Of Wolves and Northern Dragons
Chapter 7
Arya Stark
"So how did the youngest daughter of Ned Stark find herself in Mereen?" Danaerys asked her as they sat down to eat dinner. "Last I heard, Ned Stark was serving as Hand for the usurper king." Danaerys stated cooley looking to see her reaction.
"It is a long story your Grace." Arya replied, looking around the room seeing all eyes on her. She sighed before taking a drink. "My father was executed by the little shit Joffrey Baratheon." Arya said anger coming back to her as she remembered watching her father's execution. "I was smuggled from the city disguised as a boy, by a friend of my uncle Benjen's from the Night's Watch. He intended to return me to my family at Winterfell as he made his way to the wall. However, our party was attacked by a group of gold cloaks and Lannister men. They were looking for one of Robert's bastards, since Joffrey apparently ordered them all killed. Yoren died in the fight and the rest of us were captured and taken to Harrenhal." She explained looking to see the dragon queens reaction.
"Tis true your Grace." Barristan said from his spot behind Danaerys. "I heard the orders to purge Robert's bastards while I was fleeing King's landing. I guess that Joffrey thought them a threat to his legitimacy on the throne." He concluded as Danaerys looked back at him.
"Why would he fear bastards?" Danaerys asked looking back to Arya.
"He had them killed for the same reason as my father." Arya declared stabbing her knife rather viciously into the meat on her plate. "Joffrey Baratheon is in truth Joffrey Waters. Him and his two siblings are all bastards born of incest. Cersei Lannister laid with her brother Jaime, and all three of them were results of it. Cersei merely wanted my father to renounce what he discovered, and would have seen him take the black. Joffrey however is a beast and called for my father's head. I was there when they killed him." Arya finished as tears began to well in her eyes again. She was surprised when she saw Danaerys looking at her with sympathy in her eyes.
"I am sorry for your loss." Danaerys said. Not that it counted for much to Arya. She was sure that the dragon queen still held little regard for her father. "While I have no love for your father because of his part in my family's downfall, it sounds like he truly was an honorable man." She said confirming Arya's thoughts. "There is still much to this story I assume?" Danaerys asked before taking a drink. Arya wiped her eyes before she continued her tale.
"While I was in Harrenhal I was approached by a man going by Jaqen H'ghar. I saved him and two others from a burning cart during the attack when the Lannisters captured us. It was then that he told me he served the many faced God and that by saving him and the others he owed me three lives. He told me to speak a name, and they would be killed to repay the debt. A life for a life, he told me." Arya paused to take another drink. "I used two of the names to keep the secret that I was Arya Stark safe, and then tricked him to help me and my friends escape."
"How did you trick one of the faceless men?" Barristan asked having heard of them. He knew that something like this would not be easy.
"I asked him to help us, and he refused saying that I had only one name left. I asked him several times but he kept telling me the debt had to be even. So after hearing that I had only one name left for the last time I gave him one name." Arya smirked as she looked at them all. "Jaqen H'ghar." Danaerys gasped, while Ser Barristan chuckled. "Obviously he asked for another name but I told him again. He grew angry for a moment before he asked how I would change my mind. With that we made an agreement, and at the hour of the wolf me and my friends walked out of the gates of Harrenhal just as he said we'd be able to."
"Quite the clever trick." Barristan said smiling at her. Arya merely nodded, still grinning at her small victory.
"After that he found us and told me I could join him in Braavos, that he would teach me. I initially wanted to refuse and return to my family. However after having seen what he was able to do I reconsidered. I figured I could learn from him and use it to keep my family safe. So I sailed with him and trained at the House of Black and White, until I was sent here with the orders to observe the last Targaryen." Arya finished once again looking to Danaerys to see her reaction.
"So you are merely here to see me?" Danaerys asked looking to Ser Jorah, as if to ask his opinion.
"Aye your Grace. There have been many inquiries about you." Arya informed her, noticing her tense up ever so slightly. "It seems however they remember your family, and as such they wanted to see you for themselves. As such I have been sent here. I am at your service, however should anything give me cause to doubt you I am to return to Braavos." Arya finished before standing and walking around the table. She came to a stop in front of Danaerys and drew needle from its sheath. This caused Jorah to stand quickly as both he and Barristan reached for their own weapons. Arya however put her sword to the ground and knelt in front of Danaerys. "I Arya Stark hereby swear my services and loyalty to Danaerys Targaryen first of her name so long as she should continue to prove herself worthy of them." Arya declared before looking at the dragon queen. Danaerys rose and placed her hands on Arya's shoulders.
