Back in Castle Black, after Gared's fight with Britt, which ended with Gared killing him in self-defense, Britt's corpse was on a pyre in the courtyard, being burned as Frostfinger glared at Gared, who was restrained.

"I knew you were a killer the day you arrived." Frostfinger said, before turning to the pyre. "Seems Britt found out too. Now they all see it."

"It wasn't my fault." Gared said. As much as he wanted Britt to pay for killing his family, he wasn't that stupid to just attack him. "He attacked, me… and we fought and—"

"So you struck him down and left him to die." Frostfinger said with his eyes narrowed, pacing around Gared like an animal waiting to pounce at its prey. "You told me what you did to get here. We both know you had blood on your hands. But now you've killed one of your brothers. You'll lose your head for this, Tuttle. You'll be disgraced… dishonored… And burned 'til there's nothing left of you."

Gared looked him in the eye. "I swear by all the gods, old and new… This was an accident. I didn't mean for him to die." At least, not if it meant that Gared would get himself into trouble for it. He was no fool.

Frostfinger scoffed. "Didn't mean it… Murder's in your blood! There's only one thing to be done with you now."

"Hey, Frostfinger. I saw what Gared did to Britt last night." Finn stepped up and Gared tensed. Finn and Gared didn't meet eye to eye at sometimes, making Gared wonder whether Finn would defend him or make sure Gared would face punishment. "I was there. My relief was late, so I stayed behind. I saw everything!"

"Go on then." Frostfinger ordered.

Gared sighed. "Yeah. He was there."

"Then go on. What'd you use, boy?" Frostfinger said, turning to Finn as Finn and Gared looked each other in the eye.

"Gared's telling the truth. Britt attacked him, just like he said. Gared had no choice but to fight back." Finn said.

Frostfinger scoffed, unconvinced. "There isn't a man at the Wall wouldn't sell his own mother for the right price. You two are up to something. Some deal you worked out. Or he's defending you for…" He shook his head. "For some reason I can't fathom."

"Finn's just being a good brother. I think." Gared said.

"Can't watch a man die unjustly." Finn said, folding his arms.

"I decide what justice is." Frostfinger growled. "Gared killed a man of the Watch. There's a price to be paid for that. Let's go." He grabbed Gared, dragging him to the dungeons. "I knew it was a mistake to make you a ranger."

"Frostfinger!" Jon called out, seeing what was happening as they stopped, while he approached. "What's to be done with him? We're heading to Craster."

"You'll have to find someone else for your expedition." Frostfinger glared at Gared. "Your man here still has a lot to answer for. Now out of the way, Snow."

"Give us a moment." Jon said.

Frostfinger growled before shoving Gared forward. "Then kiss him quick and be done with it."

"Gared…" Jon looked at Gared, disappointed as he approached. "You told me you wouldn't get into it with Britt. What happened? I thought you were smarter than that, Gared. I thought you were gonna be by my side at Craster's."

"Jon, I swear I honored my vows! Britt wanted a fight and I— I wouldn't give him one. I tried to stop it, honest!" Gared pleaded.

Jon nodded. "I believe you." He turned to Frostfinger. "Is there nothing to be done?"

"Aside from removing Tuttle's head from his shoulders? No." Frostfinger shook his head.

"But—"

"You're about to go off and execute a nest full of traitors at Craster's. How is this any different?" Frostfinger pointed out.

Jon turned to Gared in remorse, realizing there was nothing he could do for him. "Godspeed with you, Gared." He walked away with his men. "We're down a man! So keep your eyes open! Now let's move!"

"You can go begging to your gods all you want, boy, it's the axe that has the final say." Frostfinger said, shoving Gared into the dungeon and locking the door.

Back in the Narrow Sea, in an encampment outside Meereen Asher, Beskha, Croft and Malcolm faced the leader of the Second Sons in her tent as the whitehaired woman glared at Asher.

