AN: So a few people mentioned that the chapter felt a bit rushed so I have rewritten it and replaced it with this. Half is the same but I have changed the last half. Hope you enjoy it.
Coming of the Red Anchor
Travelling
Mid 298AC
Somewhere
She woke slowly, her senses sluggishly returning to her as she stretched and shifted. She laid still, trying to remember what had happened. The last she recalled she had been in bed and then heard noises in the corridors of Illyrio's mansion. Then the door had burst open, startling her, and a man had stepped in wearing all black. He had raised something at her, she'd tried to call but then felt something strike her softly. She vaguely recalled looking down and seeing a needle or something in he chest before blacking out.
She laid there, trying to feel and hear where she was. The room shifted left to right before repeating and then tilting forward and back. She was on a ship, she recognised the feel of the sea and if she strained her ears she could hear the waves and choppiness of the ocean. So she knew where she was, the question now was who had taken her and why. Were they the Usurper's men? But surely they'd have just killed her unless the King wanted to do it himself? Where was her brother? She might dislike him him and everything but he was still her brother, where was he? Weirdly she was slightly glad not to be marrying that Drogo person, she just wanted to go home instead, maybe marry a handsome lord and live quietly while Viserys ruled. Equally she was scared and wanted answers.
She heard footsteps approaching and the creak of a floorboard. She glanced around the room before lying still in bed. The door opened slowly and with a slight creak from its hinges. "She awake yet?" came a gruff voice from the door way. It sounded Westerosi given what she'd heard from a few merchants.
"The drug should have worn off by now, she's likely just asleep still, poor thing" replied a second kinder voice. This one neither Westerosi or Essosi.
"As much as I dislike Targaryens even I wouldn't want to be involved with Dothraki, clearly the madness affected the boy. Good thing we left him behind. Think the girl might be mad, after all her father and two brothers clearly had it."
"Indeed, but our orders were to only rescue the girl. As for the madness…" she could almost picture the man shrugging. "Reports say she's just a kind scared girl. With a brother like Viserys I can't blame her. The fleet will be a safe quiet place for her to recover and learn" the non-westerosi said. The other man grunted.
"Lord Stark won't be happy if he finds out. The King either."
"They wont find out. Now leave the plate and cup, we have a few more weeks to travel." She heard one approach where she laid and place a tray down, on a table she presumed. With that done the two left, leaving her alone once more. Well, that was informative.
Time passed and she slowly looked about the solidly built but plain room. There was the bed she had slept in and two tables plus a cupboard. In all, nothing remarkable though a locked chest sat on one table which seemed to draw her in. Then came a knock at the door. "Come in" she said weakly. She wasn't sure if she wanted them to but clearly they could already so it was best to put a brave face on and greet them. In came an oddly dressed man with a sword at his hip and wearing a mix of leathers and armour.
"Hello Lady Daenarys, welcome aboard the Sea Wolf. I am Major Zack Cartwright, I command the marines who rescued you from Pentos. I serve House Britanican in its marine corps, you are safe here" the man said calmly in voice of the non-westerosi from before.
"Why?" was the only thing she could think to ask.
"Someone so young should not be married off. Indeed we don't like the idea of arranged marriages at all but we...adapted and have accepted the slight need" the man spoke slowly, clearly not happy with the circumstances. "We heard of what was going to occur and so we decided to liberate you from your unfortunate fate."
"Am I to go to the Usurper?"
"The King will not find out I promise you. You will live in hiding for now in a secure location but out of the way for anyone to notice. You will be fully briefed on what will occur when we arrive in Stoneyport. You are safe and I promise no harm shall befall you."
"Where are we currently?" she asked, curious to how far they'd come.
"Just passing the mouth of the Torrentine River in Dorne. We have been sailing, and with good winds too, for just over a week. It should take about another two at a guess maybe closer to three before we are home." She nodded gratefully at the answer.
"My brother?" Danny asked worriedly.
