Chapter 4 The wreck

Coasts of Essos

Shipwreck day...

Ser Willem begins to regain consciousness. He knew that they had crashed into the rocks and immediately ran to the cabin, where the children were with the nurse, to see if they were all well.

Entering, he saw that the nurse was dead. 'Damn!' he said to himself.

"Prince, wait for me here for a moment," he told him, and then he ran to look for supplies to put in a bag and take his sword, which had not been with him at the moment of the impact.

Coming back with everything he had taken, he saw that due to the waves the water was quickly entering the hull and into their cabins.

"Prince Viserys come. We must take your sister and escape, if we stay too long we risk drowning and the usurper's ships are not far away."

He took the little girl in his arms and tied Viserys little hand against his, and he tries to get out of the wreckage, struggling because the water always kept entering.

"We must not lose each other, Prince."

Outside, it was night and there was still the storm, and he didn't know where they were shipwrecked. He saw that everyone on the ship was dead, but he also saw that one of their horses was still alive, even if wounded. He knew he could not go far with the wounded horse, but there was no choice. Especially with this heavy rain.

"Viserys, keep your sister and stay here. I'll go to ring that horse here " Willem showed with his hand towards the horse and Viserys, who was still a little traumatized by what had happened, nodded.

Willem untied his hand, and placing the bag on the ground near the children, ran to take the horse.

Returning to the children, he took little Daenerys in his arms and after putting Viserys on the horse, he also climbed, galloping along the coast.

He knew that if they stayed on the wreck they would not survive. They would have died or drowned in the water that entered the hull or by the men of the usurper who would have found them.

After riding along the coast, he knew that with this rain they wouldn't go far. So he decided to find a shelter and saw that there was an inn, and he stops.

Entering, he asked, "Goodman a room, some warm clothes for me and my children, and milk for the little girl if you have any."

"Immediately, my lord".

The man brought him everything he had request and Willem went up to the room. Quickly he changes the prince so that he does not get sick and then the princess.

"Dry your hair well, Prince," said Willem "and when you had finished I'll tell you a little story. "

After giving the milk to the princess and telling the story he saw that the children were sleeping. He locked the door, and he went to sleep too.

Braavos

Arriving in Braavos, Willem hid the hair of the little ones with caps. He knew that there are too many Westerosians and others who could have betrayed them.

When he arrives at his house, a villa with the Red door, Willem said to Viserys "It is here that we will live until you reclaim the throne, my prince. There is a beautiful garden with a lemon and also a large courtyard where you can train with the sword and play with your little sister. "

Viserys smiled.

Willem knew that it would not be easy to reclaim the throne, but he made a promise to his queen, and he did not intend to break it.

Pentos

When Arthur and Ashara arrived at Pentos they immediately went to his friend's house.

Torrhen, when he saw him, immediately ran to Arthur.

"Arthur, my friend. How much time? What brings you to Pentos? "

"You heard what happened in Westeros." He nodded "Then you have my answer. "

He saw that he looked towards Ashara and the child "This is my sister Ashara, and the child is her son Jon Snow."

Torrhen approached Ashara, taking her hand and kissing it, he said with a smile, "It's a pleasure to meet you, my lady," and raising an eyebrow he asked "Snow?"

"It doesn't matter for now. We need to hide for a while. Can we stay at your house? "

"Of course Arthur. I have a life debt with you, and above all, I am what I am today thanks to you. Come, a hot bath and an excellent dinner await you. "

After bathing, he went to Ashara's room. Knocking, he hears "Come in!"

"How are you sister? "

"Well, just tired from the journey," Ashara answered cradling Jon.

"How is the baby."

"Well. I just fed him. "Arthur nodded, and he hears her ask" Do you trust him? "

"Yes."

"Then why didn't you tell him who Jon is?"

Approaching, he said, whispering "I trust him, but you never know who is listening, also. And we were out of the house." He then added, with a smirk "And what do you think of him, little sister? "

"He is a beautiful man, I can't deny it, but I was already fooled once by a northerner. Never again."

