Of Wolves and Northern Dragons
Chapter 9
Arya Stark
She looked around the room she found herself in. It had taken her the better part of a week to find where the Sons of the Harpy met. She still wore the face of the prisoner she had asked Daenerys about. She recalled the look on Grey worm's face when they arrived in the dungeon. The man was asleep, which made her job easier. She had told Grey worm to look away while she performed the act. She had entered the cell and with one swift motion cut the man's throat before going about removing his face. Once she was done she cleaned it, then put it on over her own. She felt the sensation of ice going down her spine as she became the man. Turning around she looked at Grey worm and asked the man's name. Once she had gotten her answer she left immediately to get to her work.
"Iscreete udir. (Secret word)" A man said as he stopped her progress.
"Se jazdan brōzas naejot īlva mirre. (The Harpy calls to us all)" Arya answered back earning a nod from the man before continuing on her way. She looked around the room coming to a stop at the back of a large group of men. She listened as the man at the front talked of their plans to infiltrate Daenerys's forces. They would begin targeting more of her unsullied forces. She watched as several men walked to the front and began to put on armor they had stolen. She could only assume the former owners were dead. Making note of their faces, she would find a way to unmask them in Daenerys's presence. She looked around the room finding the casks of wine that the men were drinking from. Making her way towards it Arya pulled out a small vile. She grabbed a cup and filled it to avoid suspicion, before walking to the back and pulling out a small dagger. She dug it into the top of the cask, enough to create a small hole. She then poured the contents of the vial into the cask. She walked away taking a sip of her glass, working hard to suppress her shudder of disgust. She made her way to the exit as the man at the front was handed a fresh glass from the cask. He told them to keep up their work in undermining the dragon whore. She smiled as more people went to refill their cups. They would all be dead within the week. Slowly they would all start to feel its effects.
After she had made her way out of the meeting, she ducked into an alley to pull the man's face off. Shivering as she became Arya Stark once more. She came out into the street watching as several of the men from the meeting began to come out of the house where the meeting had taken place. She picked one target and began to follow him. Dodging around people, she closed in as he ducked into another alley. Once she was sure she was out of the view of the street, she ran to catch up to him pulling a dagger and pressing it to his throat.
"Ȳdra daor sylugon naejot jiōragon qrīdrughagon. (Don't try to get away)" She said to him, as he struggled against her. She whistled alerting the unsullied in the street. Soon they arrived with their weapons drawn. One of them approached and took hold of the man's arm. "Gūrogon zirȳla naejot se dāria. (Take him to the queen.)" Arya said to the guards. She followed them into the great pyramid. Approaching the throne she saw Daenerys looking down at them.
"Lady Stark so good of you to join us." Daenerys said looking between Arya and the man still fighting against the guards holding him captive. "And you brought company." She added with a smirk.
"Yes your Grace. I brought one of the men who was leading the sons of the harpy." Arya said with a small bow. "I have also seen to it that those working with them will be less of a problem for you." She said causing Daenerys to raise a brow. "You may notice a large number of men taking ill your grace. They should be apprehended for questioning at once. While we have them I can see if they are the ones I poisoned, and if that's the case then they are traitors to you."
"So you were successful in your mission then?" Daenerys asked her to rise from her throne. "I am most appreciative of your service Arya Stark." She knelt down in front of Daenerys as the woman drew closer. "Is there anything else you wish to inform me of?" Arya looked up at her and rose back to her feet.
"If it please your grace, perhaps when we are in private I can share the last bit of information I've uncovered." Arya said getting a nod in response from Daenerys. She turned to leave the throne room, returning to her own quarters. She removed her sword before sitting down at one of the chairs in the room. Her thoughts quickly went to her home, wondering how her family was. She thought of her siblings, hoping that they were faring well.
Cersei Lannister
She sat in the hall breaking her fast with her children. She looked at them all and smiled to herself. Joffrey her golden boy, Myrcella her beautiful girl, and Tommen her sweet baby boy. She thought about her brother, and her grip tightened on her cup. How could he betray her like this? Not only was he leaving her, but marrying the Stark girl? No this would not stand. They were supposed to be together, and now that Robert was gone there should have been nothing standing in their way. Instead though her father had stepped in and ruined everything.
"Mother can we go visit the gardens today?" Myrcella asked her, breaking her from her thoughts. She looked at her beautiful golden girl, thinking back on her father's plans to send her away. That would not happen either. Her children were hers, and they would stay here.
