Chapter 16 Confrontations Part 1
The sunrise found Catelyn Stark back in Winterfell; on some levels it was welcomed because she was back home, but this was not the home she was used to. None of the severs paid her any real mind, neither did any of the guards, before they would snap to attention or give a bow as she passed, now they did not. She couldn't fault them, they didn't know her and she didn't know them, to them the ruler of Winterfell was Sansa not Robb. She walked into the great hall to find her daughter Sansa sitting in the highchair of the Starks, with Queen Daenerys sitting beside her in an equally elegant chair with the 3 headed dragon of house Targaryen carved into the wood back. Beside the Queen sat another woman she didn't know; her dark skin marked her as from Essos but she had never seen her before. The sight of these three women gave off a feeling of strength and power. What added to the power was the large white Direwolf which rested at Daenerys feet. Ghost had to be at least a 1/3rd bigger than Grey Wind who was already capable of taking down war horses and as she entered the room, his bright unnatural red eyes followed her but he made no move against her.
"I must admit I haven't given it much thought." admitted Daenerys as Sansa nodded her head in understand. None of the women had noticed her when she entered but Sansa finally noticed and turned to face her.
"Ah…morning mother, care to join us." offered Sansa
"I thank you." said Catelyn as she sat down on the other side of Sansa, wondering what these women were talking about. Last night, Sansa had not given her much information about what was going on and she wanted to know more.
"So the Godswood correct?" inquired Sansa as Daenerys shook her head.
"I don't think the Faith of the Seven would approve of a marriage in the Godswood." admitted Daenerys as Sansa nodded in agreement.
Catelyn blinked, they were talking about Jon and Daenerys' Wedding? If the threat of these White Walkers was as real as they claimed why would they be talking about a wedding the morning after a day long small council meeting. She was about to speak up when the doors to the great hall opened and Tyrion Lannister Hand of the Queen walked in, he wasn't alone beside him came a blind Measter being helped by a rather large man dressed in black and grey however he had the sigil of House Tarly sewn on his breast.
"Ah…Lord Hand, Measter Aemon and Lord Tarly welcome." greeted Daenerys as the large man helped the Measter into a chair across while he saw down across from her. Tyrion took the seat across from Queen Daenerys.
"Morning…did you all sleep as well as you could?" inquired Tyrion as people nodded around the table.
"We did." confirmed Sansa
"We were just discussing where should Queen Daenerys and Lord Jon wed." explained the foreign woman.
"Ah…King's Landing would be best and a clear sign of power however Dragonstone would also be acceptable as well." advised Tyrion "Many Targaryen's weddings have happened on Dragonstone, more then King's Landing actually."
"Jon would like the Gods wood and I must admit I find the Gods wood also peaceful and relaxing." admitted Daenerys as she cracked a boiled egg. "I personally was leaning toward a Septon marrying us before a Heart Tree, both faiths being shown. I don't believe the faith will be upset by that."
"Just a normal Septon marrying a Queen and a King Concert will not be acceptable as to be the High Septon or one of the Most Devout at least." stated Sansa as Catelyn looked back and forth confused.
"Maybe two weddings, one in the Faith of the Seven one before the old Gods." offered Sam "Many royal couples have had two weddings, one private one more public."
"Excuse me, but weren't you worrying about the dead last night?" inquired Catelyn some slight anger in her voice as everyone else looked at her somewhat confused.
"Ah…Lady Stark, Lord John Stark seems to have taken practice from Lord Commander Mormont and that has been adopted by this court as well." Explained Measter Aemon, in a reasonable tone, in fact it somewhat sounded like a grandfather explaining something to a child. "When at table, war is not discussed, and instead other items are discussed to get one's mind off the subject for a little bit of time. It helps free the mind and allows it to focus on other issues and it is hoped that when the mind relaxes a bit the best answer for the real problem can be found."
"A wise, move if I should say so myself." Confirmed Tyrion "I mean yes talking about weddings is political, but it isn't the threat from the North."
"Agreed." Confirmed Sansa as she broke some bread before eyeing her mother. "However if you want to know…then I guess we will have to break that normal for this morning at least."
"Aye." Confirmed Daenerys as everyone shifted a bit and it got more serious.
"The Night King has reformed the Land Bridge destroyed by the Children of the Forest between Northern Essos and Northern Westeros. At least some of his army is on that side of the world, searching for Dragons." Stated Sansa "Once he finds one or worse of all more then one, he will be able to break through the wall and unleash his army upon us all."
"He has and likely will again increase his army to such a point that it is larger then before." Added Tyrion "If reports from your son Bran is correct, he already has a few wyrimns which while not as powerful as a Dragon would still be a major threat."
"At least we are letting the Free Folk and the Giants through the Wall, so they will not be added to his army." Added Samwell which caused Catelyn's eyes to widen.
"You are letting the Wildlings and Giants through the Wall?" inquired Catelyn not believing what she was hearing.
"Yes, they have already been gifted the Gift by Royal degree and as long as they keep the Queen's peace South of the Wall they do not have to swear loyalty to me." Added Daenerys "However we do hope some of the choice to stay, House Thenn has already bent the knee and married Lady Karastark. We hope that their close relationship with the Giants bring them as well to our side."
"You have no right to…" started Catelyn before stopping as she noticed everyone eyeing her.
"If you must know Mother, I was the one who proposed the idea of having House Thenn bend the knee in return for Land and the old seat of Queen's Crown. If the Giants should bend the knee as well, then part of if not all of the Northern Mountains within the Gift." Added Sansa "Over a thousand giants and 300 mammoths require a lot of space."
"A thousand Giants?" inquired Catelyn, she was no warrior but even she knew that a thousand giants and 300 mammoths would be a deadly force.
"Yes." Confirmed Sansa "Just like it was my idea to give Jon his own seat and a Lord in his own right."
Catelyn blinked as she looked at her daughter.
"The Dreadfort is now Jon's seat." added Tyrion "Truth be told, I don't know how much time he will spend there, but a King Consort needs a seat of his own and a younger son or daughter of his and our grace will hold it as Bannermen to House Stark."
"As long as he changes the name that is, I want all trace of House Bolton gone." Stated Sansa with fire in her voice.
"Still getting the free folk South of the Wall is important and then reinforcing the defenses we have there." Stated Tyrion
"In that, I bring good news." Added a new voice, as Varys the Spider walked into the hall, dressed in thick but fine furs. "My contacts in King's Landing as already begun the task I have set forward to them and with luck the first shipment should be leaving King's Landing soon if they haven't already."
