyolet get some grey thick pants that were a bit short on her legs, but she preferred that to some larger ones that would be falling off her. She also got some thick leather boots, two pair of gloves for her and Jaqen, and asked the seller help to cut her dress. The piece of clothing was beautiful but impractical for camping on the outside, riding horses and even worse for fighting. The man, with a dagger cut off two feet of her hem and then made a cut on her side so she could move freely. The man didn't charged her extra since she let him keep the extra cloth.
After the man was done, Vyolet walked to the smithery. They were done with the fire sword. It was nothing fancy. They didn't have the time nor money to pay for something grander. Vyolet paid the men and dragged her horse to the rookery. She tried to walk on busy streets. It was harder to notice her with other people shouting and running around.
Vyolet reached the rookery and saw Jaqen's horse tied on the side. The girl brought her horse next to his, keeping an eye on both.
Then, laughs startled her. They were several men laughing and shouting and her worse fears confirmed when they approached the rookery. They were Lannister soldiers. Vyolet hide quickly behind the two horses, but keeping an eye on the men. A couple of them were riding horses, others were drinking, and a couple yelled some vile things to a couple of girls passing by. But they all grew quiet when a man came out of the rookery, a piece of parchment on his hand.
He approached one of the men.
"They're all here?" He asked.
The other man shook his head.
"Got some still at the Inn."
"Gather the rest," the man with the piece of paper, who seemed to be in charge said. "We have to part for Caerlight right now. I just received confirmation by Lord Tywin. We'll regroup and change armors in the woods. He doesn't want anyone identifying us."
A soldier brought the captain's horse and he mounted. The captain left the village with the Lannister soldiers while the other men ran back, probably to get the others.
Vyolet could barely breathe her mind racing. They were going to Caerlight on Tywin's orders. Only her family lived there, why would Tywin want with them? But she knew. Her gut told her. An entire company, with Tywin's orders were marching to her home. And Tywin didn't want anyone knowing it was Lannister men.
"Vyolet?"
Jaqen's voice startled. He was looking at her confused but that just sprung her into action.
"Let's go, Jaqen," said Vyolet and mounted her horse. Jaqen just looked at her startled when Vyolet rode away. He would catch up, she thought as she pressed the horse into a full gallop. She couldn't go straight ahead without running into the soldiers, so she would have to go west first.
"Vyolet! Vyolet!" Jaqen was catching up with her. When he reached her and they were head to head, he reached over and took a hold of her reins. Jaqen made her horse to a halt, and if it weren't for her many years riding, the horse would have thrown her off it.
"What has gotten onto a girl's head?" Jaqen spat once they had both stopped. He gave her a look as if she had lost her mind.
"I overheard some Lannister soldiers," Vyolet quickly explained. "They're marching right now towards Caerlight! My home! They're attacking my mother! We need to go!"
But Jaqen didn't let go of her reins.
"They're too many, but I can get there first...!"
"Lovely girl..."
"I know a route that is faster, especially with just two horses..."
"Vyolet."
"What?"
She looked up to him exasperated but stopped when she saw his face. His jaw was set tightly and his eyes were cold.
"We need to leave for Braavos. Now," said Jaqen. "We had lost too much time as it is."
Vyolet blinked, looking at him as if he had just hit her.
"They were talking about attacking my mother!" She snapped.
His face didn't change in the lightest.
"A man knows. But it's not important."
Vyolet glared at him.
"It's not important? It's my family!"
"A man helped a girl escape," Jaqen reminded her harshly. "He took her and her friends to safety. He helped her with the Assahai priests. She made a promise. Now she must fulfill her part."
Vyolet gave her an exasperated but pleading look.
"I want to go to Braavos with you, Jaqen, but we can go to Caerlight first! Please Jaqen, I need your help."
His face didn't change. His eyes didn't give anything away.
"A girl must make a choice. She either leaves to her home or she leaves with a man. Both are not possible."
"Jaqen..."
"Good bye, lovely girl."
He let go of her reigns and grabbed his. Before he could turn away she snapped at him:
"Is that it?"
Jaqen gave her a cold look.
"I've helped a girl many times already..."
"Because we're friends. Or I thought we were."
Vyolet was angry but she was also desperate. Her family was in danger and there wasn't time to waste, but she didn't want to lose Jaqen. She knew that if he leave her now, she wouldn't see him again.
"I will go with you," Vyolet continued. "I swear by all the gods, the new and old. Just please, please. It's my mother. Help me with this."
Jaqen's face remained unmoved.
"A girl already knows the answer."
