Chapter 45; Cause for hope, cause for concern;
Characters of the chapter
Brandon Stark, also known as the Three Eyed Raven, mage advisor to the court of King Jon
Briala Marquis of Orlais, advisor to Emperor Gaspard
Daenerys Targaryen, The Mother of Dragons, the Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, the Unburnt, the Breaker of Chains, Queen of the of the Andals, the Rhoynar and the First Men of the South, Queen of the South Kingdom of the Twin kingdoms and Protector of the Realm
Gaspard de Chalons Emperor of Orlais
Jon Snow, also known as Aegon Targaryen and Jon Stark, King of the North Kingdom of the Twin Kingdoms
Kieran, Agent of the Inquisition, mage advisor to the court of King Jon
Manfrey Martell, Prince of Dorne,Master of Coin on the Small Council of Queen Daenerys
Tyrion Lannister, Hand of the Queen to Queen Daenerys
Cursive/Bold text is in Orlesian
"Our latest reports indicate a Tevinter army moving towards the city of Braavos, accompanied by a sizable fleet. Currently they are perhaps a day's march from the city. The odd part is that they reached that position some time ago, but have not moved since." Briala detailed, motioning at the map. Once more they were meeting in the room being built into Gaspard's command center, with her delivering a report on recent events. The room was nearing completion, but lately Briala had noted that the Emperor was far less enthusiastic about this pet project of his. Now it was a reminder of a war lost, of ambitions left unfulfilled. Not to mention Gaspard had had his hands full dealing with the aftermath of their failed war, just like she had had.
"Any idea why they've stopped?" Asked Gaspard.
"Nothing concrete, your Majesty. But I have a hunch this could be related to the weapon they used against the Dothraki. It might be that this army does not have that weapon yet, and is waiting for its arrival before proceeding. If so, they may have sent for it just recently." She replied.
"So it might be on the move? Interesting…" He mused. "I have been wondering about that. Would there be any chance your agents would be able to… snatch this thing when they're transporting it?"
"I can see why you would ask. Unfortunately… that may not be a possibility right now." She said glumly. "You see, the number of actual agents I have on that continent is limited to a scarce handful. The Tevinters have prevented any more than that, even before our losses against the Twin Kingdoms. The information I have here is largely from our visiting merchants willing to make the voyage to Essos. The rest is information I've bought or traded for from other sources. I will of course look into that possibility if that is your command, but I'm not very optimistic we could pull off something like that. Not when these events are taking place on the far side of the world."
"Very well. Do what you can even so. I believe this is important." The emperor told her. "In the meantime you may continue your report."
Briala nodded. "On the defensive side of things the Braavosi have amassed a large fleet outside the city, reinforced by a number of volunteering vessels from the Merchant Marines. In addition the Braavosi and the Antivans have several ships being loaded and sent elsewhere. No idea of the destination as of yet."
"Their cargo?" He asked.
"People. And a considerable number of chests. Large, heavy and sealed. The Braavosi are keeping close watch on those, so we don't really know what is in them. But it must be something of value if the Braavosi keep such close watch on them."
"People. And… valuables? Sounds like an evacuation to me." He contemplated.
"I would agree. It makes perfect sense given the circumstances. Though I do wonder where they are planning to go?" She said.
"We'll find out eventually, I'm sure. In the meantime, can you tell me if the Qunari in the Narrow Sea are still holding their ground?" Gaspard asked.
"For the time being, though the Tevinters have increased their activities against them. The Imperium's gains have been modest so far, particularly with ships from the Felicisima armada harassing them at every single turn. But the Qunari are still lacking a solid foothold, so the Horn Heads aren't exactly in a position to push back either. Not in the Narrow sea at least." Briala detailed.
"Are you saying it's a different story somewhere else?" He queried in puzzlement.
"Lately I have started to hear some rumblings. About a lot more Qunari troops and supplies pouring into Seheron. Like… more than they would need for merely the occupation of the island. They look to be up to something." She explained.
"Hmm… it could be that since they have had trouble in Essos, the Qunari are now seeking to tackle this issue from another direction. A large offensive agains the Imperium's heartlands would force Tevinter to respond, reprioritizing their attention and resources to deal with it. Which in turn would cool things down on the Essos front, giving the Oxmen time to stabilize their situation." The emperor pondered.
