Pale Fire Ch. 18
TIME JUMP 6 YEARS
Arya stared at the forest in front of her, for the last 6 years she's been doing what she could to get to Winterfell, but it seemed at every turn she was either being delayed by circumstances beyond her control or she was training with various groups of mercenaries to enhance her skills. The last two years have been spent with the Faceless Men, training learning to become more efficient at killing, learning to hide her identity, for she had a list of people that would meet their end.
Rolling her neck, she was tired, after so many years on the run, hiding, and doing what she could to bring honor to dead father, she was just exhausted. She missed her brothers, wondering what has become of Jon, Bran. She knew the fate of her mother, eldest brother Rob, and the rumors of what the Boltons did to Rickon, but she was unsure of what became of Sansa, perhaps she was the Queen to that fucking piece of shit Joffrey.
Just thinking about how her sister damn near worshipped him was just so disgusting. While she always was taught to respect the crown, the moment she saw what he was when he had the Hound murder Mycah should have told her everything she needed to know about that little shit, but up until he had their father murdered, it was 'My Joffrey this, my Joffrey that.'
It did make her wonder, why she didn't run for her life when she watched the executioner remove his head, but no, she just stood there, tears in her eyes. If it wasn't for the fact that she looked a lot like their mother, Arya would have suspected that it was Sansa that was the bastard not Jon.
She knew that all of her siblings were a bit different, they all had one simple principle, being honest, but not Sansa, she lied for Joffrey to her father, then blamed him for killing her wolf, perhaps if she spoke the truth, King Robert would have punished his cruel son, or at least spared the wolf. Closing her eyes, she couldn't help but remember the day she made Nymeria run into the forest, to protect her, she'd rather have lost her friendship then her life.
That was one of the many things she laid at her sister's feet, her desire to be Queen cost the family everything. Shaking her head, she would always love her sister, but she wasn't sure that she would ever trust the woman, how could she, arguing with father to let her stay, spouting nonsense of how he was the love of her life, she was barely 13 years old at the time, what did she know about love?
Sansa would be about 19 now, she herself just turned 17. Letting out another sigh, Arya knew that her sister probably had several kids by now, all of them looking like their weasel faced father, but perhaps not maybe with her sister's blood, their children wouldn't be so unfortunate looking.
Letting out a frustrated sigh, it wasn't good to dwell on the things of the past that she couldn't change, she could only focus on getting back to Winterfell, and her list, she already took care of the Frey's, and Meryn Trant, Polliver, and Rorge. All that was left was Cersei, The Hound, Joffrey, Melisandre, The Mountain, Tywin Lannister, and Beric Donnarrion.
Perhaps once she was in safety of her former home, she would do everything in her power to bring her family justice, for now she would be their champion. The hardest kill would obviously be the King and the Queen Mother, being so insulated it is going to be damn near impossible, but regardless of the outcome, their blood will be spilled one way or another.
She was being tracked currently, by who was unsure, but they were a large group, easily 13-15 men. While she relished the thought of a good fight, there was no way that she could take them on, at least not as unprepared as she was. It was only her, needle, and a few supplies, if she even attempted to take them on, it would most definitely result in her death, and she still needed to get home.
Yawning, she was tired, but she didn't have the luxury of staying still for too long, she had about a day's lead on them, but they kept coming for her, like rabid wolves. If she didn't get across the river in the next day or so, they would catch up to her, and the Gods only knew what they would do to her if they finally caught up with her.
Packing up her little camp, Arya did her best to cover her tracks, but with the dogs she heard a few days back, it wasn't going to help too much, but it was ingrained in her from the House of Black and White, hide in plan sight, become no one and be no one.
Howling got her attention, "Fuck." She murmured to herself they must have run through the night. Kicking over the logs, Arya carefully grabbing some of the ash, rubbing all over her clothes, face, and shoes. Hoping that it would give her a little more of a lead, but with the sound coming from the deep within the forest, she knew that they were about a half mile or less away.
Turning on her heels, Arya took off running, only grabbing Needle and her small bag filled with her meager supplies. Hoping that she would get to the river, she'd rather drown in the cold waters than let anyone take her prisoner.
Theon kept his eyes on the surrounding forest, it was rumored that the young Arya Stark was trained by the House of Black and White, but no one could really confirm that. It was something that he was starting to believe, they got on her trail about a month ago, while they were closing in, it shouldn't have taken them this long. He knew his master was going to be pissed, he would never return to him without the girl in his arms.