"Of course my sweet, you can do whatever you like." She told her, smiling at the happy look on her face. Looking over them again, she was certain. Her children would be staying here. It was bad enough that the damnable roses were still trying to grasp at her sweet Joffrey. She scowled at the thought of Margaery Tyrell marrying her golden lion. The girl was pretty enough, but her family were nothing but graspers. She had no doubt that the girl had her own designs for how to try and control Joff. No the girl would only be an impediment, she would keep him from becoming a greater king than he already was. While she was thinking, Pycelle stumbled into the room. She looked up at the sound of his chains rattling.
"Your grace, we've received news from the Riverlands." He said, reaching out to hand her the letter. She took it quickly before waving her hand for the old fool to leave. She read the letter and her scowl deepend. So it seems the Blackfish had retaken Riverrun, and now held it for house Tully. How could this have happened? It seemed that her father's plans weren't as perfect as he liked to think. The Freys and Boltons had not only failed to kill Robb Stark, but now the Blackfish eluded them too. She would need to see this dealt with, that was for sure. She rose from her seat, intending to make her way to her office. She needed to write to her father, and inform him of this. Their armies should be marshalled immediately, and Riverrun taken. Yes she was sure there were several loyal lords who could take over.
"Your grace, a pleasure to see you this morning." She heard the voice of Littlefinger before she saw the man. She sighed since it seemed she would have no peace today.
"Lord Baelish." She said looking over her shoulder at the man. She held no love for the greasy master of coin, especially since he seemed to be one of the most vocal in betrothing her sweet Joffrey to Margaery Tyrell.
"I was wondering if there has been any more thought on his highness and lady Tyrell?" He asked as he joined her walking through the keep. "Or have any suggestions been considered for princess Myrcella or prince Tommen?" She had to suppress the urge to shudder. Who did he think he was talking about her sweet babies.
"Not since my father left to attend my brother's wedding." She replied curtly, wishing the man would leave her alone.
"Of course, Lord Tywin is such a busy man." Baelish replied smiling as they continued to walk. "Perhaps you have thought about it though?" He asked, causing her to scowl at him.
"Lord Baelish they are still but children. Betrothals can wait until they are older." She said matter of factly.
"Of course your grace they need not be married right away, but even just offering their hands could be of great use to us in these trying times." He said before bowing to her. "With your grace's permission I've other matters I must attend to." With that he turned and walked away. She watched him leave wishing she could be rid of the man. She grew tired of his constant schemes. He should stick to his whore houses, and yet he thought himself of a station where he could talk to her. No the fool thought far to highly of himself. Once she finally reached her room she told a servant to fetch her some wine. She sat down at her desk and began to write to her father. Her wine arrived, and she poured herself a glass. Enjoying the drink, she finished her letter and told another servant to take it to Pycelle. Once she was left alone she began to think of her children again. She would need to find a suitable bride for Joffrey, and perhaps a son of a loyal Westerlands lord for Myrcella. Above all else they needed to be people who were loyal, and wouldn't try to turn her sweet children against her.
Eventually she finished her wine, and rose from her chair. Loathe as she was to admit it, she needed to speak with Varys. She left her chambers, and went towards the apartments in the lower section of the red keep. Luckily for her, she ran into the spider about halfway there. He bowed to her, his usual smirk plastered on his face.
"Your grace, how may I be of service?" He asked, as he joined her in her walk.
"I wonder Varys if you are aware of any plans to marry off my children?" She looked at him as she finished the question. The eunuch made no discernable reaction though, which frustrated her.
"None that I am aware of my queen. Why do you ask?" He asked, looking out towards the Blackwater.
"I've Just met with lord Baelish, and the fool had the nerve to ask about betrothals for all of my children." Cersei said hotly. "It merely got me wondering if my lord father was perhaps planning something behind my back." She came to a stop, turning to look at Varys again. The man seemed not to have a bother in the world.
"Your grace I have heard nothing of the sort. However your father is a rather driven man, perhaps he may have been considering such a thing." He replied causing her to huff and cross her arms in front of her chest. "I will keep my little birds ears to the ground regarding such a matter though, if it pleases you." He said looking at her, that same smug grin on his face. Oh how she wished she could wipe that look from his bald head.
"Yes I would appreciate that very much lord Varys." She answered back pointedly, before turning and walking away.
