This is a repost cuz I think many thought that the list I put before the chapter was the chapter itself or something like that. Apologies


Daenerys

Gone were the fine and luxurious livings of Daro's Manse and the city of Norvos. Now, instead of city living, Dillion had brought Daenerys and Viserys to a small farm just a few miles outside of the city. It was owned by a widow and her four children, a son and three girls (the son being the eldest and older than Viserys by a year).

Viserys was very displeased at this. He expected a small manse at least, or a finer tavern meant for those not grand enough to be nobles but not filthy enough to be peasants or people that didn't have a name worth mentioning.

Although despite her brother's displeasure, Daenerys found the cottage they were in quite lovely and homey. It was warm and welcoming. The widow was treating both her and Viserys and Dillion with great respect and kindness.

While the farm children were out doing their chores, Daenerys and Viserys were being treated to a warm supper. Fresh made bread and stew.

"Tuck in now you two." The widow said as she presented food to Daenerys and Viserys. She never spoke her name and neither did Dillion tell it. "S'not high dinin', but taste's betteh all the same."

Dillion nodded his head to her, almost like a slight bow. "Thank you for your courtesy." His eyes were constantly twitching since the afternoon as if there was something like a bug or bit of dust in them. He wouldn't wipe at them though, he bore through it.

The widow smiled kindly and tended to her duties outside.

"This is it?" Viserys asked angrily. "I expected not much from you, but you have us housed with peasants?" Even though they made it out of Daro's with their belongings, Viserys was ever so angry. He didn't find it grateful when Ser Dillion smuggled them out of the city and away from the mass of Daro's guards chasing after them.

"Daro has the city guard looking for me and you as well after what happened. Out here, no one would suspect to look. No better way to hide from nobility than the places they don't bother to pay heed. I doubt the Usurper's assassins would think to check here as well." Aside from taking back the treasures, Ser Dillion had also cut off Daro's nose in front of his own guests.

"Hmph," Viserys acted as if he ignored Dillion and began eating. Even though they were in a safer place than usual, Viserys kept the bag of treasures with him at all times.

"Um, Ser?" Daenerys asked, pushing her bowl and appetite aside.

"Yes, princess?"

"Does she know that Viserys and I are… royalty?" She remembered all too well the consequences of revealing things to the wrong people. Just one phrase could turn anyone into an assassin for the Usurper.

"I did her a great favor and she's repaying it kindly. She won't ask who you are and doesn't know either. Foreign affairs aren't the concern of people like these. You have nothing to worry about." His words carried truth which put Dany at ease.

Viserys gulped down a spoonful of his stew. "How much is the peasant asking for?"

"As I said, your grace, she is repaying a favor done. No gold is needed to be given."

"And what favor was that?" Viserys asked doubtfully. "Everything has a limit of value, even favors." A lesson learned all too well time and time again from those that helped to shelter them in the past.

"I saved her daughters from a group of rapists. Her eldest son would have died too had I not got involved. They think me the greatest fighter to ever live, but I simply leveled the playing field. A wooden rake doesn't fare well against a steel axe, even if it is an axe of woodsman and not a soldier. Although any nancy with a sword could have beaten those fools."

"Quite the story. Speaking of which, what is yours? You say you were a knight in our father's court. A great man such as he wouldn't trifle himself with hedge knights like you."

"The war brought loss to all like myself and you. I was there. If there is anything you wish to know, merely ask and I shall tell."

"What was your purpose to my House?" Viserys asked. Both he and Daenerys leaned in to listen as best they could.

Ser Dillion sat back in his chair and began talking like a great storyteller in the streets. "I was part of a personal retinue of soldiers under the direct order of his grace, King Aerys. Whenever the Kingsguard were dispatched to settle matters in the Kingdoms, the regiment was there with them to give aid. Some of us like myself rode with Prince Rhaegar off to the war while too few of the loyal men and too many of the traitors remained to defend the Red Keep and the King. My greatest sorrow was being too far away from the Prince when he fell. When all was done and the battle lost, there were those that surrendered and bent the knee like weak-knee Barristan Selmy. I refused to call that whore mongering, drunken beast my king. I wouldn't let my head role nor take the black for doing my duty, so I fled into exile like many others. But instead of joining the Golden Company like the rest, I journeyed far off to find what I needed. In the Shadowlands of Asshai, I found enlightenment and purpose again once I heard whispers and mentions of where you were. Along the way I found other loyalists cast out with the desire to return home."

