The Chronicles of Valyria,

Book 1 Resurrection

Chapter 21

"As you all undoubtedly know, yesterday afternoon our guards were violently attacked by a group of armed men, posing as drunkards. This attack resulted in the deaths of three of our guards and all of the attackers. They were after our two little dragons, which they luckily didn't see or touch, as we're not sure what the two big ones would have done if any harm came to them."

The four men all swallowed at Gabrielle's words, they didn't know how big the big ones were, but Aurora's words were promising enough to make them a little anxious as they had heard what had happened at King's Landing.

Aurora's next words left a deathly silence in the chamber. "The reason I requested this meeting to take place here, is because I know that one of you was behind this attack."

"THAT IS PREPOSTEROUS!" Bessaro Reyaan yelled while furiously shaking his fist at Aurora.

"What proof have you to make such an accusation?" Noho Dimittis asked with thunder written on his face.

Tycho tried to calm down his fellow Keyholders and said, "Please gentlemen, let us hear out the Ladies, I'm sure there is a logical explanation for this accusation."

Ferrego looked at the reactions with a small smile on his face. He had to admit it was a master move, having this conversation in the Iron Bank. It gave the Keyholders a sense of security, allowing them to state their accusations without risking anyone running away.

When Tycho had managed to calm his two fellows, Aurora took the lead again and said, "I will prove that what I said is the truth, if you could give me your hands, I will show you my memories of what transpired."

When she said that, the men all looked amazed and Aurora explained, "I have certain abilities, one of which is the ability to copy the memories of others and then project them to someone else, though only through physical contact."

After a little hesitation, all four men took her invitation and grabbed her hands. Ferrego and Tycho took her right, and Bessaro and Noho took her left. They were drawn into her memory and were shown what she had witnessed the day before.

They followed the events from the moment Aurora noticed the attack, until the moment she tore apart the mind of the last attacker.

At that moment she halted the memory and turned to the four men who shared the memory with her. "This next part is what I tore from that man's", she pointed at the frozen image of the last attacker, " memory and contains the identity of their employer."

When she restarted the memory she noticed one of the men start to get uncomfortable as he recognized the environment they suddenly found themselves in.

A richly decorated office with red marble floors and walls, and behind the desk, an incredibly fat man.

The fat man behind the desk spoke to the trio of men they saw standing before the desk and he said, "I want those dragons, no matter the cost, the Ghiscari will give me anything I ask them, to be able to kill them."

At that point Aurora broke the connection and the four men suddenly found themselves back in the meeting room. Bessaro swallowed audibly as he felt the looks of the three other men on him.

Before anyone could say a word though, Gabrielle snapped her fingers and said to the six Forlorn who stood beside her almost instantly, "Take him into custody, and wait for further orders."

The Forlorn saluted and dragged Bessaro from his chair before binding and gagging him. They dropped him in a corner of the room and then stood before him to keep him out of sight. All in the span of less than a minute.

Aurora and Gabrielle turned to the three men who were still seated before them and who where a little shell-shocked by the betrayal and additionally by the brutal effectiveness of the Forlorn.

"Now gentlemen," Gabrielle began, "it falls to you to punish this man for his betrayal. I do not presume to order you about, but since we are also victims of his betrayal, I suggest the following punishment. Confiscate all of his possessions, take away his key, and sentence him to death. As the grieved party, we would claim half of his possessions, liquidated into gold, while the rest would be used to pay and equip a proper city watch, to prevent these kind of things in the future."

The trio of men discussed the proposal for a few minutes until Ferrego took the lead, "You speak wisely and offer good advice, but half is too much. We propose a quarter of his possessions in gold, while another quarter is transferred into supplies and ships for your journey to Valyria."

Since this would be the thing they would use the gold for anyway, Aurora and Gabrielle readily agreed and after a few more minutes of ironing out details, the two women took their leave and returned to their ships.

The five ships Ferrego had sent to accompany them were all galleys, but with large holds and great square sails. They were roughly half again as wide as their own war-galleys, but much more cumbersome and slower.

They stopped at each of the five ships and introduced themselves to the captains while learning their names and informing them of their destination.