Varys
He watched as Cersei walked away, and his head was flooded with ideas. Prince Tommen and princess Myrcella were both sweet children. Neither had the cruelty that Joffrey displayed, so perhaps it would be worth finding them matches that would keep them safe. Or better yet perhaps he could arrange for them to be taken. Yes that could work, however he needed to write to his associates. He needed to learn more of the girl since Jorah and ser Barristan had stopped contacting him. Jaehaerys was also still a relative unknown, although he had no doubt the boy raised as a bastard would be well tempered.
So he set off to his rooms and began to write. First was to Illyrio informing him of his discovery of Rhaegar's son. He also told him of the supposed plans for him to journey to Essos. In the end he decided to add the plans for the Tyrell's to journey there as well, and that they would potentially take up Jaehaerys's cause.
Next he wrote to Jon Connington. No doubt the man was still reeling about their fake dragon. He had considered informing him of their mummery, although he decided against it since he still needed the man. Now he would have a true son to protect and serve, so Varys thought little of his deceit. He told him to meet with Strickland and the golden company and reveal all that Varys told him.
Finally things seemed to be looking up for Varys. He would continue to serve the realm, as he had done since he was brought here by Aerys. Between Jaehaerys and Daenerys he was certain one of them would sit the throne. If not for the need to secure the support of the Tyrell's, he thought of a possible union between the two. That would not work however, since the Tyrell's price was their rose married to a king. He wondered how the boy would react if offered both, but that was a matter for another time. Especially when the hand of the princess was also more valuable than any amount of gold or silver.
Somewhere in the back of his head he wondered if the two would contest the throne against each other. He would need to be ready for such an event, which was why he needed to know both of them. So he decided he would wait until Jaehaerys sailed east. He also would make the journey to get the measure of the lad. He would also spend some time in Mereen to get the measure of the princess. With his work done Varys rose to see his letters sent off. Yes the realm would be under the protection of the dragons once again.
Robb Stark
"Brother." Robb heard as the cart pulled into Winterfell. He had tears in his eyes as Rickon jumped down and ran to him. He quickly bent down to catch the smaller boy, hugging him tightly. He looked up to see Jon smiling down from his horse at them. He stood up, taking Rickon with him as he approached the cart. He saw Bran sitting there staring back at him happily.
"Bran, thank the gods you're both safe." He said reaching out with his free arm to wrap Bran in an embrace. He then turned to Jon as he dismounted his horse. "I see you were successful brother." He said causing Jon to smile.
"Aye they are returned to their home safe and sound." Jon said, looking at them. "We have other matters to discuss though brother." Jon said as he turned to look at the three wildlings walking into his courtyard.
"So it would seem." Robb said setting Rickon down, and moving to stand in front of him. "What are they doing here?" He hissed at Jon, causing Jon to look at him.
"They wish to speak to us brother, and I would hear what they have to say." Jon replied back in a low voice.
"You brought wildlings into my castle. And now you'd have me hear them out, I think you forgot I am still the king here." He said angrily as Jon looked back at them.
"I remember that you and the northern lords already plot to see me on the iron throne. They have an army over one hundred thousand strong. We'd be dealing with them on the field sooner than later. Why not turn that strength into our own." Jon replied before turning away from him. "You will follow me to rooms that you can have for the duration of your stay. We will meet on the morrow, to discuss your situation." he heard Jon say as he led them inside the castle. Robb was near seeing red as the savages walked into his home. He turned promptly to follow them. He waited until Jon had seen them into rooms, before grabbing his arm and turning him so they were face to face.
"How dare you." He said angrily. "How dare you bring them into my home." He finished as he pushed Jon against the wall. "You have no right Jon." Jon looked at him unfazed by his anger. He pulled his arm free, before pushing himself away from the wall.
"I had every right, I promised them nothing more than an audience with the king in the north." Jon said as he turned to walk away. Robb however was not finished, as he grabbed Jon's arm again to spin him around.
"I'll not have murderers and pillagers inside my halls." Robb said as Jon again pulled his arm free. "If they come over the wall the watch will hold them."
"No they won't brother." Jon said pushing Robb away. "You forget, I went to the wall and nearly said the vows. Had your raven arrived but a few days later, I'd have been a sworn brother and been unable to ride back to our side." Jon said stepping in towards him. "I've seen the condition of the wall brother. It's gone to shit, if these wildlings invade as they plan the wall won't stand a chance." Jon tried to walk away from him again, but again Robb grabbed his arm.
"I will not treat with them." He said his anger was rising, as Jon pulled himself free for a third time.