"Hmm… your story seems to ring true." Viserys said. "I have vague memories of my life in court and recall some of what you said. But those are things anyone could know. If you truly were in my father's service, then tell me something only a loyal man to House Targaryen would know. Something…"

"Tell me about our mother." Daenerys said without meaning to. . Viserys never spoke of their mother, maybe this man would. The words just slipped out, but the way Dillion looked at her and his words after calmed her sudden worry.

Dillion turned somber but looked at her with a warm smile. "She was ever so beautiful. Every bit a Targaryen like yourselves. Silver hair that moved like water when she walked, eyes that were as bright as jewels in sunlight. You look much like her, princess. But one thing that only those that served close enough to know was that whenever she was heavy with child, she was never afraid to sing in front of others to her babies. Some used to say that Rhaegar's love of music came from his mother's songs."

For an instant, Daenerys regretted ever asking such a question. It was because even after such a small account of a woman she never knew, she longed deeply for her mother. The way Dillion spoke of her Queen mother was with such fondness and remorse in his voice. He missed her greatly as well.

Daenerys looked over to Viserys and saw him almost trembling in place. Her brother was as still as a statue, not blinking and not even breathing. Finally, a tear slipped from his right eye but he angrily wiped it away.

"I believe you." Viserys whispered. He was finally calming from all the commotion from the past few days. "When can we expect your other allies?"

"Either tonight or tomorrow morning." Ser Dillion reported. "Each is of loyal blood noble to the three headed dragon of House Targaryen."

"And you? I do not recall a House of Silversight." Viserys leered at Dillion, as if the trust that was just given had been washed away by doubt so easily.

"No, there is no House of that name. I forsook the right to carry my family's name when I fled. There is only me. When the red dragon banners fly over the Red Keep and Dragonstone once again, I hope that my name rises up as a name that is loyal to the true King of Westeros."

Viserys straightened himself and rested his hands on the table. "Then you shall have it."

"Ser Dillion?" Daenerys intruded. "Did you know our brother well? What was he like?"

Dillion grew a fond smile. "He was a good man, loved by many, great musician as well as a swordsman. They called him the Last Dragon."

Viserys flinched. "I am the last true Dragon, remember that. My brother got himself bewitched by a whore of the North. No real dragon could be bewitched by a savage from that gods forsaken wasteland."

Daenerys didn't like it when Viserys always said mean things about their brother. She was told elsewise. "But I remember Ser Willem said that he was every bit a knight like a storybook. Brave, loved, noble." Some of the previous hosts would whisper that Rhaegar was a madman, the same lie like they would say about her father. She had to know now that she had the chance.

"Prince Rhaegar was certainly a good hearted man, princess." Dillion defended.

"Enough," Viserys barked. "Rhaegar was weak or he wouldn't have lost us everything!"

"Your grace," Ser Dillion said, "Prince Rhaegar's death was not the sole cause of defeat."

"Why did he die?" Daenerys muttered, but it was loud enough to be heard. "Couldn't anyone have saved our brother? Where were you on the battlefield when he needed you most?"

Instead of answering immediately like he was doing before, Ser Dillion remained silent. For the first time upon meeting the man, he looked nervous about something. "I was not at the Trident, I and handful of others were elsewhere by the order of Rhaegar himself."

"I thought you said you rode with Rhaegar to War." Viserys eyed him angrily.

"Wars are often thought of being fought only on the battlefield. But there are others things that must be considered during that time, too. I fought on your family's side during the war, but I was not directly fighting at Rhaegar's side. That is all I can say."

"All you can say?" Viserys seethed. "If you serve, you would do well to not keep secrets from your King."

"I will never lie to you, your grace, but there are some things I cannot say without fear of unwanted ears listening and words finding their way to our enemies."

"But you still lied." Daenerys said.

"I did not, I just didn't tell the whole truth."

"That doesn't seem fair." She knew it was stupid thing to say after experiencing how unfair the world was first hand. Maybe it was impatience for the need of knowing now in case there might never come the chance to know at all.