"Do you know how many men have stood before me with false tales of my dragons? Desperate men hoping for wealth, protection… Liars, every one of them." Daenerys said as she glanced at Meereen. "And I expect you are no different. You don't want to see what I do to liars."

Asher could already tell that Daenerys was not to be messed with. "I wouldn't lie to you. You have my word."

"Your word means nothing. Not when it is so easily bought." Daenerys said, looking down on Asher as if he was a bug she would crush under her boot.

They heard a screech outside as Asher, Beskha and Malcolm paled, recognizing the sound. "Oh, shit."

Asher backed off as a dragon landed behind Daenerys, as they backed off. This was not going to end well.

Daenerys chuckled, amused. "Are you frightened?" She sat down on her bench. "I thought you'd seen a dragon before." The dragon sat next to her as Asher, Beskha and Malcolm tried not to make any sudden moves. "Your reaction says otherwise." She turned to the dragon, caressing his head. "Viserion."

"One run-in was enough for me, thanks." Asher said nervously.

"Clearly." Daenerys said, fondling the dragon's head. "Would you like to touch him? GO ahead. Unless you are afraid. Of course, a man, who has really faced a dragon before may have reason to be afraid." She challenged as Viserion growled at Asher. "Go on."

"I think I'd rather not." Asher said politely. He already knew that they were no cute pets.

Daenerys looked impressed. "You're smarter than you seem."

"I don't think he likes me." Asher said.

"Then you were wise to keep your distance." Daenerys's eyes narrowed. "You claim you saw Drogon. Give me a reason to believe you. I told you I've heard this story before… I'm going to need more than that."

"I have this." Asher pulled out a dragon tooth he had found in the cavern as Daenerys paled.

"Drogon… How did you get that? What have you done to him?" Daenerys demanded with a hint of anger in her voice as she got up. "If you've hurt him—"

Beskha scoffed. "Hurt him?"

"H-He attacked us!" Asher protested.

"Drogon wouldn't strike without a reason. You must've scared him… or… He is not some kind of thoughtless beast. He's only a child."

Beskha snorted, folding her arms. "A "child" who can breathe fire on whoever he likes!"

"The men who were following us, the Lost Legion… they drew their swords and tried to fight him." Asher said.

"And Drogon defended himself." Daenerys supplied, as if she was lecturing children for some foolishness they had done.

"So we somehow deserve to be burnt alive because your little baby was scared?" Beskha glared.

Daenerys glared back. "Your tongue us dangerously sharp, sellsword." She turned to Asher. "Why did you come here? You offer me nothing but lies… to what end? You want gold? A title? My undying gratitude? What do you want from me, Asher Forrester?"

"I don't want your money. I just need your help." Asher said humbly.

"Help very often means money." Daenerys said indifferently.

"My family is depending on me. I have to find an army—"

"An army?" Daenerys's eyes narrowed.

"If you could spare some of your sellswords…" Malcolm started.

"Please, if you—"

"I also came here looking for an army…" Daenerys interrupted before looking at Meereen. "But what I found were the cries of children, and people suffering in chains while their Masters profited from their misery. My sellswords will help me free the slaves of Meereen. That is their mission." She looked at Asher in disgust. "Your need is not greater than theirs. These are people who have suffered for years without end."

"What if we left after the liberation?" Asher tried to be reasonable. "Once the slaves are free—"

"Once the slaves are free, I will sail back to Westeros and reclaim my crown." Daenerys interrupted. "There is no after."

"There must be something I can do to convince you." Asher stepped up but stopped as Drogon growled at him and backed off.

"As we speak, my men prepare to enter Meereen." Daenerys looked at the city with a faraway look. "What they are about to do is much bigger than you or I. Bigger than one family back in Westeros." She looked down at Asher. "So unless you think you can storm Meereen and free all the slaves yourself… You have nothing more to offer me." She turned to Croft. "Croft." Croft and his men were about to accompany Asher, his uncle and Beskha out. "You may leave."

"That's it?" Beskha demanded.