She could scream right now. Scream and hit him and call him names. She thought there was more between them than just a contract. He had helped her in Harrenhal so many times. He had looked after her, cared for her... Or so she thought. She had noticed a couple of times the looks he gave her, but she had been wrong. Apparently there had never been anything, not even a friendship between them. Well, he did say he was no one, a voice reminded her. And how could someone like that care?
Vyolet rose her chin. She would not beg him anymore.
"Fine then. Goodbye Jaqen H'ghar... or whoever you are. I wish you luck in life."
And with that she looked ahead and kicked her horse into a run again. And she didn't look behind. Not once.
Meralith Lannister was about to actually break down. For one, her husband has just died. The man she had grown to love had been thrown off his horse in a hunting accident and hadn't survived. Now, Meralith was left alone with her three children, all who were mourning heavily the loss of their father. But that wasn't all. No, for the gods wasn't enough her heartbreak. They also brought with them Tywin Lannister, Robert Baratheon, Cersei and her little brat Joffrey, all coming to pay their respects to her husband.
They thought they were being kind. That they were coming to help a widowed mother but they were just wreaking havoc on her nerves.
Meralith was terrified that Robert or Tywin would catch a glimpse of Targaryen in Vyolet. Meralith had not forgotten how that monster the Mountain had slaughtered Elia Martell and her children by Tywin's order. Or how Robert still wanted Targaryen blood even if they were just children, far away in Essos.
The King arrived around noon. And Meralith and her family stood on their castle's courtyard as the royal procession entered, preceded by the royal house-cart.
Next to Meralith was Vyolet, now seven years-old. She was still wild and unpredictable at times, but the death of her father had sobered her up. She had been a great help to her mother these past days and had taken care of her siblings. Even now, Vyolet stood still. Her back perfectly straight, her face gentle and soft as the high born lady her mother had desperately to raise her as.
Next to her was her brother, Korban. He was standing also too somber for a six-year old. And their nurse, standing next to them, carrying a fussing one-year old, Kaerla.
As soon as King Robert entered the courtyard, Meralith, her children and the castle's guard all bowed down to him.
Robert surrounded the royal house-cart
His guards rushed him to help him out of his horse but he shushed them away angrily. King Robert wasn't the warrior Meralith remembered. His body was growing large and his eyes didn't have the same fire he once had. He climbed down his horse difficulty but he managed to land gracefully. He then walked to Meralith who was still coursing.
"Your grace," said she, looking up at the kind.
Robert looked down at the woman indifferently and then extended a hand to help her up. Meralith took the offered hand and she rose, along with the rest of her household.
"My lady, I regret for us to meet under these circumstances," Robert said seriously.
Meralith bowed her head, knowing there was no love lost between Robert and her family, but still she smiled.
"Thank you, your grace."
Cersei had just came out of the house-cart along with her children and her ladies in waiting. She approached her husband and stood in front of Meralith.
"Cousin, are you and your children well?" She asked.
Meralith nodded politely and the moment she had feared just came up.
"They are, your grace," Meralith replied. "Thank you."
Both Robert and Cersei turned to her children. Meralith saw Robert staring at Vyolet and she felt her heart racing a mile.
"My daughter, Vyolet," Meralith said weakly.
"A pretty young lady," Cersei replied with a smile.
Vyolet smiled at the king and the queen nervously.
"She looks like her mother," Robert finally said looking at Korban and Meralith could finally breathe.
"And you?" Robert asked. "What's your name?"
"Korban, your grace."
Robert nodded and then looked at the drooling baby on the nurse's arms.
"That's Kaerla, your grace," Meralith responded.
"It's a pity your children lost their father this young," Robert replied, and then turned to Meralian. "If you ever need something, don't doubt on reaching to my wife."
Meralith bowed her head.
"Thank you, your grace you're very generous."
"Has my father arrived?" Cersei asked Meralith then. The woman shook her head.
"Not yet, but please, your grace. Come on in."
Meralith leaded the king and queen inside the house. She noticed Vyolet and Korban had stayed back and were talking to a Gold Cloak. She approached them and saw Jamie Lannister smiling at them.
"... such strong warrior," Jamie told Korban with a smile. "You will grew up taller than me. And such pretty flower," he added smiling at Vyolet. "Your brother would have to fight off all the suitors you'll have."
"I can fight them off myself," Vyolet replied proudly. "Master Irreo says I'm getting stronger."
"Master Irreo?" Jamie asked confused.
"My water-dancing master," Vyolet replied excitedly.
"Children," Meralith intervened quickly. "Why don't you show your cousins the gardens? I'm sure you can play together."