"Well, sister, you will need to move one, and remake a life. You can't always be alone."

"I'm not alone, Arthur. I have you and Jon the only people I need. And we have a family in Dorne. Our sister and our brothers. And who knows a nice or nephew in the future "

Arthur nodded and give her a smile. Then they went to eat.

After dinner and when Ashara left, he and Torrhen started talking.

"What happened to you in these years, after you left?"

He sighed and said, "When I left I tried to seek my fortune fighting for the Golden Company. They accept various contracts from the free cities, but after a while, I decided that it was not worth selling my sword so that these cities get rich with slavery. And above all with the commander Strickland in charge. Don't get me wrong, he is a great warrior and a capable commander. But he's really a piece of shit. "

Arthur nodded, laughing and said "About the Golden Company. Do you know where it is located? "

"If your intention is to join them, I do not recommend it. At the moment, they're split up, accepting more contracts to get more gold, and go back home."

"I'm not going to do anything for now" Arthur answered and asked curiously "How the hell do they intend to go home if they don't have a king to put it on? They don't really think that Robert Baratheon will let them land where they want, do they?"

"I don't know. You know that soldiers never know anything. Only the captains and the commander know it. And you never know what's on Strickland's mind."

After a bit of silence and having drunk from his glass he heard "Which of the two Stark is the child's father?"

He choked drinking the wine and looked at him with widened eyes.

"Come on, Arthur. The others may not recognize him, but those who grew up in the north and especially with the Stark brothers can recognize him. "

He knew he had to tell him sooner or later.

"And if I told you it wasn't one of the stark brothers."

"And who else then? I don't know anyone who looks like them. "

Turning to him Arthur said in a low voice, "What I will tell you, it must not leave this room, do you understand?" Torrhen nodded and Arthur continued "The child is the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyannna Stark. His name is Aenar Targaryen. "

He saw that Torrhen was speechless. Leaning against the chair he said "That's why you asked about the Golden Company. You want to put the child on the throne. "

"Not yet. When he will become a man and could lead an army. But for now, I need a job" Arthur said drinking from his cup.

"You can work with me at the Port of Pentos. I take care to check that the ships are in order and that the goods are delivered to the owners. I suggest you to carry a knife in your boot. You never know. Sometimes, things can heat up."

Arthur nodded and finished his wine. Then got up and headed for his room, but heard Torrhen ask, "Arthur. Is your sister married?"

"No. But if you break her heart, I'll break your neck "and he left.

King's Landing

Robert sat in the small council's room and looked at his members. Of all these people, he only trusted one and he was not even one of his brothers. It was someone who was like a father. He fell bad to admit that he didn't love any of his brothers.

'Hand of the King, Lord Jon of House Arryn,'

'Grand Maester, Pycelle,'

'Master of coin, Lord Petyr of House Baelish,'

'Master of laws, Lord Renly of House Baratheon,'

'Master of ships, Lord Stannis of House Baratheon,'

'Master of whisperers, Lord Varys,'

'Lord Commander of the Kingsguard Ser Barristan Selmy', which was not part of his council. Robert did not want to make Targaryen supporters within his small council, and the only reason for not have him killed or sent to the Night's Watch is because the name 'Barristan Selmy' is still recognized and admired in all the Seven Kingdoms.

Robert stood up and greeted his small council "Welcome my lords to the small council."

Everyone bowed the head

"Let's start with the most important things, right away. Stannis the Targaryen spawns are dead? "

"Yes, your grace. Even Queen Rhaella is dead. "

"Good. I name you Lord of Dragonstone. And you Renly, Lord Of Storm's End. "

"Thank you, your grace," Renly said with a smile, but Robert noticed that Stannis said nothing, not even a 'thank you'.

"Jon, what news from the Tyrells and the Dornishmen?"

"Lord Tyrell, as you know, had knelt. The Dornishmen, on the other hand, want justice for Elia and her children. They want the head of the Mountain."