"Military matters are not my field of expertise, but that does sound… plausible. The Qunari have also been working on rebuilding their strength on Bear Island these last few months. Several new dreadnoughts have been sighted, along with a large number of transports carrying troops. There is every indication they intend to launch a new attack against the mainland as soon as spring arrives to Westeros. Though I do wonder if there is a chance they will alter their plans with the developments in Essos. Given their first attempt failed to achieve any major results." She continued.
"Well… if I were in their position I would think one more attempt would be appropriate. That much is justifiable because the whole reason the Qunari invaded the Twin Kingdoms in the first place was to get a more secure foothold against the Imperium. But if this incursion ends in failure for them as well, I don't think they'll go for a third attempt. If the Qunari fail to take and hold strategically valuable territory this time around, there won't be a point in wasting more lives trying. It would only imperil the holdings they do have." He said.
"Then I suppose we will be watching the results of their next invasion with great interest." She said. "Then I suppose there is only one other item to discuss for the time being, though I am unsure of its significance. My contacts have reported that the Twin Kingdoms have reinforced the castles on the Wall of all places. I have also heard a rumor that a group of the local Grey Wardens passed through Castle Black. I have no clue what that is all about."
Gaspard chuckled. "Well, this is a historic day. For once I know something that you don't."
Briala looked puzzled. "Truly? Then what is going on, Your Majesty?"
"I recently received a report from my soldiers that the fortress of the Lady's radiance was sacked. By darkspawn." He explained.
"Darkspawn?" Briala gasped. "Then the fortress is…"
"…recaptured, thankfully. And in the process of being restored." He reassured. "The Grey Wardens assisted our forces in retaking the castle, then departed somewhere further north. Marchand, the ranking officer at the site, tells me the Grey Wardens believe there is a larger darkspawn presence. Given how much strength it would take to storm one of the fortresses in the Corridor, I agree."
"A darkspawn presence would certainly explain the reports I have received. Damn." She muttered.
"Are we doing anything in response to this?" She then asked.
"I have ordered reinforcements to each of the castles along the Corridor. Modest numbers, so it won't be considered a provocation by the Twin Kingdoms. And more supplies will be sent, so our forces won't need to go outside the walls. All activities beyond the fortresses will be restricted until the major darkspawn threat will be dealt with, however long that might take. Beyond those measures… we'll just have to hunker down and hope this storm passes us by for the most part." He detailed.
"Hopefully the Kingdoms won't disapprove of our reinforcements." She said.
He scoffed. "If they are not happy with it they are welcome to try and burn us out. Maybe we would even be able to kill the Queen's monstrosity this time around. The thing is, I don't think they'll have the time to worry about us."
"And truth to be told I don't envy their situation. We already hurt them pretty badly during our invasion. Now they are threatened by multiple enemy nations, and to top it all off this nightmare is barreling towards them. I have no doubts they'll have to face their share of the 'spawn. One has to seriously wonder if they will have a country soon." He added.
"Indeed. And I am starting to question if it's truly wise to just leave it at that." She said.
"What? Whatever do you mean?" The Emperor asked.
"I'm wondering if we should attempt an intervention to help make sure the Kingdoms do not fall." She explained.
A shocked silence.
"A… an intervention!? You want to help them!?" Gaspard finally managed to sputter. "Are you well and truly insane, woman? Do you not understand the kind of situation we are already in because we tangled with them? I have to spend every single day appeasing or intimidating members of the nobility so I can keep them from starting a revolt over our failure."
"And I have to spend every day making sure my people are not unfairly targeted because of the same. But this isn't about that. This is about the safety of the Empire." She retorted.
"There were several reasons for us to go to Westeros in the first place. One of those reasons was to get a stronger position to guard against the ambitions of Qunari and the Imperium. Circumstances may have forced us to set aside the rest of our agenda thereabouts, but this need has not gone anywhere. Conquering Westeros would have been the best outcome for us, but since that did not work out we might want to consider our options. Darkspawn, Qunari, Tevinter… the victory of any of these factions is not in our interests. Right now the best viable option for us is that the Twin Kingdoms remain independent Kingdoms. Helping them now helps us. Simple as that." She then explained.
Gaspard was quiet for a moment. "…Even if I can concede there is a need there, I don't see how we can even start doing this. Our hands are tied. Our people won't see this as a matter of security. They'll see a pair of incompetents flip flopping on a matter of grave importance, assisting an enemy right after many of their sons and daughters fell fighting them in a war we started. We have been dealing with an uproar until now. Were they to hear that we are suddenly supporting the Twin Kingdoms; then both of us will be drawn and quartered. Mark my words."
