Game of Thrones
The Moon's Child
Chapter 31
Revelations
306 AC- The Stormlands- Nightsong
She woke with a start, the ground was hard, the wind was howling outside, she sat upright, she had gone to bed in her chambers in Nightsong, but now she was here. It came back to her, this was her tent. There were furs on the floor, the walls were made out of leather skin, wooden branches acted as supports, her eyes adjusted to the darkness quickly, she breathed heavily. She had not slept in this tent for years. She scrambled out from beneath the furs, she had gone to bed in a thin gown, she could feel herself wearing the light grey seal fur clothes she had worn when she lived here, a thick coat, thick breaches and heavy boots. She breathed harder and harder, she felt at her waist, her bone knife was there. She fumbled around the floor of her tent, and found the hard wooden shaft, she gripped it and lifted her spear once more. She threw back the covering to her tent and darted into the open spear poised.
The wind was even louder outside, sharper, bringing with it a blizzard. She tucks her fiery red hair into her jacket and pulls her hood up. She had almost forgotten what the cold was like. With spear in hand she surveyed her surroundings, not a single fire burned, yet the full moon hung low and bright, she could see for miles, she was in a deep quarry, surrounded by mountains. There were tents stretched as far as the eye could see. An endless camp from horizon to horizon, she was back in the Frost Fangs, in Mance Rayder's Camp.
"This is just a dream." Lilly breathed to herself, as she ran to her father's tent. It was empty, and so was the next one, and the next one. She was alone. She breathed hard, and then she saw it, two piercing blue eyes in the darkness. She turned to run. The eyes followed her. No matter which way she ran the eyes were in front of her. She stopped and raised her spear. Those haunting blue eyes came closer, and closer, then she saw it, a form that made her gasp. A young girl with a slight frame, button nose, a thin white gown blowing in the wind, along with a fiery red mane of hair. "Hello Mama" The girl said sweetly.
Lilly dropped her spear and took a hesitant step towards her "Kendra?" She breathed, "I don't understand… you're just a toddler, I saw you only an hour ago."
The girl hesitated for a moment "I'm a part of Kendra, just like the infant in your care is part of me, There is no separating one from the other."
"The Moon's Child?" Lilly swallowed hard
"That is one of the things this power has been called." The girl nodded
"Why have you brought me here to this place?" Lilly asked
"I haven't" The girl smiled "I reached out to you, but you brought us here. I might be able to do something about the weather though." With a slight wave of her hand the blizzard stopped and the winds disappeared. "There."
"You look so much like your mother." Lilly smiled as she pulled her hood down."
The girl nodded "You're my mama now."
"Why do you look like that?" Lilly asked her, looking her up and down, why not look like an adult?"
"Because I'm the Moon's Child" She grinned "Perhaps this is what I look like when I've achieved my purpose… or when I die."
"I won't let that happen." Lilly spat defiantly
"I know you'll try your best Mama, that's why I chose you to look after me, that's why I chose papa and Albert as well. Mama, there will be more people coming for me…."
"... I won't let them."
"The Three Eyed Raven is the worst of them. You must protect me from him at all costs."
"I understand." Lilly nodded
"You don't" The girl shook her head "But that's fine. I'm getting stronger, soon I'll be able to protect myself. And you."
"Kendra I…"
"It's time to wake up soon mama." The girl interrupted "My goat."
"It's been dead months." Lilly shook her head
"Papa's going to ask you a question. The answer is my goat."
"Kendra what does that me…" Her eyes opened with a start, she was back in her bed in Nightsong. She threw the covers off of her, and was back in the night gown she had gone to bed with. She dropped out of bed onto the stone floor, yesterday this would have been cold, but she had remembered what cold was. She hurried from her room into the adjoining nursery, she stood over the bed of a sleeping child. Around three years old, she had loose red curls and a button nose. Lilly bent down and listened to the child breathe, she stroked her hair and the child stirred, her eyes fluttered open and looked at her with haunting blue eyes, Kendra gave her a brief smile before her eyes fluttered shut again as she drifted off to sleep.