"I'm afraid he's dead, we didn't kill him before you ask. No, he was killed by the Khal you were suppose to marry. Drogo turned up the next day expecting to marry you and with you gone Viserys tried to bribe him with other things before he then insulted the man and threaten him with a dragon or something. Drogo killed him before he could draw his own sword while Illyrio was barely able to talk himself out of being killed. My condolences my lady" he answered with sympathy. "If it helps the chest is for you, we found it in Illyrio's office while we were getting you out. Here" Rummaging in his pockets for something he then pulled out a key and handed it to her. She took it carefully and then walked over to the chest. Putting the key in slowly she turned it and unlocked the chest. Grabbing the lid, she cautiously pushed it up. What was inside surprised her and the feeling of being drawn in grew. Inside were three egg shaped rocks.
"Are they -?"
"Dragons eggs supposedly" the man replied with a small smile. "I'll leave you to your thoughts." The man turned and left he room closing the door behind him but Danny barely noticed as she looked at the three different coloured eggs; one green, one black and the other a navy blue colour.
Winterfell
It was a jubilant reception the four travellers received when they returned home. Robb, Rickon, Ser Rodrik and Maester Luwin were all happy to see Bran come riding slowly into the main yard of the castle with Lady Stark and the two guards. "Welcome back mother. Bran, it's good to see you awake and riding" Robb said happily to them.
"It has been a long moon or so Robb but Bran lives and can walk again thanks to the healers of House Britanican. Sadly he can no longer become a knight" she finished mournfully. The two guards were now helping Bran down onto the ground before then handing over two crutches of some sort.
"Bran are you alright?" Robb asked carefully of his brother.
"I think so" he answered quietly. "I just need to learn to cope with this" he said as he hobbled forward towards Robb. He walked unsteadily and with a clear limp though the crutches helped. But he was walking. Sort of.
"Can he run or fight?" Robb asked his mother softly as Luwin and Rickon examined Bran and greeted him.
"I fear not Robb. The healers said this is was the best that could be done with what they had. Before he could feel nothing or move them at all. Over the time and with surgery they gave him some feeling and movement back" she explained. "I believe the only comparison is to that Tyrell….Loras? No, that's the youngest son. Willas that's it. We'll just have to try to teach Bran more of being a lord and running things. He can still run a keep or be a Maester and at least he is not crippled completely. Keep him training with the bow, that should keep his mind occupied and give him some semblance of before. We can see how he does and introduce the sword later."
"Aye mother, it will probably do him some good to do that. How was Jon? Has he settled in alright?" he asked cautiously knowing of the dislike she held for his half brother.
"I saw very little of him" Catelyn responded slowly. "He seemed fine though. Probably should have gone to The Wall where -"
"Mother! Jon is my brother" Robb interrupted. "I do not want him to go to The Wall and freeze with those murderers and rapists. He deserves better and being part of the fleet and their soldiers, he could do well there."
"But he can challenge you Robb, he is a bastard and they are known for their tricks" she argued angrily.
"This is the North, the Old Gods care not if a child is natural or true. Besides he does not want my place, I've asked him before and seen the truth in his eyes. The most he wants is a small keep or holdfast where he can serve as my bannerman."
"That is still more than a bas-"
"Mother" Robb warned with a cold edge.
"Fine, I will end it there. If you don't mind it has been a long journey, I think I shall go rest for a bit" she said stiffly.
"Of course sleep well." He watched as his mother walked over to the Great Keep where the family quarters were. He sighed and shook his head. He really wished his mother would let go of that unfounded belief Jon would steal Winterfell. Besides he'd have to kill the whole family plus Asha and the guards to do it. Even Jon would struggle with that. He sighed and his thoughts turned to other things. He was still angry about the attempt on Bran. The message had come by special message via House Brianican's radio thing a few days ago. Thankfully the catspaw had been nowhere near him but still, someone had tried, possibly the prince if the report was correct. That little arrogant twat would pay eventually. For now he would just have to wait and hope his father coped alright down in the capital.
Kings Landing
Gods he hated the heat. And the plots. And the tourney. In fact he probably hated everything here in the capital. He was glad Arya was doing well now that she had the sword instructor from Bravos, even Sansa had said Arya was calmer though his daughter was now running about trying to chase a cat weirdly enough. He sighed, why did she have to be so like Lyanna. But that was not all that was going on.
His investigation into Jon Arryn's death had yielded little so far though he had found out that he had been searching for Robert's bastards and had been reading The Lineages and Histories of the Great Houses. Thus Ned had found one bastard called Gendry in Tobho Mott's armourer's workshop working as an apprentice and he was reading the same book Jon had.