"And needless to say I am reluctant to give the Twin Kingdoms anything at this time. It's too soon my opinion." He added.
"This is the face of politics Your Majesty, as you well know. An enemy one day is an ally the next, then an enemy again the day after that. Necessity dictates pragmatism. And we have a responsibility to act the best way possible for our peoples, even if they would not always approve of the way we're doing it. But I do agree that allying with the Twin Kingdoms openly and directly would be a step too far. In that manner we can do nothing for the Westerosi. I believe there are other ways, however. Indirect ways, that will not be linked to us. Nothing for our enemies to grasp on and call us hypocrites over." She said.
"Such as?" He asked.
"Well, as it happens, despite our mutual hostilities, we do have an ally in common with the Twin Kingdoms: The Inquisition. We can funnel our support to them. Money, resources. And I can have my people provide them with information about the Qunari and the Imperium they come across. They are already our allies, so helping them won't look nearly as bad as aiding the Kingdoms directly. We can frame the whole thing as attempting to normalize our relations with them. And what they choose to do with what we provide them is no concern of ours." She said.
"That… could work I suppose. If that were to be done we could also encourage soldiers in our army to volunteer for a tenure of service in the Inquisition. Even if those troops won't be sent directly to Westeros, they would free up other forces, which then could be sent." He mused.
"Very true." She agreed, nodding. And then there is still the matter of the troops we still have in Westeros. I understand that despite our best efforts to evacuate them, there is still a force of almost ten thousand, camped near the city of White Harbor."
"It's doubtful the rulers of Westeros will permit the remobilization of those troops. They'd be concerned what an army of that size might do after their other enemies are defeated. Or they would turn them into sword fodder, meat to be carved up so their own won't have to fall. Which I in turn won't permit." He pointed out.
"This is true, and I am not about to contest any of that. It will serve us better to have those troops returned to us, certainly. But in the event war comes to them, it might be prudent to permit those troops to defend themselves, until they can be extracted. We will be better able to preserve our military assets, and we might be able to land a few blows on any enemies that seek to engage them." She countered.
"We need not do much. We only need to discreetly indicate we won't protest too loudly if our forces strike a deal with the locals under such circumstances. The rest should take care of itself, should it come to that." She added.
"So to anyone outside it will look like those troops are acting on their own to defend themselves? And we merely need to appear to turn a blind eye to their initiative, because it serves the Empire?" He guessed.
"Precisely. In the same spirit we can indicate to our ambassador in Westeros that we will be tolerant of any informal deal made without our permission. The ambassador's means aren't as great as our own, but he does have resources, including some soldiers. And I hear he is quite friendly with the Hand of the Queen. It wouldn't take much prodding to see some results." She said.
"All of this is certainly… possible. And it is your opinion that this is a wise and necessary action?" He said.
Briala nodded again. "We failed to take their lands by force. Now it would be prudent to make sure no rival power can do so either. The Twin Kingdoms won't be able to attack us in the foreseeable future. Other enemies we face potentially could. Would it truly be wise to empower them through inaction?"
"No. I suppose it would not be." He contemplated. "Very well. You may instruct your agents to begin moving according to this idea of yours. Be discreet. I shall take the rest of this under advisement and act as I think is best."
"Of course Your Majesty. I shall begin at once." She said, curtseying. Gaspard waved her off, and as she walked away she allowed herself a smile. His pride would not permit him to give a full agreement in front of her, but as he had permitted her to act, there was little doubt he had accepted her line of reasoning. He would act in the manner she had outlined, when he enough time had passed for him to pretend the idea had been his own all along. And she would allow him this bit of self-deception.
"My Lord Hand! My Lord!" Manfrey shouted, running to Tyrion's side in the corridors of the Red Keep. Up until recently he had been off in Dorne to ensure that House Blackfyre had been thoroughly driven from his lands, and that that garrisons were assigned to the forts they had abandoned. But the Martell Lord had returned to the city a few days ago, to better manage the affairs of the Kingdom in his charge.
"Ah, Lord Martell. What can I help you with?" Tyrion greeted.
"Very important news my Lord, from across the sea. I have here a letter from the highest officials of the Iron Bank, claiming to speak on behalf of all of Braavos." Manfrey explained.
Tyrion's expression immediately became concerned. "From the Iron Bank? Don't tell me they have decided to call in our debts to them now. You know as well as I that would be the end of us as a country. And I already have bad news to deal with today, thank you very much."
