Oberyn was fascinated with Jasper's story, an entire kingdom full of wizards! It was sad to think that when Jasper was last there it was under the heal of someone as insane as the mad king. "So, when you died, you woke up in Vale?"
He nodded, "I gained awareness while I was still inside the womb, but I had no idea what was going on. Not until I was actually being born."
"That must have been a shock," Oberyn muttered.
Jasper couldn't help but wince at the memory. "The birth wasn't so bad; it was the bloody feedings that I hated."
Oberyn laughed then, a deep belly laugh. Clapping him on the back he said, "Yes, no one wants to see their mum's tits, never mind be forced to suckle on them."
Jasper just glared at him, not even bothering to respond.
Obara interrupted them both with a slight cough. "I think that's enough father, don't you?" She paused before adding, "I'm grateful that you told us Jasper. You took a huge risk in sharing this, but Dorne won't betray your trust."
Oberyn turned more serious and nodded. "Dorne will keep your secrets, but unless you can think of something that will ensure everyone's silence, I imagine your secret won't stay one for long. You exposed yourself to the entire castle. We've stopped any ravens from being sent for now, but that won't last forever."
Jasper nodded, reaching into his desk drawer and pulling out several scrolls. "I've had secrecy contracts made up since I started working on the canals. I'm impulsive but not stupid." He slid it over to them, "I'm telling your family because we're allies, and you've proven to be people that I can trust. But I still expect your family to sign this, along with everyone else here. Once that's done, no one will be able to say anything. I'll go over this all with Doran and Nymeria later, Mya too, I suppose."
Oberyn eyed the scrolls warily, "And what do these do exactly?"
Jasper scratched his head, "Anyone who attempts to talk about magic will be unable to form words until they stop trying. If you try to circumvent this, it will kill you. However, this doesn't stop you from talking about it to people already aware of magic, just those uninformed. So, as soon as I tell Doran you two can talk freely amongst yourselves… Feel free to read it first, of course, but I will make you forget what you learned if you don't sign it. I will make the same offer to everyone in the castle."
o-O-o
Jasper knew he had taken a risk, telling the Martells. He also knew that Dorne would have its own intentions, and doubtlessly try to take advantage of him. He was expecting all of that and it didn't bother him in the slightest. Having Vale as an ally was an advantage to them over every other Kingdom, so he doubted they'd do anything too drastic. Merely try to eke out as much as they could without causing any irreparable damage diplomatically. He could keep them in check if they ever got too out of hand, but he hoped it wouldn't come to that. Honestly, he was just glad they hadn't fought him on the contracts.
He sighed, gods he hated politics.
In total, twelve houses had either aided our outright joined the rebels. He dissolved all their holdings and folded their territory into neighboring lands. The few who were spared execution, such as the children and those truly unaware, had their possessions seized and were barred from ever returning to the Vale.
He did make one exception, however. Lord Waynwood's holdings were the largest and most influential of the rebel territories. It boasted a port on the coast of the narrow sea, several villages, and a sizable city in Ironoaks- one that he imagined would only continue to grow. With central Vale's hospital and school both being in the city, people from all over the region travelled there regularly. He had originally wanted to claim it for himself and manage the city directly. However, it wasn't long before his thoughts turned to Mya.
Due to Westerosi law, she couldn't inherit the Vale or any of their parent's titles. But, if he created a new House, she could take control of the territory and at least keep a piece of what he saw as her birthright. She may not be his blood, but she was his sister in every way that counted. He had already passed a law allowing a House to determine their own rights of succession and method of rule, so she could stay in power even if she wed. The other nobles may frown on it, but none could do anything about it, especially not after all the contracts were signed. He would have to work out the particulars later, but Mya would get her own House.