"Good, make sure Lord Manderley takes care with the cargo." Added Daenerys
"I have already sent a warning." Confirmed Varys as Daenerys nodded her head.
"What cargo?" inquired Catelyn
"My Father's madness may come to our aid." explained Daenerys
"It may indeed." Confirmed Varys as he looked at Lady Stark. "Few know that the Mad King placed cashes of Wildfire all under King's Landing, he started doing this decades before the rebellion and they have sat undisturbed all this time. With careful planning we are secretly unloading them and bringing them North, first to White Harbor and then up here to Winterfell and then the Wall. The first cog should be leaving King's Landing soon, with the stash from Under the Sept of Baelor with many more to follow."
Catelyn's eyes where wide as she looked around the table, all of the people here where loyal to the Dragon Queen and they commanded the entire North and they were getting stronger. A cog full of Wildfire had destroyed Stannis' fleet and left him open to Tywin and the Tyrell attack. If Daenerys had a cog full of Wild Fire on top of two dragons meant she had another leg up on Robb and this was the 1st of Seven knows how many cogs full of Wild Fire.
The doors to the great hall opened once again as an armored knight walked in, his armor wasn't white, but he wore a white cloak with the standing bear of house Mormont on it. Catelyn's eyes widened as she recognized the exiled Knight Jorah Mormont.
"Ser Jorah, please be seated." said Daenerys with a smile.
"Thank you, your grace." said Jorah as he sat at the end of the table, as he did a servant brought a plate of food and a drink forward, Jorah thanked him before turning back to Daenerys. "The extra chains and ropes are being prepared now."
"Good." said Daenerys as she looked at Tyrion. "I still wish we didn't have to risk the journey on Dragon back but we need to move fast, time is short."
"Agreed, we are taking the risk for sure We can't afford to lose him your grace that is for sure but the sooner he gets down there the better." confirmed Tyrion
"And he has agreed this is the best way." added Sansa her voice also filled with concern.
"Lose who?" inquired Catelyn
"Bran is leaving for the Isle of Faces today." announced Sansa as Catelyn's eyes widened. "He will be leaving on Dragon back with Queen Daenerys."
"NO…I will not lose my son again." Stated Catelyn and then she realized what her daughter had said. "The Isle of Faces?"
"Yes, the heart of the weirwood network and from there he will have the best chance to find out how we can contain the Night King." Added Daenerys "Because that is another thing we learned…the Night King can't be killed but he can be trapped and imprisoned. Unless we find how they did it in the past we can not win and Bran is the key to finding that information. So he will be flying South with me along with one of the children of the forest to the isle of faces."
"No…I will not let Bran leave." stated Catelyn as fear of losing her middle boy filled her mind, she spoke with both fear and force in her voice. She was used to having people, most of all people within this hall respect her orders because outside of her husband she was the most powerful person in Winterfell, maybe even in the North. She wasn't that anymore.
"Lady Stark." Stated Sansa with force in her voice, not even calling her mother instead calling her Lady Stark. "You have no power here and as long as Bran accepts the risks and is willing to go, he will leave with her grace after we finish our breakfast. I recommend you go talk to him, he should be in the Godswood."
Catelyn blinked before pushing back from the table and leaving the room. Once gone Sansa let out a sigh before shaking her head.
"I am starting to wonder if Arya is right and this isn't our mother, our mother died in the Red Wedding, she should be able to see why this needs to be done." Admitted Sansa
"I am sure she does." stated Tyrion "However a mother's love can overpower logic and reason."
"I can't fault her." added Varys "She believed that her boys where dead and one is leaving before she even spoke to him again. Anyone would act the same."
"Agreed." Confirmed Daenerys as she looked down at her food, she was already full but decided to press forward in eating more because once she was done then it would be time for her, Bran and this Leaf to leave. So she ate more and slowly on top of that to give Catelyn more time with her son. "So we were talking about where to have Jon and I royal wedding when the time comes."
"If your grace wants a blend of the North and the South then Winter Sept in White Harbor may be best." Advised Measter Aemon as Daenerys looked at him as long as everyone else. "I saw it when I was coming North with Blood Raven all those years ago to join the watch. If memory serves the Sept has a heart tree in the middle."
"He is right." confirmed Sansa mentally hitting herself for not thinking of it sooner. White Harbor was a blend of Northern and Southern cultures and when the Manderley's had built a grand sept they had found a heart tree and built around it with a crystal roof to allow sunlight to fill the sept. "It may be perfect for our uses and one of the Most Devout of the Faith is there, it isn't the high septon but more then acceptable."
"House Manderley will have to be brought into the talks but it should be seen as a great honor for a royal wedding to happen in White Harbor…most of all if the crown pays for it." Added Tyrion "It is the best answer we have at the moment."
"Something Jon and I will have to talk about next time we get a moment." Said Daenerys "Personally I want to wait until after we find out if Robb will bend the knee or not."
The reason for that was two fold, Jon would want Robb there for sure and so would Deanarys however having the former King of the North and the River Lords along with Lords of the North and Vale would look all the better.
Catelyn knew the way and she quickly found herself stepping into the Godswood, she moved passed the ancient pine trees and oak trees toward the heart of the Godwoods and some say the heart of Winterfell, the Heart Tree. She found Bran sitting before the tree but he wasn't alone the half dozen children of the forest where there as well. Somewhere talking to him while others were running back and forth between him and a large oak tree which now had hammock made from ropes and levels. They were not alone, standing guard directly behind Bran was her brother-in-law Benjen and surrounding the clearing was Stark and other Northern men and a few women, likely Wilding Spear Wives. A measter she has never seen before sat by the tree as well with a quill and parchment.
"Really, the Measter's of the Citadel theorized that the sea of Dorn was once livable land and it flooded when sea levels rose destroying the arm of Dorn." Stated the Measter
"Your Measters are mistaken somewhat, when we broke the arm the rush of sea water from the Southern Ocean filled the lowlands which is now this Sea of Dorn." Stated a child of the forest. "Like when a bunch of sticks is removed from a blocked stream, water rushes forward."
"Ah…Lady Stark." Said Bran as he turned his head slightly and looked at her. "I was wondering if you would see me before I headed South."
"Bran." Said Catelyn with tears in her eyes as she moved forward and gave him a hug. Bran allowed this and even placed a hand on her back. He waited while she let some of her tears out, he had expected that and as he expected she pulled back and looked at him. She had caught a look of him at the council meeting the other night but only a glance. "You have gotten bigger."