"But, Your Grace—!" Malcolm protested.

"See them out."

"We're not just sellswords. We're the best damn sellswords in Slaver's Bay!" Asher said.

Daenerys smiled, amused. "I know a few who might disagree with you."

"His boasting aside… They were two of my best fighters." Croft said.

"And Beskha here… she has a history in Meereen. She could help guide us." Malcolm added.

Beskha glared. "What the hell?"

Daenerys raised an eyebrow. "Is this true?"

Beskha sighed. "Yes… I lived in Meereen for a time. On the eastern side of the city." She glared at Malcolm, muttering under her breath. "Fucking bastard."

Daenerys considered as Croft and his men let them go. "So you wish to accompany them? You'd help the Second Sons, guide them into Meereen…"

"I can't, Asher." Beskha protested.

"This could be our only chance." Malcolm whispered into his ear.

Asher was conflicted. He didn't want to force his best friend into something she didn't want to do but he needed Daenerys's help.

"Is that what you're saying?" Daenerys asked.

"You're really considering this?" Croft asked.

"They could prove valuable." Daenerys noted.

Asher sighed. He was not going to force Beskha into it if she didn't want to go." I can only speak for myself. I'll go alone."

Daenerys turned her gaze towards Beskha. "She's the one who knows the city. She will accompany you or you won't be going at all. I believe that's more than fair. You two will join Croft and his men. Get them into the city, help them liberate Meereen, and I will see that you are rewarded." She turned to Malcolm. "But your uncle stays here." She then glared at Asher with a look that reminded him of his mother. "If I find you've lied or put my men in danger…"

Asher nodded. "I understand."

Daenerys nodded. "Good. Croft will get you settled in." She sat down on her bench. "It's going to be a long night."

Asher and Beskha went out as she seemed clearly unhappy about the idea of heading to Meereen, making him wonder why.

"What the fuck happened back there?" Beskha demanded furiously. "Are we really going into Meereen?"

Asher had enough of it. "What's the problem with you and Meereen anyway?"

Beskha snorted and looked away from him. "It doesn't matter now, does it?"

"Beskha, you—"

"Get your armor patched up in here..." Croft interrupted, pointing to the tent. "…extra bedrolls if you need 'em. Piss bucket's in the corner where it's always fuckin' been." Asher stared at the city, contemplating, while Beskha folded her arms, sulking before walking away.

"Long time since we had a piss bucket." Asher joked.

Croft placed his arm around Asher's neck, nearing his ear, lowering his voice. "I spent two years trying to get where I am now… Don't fuck this up for me, Asher."

Asher nodded as Croft left, attending to his men.

In the grove outside Ironrath, Rodrik and Royland were fencing but Rodrik fell down because of his crippled leg. "Curse this bloody leg."

"It's not the leg that's the problem, Rodrik. You've got to be practical." Royland said as he handed Rodrik his sword, while he was barely able to stand. "You got the best of Gryff last time. When he comes looking for revenge, do you think you can beat him? He'll be angry. Looking for revenge."

"Is all this talking supposed to help?" Rodrik asked.

"You can't just fight through the pain. You need to try something different." Royland advised. "You can't handle a sword like you used to. So find another advantage, surprise your opponent, do something unexpected…"

"Like what?" Rodrik asked.

"I'll show you." Royland smirked. He backed away few paces before readying his sword. "Come at me!"

Rodrik swung his sword but the next thing he knew, Royland dodged and hit him in the leg with the hilt of his own sword as Rodrik fell down.

"Bring your opponent down to your level…" Royland backed away. "When I attack you, drop down, avoid my blade and swing at the back of my knees. Wait for me to attack."

Rodrik nodded. He dodged as Royland attacked and did as ordered, hitting Royland at the back of his knees, knocking him down as Royland laughed, impressed. "Ha! Now that's how you do it."

"I think you let me." Rodrik groaned as his injuries started to hurt again.