His time on the Small Council had proven just as tiring. The debt Robert and racked up was enormous and he was glad Warrington had warned him about it before hand or he might have been even more shocked. Still, he had to find a way to decrease it. He had made decent progress he felt with other issues like settling a dispute between two lords over who owned what strip of land while also ensuring the tournament went off without a hitch. With it finished hopefully the capital would calm down somewhat.
The most satisfying part had been when he had confronted Baelish over the rumours he had been spreading. He had sent a number of his guards out in casual clothing in order to listen in at a number of taverns and see what was said as well as to see if the rumour was truly being spread. It was unfortunately true. A couple of people told the tale in different taverns saying how they'd heard it from the man himself. With that he had made a point of dealing with him head on. Oh it had felt good.
*Flashback*
"Lord Stark, how fairs your investigation into Lord Arryn's death? Have you found the culprit?" came the smarmy calm voice of the smirking Master of Coin as he walked down a corridor of the Red Keep.
"Lord Baelish, it goes well though I lack any suspects. But it is the other things that I've heard that bring me concern" Ned said, his deep voice rumbling.
"Oh? And what is it you have heard? This city is awash with tales, lies and everything in between."
"That you have been telling lies."
"You will have to be a bit more specific my lord. I tell a lot of things, some are lies and some are truths, and some are a mix of both" he replied, still smirking. Ned lashed out and held the man firmly by his throat against the wall.
"Your lies that are specifically against my wife Baelish. And her sister." The man feigned confusion.
"I know not of that, perhaps someone is trying to blame me for something?" he said in a voice that would have almost made Ned believe him.
"Oh no, I know what it is, my people have been listening to what has been said by you and many others, too many for it to be anything else. They have told how you supposedly took my wife's maidenhood." He grabbed the man tighter now, Baelish struggling against the impossibly strong grip. "So tell me Lord Baelish, why should I not strangle you here and finish what my brother started hmm?" The man looked suddenly terrified that his tale had been heard, he'd meant it half mockingly half truthfully, after all he had taken Lysa's and had wished for Catelyns, he'd also wanted to humiliate Stark some more but now it had come back to bite him. 'Guess it shows how telling a lie too much can be dangerous' he thought sourly while struggling to breathe.
"Lor-Lord S-Stark...breathe" he rasped. Ned slackened his grip slightly allowing the man to speak. "I swear I only meant it jokingly, it is a lie I admit that but you know how men can get when drinking, I must have said it while drunk with friends" he tried but noticed a slight tightening on his neck again. "Please I beg you, I meant nothing by it. Catelyn is my friend, I would do anything for her. I wouldn't harm her." Eventually after a few moments of staring Ned let him go. He watched Baelish slide to the ground gasping for breath while clutching his neck.
"See that this lie is refuted Lord Baelish, or I will seek satisfaction. And unlike my brother I will not leave it half done" he said coldly to the man on the floor. He then stalked off feeling a little better and went to find his youngest daughter.
*Flashback ends*
Down in the harbour a ship arrived from the North. It flew the flag of House Britanican and was dropping off supplies to the warehouse for trading and demonstration. It was also carrying a secret cargo and passengers. On the deck, Major Hannah Sheppard took in the sights. And the god awful smell. The city was an impressive sight when you ignored Flea Bottom but the smell ruined the whole thing. She had served the new house since arriving here in this world with the fleet. She'd mostly done guard duty and patrolling but she had also taken part in the fleet action against the Ironborn in their rebellion. Since then it had gone back to mostly light guard duty and training in the use of a sword. She now had a sword at her hip like all marines but she had also continued her rifle shooting which all who had come with the fleet trained with. They had even begun training a few trusted northerners in their use.
Her mission here was a simple one, provide support to Lord Stark should he need help. An easy enough job since they should mostly just hang about the warehouse and guard that. Only if called would they do anything. Upon docking in the harbour she got her squad of ten men ready and headed down the plank and onto the quayside itself. From there it was a short walk to the warehouse. Carrying their gear of a sword, shield and guns with ammunition, they also carried clothes and other supplies they would need for a long stay.
The warehouse itself was not an overly large one but was larger than most in the city considering it had an unofficial upstairs according to her brief, it was not on any plans bar one held in Stoneyport and was hidden away. That would be where she and her team would be based, near to the surveillance equipment. The warehouse was made from brick and wood with tilled roofing and stood about two stories high. When they reached there they went to a side door and knocked before speaking the agreed password.
