DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GAME OF THRONES THEY BELONG TO GEORGE R. MARTIN AND HBO.
A/n: Wow who would have thought of such a response for only one chapter. Well then time to go for another one but this time I am going back to Sansa's group since we can't leave them in the dark for too long. Though note there will be a time skip so I will not go into details. So be prepared.
Oh and one of my reviewers said that Myrcella is in fact 11 in season one. When they told me that I quickly went to the Wiki and looked it up before going back and re-posting the chapter with the corrections in it. My bad.
Ok now that, that part is over with on with the story.
THE WARRIORS OF WINTERFELL
Chapter 6: Of Bears and Forresters
OFF THE COAST OF BEAR ISLAND
Sansa watched as the ship neared the southern shore of Bear Island. The home of house Mormont. She along with her companions had traveled far to get here. To avoid the King's party and the discovery of the Targaryens in their midst Sansa and her group decided to head west. Thankfully they did for the King's men had just passed them by and totally missed Barrowtown. From there they went southwest towards Flint's Finger where they had to solve a dispute between two of the houses under Lord Flint. From there they went west to Kraken Point and to Kracken Town. A town where there was a large population of Iron Born who wanted to live on the mainland.
It was here that they greeted Lady Asha and Theon like the lords they are. And from there they learned that Balon had grown un-right in the head with his old age. Balon himself is not well liked by his own people and because he is lord they can't do nothing about it.
It was on this day also that they learned about the King's arrival in Winterfell and the supposed flooding of the crypts.
YESTERDAY
"Oh that is just sweet!" Ramsey had joked to the rest when they were eating at the Inn.
"Yes trust father to come up with something like that to keep the King away from the crypts for at least two days," Sansa said to him also laughing.
"But the thing that disturbs me is the fact that Lord Stark mentioned Myrcella and Tommen as being Robert's true heirs?" Jon said looking down at the scroll one final time.
"Yes, that does disturb me as well. A king forcing his children to hide their features," Dany said. Her dragon eggs in the satchel beside her.
"I would have had them broadcast it for the whole world not hide it. People will question their birth," Theon also said from the side.
"Aye, I have to agree with my brother why hide? I mean isn't that the point of being the king's heirs?" Asha replied as she took another bread from the basket.
"Well father seems to think that because of this latest predicament if anything were to happen then Joffrey would be king. Even though in reality the crown should go to Tommen," Sansa said.
"Tommen is just a boy of what eight?" Asha asked.
"Nine Tommen is Nine," this time it is Dany who replied while studying her eggs closely.
Jon noticed, "Dany what is it?" he asked his aunt.
"I don't know I just felt the eggs move somehow?" Dany said.
"Let me feel," said Asha as Dany held the eggs to her. Asha felt the eggs and she felt movement. With a smile she handed the eggs back.
"Aye, they are moving, but it is still too early for hatching. Dragon eggs from what I remember studying take about a year to hatch. The babies are just starting to test their legs. But are still too small to come out," Asha said.
Dany sighed, "I thought they would be ready by now and how are you able to tell? I thought dragon eggs can only be felt by those of Valyrian blood?"
"I saw hatching kraken not too long ago. The eggs are like those of dragons only they need water not fire to survive. I read in your library that even after being sanctified eggs of a dragon need to be tended by fire. I saw you put them in the flames at night so I guess you read the same thing?" Asha asked.
"Yeah, I did when my brother gave me my eggs I had to read up on them." Dany replied.
"I wish I could look into the Septa's mirror. I remember Lord Tyrion saying that her mirror is magic, and that it can look into the past by recording the present time. So if you have a memory you want the mirror to see. It can see for you, and then it can record it. If you want to see it you can look for the image of that memory." Theon said.
"Yeah but you have to know the magic symbols to open the mirror's powers. Or else all you get is nothing," Ramsey said as he finished his pork.
"Your fine slicing is making me nervous," said Theon.
"That is because you don't like my fine cutting. Besides I have to practice, after all I am the bastard son of the Dreadfort. You do remember what they do right?" Ramsey said while eating a bit more of his pork.
"Yes we all remember," grumbled Jon as he finished his fish.