Once they were back onboard of their flagship, which they had named The Chain Breaker, they signaled to the two other ships which they had named, Sapphire and Emerald, to follow them out of the lagoon and through the channel, back to the Narrow Sea.

The journey from Braavos to Hardhome took them two weeks, most of that time was spent with Aurora and Gabrielle teaching the trio of girls how to wield a dagger, as that was the only weapon they could safely use onboard without risking any injuries.

They paused on the first uninhabited island they passed and buried the body of the unknown dragon rider there. They would leave the dragon on the seabed, as the elements would have no influence on the corpse, until they returned and take it with them south, to Valyria.

When they could see land again, they saw snow as far as the eyes could see and pines and other needle trees covered the lands. However, what drew their attention were four ships sailing their way.

The sails of each of the ships showed the bleeding tower of Tyrosh and as soon as Aurora saw them, she roared across the water to the Sapphire and the Emerald, "PREPARE FOR BATTLE, DON'T LET THEM GET AWAY."

Turning to the officers of their own ship she ordered, "Take as many prisoners as you can, and try not to damage their ships to much. Signal for the cargo ships to stay back and keep their distance." The men saluted her and immediately went to work, while Aurora turned to the girls and Ashara.

"Get in a sloop and I'll have you rowed to the cargo ships, stay there and keep an eye on Saphirus and Violet, we don't want them escaping in this weather, winter is soon upon us and they will not survive if they get separated from us."

The four nodded and hurried to gather a few possessions and to get the two little dragons from below decks. Five minutes later they were in a sloop, being rowed to the Braavosi ships by half a dozen Forlorn who would act as their bodyguard.

Back on The Chain Breaker Aurora and Gabrielle made ready for battle as the enemy ships were fast approaching. They appeared to be heavily laden and were far larger than their own ships. However, they appeared to be cargo ships, and not warships, so despite that they had more ships, they would have a fair chance if they didn't carry to many soldiers onboard. Though, given the reputation of the Tyroshi, they suspected that they were slave ships, carrying captured wildlings back to Tyrosh, or some other slave market.

Soon their suspicions were proven correct as the decks of the enemy ships were swarming with men, though they were only lightly armed and unarmored, though dressed in thick furs and similarly warm clothes. Their own men were all heavily armed and armored, so despite the difference in numbers, they would have the advantage.

With the Sapphire and the Emerald on either side of them, they sailed straight towards the Tyroshi ships and were soon within firing distance. Turning to their men Gabrielle said, "KNOCK ARROWS," 80 arrows were put on bows, "DRAW" the bows were drawn and aimed. "LOOSE." 80 arrows were released at the same time and soared toward the nearest slave ship, while on either side of them clouds of arrows were fired from the other two ships.

Cries of pain echoed across the water as the arrows hit home and Gabrielle ordered them to fire a second volley. After the second volley hit, the ships were too close for arrows and Aurora ordered, "DRAW SWORDS."

On all three ships bows were dropped and swords were drawn while the Forlorn picked shields from the railings and formed two rows on both sides of the ship. Joining their soldiers, Aurora and Gabrielle put on their helmets and grabbed their axes.

As soon as the Tyroshi ships came alongside their own ships, grappling hooks were thrown and the enemy ships were pulled closer. The Emerald and the Sapphire each took on one ship, while The Chain Breaker took on the remaining two, one on each side. Aurora took the one on starboard with 60 men, while Gabrielle took the one on portside with the other 60 men.

As soon as the ships were close enough, the Tyroshi crews jumped onboard of their ships and were met with a wall of steel and wooden shields. Smashing against the shield walls of the Forlorn, the Tyroshi tried to hack their way through only to be met with bashing shields and sword-thrusts.

Aurora and Gabrielle swung around them with their large axes, being careful to not kill all of the attackers as they needed the manpower for the storming of the walls of Tyrosh.

The Tyroshi outnumbered them 3 to 2, but the arrows had taken their toll and the Forlorn did the rest. The fight lasted less than fifteen minutes, and when it was over, they had captured roughly 400 of the enemy and killed another 150 or so. They had lost 38 Forlorn in the battle and a few dozen wounded, but overall, they had won a good victory.