"A natural process of growing older." added Bran in a monotone voice. "You are concerned about me going South on Dragon back, however the risk needs to be taken. Besides, I have flown before, not in this body but in the body of Ravens."
Catelyn did not know how to answer, she didn't understand. Bran smiled as his eyes rolled back in his head causing Catelyn's heart to stop, she reached out to grab him only to have multiple ravens all land between her and her son. One pecked at her outstretched hand causing her to jump back.
"Don't worry, Catelyn he is fine." reassured Benjen "Look at the Raven's eyes."
Catelyn had no idea why she would have to look at the Raven's eyes but she did and noticed that all the Raven's had white eyes, the same as Bran.
"By the Seven…." whispered Catelyn as Bran's eyes turned back to normal as did the Raven's and they flew away.
"Sorry about pecking you mother, but it had to be done." added Bran "Just as what I have to do has to be done. It would be safer and my own personal preference to travel south by wagon, but we don't have the time to waste with an overland travel. He is already sending some of his forces toward the Wall and while they will not get there in time to stop the passage of the Free Folk, he will come with a much stronger force."
"The Saddle is being equipped with additional chains and a leg restraint of Lord Tyrion's own design to aid in keeping you in the saddle." Added Benjen "My concern is how will you move once you reach the Isle of Faces, we can't fit your wheelchair on the dragon."
"We will handle that." stated Leaf as she looked at the chair. "We can make one for him with ease."
"Bran…I don't want you to go." stated Catelyn "I don't understand."
"I know you don't." added Bran "It is hard to explain, hopeful Sansa will be able to help you with that but even she doesn't know all."
"Lord Stark." said a new voice as Catelyn turned to see Daenerys, Sansa and the rest of the people she had broke her fast with coming toward them. "It is time to go."
"No…" whispered Catelyn
"I must go mother." Stated Bran
"Queen Daenerys." interrupted Benjen as Catelyn hoped for a moment that her brother-in-law would stop this. She watched as Benjen moved forward and got down on one knee before her. "I have a task to defend the Raven and the children of forest, however the former Raven Benjen River gave me an additional task before I left him."
Daenerys raised an eyebrow as did everyone else as Benjen pulled his sword, the guards leaped forward as Daenerys prepared to fall back however Benjen made no attempt to come forward instead he rested the sword on his palms and offered it up to her. Everyone one of them knew the dark rippling color of Valyrian steel. The crossbar had a bright red jewel in the center with two smaller jewels at the end of each crossbar. The handle was thin and narrow but wrapped in fine leather and the pommel had another jewel a red jewel inlayed in the mouth of a black dragon's head.
"Is that?" inquired Daenerys
"Yes…" confirmed Benjen
"By the Seven…it's Dark Sister." said Tyrion as Daenerys reached out and wrapped her hand around the sword of Visenya Targaryen sister and wife to Aegon the Conquer, a sword which had been in her family for hundreds of years before they even came to Westeros, the Sword of Queens.
Slowly Daenerys lifted the sword up and began to inspect it, she knew little about swords but she could tell this was an amazing sword and somehow it felt good to have something of her families back in her hands. They had sold her mother's crown and jewels for food when she and her brother lived on the streets so she had never had anything that was of her families until the Dragons but they were different. She remembered how Jon had helped her with her armor the first time and how she had said she needed a sword.
"Jon said I needed a sword and I couldn't have asked for a better one." announced Daenerys as she looked at Benjen who had stood up and undid the scabbard from his belt and offered it as well to Daenerys. The scabbard was black leather with gold bands holding it together and a metal red three headed dragon on it. "Thank you."
"I am only returning what is yours by right." stated Benjen before he turned back to Bran, Catelyn and the children of the forest. "I believe it is time to go."
Jaime Lannister stood on the deck of the massive galley as it headed out of King's Landing into the Blackwater Bay. He was not looking at the rising sun like some sailors tended to do, instead he was looking back at the King's Landing and the Red Keep on Aegon's High Hill. He had not slept all night, he had told his story to the High Septon, Oberyn and this Illyrio Mopatis who seemed to be friends with Varys. He had held nothing back, he admitted all his sins and everything which had happened to him. He could see that the High Septon did not fully believe him and was sickened when he admitted sleeping with his own twin sister. He did not believe the story about Jon either then Illyrio had presented the journal from the previous High Septon which told of the marriage between Rhaegar and Lyanna. Since this High Septon had been close friends with the late High Septon he knew his handwriting and even added that Rhaegar's men had come for him the morning before the journal was dated. Oberyn wasn't pleased to hear that Rhaegar had tossed his sister aside to run off with some Northern she wolfs. He had threatened that Dorne would never bend the knee to the offspring of a broken promise like Jon however when Jaime had explained that Daenerys not Jon would sit the throne and that part of the condition for House Lannister's surrender was for those who had killed his sister to be brought to justice he allowed that he would entertain the idea but he wanted to meet these two would be rulers. Oberyn could not just leave King's Landing that would be noted at once and neither could the High Septon. So Oberyn would send word to his brother and the High Septon would send someone he trusted with Jaime.
"You seam troubled?" said the man beside Jaime as Jaime looked at this man who wore the cloth of silver of one of the Most Devout of the Faith.
"Septon Torbert." Said Jaime as he looked at the older man, Septon Torbert was a major player on among the Most Devout and more importantly he was the uncle of the current Lord of Oldtown Leyton Hightower. "I have a lot to be concerned about."
"The cargo holds full of wild fire in the hold of this ship for one." added Torbert "I must admit when the High Septon told me of your story and the wild fire I didn't believe it however seeing them remove the last of the barrels from the chamber and certain parts of your tale I being to believe that it has some truth."
"What parts?" inquired Jaime
"That Olenna would poison a king to help her granddaughter." stated Torbert "I have known Olenna since we were young, I was actually once considered a possible match for her but I joined the faith and there were two other contenders for her hand, a Targaryen and a Tyrell, so the 3rd son of house Hightower wasn't considered. Additionally, I never liked her, too underhanded in my view. Aye I could see her poisoning a King to get what she wanted."
"And she is a model of goodness compared to my sister." added Jaime
"And yourself." added Torbert "It is a sin for brother and sister to lie together…only the Targaryens can get away with that due to the doctrine of exception and that is because of their Valyrian blood. It is said in the Seven-Pointed Star that all who break that rule is destined for one of the circles of hell."