Lilly jumped as there was a knock at the door "What is it?" She called out
"The Reeve's just returned."
….
287 AC- The Disputed Lands- South of Myr
In a cloth of gold pavilion at the centre of a sprawling camp, the gold plated skulls of this company's previous captains dangle from spears and blow in the wind. Inside the pavilion two men study a map, intently, both dressed in elaborate armor. One a large man with several gold torques around both arms, he had a sturdy frame, a crooked jaw and large jug-like ears. The other man, slightly smaller short red hair, and a thick red beard. Their attention is drawn by the sound of the pavilion opening. A young man, with short dark hair, dressed in plainer armour with fewer gold torques around his arms stands at the entrance.
"General Toyne, Captain Connington… Your guests are here."
The larger man, Myles Toyne, Captain General of The Golden Company looked at the young man "Show them in Une, there's a good lad." With a slight nod the younger man left the tent again. "Are you sure about this Jon?"
"I'm sure Connington." Nodded "Mopatis wouldn't lie to me… we share an oath. If he says its really them. Its them."
The entrance to the pavilion opened again as two hooded figures, an adult and a child entered the tent. "That will be all Une." Toyne dismissed the young man. When he was gone, he turned to the cloaked figures. "I assure you any secrets you have are quite safe with us."
The adult stepped forward, with a sweeping motion the hood to her cloak came down, a fountain of black hair cascaded down her back, as a pair of violet eyes regarded the two men. "Ser Myles, Lord Connington." She greeted them politely.
"Lady Ashara" Connington Smiled as he stepped closer to her "It is you, I haven't seen you since the Tourney at Harrenhal."
"You were quite the dancer if I remember Lord Connington." She grinned
"I heard reports that you had died… that you had taken your own life at Starfall."
"A necessary deception I'm afraid." She nodded "You see, when I left King's Landing, I left with a most precious gift. When the Usurper claimed the Throne, I took Lord Varys' advice and sought out Illyrio Mopatis. He sent me… and this most precious gift to you."
"What gift?" Connington asked with a raised eyebrow.
She turned to the child. "It's okay. Show them." She said gently. The child stepped forward and pulled his hood down, a mess of silver white curls fell about his face, as his piercing eyes stared intently at the two men. Ser Myles, Lord Connington… This is Aegon of the house Targaryen the sixth of his name."
"Rhaegar's son." Connington spoke in a near whisper "How can this be?"
"With Lord Varys' help we escaped King's Landing. This is your rightful King."
"You can find bastards with Valyrian features in any horsehouse in the Free Cities." Myles Toyne spoke up "People will not believe his claim."
"I believe it." Connington snapped "I knew Rhaegar, loved him… like a brother. This is his son."
"And what of King Visyrs?" Toyne asked him "His mother had him crowned."
"He is with Magister Illyrio." Ashara told them "No doubt he will play his part in restoring his dynasty, but this is your rightful King."
"The boy will need training." Toyne shook his head "He'll need to be a warrior, a philosopher, a statesman like his father…"
"I will see to it." Connington spoke up "We'll take him somewhere…. Hide him from the world until its time to reveal himself."
"Connington… I swore you would be my successor." Toyne spoke up "I can give you my seat on The Nine when I die, but if you leave here, The Golden Company will end up being led by Strickland or one of the others."
Connington looked to the boy and then to his Captain General "I understand."
…..
306 AC- Beyond The Wall- Near Whitetree
His breath formed icy clouds in front of him, as he trudged through the snow, his faithful companion padding alongside him. The Direwolf's head snapped up as he looked towards a cluster of trees. "Easy boy" Jon, ruffled his fur. A form became visible in the treeline, an old woman with long greying hair, wrapped in black furs. She stood still as Jon approached her slowly "I had a feeling I'd be seeing you again." He half smiled as he approached the woman.
"The baby crow has returned." The woman nodded coldly "Got a few scars now… not as pretty as you were."