Sansa was the only one smiling at how hilarious it all was.
PRESENT
That was several days ago and now they are on the ship bound for Bear Island. Sansa sat at the stern while Asha steered the ship. She had her ship docked at Kracken Town along with her crew of traders and former pirates. Men who had traveled the seas and are seasoned veterans just like Asha. And like their lady they enjoy spending time onshore in Kraken Town to visit family and friends.
As they neared the shores Asha quickly gave the steering wheel to Theon who gladly took it. Taking out a cylinder that was created in Kraken Town with powder imported from Skagos she pulled on a string. Immediately a brilliant flare of light was raised and exploded in the sky. The color that rained down on them was a brilliant pink while the reply from the shore was the same. The color though of the light blue and white which gave Asha the signal to approach the shore. Taking the wheel again she looked for the single white lookout tower on the tip of the bay they were entering.
Just as predicted a fire was lit and a mirror swept around lighting the way for ships docking on the shores. Asha knew that if Ironborn Pirates were to invade the lighthouse would go out and the Ironborn would be forced into the reef. But Asha being a familiar face was welcomed on Bear Island.
The thick fog which surrounded the ship suddenly was only normal. Thanks to the lighthouse the ship can safely travel into shore.
"Sound the horn!" she said to one of her sailors.
The men rushed towards the bow with a horn in his hand. He then blew the horn as loud as he could. He waited for an answer and when an answer came it came from the left.
Asha steered them towards the left following the light to avoid the reef. As they near the main bay of Bear Island trying to avoid the jagged reefs. Asha saw the pier for the first time in a long time. There a small party was waiting for them one of them was wearing a long cloak of bear fur.
Lord Jorah Mormont she thought as they landed.
When they did Lord Mormont and his host bowed before Sansa and her friends.
"My lady Sansa welcome to Bear Island," Lord Mormont said.
"Sir Jorah it is good to see you again. Though I don't see your wife anywhere?" Sansa said confused.
"She won't be coming back. Lady Hightower has seen the likes of Bear Island for the last time. And has tried to take my fortune for the last time." Sir Jorah stated as he aided Sansa down from the ramps and then proceeded to help Dany down. Jon, and Ramsey came down afterwards but Theon and Asha remained onboard.
"How long till you come back from Pyke?" asked Dany.
"About two weeks we will be staying there. Theon has to get his anointment by the high priest. All Ironborn has to go through this. And my father has to see him again to know that he is still alive. I swear the man is a jackass!" Asha said.
"You be careful now Theon and remember to come back," said Sansa.
"I will don't worry about me," Theon said and the group left the Ironborn at the docks.
"So Lady Sansa I bet you'd be wanting to hear how I ended my marriage with Lady Hightower?" said Ser Jorah.
"Yes, I am sure you will tell us all about it, but first something to eat I'm starving," Sansa replied.
"Right this way," Ser Jorah said.
The ride to the main keep of Bear Island was a short one. Just to the top of the hill. The horses that were provided for them to make the ride were well trained to climb the mountains. As they climbed archers and armed guards stood on either side of them. The hills were filled with bears hence the name Bear Island. The people there also greeted their lord as he made his way up the hill towards the keep.
"How was your journey so far Lady Sansa, Lord Ramsey, Your Majesties," he said addressing Sansa's group.
"It was a bit rough we had a few run ins with bandits and some wildlings but so far nothing short of open warfare," Sansa replied when they finally got to the keep.
The wooden halls of House Mormont were in fact made from strong Ironwood trees. The sounds of people training filled the halls as they entered. All of them quickly formed up into straight lines and bowed to their lord and his party. As soon as they left they resumed training.
"I see Bear Island is doing well," Sansa said when they dismounted.
"Indeed my Lady, I will tell you more at the feast tonight but for now you should rest. My Aunt Maege shall show you to your room," he said.
LATER
"I like this room! Hey Jon you can see the ocean from here!" Ramsey said as ran up to the window. Already he saw the bay area with the ships and the open fields where the people of Bear Island worked. As he watched he looked down to see Ghost standing there by his side.