"No, no, that's not it at all. In fact it's quite the opposite. Here, have a look yourself." Manfrey said, handing the letter over.
As Tyrion was reading the letter his mood visibly brightened. "We are certain this is authentic? The real thing, not some trick of the Imperium?"
"As certain as is possible given the circumstances. I've corresponded with the Bank's officials before, and that is their sigil. The handwriting is also familiar to me. And I know for certain the Bank would not make a claim like this in jest. I will of course write back to the Bank as soon as possible. If this is a trick we will know very soon. But I for one would take this as genuine."
Tyrion smiled. "Usually when something seems too good to be true, it is. But maybe, just this once… it's an incredible thing. Never have I seen such a change of heart. Especially since most would agree that those who work for the Iron Bank have no hearts. It's almost enough to make you start believing in miracles isn't it?"
"How long do you think our new friend's in Braavos will need to set this matter into motion?" He then asked.
"Well, I believe the first part of their plan has gone into the effect the minute we received that letter. As for the second part, the first ships might already be on their way. I suspect the Braavosi will seek to move as quickly as possible with this, before Tevinter forces have a chance to blockade the city."
"Yes, hopefully so." Tyrion said.
"I must write of this to the Queen at once. She will be overjoyed. And then we absolutely must find some way to celebrate these news. So long struggling with old debts, barely able to pay for what we need. To have those troubles dissolve in a single stroke… it's almost beyond description." He continued.
Then his expression turned serious again. "If the Braavosi are willing to do this, then they must not be feeling any better about their odds than the rest of us are.
"Yes, it's more than likely altruism has nothing to do with this. Their message explicitly said they're sending people our way as well. It's an evacuation. And their ships will be placed under our command once their task is complete. Sounds like they're making contingencies should the worst come to pass. Ensuring something of them survives, even if their city does not. They're helping us because they know we would be the next to fight the Imperium.
"I suppose this couldn't be all good news. But if this improves the chances of the Twin Kingdoms surviving, I'll take it. At least there are some good news." Tyrion said.
"Speaking of which, what was the bad news you mentioned earlier?"
"Ah yes. That matter." Tyrion said, his expression sour. "I just got word from the Iron Islands that the dreadnought they had captured has been torched by parties unknown. Probably by the Qunari though."
"What? So the ship is lost to us." Manfrey asked, shocked.
"Yes, though fortunately for us the Lady Greyjoy had removed several of the ships cannons for further study. Those are reportedly still safe and intact. And she did have some time to study the ship before all this happened. She is sending over her findings in the hopes they can inform future shipbuilding. Even so, I'd wager it will take a long time before we can even dream of building ships like the dreadnought." Tyrion said.
"And the dreadnought itself would have been a very useful weapon to use in the defense of the kingdoms. A truly unfortunate setback. The Qunari sure are cautious in protecting their innovations." Manfrey commented.
"Yes. And I suppose after they made an attempt to destroy the powder we should not be surprised they sought to destroy their ship as well. Sadly Lady Iledia's protective measures were unable to prevent it this time." Tyrion said.
"Does the Queen know anything of this yet?" The Martell asked.
"I don't know. Quite possibly, since Winterfell is much closer to the Iron Islands. Any ravens sent would reach them first. Either way, I intend to write to her about this as well." Tyrion replied.
"You know, one annoying thing about ravens and messengers and such is that there is always a delay of several days or weeks before we receive news about anything. And similar delays when we wait responses to any messages we send. I wish some faster method did exist." He then contemplated.
"Such methods might even exist. I know we as a people have often been cautious about relying on magic, but I've had the opportunity to note Lady Iledia receives news much faster than any of us seem to. I've also never seen her visit the rookery at any time. Have you?" Manfrey pointed out.
"No. I can't say that I have." Tyrion admitted.
"As I thought. She must have some other method of communicating with her people. One that looks to be superior to our own. If we asked, perhaps she could provide a similar method for us. At least something to use in emergencies, when swift communications are essential." Manfrey suggested.
"You know, that is not a terrible idea. I'll have to ask her about this when she returns. If she returns. At least now the crown's finances can afford the cost of setting up a system like that. Because I doubt it will be free." Tyrion said.
"A great host of darkspawn you say?" Jon asked.
"Yes. And all headed in this direction, under the command of an exceptionally powerful darkspawn mage." Bran replied.
"Is Arya alright?" Jon asked.