"Live long and prosper" she said, cringing at the phrase.
"Peace and long life" came the reply. "Welcome to the capital. You can come in, good voyage?" The door opened inwards revealing a middle aged man with a pistol on his right hip and a sword on the other.
"Yes it was fine, bit choppy round the Arbour. Who came up with that ridiculous password?"
"A Star Trek fan presumably but it works since no one here would get it and it was told to us over secure communications. You can go through here" the man led them to a wall and pushed gently on a spot vaguely hinted at by some symbol or rune. "To keep with the theme, it's an IDIC, from the same show. Don't ask" the man added on seeing Hannah open her mouth. She sighed and went through the unsealed door and then up a flight of stairs. At the top was another door which opened shortly after with a buzz of a lock undoing itself. Inside was a large room with a number of television screens and a few lights hanging from the ceiling.
"You're here, good" came a voice from the back. "I'm Harry. I report to Baker back home. There's also Tom and Jamie. One is out around town and the other is sleeping back there." A man stepped out and approached them. He wore casual clothes and had dark hair and green eyes. "And this is the Eyes" he said grandiosely as he indicated the screens and keyboards. "As in our eyes around Kings Landing. This floor is powered by a number of solar panels on the rood plus a back up wood burner generator. We have some rooms down the back there where you can sleep and relax" he said indicating the far end of the room where another door was.
"Alright, we'll get settled in and you can give us a briefing in ten or twenty."
"No probs I'll just set up here and let you lot get ready."
The North
He was still thinking on the Wall. It was a marvellous construction and while he didn't believe in grumpkins and snarks, building something like that to just defend against wildlings always rubbed him the wrong way. Indeed anyone with half a brain, and he liked to think he had a whole one, could easily work out there was something more to the Wall than seemed apparent. Still it was all myths legends and history now, no one would be able to know what really happened to cause it to be built. 'Right, where to next?' he wondered, maybe somewhere with some good drink and some good whores. Warmer too. That new northern house might be interesting, 'father's been both complaining about them and marvelling at them, might be worth a visit then' he considered.
"Right then men, after stopping at Winterfell we'll be off to Stoneyport I think and seeing those newcomers. Be warmer there plus good food and drink. I'm paying of course."
"Right you are Lord Tyrion, thank you mi'lord" replied one of the two redcloaks that were escorting him.
After a few more days of steady riding the group of Night's Watch and Lannister men arrived at the ancient castle of Winterfell with Winter Town by its walls. Entering the castle they found a mixed jubilant and subdued atmosphere. Going to the Great Hall Tyrion wondered what had occurred to create such mixed feelings in the residents. A steward greeted the party and went back inside to inform Lord Robb of the guests. When he is brought into the room he quickly spots the young Stark lord sitting in his father's throne-like chair, 'the Throne of Winter mayhaps?' He wore his usual northern leathers and was trying to look stern but also seemed nervous. 'Ah the follies of youth' Tyrion thought tiredly. Also present was the local maester, Luwin he thought he was called. A nice man who helped him in the library. The crippled Stark boy was sitting nearby watching with a mix of boredom and interest.
"Lord Tyrion, welcome back to Winterfell. Your time at The Wall was informative I hope?" the young lord said. It had a slightly aggressive tone to it, Tyrion thought, but it did not go far.
"Indeed, it was quite the view. The food was awful and the drink worse, but at least I got to piss of the edge of the world so there was that. No grumpkins or snarks though, a pity."
"Maybe you should go further north next time" the boy suggested with a daring smirk.
"Aye maybe, but my balls would drop off and my brain would freeze up. I'm rather attached to my brain and balls" Tyrion quipped. He heard some chuckles from his Lannister guards and the crows behind him. "If I may ask, what's with all the sombre moods? Everyone seems sad for some reason? Surely you'd be happy what with young Brandon awake and well and your father being Hand of the King?" The young lord stiffened slightly when Bran was mentioned. 'So something happened involving the boy other than falling eh?'
"It is no concern of yours Lord Tyrion, the situation is well in hand" the young lord placated, though in a tone that suggested at dropping that line of questioning. "House Britanican did us a great service in aiding in my brother's recovery."