He much preferred the Dornish system of the oldest child inheriting, regardless of gender- This male only system was extremely frustrating, and something he was hoping to work towards undoing in Vale. Technically, he already did legalize this. It was just that no one actually took advantage of the law. The few who may actually be interested in doing so, would likely never be able to convince their Heads of House to allow it. He doubted it would ever be truly utilized unless all male heirs died, or a girl was the only surviving member of her family. He fully acknowledged that the problem wasn't legality, but a matter of social norms and expectations- a much more difficult issue for him to deal with. As such, despite his hopes, he knew this would have to be long-term goal, and one that may never actually be achieved in his lifetime.
Over the next several hours, Dornish soldiers and whatever Vale knights he could spare, were busy rounding up the rebels and bringing loyalty contracts to every noble house in Vale. He was past the point of politeness, and anyone that refused to sign it was forced to, at sword-point if necessary. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to join in on any of the raids. He was busy tracking down a rat before he could jump ship and flee the Vale altogether. Petyr was a canny little bastard; he'd give him that. But Jasper was a wizard who had lost what little restraint he still had. No one attacked his family. It took a few hours, but he managed to track him to a sept in Old Anchor. It had been a major backer for the rebels, funneling in arms and supplies from all over the Crownlands and the Westerlands.
Jasper wrapped himself in a cloak and used a glamour to distort his features and quickly apparated inside. Before anyone could even react, he was flinging curses around the room, slicing two people in half with a ribbon curse before launching a pair blasting curses. Body parts littered the room, but he ignored the grisly sight and looked for the mastermind behind today's disaster. He was crawling on the floor, sliding between an arm and a torso while desperately trying to get away.
"I don't think so," Jasper growled. With a lazy jab of his wand, Petyr was dragged in front of him, ropes already wrapping around his body like a vice. Jasper didn't wait and tore into his mind like a raging inferno. What he saw made him sick. All this over some petty jealously, lust, and an innate desire for power. A quick piecing curse to the skull ended the man's suffering, and he quickly went about lighting the bodies and building on fire before apparating into to the Red Keep for his next target.
Surprisingly, the rebels seemed to have done a fair amount of damage here. He could see gold cloaks and Vale knights laying on the floor, streaks of blood all over the place. For a moment he considered killing Robert while he was here, but quickly decided against it. The next in line was Stannis and he didn't know nearly enough about him to put him on the throne. He cast a quick Homenum Revelio, eyeing the bright red dots the appeared all around him. Four people in the next room, six on the next floor up, and three in the hall behind him- Everyone else was too far away to register. He cast a point-me spell and a smile lit up his features. Jon must be on the floor above him, he didn't even have to do much searching.
He made his way to the room, avoiding all the roaming guards with the ease of knowing exactly where they were. He stopped just long enough to make note of where everyone was in the room before launching a bombarda at the door. The wood turned to splinters, exploding inward and slamming into the poor knight that was guarding it. A few more piercing curses and the room fell silent, except for the heavy breathing of his father. Apparently, Jon must have been wounded earlier as he was already covered in blood. Jasper didn't hesitate, shooting a quick cutting curse to his neck and watching the life leave his eyes. Some part of him felt true sorrow for having to do this, for killing his own father. But he put that to the back of his mind, only mourning the man he knew as a child rather than the man he had become.
He could hear the sound of plate armor moving towards him, quickly. He wasted no time, activating a portkey that would bring him all the way back to Vale.
o-O-o
Mya was there, waiting in his office for him. She paled at the sight of all the blood covering his clothes, quickly checking him over for any wounds.
"It's not mine Mi, I'm okay." He squeezed her shoulder and she let out a little whimper and nodded. Pulling him into a hug and resting her head against his neck. "I got so scared, it felt like I was back in the main hall, with Ser Belmore dying in my arms.
He shushed her, pulling her tighter to his chest. "You're safe now, I'm making sure of it."
They sat there in silence for a few moments before Mya spoke up again, her voice barely a whisper. "Were you ever going to tell me?"
He knew as soon as she said it that she was talking about his past. He didn't have time to go into much detail before he left to look for Petyr, but she knew enough. Certainly, enough to be upset. He sighed, before nodding into her hair. "Eventually, I just wasn't sure how to do it. You were too young when you first came here, and then as you got older, it didn't seem like such a big deal anymore. My life is here now, and while my first go at things gave me some fancy spells and cool inventions, I was happy with my time here. The past just didn't seem so important when everything I care about is already right in front of me."