"I suppose not." Jon nodded as Ghost sat at his heels
"You took the Freefolk North of the Wall." The oldwoman continued
"Aye… I did."
"And now you've brought them back King Crow."
"I have" Jon nodded "The thing they were running from is gone. Its time they came home."
"They were gone before." The woman shrugged slightly "No doubt they'll find their way back into the world again. Still… we'll all be long gone when they do."
Jon was taken aback slightly "Aye… you're probably right. I'm glad you made it... after we burned Craster's Keep I didn't have much faith."
"I said we'd find our own way King Crow."
"That you did." Jon half smiled "I'm glad you did. How did you survive?"
"Craster isn't the only Godly one this side of the Wall ." She replied, almost in scorn "Come… she'll want to see you."
The old woman turned and led Jon snow through the thicket of trees along a thinly worn path. Jon tried to engage her in conversation several times, she just kept walking. Eventually she came to a clearing, and a small ramshackle cabin. "You'll have to leave the beast outside… I'll get it something to eat. Come King Crow." She opened the door to the shack and nodded for Jon to go inside.
….
Jon stepped into the shack, a small room, with a table and chairs, a bed covered in furs and an overflowing chamber pot. Jon stepped inside, a woman, sat at the table, long matted white hair fell before her face, and down her shoulders. She wore thick furs, she sniffed the air as Jon walked in and with long yellowing fingernails swept the hair from her face. "What's this?" She sniffed again, her eyes a pale white, with tiny black pupils.
"He was a baby crow when I first met him mother." The woman who had led Jon here answered her "Then a king crow."
The old woman sniffed at the air again "And then a King…. And now a King dressed like a crow. Won't you sit your Grace?"
"Who are you?" Jon asked with as raised eyebrow
"I had the misfortune of being Craster's first wife…. And sister." The old woman's voice was croaky and parched "Until I left. The rest of them are all my daughters… and granddaughters… and great granddaughters."
"You wanted to see me?"
"I wanted to see the King Crow, who was leading the free folk." She gave a disturbing smile
"I don't lead the free folk." Jon cut her off
"No?" She croaked "King Crow flies down from Castle Black… but is he a Crow beyond the Wall, or a King Beyond the Wall. I've seen you in my dreams King Crow." She slid an ancient looking bronze blade across the table "Is it true I wonder?"
"Is what true?" Jon asked nervously
"Have you committed the Blood Betrayal?"
"Blood betrayal?" Jon asked
"Just a little cut?" Her old mouth again creased into a distorted smile
"You're a witch." Jon spoke coldly
"I am a Godly Woman." She snapped back "Just one cut King Crow."
Jon removed his glove and took the old dagger in his hand, he sliced the top of his finger with the ancient blade and set it upon the table. An old weathered hand reached out across the table and lifted it to her mouth, licking the blade she threw her head back. "The blood betrayal is complete then." She half laughed "Still it's not too late, you're not the last dragon."
"What do you mean?"
"The world is changing King Crow, the Moonchild has risen, the Deep Ones stir and a Raven rules the Realms of Men…. and there is no Night King to serve as a balance."
"The Night King" Jon spat "The Night King…."
"...served a purpose King Crow. As we all do."
"What's my purpose?" Jon asked
"You are The Prince that was promised, King Crow." She laughed "Granted you have broken the promise… and done an untold amount of damage… but you still have your part to play."
"You're talking in riddles." He said shaking his head "I don't know what you expect of me."
"You know nothing Jon Snow."
…
306 AC- King's Landing- The Red Keep
"You're supposed to be the Three Eyed Raven." Bronn sighed in frustration "I thought you saw everything." The sellsword and Lord of Highgarden sank back into his chair.
"A powerful magic is shielding him from me." Bran looked off into the distance "It's true, I did not see this coming."
"That may be." Tyrion Lannister spoke up "But he's here now… could it be true… could he be the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Elia Martell? If so he has a claim to the throne."