"That is good to hear. If I may?" Robb nodded cautiously so he walked slowly over to where Brandon sat. "Hello Bran, it seems you are well again, tell me, do you remember what happened?" he asked curiously.
"He lacks memory for most of that day" Luwin said gently.
"I remember getting up, breaking my fast, playing with Summer and I might have seen father off for his hunt but after that it is all a blur, then...nothing" Bran added sadly.
"Indeed, the work of the Britanicans?"
"I think so, they said I had some head injury, among others, which they healed and gave me medicine for but…" he trailed off.
"I see. Tell me, do you like to ride?"
"Yes I do, I mean, I did" Bran said hesitantly.
"He lacks strength in his legs my lord. He can walk, just about, with two crutches but riding is a little harder" Maester Luwin explained. Tyrion nodded in understanding.
"That is far better than I expected, either you got lucky and wasn't hurt as bad as we feared -"
"Oh he was badly injured my lord, I predicted him being unable to do anything below his waist" Luwin interrupted, clarifying for Tyrion just how bad the poor boy had been. He swallowed deeply.
"Well then, the healers of this new house are to be lauded for their efforts. Maybe they should take a look at Willas Tyrell's leg, I'm sure his family would pay a dragon or two for the aid. Anyway, I wanted to offer you was this. With the right horse and saddle, even a cripple can ride."
"I'm not a cripple" Bran retorted indignantly.
"Then I'm not a dwarf! My father will rejoice to hear it" Tyrion returned sarcastically and with false cheer making a few men behind him cough to cover sniggers. "I have a gift for you." Tyrion hands Bran a large scroll containing a load of scribbles and diagrams. Luwin, looking over Brans shoulder, quickly realises it's a new saddle concept. "Give that to your saddler. He'll provide the rest." Bran unfurled the scroll some more and started to read. "You must shape the horse to the rider. Start with a yearling and teach it to respond to the reins and to the boy's voice" Tyrion explained.
"Will I really be able to ride?" Bran asked hopefully, looking up from the scroll.
"You will" he replied with an encouraging smile. "On horseback you will be as tall as any of them."
"I am surprised you would do this for someone you know not. Why do you want to help him?" Robb asked, a bit of suspicion lacing his voice.
"I have a tender spot in my heart for cripples, bastards and broken things" Tyrion replied with a dismissive shrug. Bran smiled down at Tyrion after he finished looking over the plans. He had hope shining in his eyes the dwarf thought.
"You've done my brother a kindness. The hospitality of Winterfell is yours" Robb said in thanks.
"My thanks Lord Stark, I'll only stay the night before then heading out to see House Britanican. They seem an interesting lot given all I've heard."
"Of course, pass on my thanks when you see them. For now, good day to you" Robb said, getting up and having a quick word with Bran quietly before then leaving the hall.
The following day Tyrion and his two guards left the ancient fortress of the Starks and headed south to Castle Cerwyn before turning west towards the coast along what Tyrion felt was a rather sturdy well made road. "Guess they need it up here with all the snow" he muttered as his teeth chattered a bit from the cold breeze blowing down from the North. It took him a few days to make his way to the west coast, stopping off at Torrhen's Square for a night to enjoy the warmth behind its 30 foot high stone walls and square towers. After that they carried on westward where the journey was, on the whole, pleasant and they came across a steady stream of people travelling to and from the port city.
Stoneyport
When they peaked the last hill they looked down and saw the large port city below. It had high stone walls on par with Torrhen's Square and had a number of towers dotted along it. That was to say nothing of the port itself which he could see fairly well from his current position.
There was a thick, grey stone sea wall leading out into the sea in two prongs, one from either end of the harbour like two arms reaching out to hug someone. A large gap was left between the tips allowing ships and other boats passage into and out of the harbour. All along the two walls he could see a number of defences such as catapults, ballistas and scorpions. 'They've really gone all out to defend it, maybe I can pick up an idea or two for Lannisport?' Tyrion pondered as he looked down at the impressive harbour. Looking North as he slowly rode down to the small city he could just make out another wall and what could possibly be another town or fort. He pondered whether to look at it or not but decided against; curious he was, foolish he was not.
