Sister's Keeper
Edited by xXFallenSakuraXx52
Disclaimer: I do not own Game of Thrones
Chapter 70: Terrible News
Tyrion's POV
The Hand of the Queen and Ser Barristan the Bold returned to Dragonstone with the prisoners. Tyrion was thankful that the Queen took his advice of taking the Tarlys as prisoners and not executing them on the spot. Although, Lord Randall xenophobia was not pleasant in the days of burying or cremating the dead. Despite the fact that Alysanne gave the fallen their funeral rights, even allowing a hundred soldiers taking the fallen back to the Westerlands or Hornhill. In war, the losing opponent doesn't deserve their funeral rights, they just let their bodies rot in the field.
The damage the dragons laid siege, burning the fields, and that is with control. If the Dragon Sisters hadn't trained the dragons, there would have been more burned victims and remains that would be impossible to return. Let alone the cargo that was being sent. Tyrion honestly thought he was sent back in time when Aegon the Conqueror started the Field of Fire against King Mern Gardener and King Loren Lannister. However, Aegon did not set his soldiers onto the battlefield. Tyrion can see what the dragons did in Meereen, the way the dragons think are to that of their riders. Though, Tyrion never got the opportunity to meet Drogon, and preferred not to.
By the time the ship reached the bay and taken to the shores, Tyrion and Ser Barristan were greeted by the welcoming committee. In that small party was Missandei, Varys, Alysanne, and…Ser Jorah. Tyrion noticed Ser Barristan tensed with a scowl in seeing the knight again. Ser Jorah, seeing the slight glare kept a neutral face. Alysanne sighed, assuming with Tyrion the tensions were high since Ser Barristan made a sacred vow to protect the Queen from traitors. But Ser Jorah came back…twice to save their Queen. In fact, if it weren't for Ser Jorah, Alysanne would have died in the Daznak Pit. Let alone the dwarf did not expect to see Mormont again, after learning about his condition with Greyscale. He would have to ask Ser Jorah how he survived.
Alysanne approaches them, "I'm glad to see you both are safe and back in my council."
"As always, Your Grace," Ser Barristan said. Then gestured to the rowboat where the war generals and Tarlys were kept. "Where will you like prisoners."
"Have them kept in the East Wing, weapons stripped and heavily guarded," Alysanne ordered.
"As you command," Ser Barristan said.
Tyrion was surprised, for he thought she would have placed them in the dungeons. But since these men come from noble houses, an exception was made. The dwarf also noticed a change in the Queen, she seemed more relieved, no longer tense and cautious. His thoughts were interrupted when Ser Barristan walked over to Ser Jorah. The Bear Knight stiffened as the two men looked at each other.
"Ser Jorah," the older knight greeted.
"Ser Barristan," the exiled knight replied back.
Blue eyes of different shades were locked. As if they were having a silent conversation. One only knights and true warriors can communicate in. Not long after the two gave a nod.
"It's good to have you back," Ser Barristan said.
Ser Jorah nodded in acceptance.
"You both must be tired from your long journey," Alysanne said. "Rest, tomorrow we will discuss our next move."
Everyone nodded as they headed back to the Castle.
Tyrion walked beside Missandei and Ser Barristan after the translator told the Dothraki what to do with the prisoners. Looking up ahead, he watched Queen Alysanne and Ser Jorah walking ahead. Both in silence, basically in content. They didn't share a conversation, only glance at one another exchanging a smile.
"Missandei, when did Ser Jorah arrive?" Tyrion asked.
"Four days ago," Missandei answered. "He arrived the moment her Grace returned with Princess Daenerys. A pleasant surprise, one the Queen needed."
"And why do you say that?" Tyrion asked.
"No offense, my Lord, but the Queen hasn't been happy. She has put on a mask to please everyone, but deep down, she was sad."
"We were there for her," Ser Barristan reminded.
Missandei gave a sincere smile, "There are some relations that are different from others. After all, Ser Jorah has been there since the beginning."
"That is true," Tyrion said.
As they climbed the staircase, Tyrion turned to Varys, "You're awfully quiet."
"In deep thought," Varys replied.
"Then you must share, over a drink," Tyrin said. "I need some good wine."
He shuddered from the memory of trying the Dothraki fermented milk. It was sour-smelling and thick with clots. Oh, let's not forget the pepper beer. The spices burning his tongue more than the Dornish cuisine. How did the Targaryen sisters survive with the Dothraki if they can't have a good drink? Tyrion had to drink all the wine he had to get rid of the foul taste in his mouth. Ser Barristan watched in shock, wondering how the dwarf hasn't killed himself from wine yet.
.o0o.