"I know…I have expected what will happen to me afterward." stated Jaime
"Then maybe you have a chance, to save yourself." added Torbert as he put his hands behind his back as Jaime turned and look at him confused. "If this time travel story is true, then the Seven must have allowed it to happen and if that is the case maybe you can earn forgiveness in the eyes of the Father above because it is also written the same book that the Father can forgive all sins if one earns his forgiveness."
"Nothing I do can earn that." stated Jaime as he looked back at the Red Keep
"Maybe not, but maybe you can earn a less painful one of the seven hells." Stated Torbert as the sail caught the wind and began to pick up speed.
Jon had woken before dawn and did what he did almost every morning, he cleaned his armor and put fresh oil on Longclaw. He did not have to sharpen Longclaw because of the Valyrian Steel. He was cooking his breakfast of salted pork, eggs and some black bread when suddenly a young boy of maybe 14 appeared on breast of his tunic was the broken wagon wheel of house Waynwood.
"Ah…Roland correct?" inquired Jon remembering he had agreed to take Roland Waynwood, the son of Ser Morton Waynwood as his temporary squire.
"Yes…sorry your grace…forgive me I should have been here sooner to clean your armor and…." Started Roland as Jon smiled and used his dagger to spear a piece of salted pork from the skillet which on a small cooking plate.
"Don't worry about it." stated Jon "But drop your grace…I am no King and even once I am married to Queen Daenerys I will likely still go by Lord Jon Stark so you can call me Lord Stark or Lord Jon."
Jon would have liked it better to be called Jon but he knew he couldn't do that. He took a few bites of his food and looked around. Other Vale Knights and Lords where just now getting up, their squires rushing around to prepare meals, most of the meals where far more elaborate than his simple pork, eggs and bread with a little bit of mead to wash it down. He didn't add pepper, other spices or the like which was common for high borns and knights.
"Yes, Ser." said Morton
"I am no knight either." added Jon as he stood up. "Follow me."
Morton nodded and followed Jon away from the tents toward where the common men-at-arms and other fighting men where encamped. Jon began to walk among the men talking with them and asking them about their lives. He answered a few questions, how best to take down a man with an ax and shield. Jon showed him and moved on and as he did, more and more men rallied around him. These where not the high lords, somewhere landed knights aye, some hedge knights, others where simple men-at-arms and spear men which would have been more at home farming fields then on the march. As he moved among them more and more of them came out. Once he was done he walked back toward where the high lords where finishing their meal.
"Tell me Morton…why did I do that?" inquired Jon as he looked at the young future lord of one of the great houses in the Vale. The sound of some training could be heard as some Lords and Knights got in a quick session before mounting up for the ride.
"No idea, Lord Stark." admitted Morton "They are just common folks, the morning would have been better spent training or the like, you are the best Swordsman in the North maybe even all of Westeros, I could learn so much from you."
"Go get my horse ready." ordered Jon as the young future lord rushed to carry out his orders. Once he was off Jon shook his head as he rested his hand on Longclaw's pummel, he had feared that this young future lord would not get what he was trying to teach him on the 1st day. "Maybe in a few days he will get the lesson."
Within twenty minutes Jon was mounted up and off riding with the Vanguard, as they headed out small detachments where being sent out to go back to their homeland to inform every one of the events which had taken place. Above the army Rhaegal flew a living symbol to back up their story. Within days, he knew all the Vale would know of the army now marching toward the Giant's Lance and the Erie. What would happen next was Jon's biggest fear, would the Vale rise up in an attempt to fight them, he didn't know
To the west and south, Jon's cousin Robb had not broken camp yet on the march to Riverrun. While the bulk of his men where already on the move he had summoned a council of his highest lords and advisors to discuss what had happened with his sister.
"A man has some questions?" inquired Edmure Tully as he looked at the other lords and the few ladies. "Who speaks like that?"
"People from Lorath." answered Talisa Stark as she looked at these Lords and Ladies, she was no Lady by their standards, she didn't grow up in wealth like them. She was the daughter of a trader, she was a free woman in Voltinies where 9 out of 10 where slaves but she was still a foreigner who had married their King. "People from Lorath speak like that."
"Someone from Lorath here?" inquired Lady Mormont as she crossed her arms over her chest "Why would someone from Lorath be here? Unless he was hired by some Riverland lord as a sell sword?"
"Lorathly are not known for their fighting." Added Lord Mallister of Seaguard. "My King…you said he spoke of Bravos and a House?"
"Yes…a House of White and Black. Not sure what it means." Stated Robb as he put his hand under his chin. He was standing beside Talisa who tensed up, as realization hit her. "There was also a much talk about faces and death."
Talisa spoke under her breath in her native Volantian which caused a few people to look at her.
"Is there something wrong?" inquired Robb
"Was it the house of Black and White? Not White and Black?" inquired Talisa as she looked at Robb, she wasn't used to speaking in front of these Lords and Ladies. She was the daughter of a trade's man who owned his own ship, a single small ship. She was expected to marry another trader not a King and wasn't used to being before all these Lords and Ladies. She was fine with adding information here and there but not being the focus of attention, which she was now. "And was it Him of Many Faces or the Many Face God?"
"Yes…" confirmed Robb as Talisa with a gulp, fear on her face.
"The Many Face God is the God of the Faceless Men." announced Talisa even if the Lords and Ladies had never heard of the Many Face God, they had all heard of the master assassin's based out of Bravos.
"And the House of Black and White is there Temple, my father told me about it when he came back from a trading mission to Bravos." explained Talisa with a gulp before looking at Robb. "That man from Lorath may have not been from Lorath but was in fact a Faceless man…"
"A Faceless Men." said Robb as he looked at his lords, he raised his cup as one of the many servers came forward and filled his cup. He took a drink, not wanting to believe it. "I don't believe it, there would be no faceless men in this army and if there was why would he be interested in Arya."
"Because a girl was trained by them." Said the server as all eyes turned to the girl who had just filled Robb's cup. She raised her hand grabbing her jawline and then before everyone the flesh was pulled away as the nameless severing woman and camp follower was replaced by Arya. She even had her sword Needle on her hip, she grinned as she looked at the stunned look on all of their faces. "A girl could have slipped something into your drink and killed you…however you are lucky, because a girl isn't no one a girl is Arya Stark and she has no interest in ending your life at the moment at least."
"You're a faceless man?" inquired the Black Fish not believing what he was seeing.