"Those damn Dornishmen. I should have exterminated their lineage so that they would not plot against me. "

"My King, the Seven Kingdoms have bled enough. Peace is needed, now. "

"Hmm." Robert thinks. " Any other news? "

Everyone shocked their head.

"Well. The council is dismissed. I need some fun after all this work, "said Robert laughing and drinking a cup of wine.

Stannis entered, furious, into his rooms. He couldn't believe that Robert gave Storm's End to Renly instead of him. After all he has done for him.

"Guard!" He shouts.

"Yes, my Lord."

"Tell Davos to prepare the ship for Dragonstone. We leave in an hour."

"Yes, my Lord". He bowed and left.

He decided to leave Kings'Landing immediately. He did not intend to stay one more minute in this city.

On the journey to Dragonstone he said, "Davos, I want you to take someone to Volantis and get me a special load there." Upon your return, we will talk about the reward I owe you for your services during the rebellion. "

"Yes, my Lord."

"And Davos. No one should know who the person you're taking to Volantis is. "

He nodded. If Robert thinks he will keep the crown for a long time, he is wrong. I betrayed my King for him, and he gave me Dragonstone.

Arriving in Dragonstone, Stannis ran to the servants' rooms.

"Your grace prepare yourself. You will leave for Volantis, with a servant, in an hour. "

"Volantis?" Rhaella asked.

"Yes. I have business there and I gave specific orders to one of my men to take you there in secret. "

Rhaella nodded.

"Good luck, your grace." He bowed and left the room.

White Harbor

Eddard stood on the ship's dock looking at the white city and saw Howland Reed approaching.

"How are you, my friend?"

"Wounded and a little painful, not only in the body, but also in the heart, for the death of your sister."

He immediately looked at Howland and said "You must not tell anyone what happened, at the tower, and after, at the port."

"You have my word, Ned. I have a debt of honor with Lyanna, after that tournament and I intend to keep it. No one will know it from me "Eddard nodded, turning back to the city.

"What are you going to do now? You know that when the child grows up, he will claim the throne, and you will have to choose between Robert and him."

"I know, but I'll think about it when the times comes. We'll see what kind of king Robert will be."

"If you really loved your sister so much, it wouldn't be difficult for you to choose between your blood and friendship. But this is just my opinion."

"I said I'll think about it when the times come. Howland."

Entering the Port he saw that Lord Manderly was already waiting for them.

"Welcome back, Lord Stark, Lord Reed. I'm sorry for your sister Lord Stark."

"Thank you, Lord Manderly. Has my family already arrived in Winterfell?"

"Yes, Lord Stark. The crow came two weeks ago. We wanted to send him to you, but we didn't know where you were located."

"Thank you, Lord Manderly. If you can prepare my escort. I would like to leave immediately for Winterfell," Eddard said, then added with a smile. "I look forward on meeting my first child."

"I was sure. In fact, I've already prepared your escort."

"Lord Reed, good return home."

"Good return, my lord," Howland bowed and left

Eddard turned around and went to his escort, formed by about 20 men. But before getting on the horse, he turned to the Lord of White Harbor. "Lord Manderly, if I am not mistaken, my lord, your son often goes to Pentos for business and merchandise exchange, right?"

"Yes, my Lord."

"If someone, no matter who, should give him a direct letter to me, tells him to accept it. But no one has to read it."

"Yes, my lord. I'll let him know."

Eddard nodded, mounted his horse and galloped off.

Winterfell

He saw Winterfell in the distance and with every step he took his anxiety grew, to see his home and in knowing his first child. It had been a long time since he left Winterfell and hardly recognized it. When he returned to call the banners to the war, he didn't even have the chance to look at it, because he immediately needed to leave for war.

Entering the gates, he saw that everyone was in the courtyard, and his bride was holding his heir in his arms.

He immediately gets down from the horse and ran to hug her. He kissed her on the lips and then picked up his son. "How is he called?"

"I didn't call him, yet. I wanted you to give him the name," she said, smiling.

"Robb. After my friend Robert," said Eddard, smiling.