Viserys stood from his seat slowly with a piercing gaze and his knuckles tightening. "I am the King, and those who serve would be wise not to keep secrets."

Ser Dillion wasn't phased at all. "When you take back the throne and House Targaryen is unmatched once again, I swear I will tell you everything. But as I said, Robert Baratheon controls powerful men who have ears that can find secrets through stone, wood, and flesh." When he said it like that, it did make more sense, but there was still a feeling of being patronized.

Daenerys tried to calm her brother before he acted out. "It's not the first someone's kept secrets from us. Ser Willem sometimes did."

"You be quiet." Viserys held a lone finger at her like it was the last of a warning. "I won't have your blind trust fuck us again!"

Daenerys knew she should keep quiet but she felt that she shouldn't. "He makes good sense. When people tell secrets, they might not stay hidden. And you do have a habit of running your mouth when you're drunk-"

"Enough of you!" Viserys backhanded Daenerys out of her seat, forcing her to the floor. She could taste a bit of blood in her mouth this time when the sting set in. "Why is it that every time you say something, it's nothing but the words of a fucking idiot girl? You wake the dragon too easily, sister. You know not to wake the dragon!" He raised a hand firmly to slap her, but a strong arm grabbed Viserys at his wrist and held him back.

"It's unbecoming of a King to throw tantrums." Dillion said sternly.

"How dare you touch me!" He squirmed out of Dillion's grasp and backed away. "No one touches the dragon, especially a washed up piss knight that failed my family! You call yourself loyal yet you stand in a king's way! I'm already surrounded by oathbreakers."

Dillion stood his ground. "I have yet to swear an oath to you, your grace. Until I do, my oaths as a knight take precedence." He turned to Daenerys and offered his hand to her. Pulling her up, he then positioned her next to him but just slightly behind as well as a protector would. "I see much of your father in you. He was a powerful king, but he still lost the war. If you listen to counsel, you can become more than him and win back what was stolen. Or will you continue these tantrums instead of using the time to solve your problems?"

Viserys was stone faced with anger. He walked up to Dillion without an once of fear and stared him dead in the eyes. "I have been solving my family's problems for the last thirteen years." He looked at Daenerys coldly before looking back to Dillion. "You will not do that again."

"Then please spare the princess the harms of your just wrath, your grace. If such times come that you must strike out at one, let it be myself."

Viserys almost laughed. "You?"

"In time, I will teach you to channel such feelings into a sword instead of your palms. When we sail to war, you will be beyond what your brother was in battle." Dillion knelt down on one knee with his head lowered. Viserys slowly walked to the knight and quickly struck Dillion across the cheek. The knight didn't even flinch nor show any sign of hurt.

A knock on the door turned everyone's attention to it. Dillion immediately shot up to his feet with his hand hovering above the handle of his dagger rather than his sword. "Which came first," he called out, "the dragon or the egg?"

"No one knows, we can only hope to stop its extinction." A deep voice replied.

Ser Dillion breathed easy but Daenerys was still cautious.

"They're here." Ser Dillion announced. He went to the door and opened it, presenting two men behind it. Both were in their years, both younger than Dillion but one of them was already showing grey hairs in the stubble of his chin. "Glad you found us."

The younger of the men, a black haired man with a round face and slightly heavy belly, answered. "Almost didn't. Do you know how many farmhouses we knocked on before this one? Could've done better with direction, Dillion."

The three men chuckled together. They certainly had a friendly bond. He let them in and the moment the two men saw Viserys and Daenerys they stepped forward and fell down on one knee. The older of the two had a slight limp in his left leg and difficulty kneeling down.

"Your grace," They said in a failed unison.

Dillion stepped next to them and introduced the men. "These are some that have sought to swear loyalty to you." He gestured to the black haired man. "Alton the Smokeball, great grandson of Ser Glendon Flowers, the defeater of Daemon Blackfyre the Second."

Daenerys didn't know her history very well, only bits and pieces. Glendon Flowers was a mystery to her that hopefully she would learn. Alton the Smokeball wore a red tunic that sported a yellow ball trailing smoke behind it.