Ramsey was not someone that Theon wanted to upset, the man was brutal, a sick fuck, hell he watched as the woman that loved him dearly pissed him off once saying that she was going to marry another, he fed her to his dogs. Not that he was inherently upset with that outcome, between the two of them and the torture that they put him through for years, it was a wonder he wasn't a drooling mess on the floor. He attributed his survival to just bowing to the man, being a good foot solider for his might.
And his master wanted the youngest Stark bitch, so that was who he was going to get for him. Perhaps now that Myranda was dead, he needed to a new toy, or perhaps it was a way to bring Winterfell to heel. Over the last few years, Jon Snow and his family have fortified Winterfell and the surrounding areas, but The Dreadfort refused to bend the knee.
Hell, it was the Boltons that used him to betray Robb Stark, not that he really wanted to, but if he had to choose between the life of a Stark or his survival, it really wasn't a hard choice.
Ramsay was smart, vicious, and motivated. While he was still considered a bastard, Roose Bolton promised that he would legitimize Ramsay if he was able to secure Winterfell by any means necessary.
"Find the girl." He barked out. "Release the Hounds, I want her treed before the sunset's on this day."
Theon watched as the men released the small pack, "Mount the horses, Lord Ramsey wants her." Kicking the animal into gear, he followed behind them, going to do whatever it took to make his master happy.
Arya ran as fast as she could, but it was becoming pointless, she could hear the dogs running through the brush. Stopping for a moment, she looked around, trying to get her bearings but running blindly into the forest turned her around that she lost the direction of the river. "Fuck me."
Turning to run again, Arya found herself surrounded by the dogs, quickly pulling out Needle, ready to kill them if one of them lunged at her. "Winter is coming." She whispered to herself, if this was how she was going to die, she was going to die standing as a Stark should.
"HALT!" Theon yelled out. While he wouldn't mind watching the dogs rip her apart, that wasn't his orders.
Looking up at the man on the horse, Arya could feel herself raging, "YOU!" Surprised to see him riding under the Bolton banner.
Smirking down at her, "Lady Stark, pleasure to see you again. You've grown into a fine young lady." He teased. Enjoying the laughter of his men. "Men, aren't you going to bow to the Lady of Winterfell."
"FUCK YOU!" She hissed out. "My father took care of you, raised as one of us, and you turn on him, my brother?"
Tossing his head back, Theon couldn't help but laugh loudly, "Is that what you believe? I was a prisoner. You're father stole me from my father, because he had the audacity to rebel against the rule of the all mighty Starks." Looking over his shoulder he could see that the rest of the men were finally showing up, not that he thought she could take the current 6, it was better to air on the side of caution when dealing with an unknown enemy.
Arya blinked at him, "So, you're going to what, be a Bolton lapdog? You could have taken yourself back to Iron Islands, become the rightful Lord now that your father, and Uncle are dead." Cowardice, some men of this world are riddled with it.
It took a moment for him to control his rage, "Perhaps I would have, but I had to make a choice, continue to be a Stark whipping boy, a laughing stock to Westeros because I was a 'ward' to Ned, or take Ramsay up on his offer, be the hand of his might." Looking at the men around him, he could see their approval of his words. "You know, my sister Yara, she's sitting on the Iron Islands now, and once we take Winterfell, I will give her a choice, bend the knee, or die."
Snorting, "You're a coward, weak," smirking at his face, "If it wasn't for the fact of all these men, I'd kill you." Mentally counting, she was right, 14 men, and while she was highly trained, she couldn't take more than 3 at a time.
Growling out, Theon jumped off his horse, nodding to the rest of the men to do so, "Perhaps, but here's the deal, you lay down that sword, surrender yourself to the Bolton flag, and I promise that you will not be harmed or touched as we make our way to The Dreadfort." That was all he could promise her, he knew the moment that Ramsey had her in his home, he would do unspeakable things to her.
Closing her eyes, Arya really took a moment to think about her options, while she hated the idea of having to surrender, it could buy her time until she could kill a few of the men and make her way back to Winterfell. "What about a challenge, you have your best swordsman fight me, I lose, I'll come quietly, I win, you let me go." Her voice hopeful for a small chance to escape, because she has heard the rumors of the level of cruelty of Ramsey Bolton.
Shaking his head, "No, Lady Stark, you are not going to have a chance to kill one of my master's men, he wants you, he will have you." Pulling out his sword, "You can either come with me now, or I will let the hounds incapacitate you. The choice is yours."
As she went to answer, 3 arrows shot through the air killing the dogs, Arya turned to see who was shooting, her eyes finding a woman with blonde hair shooting another 3 into the men on the horses.