"I welcome your service Arya of house Stark. May I prove to you and all others that I will be a good, just, and fair Queen." Danaerys said before taking a step back allowing Arya to rise. "I do have use of your services." Danaerys said as Arya sheathed needle. "As you know the people of this city were former slaves under its previous masters. Those marching against me now would make them return to the life of servitude that I liberated them from. As such I would ask that you infiltrate the order known as the Sons of the Harpy. They work for the masters inside the city to weaken us before their assault. If you can put an end to them I would be most grateful." She finished making Arya nod. "I do not think that a Westerosi girl would be welcome in their ranks. As such I wonder how you would insert yourself into their ranks."
"Iksis konīr iā priisoneera qilōni iksis known naejot emagon issare iā menberaa hen Trēsi hen Jazdanī" Arya asked earning a gasp from Danaerys. "Istis sagon aslive syt skoros istin gaomagon." Danaerys merely nodded her head before turning to look at Grey Worm.
"Turgon Nudha gūrogon zirȳla naejot se dungeon se ūndegon bona ēza skoros ziry jorrāelagon" Danaerys said getting a nod from Grey Worm in response before he turned and motioned for Arya to follow him.
Robb Stark
"Look brother Bolton Banners." Jon said from his right, as they approached the gates of Winterfell. Robb looked in disgust at the flayed man banners in front of his family's home.
"To arms everyone to arms." He shouted drawing his own sword as they rode to the gate. When they approached, the gate began to open allowing them all to ride in.
"Your Grace Winterfell is yours." Said a young man bowing down to Robb.
"You what is your name?" Robb demanded looking at the number of men in the courtyard. He counted nearly two hundred Bolton men. More however from other houses such as the Karstarks, Mormonts, Glovers, and others. He was somewhat relieved that if it came to a fight he had the numbers, as his party continued to come in the gate.
"Ramsay Snow your Grace." The man replied standing up from his bow.
"Ramsay? Bastard son of Roose Bolton?" Robb asked scowling as Ramsay nodded his head. "You will join me in my solar, and your men will be relieved of their weapons under pain of death." Robb ordered his own men and those not of house Bolton drew their weapons surrounding them.
"Your Grace forgive me if I overstep, but what is the meaning of this?" Ramsay asked clearly agitated at how he was being treated.
"You will all have guests rights, however we have much to discuss. Bring us bread and salt." Robb ordered before finally dismounting. Jon approached to his right, Smalljon and Dacey to his left. Once the bread and salt had been brought, and all the Bolton men had taken some Robb spoke again. "We are back in the North where we hold true to the Old Gods and guest rights. So I will say again have your men surrender their arms, and we shall discuss your family. Any who do not will be treated as traitors to the crown and be dealt with as such." Robb said looking to the gathered forces around him. Ramsay also looked around before taking his sword from his belt and handing it to Robb.
"As you command your Grace." He said bowing again. The rest of his men followed suit shortly after. Once that was settled they made their way to his solar. He set guards at the door before walking in and taking his seat behind the desk. Jon and the other Lords sitting across from him as Ramsay came to stand before him. "What news of my father?" Ramsay asked before Robb raised a hand to silence him.
"Your father is dead." Robb said looking up to see Ramsay's shocked reaction. "It seems he conspired with the Frey's and the Lannisters to have me killed at my uncle's wedding. We were ambushed by them in the halls of the Twins while under guests rights. Roose Bolton was killed by an arrow from one of the men who came to defend me when the turncoats sprung their trap." Ramsay fell to his knees when Robb finished speaking.
"Your Grace I pray you'll forgive me for my father's folly. None of us here knew of this betrayal. I swear it on the Old Gods, please have mercy on us your Grace. We fought faithfully for you to retake Winterfell from the Ironborn." Ramsay declared looking at the floor. Robb looked at him. He could see the sweat on the man's brow. Perhaps he truly had no idea, Roose didn't seem like the type to discuss his plans. Especially not with a bastard. "Your Grace, we have a prisoner for you. I ordered the men to keep him alive so you could be the one to carry out his sentence." Ramsay said rising to his feet. Robb looked at him, before turning to Jon and motioning him over. The two exchanged whispers before Robb looked back to Ramsay.
"Lord Snow you are to return to the Dreadfort. I believe that you, and those under your command where unaware of your father's treachery. I would however set a task for you to prove your loyalty." Robb said causing Ramsay to nod.
"Anything you ask your Grace." Ramsay declared his face growing serious.
