Of Wolves and Northern Dragons
Chapter 5
Arya Stark
Looking around the ship she rode on Arya found herself wondering what she would do. She would be disembarking later that day, and then her work would really begin. They would be arriving at the dock within the hour. She reached down to grip the hilt of her sword, her trusty needle. Feeling it brought a smile to her face as she remembered receiving it from Jon. Stick them with the pointy end he had told her, causing her to chuckle. Life had been so much easier back then.
Eventually the gangplank was dropped, and she made her way off the ship. Making her way through the streets, she looked up to see the main gates of the city. She was surprised by the number of guards keeping watch. Making her way around the city, she recalled being told about a smaller gate on the east side. It didn't take her long to find it and make her way into the city. Once Arya was inside she looked to the great pyramids, knowing that was where she needed to go. It was nearing nighttime when she arrived at the pyramid. She had to duck past several guards to make her way inside of it. Once she was though, she began to search for her target.
"Your grace we expect them to arrive within the week." Arya heard an older male say. She froze against the wall, taking deep breaths to calm herself down.
"What do you think Ser Barristan? Can we repel them?" A dainty female voice asked. Arya approached the door quietly. She hoped to hear more of the conversation.
"I do not think so your Grace." The man identified as Ser Barristan replied. "Even with the new levees formed by the citizens I fear we will be overrun in the end."
"If it comes down to it, I will release my children from the pyramid." The female voice responded. "All our work to free these people from the shakles of slavery. I will not see those chains put back on them." She declared. At this point Arya had heard enough, as she pushed her way into the room. Time stood still for a moment as all the occupants turned to look at her. Once they realized what was happening swords were drawn. Needle grasped tightly as she looked around the room. Two older knights, and several of the unsullied guards in the room. Plus her target Daenerys Targaeryen, and another woman who looked like a servant.
"Ser Barristan Selmy?" she asked recognizing the old man from her time in King's Landing. "You're awfully far from home aren't you?" She joked as she looked at the rest of the fighters.
"Identify yourself immediately." Daenerys ordered, as she stood up from her seat. Arya was impressed by how she seemed unshaken. Arya stepped forward causing the many armed men to raise their swords. She then confused them all by sheathing her blade, and bowing to Daenerys. She still didn't know what to think of the girl in front of her, but she would figure it out soon enough.
"My name is Arya Stark." She declared earning a shocked gasp from both Barristan, and the other knight in the room. "Second daughter of Eddard Stark Warden of the North who was wrongfully murdered by the brat king Joffrey Baratheon." She explained raising her head to look back at Daenerys.
"Daughter of Eddard Stark the friend of the usurper king Robert Baratheon." Daenerys said angrily walking around the table coming to a stop in front of her. "Give me one reason why I shouldn't mount your head on a spike for what your father did to my family." She had to work hard not to shudder at the presence exuded by the last Targaryn.
"Perhaps we can call it even for what your father and brother did to my own family." Arya said refusing to back down. Daenerys looked taken aback at the response before a small smile appeared on her face. "I have not come to harm you." Arya said as she looked around the room. "Quite the opposite in fact. I was sent by my teacher to protect you." She explained. Everyone in the room looked at her skeptically, which she figured was fair enough. "Should I deem you worthy that is." Arya added on before kneeling in front of Daenerys.
"Who was your teacher?" Daenerys asked looking the smaller girl over.
"A man has many names and none, but while I knew him he went by Jaqen H'ghar." Arya explained.
"For someone in your position speaking in riddles may not be the wisest of ideas." The other old knight said stepping forward, before Daenerys raised her hand.
"I speak truthfully Ser. The Faceless men take on whatever name they need at the time." She explained earning more shocked expressions. "My teacher told me that you were of interest to them so I was to come here and observe you. As I stated if you were worthy I was to pledge myself to you as your protector, if not I was to return to the House of Black and White." Arya explained again as she reached into her vest and pulled out a sealed letter. She handed it to Daenerys, who opened it and read it.
"What would happen if you returned to the Faceless Men?" Daenerys asked looking nervously at Arya after reading the letter.
