The Reach 298 AC.
Gerold.
They had arrived to find a realm in chaos and Gerold smiled as he finally realized just why his king had chosen now to make his return. But it made his own mission even more important and time was of the essence. Having landed in Oldtown and intending to speak to his family, when he learned what had happened it changed his plans. So he set off instead with his escort and they traveled twice the number of hours they normally would.
While they didn't push the horses to their fullest, they did push them and sitting in a saddle for two thirds of the day even while resting the other third was hard going. Traveling by night was not a problem for Gerold, the Roseroad led the way and it would take a brave band of men to attack a dozen well armed knights. In the end the journey which should have taken two weeks to compete was managed in less than one and as he saw Highgarden in the distance he couldn't help but smile.
"We'll we made it." Cyrus said smiling as he rode up beside him.
"We have, any problems with the men?" Gerold asked.
"No Ser Gerold, you know a part of me never actually believed I'd ever come back here." Cyrus said.
"Even when you met the king?"
"No Ser Gerold, that's when I knew we'd be coming back." Cyrus said and Gerold smirked.
"You ever dealt with the Tyrell's before?" Gerold asked.
"No."
"Be careful, they're a prickly bunch, especially Mace should he be there." Gerold said and heard the laughs from behind him.
As they rode through the gates of Highgarden the guards paid them little attention, they were all well dressed and looked like what they were, knights, so they were welcomed and let on their way. It was only when they came to the labyrinth itself that they were stopped and asked to identify themselves and state their business. The guards quickly making it clear that only one of them would be allowed to proceed further, so Gerold dismounted and walked with the guards leaving Cyrus with the men.
After walking through the labyrinth he arrived at the main castle and here he was forced to wait while another guard went off to fetch the captain. He couldn't help but laugh at the ridiculousness of it all, here he was Lord Commander of the Kingsguard and he was been made to wait, had they known the nature of his visit they'd have practically dragged him inside. Eventually the captain arrived and Gerold found himself face to face with a grim looking man who seemed to have been promoted for some unknown reason, given how ill at ease he seemed with his weapons.
"Who are you?"
"It matters not, I have a note here for Lady Olenna, please deliver it and I shall await a response."
"Who do you think you are to give me orders Ser." the captain said grimacing.
"I believe your Lady will wish to speak to me, should I be wrong then feel free to throw me out on my arse, should I be right though, well I don't believe the Lady you serve will take well to knowing you decided which messages she received, now do you?" Gerold said and handed him the note.
It took a few moments and the man who arrived then must have been important as the two guards they'd left him with stood to attention. He was a tall lad, broad shouldered with a beard, how he walked and held himself marked him as both a knight and a warrior. Something which was soon confirmed when he stepped out to greet him.
"Ser if you'd hand your weapons to the guards I can escort you to my grandmother."
"I'm sorry Ser, but I never hand my weapons, however I would accept guest right."
"Very well, Martyn get some bread and salt for the Ser." he said turning to a young man.
"Of course Ser Garlan." the young man said.
"How was your travel Ser?" Garlan asked jovially.
"It was fine Ser Garlan. I was wondering, my companions could they be offered some refreshments?"
"Of course Ser." Garlan said.
When Martyn came back and offered him the bread and salt he took a piece of each and the young man was sent with one of the guards to see to his men. They then entered the castle itself and walked quietly down some corridors. The walls were lavishly decorated, tapestries, gold plated candle holders were everywhere, they were also painted in bright colors and all around him there were tables full of flowers.
They finally came to a large double door and Ser Garlan knocked before bidding him to enter, inside it was even more lavish. There was a large oak table and around it six comfortable chairs and in the corner an even larger desk with four chairs, three on one side and one on the other.
Sitting behind the desk in pride of place was a woman he had not seen in six and ten years, Olenna looked though more aged, exactly how he remembered. Beside her sat a young man who could only be Ser Garlan's brother and to either side of them stood two of the largest men he'd ever seen, both with their hands on their swords. He smiled at her and she looked at him carefully before she turned to the two men and sent them to guard the outside, he and Ser Garlan walked to the table and took their seats.
"Gerold it's been an age."
"It has Olenna, you're looking well."
"Really, you've gotten so old your sight is fading." she japed and they both laughed "My grandson Garlan you've met, Willas you have not." she said nodding to the other man who looked at him curiously.
"Lord Willas, Ser Garlan." he said and nodded to both men.
"Ser?" Willas said.
"Willas this is your great great uncle, Ser Gerold Hightower, The White Bull." Olenna said to gasps from both her grandsons.
"Ser Gerold an honor." Ser Garlan said with genuine curiosity now.
"Ser Gerold." Willas said smiling.
"So what brings you back to these shores at this time especially?" Olenna asked suspiciously.
"Oh I've come to crown my king." Gerold said and watched as Olenna got a twinkle in her eye.
"I think we should eat before we talk." Olenna said and he nodded.