When they went below decks of the Tyroshi ships, they found the hulls filled with captives. More than 200 men, women and children were packed below decks on each of the ships, chained and frightened. When Aurora and Gabrielle entered the hull of the first of the ships, a large man with unkempt red hair stood up and said, "Who the fuck are you, and do you intend to kill us or will you call yourselves our new 'masters'." He spit out that last word with loathing and his eyes were burning with hatred.

Aurora and Gabrielle took off their helmets and Gabrielle said, "We are not your masters and we do not intend to kill you. If you will let us, we will free you and bring you back to your homes, if you want to tell us where those are."

The man seemed confused by her words but he soon recovered and said, "We would be grateful to accept your help. My name is Tormund Giantsbane, chieftain of the Free Folk of Storrolt's Point, and these are my people. These kneelers from across the sea attacked us when we were gathered at the village of Hardhome to shelter for the coming winter."

Aurora and Gabrielle nodded in acceptance of his words and Gabrielle said, "If you'll let us, we will remove your chains so you can move around again."

Tormund indicated his permission and with the help of the Forlorn, they released all of the prisoners. They had already broken and Recruited the slavers, so when the Free Folk came above deck, they saw only the covered faces of the Forlorn.

The former slave ships were turned around and manned by the newly recruited Forlorn, they joined the convoy who were now following Tormund's directions towards Hardhome. It took them the rest of the day to reach the Free Folk settlement, and by the time they arrived, they could see more of the Free Folk were occupying the ruins of the settlement.

The village or gathering of hovels was more accurate, had once counted over 200 huts, but most had been burned during the raid by the slavers. Those of the Free Folk who had arrived after the raid had taken place, were already rebuilding the settlement and making pyres to burn the dead.

When the convoy neared the beaches, the Free Folk withdrew into the forests surrounding the settlement to await what would happen. Gabrielle ordered the Forlorn to beach the four slave ships, whose sail's they had replaced with simple white reserve sails from the Braavosi ships.

As soon as the ships were beached, Tormund and many others jumped overboard and started calling names while running towards the woods, drawing the other Free Folk out of the forest. Families were reunited and many a happy reunion took place before Tormund let his people back to the beaches where the Forlorn had started to unload supplies from the Braavosi ships.

Aurora, Gabrielle, Ashara and the girls had also left the ships and were overseeing the unloading of the horses Ferrego had given them. They were shorter but broader than normal horses and had a thick coat of shaggy hair, making them very suited to be used in the wintery conditions of the far north.

Saphirus and Violet had been put back in their cages, so as to protect them from the biting cold and to keep them out of sight. The cages had been put on a sledge which had been attached to two of the horses.

When Tormund and his people arrived back at the beaches, Gabrielle said, "We have brought five ships filled with food and supplies, and you have a choice. We can take your people with us when we go back south, they will be given a chance to settle in a new land, free from the harsh winters of the north, but they will be faced with a war.

Or if you choose to remain here, we will unload one of our ships to help you rebuild, and to make it through winter. You have until we return to decide."

Tormund nodded thoughtfully and said, "I will discuss it with the elders, but if I might be so bold, where are you going? Winter has come, and soon the lands will be covered by snow and no longer travelable."

Gabrielle nodded in acceptance of his promise and in answer to his question Aurora said, "We came here to search for the giants. We wish to offer them the same as we do you. Safety from the cold and a new homeland."

Letting out a sigh she added, "You may or may not know this, but there is a war coming, a war between the living and the dead. The Long Night will come again, and when it does, the realms of men must be ready to stand against them. The only way we are going to be able to do that, is if we set aside our differences and unite under a single banner."

She ignored the cries and protests these words brought out amongst the Free Folk and added, "We have also been sent here by the King to present you with this." She pulled a richly decorated piece of parchment in a wooden cylinder from the pouch on her belt and gave it to Tormund.