"Well then someone else would come and grant you the gift." She answered with a smirk. "I know much about the history between our families, so I thought this was an odd assignment." Arya began to explain as she stood up. "I thought about merely waiting long enough to make it seem as though I came here and back to Bravos so that they would kill you. However, my father was a man of honor and to do such would be an insult to how he raised me. So I decided I would come and see you for myself. I still haven't made my decision, but I will know the truth of you before I do." She finished looking at Daenerys.
"Again give me one reason why I shouldn't put your head on a spike for threatening me?" Daenerys asked her.
"Because once my teacher learned of my fate. And make no mistake they would hear of it, your head would join mine on top of the wall. What would happen to your people then?" Arya asked her. Daenerys looked around the room, before she made her way back to her seat. Once she had sat down she motioned to another chair for Arya to join them.
"Well then Arya of House Stark I welcome you to Mereen, and hope that you find me worthy." Daenerys said with a smile.
Sansa Stark
It had been nearly a week since Jaime Lannister had come to visit her in King's Landing. Within an hour of him stopping by a maester had come to look at her mother. By the time they had left three days later, her mother was well enough to join them. Now they rode together in a comfortable carriage. Now on their fourth day of travelling, Sansa was so happy she could no longer see Kings Landing behind them. They would still be on the road for more than five weeks yet, but now truly being away from Joffrey and his ilk she felt free. Her mother had scowled at the Kingslayer when he approached them the first night on the road, asking them to join him for dinner. He had not come back the second night, or the third. However as they came to a stop for the night to make camp she was surprised by a soft knock on the door of their carriage.
"Lady Sansa, Lady Stark would you care to join me tonight for dinner in my tent?" The almost nervous voice of Jaime Lannister came from the other side. Sansa looked to her mother noticing the apoplectic look on her face.
"Mother we cannot continue to scorn him." She said causing her mother to roll her eyes.
"Fine we shall dine with him tonight, but be careful my dear. He and his family are not to be trusted." Catelyn said looking back to the door.
"Of course mother, I am not so easily trusting of them after my time with Joffrey." She said before going to open the door. Looking out as she swung it open, Jaime Lannister stood looking horribly uncomfortable about the whole situation.
"Lord Jaime my mother and I would be delighted to join you." Sansa said smiling down at the knight. He had promised her that she would be safe with him. Although she was initially skeptical of the golden knight, he had proved good to his word the last days they remained in King's Landing. Sansa had not been called before Joffrey again before they left. Jaime reached up to help her from the carriage, doing the same for her mother after Sansa was on the ground.
"I thank you my ladies." He responded with a small bow before offering Sansa his arm. He stiffened beside her in surprise when she took the offered arm and began to walk forward. Her mother followed closely behind watching like a hawk. "I hope you are finding the travel agreeable my lady." He said still sounding uncomfortable. She couldn't help but smile at his awkwardness. It made her think perhaps he was as unknowing of this arrangement as she had been.
"Of course my lord. The carriage is most comfortable, and I am glad to have my mother back with me for company." Sansa said looking back to her mother with a soft smile. She was doing much better now, and she truly only had Lord Jaime to thank for that.
"Once we arrive at Casterly Rock I will look to find some suitable ladies to take care of you." He said causing her to look up at him slightly confused. He saw the look on her face and smiled at her. "You are to be the future lady of Casterly Rock. As such I will endeavour to find ladies in waiting befitting of your status." He explained causing her to chuckle.
"My lord I do not wish to be a burden to anyone." Sansa replied, more honestly she wanted as little to do with the Lannisters as possible. Marriage or not, she and her mother were still prisoners, their cage just happened to be gilded in gold and lions.
"My lady it is hardly a burden to give you all the comforts a woman of your standing should have." He responded as they arrived at his tent. He held the flap for her and her mother to enter, then proceeded to pull out their seats for them before taking his own. "I wish to speak openly with both of you." He said after he had finished his plate and dismissed the servants.
"What do you mean my Lord?" Sansa asked him as she reached and took her mother's hand.
"I want you to know this was not my idea." Jaime said rising from his seat and walking to the flaps of the tent. He pulled them down so that no one could see inside. "Our marriage was not my idea, only to bring you to The Rock so that you would be safe from Joffrey." He said as he turned back to them.
"You keep us safe? I find that hard to believe." Her mother said scowling at him.