They ate and he enjoyed the meal, hard tack and dried bread on the road was not pleasant, he stuck to water mainly, though he did enjoy the orange juice when it was offered. Once done and after the plates had been cleared he began to get ready, his king had given him specific instructions. He had also told him of certain potential problems he may face during the many meetings they had held over this. Certain scenarios had been played out almost like a game of cyvasse and so Gerold began to find out which game he'd be playing.
"Lord Mace is not here?" Gerold asked.
"No my son has business elsewhere." Olenna said.
"He left with a large accompaniment?" Gerold said and both Olenna and Willas looked at him wondering how he knew that.
"He did, you're well informed Gerold."
"And you have no idea where he went have you my lady?" Gerold said and he saw the annoyance on her face which answered his question.
"Your son has gone to meet Renly Baratheon, he intends to offer the support of the Reach and back his claim for the Throne."
"What, why, he wouldn't?" Garlan said but both Willas and Olenna looked at each other instead,
"He would to make Margaery queen." Willas said.
"It's a false dream though, Renly will never sit the throne and should the Reach be joined to him well..." Gerold said and Olenna finished.
"We'd be ruined, so who is it you'd have us support then Gerold." Olenna said looking at him carefully.
"I'd have you support whom you've always wished to support. I'd have you renew you loyalty to the Targaryen's, or have you forgotten who helped you grow strong in the first place?"
"We have not, we are and always will remain loyal to the Targaryen's" Olenna said.
"Good, now lets speak more on the price of that loyalty, tell me of your granddaughter."
Olenna.
The day had started off boring and looked to be going to be a long one, Margaery had gone with some of her ladies to an orphanage and Garlan was off doing his sword thing. As for Mace where he had gallivanted off to with such a large escort was beyond her, but far better he was causing trouble elsewhere than here. Which had left her and Willas to go over papers and missives and other stuff she had no real interest in for today. So when the captain of the guards arrived saying there was some knight who wished to deliver her an important message it perked her interest.
"He gave me this my lady." the captain said handing her a note which she opened.
A white bull really shouldn't be left alone in a rose garden.
She read it and reread it and smiled.
"Fetch my Grandson and have him bring the man to me immediately." she said and the guard rushed off.
"Grandmother?" Willas looked at her and she shook her head bidding him to wait.
When he had arrived she had tried not to smirk too much, she japed and he laughed and then he told her he was here to crown a king and she couldn't help the excitement that rose in her chest. After they had talked she had immediately ordered for rooms to be made ready for him and his men, they would be staying here as their guests. When he left to go to his rooms she waited with her grandsons and sent for her granddaughter, the news they'd just been given was incredible.
"Do you believe him grandmother?" Willas asked.
"Of course, Gerold is a lot of things, but he is not a liar."
"But dragons?" Garlan said shaking his head in disbelief.
"Well we shall see them shall we not, it's not as if we will commit without seeing them." she said impatiently.
"I know grandmother, it's just the story, it's so fantastical, a hidden king, Lyanna Stark living, a fleet and dragons." Willas said.
"We always knew there was more to the kidnapping than there seemed. Rhaegar was, he was, that man would never need to kidnap anyone," she said as she remembered the handsome prince.
It took almost an hour to even cover everything that Gerold had said to them, the offer he made would give them almost everything they'd always wanted and though it would need the King to confirm it, it was too good to turn down. Olenna had been surprised at just how little negotiation had taken place, a seat on the council and Margaery as queen, other considerations to follow that in truth she cared nothing about. Her granddaughter would be queen, that was everything they had aimed for, everything they had planned for and she couldn't help but smile at Varys's duplicity.
She had known when Margaery told her what the eunuch had said that he was working with someone, but never in her wildest dreams had she imagined it was the son of the dragon prince, she couldn't wait to see Mace's face. Though firstly she would ensure her son was roundly scolded for the stupidity of his plan, Renly Baratheon, of all things, even if the man took the throne his line would end with him.
"Grandmother are you listening?" Willas asked.
"What's that?"
"I was just saying we need to prepare for father's return, he can't send out the ravens to call the banners from anywhere but here, so we must be ready."
"Of course, I shall leave that in your capable hands." she said standing and moving to the door.
"Where are you going?" Garlan asked.
"To find your sister."
She and her two giant guards left her grandsons to make their plans regarding their father while she walked down the corridor. Finding her steward she ordered him to have Margaery brought to her in the summer garden along with some refreshments and made her own way through the keep. The summer garden was the nearest of the main outdoor seating areas to where she was and while she preferred some of the others, she was in no mood to walk far. When she arrived at it she sat and waited while some servants set up the tables and she was drinking a sweet tea when Margaerys arrived.
"Grandmother, what is it?" Margaery asked a little bit of annoyance in her voice.
"Don't take that tone with me child, not when I've news of such import to share with you."
"I'm sorry grandmother." her little rose said and she smiled warmly at her.
"It's quite all right sweetling, now take a seat and let me tell you about your future husband.
Kings Landing 298 AC.
Jae.