"I do not know. My sight was interrupted before I could see what happened to them. But I did not see them die either. If anyone could survive their situation, it's the Grey Wardens."
"Can you at least tell me where they are now?" Jon asked.
"No, I'm sorry. This latest attempt was… unusually strenuous. It will be some time before I am ready to see again." Bran said.
"But what I did see makes the threat abundantly clear. You should both head for the Wall, with the dragon and as many troops as you can spare. Since he has now returned, Kieran should come with you as well." He added.
"Do we know for certain the Wall is where they intend to strike?" Daenerys asked.
"No. Nor should we be taking chances in this matter." Bran replied.
"It's just that… the troops that I brought here were really intended to be used against the Qunari, should they try something. Certainly not against this threat." She said.
"I am aware. But this is the more pressing issue. The Qunari are not going to attempt a new invasion until spring arrives. The darkspawn well might." He told her.
"How is that possible? At this time of year? And how are the darkspawn able to approach Westeros overland like this at all?" She asked. "The way I hear it go far enough and it's a wasteland devoid of life. No food, no shelter. Even the Wildlings can't get through on foot. The only way people have ever made the trip from Thedas to Westeros is by ship."
"The darkspawn are not like other armies. They need no food, do not get sick and they do not at all care if a few of their number are lost to the cold. Icy glacier of the heat of a desert, they can always advance. Furthermore, their kind have access to the Deep Roads, and ancient tunnel network far beneath the earth. Even the dwarves of Orzammar do not fully grasp the extent of that system. The darkspawn could get far before they need to emerge into the light."
"They can wage war on us, no matter the weather. Do not doubt that. So you should be ready and waiting at the Wall when they reach it, with as much strength as you can muster." He explained.
"And you should also start making preparations to have as many of the people of the North as possible evacuated to the South." He added.
"Evacu…? Bran, do you realize what that would mean? It would be an immense undertaking. Beyond our means. And if we tell our people to flee South in this weather, there is no telling how many could starve or freeze to death." Jon protested.
"Yes, I understand." Bran confirmed. "And still it would be better than losing even more lives to the darkspawn. Even with Inquisition support and your own forces we cannot be certain the darkspawn will not be able to breach the Wall's defenses."
"The Wall is about the strongest fortification that one can imagine." Jon pointed out.
"But not entirely impenetrable as you well know. Both the wildlings and the dead have managed to get past it before." Bran countered.
"If the darkspawn manage it, the forces currently in the North would be hard pressed to contain them. And if you wait until that moment to give the order to evacuate it will be too late. At the very least those closest to the Wall should be ordered to move further southwards so they are out of the immediate reach of our foe. Everyone else should be prepared to move out the moment they hear the word. If the Wall holds, then that is a very good thing. Then those people need not go anywhere. But if not…" He continued.
"Do you not know if the Wall will fall or not? Even with your gift?" Jon enquired.
"My ability to see the future remains… unusually clouded. Even more so when it comes to these creatures. All that is known is that it is possible for the darkspawn to succeed. Were that to happen we should take steps to protect the people. They are the North more than any piece of land. Cold and hunger might kill several if they flee, regrettably. But the darkspawn would slay them all, down to the last child. So evacuating them would be the lesser of two evils." Bran said.
"Have you known me to give you poor advice in the past, Jon?" He asked when Jon still looked apprehensive.
"No. I cannot say that. But as you yourself said, your ability to see isn't what it used to be. For instance during the fight against the Orlesians there were several things you missed." Jon replied.
"This is very true. But I still possess great knowledge, on many subjects. The future may be foggy, but the past I see just as well as ever. When I have been able to advice you at all, rarely have I erred. I know enough about the darkspawn to say what I have said confidently. I ask that you trust me." Bran said.
There was a lengthy pause. "Daenerys and I… we need to discuss this with Sansa, Davos and the others. We will take your recommendation under advisement, and decide the best course of action from there." Jon said then.
"That is good enough for me. I trust you will come to the correct decision. Just be certain you do not underestimate the darkspawn. I would remind you, Daenerys, of what Iledia once told you about them: If you make a mistake with them, you might not live long enough to do so again.
Daenerys nodded gravely.
"Come. We should go find the others. There is a lot we need to go over." Jon said.
Bran waited until they both of them had left. Then he was overcome with a fit of coughing, covering his mouth with a handkerchief. When his coughing subsided, he grimaced at the wet black splotch now staining the cloth, before he balled up the handkerchief and pocketed it again.