"I'm sure you heard from your daughter of her treatment by Joffrey." Jaime said as he returned to his seat. He grabbed his glass and refilled it before taking a sip. "I heard of it from both my brother and sister." He said setting the glass down. "Do you know what the worst part was? Cersei seemed so pleased with the treatment, not to mention Joffrey's sick enjoyment of it." He continued to explain. "When I was in the King's Guard I listened on multiple occasions as Aerys would force himself on Rhaella. One time I asked Ser Gerold Hightower why we did not help her, and he told me 'Aye we swore a vow to protect her, but not from him.'" He shuddered as he finished remembering it. "I told myself that I would never again allow something like that to happen, so I put forth the idea that you should both be brought to The Rock where I could keep a close eye on you for the crown. My father however cunning old man that he is took it a step further. He decided the best way for me to keep you would be to wed Sansa. I fought it, truly I did but he would not budge. He warned that if I would not have you, then you would be given to Tyrion instead so I finally agreed." He finished turning to look at them. "I swear to you both now, I will do my best to keep you both safe." Sansa was taken aback by what she had heard, while her mother looked aghast.
"Lord Lannister I thank you for your protection." Sansa said standing and curtsying to him.
"I do not expect there to ever be any love between us Lady Sansa but I will not dishonour you." He said before approaching her. "I swear I will protect you and your mother, and I shall do what I can to make you both comfortable upon our arrival."
"With you permission my lord it is late, and I'm sure my mother is also tired from the journey. I think we shall both retire for the night." Sansa said, unsure of what else she could do. Jaime merely smiled at her and nodded. She felt odd as she and her mother left the tent. Family Duty Honor those were the words of her mother's house. So now she would do her duty to keep her family safe. Sansa decided then and there that she would do everything she could to help her family. If being Lady of Casterly Rock gave her more abilities to do so, then that is what she would become.
The next morning she surprised Lord Jaime by asking for a horse so that she could ride with him. It didn't take long for them to find her one, and soon she was seated on a fine grey mare riding beside him.
"It is a beautiful day to go riding is it not my Lord?" She asked smiling over at him. Again he looked confused by her speaking to him.
"Aye my lady it is indeed. Although I must say I am surprised by your wish to join me." He said as he looked over to her, before returning his attention to the road.
"It is as you said my lord. There may be no love between us, or joy for the situation but that shouldn't mean we cannot be civil." She explained laughing as he seemed to ponder her words. "Besides as comfortable as the carriage is, it does become boring after a while." She said as she leaned down to stroke her mare's main.
"Well I hope that I can prove acceptable company for you the rest of our journey my lady." Jaime replied with an overly exaggerated bow, causing her to laugh again. His own chuckle followed shortly after, and so they continued on for the day talking lightly and joking occasionally until it came time to make camp. She joined him again the next day and the conversations continued. She would ask him about The Rock, and he would ask her of her time in Winterfell. After a full week of riding together Sansa found that she was coming to enjoy his company. Outside of the court he proved to be rather quick witted, but also very intelligent. It helped that even without his hand he was still very handsome. And so they continued along the Gold Road. Sansa determined to make the most of her new prison.
Robb Stark
Over a week since they had left Greywater Watch Robb could see the remains of Moat Cailin in the distance. They were still probably two days riding from the ruined castle, but Robb was excited nonetheless. He looked to his right to see Jon discussing something with Smalljon Umber about something. He looked to his left to see Dacey and her mother also deep in conversation. Dacey caught his eye and smiled at him before turning back to her mother.
"Brother we should begin to make camp soon." Jon said beside him causing Robb to look at him.
"Aye we'll break off for the evening. Tell the men to start setting up." He said before dismounting his horse. He began to help the men with putting the tents together. After the tents had been put up for the night Robb walked through the camp beside Jon.
"So what are your plans for the other men at Moat Cailin?" Jon asked him recalling what Eben had told them on their march.
"If it is true that there are another thousand men there, then they shall remain until the white ravens fly from the Citadel." Robb said to Jon causing him to nod.
"So they will guard our rear until we know that winter has come, then we will allow them to return home." Jon said again, nodding his head in approval of the plan.
"Aye while I doubt the Lannisters would attack us now, we must be sure that we are ready if they do." Robb thought again about his mother and sisters still in the south. "I would ask that you stay with the garrison, although I think I would prefer you at my side." Robb said looking to smile at Jon. After everything they had been through, plus the revelation of Jon's parents Robb would not be parting from his brother. "I will talk to the lords and we will decide who will stay with the garrison here once we arrive."