"And this here is Ser Timothy Broome, but he goes by the name Cinders. He fought with Randyl Tarly when Robert Baratheon's force was defeated at the Battle of Ashford." This older knight was shaven bald and had a square face. For some reason, Daenerys couldn't help but think Ser Timothy, or Cinders, was about to start crying because of the way his face was. There were no tears, but she was constantly anticipating that the knight would shed them. Unlike Alton who was also wearing a shirt of chainmail and a sword at his hip, Cinders had no armor or sword at all. He carried a rather large knife at his side.

"Are you alright, Ser?" Daenerys asked Cinders. "You seem hurt in your leg."

"Well, princess, I think I'd need a leg for it to be hurtin'." Cinders raised the end of his breeches that covered his left leg and revealed that it was a false leg of wood. He then smiled at her as if it was a form of apology. "Courtesy of the Greatjon Umber himself. I hope to repay the favor when we go home."

Viserys was not accepting it nor was he pleased. "This is what you bring me? A bastard's descendant and a cripple?"

"I trust these men with my life, your grace." Ser Dillion protested but kept his courtesies in order. "Alton can handle a sword as great as an Ironborn can sail. I would even go as far as to say that he would give the White Bull of Hightower a run for his white cloak if he were alive, your grace. And while Cinder's fighting days are over, he spent many years studying at the Citadel. His role to you and the princess is that of an educator."

"Really?" Daenerys said with great hope. "He can teach me about our home?"

Cinders nodded. "That and more. I'm no maester, but I've never dallied from my studies. If you will have us, I shall share everything I can to you." Cinders and Alton both stood. "We pledge our undying loyalty to the true rulers of Westeros, House Targaryen. To King Viserys, the Third of his name."

Those words seemed to make Viserys straighten and stand tall or maybe it was the sight of Westerosi men kneeling before him. "We shall see."

"Alton," Dillion interjected, "what about the Darke twins? Are they going to be late?"

Alton and Cinders fell sullen. "There was talk of other loyalists on the west coast. They went to investigate but it was a trap laid by the Usurper's spies. David lost his head, Jill was taken captive."

"No!" Dillion hissed. He clenched his fists and looked ready to destroy something. He turned to Viserys and bowed in submission. "I'm sorry, your grace. As it is, it will only be us three that you have our loyalties sworn."

It was certainly better than none at all. Daenerys felt herself warm inside. She never felt this way when they were sheltered by some rich noble like in the past. She sensed true loyalty from these men.

Viserys scoffed and walked his way past them and out the door, slamming it behind him.

Alton looked concerned. "Does he usually… act that way?"

Daenerys nodded. "Most of the time." She learned to stop trying to comfort her brother after he was disappointed about such things long ago. If he wanted calm, he wanted it by himself. Any attempt was always considered to be waking the dragon.

Ser Dillion shook his head. "He is much his father's son." He almost sounded disappointed.

Cinders muttered something in a tongue Daenerys didn't know. It was like a broken form of Valyrian. Cinders turned his head to her. "She the same?"

"No. She is every bit her mother." Dillion said.

Cinders smiled and both he and Alton sighed, relieved of something. "I'll take first watch." Alton volunteered.

"I'll relieve you when the moon rises." Dillion told him. "We'll leave tomorrow at daybreak."

"I'll tend to the horses." Cinders said. "Good to see you again, Ser."

Dillion nodded and both Alton and Cinders left the comfort of the cottage. They certainly displayed a great loyalty to Dillion. He looked about ready to rest.

"Ser Dillion," Daenerys inquired.

"Yes, princess?"

"Did my mother sing to me too?" She wanted to know so much more. Dillion brought Cinders to teach her about Westeros, but he probably knew the family she never did far more, maybe more than Viserys did.

"More than she ever did for your brothers." Dillion pulled one of the wooden chairs over to the fire lit in the hearth of the cottage. Daenerys followed but sat on the floor instead of a chair. She was more comfortable like this anyways. It was just like when Ser Willem would tell her stories. "I cannot deny that I was starstruck when I first had the privilege to lay my eyes on her. I was just a boy, but for a moment I didn't know whether I was in a dream or not."

