Chapter 13 - North and West Team Up

Jamie floundered in expression as he drew out his sword at the abrupt change in person in front of him. Drawing out his sword fully in panic he weighed it in front of him as a buffer between the two parties. "WHAT WAS THAT!? WHO ARE YOU?! WHAT SORCERY IS THIS?!"

"Calm down Ser Jaime, I am not here to claim your life."

Jaime looked frantically to Ned and back to the newcomer, "And you know of this...sorcerer?! How...what...who."

"Please Ser Jaime," Ned was standing up and already making calming gestures with his hands. "I understand that this is extreme and confusing." He turned to Hanko. "I told you it would be a bad idea to spring this up on him."

"Look, I could have done the duplicitous or shady thing and kept my identity a secret, however by revealing myself I was hoping to make multiple statements."

"You have definitely made some statements alright," Jaime said now in anger. "Who are you?" He took in further details of this...boy who looked maybe seven and ten.

"Finally down to one question at a time?" Hanko japed at his expense. He saw Jaime's expression and knew he couldn't hold out long so he answered in kind. "My name is Hanko, Hanko Uzumaki."

"Uzumaki," Jaime seemed to contemplate the new information while still keeping his distance. "I don't know of any house Uzumaki, who are you really?"

Hanko sighed. "It's because I don't belong to a house in Westeros, you probably wouldn't have heard of it. The point is I'm on your side, and I'm hoping you will be on ours as well."

"What side?" Jaime now asked with less anger. "Aren't we all on the same side? The rebellion is over, we were on the winning side. What other sides are there?"

"I'm talking about everything after the rebellion," Hanko confirmed for Jaime. Looking at the knight still holding his sword out in defense, he motioned at it. "Can you please put your sword away so we can talk civilly."

"I would talk civilly, however I noticed that you have not offered guest rights yet," Jaime countered in a sputter. Trying to find some way to get a promise from this unknown entity.

"There is a technicality of a reason for that, however I wanted to bring that up to you more towards the end of our discussion," Hanko answered. He sighed before giving in. "Fine, you can stand there all silly with your sword out while we talk." With slow movements so as to not startle the knight, he got up from his seat and walked out into the open. Jaime moved with him to keep the sword between himself and Hanko.

With no prompting, Hanko bowed to Jaime. "I thank you for saving our lives Ser Jaime Lannister. By killing King Aerys, you were able to not only save our lives, but multiple future generations to come."

This caught Jaime by surprise as he took in the man. "I…" words seemed to leave him as he thought about what Hanko praised him for.

Lord Eddard Stark came around the table to stand next to Hanko as well before also bowing to Jaime. "Ser Jaime Lannister, as Lord Hanko has informed me, I and all the Northern Houses owe you a life debt. I hope you can accept my thanks as well as my apologies for dishonorably naming you a Kingslayer."

Jaime seemed to go back to angry at the mention of Eddard's blunder that had caused his reputation to be squandered into the ground. "You apologise now!? After the damage has been done?!"

Hanko now stood up facing Jaime as he answered in Ned's stead. "I have spoken to Lord Stark at great length about this and his misplaced thoughts on the topic." He motioned to Ned who was still bowed. "We have worked out something that I believe will restore your reputation and name. To that end, Ned has agreed to me, to apologize publicly in the throne room in front of yourself, the king, and the realm."

Jaime looked astounded at the offered recompense. "I...I don't know what to say."

"You do not have to say anything," Ned spoke up now, facing upright. "I have wronged you and I can only hope I will be able to pay that debt in my lifetime."

Now impressed, Jaime smiled before putting his sword back into his scabbard. "I understand," He then motioned to the table. "I have a feeling we will all need to be seated for what you have to tell me."

Hanko nodded in agreement, and everything went to their chairs at the table before sitting down.

"So I'm sure you understand why Ned here thanked you, but you probably do not know why I did, and explaining my story will probably answer a bunch more questions that you have about recent events," Jaime looked perturbed at first, but nodded. "On the fateful day of the sacking, I recently arrived in the Red Keep. It was only once I found out where I was and what was happening that I quickly investigated my surroundings to come across the most gruesome scene. The Mountain and Ser Amory Lorch inside the room of one Elia Martell."

Jaime stiffened at the admission. "So you had something to do with Lorch's death, and the disappearance of the Mountain, Elia, Aegon, and Rhaenys?"

Hanko nodded. "I was able to beat the Mountain into unconsciousness and secure him in such a way he would not bother us."

"How-" Jaime flung his arms above him in exaggeration, "-do you move a man of that size without anyone stopping you?" He frowned in thought. "And to get him to Sunspear so quickly. I know my father was not happy when he found out his attack dog was being held."

Hanko put his hand to his chin in thought before summarizing. "I could go into the details, but suffice it to say...magic?"

Jaime somehow seemed to tense more at the further admission, however Hanko made sure to continue before another interruption.

"I was not in time to save Prince Aegon, but I was there in time to move Elia and her daughter to another location so I could provide them both medical attention."

Jaime now seemed astounded. "So they are alive?!" Before he turned sad. "I wish I had been there to save Aegon."