On a hill to the south, not too far away, and overlooking the bay while guarding the area, was a large castle with walls of at least 80 feet in height with a number of circular towers spread evenly around it. In fact he was quite intimated by the castle sitting there watching over the lands, it looked very defensible.
Entering the small city he found many homes and buildings built from bricks with a mix of wooden and tiled roofs. The people smiled and lived happily as they went about their business. He spotted regular patrols from red cloaked men armed with swords and shields, wearing blue brigadines over dark navy gambesons. The city also didn't stink which was a bonus Tyrion thought. 'This is how Kings Landing should be; clean, well patrolled, rich and happy' he thought in wonder as he nudged his horse through the they trotted on horseback, spotting bakeries and craftsmen along with blacksmiths and armourers, they were met by a small squad of guards who approached them directly.
"Hello there, I am Tyrion Lannister. I have come to see your wonderful city and see the sights of the North" he spoke to them with a grin. The man leading them nodded respectfully before speaking.
"Greetings to you as well Lord Tyrion. You are to be escorted to speak with Lord Warrington, I'm sure he will take great interest in your visit. This way please." When the man finished he turned and led them off in an easterly direction passing more industrial areas and then into a residential section of the city. Again the houses were well built and it lacked the stench of Kings Landing or other cities. After a few minutes of riding hey soon came to the imposing manor house from which House Britanican was run.
It was a large squat building, with two floors above ground he estimated and built using grey stone found in castles so it likely had thick walls too. He could see a few defensive feature to it such as arrow slits and the rood had battlements of a sort, likely to allow for more defenders up there. In all a rather nice building that imposed itself on its surrounding, the whole area was cleared in order to allow for clear line of sight for over 100 feet in any direction. It also allowed for people to ride up to the house or for the hosts to line up and await guests. In this case another guard awaited him though this one seemed better dressed, perhaps a senior commander Tyrion guessed.
"Welcome to Stoneyport, I am Colonel Kye Walker and I command all the guards and armed forces within the city. Lord Warrington will greet you in his solar since he has quite a few things to do given all the goings on."
"No apology needed, my father is much the same with most guests. And what goings on if you don't mind my asking? I have been rather out of touch given I've just visited The Wall and been riding a lot" Tyrion questioned. Surely nothing too bad could have occurred though it might explain why Winterfell was on edge.
"Nothing to worry about Lord Tyrion, at least not yet. Warrington is just one of those who believes it best to be prepared regardless" Walker waved away. Tyrion hummed non-committally taking the chance to look about the manor house as they went inside. The ground floor was mostly the great hall and kitchens and servant quarters. It was the top floor where the solar, maester's quarters and family rooms were located.
And thus it was up there that he was led to before entering and seeing a middle aged an, perhaps in his early 40s, dark hair slightly greying from stress. The man sat behind a large white weirwood desk which looked ancient and whose sides were covered in fish and anchor carvings along with a single weirwood face, as traditional for a tree, facing the door.
"Lord Warringotn, I am Tyrion Lannister, a pleasure to meet you at last. I bring thanks from Winterfell for your aid in healing the young boy Brandon as well as greetings from my father whom I know you have corresponded with over the years in regards to trade and the Ironbron" Tyrion said, covering the main points and passing his father's regards along. The man looked up, then down slightly at seeing him, eyes widening slightly in surprise.
"Lord Tyrion, you are not what I expected when hearing of you. I had though, heard you were coming thanks to my messenger at Winterfell. Welcome to Stoneyshore and Stoneyport."
"And what did you expect" Tyrion asked, his curiosity piqued.
"In all honesty I am not sure, your reputation for drinking and other things precedes you. That you are variously named, the Imp or demon monkey and the like, I suppose I expected some deformed person but other than being a dwarf, of which I nor many here will find a problem with, I see nothing wrong with you. Maybe too large a head for your body size but then I'm told you are quite smart and intelligent." The man then shrugged clearly having no more to say on the subject. Tyrion himself felt weirdly both insulted and happy. Insulted since the man before him expected something awful but pleasantly surprised that no one here would seem to worry about him being a dwarf.
"Well my sister has been telling a few...tall tales about me and she does not like me very much." Warrington merely raised an eyebrow at the old familiar joke. "Yes I know a dwarf making height jokes but I've heard them countless times when people try to be cleaver thinking they're the first to say it." Tyrion shook his head disappointedly.