The more Dillion began to speak of her mother, the better the image Daenerys could see in her mind. It was clear that he had a certain love for her mother in how he spoke of her and it was beginning to fall on Daenerys too like drops of rain, a little bit at a time and never unwelcome.


Ned

-Tywin Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West

I have taken great deliberation and discussion with your son, Tyrion Lannister, on your behalf. I have reached acceptable terms presented and agreed upon. I will be expecting the beginnings of our deal to begin swiftly within the year.

At my behest, we are to begin construction of a new town for the miners and other men who will be working. At your choice, I would have a selected individual act as a governor of this town to act as your representative overseeing that your men are behaved citizens on my lands and also to be treated with should problems arise that require either of our attention. While your representative acts as leader to your miners, Hugo Wull shall be hosting them on his lands and therefore who shall be corresponded to for troubles and ails.

-Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North

Ned knew for certain that this was the most formal letter he had ever written in his life. Robert never cared for formalities whenever they exchanged ravens, but when dealing with Tywin Lannister one had to present themselves as the highest they could. The golden Lion of Casterly Rock was never looked down on but it was possible to see eye to eye even though Ned would never allow himself to forget the brutalities he ordered in the war.

He had several things he had to tend to today. He already dealt with the arguing of the Mountain Chiefs but now he had to deal with the disagreements of his other sworn lords. Ravens were coming in from all over the North. The Greatjon was opposed unless this deal would help his region's people thrive better, Lady Dustin gave the usual insult followed by a disagreement. Only a handful of lords that wrote so far were in agreement with him like Bolton and Manderly.

After that, he wanted to check on the designs of the new armor Mikken was forging to compete against Tyrion's ego over Lannister armor. Keeping true to a set of rules and parameters made, the armor would be what would be distributed to soldiers.

And then to top it off, he had to oversee some of the preparations for the tour of the North that would be conducted with Tyrion Lannister. They would be heading for the Mountains first to inspect the locations of the future mines. It would have been a simple trip but Princess Myrcella wanted to get involved and the trip to the mountains grew into a full tour of the North from the Wall to Moat Cailin.

But right now his priority was to his children, more specifically the little wolf that kept gnawing on his little wooden toy soldier. Rickon kept making a growling noise like a beast as he pretended to devour the toy.

It made Ned smile when he presented a toy dire wolf carved of oak and watched his son's eyes light up at the sight. Cat was with him but working with her needle to make together a few more pairs of breeches for Arya.

Something that was an odd accident of sorts was Cat's request to Mikken for something to protect her fingers from her sewing needle. Mikken was almost going to get her an entire gauntlet but instead took the end of a finger and modified it slightly. Now no one could stitch faster than her.

The princess had requested a pair of breeches for riding and after she did many of the other girls wanted some as well so they could learn to ride too. Those children acted more like a line of ducklings than pretending to be ladies in waiting.

"Awoo!" Rickon howled playfully when he took the soldier out of his mouth and reached for the wolf. "Wowf!" It was hard to tell if his son was trying to say woof or wolf.

Ned just nodded in agreement. "That's right. Awoo!" He howled playfully and Rickon did the same, a howling pack of father and son. He remembered when he and his siblings would do it sometimes when they snuck off with Brandon for a hunt. Brandon and Lyanna would let roar their voices like soldiers in victory, but Ned always felt embarrassed to howl even when it was just them. "Can you say, Direwolf?"

"Dawewowf!" Ned burst into laughter at his son's attempt. Rickon began giggling so sweetly with his father, yet there was still an ill mood in the room.

He looked over to Cat but saw that she wasn't in such a good mood as he was with their baby. It was clear that she was still upset at him when he told her about his discussion with Ser Jaime. Or maybe it was that their son was directly over where the Valyrian dagger and one other secret were hidden in the floor. Still, he had to ask to break the ice. "You're still upset?"

"Of course. You're letting our son, OUR son, be taken by the Kingslayer."

It was Jaime's request that Ned not go spouting the truth out like a preacher on the streets."It's not like he's leaving to be Tywin Lannister's ward at Casterly Rock." For a second, Ned couldn't believe that he was defending Jaime Lannister. "Jaime Lannister does unsettle me still, Cat. But he has my confidence and since I can watch over Robb then I have no fear."