It was dark when they arrived and Jae had The Dragons Lament drop anchor a little distance from the docks, preferring to arrive by boat as it'd be easier to leave quickly that way should the need arise. Kalors would stay on board to guard his mother and the rest of the guards and crew would ensure that should the worst happen they'd be able to leave well before any royal ship could give chase. Brankardix had found some caves nearby and had so far managed to keep out of sight, though that was certainly only a temporary thing.
"Be careful son." his mother said as he lowered himself into the boat.
"I will mother, I'll see you soon."
"Arthur, look after him, and yourself." he heard his mother say as Arthur too climbed down.
The trip to the shore was peaceful and quiet, when they arrived he sent the boat back with instructions to meet at a small nearby cove at the hour of the wolf the following night. They were dressed well but not too extravagantly, armed but not fully armored and within moments of the boat setting back off they were approached by a small child.
Recognizing this child as one of Varys's little birds they followed the boy through the streets and down the Street of Silk into a house which was obviously the brothel Varys spoke of. They were met by a beautiful Summer Islander who smiled at them and led them to a large room where Varys was already sitting waiting for them.
"My king, I bring you grave news." Varys said when the woman left.
"Go on Lord Varys."
"The usurper is dead, killed by a boar though I suspect foul play, but it's the Hand of the king who's neck is on the line and the reason for my concern."
"Why would we care about the falcon, Lord Varys." Arthur said and Jae couldn't help but agree.
"Lord Arryn died moons ago, it's the new Hand I speak of, your uncle my king, Lord Stark."
Varys then explained the series of events, the death of Jon Arryn, the king's trip to Winterfell, the betrothal of the prince and his cousin and his uncle's naming as Hand. He explained the revelation of the children's parentage and the betrayal by Baelish of his uncle along with the massacre of his household. When he got to his uncle being thrown in a cell and his daughters, one of whom was a prisoner while the other was lost, Jae interrupted him.
"It seems I'm to rescue my family my lord." Jae said and Arthur nodded.
"To that end, I may have someone who can offer assistance." Varys said and he walked to a door and knocked softly on it.
Jae didn't recognize the grey haired man that came out, but hearing both the man's and Arthur's gasp he had a fair idea of who he was. Seeing the man then drop to his knee he was certain of it and he looked to Arthur before the man began to speak.
"I failed my oath my king, I failed your father, I ask no pardon nor expect one, but if there is any service you wish of me, you only have to ask." Ser Barristan said.
"Had you known of me, what would you have done Ser Barristan?" Jae asked the still kneeling man.
"I'd have searched the known world to find you my king." Barristan said and Jae looked to Arthur who nodded.
"Arise Ser, for we have need of your service." Jae said and the knight rose to his feet.
"There is one other person who may require your help my king." Varys said leading out a scared dark haired pretty young girl.
"My lord?" Jae asked.
"My king, this is Jeyne Poole a friend of your cousin, Lord Baelish had plans for her." Varys said with disgust.
"My Lady, I offer you whatever protection I can, no one shall harm you and I shall see you returned to your family." Jae said and the girl began to cry.
"I'm afraid my king that her father was among the household." Varys said and Jae nodded walking to the girl and looking at her while awaiting her permission to give her a hug, when she nodded he embraced her and she sobbed against him.
"My lady, I shall see you safe, I swear it." he said and she calmed down.
Once she had stopped crying Varys called for one of the girls to take Jeyne to a nearby room and after Jae reassured her she would be leaving with them she went with the girl.
"My cousins Lord Varys?"
"Lady Sansa is held in Maegor's Holdfast, while Lady Arya even my little birds have sung no tales about."
"Is she alive?" Jae asked worriedly.
"I believe so my king, the Lannisters have sent guards to find her so she escaped them at least. I'd wager she's in the city hiding somewhere."
"And my uncle?"
"Held in the Black Cells my king."
"I need to get them both out Lord Varys, Ser Barristan do you know my cousins?" he said turning to the knight.
"I do your grace."
"Lord Varys, we must rescue them both. Can it be done?"
"It can my king, it must be swift, it will take me two days to put a plan in place, but is the risk worth it?"
"It is." Jae said determinedly.
When Varys left the lady who'd greeted them earlier came back to the room, she led them to another set of rooms where Jeyne was resting in a bed and had food brought up for them. After speaking with Barristan a little and confirming with Arthur their plans, Jae walked to the corner to the small window seat and laid down. The dream came quick and fast and though Bloodraven wasn't there with him he knew it was he who sent it.
He saw a girl hiding in the shadows, crying herself to sleep, she was small and skinny and her grey eyes were familiar. He saw the same girl run down a street her little legs moving quickly, he looked behind him to see Arthur and Barristan and saw the girl was running from them both. As he looked on in horror the girl ran away only to be stopped by a group of men wearing gold cloaks. He tried to chase after her only to be dragged away by Arthur and Barristan in the opposite direction, the girl's eyes looking to him for help.