Tyrion and Varys took the Stone room to talk. As usual, Tyrion was pouring himself some Arbors wine, curtesy of House Redwyne. Varys sat there tapping a raven scroll that has the House Stark seal. Definitely a letter from the North addressed to Jon Snow. The lingering thoughts caused the Spider to tap the raven scroll on the steps. Tyrion noticed the nervousness in his eunuch friend.
"All rulers demand that people bend the knee. That's why they're rulers," Tyrion said, taking a sip of wine.
Varys gave him a questionable look.
"She gave Tarly a choice, a man who had taken up arms against her. What else could she do?" Tyrion tried to reason.
"At least she did not burn him alive in front of his men," Varys confessed in agreement.
"I am her Hand, not her head. I can't make her decisions for her," Tyrion said. "Only advise, which she gladly took."
"I wished I had that liberty when I served the previous Targaryen. That's what I used to tell myself about her father," Varys murmured. "I found the traitors, but I wasn't the one burning them alive. I was only a purveyor of information." He grabbed the chalice and took a large gulp. "It's what I told myself when I watched them beg for mercy –I'm not the one doing it. When the pitch of their screams rose higher – I'm not the one doing it. When their hair caught fire, and the smell of their burning flesh filled the throne room – and the smell of their burning flesh filled the throne room – I'm not the one doing it." He took another gulp then sighed.
"Alysanne is not her father," Tyrion whispered.
"No, she takes more after her mother," Varys agreed. "Queen Rhaella was smart, she partially ran the kingdom when the Hands couldn't after your father."
"I've seen the Queen Rhaella once, how she kept that mask on is beyond me," Tyrion said.
"Noble and Royal women don't have the liberty that men have. You are surprised at how dangerous a woman can be."
"I know, have you forgotten my sister," Tyrion muttered refilling his cup
Varys nodded.
"One enigma I can't grasp is the relationship between Ser Jorah and the Queen." Tyrion thought aloud. "They hold so many differences and the betrayal."
"Because he is her mortal flaw and she is his fatal sin," Varys guessed.
"Now that is poetic, even for you," Tyrion
"The point being is that Ser Jorah has been there since the beginning, even with his betrayal. Saw things I've never told King Robert. The things Viserys did to her. When the letters stopped coming, I sent my little birds to check on them."
"You've sent a wine merchant to poison them. Wasn't it your plan to marry Daenerys to a Horse Warlord?"
"Illyrio's plan, not mine. But I knew Ser Jorah would be there to rescue them."
"Right," Tyrion said, doubting it. Although, he did agree that Mormont has been there from the beginning. Assuming that the knight was the two girls only link to home. Mormont becoming their friend and advisor with Khal Drogo's khalasar. Then he became the Queen's mentor in swords and taught her everything. Also, assuming something happened in Qarth, since Varys has no information from his spies in Qarth.
"Was it wrong for me to send him away?" Tyrion asked. "Exile him for the second time?"
"The man had contracted Greyscale," Varys reminded.
There was some guilt on that since Mormont caught the deadly disease trying to protect him. Then again, Tyrion kept reminding himself that if Jorah didn't kidnap him in the first place, none of this would have happened.
"They love each other," Tyrion sighed.
He thought back to what he said in Meereen when he brought him to Alysanne, asking the dwarf what should she do to Ser Jorah:
"A ruler who kills those devoted to her is not a ruler who inspires devotion. And you're going to need to inspire devotion, a lot of it if you're ever going to rule across the Narrow Sea. But you cannot have him by your side when you do."
Ser Jorah Mormont was a disgraced knight. He sold slaves that go against Westeros law. Instead of facing his liege Lord's justice, he fled the city to avoid execution. The man was made a prime example of what you should not do as a Lord of a Keep or city. However, the moment he said it, he saw both in pain that resembled him and Tysha. The act of betrayal and a hard decision. Grimacing at the memory he gulped down the wine.
"But he is still not a good match," Tyrion added.
"No one is a good match," Varys replied. "But are we going to ruin that happiness. One that can prevent the recurrence of her father?"
Tyrion opens his mouth to say something but stopped himself. What was more important, a political alliance through marriage, or a relationship that can prevent the Targaryen Madness.
Changing the subject, he stared at the scroll, "Who's that for?"
Varys glanced at the raven scroll, "Jon Snow."
"Did you read it?" Tyrion asked.
"It's a sealed scroll for the King in the North," Varys reminded.
Tyrion took a sip of wine, "What's it says?"
"Nothing good," Varys answered.
Tyrion finished another glass of wine.
.o0o.