The direwolf had grown a lot along their journey and he is right now about the size of a normal wolf. But he will grow much bigger with time. Jon reached his hand down to pet Ghost while the wolf had leaned in. His tongue hanging while he looked out over the ocean. As he looked he saw the Greyjoy's ship set sail towards the open waters.
"Hey look there goes the Greyjoys!" Jon said to Ramsey.
"Where?" Ramsey asked.
"There!" Jon said excitedly and Ramsey looked out over the water as well.
"I see them! I wish they knew that we wish them luck on Pyke," Ramsey said.
As if the answer him Ghost threw his head back and howled. The distant sound of another wolf howling showed that Lady also joined the farewell. As the ship sailed away they saw a shadow move under it. If he believed in the Drowned God then Jon would have smiled to see that they are protected.
MEANWHILE
The sea was calm as Asha steered them out. Theon looked towards Bear Island one last time and heard a howl on the wind. It was followed by another howl this one was more feminine. Both he and his sister smiled for it was like a farewell from both Jon and Sansa. Theon was a man grown and as an adult he can make his own decisions. Lord Stark entrusted him to keep the peace between the North and the Ironborn. Something that Theon intends to do now that he is a man grown.
Looking into the waters below Theon felt like he had come home at last. The ocean was his home and the sea was lapping up to greet him. Also a shadow seems to dance under it and as it moved Theon was taken back by the size of it.
Laughing Asha saw Theon's face.
"That is just Timmy!" Asha said.
"Timmy? The baby squid we saved years ago on our last visit home?" Theon said surprised.
"Aye, what we thought was a humble squid with a will to live turned out to be a baby Kracken. Theon we rescued a damn Kracken! The thing grew to a monster and I didn't recognize him at first. Till he showed me his eye," she said.
And Theon looked into the waters below from the stern and found the giant eye looking at him. The same eye that was scared from the top to the bottom where a fisherman's hook had caught it.
"Well I'll be damned! It is you Timmy!" he said happily as the Kracken leaped from the water into the ocean. The waves met them as they exited the harbor and into the open sea. The waves suddenly picked up as the sunset sea met them. The Kracken stayed with them as Asha smiled at her brother. Theon truly felt like he had come home.
BEAR ISLAND
Sansa and Dany were in the shared bath together. The volcanic hotsprings that keeps the baths warm in Winterfell also apply to Bear Island. The old volcano had long since sunk into the sea forming the island. But the heat from the hotsprings are still there. Both girls wanted a bath ever since they got to the islands. The mineral baths of Bear Island are famous throughout the North. In fact the North had learned how to use the steam from hotspring vents to heat up their keeps and towns to keep them warm.
Bear Island may not appear to be as luxurious as Winterfell but at least the baths for guests are still the best there are.
"So what do you think happened to Lady Hightower?" Sansa asked Dany.
"I have no idea probably threw her out because her mouth is as big as a whale," Dany said smiling. Right beside her the three dragon eggs are kept in the open flames. They sat there while she saw the baby dragons within. Their shells may be solid on the outside but the open flame allowed her to see for the first time her and Jon's babies. The dragons were tiny within the shells only about the size of her pinky finger. They did not even look like dragons at all with only a the large heads of them were distinguished but it was enough to show their dragon features.
"They are small still Dany, but when they hatch they will look like dragons. Remember what the Maester said all babies look like blobs of disembowled joints when they are in the womb. Even an egg is a womb and it shows." Sansa said when she came beside her.
"I know I just wish they would hatch already," Dany said.
"I'd rather they hatch naturally so that way they are perfect when they are born. How's Jon is he holding them too at night?" Sansa asked.
"Yes he is, in fact even Ghost surprisingly enough stays with them," Dany said.
"The direwolf wants to cuddle with the eggs?" Sansa said laughing.
"Yes, surprisingly enough," replied Dany.
When they both exited the bath they had dressed in their dressing gowns used during feasts. The gowns themselves don't look like ordinary gowns one wears in the South. In the North the dresses are slit on the sides which allows them to move their legs more freely. Women wore breeches like the men do and they are designed to be more feminine which is how they are dressed. The dress itself was also cut higher then those of the south to allow for more leg movement. Women of the North had to be battle ready at all times. But that also lets them get creative with how their dress looks.