"But I do! The Lannisters are pompous, sneering people and I do not want our son to become like them." While correct along with a bit exaggerating, Catelyn left out the traits no one wanted to admit. Powerful, respected, and cunning, each something Robb would need when he inherits the North and enters the fray of politics.

"Do you have so little faith in our son's fortitude?"

Catelyn shrunk in her seat. "He's still just a boy."

Ned got up and walked over to his wife, kneeling at her side and taking her hands in his. "He is about to become a man soon. If luck is with him, it will be tamer then when I did before a war broke out." He layed a gentle kiss on the knuckles of his wife. "He won't be a boy forever. When he is lord and rides off to war, he needs to be ready. Winter is Coming. Trust me now as I have you, my love."

The door to their room had opened and Robb stood in the opening. "Did I do something wrong?" Robb asked.

Catelyn huffed at him. "Forgetting to knock will count." She set her sewing aside and retrieved Rickon from the floor with his toys included and sat back down with him in her lap.

Ned walked over to his desk to grab his chair and pulled it close to Catelyn's. "We have something to discuss with you. We're just waiting for-" On cue almost, Jaime Lannister appeared behind Robb.

"Lord Stark," Jaime greeted.

"Ser Jaime." Ned returned.

Robb suddenly became confused but it also looked like he had the hintings of knowing what was about to happen. "What's going on?" He asked anyways.

Ned straightened himself and motioned for Robb and Ser Jaime to enter. Jaime closed the door behind him and stood with Robb. "I realize that I was too rash to come to a swift denial, son. I hope you can forgive me for that. And after much discussion with Ser Jaime, I have changed my mind." He let the words sink in and watched Robb almost gawk at the news. "You have my permission to squire for Ser Jaime Lannister upon his acceptance."

Robb swallowed nervously and looked up to Ser Jaime. "I landed a hit, so I get to still?"

It was the first time that Ser Jaime did not have that annoying look stricken on his face or one of irritation at everyone around him. No, this look reminded Ned much of his Lord father, Rickard. "The offer's still there, but know what being my squire entails before you say yes. I served under Arthur Dayne and learned to throw out being the son of a rich lord and find what it meant to be a squire for a knight of the realm, a real knight. You will be my student and learn my skills. And, you will also shine my armor and help me dress in it, tend to my horse as well as yours, assist me when I call for it, no matter how menial the chore is you will perform at your very best. This is a pact of great trust we make. Not only will your actions reflect those of yourself, but also the expectations I have of you. Do you have the will to uphold it?"

Robb didn't respond immediately at what sounded to be a difficult choice. Ser Jaime clearly did not lay back on the difficulties and the high standards he was setting for such a position. But he didn't show any trace of fear. "Aye, I do."

The smirk Ser Jaime had was a pleased and proud one. "Then I accept you, Robb Stark, as my squire." Jaime held his hand out to Robb who firmly shook it.

Robb turned to Ned and Cat, looking happier than he had in a long time. "Thank you."

Ned got up from his chair and embraced his son. He didn't care if Jaime rolled his eyes or snickered at this. There was nothing shameful about a father showing love to his son. "I know you will do well. Make us proud."

"I will." Robb hugged back and then went over to Cat and did the same to her and Rickon.

Cat looked to be on the verge of tears. "My baby boy is growing up."

"Mother…" Robb groaned in embarrassment. Cat gave one last squeeze before letting him free.

"Now then," Ser Jaime spoke, "I'm sure you'll want to tell your family the news. Better brag while you can."

Robb went for the door but suddenly stopped when he just reached his hand for the handle. "Oh Seven Hells." He muttered before quickly pulling the door open. In tumbled Arya, Bran, and Theon who were leaning on it with their ears pressed to listen. Sansa was nearly about to tumble but Domeric caught her rather quickly. Myrcella was with them but on the opposite end of the hall with Tyrion who had a wineskin in hand.

"Oof! Ow, who's stepping on my bum?" Arya demanded. The response was a giggle from Bran.

Cat almost growled at them all. "Oh, all of you. Have you no respect for privacy?" She asked with her skirts clenched in her fist. Ned looked away to hide his twitching smile and his suppressed laughter.

Robb rolled his eyes at them. "Why were you lot even trying so hard to listen? That door can't even suppress the fart of a mouse. Honestly, a door made of parchment would be better."