She sniffled and nodded, "It doesn't matter, whatever, you told me now and that's what counts." She gave him a watery kiss on the cheek and added, "I'm still pretty shaken up over this whole thing. I never thought we'd ever see real fighting, nevermind in the Eyrie. I thought you were gonna die here."
He let out a little chuckle, "Nothing would keep me from you Mya, I gotta' smother you till your old and wrinkly… Now, because of that, I need you to stay in Dorne for a little while."
"But Jas-"
"But nothing! Dany will need someone to look out for her, and you know the Daynes have been trying to get a hold of her since the war ended. Nymeria will keep you both company until you get back, but I need to know that you're both safe there, so I can focus on sorting everything out around here."
She was silent for a moment, before letting out a shuttering sigh and nodding. "I hate this so much Jas," she whispered in his ear.
"I know, but it'll all be over soon. I promise." He kissed her head before pulling her towards the door. "There's just one more thing we have to do before you're off to Dorne." She followed him with only a few grumbles, still annoyed about leaving him alone while he put himself in danger. But, eventually they made it to the godswood, much to her surprise. The trees and plants Jasper had planted when they were children had long since multiplied, and she smiled, it had turned into their own little forest some years ago.
"Why did you bring me here Jasper?" She asked him.
He raised his hand and a guard she hadn't even known was following them appeared from behind some trees. "Do you trust me?"
She scoffed, "Do you even have to ask?"
He chuckled and shook his head. Slowly, he drew Dawnbreaker from the scabbard on his waist and angled it to rest on her shoulder. He had taken to wearing it on his person, ever since he had first woken up after the attack. Thankfully, she didn't flinch, although her muscles did visibly tighten.
"Do you swear to uphold the laws of Vale, and rule its people justly and without bias?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, her eyes widened dramatically and her shoulders visibly relaxed. "I do," she said, her voice breathless, and barely above a whisper.
"And do you swear to never take up arms against the Lord of Vale, nor elect agents to do this on your behalf?"
"I do," she said, more calmly this time and far more loudly.
"Mya Stone, you are hereby granted all titles, territories, and possessions associated with House Waynwood. As the new Lady of the Ironoaks, your family seat is in Ironoaks, and you may take possession of the castle there when things have finally settled." He lifted the sword from her shoulder and slipped it back in its sheath. "Please keep in mind, dear sister, that you are always welcome in the Eyrie. I just wanted you to have something of your own. I know your status has made things difficult for you in the past. And as a landed Lady, you're entitled to a House of your own now."
She was crying, big ugly tears, and he immediately panicked. "I'm not saying you aren't part of my House; you've always been my sister! It's just, inheritance laws for-"
She ran into his chest, hugging him tight. "You idiot! I knew that, I was just overwhelmed with everything. This is a big thing Jasper, even for you. I never expected to be anything but your bastard sister. A well-treated one, but a bastard all the same… Thank you, Jasper!"
He just hugged her back, a blush creeping up his neck.
o-O-o
"Nymeria threw a fit, but she'll stay in Dorne for now. I heard your sister was the same, but she's also rather excited about her sudden title and new set of responsibilities. My Uncle has offered to show her how he manages Sunspear, if you're willing to allow it." Obara said from beside him.
He nodded, "I would appreciate any advice he's willing to give her. She's never had to actually manage the estate before, and now she's in charge of an entire city, castle, and several villages. I still plan on sending advisers with her but seeing how someone else does things will make it a lot easier once she's able to claim her seat. Please thank him for such a kind offer and tell him I gladly accept."
She nodded and he went back to reading the reports in front of him. Death lists, assets seized, documents discovered. It was grim, but it needed to be done. He tried to finish it as quickly as he could, jotting down a few notes to look into later before tucking it into his desk. Note to self, look over the books personally. Most of these bastards were lying about how much they were collecting in rents and taxes.