Alysanne's POV
Varys requested a private meeting with the Small Council and to invite King Snow and Ser Davos. So, in private, we settled in the Chamber of the Painted Table. Once everyone was in, Varys handed King Snow the raven Scroll. The fact that Varys summoned a council meeting, and gave the King in the North a scroll, easily tell my Master of Whisperers has illegally read a royal scroll. King Snow took the scroll and stood by the North on the carved table, while Daenerys and I sat by Dorne. Ser Barristan and Ser Jorah stood behind me.
The way King Snow read the scroll showed a signed of mixed emotions, "I thought Arya was dead. I thought Bran was dead."
"I'm happy for you," Daenerys complimented.
King Snow rolled up the scroll.
"You don't look happy." She noted.
"Bran saw the Night King and his army marching towards Eastwatch. If they make it past the Wall…"
"The Wall has kept them out for thousands of years, presumably." Varys interrupted.
"I need to go home," King Snow finished.
"You said you don't have enough men," Daenerys reminded.
"We'll fight with the men we have," King Snow said. "Unless you'll join us."
"I did make that promise," I said.
"And give the country to Cersei?" Daenerys asked. "As soon as you march away, she marches in."
"Not unless I leave you with the Dothraki or you in charge with our Westerosi allies," I said. "But I can't ignore what I saw."
"Perhaps not," Tyrion said, having an idea. All eyes were on him. "Cersei thinks the Army of the Dead is nothing but a story, made up by wet nurses to frighten children. What if we prove her wrong?"
"I don't think she'll come to see the dead at my invitation," King Snow said, almost chuckling in the plot.
Tyrion walked forward, stopping at the Crownlands, upon King's Landing where the Lion totem was. He took hold of it, "So, bring the dead to her."
"I thought that was what we were trying to avoid," Daenerys sarcastically said.
"We don't have to bring the whole army. Only one soldier." Tyrion suggested.
"Is that possible?" Ser Davos asked.
King Snow thought about it, "The first Wight I ever saw was brought into Castle Black from beyond the Wall."
"Bring one of these things down to King's Landing and show her the truth," Tyrion said.
"Anything you bring back will be useless unless Cersei grants us an audience and is somehow convinced not to murder us the moment we set foot in the capital," Varys said.
"The only person she listens to is Jaime," Tyrion sighed. "He might listen to me."
Tyrion turned his gaze to me. I sighed thinking about it, "It is one option, however, how are you supposed to enter King's Landing? Last I recall, you are the Crowns most wanted."
Suddenly all the men in the room turned their attention to Ser Davos. The man who has been called the Onion Knight became uncomfortable being put on the spot just like that. "I can smuggle you in, but if the gold cloaks were to recognize you, I'm warning you, I'm not a fighter."
Tyrion nodded.
"Well, it will all be for nothing if we don't have one of these dead men," Daenerys reminded.
"Fair point," Varys agreed. "How do you propose to find one?"
That is a good question. One thought came to mind that would make the situation much easier, "I and a few riders on Viserion and fly North and collect one. An easy get in and get out."
"No," Nearly everyone in my Small Council bellowed, except for Varys.
This baffled me, almost jumping for I did not expect such a response.
"Your Grace," Tyrion cleared his throat. "You are the Queen. The most important person in the world can't fly off to the most dangerous place in the world."
"Also, risking your life." Ser Barristan joined the conversation. "forgive me, though trained by Ser Jorah and me, you have only four years of experience. You were injured in the Daznak Pit and the encounters with the Warlock. We lost you once. We can't lose you again."
Damn him, he has a point, I thought bitterly.
"With the Queen's permission, I'll go north and take one," Jorah offered.
This caught me off guard as I looked at him bewildered. Did I hear him correctly, or did Jorah offer to go on the expedition to fetch a Wight? He has only been back for four days, and now he was leaving again? After the year of separation from Tywin's ploy of exposing Jorah's secrets to get him out of my council. My stomach tightens, remembering the fighting pits. How he almost died to prove himself.
"You asked me to find a cure so I could serve you. Allow me to serve you," Jorah said.
I opened my mouth to speak, yet no words came out. Hasn't he proven himself already by finding the cure? Must he risk his life once more in the unknown territory to prove Cersei Lannister of a greater threat?
"The Free Folk will help us," King Snow said. "They know the real north better than anyone."
"They won't follow Ser Jorah," Ser Davos reminded.
"They won't have to," King Snow replied.
"You can't lead a raid beyond the Wall," Ser Davos scolded. "You're not in the Night's Watch anymore, you're the King in the North."
"I'm the only one here who's fought them. I'm the only one here who knows them." King Snow said.
"My sister hasn't given you permission to leave," Daenerys inserted.