"DO NOT LET LADY STARK GO!" he yelled out to his men. Looking at the bitch, "WHO THE FUCK ARE YOU?"
Much to his dismay the stranger said nothing, but pulled out two swords, and killed the man closest to her.
"KILL HER!" he yelled.
Arya could see the men charging her and the woman, taking Needle, she charged the guy closest to her, letting her sword pierce his neck.
Theon watched in horror as the woman made her way through his men, moving faster, more efficiently than he had seen anyone in his life. Letting his eyes fall to Arya, he watched as she took on two of his men, cutting them in half, so, her training with the Faceless men was an accurate rumor. This woman was probably the one who trained her.
He needed to escape and quickly, if anything to bring his master this information that Arya was trained, and that she was not alone. Turning on his heels, he made a move towards his horse, but as he swung his leg over the mount, a loud whistle came from the blonde, and a moment later he was being tossed to the ground.
Arya over at the blonde, who was cutting through the last of the men, she never seen anyone move so fast before, but what was more intriguing was how brutal she was. Her eyes looked around at the men that were now scattered on the floor, her eyes snapping up, she watched as she made her way towards Theon.
A part of her knew she should run for her life, if she was able to take on a small army on her own, there was no way she would be able to take her. But the desire to be near someone so powerful, it was too tempting, she was fairly certain that if the woman wanted her dead, she would be already.
Theon watched in horror as she made her way over to him, her eyes burning with a rage that he's never seen, "Who are you? DO you know whose men you killed?" His voice cracking under the sight of her. She was small, hair braided back, her face painted a deep blue.
Tilting her head, Rose couldn't help but chuckle, he was no one, but for a little while longer he was important. Well, he was just going to relay a message, "I am Rosalind, Khaleesi to the Great Khal Drogo, ruler of the Dothraki Sea, Mother of Horses, Mother of Dragons, the unburnt, and you Theon Greyjoy, are but my messenger to your master."
Arya gasped, a Dothraki Khaleesi here in Westeros, was the rest of the horde here as well?
"No, the Dothraki do not cross the Narrow Sea." He cried out. Afraid, if the Dothraki were here in Westeros, they would roll over the cities, laying waste to them all.
Chuckling, "And you would know this how? Are you part of my Khalasar?" Rose made a step towards him, kicking him as he made a move to stand. Lifting her sword, Rose cut his face, leaving a deep gash along it, "Listen well, Theon Greyjoy, former Lord of the Iron Lands, you will run to your master, he will have one chance, and only one, if he continues to march towards Winterfell, I will kill him, and any that dare stand with him. He should stay in the Dreadfort."
Looking up at the woman, "YOU THINK THAT YOU CAN CONTROL LORD RAMSAY?" He yelled out. Dothraki whore or not, Ramsey would never bow to a woman. Spitting at her feet, "Fuck you."
Smiling down at him, Rose drove her sword into his hand, twisting it, "Oh, I have no plans on controlling your master, I have plans on killing him. If he wants to meet me at Winterfell, I will gladly see him on the field." Removing her sword, Rose brought it down against his fingers removing all but his thumb, enjoying the scream that echoed into the forest.
Theon into her face, he knew that she wasn't kidding, but before he spoke, she placed her sword against his neck.
"Run Theon Greyjoy, RUN, tell the Boltons, I will enjoying kill them all." Taking several steps back, she watched as he scrambled to his feet, his eyes looking around for his exit, but all the horses were wandering about.
Bringing her fingers to her mouth, Rose whistled loudly, enjoying the gasp from the young Stark, but it was his face that brought a devious smile to her face. Her eyes falling on the horse that made its way towards Theon, "Take him to the Dreadfort, he needs to get to his master quickly."
Arya watched as the horse nodded. Gasping at the sight, never in her life or her travels had she seen anything like it.
Looking at Theon, "GO, or more pieces of your pathetic body will be left for the wolves." Her eyes staring into his.
Using his only good hand, Theon mounted his horse, his eyes staring into her purple ones, "Ramsay will kill you." Kicking the sides of the horse, to his surprise the horse turned and headed southwest towards The Dreadfort. She was a witch!
Arya stood just to the side of the woman, swallowing her fear, "What brings you to Westeros?" she asked, doing her best to keep the fear from coming out.
Raising her eyebrow, Rose looked over at the young girl, "Well, my sweet Arya, that's a long story, but for now, I'll say R'hllor. I've become his vessel for vengeance against those that would dare harm his realm."