Waking he jumped up, the image of the fear in those grey eyes not allowing any drowsiness to persist. He moved quickly to look for some water only to find there was none.
"My king?" Barristan said looking at him concerned.
"Ser Barristan, I was looking for some water to wash." Jae said not really ready to tell the man just what he'd seen just yet.
"I shall see to it immediately my king." Barristan said leaving the room.
Jae went over and woke Arthur up, feeling terrible doing so, but he needed him awake, he needed to speak to him before he did what he was about to do. It took a few moments and during that time Jeyne woke up and like him she woke up in a panic, though when she saw they were all still there with her she calmed some.
"What is it Jae?" Arthur said when he woke.
"I need to do something Arthur, alone, if I don't I think she'll die." Jae said.
"Who Jae?"
"My cousin, I think I just had a vision of my cousin." Jae said.
He proceeded to tell Arthur about his dream and that he was sure the girl was his cousin Arya, he knew Arthur was well aware of how the visions worked, follow them exactly and that's what happened. So he had to change this one and the only way to do so was without Arthur and Barristan's presence, despite his obvious worry his father by choice was never one to deny him and here he did not do so either.
When Barristan returned and Jae washed, he allowed Arthur to take the lead in explaining things, the older knight wasn't happy but he acquiesced. So Jae after reassuring Jeyne she'd be safe with them both, left in search of his cousin. It took him some time but he eventually found the street and taking up a spot he waited and hoped she'd arrive and more importantly, that she'd trust him.
Seeing her in the flesh made his jaw drop, her hair, her eyes, it was like looking at a young version of his mother and if it hadn't been for the fact that she was dirty, barefoot and obviously hungry, Jae would have taken time to relish the sight. But when she saw him she immediately began to edge away, backing off down the street and the images of her being dragged screaming by the gold cloaks came to him unbidden.
"When the snows fall and the white winds blow, the lone wolf dies, but the pack survives." Jae said and the girl stopped and looked at him.
"How do you know that?" she asked suspiciously.
"I'm here to help, I swear it on the old gods and the new. I'm here to help, you, your sister and your father, please come with me I beg of you." Jae said pleadingly.
The girl looked from him to the end of the street and back and as she began to walk towards him she heard the sound of the gold cloaks coming closer and he motioned to her to run which she did. They managed to get out of the street just as the gold cloaks entered and Jae quickly walked with her back to the brothel. All the way she watched him warily, her hand holding onto the hilt of her thin sword, he looked to it to see it was broken, the blade no more than a small point but she held it tightly all the same.
"We'll be safe in here, I'll get you some food." he said and she shook her head.
"This is one of those houses, I don't want to go in there."
Jae knelt down and took out his dagger and handed it to her, the Valyrian steel grabbing her attention.
"I promise you that you'll be safe with me, if I'm lying you know how to use that right? First lesson, stick em with the pointy end." Jae said and she smirked before schooling her features.
"I know which end to use." she said and this time he smiled.
When he brought her inside the woman who he'd found out was the owner Chataya looked at him curiously before nodding and leading him to the room. He asked for her to bring some food and when he entered he found Arthur pacing and Barristan sitting with Jeyne Poole who ran to Arya when she saw her.
"Arya, Arya, oh thank the gods you're safe." Jeyne said and Jae was happy to see a little smile on the girls face.
"Sansa, Father?" Arya asked and Jeyne shook her head.
"We have a plan for your father and sister Arya." Jae said and he saw the girl was about to say something but the knock on the door stopped her.
The girl who brought the food was another Summer Islander and he wondered if she was related to the owner, she laid it down on the table and Jae nodded to Arya who sat and ate greedily. He couldn't help but laugh when she belched loudly and while at first she glared at him, she then smirked before she ate some more. When she was finished she yawned and Jae walked with her to the bed, she looked at him and he nodded.
"Get some rest, you're safe now and when you wake we'll speak of your father and sister."
"Who are you?"
"A friend of the Starks and the North." Jae said and she climbed into the bed and was asleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow.
Arthur.
The news they'd gotten when they arrived was incredible, the stag dead, killed by a pig of all things, the falcon poisoned, the Lannisters finally on the throne that Tywin had desired all his life. Finding out that Ned Stark was locked in a dungeon, his family held hostage and his household massacred was something none of them expected, but they had arrived in time to do something about it.
Much to Jae's relief he knew, having Barristan with him raised mixed emotions, he and his brothers did not like what he did. But when Barristan explained his reasons to him Arthur couldn't fault them too much, besides it was up to Jae to decide what to do with his former brother, not Arthur. They had spoken long into the night and had found common ground, though it would still take time for the trust to return.
"How is she?" Arthur said as Jae left the bedroom.
"Tired, scared and worried about her family." Jae said sitting down "Where's Jeyne?"
"She went with one of the girls to take a bath, she seems better." Arthur said.
"Ser Barristan come sit with us." Jae said looking to the man who was sitting at the window.
"Thank you my king." the bold said as he took a seat.