King Snow gave her a look, "With respect, Your Highness, I don't need your sister's permission. I am a King." He then turned his attention to face me. "And I came here knowing that you could have your men behead me or your dragons burn me alive. I put my trust in you, a stranger, because I knew it was the best chance for my people, for all people. Now I'm asking you to trust in a stranger…because it's our best chance."
"There is one problem," Varys spoke out. "Your Grace, you promised your allies we would attack King's Landing within three or so months. The Tyrells and Redwynes are holding you to that regard. Let alone Ser Terrance Celtigar is getting messages from Lord Ardrian on why the siege is being withheld. The longer you postpone the siege, the lesser the alliances."
Shit, I thought.
I have less than two months from the siege. I made many promises, and after what happened in on the Goldroad. We have the upper Hand on taking back my home. Take back the castles where I was born. There is an advantage to taking back the Southern Kingdoms, it will get us the numbers, if King Snow brother's message is true, then there isn't much time.
"How long does it take to get Eastwatch by ship?" I asked.
"Two weeks," Ser Davos answered.
"If I give you my fastest ship, you have until the second month, if you don't come here by then I must continue the siege," I told them all. "Time is of the essence."
Jon Snow nodded, "Thank you, Your Grace."
I could only nod, "And make it two Wights."
One for Cersei and one for the Lords of Westeros.
.o0o.
"What the bloody hell!" I snapped when Jorah entered my chambers.
Once the shock that Jorah volunteered to go on the expedition faded, I became angry. I contained my anger until we were alone in private. Only Dany and Missandei could tell I was mad during the rest of the afternoon, and I gave my friend the evening and tomorrow off. For I have a feeling, this grudge will be lasting longer than anticipated. Of course, I had her fetch Jorah, who was hiding since the Small Council meeting. Jorah had his own chamber, but the last five days he has been in my own.
"Did I do something to offend you?" Jorah asked.
"Offend me?" I scoffed. "You volunteer for an expedition not knowing the consequences…Damn it, you just got back, and now you want to leave."
"Alysanne," Jorah murmured as he came over. "A few days ago, you said we need to find a way to convince the War Council of the Great War. This is our only chance."
"You don't know what you're getting yourself into," I said. "These things …they're not human. They may look human but they're not."
I walked over to the fireplace gazing into the flames, "I saw the Night King and his army once, from the visions the Undying Ones showed me. Once, and that was enough to plague me with nightmares since then. The stages of decay of men, women, and children. Animals that should not be able to stand on skeletal limbs. In the end, everyone bearing blue eyes and emotionless faces. And yet he stands there, made of ice summoning them as if he was a deity."
I turned around him, "This goes beyond men. This is not putting a sword in a man to release their inner beast. This is the same if not greater than dragons."
He came over resting a hand on my shoulder, "I know. I may not have seen them, but I know what that vision has done to you. I know that the spirits warned you in the Veil."
"I just got you back," I sighed, pressing my head on his chest. "I spent months thinking you were dead or dying. Must I go through it again?"
"I'm sorry," Jorah murmured wrapping arm around me. "But we must do so in order to protect the realm. I vowed to serve you. I am your sword when you are unable to fight."
"You mean restrained to fight," I muttered, looking up at him.
"Four years is not enough to be battle-ready," he reminded. "Ser Barristan learned to fight at the age of six, I was seven when my father started training me. Grey Worm was five. Although it would be easier to take a dragon beyond the Wall and grab a Wight. But…I can't see you hurt again."
"Jorah…"
"What happened in the Daznak Pit, I could never get the image of you lying on the ground bleeding. I carried you, thinking you were dying in my arms." He said, as his hand traced over the scar on my left shoulder. "Every day, I am reminded on how I almost lost you. Or the fact that I did indeed lost you…when Quaithe told me you were dying."
"I'm alive now," I said, cradling his cheek then sighed. "And yet, I don't feel the same ambitions anymore. I just want…"
"Whatever you decide, I will follow," he murmured.
"One-part brave, three parts fool." I chuckled slightly.
He gave a small smile before leaning down and kissed me. I was still mad, yet the way his lips pressed against my lips made it vanish. Was I being selfish for wanting him? Probably so. Mistakes were made in our past, though forgiven, it could have been prevented if there were truth and honesty. Wondering what things would have been if I didn't exile Jorah or followed Tyrion's advice. In the beginning, Dany was my only weakness. And now, Jorah is one. If anything were to happen to him again…I would never forgive myself. I pray to the Seven that nothing happens to him.
Pulling back to breathe, I stared into his eyes that remind me of the ocean.
"Until you go on the expedition, you belong to me."
"As you wish."
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