"Then you have truly learned nothing." Jon said, before the fist connected with his face. Robb looked shocked by what he had just done. Jon turned to look at him, his lip split and blood flowing from it.
"Jon I'm sorry." He tried to apologize.
"No brother, you will hear me on this. The whole war I stood by your side and offered my counsel. Your lady mother and I actually agreed, that sending Theon to treat with his father was a bad idea. Look how that turned out. We both cautioned you against marrying Talisa, and look how that turned out." Robb could only look at the ground as Jon pointed out his failures. "We warned you of Walder Frey's reaction, and look where it got us. No you will listen to me on this. If not as your brother Jon Snow, then as Jaehaerys Targaryen. The north is weak, our armies were decimated by the deceit of the Boltons and Freys. The farms sit empty, and winter is coming. If we can treat with these people bring them south of the wall, then we instantly put ourselves back into a position of power." Jon said as he wiped the blood from his lips. "They want to survive. We want to survive. Why would we not use this to our advantage?" Jon asked, causing Robb to look up at him. "For once will you reign in your impulse and think?" He looked at the determination in Jon's eyes, and he could see that he was wrong.
"Aye I am impulsive. It served me well many times." He said putting his hand on Jon's shoulder.
"And it will serve you well again at times in the future, but now is not the time for rash decisions. Now we need to use our heads if we are to win." Jon answered him back. Robb felt Jon put his hand on his shoulder. "Now and always." Jon said to him.
"Now and always." He replied back, a smile playing on his face. "So what else should we do?" Robb asked as Jon wiped more blood from his lips.
"We need to help the rest of the north recover from the war. I was wondering if the designs for the glass gardens are still here in the castle?" Jon asked, causing Robb to look at him confused. "I think it is time we shared them with the other houses in the north. The more prepared we make them the better off we all are." Jon explained, earning a nod from Robb.
"I'll need to send word to the citadel for a new maester." Robb said as they finally began to walk to the great hall. "But when one arrives I'll see if they can't find something on them." Jon nodded as they entered the hall. He saw a small table in the back where the wildlings were talking amongst themselves. He and Jon approached it, causing the three of them to look up at them. "My brother here tells me you wish to discuss something with us?" He asked them, earning unsure looks from two of them.
"We have much to discuss Robb Stark." The blonde haired woman said. "Ah but where are my manners? My name is Val, this is Tormund, and Ygritte." She said motioning to the large man and red haired girl respectively. "We thank you for your hospitality." She said before turning back to her plate. It was then that Dacey Mormont walked up to him taking his arm. She led him away, out of the hall.
"Care to explain what the hell they're doing here?" She asked angrily looking back to the wildlings.
"They are under my protection." Robb said matter of factly, causing Dacey to scowl at him.
"They are murderers, thieves, and rapists. Long have they harrassed my family. And yet now you allow them to eat with us?" She looked at them with nothing but disdain. Jon approached however before Robb could say anything.
"They are people the same as you or I." Jon said causing both of them to look at him. "People who for generations have been stuck on the wrong side of a wall. People who only want what is best for their families. People who could be loyal to the north."
"You cannot truly mean that." She spit back furiously. "They cannot be trusted."
"And how would you know that?" Jon asked looking at her, his eyes steeled with resolve. "Have you met them outside the confines of a battle? Have you ever gotten to know them?" He stepped towards her.
"Gather the lords in my solar. There is much we must discuss." Robb said, turning to Jon. "Bring them too, it seems this matter will not be able to wait until morning." Robb said with a sigh. "Would you walk with me, my lady?" He asked, holding out his arm. Dacey looked at him for a moment before placing her arm in his. They strolled out into the courtyard, and made their way to the godswood.
"Has my mother spoken to you yet?" Dacey asked him. He merely shook his head. "It would seem that I am to marry Smalljon." Dacey said surprising him.
"It is a good match my lady. I am most happy for both of you." He replied looking at her. She smiled at him. "Are you pleased with the match?" He asked, causing her to laugh.
"Indeed I am." She said, causing him to smile too. "He is a good man, and he'll treat me well." She continued, earning a chuckle from Robb.
"Aye he is, and he will." He replied kneeling down in front of the heart tree. He said a quick prayer for the rest of his family before rising, and leading her back inside. He pushed the door to his solar open, and watched as Dacey went to stand by Smalljon. He also noticed how his lords stood to one side of the room, while Jon and the wildlings stood on the other. He sighed, knowing this would not be a pleasant discussion.