Vyolet and Korban glanced at Joffrey and Myrcella and then turned to their mother with unhappy faces. Myrcella was just four and had her nurses firmly held by the hand, and Joffrey was looking at them with an annoying superior smile. But they obeyed anyway.
Vyolet and Korban went to their cousins as Jamie turned to Meralith with a rose eyebrow.
"Is Vyolet really learning to fight?"
Meralith let a small chuckle and shook her head.
"Of course not. The lessons are for Korban, but she's just a wild child she wanted to learn. I let her once in hopes she would hate it, but now it's all she can think of," Meralith lied shaking her head.
Jamie smiled at her.
"Don't worry. Once she's older, vanity would get her, and she'll forget about fighting. Cersei was just like her at her age and look at her now."
Meralith smiled politely, taking Jamie's offering arm. She prayed to all the new and old gods for her daughter Vyolet to never be like Cersei Lannister.
He followed her of course. After all the time he had wasted in Westeros he couldn't show up to the House empty-handed. He had never failed a mission and he wouldn't start now. But now a complication had surged. He had a choice to make but he didn't like his options. The best would have been for him to leave with a wiling Vyolet and the dragon. That was what his master was hoping for, but that couldn't be now. He knew Vyolet. He knew she could be as stubborn as a mule and wouldn't stop until reaching her home and killing the men who had threatened her family. But there was a high chance she wouldn't succeed and would die. There were too many for her, and her dragon's flame was too small to kill more than two men at a time. And Vyolet wasn't also in her right mind. She had never trained for these situations. What drive her was her emotions and those same emotions would get her killed. Valar Morghulis, he told himself, but his heart clenched at the thought. He had changed his face but those feelings were there still, to his annoyance. The Lorathi's feelings that urged him to follow her and kill her enemies, give her what her heart desired. But those feelings were not his. He was no one. And no one didn't care if the girl lived or died. He wanted her alive to come to the House and became a soldier for the Many-Faced God but that was it. That was what must be. So now, pushing those foreign feelings to the back of his mind he had to decide. He could follow Vyolet. Knock her out cold and bring her against her will to Braavos, but that presented many problems along his way. She wouldn't go without a fight and Meralian liked him, but he wasn't so sure she wouldn't try to burn him if he kidnapped her mother. The second option was the most sensible. While Vyolet sneaked up onto the men, Jaqen would steal her dragon. He would let her know it was him and would give her the means to follow if she survived. If the girl died he would still deliver a living dragon to his master. If the girl lived then it would prove he had been right to recruit her as a faceless man.
It was a sunny day. Not too hot and there was a nice fresh breeze. Meralith would have enjoyed it thoroughly if not for the presence of her family, the king and his court on her home.
As Meralith sat on the gardens, on a sewing circle with the queen and her maids, she couldn't help but throw nervous glances at her children playing in the garden.
"Vyolet is growing to be a very beautiful girl, cousin," Cersei told Meralith with a smile. Her voice was sweet and sound genuine, but Meralith new better than to trust appearances with this woman.
"It is, your grace," Meralith replied with a grateful nod. "And very intelligent. I thank the Gods every day for my good fortune."
"On the contrary, cousin," said Cersei placing the napkin she was sewing down and reaching for her cup of wine. "You should pray to them for her to become a fool."
Meralith stared at Cersei, weighting on her words and then glanced at Vyolet. Normally Vyolet would have been forced to join the sewing circle. It was important for her to act like a lady now that she was seven, but Meralith didn't want her close to the queen, fearful she would see the Targaryen in her. So she excused Vyolet, saying she needed to distract herself from her loss, and let her run with her brother in the gardens.
The king had left with Tywin and Jaime to go hunting and Joffrey had joined them. They had asked Korban to go as well but the little boy was still too sad about his father's death and didn't want to be with Joffrey. So was excused and stayed back with Vyolet.
The kids scurried away and went to the courtyard were the stables were to practice with the bow. Vyolet had been teaching her brother to use it, and was getting better.
"Now straighten your arm a bit more," the girl instructed the little boy who was struggling with pulling the string of the bow without bending his arms. Korben obeyed her sister and shot. The arrow hit a few inches above the mark.
Korben smiled happily and Vyolet patted his back.
"There you go! You're getting much better!"
"What are you talking about? That's a pathetic shot!" A voiced interrupted them and when the kids turned, they saw Joffrey. The little boy was alone, leaning against one of the walls. Sandor Clegane, his protector was nowhere around.
"No wonder you are shit shooting with a stupid girl teaching you," Joffrey kept going.
Vyolet glared at Joffrey but before she could answer Korban shouted back.