"What happened Ser, with Lord Arryn, the king?".
Barristan explained how Lord Arryn died, how the king died, he told them of the king's will being torn up and his uncle being thrown in the cells, of how they sent men to kill the household staff and capture his cousins. How he was dismissed from the Kingsguard and how he had intended to sail to find the Company of the Dragon before Varys pulled him to one side and told him about Jae.
"Rescuing my uncle won't be the end of things Ser Barristan. I intend to take back my throne, it'll be another war, so should you wish to leave, speak now." Jae said.
"If you'll have me my king, my sword is yours." Barristan said and Jae smiled.
"Good, tonight we need to take the girls to the ship, tomorrow when we rescue my uncle and cousin we must leave immediately."
"Where are we going your grace?"
"Highgarden, to see Ser Gerold." Jae said and Barristan smiled.
After eating a meal and a visit from one of Varys little birds saying all was set for the next night, they sat around and spoke of adventures long past, Jae listened on eagerly as Barristan told tale of his great grandfather. When he spoke of the war of the Ninepenny Kings of Maelys and slaying him Jae smiled and he laughed when a small tired girl popped her head out of the door.
"Did he really have two heads." Arya said as she walked towards them.
"He did Lady Arya." Barristan said and the girl scowled.
"I'm no lady."
"No you're a wolf." Jae said and the girl smiled broadly.
"What's gonna happen with my father?" she asked worriedly.
"We're going to get him out of there, Arya, look at me, we're going to get him out of there."
"I can help, I know the tunnels and the way in."
"Arya, you can't I need to know you're safe, I need you to trust me." Jae said.
"But I can…."
"I know you can, but I need you to do this, can you?"
"What do you want me to do?" she said after a few moments of silence.
"We're going to take you to our ship tonight, then tomorrow night free your father and sister."
"You promise." she asked her lip quivering.
"I swear it on the old gods and the new." Jae said and the girl threw her arms around him.
Later that night at the hour of the wolf they made their way to the cove and found the boat waiting for them, inside it was Patrek and Gared, Jae smiled at the men before turning to his cousin and Jeyne.
"Arya, these men will take you to our ship, when you get on board go see my mother, she'll make sure you're safe, you too Jeyne."
"When will you be coming?" Arya said.
"We'll be there this time tomorrow with your father and sister and then we'll take you home." Jae said as she took his knife out to hand it back to him.
"You keep it, just in case." he said winking and she nodded, before hugging him again.
"Thank you." she said as she and Jeyne got in the boat.
"Patrek, tell my mother this is Arya Stark, come back tomorrow night at this time and use the larger boat." Jae said.
Arthur and Barristan watched as the boat rowed off and waited until it was out of sight before heading back to the brothel. When they arrived there they found Varys waiting for them.
"All is set for tomorrow my king, Lord Stark has an injured leg though so it may be a problem."
"How bad?" Arthur asked.
"He needs help walking and he's been in the cells without much food and water. I've done my best but not too much lest anyone suspects." Varys said looking to him.
"Thank you Lord Varys, any news on Gerold?" Jae asked.
"I believe he was successful, Lord Mace returned from negotiating with Lord Renly but they held and haven't joined so I believe they're waiting for you my king."
"The North?" Arthur asked.
"Has rallied to your cousin and is on the march, they should be entering the Riverlands within the moon."
"What will they find there?" Jae asked and Varys sighed.
"Chaos my king, Lord Tywin has let his mad dogs loose and Ser Jaime has arrived with a large force which the Riverlords are riding to meet."
"Under whose command?" Arthur asked.
"Lord Edmure Tully." Varys said and Jae sighed.
"I don't understand my king, you seem almost aware of this? Barristan looked at Jae who nodded.
"I've spent the last three years going over plans Ser, what if's, contingencies upon contingencies, have you played Cyvasse Ser?"
"I have my king."
"Well I've been playing Cyvasee with the realm for three years, I know practically every possible plan better than anyone, this is one of the worst of them."
"Why?"
"Donkeys leading Lions Ser, Donkeys leading Lions." Jae said and Varys tittered.
"Arthur?" Barristan asked confused.
"The Riverlords may be fierce, but in the hands of Edmure Tully they'll be no match for the Lannisters,." Arthur said and Barristan shook his head and laughed as he got the analogy.
When Varys left, Jae told Barristan to take the bed and get some rest, all of them would need it for tomorrows work. Jae himself asked for parchment and paper and sat at the desk writing and shaking his head, Arthur knew he'd call for him eventually and so let him be. It was a few hours later when he did call him over and as he walked to him he saw the amount of crumpled up pieces of parchment on the floor.
"Jae?"
"I can't do what I wish Arthur, I need my uncle and cousin safe and so I can't do what I wish."
"What do you wish?"
"To jump on Brankardix's back and go save the Riverlords before they fall into the trap." Jae said resignedly.
"Which is more important Jae, the North or the Riverlands?"