"When you return to the Dreadfort, you are to await the return of all Bolton men who were under your father's command. Once they arrive I want you to find any of them who had knowledge of your fathers plot. They are to be brought before me here at Winterfell, where they will face judgement for their crimes. Before you leave, you and all your men will renew the oaths of fealty to house Stark as sworn by your forefathers." Robb declared earning another nod from Ramsay.
"Your Grace it shall be done as you commanded." Ramsay said bowing again.
"Should you complete this task I will have you legitimized as Ramsay Bolton. You will again renew your fealty to House Stark, but you will rise the new Lord Bolton, Lord of the Dreadfort and all its surrounding lands." Robb finished seeing the smile that came over Ramsay's face.
"Your Grace you honor me." Ramsay said kneeling down in front of Robbs desk. "I Ramsay Snow of house Bolton do hereby swear my loyalty to Robb Stark and House Stark. I will serve as your vassal, and help to defend our lands from all threats as shall my children after me. I swear so from this day to my last day." Ramsay said as Robb came around his desk.
"Rise Lord Snow for I swear you shall always have a place at my hearth, and meat and mead at my table. I will ask no service of you which may dishonor you or your house, and accept all service you shall give from this day forward. May this be a new start between our families, and a chance to move past old faults and failures." Robb said placing his hand on Ramsay's shoulder. "You and your men shall stay with us tonight my lord. At first light they will all renew their oaths, then you will depart for the Dreadfort to carry out the task I've given you."
Ramsay Snow
Ramsay rose to his feet, before turning to leave the room. "It shall be done Your Grace." He said before he made his exit. Once out of the room he scowled. So his idiot father had gone and gotten himself killed. For all his gloating of always being prepared, it seemed he fell short at the end. Now however he had a true shot at legitimization, and taking over his father's lordship. He recalled the letter he received ordering him to Winterfell. He had laughed as he rallied the men. His father had said that if he succeeded he might discuss his status with the King. It was only now that Ramsay figured it was an empty promise. Robb Stark had offered him everything his father had refused him, so Ramsay would serve him. He would prove his loyalty, and offer his services to his King. A bastard he may be, but his ambition was not so limited. No he would show just how loyal his line would be. He knew his skills, and that his King would have use of them. As he approached the great hall for supper he seated himself among the Bolton men. Just before the meal was about to be served, a young girl approached him.
"M'lord the King asks that you join him and the other lords at the high table." The girl said, causing Ramsay to look up in surprise. Slowly he rose and followed her to the table. He seated himself at the end.
"Ah young Lord Snow good of you to join us." A large man said beside him.
"Aye, my Lord, it is quite the honor his Grace has given me." Ramsay said looking down the table to see Robb Stark discussing something with Jon Snow.
"Wyman my boy." The man said, offering his hand to Ramsay. "If you're to be the new lord of the Dreadfort we must introduce you to the other lords." Ramsay took his hand shaking it before looking to the others seated at the high table.
"My thanks Lord Wyman." He said back before taking one of the mugs offered by a passing serving girl. "I shall endeavour to prove myself worthy to his Grace." Ramsay said before taking a drink. The rest of the feast carried on much like others. He had never been allowed at the high table in his father's hall. More often than not he was forced out of sight at the back of the room. Yet now his King gave him a seat, even though he was still a bastard. He knew the history between his family and the Stark's. He was also well aware of the fact that as a Lord he would be under more scrutiny. As such he would have to be smarter in some of his more questionable pastimes. Again though he had designs for how they could be put to use for his king. After all a flayed man had no secrets. After the food had been cleaned those assembled looked up, as Robb rose from his seat.
"Bring him in." The king commanded before he made his way around the table to the floor. His wolf came and stood at his side, as the doors opened. Eight Stark guards came in dragging one Ironborn prisoner between them. The room grew deathly quiet as Theon Greyjoy was forced to his knees before the King. He sat there hands and feet shackled, he looked only at the ground.
Theon Greyjoy
"Why?" He heard Robb ask so quietly he doubted many others heard the question. He looked up to see his friends face, his expression hard to read. It looked to be a mix of anger and sadness. "Why?" He yelled it this time. Theon could see tears brimming in Robb's eyes, and felt the sting of them in his own. He looked back to the floor. "Dammit Theon answer me." Robb yelled again, his voice was strained.
"I had to." Was all he could reply earning him a kick to the gut from his friend. Were they still friends? Theon could almost laugh at his own hopefulness. Perhaps Robb would spare his life for the sake of their bond. He did not hold onto that hope for long though, as Robb kicked him again causing him to fall to his side.