Sansa's dress had wolf fur patterns to show off who she was. The direwolf was present on her right breast to show she was from House Stark. Dany's was a more leather bound dress with Sand Snake scales that were black with red stripes on them. They were the colors of house Targaryen and the dragon scale design was meant to show whose house she belongs to.
Beside them Jon wore a dark tunic with tuffs of white fur and scale patterns. This shows whose child he is and they bowed to the true Prince. Ramsey wore a dark blue tunic with red stitches to show that he is a bastard from the Dreadfort. Lord Mormont wore a dark green tunic with a bear pattern inside them. The rich celtic patterns allows them to see that he is indeed a Northman and he is from Bear Island.
Sansa and her party bowed low to show respect to their host.
"Lady Sansa this is Maege Mormont my Aunt and my niece Dacy," Lord Mormont said bowing to her.
"The pleasure is mine my ladies may I present to you Princess Daenerys Targaryen of House Targaryen Prince Jon Snow also of House Targaryen and House Stark and Ramsey Snow of House Bolton," Sansa said smiling.
"It is not often we get a representative of House Bolton, welcome," Lord Jorah said to him with a smile. Ramsey smiled back politely as was all Northman. It was one of the reasons why he loves the North so well. Bastards are treated as equals and as equals they are welcomed in any household. The only thing stopping them from getting any entitlements was the Westerosi law of bloodlines. But Ramsey didn't mind as they all sat at the high table for once as honored guests.
JUST OFF THE COAST OF CAPE KRAKEN
The good thing about the North was that there was a very strong current that flowed from the North to the South. Ironborn use these winds to return home after pillaging from the North. But ever since the Starks had opened up Cape Kraken to them things had been a lot easier between the two nations. The way south was a lot faster then the way north, but if one were to go north they had to go out to sea. There the current goes in the opposite direction towards the North. That was why it only took a few days to get to Bear Island then the months it normally would take to travel the same distance to White Harbor from Skagos.
As they traveled towards Cape Kraken they had one final stretch before they can get to the Iron Islands. It was there that Timmy the Kracken had left their side to travel back up north. It was here that they encountered other ships belonging to the Iron fleet.
Theon was at the helm this time with his sister to guide him.
"Hold her steady brother, good!" she said smiling.
"You are going to make him into a fine sailor captain!" one of the crew members said to her smiling.
"Aye, I am lads and when I am through with him he will be as good if not better then me!" Asha shouted to them. The cheers went up as Theon smiled. He truly felt as if he had come home to where he belongs.
LATER THAT DAY
As the sun began to set over the sunset sea the ship made it around the coast and finally into open waters. The trip would take them at least a day and a half but for Theon it was the trip he was both excited and dreaded.
Asha stood to the side as she watched her brother steer the ship towards the direction of the Iron Islands. Pyke was just a day and a half away and as the sun sets. She could see her brother looking already to the stars that are now forming.
He has taken his navigation training to heart, good. Those old books about star navigation without a compass came in handy. Asha thought as she remembered reading them to Theon a while back.
As she looked over to coast as they left the mainland. Her thoughts were on Timmy the Kraken as he left them back at Kracken point. She had grown to love the North and the people in it. She had learned so much from them and now she has to go back to her dreary father and his hatred of everything greenlander.
"All good things must come to an end," she said softly to herself.
BEAR ISLAND
The music was loud, but the feast was festive. Many folk from the nearby village and the fishing villages beyond that were at the keep. They had brought their own food with them and soon everyone was enjoying the feasts. Even the bears who had come to eat the scraps in the woods had come. There were so many people that the hall thankfully was made to house them all.
Bear Island may not have much of a population, but it knew how to accommodate people. At the high table the guests of honor. They were eating a large roast made from a bear. The bear meat was saturated in a honey glaze with nuts and some roots for flavoring. There was also fish soup served with vegetables and herbs which the girls wanted to help in. But Lord Mormont insisted that they are guests and that they shouldn't prepared the feast for them. The lord himself had carved the bear for the people to roast. His sisters helped with gathering the herbs. Together with their servants and the village people they prepared the feast themselves.