"The North." Jae said "Not just because of my family Arthur, it's..it's going to be the front lines, we need it intact."
"Then there's not even a question is there." Arthur said and Jae nodded "Go get some sleep, I'll take watch until Barristan wakes."
"Arthur, thank you," Jae said as he walked to the window seat and lay down.
Margaery.
When her father arrived back she was amazed at how hostile her grandmother and brother were to him, though when she heard the plans he had made she couldn't believe he could be that stupid. She loved her brother, she really did but why he ever thought she'd be interested in a life as Renly's queen was beyond her. While she knew she'd not likely find love in her marriage, she at least hoped to find a man who wished to be with her, a man who could love her, at least physically if nothing else.
Something that Renly was more than certainly incapable of, while her father was blissfully unaware of the nature of Renly and Loras's relationship, no one else in her family was, even her mother knew the truth. So she had sat while her father had huffed and puffed and only quietened when Ser Gerold had entered the room, the expression on her fathers face had been priceless as he looked at The White Bull.
"Ser Gerold?" he asked.
"It is my lord." and Margaery had to stop herself from laughing, the knight had been anything but formal with any of them, especially her and her mother.
"I...we heard you were a sell sword."
"I was what I've always been, Lord Commander to a King." Gerold said and her father looked from her to her grandmother and brother and back with such a look of confusion on his face that she heard her grandmother sigh.
"Oh by the gods Mace close your mouth, you look like a damn Tully." her grandmother said.
"Mother." her father spluttered.
"Enough Mace, while you were off on your wild flight of fancy, we were here making sure our family grows strong. Margaery will most certainly not be marrying Renly Baratheon nor will we be supporting him and I want my grandson back here now."
"Mother, Margaery would be queen."
"Margaery will be queen Mace, to a proper king." her grandmother said and her father got that same confused look on his face."
"Who?" her father asked.
"Jaehaerys Targaryen the third of his name, trueborn son of Prince Rhaegar and Princess Lyanna Targaryen." Ser Gerold said and Margaery felt her stomach flutter.
When her grandmother had told her the news she had been stunned, the stories were all false, Rhaegar had never kidnapped Lyanna Stark, he married her and they had a child. The boy had been raised by the Kingsguard in secret and was coming to take his throne and he was not coming alone. An army of over 20,000 men, the Lords of the Narrow Sea, his aunt and three dragons. Just the thought of that alone was like something out of the book of the conqueror himself, three fully grown fire breathing dragons.
She had eventually gotten to meet her twice great uncle and found he more than lived up to his legend, though getting older he was still fierce and watching him spar was incredible. Something she knew Garlan felt more keenly than her, when her brother had heard Ser Arthur Dayne was with the king, he'd almost swooned. For Margaery though it was speaking to Ser Gerold about the king that had most interested her and she found herself intrigued by what she'd heard.
"What is his grace like uncle?" she asked as they walked with her mother and her ladies.
"He's like his father my lady, though he doesn't have his temperament. He has his heart though and his concerns."
"Concerns?"
"Prince Rhaegar wanted to make the realm a better place, to leave this world better than he found it, Jaehaerys is the same, though perhaps even more focused."
"Does he have other interests?"
"He plays the harp my lady, he sings." Gerold said and she smiled.
"Is he a good man uncle?" she asked shakily.
"You are my blood Margaery, he is my king. I can think of no one better in this world for you. He's not just a good man, he's the best I've ever known." Gerold said and she could discern no lie in his words.
She turned back to her father who was mumbling something about getting the High Septon to come to officiate their wedding and having the largest feast they'd ever heard of. She rolled her eyes and caught her grandmother's smirk and apart from one phrase he said she tuned out her father.
"The son of the dragon." her father said and Margaery smiled.
Jae.
It was time, they checked their weapons and cleared the room out of any trace of them, they'd either be leaving this city by boat tonight or leaving this world but either way they'd not be coming back here. Varys had sent one of his little birds to fetch them and when they were ready they left the room and headed to the entrance hall, Chataya was on duty welcoming arrivals and Jae walked over to her once she was free.
"I thank you my lady, for your troubles." Jae said handing her the pouch of gold.
"There is no need, Lord Varys has ensured I was well rewarded."
"Well consider this a thank you from me, for everything you did." he said and she smiled.
"I wish you good fortunes in the wars to come your grace."
"You too my lady, stay safe."
They followed the small boy through the streets and eventually came to a small opening and had to bend down and crawl through to the other side, where they found Varys waiting.
"My king, come this way." Varys said leading them down an alley where at the end there was another small opening.
After struggling through this one they found themselves in a covered corridor, following it down they came to another door and entered into darkness. Varys lit a torch and they followed him down some darkened tunnels, before once again coming to a small opening which they had to crawl through. When they came out the other side they were under the Red Keep itself, the tunnels they were in were much larger and Varys picked up two more torches which he lit before handing them to Arthur and Barristan.
"We have a ways to go my king, but we're under Maegor's now and soon we'll be close to where the entrance to your cousin's room is." Varys said.