"I have been trained by them, however I couldn't become no one and become a true faceless man." stated Arya "I earned my freedom after that."
"How does one earn freedom from the Faceless men?" inquired a Lord
"By killing a Faceless Men, they send after you and accepting a deal." stated Arya "I can use the gifts taught to me by the followers of the many face-god but I cannot teach them, if I do then everyone in my family will be killed off along with whomever I taught. However, I could kill you and so many others within a few moments, but we are wasting time, the sooner we get to Riverrun the sooner this can be done and we can face the real enemy."
She turned and started to walk away only to stop when Robb spoke.
"Arya…how many men have you killed?" inquired Robb as Arya turned and looked at him.
"Not counting the wights, hard to say one shouldn't count the lives taken in service of him of many faces…." stated Arya with a shrug "But that isn't a good enough answer is it…I first killed a stable boy in King's Landing, then…"
"A number." commanded Robb with force in his voice, it was Eddard's voice and Arya had to respect it but she didn't have to obey it.
"How many have you killed, Robb?" inquired Arya
"26." answered Robb as Arya looked at him stone face.
"I killed more in one day when I poison and ended House Frey killing the entire male line, watching them die in the great hall where they had killed my brother and mother was most enjoyable. Altogether, I have sent around 70 men to meet him of many faces. Not sure if some of them count anymore considering they are alive again or Jon killed them with Dragon Fire…I will have to think on that." stated Arya as she looked at the other Lords all of whom had a look of fear, this little girl had killed around 70 men. "Not that it really matters, I will see you all on the march."
With that Arya left and headed toward where the horses where being kept.
"We have a faceless man in the camp." stammered Lord Tully with the same fear in his voice which everyone was feeling.
"And a faceless men loyal to a Queen whom we are in a semi-state of war with." added the Blackfish the fear they all felt went up even more.
"My Sister is a Faceless man and a murder." whispered Robb not sure what to do next.
Sansa stood by the battlements of Winterfell just taking in the fresh air and a few moments of peace, she had been in so many meetings to prepare the North for what was coming. She grinned a little to herself, on some levels she had done more for the war effort then either Daenerys, Jon or anyone else for that matter. She was no military leader and she could not inspire people like Daenerys could, or wield a sword like Jon could, however she had learned the game of thrones well under little Finger and she was using those skills now. Giving the Free Folk land in the New Gift was a master stroke, it would settle long abounded land and even if a small percentage stayed after the war it would be all the better for the North. She had sent orders to focus on preparing for the defense of the North, making spears and training of women and girls to fight be it with a spear, sword or bow. That sort of order wouldn't have been followed below the Neck, even above it would cause issue, but many lords had come back with them and they knew what was coming for them. So that order would be followed.
Other orders ranged from cutting down extra firewood, to storing more food for winter and of course preparing defenses. Already a new moat was being dug around Winterfell, it was only about knee high at the moment, but it was underway. The dirt was being carried by carts a good two leagues to the North to form a small mount. In time a watch tower with a beacon light would be raised there to provide early warning. Other mounds where being raised around Winterfell in a great semi-circle, an early warning. The process was going much faster now then it was when they tried to dig in frozen ground in the middle of Winter, add to that a large percentage of the men and women who where digging had taken part in the battle of Winterfell, they knew what they faced.
"Sansa?" inquired Catelyn as Sansa turned and looked at her mother with a smile on her face.
"Mother…how are you doing?" inquired Sansa with warmth in her voice, which caused Catelyn to smile.
"I have been better." Stated Catelyn "I am having trouble understanding all of this."
"I don't fault you for that." confirmed Sansa as Catelyn moved up to stand beside her older daughter. "I find it hard to believe it myself, however I have seen so much that this while hard to believe is still believable."
"So I died in your time?" inquired Catelyn
"Yes, you died at the Twins and I found out about it in King's Landing, Tyrion told me by then I had been forced to marry him." Explained Sansa as Catelyn's eyes widened which caused Sansa to look at her for a moment. "You didn't know that? Well Tyrion was the best Husband I had, he didn't force me and we never actually consummated the marriage…unlike."
"Ramsay." said Catelyn as Sansa shot her a look, a look which could kill but also with a questioning look as well. "Jon…warned me about what he did."
"Well he is dead now…and I will always have one good memory about him." Stated Sansa before smiling "When I feed alive him to his dogs…that was so satisfying."
Catelyn gulped and looked at her daughter in fear, she didn't want to believe that her daughter, her perfect lady who sang so beautiful in high valerian and knew how to play the bells and the high harp could murder someone. To feed someone to a pack of hungry dogs was the work of a cruel monster, yet her daughter was proud of it.
"But you don't want to hear about that, do you." finished Sansa as she put her arms behind her back.
"I just want to get to know you." admitted Catelyn as Sansa smiled.
"I want to know you as well Mother, so much has changed over the years since you died and I am no longer that little girl you sent South those years ago." Explained Sansa "So much as happened, I don't know where to…"
"Lady Stark." interrupted a voice as both Sansa and Catelyn looked to a see a woman walking toward them, the woman was wearing commoner's cloths, but she approached like she knew Sansa.
"Gilly or should I call you Lady Tarly." laughed Sansa in a friendly tone as Catelyn's eyes widened, this women as Lady Tarly.
"Gilly, Lady Stark…" corrected Gilly "We are waiting a bit, Sam wants Jon to be there and so do I."
"Then you call me Sansa at the moment at least." Stated Sansa with a smile "How are you doing?"
"I am doing well…helping with all the children keep me busy and Sam is helping Measter Aemon." explained Gilly "I have some news, the workers have finished prepared the first cremation pile."
"I see…" said Sansa with a sigh as Catelyn looked at her daughter confused. "I guess as Lady of Winterfell I need to be there."
"I thought you would want to be there." confirmed Gilly as both women turned and began to walk side by side toward the outer yard. The two women were talking as if they were friends yet, one was dressed in fine furs and leathers while the other wore wool and undyed cloth. Catelyn was trying to figure out who this woman was, her daughter had called her Lady Tarly but that was impossible the women had a northern accent and looked like a commoner. Tarly was one of the most powerful and ancient houses in the Reach, there was no way this woman was a Tarly.
"How are you doing?" inquired Sansa as they headed toward the old yard, which sat by the old keep at the far southern end of Winterfell.