Swallowing her spit, the God of Fire and Light has sent a Great Khaleesi to their shores, "Are you hear to kill only the Boltons, or is there more?" She asked, hoping that her vengeance would be sent to the Lannister's.
Chuckling a bit, R'hllor was right, she has been running for so long, that she had no clue about the things that were going on in King's Landing. "For now, just the Boltons, it seems that you handled the Frey yourself. Impressive, by the way."
Taking a look around, Rose wanted to start heading to Winterfell, Ramsay and his army would be there in the coming weeks, and she needed to prepare them for the battle that was approaching. "It's time to get you home, Arya, for a battle will be at their doors in less than a month."
Turning on her heels, Rose slowly walked into the forest, she could see that Arya was contemplating on running, "You can run, I'm not going to stop you, but we'll meet again when you finally make it to your family home." She said over her shoulder. Rose knew that the girl was mentally debating but soon she could hear the girl running up behind her.
A million questions ran through her head, and she wanted to ask them all at once, but figured she'd start with the most obvious, "Where are the Dothraki?" A little curious to see them, mostly she wanted to see the man she called her husband, rumors of Khal Drogo, were scary stories parents told their young children.
Looking at her from the corner of her eye, Rose could see that she had an adventurous spirit, she could appreciate that. "Essos, where they belong. Westeros would not do well if my husband made the choice to sail from his lands." Perhaps in the future, Dothraki will venture West, and brave the Narrow Sea, but for now, they were happy, enjoying their lands, their war, and most of all their culture.
Arya blinked at the woman, "So, the God of Light and Fire sent you alone?" she asked her, a bit confused. While she was a skilled fighter, there was no way she would be able to stand against the army of the Boltons, she wasn't even sure that Winterfell had enough men to do so.
Making her way over the hill, Rose looked down at the men ready to march on her orders. Chuckling at her face, "Of course not. I have my unsullied with me. 13,000 men strong, willing to fight for Winterfell."
Taking in the scene before her, never in her life had she seen such a sight, "Why, why would R'hllor want to protect Winterfell? What about the cruel king that sits on the throne, he's a far bigger danger to his realm than the Boltons."
Rose let out a sigh, "The Lannister's are all but dead, only one remains, Tyrion. Six years ago, Joffrey foolishly attempted to march on Essos, he brought his entire family to my land, and his armies." Smiling at the memory, "They didn't even make it one night on my beach, my husband led the charge, killing them all, burning their ships, and killing The Mountain Ser Gregor."
Gasping, they were all gone? Looking into her eyes, "You are telling the truth?" almost too scared to believe it, "What of my sister?" If Joffrey was dead, what would happen to Sansa.
Placing her hand on her shoulder, Rose could see her nerves, "The Hound, Ser Sandor brought her to Winterfell, the moment Joffrey's ships were on the horizon, Tyrion made sure to get her home." Seeing the relief wash over him, "Gentry Baratheon is now the King of Westeros, the North is a free Kingdom, and your brother Bran is king of the North, Jon is the Warden, Sansa is the acting Lady until Bran marries, and you Arya, will be their champion when the time is right."
Staying quiet, Arya followed closely behind Rosalind, her mind taking in everything that was said to her, she was the only one that was still missing from Winterfell, and once she was home, they would face the Boltons together, or die trying. "Why are you helping us?" she asked her, watching her take her place near the fire.
Looking over at her General, "We move out at dawn." She said to him. Rose wanted to be at the Gates of Winterfell by sundown tomorrow, there was much to do, and she didn't want to be away from her family for any longer than what was necessary.
Looking back to Arya who was sitting across from her, she turned to one of the servants, "Food and drink for Arya, she's been running for a while now." Turning her attention back to the young lady, "I am helping because R'hllor has asked me to. I have no dreams of taking over Westeros, nor do I have plans on sailing my Khalasar across the Narrow Sea." Taking a drink from her wine, she watched Arya at the meat that was given to her, poor girl was starving.
"But mostly, Ramsay Bolton would rape you, and Sansa, he and Joffrey are cut from the same cloth. Both are deranged, sick and twisted. Once he was crowned King of the North, he would march the armies south, bringing war back to the 6 Kingdoms."
Rose could see her confusion, letting out a sigh, "You spent so much of your life running, hiding, and training, that you missed the world around you. Tyrion became the Voice and Hand of the King, so when Joffrey set sail, he moved quickly to fix the wrongs of the Lannister's. He was able to release the North from the banner of the Seven Kingdoms, he figured with what Joffrey did to your father and the rest of your family, it was the least he could do, give you freedom with good standing for trades."