"I bet she shoot better than you!"
Joffrey's smile disappeared and he stomped to them.
"Oh, please!" He grabbed the bow Korban was holding and an arrow from his quiver. Joffrey shot and the arrow hit the bull's eye but barely. Joffrey turned to them with a smirk.
"And how's that you shot an arrow little girls," he gloated.
Vyolet raised an eyebrow and snatched the bow from him. Joffrey lost his foot at the movement and stumbled. As Vyolet grabbed an arrow he shot her a glare. Vyolet's shot was fast. It hit the bull's eye just in the middle.
Korban burst out laughing and Joffrey's face turned red. He glared at Vyolet as she smirked down at him.
"It was a lucky shot!" Joffrey cried.
"Move the bull's eye farther away or move it higher, I'll still hit it. I'm not so sure about you, cousin," Vyolet shot back.
Joffrey glared at her for a long minute before his grimace turned into an evil smile.
"I have a better idea," said the Joffrey. "Let's go."
And he turned around, walking to the door of the courtyard that led to the back gardens, the woods and the river. Vyolet and Korban exchange a look.
Joffrey noticed his cousins weren't following, and turned around glaring at them.
"I said, LET'S GO!" He yelled.
Vyolet sighed and nodded at Korban following Joffrey outside.
Before walking through the door, Joffrey grabbed a small apple from a bag, probably for the horses.
They walked along the riverside until Joffrey found a rock. The boy put the apple on his pocket and knelt dragging a large rock to the edge of the river, but it was too heavy for him. He turned around and looked at Korban.
"Help me move this rock near the river," Joffrey told him. Korban exchanged a look with Vyolet who shrugged her shoulders. Korban sighed and reluctantly joined Joffrey.
Korban did most of the job dragging the stone. Joffrey even stood up and walked to Vyolet.
"Now move it to the left!"
Korban turned around and looked at Joffrey angrily.
"I'm doing all the work!" He protested.
Joffrey stopped smiling and glared at him again. Moving quickly, he took the bow from Vyolet's hand and an arrow from the quiver. In an instant he was pointing the arrow at Korban who froze, staring at the bow scared.
"I said move it!" Joffrey yelled.
"Joffrey!"
Vyolet tried to grab the bow, but Joffrey stepped away, pointing at her now.
"Uh, uh. You don't want me to shot my arrow by accident, don't you Vyolet? I may shot you," the prince sneered.
Rage and hate flooded the little girl's body as she stare at the sharp arrow.
Korban paled and quickly move the stone, not wanting his cousin to shoot Vyolet.
"Give him the apple now!" Joffrey ordered Vyolet turning, pointing again to Korban.
"Joffrey, please..."
Joffrey turned his head to the girl.
"I said, GIVE HIM THE FUCKING APPLE!"
Vyolet jumped at his shout and quickly approached Joffrey, pulling the apple from his pocket. Vyolet ran to Korban and gave him the apple.
Joffrey nodded at Korban, who stood up.
"Put it on your head!"
Korban obeyed hesitantly. Vyolet's heart dropped to her knees, already guessing what the little devil was thinking of doing. He confirmed her thoughts out loud.
"Now, I shall shot the apple off your head!"
"Joffrey, don't please!" She begged him. Every second the prince was scaring her to death.
"Keep distracting me brat, and I'll shoot your brother in the face!" Joffrey shouted again. He raised the bow, aiming. "Ready?"
Vyolet turned to her brother has started to shake, the little apple threatening to fall.
Then it all happened in a second. A boy jumped from a bush in the river and tackled Korban back, just as Joffrey shot the arrow. The arrow flew through the air where just a few seconds ago Korban's head had been and instead hit a tree trunk.
Vyolet almost fainted, thinking for a second that the arrow had hit her brother, but then he and the other boy, came out of the river, sputtering water and coughing.
"Korban! Are you alright?" Vyolet cried, running to help her brother out of the river, but Joffrey came behind her and pushed her to the water as well. With their cries, the splashing and his laugh, Joffrey didn't notice his father approaching with the rest of the hunting party, or his mother running towards him with Meralith from the gardens. He just kept laughing as Vyolet coughed water.
"You two are pathetic chicken shit!" Joffrey told them sneering, but his laugh was cut short by King Robert's booming voice:
"Joffrey!"
Joffrey actually paled as his father stopped before the river. Jamie and two of his guards dismounted quickly and jumped into the river. Jamie picked up Vyolet into his arms and crossed the river to where Joffrey was standing. The other guards picked Korban and the other boy and took them out the river two.