"So shall we begin?" Jon asked, looking at him. Robb merely nodded his head, before making his way to sit behind his desk. "My lords what I am about to ask will be hard for many of you to hear. It must however be considered." Jon began earning a scoff from Smalljon. "My lords the north is weak. We've lost a lot in the war. Farms go untended as winter approaches, and our manpower is severely depleted." He noticed Maege nodding along with Wyman.
"So you would have us bring these barbarians through the gate?" Smalljon asked, stepping forward. Jon moved to place himself between the man, and the wildlings. The large wildling man Tormund rose to his feet, as Jon put his arms out between the two large men.
"My lord they will come through the wall one way or another." Jon said seeing the Smalljon step back. It was then that Val rose from her seat.
"Jon snow speaks the truth." Val said stepping around him to stand in front of the Smalljon. "As we speak Mance Rayder is gathering more and more freefolk to his cause. It won't be long before he makes his attempt to get through the wall, and your crows will not stop us." She declared getting several sets of eyes on her.
"My lords she speaks the truth. The watch has been neglected for years, and an army of this size will surely break through." Jon explained to them. "We have a chance to bring them through as our allies. There are leagues of empty farmable land between the wall and here. Why not bring them through on good terms?" The room was silent for several moments.
"I say we give it a shot." Wyman said standing up.
"I also agree." Maege nodded her agreement. "On the condition that they will cease their raiding of my lands." She looked at Val who nodded her head.
"Very well, it is decided." Robb said standing up. "I will write an offer to this Mance Rayder, offering you all safe passage through the wall. You will be expected to obey our laws though." Robb declared as he reached for a piece of parchment.
"I will travel to the wall with you." Jon said, looking at Robb. "I will deliver your message and facilitate the discussions. I'm sure this will not be an easy thing for the watch to accept either."
"Are you sure about this Jon?" Robb looked to him concerned.
"Aye brother, this was my idea so I will see it through." Jon declared. He looked around the room at the other lords. "We'll leave in the morning. It will be a long ride to the wall, and we need to arrive before they decide to attack." Jon turned to Val looking at the others. "You are sure about this aren't you?" He asked her.
"It's the best chance you have." She answered back before her, Tormund, and Ygritte turned and left the room.
END
Woohoo, another chapter in the books. Hopefully you guys enjoyed this one, and sorry it's a little late. So now we see what Arya was up to. Let me know what you guys think of the translations. I'm still not sure how best to go about that. Bran and Rickon are home, and Jon is off to the wall to help the wildlings. Varys is still plotting Varys things, and Cersei is going full on mother hen. Anyway I hope you guys enjoy this one, and I'll see you next week.
InfinityMask: I dunno if I would blame it on Viserys. He was obviously lost, but I think with Dany it was more about her circumstances towards the end. I also think it was poorly executed in the show. Robb I'm still unsure about who he'll end up with, but upon further investigation I learned Dacey is at least 11 years older than him.
Guest: I'm glad you're enjoying the story. As you can see Jon is starting to find his way as a leader. He will continue to grow into his role.
Jean d'arc: I'm glad you're liking the story. In terms of the wildlings I think that Jon is the one who is sympathetic to them. But also the north is desperate at the moment, and this would be a huge boon for them. Honestly this does partially serve as needed plot, much like several other choices in the story. I hope that you'll continue to enjoy the story though. I enjoy reading your reviews.
81: I'm glad you liked the chapter. I hope to keep putting out a good story. In terms of Jon he needs to be with someone who will help his claim, so it narrows down his options.
Kmhappybunny240: Yup yup lots of plotting going on. Jon and the wildlings are headed to the wall to meet with Mance. It'll be an eventful trip, that's for sure.
Guest: No Jon won't end up with Ygritte. I agree their relationship was not exactly a healthy one.
Guest: Yea Jon is slowly embracing who he is. He will continue to get nudges in the right direction.
Guest: Jojen's part in this is far from over. Arya with Dany is a very conditional thing. She is still more supportive of her family, but we'll see how that plays out in the future. Arya being with Daenerys will do a lot to keep Jon alive when they first meet. We'll see more from Sansa in the next chapter.
Guest: Well first I'm taking him to the wall. In terms of a relationship for him that will be a tough one, because even he knows from watching Robb. He needs to make a choice that will help them in the long run.
Freakdogsflare: Unfortunately for them, they have no reason to distrust Ramsay. The men who did know about the red wedding will face Robb's justice though. I'm glad you like the story, and I hope you'll continue to enjoy it.