Ned looked on at Jaime with newfound respect. He would go against his father's orders and the giant of a man Gregor Clegane, to save an innocent child. Tywin Lannister held the fear of many in the kingdoms and going against him and his tactical genius would be considered suicide by most. These further cemented his positive thoughts of the man in front of him.

Hanko nodded sagely, "yes, I was able to move them with me while I made some stops along the way. After healing them, we were able to travel to the Tower of Joy to find the rest of the Kingsguard there protecting Ned's sister."

"So you saw Ser Arthur, Ser Gerold, and Ser Oswell?" Jaime was wide eyed in excitement. "What happened to them? I know Eddard said they were alive before in the throne room. Where are they?"

"Please, let me continue and you will know," Hanko gave him a sarcastic mocking tone like one would trying to teach a child patience. Jaime didn't take offense at the remark as knowing the fate of his brothers-in-arms was more important to him. "Anyway, they didn't believe I was there to help so they tried to attack me. I would say I faced all three of them at the same time but that would be a lie. I cast an illusion on them so they believed they faced me one versus three. Though it was an illusion, I showed only a portion of my actual speed and power to them inside the illusion. When I took them out of said illusion, they decided it best to not fight me when I admitted as such."

"So you used trickery to beat my brothers-in-arms," Jaime looked sulkily at Hanko.

Hanko shrugged, "trust me, if I had not used an illusion, they would have been dead, and I couldn't do that to them. Though they have faults they are going to atone for, they are great fighters and will be needed in the future I'm sure."

"What do the Kingsguard have to atone for?" Jaime looked confused. "Kingsguard are considered the epitome of knights in the realm. What could they possibly do that would require them to atone for?"

"Lets just say I know of the times when they failed to protect their Queen from their King," Hanko replied in a gruff tone showing his displeasure. "And the fact that they did nothing to prevent it, or said anything against it, while hiding behind their Kingsguard oaths as a proverbial 'shield' spoke enough to me."

Jaime looked down solemnly. "I understand."

"Good, now continuing the story. In summation, we stayed at the tower for a month where I helped Lyanna Stark deliver her baby. The child they consummated their marriage on."

"Marriage?" Jaime's eyes shot open wide in surprise. "He was already married to Elia Martell!"

"Well, he is a Targaryen, and they have been known to take multiple brides," Hanko let that factoid hang in the air. "Besides, he didn't give Elia much of a chance to say no anyway as he was too focused on prophecy."

"So," Jaime reiterated, "Lyanna Stark had Rhaegar's child." He seemed to ponder before his expression turned surprised. "Did she have a son?"

Ned confirmed this time. "Yes, she had a son and decided to name him Aegon. At least, for his Targaryen name."

Jaime stood up now in his chair. "Aegon...he would be the rightful ruler of the Seven Kingdoms!" Jaime looked shocked at the two in front of him. "You are planning treason against the crown!" He turned to Ned, "Against your brother in all but blood?"

Ned seemed to frown at this as Hanko intervened. "Indeed Aegon would technically be next in line to the throne, however he is but a babe at the moment; and he might not want the throne with what is to come."

"Besides," Ned interrupted glumly. "I have learned many thing lately including my folly when it comes to, as you say, my brother in all but blood." The scowl was prevalent in his expression.

Jaime still hadn't changed thoughts from Rhaegar's son though as he seemed to realize something. "Why are you telling me all of this?" There was silence as he continued to voice his thoughts to the group. "For all intents and purposes I am a scion of another house, of the Warden of the West no less who would like nothing more than to be rid of the Targaryens. Why are you telling me all of this? Any part of this conversation could have you both dead for treason."

"Well, besides the fact they would be hard pressed to chop-off my own head; it's because we believe in you Ser Jaime," Hanko offered. "We want to work together with you and for that to happen there needs to be trust, and to build trust, you need to know what we know. There are many things that tell me you are a worthy man of my trust. For one, you saved the entirety of Kings Landing, when most other Kingsguard would do nothing against their King, you saw reason where others didn't and stopped the threat. Second, I know of your misgivings about how the others in your brotherhood would do nothing to prevent the King from throwing himself upon his Queen without her consent. Third, you already told us of your misgivings with your father's orders and the Mountain for attempting to kill a princess and her children. Fourth, just now when you had a Valyrian Steel sword in hand, instead of trying to kill the owner and take it for yourself, you gave it back willingly. Most people would not do that. Most people would not do most of those things."

Jaime shrugged now. "I'm not dumb enough to try to kill the Warden of the North for a sword, even a Valyrian Steel sword, with his army located not far from here. I don't think you could count common sense as part of this list of good deeds."

"No, Ser Jaime," Hanko corrected him. "Not everyone would have the common sense to think of their options, possible actions, and work for the betterment of others." Hanko paused to let that sink in before continuing. "Now Ser Jaime, we are going to tell you of plotting and scheming from multiple parties that you need to know of before we go on to the final parts of why you are here tonight."