Finishing the food, Arya just stared at her, unbelieving that the Imp Lannister would care so much about the Starks. "Why did he do such things?"
Shrugging, "That I really can't answer that, you'd have to ask Sansa, she would know better than most of the why to his motivation." Rose leaned back, again letting her absorb the information.
"What of the Lannister Army?" What if Tyrion had them march onto Winterfell.
Drinking some wine, Rose knew that this was the first time that she was able to really get answers. "All the Houses that are not in the North's territories, are under the banner of the King. R'hllor said once that Gentry was the King that Westeros needed, and for a generation or two, fighting would be at minimum." She was looking forward to that, but that was neither here nor there.
"Why did you help me?" That was the burning question, "How did you know where I was?" Arya asked her.
Chuckling a bit, Rose really did like the girl, fierce for someone so small. "I helped you because a young woman against a group of men, seemed a bit unfair, and I found you because of R'hllor, he sent me on this mission, told me I needed to find you before I marched to Winterfell."
Blinking at her, one of the Gods of the 7 Kingdoms knew her and wanted her to get brought home safely. Ara was humbled by such a revelation, "Thank you. For your help." Looking at her clothes, a deep chocolate leather graced her body. From the pants to the cloak around her, spoke volumes to who she was, a Dothraki Queen.
Exhaling, Arya knew that she needed to come to grips with everything that she was told, but perhaps in their journey, she would learn about the Khaleesi, or she at least would hope that she would tell her story. "I have a few questions, then I promise to not bug you," pausing to smirk, "at least not for a bit."
Snorting, Rose couldn't help but laugh, "Sounds fair enough. Go ahead." She said, leaning back wondering what other questions could the girl have.
Nodding, "Thanks." Taking a second to formulate a few thoughts, "Who taught you to fight, and can I learn?" she asked, while she was a skilled fighter, the Khaleesi was better.
Giving her a small smile, "My father, but he passed some years ago," not that she knew, but it was the easiest explanation that she could give to the people of this world, "and yes, I will more than happy to teach you, for you my dear have a great destiny ahead of you."
Arya couldn't help but smile, that was what she always wanted, a great destiny. She remembered once when her father explained that she would marry a great lord, and bring children into this world, her response still brought a smile to her face, 'That's not me.'
Wiping a small tear that escaped her eyes, Arya couldn't help but just nod. "I would really enjoy that." Figuring that she could probably get away with one more, she wanted to make it good, but really it was a curiosity more than anything. "You said to Theon that you were the unburnt, what does that even mean?" she asked her.
Rose smirked, rolling up her sleeves, she stood and stuck her hand in the fire, her eyes never leaving Arya's. Slowly lifting it out, she placed her hand in hers, "Fire does not burn me in the same way it does everything else, a gift from R'hllor."
Arya took her hand, examining it, never in her life had she seen anything so amazing. "That is amazing." Yawning, "Pardon me, Khaleesi, but I feel that I am exhausted, Theon and his men have been hunting me for close to a month."
Gently taking her by the hand, "I know, R'hllor informed me of such things when he came to me about finding you and defending Winterfell." Pointing to a tent, "That my sweet girl belongs to you, no one from my camp will harm you. This is my promise to you, Arya Stark, by the time the sun starts to set, we should be at the gates of your home, I'm sure that your family has missed you so."
Exhaling, Arya felt like she could final breath, "Thank you, Khaleesi. I will see you in the morning." Giving her a slight bow, she quickly made her way to the tent, while she wanted to bath, she wanted to sleep more. Laying down on the furs, it didn't take her long to fall asleep.
Rose watched as she went to her tent, shaking her head, the poor girl was exhausted, and for the last 6 years living through out these lands without anyone to really watch her. Letting out a frustrated sigh, she would always trust in R'hllor, for he has never lied to her, but this just seemed wrong, the girl was barely 17, she shouldn't have the weight of the world on her shoulders, but it was her destiny to be apart of this looming battle.
Looking towards the sky, Rose could feel his presence, but she knew he wasn't going to show himself unless it was needed, "I have faith in you, dear friend, but I still don't like it." Standing, Rose could see the unsullied eating, and getting their gear ready, it was time to head off to bed and try to rest before their journey in the morning.
Laying down, she let herself be pulled into a deep sleep, knowing in the coming weeks, sleep was going to be a hard commodity to come by. Her last thought before the lull of the night pulled down, was the image of her husband and children waving to her as she sailed towards the North.