"Brandon is our King." Brienne spoke up "Chosen by the Lords of Westeros."
"The bodies of Aegon and Rhaenys were laid on the floor of the Throne Room in front of King Robert… They are dead." Tyrion nodded "So we are dealing with a pretender."
"A pretender with very powerful friends." Davos Seaworth spoke up "He has the Stormlands and Dorne… he's taken Tarth and Estermont…"
"And Dragonstone and the narrow sea islands." Tyrion continued
"He'll take no more." Bran spoke up "Send word to my uncle and cousin… have the Riverlands and the Vale strengthen our Northern boarder… have Yara Greyjoy bring the Ironfleet down to The Arbor. Brienne, You and Ser Podrick will lead a force into the Dornish Marches… go to Nightsong, capture the castle. Ser Bronn, you will look at ransoming back Lord Gendry. Send word to my Sister and ask her for assistance."
"Your Grace." Brienne spoke up "You havent filled your Kingsguard yet. If Ser Podrick and I leave, only Ser Gerold will remain… I would feel better if Ser Podrick remained here with you."
Brandon reached into his robes and pulled out a bell, jingling it gently. The attention of everyone at the table was drawn to the map room, a series of heavy footsteps stomped across the painted floor. A giant in gold armour, with a raven design on his chest plate, and a heavy golden helm lumbered toward them. Next to him a hunched slight man, in a plain black wool robe with its hood pulled up, and a young woman with brown curls, dressed in boiled leather. "I've pardoned Ser Gregor and renamed him to the Kings Guard, I have also pardoned Lord Kyburn, who will once again serve the crown as Master of Whispers. The Lady Meera will serve as my personal advisor."
"Your Grace…" Tyrion spoke up
"When Robert Baratheon came to the throne he pardoned Baristan Selmy… He pardoned the King Slayer… He pardoned The Spider. If the Kingdoms are to survive this Mummer's Dragon, I will need to forgive as well. Now, you have your orders."
…
306 AC- Ashhai- By the Shadow.
The Patriarch's eyes snapped open, wrenching him from his meditation. The vast cavernous walls of his palace echoed with screams and chaos. His eyes flashed with fire beneath his horned mask and jet black robes. Was he being attacked. The thought vanished in a second… no… this was happening outside… destruction in Ashhai, there hadn't been a full scale war here for centuries. Gathering fire at his hands he stalked through the bowels of his citadel, followed by acolytes and thralls. For the first time in over a hundred years he stepped through the door to his fortress, away from the protection of his spells and incantations. Stood on the oily black stone steps he cast his gaze out to the city square. He saw sorcerors and accoyltyes laying dead on the floor. Some were still fighting bursts of energy and fire, being shot into the air. Then he heard it… a deafening roar and a column of fire tearing into buildings, a huge black form, its wings spread reigned fire down on the sorcerors. Each one trying to tame the fire made flesh for their own purposes.
"Enough!" The patriarch bellowed muttering spells he targeted his fellow sorcerers one by one, driving off the more powerful one, while the weaker ones knew they were defeated and withdrew. He slowly descended the steps of his palace into the square and stood below the great beast. He held his arms open "You have nothing to fear from me." He said gently to the sky "It has been so long since your kind passed beneath the shadow. You've come here for a reason haven't you?"
With a fierce beating of his wings the dragon descended from the sky and landed in front of the Patriarch. He unleashed a deafening roar in the sorcerer's face, the old sorcerer stood firm. The dragon raised his left front claw, it was clenched around something. The beast opened his claw releasing a long crystal like lump like a misshapen egg, to the ground, around the size of a man in landed with a heavy thud and slight clink. The Patriarch thought it looked a cross between quartz and frozen laughter. He studied the crystal for a time "I understand" He nodded. The dragon let out one final roar before leaping into the air and flying off into the darkness. The Patriarch turned to his acolytes "Send word to Carcosa, and summon any sorcerors who consider themselves my ally… It appears Ashhai has a part to play."