"I am starting to get sick in the morning but it is alright and this place is a lot nicer then North of the Wall and both Measters are very helpful with potions to aid me." explained Gilly as Catelyn blinked more, at the comment of North of the Wall. This woman was a savage wildling. "I hate to be a burden but Sam and I were wondering what will happen to us, I don't think I will be welcomed in the South and Sam's father…"
"Well I must admit the council hasn't talked about it that but considering everything you have nothing to worry about." reassured Sansa "Hell if the South will not take you, there is more than enough land in the North."
"Lady Stark." said a man in Stark armor outside the gate which lead toward the walled off old yard, he opened the gate allowing the three women to pass. Catelyn eyes widened as she saw the large amount of wood stacked almost knee high across the entire yard. Sitting on top of these mounds of wood where hundreds of bodies. Some still had flesh on them, some nothing but skin and bone, some whore the remains of armor others nothing at all.
"By the Seven…" exclaimed Catelyn as Sansa looked her Uncle Benjen who was watching over the dead.
"Is this all of them?" inquired Sansa
"No, the…teams are still trying to go through the caved in parts of the catacombs." answered Benjen as Catelyn eyes widened. The catacombs under Winterfell where full of the dead of House Stark going back to when Winterfell was founded, the lowest levels had caved in before Aegon the Dragon had come almost 300 years ago.
"I would ask if you wanted to burn them but…" said Sansa looking at her undead Uncle
"I would burn myself." Confirmed Benjen with a small laugh. "And that will kill me again."
"You are burning the dead of house Stark?" inquired Catelyn confused and sickened by the idea, to burn a body was seen as unholy in the faith of the Seven. The Targaryens had done it because of their Valerian blood and the faith had said they where allowed to because of that. Just as they where able to marry into their family to keep the Blood of the Dragon Pure.
"So they don't rise again, yes." confirmed Sansa as she remembered how the dead had come out form their graves to attempt to kill them. "We are emptying the catacombs and the graveyards…the only ones who aren't getting burned yet is Father's bones and Aunt Lyanna. We are waiting for Jon and Robb for that."
Catelyn didn't know how to answer that, but before she could say anything more Ser Brienne walked up to them with an unlit torch in her hands. She handed it to Sansa, before using a flint and dagger to light it. All around where other men and women where lighting torches, once Brienne had light up her torch, she grabbed two more, handing one to Ser Jorah Mormont who had just walked into the yard. It seemed like everyone was coming to pay respects to the ancient dead of House Stark. Tyrion Lannister moved to stand on the staircase which lead to the top of the wall which ran around the old yard.
"It is time." Announced Sansa as she looked around at everyone who had gathered. "May these brave men and women, who have long ago left this world understand why we had to do this and forgive us burning their bodies so that they do not rise again. Let us pray to whatever gods or god we find comfort in that these souls return to their peaceful slumber."
With that Sansa moved forward and alight the nearest pile, while all around men and women where lighting up the edges of the grand funeral pile. Some threw their torches into the center mass of wood and with all the oil and the dried wood it caught fire at once sending a giant black plume of smoke into the air. It was a sign of things to come, ravens had flown to every Castle and Keep in the North, dig up the dead and burn them before they could rise again.
To his South a cup smashed against a wall breaking into tiny shards of glass, only the golden lion and silver stag which had been used to hold the glass remained in a state of semi-use but the Myrish glass was destroyed. The Harbor Gold wine which had been in the glass a few moments earlier now ran down the wall and pooled on the floor. The man who had thrown the glass was still on his feet as he scanned the others who sat at the table before him, before his eyes shot up to a man dressed in white plate armor with a heavy snow white cloak around his shoulders.
"What do you mean he is gone!" yelled Joffrey at the top of his lungs. "He was in a cell, wasn't he? How could you lose him!"
"No…your grace per the orders of the Hand he was confined to an apartment in the tower of the hand with six guards outside his door and at every landing in the tower." Explained one of his King's Guard, more then happy to push the anger of his King toward someone else, even if it was the Hand of the King. "More guards were also around the tower none saw him or anyone else, my King…the only likely answer is a hidden passage of some kind."
"Why…wasn't he in black cell!" yelled Joffrey as he turned to his grandfather and Hand of the King who sat at the head of the small council table. At the moment it was only the two of them along with Queen Cersei, Grand Measter Pycelle, Lord Petyr Baelish and Lord Mace Tyrell. Lady Margaery and Lady Olenna had been excluded from this meeting because they were busy making preparations for the wedding.
"He is your Uncle my King." Stated Tywin
"And a traitor!" snapped Joffrey at his grandfather. Before any more could yell again, a knock at the door caused his eyes to turn toward it.
"Enter." ordered Tywin as the doors opened as two Lannister guards stepped in and allowed a man dressed in Northern armor. Black leathers with a thick fur cloak, made out of wolf's fur and mud stained riding boots, on his armor was the flayed man of House Bolton. The man's ice blue eyes scanned the room as he went down on one knee.
"My King." greeted Lord Roose Bolton, Lord of the Dreadfort and historically the main rival to House Stark. Some would argue that House Bolton was the second most powerful house in the North, however that title in truth belonged to House Manderley but they where too loyal to House Stark to be a true rival, so that honor fell to House Bolton.
"Arise." ordered Joffrey "You have come to declare your loyalty to the crown and the true King of the Seven Kingdoms, correct."
"Correct." stated Roose Bolton as he studied the people around the table. "My army is yours to command my King as long as agreed conditions are meet."
"And what conditions are those." added Joffrey his eyes narrowing.
"A pardon for his crimes, declared warden of the North and legitimization of his bastard son." explained Tywin, he had already agreed to all these terms and it was overall a small price to pay.
"A small price to pay." Stated Joffrey "Very well…"
"Forgive me my King and Lord Hand however I have received word that my bastard son was killed in a hunting accident outside the Dreadfort and my new wife was killed at the Twins when a dragon attacked it." explained Roose with detachment in his voice. He had married the Frey girl for money and was all to happy to see her dead, he had already been paid and all it cost him was a night in bed he would rather forget. "I would request that instead of legitimization for my now departed son, a new bride of noble birth could be arrange, one who could give me true heirs to rule the North in your name for all time."
Tywin thought for a moment, on the surface this was a simple request and there was no reason not to accept it however he could see that an alliance with House Bolton and a major house in the South could be an issue.
"Accepted." stated Joffrey before Tywin could stop him. "However, I need something else from you."