As they ate they talked about the journey to Bear Island and the avoidance of King Robert.
"I know how it went in Winterfell. Lord Stark has told everyone and to me I find it rather amusing to see such nonsense. King Robert's obsession with a dead woman can't go on forever," This was Maege Mormont speaking.
"Aye, it can't, but what can we do? And with what I hear about the Princess and the youngest son? Well I will have to ask Father to see if he can keep them up here. At least that way they can get a proper education and training. I fear the Prince will not know how to rule if anything were to happen to that spoiled brat," Sansa said her tongue showing disdain for Joffery Baratheon.
"Speaking of which can you tell us about Lady Hightower? I heard you sent her packing and I would want to hear more of it?" said Dany interrupting the talk.
Lord Jorah smiled fully for the first time, "Of course my ladies and gentlemen I shall tell you but first a song!" he said laughing.
As soon as he said it a man walked in. In his hand was a lute which he started to play while laughing the whole time. The cords carry a merry tune but it was the lyrics that caught everyone's attention.
I sing you a tale of a bear and tower
born on opposite sides of the sea.
One was a warrior
the other a flower
oh how true love was meant to be.
So they wed on the night when the moon was so high
and the stars have not shown in the sky. The wind was blowing the
wolves were howling and the tower….
She wanted to die….
By now Sansa was confused when the minstrel sang this song, but as she listened more her face started to pick up a smile.
So the bear in his glory tried to make love in the morning
but the tower she wanted to whine. It was gold and riches
she wanted for snitches and the bear…
he wanted to cry.
So they wed on the night when the moon was so high
and the stars have not shown in the sky. The wind was blowing the
wolves were howling and the tower….
She wanted to die….
Oh the tower was greedy she hated the dreary and wanted the gold and the wine
a spoil brat queen who was always so mean….
But the bear…
just said goodbye
So he had enough and then he got tough
and called the ministers here
he took the brat queen and said she was mean
and made her land on her rear!
By now the entire hall was laughing at the minstrel as he was trying to keep a straight face while singing this tune. By now everyone joined in the singing.
So we say goodbye to the tower on high
a greedy whore she is.
The bear was mean he bit the great queen and said….
So long and goodbye!
When the song ended the entire hall was filled with laughter as they applauded the minstrel. Even Lord Mormont who can't keep his mirth when he did this was deep into laughter. Sansa and the others joined in to the singing as the minstrel repeated the song much to the request of the audience.
"So I take it the song was about you and your...ex-wife?" Jon said to him.
"Yes it was about us and it was about how I literally booted her from my home and sent her right back to Hightower. She was a greedy bitch and had I seen it sooner I would have called off the marriage before I married her. She was such a bitch from the start. She had no appreciation for anything we do and even tried to make it seem like I was selling slaves! Me a slaver!" Lord Mormont said.
Sansa remember the conversation her father had about Lord Mormont. When she heard about the poachers and how he dealt with them she wanted to kill him herself. Until Lord Mormont himself came before her father and told him the truth. He said that the men were not poachers of animals they were slavers themselves. They had wanted to come and take some of his people to be sold as slaves in Essos.
Now when her father heard this he was very angry at how the slavers would dare to invade Westeros. So he told Lord Mormont to find out why they are here.
"So she was the one who sent the slavers here?" Dany asked.
"Oh yes, because slaves in Essos come at a high price. So she thought of sending some of the people from my home to Essos to be sold as slaves. Lady Asha was most kind to pay the Iron Price to bring them home and I got to send my wife the most welcoming boot I had. Right up her ass and back where she belonged." Lord Mormont said.
"What did her family say?" asked Ramsey now curious.
"Oh they were most upset when I sent them a raven explaining why I called off the marriage. I had to get a priest from Old Town to do the annulment because we were married in the Reach. So we were married by the New Gods. I made sure she never stepped foot in the North again. Lord Tyrell was most displeased when I also sent a raven to him telling him that one of his bannermen's daughters had broken the law." Lord Mormont sat back with a smile, "Oh the results of her being stripped of her title and her name was more then satisfying to me." he said.
"Then why the song?" Jon asked.