"My lord?" They turned to see Duncan accompanying Eleana and a red-haired archer in leather armor that looked familiar. "Sorry to interrupt…"

"Eleana." Rodrik blinked.

"She insisted on seeing you immediately." Duncan explained.

"Lady Elaena, I hear we are to become sisters." Talia bowed.

"Talia." Elaena nodded before turning to Rodrik. "Rodrik, can I speak with you? Privately." They were left alone as Elaena glanced at the archer next to her. "You remember my brother?"

Rodrik then remembered. Arthur. They called him 'Quiver', since he was the best archer they had ever seen. "Quiver? Good gods, you've grown."

"You could just call me Arthur now." Arthur said.

"I hope you don't mind us coming unannounced." Elaena said. "But something's happened. I didn't know what else to do. Maybe this was a bad idea."

"I've missed you, Elaena." Rodrik smiled.

Elaena chuckled. "I missed you too." She sighed. "Truth be told… you're the only one I can turn to. Lord Whitehill paid my father a visit at Rillwater Crossing… He told my father you were disobeying Gryff's authority, and—"

"And he wanted to teach you a lesson." Arthur added.

"As if I'm some token to be handed around!" Elaena said furiously.

Rodrik clenched his cane as his eyes widened. "You mean…?"

Elaena nodded, fury washing over her face. "He demanded I ended our betrothal and marry his son Gryff instead."

"What?" Rodrik roared.

"Ludd threatened my family… told my father if he refused, we'd be slaughtered along with you." Elaena said, clenching her fists.

"Father acted the damn coward." Arthur said, gritting his teeth.

"He agreed, Rodrik. I am to marry Gryff Whitehill." Elaena was beyond angry. "That… arrogant… pig-eyed prick!"

"Elaena, we're in this together. I won't let this happen." Rodrik promised.

Elaena smiled. "I knew you'd help. But my father won't listen…" She paced down the meadow. "I'm not going to be the bone they throw that howling dog. I'm not going to be some prize for him to rip open." She turned to Rodrik, with a firm expression on her face. "We have to get rid of him. I can't think of any other way. My father won't see reason. Lord Whitehill has made up his mind. And so have I."

Rodrik seethed, clenching his cane Enough was enough. "It's time someone brought Gryff down."

Elaena smirked. "We were hoping you'd say that."

Arthur whistled as a group of soldiers armed with bows and swords emerged from the woods, surrounding them.

"You brought your men?" Rodrik asked.

"I command Father's elite guard. These men are trained archers, swordsmen… experts in both ranged and close combat." Arthur explained. "They're yours… if you'll help us take down Gryff."

"The whole guard?" Rodrik was unable to believe it.

"Twenty men. My father still thinks they're aboard a ship bound for the Reach. What do you have to lose, Rodrik? Gryff has been a nightmare for you and your house."

"You can't have any reason to keep him around." Arthur said.

"The Whitehills still have my little brother. If I hurt Gryff, there's no telling what they'll do to Ryon." Rodrik said.

Elaena nodded. "I understand your worry, Rodrik. I don't want Ryon hurt any more than you do. I know this might sound mad, but it's the only way. Get rid of Gryff and you'll be free to use the guard however you like. You can finally take control of your house again. Please… promise me you'll do this. I love you, Rodrik. I don't want Gryff, I don't want any of this."

"I would be happy to." Rodrik said.

Elaena smiled. "Thank you, Rodrik."

"Gryff won't even see it coming." Arthur promised. "My men are yours to command."

"Thank you, Qui—" Rodrik corrected himself as he shook hand with him. "Arthur."

"Can you give us a moment?" Elaena asked as Arthur left them alone and she neared him, holding his hand. "You don't know how much this means to me. To us, I should say. Maybe when this is all over we could… Play hide and seek in the grove again." She smiled, looking around. "Pretend we're still children. Forget all that's happened in these last few years."

"I love you, Eleana." Rodrik smiled.

"I love you, too." Eleana said as they kissed.