"Ser Barristan, you know my cousin Sansa?"
"I do my king."
"I need you to go to her Ser, she won't recognize myself or Arthur and you know Maegor's probably even better than Arthur does anyway." Jae said and Arthur smirked in the torchlight.
"Of course my king." Barristan said.
"Ser Barristan, when you have Lady Sansa, come back here, I'll meet you and take you to the boat." Varys said handing him a damp cloth.
"What's this?" Barristan asked.
"For Lady Sansa, she's become quite enamored with the prince, should she not wish to leave."
"You would have me drug her?" Barristan asked aghast.
"Ser, we need my cousin with us, Lord Varys is right, she cannot be allowed stay here, if she is she'll suffer greatly, far better she suffers a little now if it saves her later." Jae said and Barristan nodded reluctantly.
While Barristan turned to make his way up the ladder Varys showed him, Jae and Arthur began to move in the direction Varys had pointed to. The eunuch joining them a few moments later, the walk took them a decent distance under the keep and Jae marveled just how much unused space there was here. Eventually they came to another ladder and Varys indicated this was the one they had been looking for.
"Up above leads to a small room just inside the cells, there are five men on duty. I've sent them some wine laced with a sleeping draught but I do not know if any or all have drank from it." Varys said.
"I thank you Lord Varys, for all your help."
"It's my honor my king. Your uncle is in the last cell the one with the double steel door, the jailor carries the keys on him, a fat dank haired man, he should be found on a cot just next to the room you'll come out from. When you come back down here follow this tunnel all the way and I'll be waiting for you at the end. Be safe my king, the realm needs you." Varys said and then he was gone.
Arthur climbed the ladder first and Jae followed behind, both holding daggers in their hands, their swords ready to be drawn. When he reached the room Arthur lent Jae a hand and helped him up, the room was dark and small with barely enough room for them both. Arthur quickly and quietly opened the door and stepped out into the corridor Jae following behind, both of them drew their swords and began to walk as quietly as they could.
The found the jailor almost immediately exactly as Varys had said, he had obviously partaken of the wine as he snored loudly on the cot, moving swiftly Arthur took the keys from him and they continued onward. The first two guards were asleep and it wasn't until they reached the next corridor that they ran into any trouble. Varys's numbers were off, there were three more guards not two and Arthur held his hand up with three fingers raised to signal so to Jae.
At a nod they rushed forward, Jae's sword went through the back of the man's head easily, while Arthur quickly took the other two down, one with a thrust to his chest and the other with a dagger to the eye. They checked the doors to make sure they were alone and when Arthur noticed the main door leading from above, he walked to it and locked it from the inside, which made Jae smile.
"We should be all right now Jae, which cell did he say your uncle was in?" Arthur asked.
"The one with the double doors, I think it's that one." Jae said pointing to the end of the corridor.
Jae moved quickly to the doors, not only did he wish to see his uncle but he wanted to be out of this place, Arthur opened them as soon as they reached them and the first thing apart from the darkness which hit him was the smell. It was foul, a combination of waste and dank air, he heard a coughing and turned to grab some water before entering to find a man in chains. Arthur held the torch and despite the bruised face, it was clear this was his uncle, the grey eyes and long face of his mother's family very apparent.
"Here drink." Jae said and his uncle coughed before swallowing the water "Slowly."
"Who are you?" his uncle said his voice harsh and gruff from lack of use.
"A friend, I've come to take you from here." Jae said.
"What is this a trick? Have me try to escape so you can execute me, if you wish me dead then be honest about it."
"I don't wish you dead, far from it. I'm here to take you home to your family." Jae said and his uncle stared into his eyes.
"I can't, my girls." his uncle said sadly.
"Are safe and well Lord Stark, Arya is with my mother on our ship and Ser Barristan is fetching Sansa as we speak."
"You speak truly?" his uncle said disbelievingly.
"I swear it on the old gods and the new." Jae said and his uncle nodded.
"My leg, its broken."
"Can you walk on it at all?" Arthur asked.
"No, if I can lean on something." his uncle said as Jae removed the shackles.
"Here lean on me." Jae said and he and Arthur helped him up.
"Who are you?" his uncle asked again.
"I promise to tell you everything you need to know Lord Stark, but lets get somewhere safer first." Jae said and his uncle nodded.
He and Arthur struggled but they managed to get him out of the cell and down the corridor to the room, getting down the ladder was more of a chore and it involved Arthur going first and taking his uncle's weight, while Jae held his hands taking some of it himself. When they reached the bottom, they gave his uncle more water, Jae cursed he had not brought food, but they would be out of here soon enough.
It took them almost an hour to reach the end of the tunnel and though they could see the light in front of them there was no sign of Varys. Arthur walked on ahead and he was left with his uncle alone for a few moments, he noticed how intently his uncle stared at him and in the slightly brighter light of the tunnel he did likewise. Apart from his eyes, Ned Stark looked exactly like an older version of his brother, his face was longer and more sharp than Jae's mother, but there was not a doubt they were kin.