"You had to?" Robb roared at him. "You were like my brother. You swore your sword and your life to me now and always those were your words. My father kept you here, and though you were a prisoner he raised you as another son. So do not tell me Theon Greyjoy that you had to do this." Theon looked up to see Jon bring Robb his sword. "My brothers were killed by you, and these people suffered much when you sacked my home. You betrayed your oath, and for that I name you cursed Theon turncloak." Robb pulled his sword from its sheath and stepped to his side. "If you have any last words now is the time." Robb said placing the point of his sword on the floor beside his head. Theon struggled to raise himself to his knees. He looked up at Robb to see the tears streaming down his friends face. He felt the tears that ran down his own as he coughed to clear his throat.
"Your brothers live Robb." He said causing a large commotion and earning him another kick. He doubled over in pain as Robb stepped towards him.
"You lie." Robb yelled at him. "You yourself gloated when you displayed their burnt bodies in the courtyard. How dare you now say they still live." He coughed again, the pain in his chest making it hard for him to breathe much less speak.
"It is the truth. I never found them." He said before two of the guards lifted him back to his knees.
"Explain yourself turncloak." Robb said pointing his sword at his throat. "No more lies or I'll have your head right here and now." Robb declared taking the blade away.
"I told you we never found them. We also lost the wildling girl we took captive after their attack on Bran in the woods. One of my men told me later he got drunk and she slept with him while he was on the watch. The next morning her and your brothers were gone. I killed two boys from a farm and burnt their bodies so they'd not be recognized. I swear it to you your brothers may yet live." Theon said lowering his head to the ground again. "I swear it to you Robb."
"Jon I have one more task for you." Robb said as Theon looked up to see Jon Snow approach. "Take a party and organize three more. I want men off in every direction to bring my brothers home." Jon nodded before turning to leave the hall. "You will not die tonight turncloak. But should they not bring my brothers back to me safely you will wish that my sword is what ended your miserable life. Take him back to the dungeons." Robb declared before sheathing his sword and walking away. Theon felt the arms lift him up and carry him back to his cell. Once he was thrown inside he curled into a ball, and he wept.
"I'm sorry." He said to the air, knowing no one would hear him down here. He merely cried and repeated himself until sleep eventually took him. That night he dreamt of the faces of young Bran and Rickon Stark, and his night was troubled.
Jaime Lannister
Jaime was surprised when his father's party caught up to them on the gold road. Then again they merely road and had only twenty men whereas Jaime's progress was slowed by the carriage which Lady Stark and Sansa travelled in. He was more surprised when both of them agreed to join him and his father that night for dinner. It had been a tense affair, with Lady Catelyn and his father trading barbs the whole time. Sansa however continued to shock him with her polite behaviour to the man responsible for their current betrothal. They had made good time, being only another two and a half weeks from Casterly Rock. So now he stood in his tent preparing himself to go to sleep for the night. It was then that his father walked in to join him.
"So the girl seems to be in good enough spirits." His father said walking to take a seat. Jaime turned to look at him, considering his response carefully.
"She has come to terms with her situation. Although I do think she is happy to be free from Joffrey." He said walking over to take a seat himself. He poured two glasses of wine, handing one to his father.
"Indeed." Tywin said before taking a drink. "In that regard at least I find myself agreeing with the girl." Jaime chuckled at this before taking a sip from his own glass.
"Well now who will his grace be betrothed to?" Jaime asked genuinely curious as to who would be unfortunate enough to be paired with the boy. "Will it be the Tyrell girl, or will my sweet sisters dislike of the grasping roses be enough to put you off them?"
"Cersei's dislike of them is no concern of mine." Tywin said taking another drink, then refilling his cup. "The crown needs their support, and is currently indebted to them for their help lifting Stannis Baratheon's siege. If Marrying the girl to Joffrey will satisfy them, then I'll see it done. But enough about that. I came to escape matters concerning that boy, we must look to your own wedding." Jaime shuddered at that causing his father to smirk at him. "Come now the girl is pretty, and she will only grow more so with age. Plus you know if nothing else she will be dutiful because of her situation." Jaime refilled his own cup looking at his father.
"Aye, a true tale of love ours will be." He said sarcastically before sipping his wine again.
"I care nothing of love for her and neither should you." Tywin replied before he emptied his glass and stood up. "Family Duty Honor are the words of her mother's house. She will do her duty, and you will do yours." With that His father walked from the tent leaving Jaime to think on his situation. It wasn't long before Jaime awoke and began preparing for the days ride. As he walked from his tent, he saw Sansa approaching him holding the reigns of the mare she'd been given to ride whenever she joined him.