"Robb. A great name and I'm sure he will become a great lord."

"Yes."

Then he saw Benjen, who, despite being happy about his return had a sad face.

He gave the baby to Catelyn and hugged Benjen "Brother."

"Welcome back, brother. I need to talk to you," Benjen said in his ear.

Eddard leaves him and nodded. Then he saw the new master.

"This is Maester Luwin, the new Master of House Stark," said Catelyn. "He helped me to give birth to Robb."

"My lord, welcome back."

"Has the body of my sister, Master Luwin, arrived?"

"Yes, and it was also prepared."

"Good. She will rest in the crypts. I want statues made with direwolves on the sides."

"Yes, my Lord."

Then turning to his people, he said "After we have paid respects to my brother, my sister and my father, I want to be celebrations for the birth of my son."

And he headed to the Keep.

After a few hours...

Eddard saw his brother enter his solar.

"Benjen. Did you want to talk to me?"

"Yes, brother. I decided to join the Night's Watch."

"What? But I need you, Benjen. I've already lost Brandon and Lyanna. I don't want to lose you too."

"Ned, if I were to stay here, the blame for what happened to Lyanna would consume me. I have to make up for my mistakes. "

"What do you mean, Benjen?"

Benjen sighed and said "When Lyanna escapes that night with Rhaegar. I helped her, "he saw that Benjen's eyes were watering," You know how hard and demanding our father was, especially to achieve his goals. And I couldn't let our sister be used as a bargaining chip. You can't understand the pain I felt when she came to me in tears to say that our father wanted to force her to marry Robert Baratheon. His fame preceded him, did you know? And she was even more destroyed because you were the one who proposed it. I told myself that I would help her escape, but I never thought that that act would trigger such chaos. And she is now dead. "Benjen burst into tears and him too. Eddard just wanted Lyanna's happiness and was sure Robert would offer it to her.

After wiping away his tears, Eddard knew he had to tell Benjen everything. He could not keep this secret to himself. And then, Lyanna was also his sister, and Aenar his nephew.

"Benjen, I have to tell you something important and nobody should know."

Benjen nodded.

"After the sack of King's Landing and what happened to the Targaryen's children, I was furious with Robert and our friendship broke. Varys told me that Lyanna was in Dorne, at the Tower of Joy." Ned took a sigh and continued"when we arrived there we needed to fight with two Kingsguard. Entering the tower she was already dead and one of the midwives said that Lyanna gave birth to a child. A male. The last heir to the House Targaryen. "

He saw Benjen looking at him with wide eyes and asking "Where is the baby?"

"In Essos, with Arthur Dayne."

"And did you let him take our nephew?" asked Benjen angrily.

"What life would he have done here Benjen. And if Robert had discovered him. We against the Seven Kingdoms, With an army still tired after the long war."

Benjen calmed down and said, "When he returns, we'll support him. You understand me, Ned. We owe it to Lyanna. "

Eddard nodded and smiling asked, "So you won't join the Night's Watch?"

"No, brother," he said with a smile. "Someone must make you run straight, and then I would betray the memory of Lyanna, hiding me there."

"I intend to rebuild Moat Cailin. And I want to name you lord of that castle so that you can protect the North when our nephew returns."

Benjen nodded.

"And you will need a bride, brother," said Eddard with a smirk.

Benjen rolled his eyes and left the room.

Eddard smiled and sighed. This was a difficult choice. To choose between love for a sister and duty to the king. But love is the death of duty, after all.

Volantis

Rhaella had just arrived at Volantis with one of her servants and with Davos, who accompanied her.

"Good, your grace. Our roads will be divided here. Good luck in finding, whatever you're looking for."

"Thank you, Davos. I hope our paths will meet again in the future."

He nodded and left

"Come on, Marry, let's go find an inn. Tomorrow we'll start looking for my children," said Rhaella, putting on her woven hood and heading for the town center.

After finding the inn, and before going to sleep, she promised herself that she would find her children even if it took decades. And then she went to sleep, dreaming about them.