"What more do you wish?" added Roose
"I need your council, you know the traitorous boy Robb better than anyone here." Stated Joffrey, calling Robb a boy when he was actually older by a few years then Joffrey himself. "I want you on my small council."
Tywin eyes widened, he was going to offer the Red Viper a seat on the Council not that anyone most of all Lord Mace Tyrell knew that, adding a Northsmen to the council wasn't needed and there was little aid that Roose could give them. He knew this, but his grandson didn't.
"I gladly accept." Stated Roose as he moved and sat beside Cersei who looked at him with some revolution. "My men, currently hold the Ruby Ford, Harrenhal and crossroads where the King's Road, River Road and High Road all meet."
"Good, glade to see someone isn't sitting on their ass and is doing something." Stated Joffrey as he eyed his grandfather.
"Yes, your Grace, last word I got was that this force under a Dragon Queen is pushing down from the Twins toward the crossroads and I have ordered if press for the forces there to fall back." added Roose as Joffrey glared at him, he had just complement him. "The ford is far more important than some crossroads and my men have been ordered to burn everything if they have to pull out, leaving nothing but ash for our enemy."
"Very well." Stated Joffrey as he walked around the table and sat down at the other end of the table, opposite of his father with Baelish to his right and Roose Bolton to his left. "I grow tired of waiting around…we need to go on the offensive."
"But my King the wedding." Started Mace "All the preparations…all the…"
"Time is not on our side, my Lord." countered Baelish before turning to look at his King. "My King, word is that the traitor Lord Robb is gathering his forces at Riverrun and there he will let his Lords and Ladies decide if they want to bend the knee to the Dragon Queen. If the Riverlands, Vale and North all bend the knee to her she may have the forces needed to launch a direct attack on King's Landing and with two dragons…"
"We need to crush the Northern Boys rebellion and then this Dragon Whore." Stated Joffrey "I will not wait any longer, we will march and crush them."
"My King, the wedding…." started Mace again.
"I will marry Lady Margaery before we march, no need to wait until the New Year." stated Joffrey with enough force to stop Mace talking and lean back in his chair. "That is just over a month off, a month…we can't wait. I will not wait."
"If we wait we can bring more forces to the attack, the armies forming at High Garden and at the Rock will be fully ready and we have three armies." stated Tywin "We will also have time to…."
"NO!" snapped Joffrey "No more waiting…I am King and we will go on the attack."
Tywin was clearly not pleased as he looked at Joffrey, he was 19 which made him a man grown and as such he was King in his own right however, he had always been able to control him.
"This is unwise, with three armies and time to prepare for the Dragons…." started Tywin
"No…I am tired of waiting and your cowardness, a King must be bold that is what my father always said and he didn't hide from Rhaegar Targaryen, no he killed him in single combat and ended the mad line of the dragons. I will not sit behind walls from a little girl and a boy wolf." Stated Joffrey "I am my father's son and I will show everyone that I am that."
"And your father died by a boar when he was foolish enough to go hunting drunk…one must be…" started Tywin trying to gain control of his grandson again, he failed again.
"Enough!" stated Joffrey as he slammed his hand on the table. "I have had enough of this, you keep holding me back Grandfather, keep me from being the King I need to be…"
"Joffrey…" started Cersei only to get a death glare from her son. The room was tense and then Joffrey stood up and looked at his grandfather.
"I will not sit and wait like you did when my father beat the Targaryens…I will prove I am my father's son and I can't do that with you as my Hand…" stated Joffrey "Lord Tywin Lannister you are hereby removed as Hand of King."
No one said a word, everyone looked around in stunned confusion, no one had expected this and none of them knew what to say. Finally, Baelish spoke up.
"My King…I agree we cannot wait however this is a folly, Lord Tywin is the best commander and…" started Baelish only to get a glare from the clearly mad King.
"I will not hear about it Lord Baelish, you will also marry that Aaryn widow and then command every loyal Vale men to join us in battle." stated Joffrey "They will ride out of the bloody gate and crush our enemy."
"My King, the Vale Lords do not love you they will…" started Baelish
"If they don't then their boy lord will die…" snapped Joffrey before turning back to his grandfather. "Now your badge of office."
Tywin just sat there glaring at his grandson.
"Your badge grandfather or should I call the King's Guard for another traitor to the crown and house Lannister." stated Joffrey "This time their will be now tower cell only the dark cells under the Red Keep."
"No need, your grace." Said Tywin as he removed his badge of hand of the King and placed it on the table.
"Your grace…we need a Hand of the King, if not Lord Tywin whom? You are a young King and…" inquired the Grand Measter
"If you want an experience hand then there is none better then the only man who defeated my father Lord Mace Tyrell." Stated Joffrey as surprise and shock filled everyone's face most of all Mace himself. Everyone knew that while Mace Tyrell had commanded the army which had defeated King Robert at the battle of Ashford, it was the Vanguard under Lord Randle Tyrell which had really defeated Robert. Mace's actions mostly was marching his large force to the field arrive too late to take part in the battle. Still as the higher Lord he got the credit.
"Your grace…I would be honored but…" started Mace
"You will have the office if you agree to push the marriage forward, we can hold the celebration of our victory on the new year's instead of the wedding." announced Joffrey, no one wanted to explain to him that the timetable he wanted was impossible.
"Very well…your grace." Said Mace not sure what else to say. "It will take some time to prepare the army…10 days or so."
"Very well…I will marry Lady Margaery in Seven days and then after I make a son in her we will march on the Wolf Boy at Riverrun afterwards I will crush the Dragon Whore and end this rebellion once and for all." proclaimed Joffrey with such ease as he believed simply announcing it would make it happen. "Now prepare the army Lord Tyrell and Grand Measter send ravens to every loyal castle and keep, anyone who sides with my enemies shall die even those of my blood, if my uncle Jaime is found his head is to be brought to me."
With that Joffrey stormed off leaving the entire small council in a state of shock and wondering what will happen next. Everyone knew that the entire Seven Kingdom was now in the hands of Joffrey and Mace who wouldn't stand up to the will of the boy king.
The Wind had been unnatural strong and unnaturally constant as the black rocky island came into view. Ser Davos Seaworth, former hand of the King to Stannis Baratheon, then hand of the King to Jon Snow and now master of ships to Queen Deanery's Targaryen stood on the Quarterdeck of the ship they had taken out of White Harbor.
"I didn't like this wind." Admitted the ships normal captain as he looked at the approaching island and the two dozen warships which flew the banners of Stannis Baratheon. Two of which were now turning toward them. "But I like this less."