"Once Winterfell is secure I would like to set out Robb." Jon said looking sadly at Robb.
"Where would you go?" He asked his own expression sad.
"We've both heard the stories of Daenerys Targaryen in the East. I would Like to go meet her. Perhaps she would be able to help us against the Lannisters." Jon explained in a hushed tone.
"Are you sure that is wise Jon? Given what we learned you have a greater claim being Rhaegar's son. What if she thinks you a threat?" Robb asked. He didn't like the idea of possibly sending Jon to his death, whatever help this Daenerys could give be damned.
"I don't want the damn throne." Jon answered angrily. "I want our family back together safely. If she can help perhaps our familial ties would make her more inclined to." Jon said as they arrived at Robbs tent. "Please allow me to do this for our family." Jon asked him. Robb reached and put his hand on Jon's shoulder, Jon returning the gesture.
"Fine once we have reclaimed Winterfell I'll arrange for you to go East." Robb declared causing Jon to smile at him.
"The wolves and stags brought the dragons down. Perhaps now the wolves and the dragons will do the same to the lions." Jon said causing Robb to laugh. "We can hope anyway." He joked as they entered Robbs tent. Once inside they ate a small meal and talked more of their plans for the retaking of Winterfell. Once the sun had finally set they heard someone approaching the tent.
"Your grace a word if we may?" Maege Mormont said as she entered the tent along with Smalljon Umber, Wyman Manderly, and Rickard Karstark.
"Of course my lady, my lords." Robb said gesturing for them all to enter the tent. Jon went to retrieve more chairs so they could all be seated. Once they were comfortable Robb finally spoke. "What can I do for you Lady Maege?" Robb asked looking at the gathered lords.
"Your Grace we have come to discuss your marriage options." Maege said looking rather uncomfortable with the topic. Robb however was furious, as he stood up.
"My wife just dies at the Twins not even three weeks ago and already you lot expect me to marry again?" He yelled at them. Jon was on his feet immediately grabbing hold of Robb to restrain him.
"Your Grace we don't expect you to remarry right away." Wyman said trying to smooth over tensions in the room. "We merely wanted to discuss with you our thoughts on the matter. For both yourself and Jon Snow." He said causing Jon to turn and look at them in confusion.
"You are still in mourning for Lady Talisa. That is understood, but once the time of mourning has passed if it would please you we wish one of our daughters to be your new bride." Maege explained as Jon finally convinced him to sit down. "We also recommend that Jon Snow be legitimized as Jon Stark and be wed to another of our daughters." She finished looking back and forth between the two of them.
"Jon cannot be legitimized as a Stark since he was never a bastard." Robb said in anger before he could stop himself from doing so. As soon as the words left his mouth though he regretted them, and hearing the shocked gasps from everyone in the tent didn't help. He looked to Jon who stared at him a strange mix of shock, and anger on his face.
"What do you mean he was never a bastard?" Wyman said looking lost as he stared at Jon. Robb sighed defeatedly as he looked at Jon too.
"I'm sorry Jon." Robb said watching as Jon ran a hand through his hair.
"Perhaps we should save this discussion for a later day." Jon said looking around at all the gathered lords. "Now hardly seems the time to discuss such a trivial matter." He looked to Robb still clearly angry that he had let this slip.
"Eddard Stark claiming you as his own bastard when it is clearly not the case hardly seems trivial." Smalljon said looking angrily at Jon. "How long have you known the truth? When were you going to share it with us?" He asked rising to his feet.
"My Lord we learned the last day we were in Lord Howland's halls." Robb explained clearly not seeing any way to avoid this. "We had thought it best to reveal this after we had retaken Winterfell. That way we could use it in planning our retribution against the Lannisters."
"So you think we could use Jon's parentage to raise more forces for our cause?" Maege asked as she looked Jon up and down now. She stood from her seat and approached him taking a closer look.