"This scroll will give safe passage through The Wall and the royal guarantee for fertile lands south of The Wall. Any who wish to accept will be granted passage by the Night's Watch, and as long as you do not break the laws of the lands, you will be left in peace."

Tormund stared in awe at the wooden cylinder he now held in his hands and looking up at Aurora he asked with disbelieve in his voice. "So you are saying that if my people go to The Wall with this scroll, we will be allowed to pass through unhindered and given lands to live upon?"

Aurora and Gabrielle both nodded and Gabrielle said, "That is correct Tormund. Messages have been sent to the Night's Watch holding the same Royal Command and their Lord Commander will follow them, or he will be replaced. The King wants all men to be safe and that wall was not made to keep out the Free Folk, it was made to keep out the White Walkers and the hordes of darkness that they command."

Tormund had to sat down at everything he was just told as it gave his people something they had never had before, a chance at safety from the wilderness of the far North. Every winter, thousands upon thousands of his people vanished. Their bodies were never found but the legends spoke of the White Walkers. They came in darkest nights, during the fiercest storms, leaving only blood and destruction in their wake.

Looking back up towards the two women before him he said, "You must understand that it is not a simple matter for my people to give up their freedom. Here in the far North, it is kill or be killed. Every winter thousands die from starvation, or simply go missing, but even so, many would rather stay here than give up their freedom.

I will need to think hard about this, I will talk with the elders and send envoys to the other clans to spread the word, but I am afraid it will be spring before we can give you an answer. Winter is here, and our people are scattered we cannot reach them now and the snows will soon be too deep to travel."

In answer to his words both inclined their heads in thanks and Gabrielle said, "All we ask it that you spread the word. Your people have a chance to find safety and shelter from the dangers that lurk these lands all you need to do is ask, and it shall be yours."

Now Tormund nodded in thanks and he said, "I wish you luck on your search for the Giants. There is a sizeable tribe in the forests not 150 miles from here, but the majority of them live in the Frostfangs, a great mountain range more than 800 miles from here. They cannot be reached during winter."

"Then we shall leave quickly. Our men will stay here and help you to rebuild this settlement, while we search for the giants. We should return within a week, hopefully with the giants."

They both stood up and made to leave after saying goodbye to Tormund. Their small group mounted the horses and after a few orders to the Braavosi captains, they rode out of the wrecked village in a gallop.

For a week they searched the forest in the direction Tormund had told them until they found a sign of life. In the distance large bonfires were burning and as they approached, they saw large shadows move around them.

The girls and Ashara had spent the trip on the sled with Saphirus and Violet, all huddled close together under thick furs and blankets. Aurora and Gabrielle weren't bothered by the cold as their dragon blood kept them warm and the Forlorn had been dressed in thick fur clothing over their armor, making them look like snow covered bears instead of men.

When they were within 100 yards of the fires Aurora gave the command to stop and they studied what lay before them from between the shadows underneath the trees.

What they saw mostly resembled a human camp, but much larger. There were tents and log buildings, and in the middle a small herd of animals were being guarded by watchers. But the animals were Mammoths and the watchers stood between ten- and twelve feet tall, some even reached fourteen feet.

The giants were dressed in rough clothes made from fur and they looked remarkably like humans, just more than two times as big. What they could see from their vantage point, indicated that the tribe counted maybe 200 giants. The only weapons they could see were the clubs worn by most of them but they saw a few archers, with bows the size of a Ballista.

It took less than two minutes before they were spotted and mere minutes more before they were entirely surrounded by nearly fifty giants. Clubs were raised and arrows aimed towards them but Aurora and Gabrielle rode onwards without fear, ordering the Forlorn to stay behind and guard the sled.

After they dismounted their horses, fifteen feet from the largest giant, they removed their helmets and stepped forward until the giant threateningly lifted his club. Stopping where they stood they heard the giant speak.

"Stop there. Who are you."

It took a while for them to recall the proper language, they had learned more than a dozen from Rhaegar's mind, but finally Gabrielle answered in the Old Tongue. "We need to speak with your chieftain. Please take us to him."

"What do you want to speak."

"That is only for him to know. Please take us to him." Aurora answered the giant who studied them for a minute before nodding slowly and walking away.