He looked up at Obara, the girl had been his personal shadow since he got back from King's Landing. She was leaning against the window, keeping an ear towards the door while trying to give him some semblance of privacy. "I got a letter from Robert earlier, poor bird nearly killed itself trying to get here so fast." He said, hoping to start up some conversation again. "It was news of Jon's passing, his condolences, and a warning about traitors and assassins. Apparently, the entire Red Keep is in chaos and none of them are willing to leave the castle until things are resolved here. They knew the attackers were Valemen, so he was sure they had ties to disgruntled nobles here. He was all for raising his hammer in our defense, but he wasn't willing to… 'Be stabbed by some cunt in his sleep' if he tried to make the journey." Jasper laughed and she started chuckling too.
It had been a little over a day since this mess started. House Moon was quietly released and sent off to Whiterun. No fanfare, and no personal acknowledgement from him. He just didn't have the time under the circumstances, and he needed the knights back at the castle. Their children had long since been moved to Whiterun in preparation for their release, something that should have been a rather simple affair.
He sighed, "Thank you for keeping me company, Obara. I don't think I'd do well alone right now."
She grimaced, "I wouldn't either, Jasper. It's been a difficult time for all of us."
"At least Mya managed to make it to Dorne. If it wasn't for you and Nymeria watching out for her, I don't know what we would have done."
She shook her head. "It's a small thing Jasper, Nymeria likes having friends her age and I like her too." A wry grin crossed her face, "And you should call her Lady Black now Jasper, it is her title."
He frowned, "Black? Where'd that come from?"
"She wasn't about to call herself Waynwood now, especially not after their betrayal. Ironoaks sits on the coast of the Black Lake, so she chose to name her House after that. She is officially Mya Black, Lady of the Ironoaks. Or just Lady Black when in conversation."
He couldn't help but smile at that. His godfather may have been dead and from another life, yet somehow, he managed to make his way back to him. He was sure that Sirius would have been proud for his family name to be used to shirk centuries of tradition. "It's a fitting name, I'm glad she chose it."
o-O-o
"Terror and tragedy in the Eyrie!"
"Yesterday, several noble houses from around Vale attempted to carry out a coup in the capital! While this attack failed, and Lord Jasper Arryn ultimately remained unharmed, several of his allies were grievously wounded…"
Jasper waited until after the last of the contracts were signed before informing the kingdom what had happened. He wrote up a special issue of the Herald, describing the sudden attack on both the Eyrie and King's Landing. He never mentioned any magic and instead, credited 'the visiting allies and local knights' for stopping the bloodshed from spreading. All rebel houses were named (excluding Petyr's) as well as the final list of casualties for both sides. He even made sure to mention that several radical elements of the Faith had helped fund the attack, although they were tragically killed in a fire before they could face any justice.
From what he had heard, riots had already started outside several septs, and most of the few remaining Seven Worshippers were leaving in a mass exodus Southward. With all these empty churches spread out over the Vale, he quietly issued a new law, and informed all of the nobles by letter rather than announce it in the paper. He saw no need to draw more attention to himself from the very people he was trying to get rid of. It was such a small thing really, but with it being illegal to damage any place of worship, he needed a way to reclaim the buildings while they were still empty. Lest they turn into a beacon to draw back the Faith in the future.
"By order of Lord Jasper Arryn,
All Lords, Ladies, and Masters who have a sept, septry, or motherhouse on their lands may assume guardianship of them when there is no Septon or Septa in residence. Should they remain empty for a period of six months, they will no longer be considered a place of worship and can be either repurposed or dismantled."
i {o,o}
i /) ')
i -"-"-
Notes. For those that know one 'verse, but not the other:
[1] A sept is the Faith's equivalent of a church. A septry is their equivalent of a monastery and a motherhouse is a female version of a septry. (Mentioned in Ch 10, but some may find it useful here.)
[2] Homenum Revelio is the human-presence revealing spell.
[3] Bombarda is a type of exploding curse.
Edited 3-7-22