Vyolet was completely drenched and she was shaking so Jamie rubbed her back soothingly as the King crossed the river.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Robert asked his son, stopping in front of him and dismounting.
Joffrey shook his head, speechless.
"Father..."
"Vyolet!" Meralith and Cersei had finally reached them. Meralith practically pushed Jamie away as she took her daughter in her arms, checking her over.
"Are you alright sweetheart? Are you hurt?" She asked Vyolet and then knelt next to Korban checking him as well without letting go of her daughter.
Robert watched the exchange and then turned to his son.
"How dare you shot at your cousin in his own home?!"
Joffrey shook his head again.
"We were just playing, father..."
Cersei quickly intervened, placing a hand on Robert's arm.
"My love, please..."
But King Robert shook Cersei off and slapped Joffrey so hard, he knocked the little boy down.
"Don't ever touch your cousins ever again, do you hear me?! Now get out of my sight!"
Cersei quickly picked up his son, and glaring at Robert she stomped away, Jamie following her closely.
Robert still fuming, looked down and found Vyolet's eyes on him. His frown softened.
"I apologize, sweetheart. And to you, lady Meralith. You have received us with hospitality during a hard time and we haven't acted accordingly. I shall repay it."
Meralith who was as pale as her children bowed her head.
"Thank you, your grace. It's not necessary."
"I insist," Robert replied. "Now, you better go and change these two before they catch a cold."
Meralith bowed her head and rose to her feet, carrying Vyolet, the little girl still clinging to her neck. Korban stood up and took her mother's offering hand.
Before leaving, Meralith noticed the little boy who had saved her son. He was probably one of the servants. He didn't look older than Vyolet.
"Boy, come here," she told him.
The boy obeyed, a bit scared.
"Mi lady?"
"If you haven't pushed my son out of the way, we would be having another funeral. Thank you."
The boy just nodded.
"I'll give you gold and a warm supper," said Meralith to the little boy whose eyes opened wide. "What is your name boy?"
"Ellion."
Meralith bowed her head.
"Thank you, Ellion."
She turned around and walked to the castle taking her children with her.
Vyolet looked at her and shook her shoulders, crying:
"Mother! Mother!"
No, wait. It wasn't Vyolet, it was...
"Mother!"
Meralith woke up with a jump. Disoriented she looked around noticing she had fallen asleep next to her window again and Korban had shaken her awake. Kaerla, her younger daughter was there as well, pale and scared.
"Korban. What is happening?" The startled woman asked.
"They're attacking the castle, Mother!" Korban replied. "They're slaughtering the guards!"
Vyolet took longer than expected. She knew these lands like the back of her hand but there were two companies of soldiers she had to avoid, which forced her to take a longer route.
Finally, she arrived to the woods surrounding Cairlight, but it was getting dark, the sun setting on her behind her. She knew the soldiers would come marching north to avoid the main road, like coward dogs, Vyolet thought angrily as she was forced to go west.
The girl had to stop pretty far away from the castle, since she could risk being heard by the soldiers. Her intentions had been stormed into the castle and tell everyone to run. But as she rode to Cairlight, the air cool down her head long enough to realize it was a terrible idea. Knowing Tywin as she did, he probably had spies already inside the castle. She didn't want to give anyone the opportunity to slay her family before reaching them.
Vyolet dismounted the horse and tied it on a tree between tall bushes. Meralian hissed on her cage but Vyolet shushed her.
"Easy, girl. I'll return for you I promise. Don't make noise," Vyolet said before pulling up her hood and running towards the castle.
Vyolet tried to run as silently and quickly as possible, using the trees and bushes to hide herself.
Luckily, she didn't came across Tywin's soldiers and reached the wall around Cairlight without being spotted. Vyolet ran along until she found a door that lead to one of the courtyards but it was locked. Vyolet pushed against it and tried to pick the lock with the silver dagger Jaqen had gave her but the door wouldn't bulge. Cursing under her breath, Vyolet grabbed her skirts and ran back to her horse. She needed Meralian.
...
Vyolet returned to her horse as quickly and silently as possible. She went to grab her tiny dragon and the rest of her weapons. She would need them, even if it wasn't so easy to move around with them. But as she approached the horse covered in bushes, Vyolet's heart sank to her knees. Meralian's cage was open and the dragon was gone. For a second Vyolet thought the dragon had escaped, she even looked around the trees and sky looking for her, but then it downed that cage wasn't burnt nor broke, it was just opened. Someone had taken her and she knew who as she approached and saw the coin lying on the cage. It was an identical coin to the one Jaqen had gave Arya before leaving.