"Follow," was all he said and they both did as they were told.

When they looked back they saw the three girls peeking out between their think furs and looking at them. They both sent them a reassuring smile and Aurora mouthed, 'It's okay,' to which the girls quickly withdrew into the furs, hiding from the bitter cold.

Aurora and Gabrielle were led towards one of the wooden buildings and their guard motioned for them to enter. When they did they saw a giant sitting on a massive chair hewn from a large builder, with on his left a female giant and on his right a second male giant, but apparently younger as he had no beard and stood just 11 feet tall.

The giant looked at them with quiet interest and waited for them to make the first move, which they did. In an identical motion they slightly bowed their heads as a sign of respect and Gabrielle spoke first.

"Greetings Chieftain, we have been sent by the King from beyond The Wall to bring an offer of peace and safety for you and your people. The king invites you to come to The Wall and pass through it unhindered. Your race will be given lands to live on and safety from the terrors that lurk in the darkness of winter. The Long Night is coming again, and when it does, the King would rather have your mighty race on the good side of the wall."

The chieftain stood up, which was an impressive sight as he stood nearly 15 feet tall, and knelt down until his eyes were on eye level with Aurora and Gabrielle. When he stared into her eyes, Gabrielle was extremely surprised to feel a mental probe attempting to enter her mind. It was crude and not particularly powerful, but it was there none the less.

Opening up her mental defenses just a little bit, Gabrielle allowed him to see the memories that proved her words were true. When he was done she said, "As you can see we speak the truth, but there is more. If you will allow me I shall show you."

When he gave his permission with a nod, Gabrielle touched his hand with her own and gave him the memories of their plans for Valyria, including the possible role for the giants. When the giant retreated and sat back into his chair, Gabrielle put her glove back on and stepped back until she stood next to Aurora again.

They waited for a few minutes until the giant spoke, using his voice for the first time. "You shall be our guests. We must speak about this." They slightly bowed their heads again before they withdrew from the hut.

Back in the icy cold outside they returned back to the sled and led their group into the giant camp. They were shown to a tent large enough to hold all of them and where left to their own ways. Saphirus and Violet were let out of their cages and quickly ducked under the furs that were draped around Silvana and Lissena, not liking the cold one single bit.

They stayed in the tent for the rest of the day and when they went to bed, the Forlorn took turns on guard by both exits.

The night was quiet in the far north and not a sound disturbed their rest except for the low murmuring of the giants around the fires.

When morning came the kids were woken by the sun shining brightly through the opening of the tent. Aurora and Gabrielle were sitting in the opening and talking softly while Ashara was in the back of the tent, feeding Elia who was wrapped in a thick soft fur.

"Good morning kids," Aurora said with a soft smile on her face and the trio of girls and two dragons stretched themselves out while shrugging of the many layers of furs covering them. Saphirus and Violet began begging for food as soon as they were fully awake and Gabrielle threw a bag with dried meat towards the girls.

Over the next half hour the girls ate their own breakfast while tossing around pieces of meat for Saphirus and Violet to catch. When they were done with breakfast the two little dragons were put back into their cages and, to their displeasure, hidden on the sled again.

Aurora and Gabrielle headed outside to meet with the chieftain of the giants, while the Forlorn loaded up the sled or saddled the horses to patrol the area. The girls and Ashara gathered around the fire and continued on the embroidery of the tabards for the Forlorn, while Ashara told them a story about Aegon the Conqueror.

When they reached the hut of the chieftain, the giant on guard let them in without a word and they found the chieftain sitting on the large boulder-hewn chair, with the same two companions as the day before.

Inclining their heads in a respectful motion, Aurora and Gabrielle awaited patiently what the chieftain would say.

The chieftain took his time studying both of their faces before he spoke.

"We will accept your offer. My people will go south. My son Mag will go with you. Thirty warriors go with him."

At those words Aurora and Gabrielle shared a look that screamed, 'Hell yea.'

Now they had the second step towards gaining a real army.

They had the shock troops, they had the giants, now all they needed was the main body of their army.