"My lords if you'll allow me to grab my chest I will tell you all that I know." Jon finally admitted defeatedly. "Although I cannot say that the truth will set everyone's minds at ease." He said before turning to leave the tent. Several tense moments went by as they awaited Jon's return to the tent. He set the box down and went to open it. Maege gasped when she saw the sigils on the top. Jon stood with Rhaegar's harp in one hand and Blackfyre in the other. He took a deep breath before he finally spoke. "My mother was Lyanna Stark. She was wed in secret to my father after he annulled his first marriage." The room was silent as Jon explained what they all knew as soon as they heard his mother's name. "My father was Rhaegar Targaeryen, and my name. My given name is Jaehaerys Targaryen third of his name rightful King of the Andals, Rhoynar, and First men. King of the seven Kingdoms and Protector of the Realm." Jon said standing firm, his shoulders and chin high. Again the tent was silent as they took in what they had just heard.
"You're having a laugh." Smalljon said disbelievingly. "You honestly expect us to believe this? This load of shit?" He asked standing and walking towards Jon.
"I believe him." Maege said as she stood herself between Jon and the Smalljon.
"Aye I do too." Wyman said standing up himself. "I knew Lyanna well. I sought her hand for myself, as I'm sure the Smalljon did also. The she wolf was far too fierce to be taken against her will as the stories said.
"He speaks true." Maege said. "My brother Jorah was also quite taken with your mother. Honestly I doubt a lad of age when she was here didn't hope to have her for a bride." She finished turning and placing her hand on Jon's cheek. "It's so obvious now that the truth is out." She finished pushing his hair aside.
"So you see my lords we had planned to have Jon sail east to find his Aunt Daenerys once Winterfell was reclaimed." Robb said placing his own hand on Jon's shoulder.
"I don't like it." Smalljon said angrily as he turned to leave the tent.
"My lord you are sworn from this day until your dying day to secrecy regarding what you have learned here." Robb said causing the larger man to stop and turn to them.
"Of course your Grace." Smalljon spat out before he turned and left the tent. Robb couldn't fight the sense of dread he felt now that so many knew this truth. Again he looked at Jon, but his face was unreadable. Soon after all the others swore to keep this revelation secret, they all retired for the night. Robb had again tried to apologize to Jon, but he was having none of it. This would take some time to smooth over, Robb only hoped that they survived long enough for that to happen.
Woohoo, sorry it's a day late. But yea Sansa is fully accepting her position, but she sees it as a chance to help. Arya is now with Daenerys in Mereen. How will they interact with each other? Robb done goofed and outed Jon's parents to the northern lords. Obviously some of them are unhappy about it. As always I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Leave a comment on your thoughts, I love reading all of them. Next time will see more of Ramsay. We'll also get Catelyn's thoughts on Sansa's actions with Jaime, and Olenna plotting more. Thanks again for reading, and for your support. I'll see y'all next week.
Jean d'arc: Yea Joffrey is still alive although we didn't see him this chapter. Most likely next one will see him and Cersei back in action. As far as Robb and Jon, I wouldn't say they're more excited about the chest. It's more like they are overwhelmed by it. They have already accepted that they lost the war, and especially Robb was still coming to terms with how badly he had messed up. Jaime will definitely be kinder to Sansa. He does still feel guilty about Bran, and his time as a prisoner and with Brienne did change him. I think once he is removed from Cersei he will continue to grow as a better person.
Kmhappybunny240: Yes Ramsay will play a part in the story. I can't go into too much detail because of spoilers. But yes he is not done by a long shot. For Jaime and Sansa I am leaning more and more towards making this the final pairing for them. It's not something we see a lot of, and I think that they could be good foils for each other.
Guest: Not sure who Jon will be paired with yet. Not against Jon/Dacey but we'll see where it goes.
Guest: I love reading the comments from everyone. It's always nice to see what other people think of different things. The way I feel about a character vs how someone else feels about them is always great. Myself personally I think the blanket of concerned mother is overplayed as an excuse for Catelyn, but other people are free to disagree with me. Having differing opinions is one of the great things about being human.
ATP: Yup Ramsay is still a little sociopath. He will continue to be in the story well after the northern forces arrive in Winterfell. Brienne is also alive and we will be seeing more of her hopefully in the next chapter.
Time Parad0x: Robb will be keeping forces at Moat Cailin. He will however need some of them to bolster his forces to retake Winterfell. In terms of the other Kingdoms, they all know that the crown beat the northerners back. Plus the crown now has the Westerlands and the Reach working together. The Vale is still in disarray, and the Riverlands are also recovering from the war so there isn't anyone really looking to separate themselves from the crown.