"So, I guess using your gift to track the darkspawn can be marked down as a bad idea?" Kieran said, entering through another door.
"Yes. It can." Bran said dryly. "You were listening in?"
"I was indeed. And I note you did not mention the specifics of your condition." Kieran said.
"There is no need to concern them with the details. I will be fine, provided I let myself recover and do not repeat the experience." Bran replied.
"Are you certain of that? It did not exactly sound like it when I listened to you coughing." Kieran said.
"You are concerned?" Bran asked, sounding mildly puzzled.
"Well I do consider you a friend. Your wellbeing is a concern to me. Though I am not always sure if friendship is something that matters to you. Meaning no offense." Kieran told him.
"It matters to Brandon Stark. And to some of the others that make me up. Your concern is accepted in the spirit it is intended. I am grateful." Bran said.
"…You know, that aspect of your nature is still one I do not fully comprehend. How you are Brandon and yet not him. I know you've tried to explain it to me before. But if it isn't too much trouble, would you mind trying again?" Kieran asked.
Bran nodded, and sighed to collect his thoughts. "It not all that complicated at the end of the day. The Three eyed Raven is a being that came into being countless years ago. One able to perceive time and space in ways almost no one else can. The Three eyed Raven lived for a long time, finding ways to extend his life far beyond what would have been possible normally. But eventually he became too old to continue existing in the world. Rather than have his talent vanish from the world, he passed his essence to another, joining their consciousness into a single entity. A fusion of both. And in time that new consciousness was transferred again, repeating the process. That process had repeated all across history, in and unbroken chain. Our line was imperiled many times, most prominently by the Night King, but never broken. From the first of us, all the way to the one before you."
"In short: There have been many Three Eyed ravens throughout history. And I am them all." He concluded.
"That is very strange…" Kieran commented.
"You have had a similar experience yourself. In your childhood you harbored the soul of an ancient being, so potent many would think it a god. The difference was that in your case this was done only once, and in time this additional soul was removed from you, leaving only the memory of its presence." Bran pointed out.
"In either case, if I at times seem distant then that is the reason. I am connected all these peoples, and through them I can connect with almost any person in the world, past, present and even future. If I wish to, I can feel their experiences, their emotions, as if they had happened to me in person. But such unrestrained access to the human experience would be too much even for one such as I. Some distance must be maintained to avoid going insane. So our kind detach ourselves from our emotions so we can view things in an objective manner, without endangering ourselves." He explained.
"I see. Well that does explain quite a bit." Kieran contemplated.
"Will it be necessary for you to transfer your essence again?" He asked.
"Some day. There will come a day I will find someone suitable and have them seek me out. I will train them, then pass my abilities to them." Bran said.
Then there was a small smile on his lips. "Given your preferences I imagine you would wish to be the one to next receive this ability?"
"I won't deny it. If you offered, this, I would certainly be willing to accept it." Kieran said simply. "You know I seek to preserve what I can of the past before they are forever lost to us. Things and knowledge both. With your abilities I would have access to all the knowledge I could ever desire. Despite the cost you describe, I would consider this a boon. A very great boon indeed."
"I thought as much. Sadly that is something that can never be. You are a powerful mage, with a strong mind, without question. But I'm afraid even your mind is not quite…pliant…enough for something like this. To try would simply destroy you." Bran said.
"You certain of it? This is something you have seen?" Kieran asked.
"Yes. And besides it would be far too soon to consider such things. I am likely to live a long time yet. Centuries even. It is unlikely you will still be alive when this concern becomes relevant. So, alas, it must be someone else than you." Bran said.
"I see. Unfortunate." Kieran said, looking a little bit disappointed.
"But for what it's worth this is in no way a judgment on your character. If you did meet the necessary criteria, I might even be willing to pass this ability to you." Bran told him.
"It's alright. I would have found this of great value, but if it truly would destroy me… well I wish to live, the same as any. I shall make myself content with what we have seen together then, and we have yet to see." Kieran said.
"And I will take solace in the knowledge there already exist one who has this ability, who holds all these memories. Our world is much richer because of it. That is something I hope will never be lost." He added with a smile.
"I suppose I need to make myself ready to travel. The Wall calls. I will be heading there regardless of what the royals decide. I can't say I was expecting to leave again so soon, but if the darkspawn come… we need to be there to resist them." He concluded before leaving the way he had come.
Bran remained there on his wheelchair, silent for a time.
"One truly hopes it shan't be lost…" He whispered then.