"That was Dacy's idea. She was toying with a song for a while and a minstrel heard her and tried his own hand. Then it became the most popular song on Bear Island." Lord Mormont said laughing.
"I think if you played it in Winterfell it would also be popular Lord Mormont," Sansa said laughing.
The rest of the feast went as if nothing went on. The whole time Jorah Mormont explained why he got rid of his wife. And how foolish he felt when he found out the truth about her. It was not a pretty zeal to remember, but Jorah in a way felt relief to let go of the greedy bitch. In fact if she was truly in love with him then Jorah would have shown her that Bear Island was as wealthy as Hightower. Unfortunately that was not the case. She had shown that she was not worth Jorah's time so Jorah kicked her out and asked the Septon in Old Town to annul the marriage. Thankfully there was not children involved and Jorah at last was free to find himself a better wife.
The people of Bear Island appreciate it very much she was horrible to them. So Lord Jorah got rid of her.
When the feast was over Sansa and her party returned to their rooms. Jon and Ramsey had decided to take a night out just to enjoy the night air. Dany and Sansa remained in their rooms and went to bed right afterwards.
OUTSIDE
"So Jon they say that Bear Island is full of bears that is how it got its name right?" Ramsey said as they walked down the path that led down to the village outside of Bear Keep.
"Yeah large Grizzly and Kodak Bears if I am not mistaken." Jon said.
"So why are they called Kodak Bears?" Ramsey asked.
"I have no idea. I remember reading that it is a very old word that predates the First Men and that the children don't remember where the word came from. I bet the Septa probably knows, but she won't tell us." Jon said as the lights of the village came into view.
"So what do you think the Ironborn are going to show up here or what?" asked Ramsey.
"I have no idea with Balon in charge anything was possible." Jon replied.
The lights of the village came closer into view. The ironwood and weirwood trees that were all around them were like towers. The forest was strong here and the weirwood trees even more numerous.
"The Gods surely love this forest," said Jon.
"Aye, they did and now we are here," said Ramsey.
Sure enough they entered the village and with it the men went to have their fun.
MEANWHILE
Dany was asleep next to Sansa when Lady's ears suddenly went up. The wolf was alert to any danger that came in the night. As if sensing her direwolf's distress Sansa woke.
"What is it girl?" she said to the wolf.
Suddenly Lady began to growl. Her teeth bared for all to see as she stared at the window. Both Sansa and Dany who had been awoken by the growling grabbed for their weapons. Just as they grabbed for their weapons Lady's ears were fully pulled back and her teeth were fully bared. Sansa prepared her staff while Dany prepared her swords.
Just then a shadow appeared in the room a man with a cap on his head. It was an old man whose rail thin body and thin face gave all the encouragement they needed.
"What do you want Cat's Paw!" Sansa said to him.
"You weren't supposed to be here. She wasn't supposed to be here," she said pointing to Dany. Dany readied her swords just as the man leaped into the room.
Only for Lady to take him out first by going for his throat. When that was done Sansa and Dany ran towards the window to see other assassins start to make their climb up.
"Oh shit the boys are in the village!" Sansa whispered to Dany. Looking out they saw smoke coming from the village so they knew that they would be busy.
MEANWHILE
"Ah man that was good!" said Ramsey as he slammed down his drink. Nothing like Northern vodka to get one going.
"OH yeah, now that is the good shit!" Jon said as he too put down his drink.
The Bear's Ass is a well known and very popular pub and Inn in Sunset Cove. The village that is closest to Mormont Keep. The village has a clear view of the Sunset Sea and the fading light of day. It is a popular hangout for everyone on Bear Island and often times sailors come here to trade and to set up shop. Bear's Ass is often used as a main rest spot before they move on the next day.
The food here is of excellent quality as the chef who runs the kitchens had come from the Reach. The man had moved up here when his wife a Northern Woman and native of Bear Island wanted to move home. So they came and settled in Sunset Cove.
The man himself was busy in the back making the food for his guests. While his wife who is also the waitress was passing around the drinks. Those who get too rowdy find themselves with broken fingers and maybe a dislocated shoulder. She takes no crap from anyone.
Also helping out is the couple's daughter who also is a tavern wench. She smiles as she serves her customers and likes to listen to the stories they tell.