"Do not fear." Said a female voice as Davos looked at Melisandre who had set up a small fire pit at the stern of the ship. Normally fire was the last thing a captain wanted on his ship, but Melisandre had forced it on them and she had taken precautions in the form of an iron plate and multiple buckets of water around the fire in case it got out of control. It never did but Melisandre had never left the side of the fire either, not sleeping for the entire journey.
"Raise the peace banners." Ordered Davos as Melisandre moved away from her fire and crossed her arms. The men rushed around raising a the seven pointed star peace banner from the top mast, however below that a black banner with a red heart surrounded by golden flames rose up as well. It was a perfect match to Stannis' own sigil expect it lacked the crown stag in the center of the heart. Flying from the stern where three more banners, house Stark, House Manderley and House Targaryen. "Let's hope we get in."
"Do not fear, we will." confirmed Melisandre and she was right. The two ships escorted them into the harbor which sat below the massive castle of Dragon Stone. There was an open dock and they made for it as a small force of Stannis's men formed up on the dock.
"I remember last time I was here, the harbor was full of Targaryen ships so much so that Jon's ship had no place to land so we had to anchor off shore." explained Davos as he looked at all the empty docks, he also remembered that the reason the docks where empty was because most of the ships where now at the bottom of the Black Water Rush.
"Things of changed, a King stands in the room of the painted table, a king both of us once swore to severed and now we must convince him to bend the knee to the real Prince that was Promise." Stated Melisandre "I fear for our task but with the aid of the Lord of Light we will have the power to carry out his will."
"And which one is that?" inquired Davos as Melisandre turned and looked at him, her impossible red hair and red eyes looking into his soul. "Is Jon your Prince or is Deanerys?"
"I do not know, maybe both." admitted Melisandre as the ship dropped ancher began to be tied off. On the dock, both of them could make out, Ser Imry Florent the younger brother to Queen Selyse Baratheon. "Both of them fit into the prophecy of the Prince that was Promise but neither of them fit fully into it fully."
"Well fire is never the same is it, maybe it is different this time around then it was last time." Offered Davos as Melisandre smiled.
"A very good point, Ser Davos fire is forever moving, forever changing and the Lord of Light has given us the chance to change our fate by sending us back." Stated Melisandre "We his servants must not fail him."
"I am a follower of the Seven and even then, it looks like the Old Gods and their magic is why we are back." Countered Davos, his faith in the Seven Gods remained strong however he had seen enough things to believe that maybe the Seven Gods where not alone and other powers were out there.
"Maybe you are right, there are many evil gods out there and only the Lord of Light is truthy good but it seems that those evil gods, the Old Gods and the Seven and so on all share a common enemy in the enemy beyond the Wall." Stated Melisandre which was a huge admission on her part. A lot of the Priest and Priestess who followed the Red God would burn her as a traitor for saying those words. "In the future, the Lord of Light will defeat them all but the largest enemy must be ended first and to do that we need to convince Stannis to bend the knee. I will pray to the Lord of Light and you to your Seven and lets hope it is enough."
"Aye…lets hope it is enough." Confirmed Davos
"Ser Davos…Lady Melisandre." Exclaimed Ser Imry Flourant as his eyes dart back and forth between the two of them, he clearly hadn't been expecting either of them and the banners that the ship flew only added to the confusion.
"We require to speak to King Stannis." Added Melisandre "The situation as changed and time is short."
They had to reach the castle which took time, going up the steep narrow steps and then through the massive gates before they even started the climb up to the highest tower where the room of the painted table was located. They found him there, his face stern and calculating as he studied the massive map of Westeros which Aegon the Conquer had ordered constructed over 300 years before. He wasn't alone, a few other lords mostly from House Flourant and the house of the Narrow Sea where there. It was a puny sight to behold, none of these houses commanded much power and everyone knew it.
"My grace…I!" starred out a man who had the badge of House Flourant on his chest.
"NO! I will never let my daughter marry a bastard…I will not surrender to a Bastard." Snapped Stannis as Davos and Melisandre shared a look. They knew what was going on, Stannis was turning down advise to offer to bend the knee to Joffrey, surrender his daughter as a hostage to be married to her cousin Tommen and in return Stannis would become the steward of Storm's End ruling it in name only and house Florant along with everyone else would be shown mercy. It had taken Davos and Melisandre to convince him to go first to Bravos to hire Sell swords and then to the Wall.
"Ser Davos…Lady Melisandre." said Stannis as he turned and looked at them, he studied Davos and Davos knew why, he could see that Stannis was trying to figure out how Davos could look so much older.
"I know I look older, Melisandre is older as well but she has magic so it doesn't seam that way." Added Davos as he put his hands behind his back. "Forgive me, but there is no easy way to say this but we are from about 5 years or so in the future…where you died in a battle outside of Winterfell and…."
"The true Prince that was Promise has been releveled and the true war for the dawn was fought and lost but we now have a second chance." Stated Melisandre as everyone eyes widened, she had personally converted most of the people in this room. Most of all the Queen who was standing by the window to help aid her family and possibly protect her daughter from a becoming a hostage.
"What…the Prince who was promise is before you…you said as much." Started Queen Selyse.
"I was wrong." admitted Melisandre "The Prince which was promise wasn't Lord Stannis but instead it is one of two people, possibly even both of them and both Ser Davos and I serve them."
"And who are they?" inquired Stannis his voice firm, he was the type of man you dealt with traitors with a sword and here Melisandre had just announced that they were traitors and that Stannis wasn't the Prince which was promise like she said he was.
"Queen Deanery's of House Targaryen, mother of Dragons and Queen of the Seven Kingdoms and her betrothed Lord Jon Stark trueborn son of Prince Rhaegal Targaryen and Lyanna Stark." announced Melisandre as everyone looked at each other somewhat confused.
"You know what happens to traitors." stated Stannis
"We do, we may loss our heads…but we must tell you our story and hopefully convince you of it." Stated Davos "For all my years…friendship and service to you…all I ask is that. That you listen to our words and hear us out."
"Very well." confirmed Stannis
"I recommend, we all sit down." advised Davos as Stannis let out a breath
"Yes…we shall and if I am not convinced then…" started Stannis his hand gripping his sword pummel. "I am afraid…as King you know what I must do."
"We do." confirmed Melisandre.
Well I hope you enjoyed this chapter; it is kind of a set up chapter for things to come later on. Now until next time please keep reading. Thanks Wilkins75.