And with that, Ned explained how the rebellion was built on a lie. How he only found out from his sister once he found her, that letters intended to himself never made it to him. He explained how Robert hid his intentions and most probably, the intentions of Lords Hoster Tully and Jon Arryn. How everything seemed to fall into place for the rebellion to take place. He further explained how there was no one to help his sister besides Hanko with the birth because Rhaegar didn't trust the Maesters.

From there Hanko took over the story. He spoke of his recent Hirashin'd trip to Oldtown and the information he found out about the Order of the Maesters. How there was a splinter group inside the Citadel whose sole purpose was to tamper with the Houses of Westeros to lead the future of the continent to their intentions.

"Word has not reached here about their deeds yet because it was just yesterday I acquired all the documents of their deeds," Hanko admitted somberly. "At the request of Gerold, I gave him time so he could convene with Lord Hightower as to the best way to 'clean house' before letting the rest of the world know. This also gives you time to do the same."

Jaime looked perturbed. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, that your family Maester, Maester Creylen I believe, was also a part of this group. As we have the detailed accounts of these plague-rats' crimes, I also have a list of his crimes, and a copy for you." Hanko handed over a bundle of papers from the billowing sleeves of his shihakusho, to Jaime.

Jaime reviewed the papers at first with an expression of disbelief. That soon changed to sadness, as he read on. He tried his best to not show his grief in front of the men in front of him. Within moments, he stood back up and in a rage, threw his chair against the wall behind him.

Quickly Ned and Hanko got up and away from the table as Jaime in his rage flipped the table and its contents. The knight yelled out in both rage and sorrow as tears streamed down is face and he continued to pace around the room breaking anything he could get his hands on.

After just two minutes of this, Jaime seemed to calm down as he wiped his eyes and looked at the men in front of him. "I need to send a Raven-"

"I would advise against that," Hanko noted. "Let me guess, you wanted to 'send a raven to warn your father, or to apprehend the traitor'? Tell me if I'm wrong."

"Yes, I have to do something against that villainous plague-rat."

"And you can, however I wouldn't recommend sending a letter through the same means the plague-rats control. Remember, all letters here go through Maesters first. The traitor will see the message and either burn it, or if he is smart enough, flee for his life."

Jaime paused in thought before he nodded. "I understand, however how can I-" his gaze shot to Hanko with eyes wide. "You!" He briskly walked up the Hanko. "You were able to defeat the Mountain and travel with him confined by yourself for many-a-night. How fast could you get to the West?"

"Are you saying you want me to capture the Maester, or kill him?"

"Capture him, please." Jaime looked at Hanko pleadingly. "You say you owe me a debt yes? I would consider the debt repaid if you can bring this traitor to me or my father alive! I can't leave King's Landing as I'm a Kingsguard, and by the time the news comes out from Old Town about this group, the traitorous Maester might find out and flee before we can catch him."

Hanko nodded in understanding. "Understood."

Tiger

Shadow Clone Jutsu!

With a puff of steam a twin copy of Hanko appeared in front of them. Jaime who was initially startled at the new addition quickly calmed down.

Hanko looked to the clone. "Usual disguise, take the closest Hirashin to the West and start plotting more markers along the way to Casterly Rock. Finally, apprehend the Maester and dispel when the prisoner scroll has him."

The clone nodded, did a Tiger seal to change his look to that of the black-covered ninja with the skull mask, before completing a Hirashin out of sight.

Jaime looked on at this display in avid fascination. "You can...teleport?"

"I know right," Hanko bemused with a sigh. "I definitely went out of my way to get that particular skill to work." He waved his hand in a 'forget-it' motion before turning to Ned to help him get the table and chairs upright and back in their place.

Once everyone grabbed their chairs again, Jaime started up first, turning somber at his still hurting emotions. "I apologize for my outburst."

"It is understandable," Ned assured. "I had a similar outburst when I received a copy of crimes against my own House and family from our previous Maester."

"Anyway," Hanko changed the topic. "The thing is, there is a much bigger problem heading our way. The Seven Kingdoms are not prepared and I was hoping we can work together for everyone's benefit."

"What is coming?"

"You wouldn't believe me if I told you."

"I just saw you create a copy of yourself, transform instantaneously, and then teleport. I'm not sure if there is more that could surprise me."

"White Walkers."

"..."

"See, I told you it wasn't believable."

"You really do like to leverage shock-and-awe, don't you?"

"What can I say, it tends to make impressions," Hanko confirmed with a sagely nod.

"Now I understand why you said it wasn't believable."

"Look, I don't have any proof of what I say to give you at the moment anyway. Once I get that proof I'll gladly show you." Hanko placated. "So, can I have your word that we work together?"

Jaime looked at the...ninja and the Warden of the North who were both looking at him waiting for his acceptance.

"...Yes, you have my word I'll work with you."

"Great, lets go over the plan."

So Hanko told Jaime of the plan. To say Jaime was surprised would be considered an understatement. It took them a bit to hash out the details before Jaime agreed and turned to leave.

"Wait a second, before you go...I need a donation."

"Donation? Do you need gold dragons?"

"No, not that kind of donation." Hanko grimaced as he carefully brought it up. "It's why we didn't offer you guest rights...I'll need...your blood."