Ned noticed Jaime glancing at him for just a moment before turning away, as if he were avoiding something. The proud mask he wore cracked and showed one of worry before changing back.

"There's nothing wrong with the door." Catelyn defended.

"Heheh," Theon chuckled. "Then how come it's so easy to wake up to the sound of wolves mating in the middle of the night?" Only Domeric laughed with Theon while the rest of the children, save Bran, became uncomfortable.

"Aroo!" Rickon howled and it made everyone, even Cat giggle. Bless the innocence of a child to clear the air of the awkward situation born.

Ned clapped his hands once to gain the attention of all. "That's enough. There's still much to prepare for the journey to the mountains." It took quite some convincing and much sweet talk, but Cat agreed that a tour of the North would be wonderful not just for Myrcella but their children as well. Now all of you get back to your chores."

Arya pouted where she stood. "But I haven't gotten to practice at all today! And I wanted to go to Wintertown with the others!"

"Chores now, practice later. Now get on, all of you." His children and wards grumbled and mumbled on their way out of the room.

"Should I bring my harp?"

"What should we get from town?"

"I bet we'll be sleeping in caves."

Ser Rodrick's voice came from outside. "There you boys are! I ought to ring your heads in for sneaking off from me."

Ned sighed and rubbed the side of his temple. The troubles of children were both irritating but also amusing at times. He knew that he would reminisce about these things when he was old and grey.

"Lord Stark," Ser Rodrick called outside the room. "It looks like there's some trouble at the gates that might need your attention."

And now, it was time to be the Lord of Winterfell. "I'll be right there." He set his chair back at his desk and made his way through the halls of Winterfell. When he got outside, he could see that Vayon Poole had beaten him to the gates and it looked like he did an excellent job resolving the matter. Nevertheless, he went to see what the problem was in the first place.

"Vayon," Ned called, "what seems to be the trouble?"

Vayon almost appeared embarrassed to answer. "Just a misunderstanding, my lord. A cart of potatoes were meant to be shipped to Wintertown came here and the driver was not having any of it. He was threatening the guards that he would boil them and then stick them up their arses."

Ned shared the feeling of embarrassment that such stubbornness caused such a ruckus. "Well done resolving it." He sent Vayon on his way and found himself alone. Since he wasn't needed then now would be perfect to go to the forges and check on Mikken's work.

Ned felt a hand grasp his shoulder and held firmly. "Keep walkin'," a familiar voice said. Ned turned and saw a glimpse of Bronn dressed as one of his castle guards.

"What are you doing here?"

"Deliverin' what you bought and collectin' in on what you owe me of course."

Ned almost lost his breath. Finally, some light would be shed in the darkness he was in. "You have a report?"

"First, you owe me for what I spent on bribes and payin off men to look the other way. Along with other expenses, I expect my money soon."

"Well what did you find out?"

"It's quite hard to find an associate of Euron's who doesn't have their tongue cut out. But I met a few that had some similar stories. Euron did used to own that dagger, took it from some Essosi merchant and used the thing to cut poor fucker's face off. Before the Rebellion, he suddenly lost it then starts fillin' Balon's head with ideas of war. I don't have a name, only a description of a ship. A cog that had sails sporting a red goblet with bronze wings."

Ned nearly tripped over his own feet at the weight of what was revealed. Does this mean that Euron encouraged the Greyjoy Rebellion? Did the owner of the dagger have some connection to that as well?

He knew his heraldry, a winged goblet was the sigil of House Hersey but the colors were wrong. "Can you tell me anything else?"

"Aye. The ship came from King's Landing. That's all I could find out. You better have my gold ready."

Ned nodded and moved to go his own way, but Bronn's hand on his shoulder firmly stooped him.

"Somethin' else you should know. Normally, with a man like you, I'd squeeze out another month of earnin's. But that plan went to shite when I realized I was bein' watched. Now there's four bodies at the bottom of the sea and someone interested in what you now know."


Sorry about the long wait and I feel I owe an apology for the last chapter. I admit, it was pretty last minute and I just needed something to go in between the two chapters that were not about the musketeers. Again, sorry but I hope you enjoyed this one!