"I'm sure you will find that it is common in taverns, the men and women who came with me when we arrived here should treat you well enough. The other should follow their example. In the meantime the hospitality of Stoneyport is yours. Enjoy your stay Lord Tyrion, I will have extra candles sent to your room and make sure Maester Barneby is free to aid you with your rummage through our library."
"Many thanks, like a sword needing a whetstone my mind needs a few good books, can you recommend any?"
"Assuming it is finished, there should be a record of the First Men translated and copied from a series of scrolls and tomes we found in the crypts of the Stonefort. We found my Valyrian steel sword there too. It lacks a name since it disappeared before the records were made so we called it Blood Anchor."
"Hmm, well that does sound interesting, not much is known from that time apart from myths and legends.
"Legends always hold a fragment of truth to them Lord Tyrion, it is always wise to pay attention to them."
"Most certainly but myths are just stories. As for your sword, that is most fortuitous of you, many would pay an arm or a limb for such a sword, I believe my father offered two million dragons to House Tarly for their sword."
"So I heard, he offered 1.5 million for my own one."
"Ah. I hope it did not offend you, my father has been rather persistent in finding one" Tyrion said apologetically but Warrington just waved dismissively.
"I sent off a polite refusal but said my ships would keep an eye out while trading or exploring for any lost swords."
"Well I suppose that's probably the best way to refuse." Warrington just smirked back at him.
"Aye but we plan a trip to Valyria soon, yes we know the dangers, yes we've heard the tales but lets just say we plan to take care and use our advanced knowledge to survive it. While there we can try to recover a blade or two, perhaps Lord Tywin will be interested." Tyrion gaped at him and opened his mouth a number of times to interject a point of warning and each time Warrington refuted it. Still he gaped.
"Valyria? You're sure you want to go to that dangerous place? Some say it's cursed, that the water is on fire and the fog or smoke is deadly."
"We have methods of dealing with any of that. Believe me we have looked at all the stories when planning this, we will take every precaution possible."
"Why risk it? From what I hear you are on par with, if not greater than, the Valyrians. Why would you want to go to find stuff you already know?"
"Do you know how to make Valyrian steel? I don't, nor do I know the secrets of dragons or any other of their so called magic. In fact where I and my people come from dragons are just myths, made up to entertain the masses. So going to their homeland would make for an interesting visit." Tyrion acknowledge the point with a tilt of his head.
"Well if you find an egg or two bring one back for me. I've always wanted a dragon, to see one, to fly on one. Even if it was a little one like me" he said with a hint of nostalgia, remembering the name days he'd asked for one as a present.
"I'll add it to the list of requests" Warrington said with a smirk. Tyrion nodded happily before getting out of his chair with a sigh.
"Well my lord its off to the library for me. Send someone up to remind me of dinner, I may be there all night otherwise" Tyrion japed.
"Yes lets not burn the midnight oil" James said before adding at the frown, "working late into the night."
"Oh yes I suppose that works, hmm I'll have to remember that one. Right best be off, I have some books to read and some wine and ale to drink."
Tyrion spent the next week in Stoneyport reading the various books brought from the lands of House Britanican which had been printed. Most were military based, which given the fleet made sense he supposed. One day when he was reading outside, he was partially watching some sparring between a boy of possibly six and ten or seven and ten and a younger boy of around one and ten. The older lad had dark hair, a long face and grey eyes, reminding Tyrion of Lord Stark, Oh yes Jon Snow. The other more closely resemble Lord Warrington. The two exchanged blows but it was clear the bastard was the better word and yet none here seemed to mind. In fact they encouraged, much to his surprise. When the younger boy finally fell and yield many congratulations were exchanged. "You're so good! I want to get as good as you, I bet you'd give my father a run for his money. Or mother" the boy exclaimed.
"You'll get better my lord, practise hard and work at it and you'll be the new Arthur Dayne yet" Jon said. The boy hummed grumpily.
"Not as quickly as you."
"Work at it, my brother Bran was terrible with a bow and he is ten. None of us are marksmen at ten. So neither will you be a swordsman."
"I'm eleven" the boy replied indignantly and Jon chuckled.
"Go on, Maester Barneby will have my hide if you're late for lessons."
"Alright, see you later Jon!"