"My lord with your permission I'd like to join you again today." She asked giving a small curtsy to him. "Lord Tywin." She said dipping into another curtsy as his father approached on his own horse.
"Of course my lady. I would be glad to have your company." he replied before helping her onto her horse. He looked about to see the camp nearly broken down, and so he went to find his own horse. Not long after they were on the road once again.
"How are you this morning my lords?" She asked looking more at him than his father.
"Quite fine Lady Sansa." He replied looking to his father.
"I am just glad to be gone from King's Landing, even if it is to be a brief departure." His father said as they continued to ride. "Your sister and his Grace have both declined coming to the ceremony." His father said causing him to chuckle.
"Their presence shall be sorely missed." he replied looking to Sansa with a smile. He noted that she looked relieved by the news.
"Yes it is truly a shame their Grace's will not be able to join us." She said giving him a small smile in return.
"I'm sure you are both incredibly disappointed by the news." His father said sarcastically. "Or at least that is what you will say when asked about it." With that Tywin kicked his horse and pulled ahead of them.
"How is your mother fairing?" Jaime asked her. He had noticed Lady Starks health improving since they had been on the road, and he was glad for Sansa's sake at the very least.
"She is doing well my Lord. It seems whatever ailed her has past." Sansa said looking off into the distance.
"That is good to hear. With any luck by this time next week we will reach Deep Den." He said pointing towards the mountains, just becoming visible in the distance.
"It would be nice to stay inside castle walls again." Sansa said causing him to nod. Yes, he had been a soldier and a knight but he was still a Lannister. So while he was used to marches and making camp, even he grew tired of it on such a long journey.
"Indeed my Lady. If we can keep this pace it will be less than three weeks before we reach the Rock." He looked over in time to see her tense up slightly. He knew despite how well she played her part, she was none too eager to reach his home. Being honest he wasn't either, knowing what their arrival would mean for them both. Their ride continued with various points of small talk along the way. It wasn't until they broke to make camp that night that she bid him farewell for the night. He ate alone that night, and was laying in bed before it was completely dark out. Tomorrow they would continue their ride, and his continuous march towards his own marriage. He would fulfill his vow to Sansa though, no matter what else happened he would keep her safe.
END
YAY Another chapter in the books. More fun to be had by everyone. Can Ramsay be trusted? Will Arya complete her mission for Danaerys? What about Jon and the search for the boys? You'll just have to come back for the next chapter. Until then Thanks for the comments, keep them coming. I really enjoy being able to read what you guys think of the story. See you all next time.
Birdy: Glad you like it. I update every Friday
Guest: Jon pairing is still undecided. I'm waiting until I have introduced him to some of the options to see who I'll put him with. As far as Joffrey is concerned, he'll get what's coming to him. Jon will also grow into his role as he begins to travel around and find out the truth of the realm and his situation. I agree though Catelyn is in for a nasty shock when she does find out about Jon. Thanks for reading, hopefully you enjoy this chapter.
Guest: I do like the Jonsa pairing, however I am leaning towards Sansa and Jaime being the final pairing. It's a very interesting one to me to write, and not one that is seen very often. For the other options Dany, Marge, and others I want to write their meetings and interactions to see how I feel about them. For Dany I am trying to keep her more grounded like she was in the books/early seasons. And with Margaery I feel like she is constantly acting under the pressure to do right by Olenna. If she were allowed to be herself I think she would be quite different. I hope that you are enjoying the story though, thanks for the review.
Kmhappybunny240: I think it's more down to Jon, when it comes to Margaery. We saw in the series he has a way with the ladies. Plus I think that Margaery is nicer than she seems. She was raised to do what is best for her family, and I think she is constantly under that pressure. If she were to meet someone who expected nothing from her, I think she would be quite different. Danaerys will be fun to write as she learns the truth. She still very much thinks the Iron throne is her birthright, but she has smart people around her. I think that more level heads would prevail.
Jean d'arc: Joffrey will get what's coming to him, as far as who pulls the trigger? Well there are so many options. Glad you liked the Tyrell scenes, they were very fun to write. And yes Jon knows the truth but he will help the family he knows before he leaves.
ATP: Yes young Griff. I wondered what to do with him, but we'll learn more about that later.
Dcepeda94: Glad you like it. Hopefully I can continue to keep you interested.
PsYoNaDe: Not sure I understand, but hopefully you like the story. I can and will start to seperate the story and authors note.