"My king we must hurry." he heard Varys's voice say as he and Arthur rushed towards him.
"Have we been discovered?" Jae asked while his uncle looked at him suspiciously now.
"No, but Ser Barristan needed to kill Ser Meryn, the alarm will be raised soon."
"Very well, perhaps it's best if we go our separate ways here Lord Varys, or do you wish to join us?"
"No my king, though I think it'll soon be time for me to disappear. I have some loose ends to tie up first."
"Baelish?" Jae said and Varys nodded "I have an idea about that my lord, have him come to Highgarden, suggest an alliance if you will." Jae said and Varys smiled.
"Interesting my king. I shall, it'll be my last act as Master of Whisperers for a false king."
"But not your first for the true one." Jae said and Varys laughed a full laugh "Take care of yourself my lord, be safe until we see each other again."
"You too my king. Lord Stark, your daughter awaits with Ser Barristan, I wish you well." Varys said before disappearing.
"Who are you?" his uncle said loudly looking at him.
"It doesn't matter does it my lord, we need to go, so you can come with me or not, but this is the only chance you have to see your family again or do you trust the Lannisters to allow such a thing?"
His uncle nodded reluctantly and Jae and Arthur helped him from the tunnel, Jae was surprised to find they were on the cove itself and he resolved to find out everything he could about these tunnels in the future. For now though he helped his uncle to the boat where Ser Barristan was standing beside an agitated red headed girl who must be his cousin, she looked nervous and scared, though she calmed when she saw her father.
"Father, what's going on, who are these men."
"It's all right my love, we need to leave, your sister is waiting for us on their ship."
"Father, I..."
"It's all right, we must go now Sansa."
After helping his uncle into the boat, they set off, Patrek and three men from the company rowing, he was glad he had asked for the longer boat, as his uncle seemed more comfortable with his leg stretched before him. It didn't take them long to reach The Dragons Lament and Arthur climbed up first before helping his uncle and Sansa to board. Once they had all boarded, the men threw the ropes down to raise the boat and Jae took his uncle and cousin to see Arya and Jeyne.
"Arthur why don't you get Ser Barristan settled, I'll come speak to you both after I speak to my mother." Jae said and Arthur nodded, Kalors had joined them and taken over helping his uncle.
They walked down the stairs and Kalors directed them to one of the guest rooms and Jae opened the door to where Jeyne and Arya were awaiting.
"Arya." his uncle said happily as his cousin ran to him.
Jae stopped her from jumping into his arms though showing her his injured leg and Arya instead just embraced her father. Sansa and Jeyne too embraced and both girls sobbed as they held each other, Jae turned and saw Ariane and whispered for her to bring them some food and water. Once Arya let her father go and Jae noticed how she reluctantly embraced her sister, Kalors helped his uncle to the bed and lay him down. Ariane arrived a few minutes later and Sansa shook her head not being hungry, both the other girls did likewise but Jae looked on as his uncle are ravenously.
"We'll set off now, we'll be safe on board, no ship is as fast as this one, when you're ready and feeling better I'll bring you to see my mother and we'll give you those answers you want." Jae said.
"Who are you, why are you helping us." his uncle said as Jae walked away.
"Because you're family, Uncle." Jae said as he left the room.
A/N: Thanks as always to those who've read and especially those who've taken the time to read, it means a lot for me to get your feedback. Up next Ned Stark finds out the truth about the rebellion and has a family reunion he had never imagined possible.
Hartley Skarsgard: Hope you and yours had a good one. Hope you enjoyed the first set of interactions.
Linetel: Unfortunately it takes a long time to travel from Astapor and as you see things have changed dramatically.
Biohazard: Thanks so much. I will indeed do that, thanks for the suggestion.
Foxy: Given Jae's business with them and with the deposits they now hold for Astapor it benefits them for the city to remain peaceful, for now at least.
Princess: Thanks so much glad you liked it.
Lord Viillareal: Thanks so much and the war is officially started, thanks for the name, i may very well use it.
Dunk: Thanks so much, glad you like the changes. There will be more character stuff now we're in Westeros, but it will also be a faster paced story. I had thought of doing it that way, having everyone Robert be alive and out of the capital, but it created too many problems, such as Ned would never abandon Robert when he was actually with him, his hand and had just betrothed Sansa. Also the sheer time it takes to get from Astapor to Westeros and the Winterfell chapter being before the Astapor chapter in terms of timeline, meant it was always going to go canonically, until Jae arrived.
One other point was that Jae's been directed as to when to land in Westeros, when is the most strategically beneficial time for it, this is it, there's no time better. Basically this is fAegon's canon plan only done better imo.
Clayvus: Thanks so much, really glad you like it.
Aussie: Really glad you enjoyed it.
THBimnotsure: Thanks so very much, so happy to have you on board.
Xan Merrick: Thank you my friend, glad you like it.