"I see you found yourself here then" Tyrion said. Jon jumped and turned quickly and spotted Tyrion reading.
"I see you came a for a visit too Lord Tyrion. How was the Wall?"
"Cold, but had an excellent view." Jon nodded, a small smile gracing his lips.
"Why do you read so much? I've seen you around, both out here and in the library."
"You came to the library?" Tyrion asked, not remembering seeing the lad in there, looking up from his book.
"Aye Lord Warrington has me reading up on battlefield strategy and history along with things I would link with being a lord like finance and management."
"You think he plans to give you lands?" 'Bit odd giving a bastard lands on your own territory though.'
"More likely he'll ask my father or brother. I always assumed I'd go here or The Wall. If here maybe I'd then get a small holdfast after a few years of service. That way I can serve my father and brother directly." Tyrion nodded thoughtfully before returning to his book.
"Well you never know, though it would be unorthodox. That said the North is different from the South and you have more space to fill. Giving you a small keep would not likely raise too many eyebrows up here as it would in the South. As for why I read, tell me, what do you see?"
"Is this a trick?" Jon asks hesitantly.
"What you see is a dwarf" Tyrion continues, ending Jon's confusion. "If I'd been born a peasant, they might've left me out in the woods to die. Alas, I was born a Lannister of Casterly Rock. Things are expected of me. My father was the Hand of the King for 20 years."
"Until your brother killed that king" Jon pointed out.
Tyrion looks up from his book again, a sardonic look on his face. "Yes, until my brother killed him. Life is full of these little ironies. My sister married the new king and my repulsive nephew will be king after him. I must do my part for the honour of my house, wouldn't you agree? But how? Well, my brother has his sword, and I have my mind. And a mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone. That's why I read so much Jon Snow." Jon nodded at him in understanding, Barneby was much the same, as was Lord Warrington now he thought on.
"Well, I must be off, it's starting to get a little too cold for me" Tyrion said, standing go back inside.
"Pleasant day then Lord Tyrion."
"And you Lord Snow" Tyrion returned with a smirk. Jon froze before nodding and walking off.
Back inside he continued to read the book on the First Men, transcribed by Maester Barneby. it was fascinating. It talked of how House Stark united much of the North, conquering parts while getting others to ally themselves with the family. The family nearly always married a woman of a conquered house into their own in order to secure its lands, quite the political manoeuvring for a house now know for its honourability and bluntness. What the early pages in the book spoke of though was The Long Night and the war the North and many other First Men peoples fought alongside the Children of The Forrest. The story was gripping and in parts terrifying. An enemy that can only die from glitterrock and firemetal. Both words confused him so he spoke with the Maester about it.
"Ah yes glitterrock, what they mean is obsidian or dragonglass Lord Tyrion. We found a few crates of the stuff in the crypt of Stonefort. A mix of daggers and arrow heads. It really is quite something seeing them all" he explained happily.
"I see, and firemetal?"
"I believe it possibly means some precursor to Valyrian steel. Perhaps using metal that fell from the sky in meteors, like Dawn the sword of House Dayne. House Stark is mentioned as having a powerful sword that glitters and whose steel is a pale white which I take to mean as some precursor weapon to their current great sword Ice."
"Hmm yes that is interesting, so where is that sword then?
"Likely buried in their crypts somewhere at a guess" Barneby said with a shrug. "It will likely not matter much to them since they have Ice. If things change like Ice being seized, or in the unlikely event that these White Walkers return, then we shall remind them of said sword."
"You cannot believe that they might return? They are but a myth, like grumpkins and snarks and giants and unicorns" Tyrion questioned in disbelief.
"Aye I do not believe in such things, though giants are real, some of The Watch have seen them, but let me counter your main point, why build something like The Wall if all you fear are men? Why have countless documents stating that the war did happen? Why, in this case, write down exactly how to kill them if they return?" the Maester countered and Tyrion felt a cold shiver run down his back. He shook his head.
"I dearly hope you're wrong or we're all fucked" Tyrion said with a sense of foreboding. The Maester nodded amiably.
"Aye, that we could be. Now, I have some ravens to send with trade proposals. Good day lord Tyrion.
"Good day" Tyrion muttered absently. It was all grumkins and snarks surely? Wasn't it? He sighed and turned back to the book trying to shake the feeling of impending disaster.