In fact she is there as Jon and Ramsey's serving girl.
"So have you boys decided what you want to eat yet?" she said.
"Nah, we just ate at Mormont Keep so we just wanted to have a few drinks," said Ramsey.
"Ah you and everyone else here. No matter, enjoy the drinks and the music boys," she said and went off to serve another customer.
The music was playing well and the boys were enjoying themselves. As they enjoyed themselves it was Ramsey who brought up the subject first.
"So Jon I know that everyone thinks that you are a bastard, but in actuality you're not. So how do you suppose to find a wife hmmm?" Ramsey asked.
"I am not, it is common among Targaryens to marry their relatives. So it is assumed that I will be marrying my aunt in the future," Jon replied.
"You know that is just weird. I mean you basically grew up with her and now they say you have to marry her! What if you don't want that? And what if she don't want that either. I mean look at your late parents. Both Prince Rhaegar and Lady Lyanna both are not related and they got married. Has it not occurred to you that no one gives a shit about who you marry unless there is some gain to it?" Ramsey said.
"Just what are you getting at Ramsey?" Jon asked.
"What I meant was you are of age now Jon to start looking for a wife. I mean come on everyone in the North knows who you really are Prince Ageon. It's about time you look for a woman who is worth your time," he said laughing.
"You mean you want me to make more bastards?" Jon said jokingly.
"Hey the more the merrier," Ramsey said while holding his cup.
"To the bastards!" he said
"To the..." suddenly an explosion shook the establishment an everyone started running.
"What the fuck?" Jon said getting up and pulling out his sword. Ramsey did the same with his bow and together they ran outside.
There they saw numerous explosions rock the bay. And just beyond it….
"Are those….?" Ramsey started to say.
"Sell swords," Jon cursed as he started to hack into a man who came at him.
Huge balls of flame came from the sky. They landed on the tops of the buildings and many people ran to get weapons. The attack came from the sea yet the ships who are approaching don't bare any Ironborn sigils. So that left Sellswords from Essos have come to take people for the slave trade in Slaver's Bay. Slaves heave a high price and from what both Jon and Ramsey gathered it was probably an irrate wife out to get what she wants.
The men and the villagers began to fight back either with weapons or bare handed. It was one thing to handed to Northerners they know how to fight. Ramsey dodged a blow to the head and smashed his fist into the man's stomach before heaving him into Jon. Jon's knife was the first thing that man felt as he landed on the smaller man. Jon then threw the man to the side as Ramsey took another knife and threw it across at the man coming in from the door. Another Northerner beside him also threw a knife then came up with a short sword. The Innkeeper came with a crossbow and began to shoot at the men coming in from the back.
It was a good thing that both men took their weapons with them.
Suddenly a snarling growl was heard as a white blur came crashing through the window. The flesh of a man's throat was evident in Ghost's mouth as the direwolf stood there proudly in front of his master.
"Didn't want to stay home eh boy!" Jon said as he swung his sword and kicked the man behind him. Then with a quick swing of his sword sliced into the man in front. Ramsey did the same with his knives as he hacked into the throat of another. Then doing a series of front flips threw two if his knives into the men who came after a little girl.
The girl went into a room full of children while her parents put up one hell of a fight.
"We have to fall back to the keep!" Jon said.
"I know but we can't leave these people behind," Ramsey said.
"That is why we need to find out how we are going to sink the ships!" Jon said
"Fuck we could use Asha and Theon's help!" Ramsey said just as he cocked his bow and shot at a man coming from behind Jon.
"Fuck is right!" Jon said.
MEANWHILE
Sansa and Dany now in full battle gear ran down the stairs with Lady on their heels. The direwolf was already tearing at the throats of some of the men there. Sansa knew that the halls were too narrow for her spear so had used the split versions of them. It was a neat thing to do so that it would make easier transport. She can also use the two sides as weapons. Dany held her two short swords and was already hacking into the enemy.
Running along the wall she did a sideways summersault before stabbing two men on the side. One man tried to grab her from behind only to find out that Daenerys Targaryen was not a damsel in distress. Rearing her leg she sunk her heel into the kneecap of the man who tried to grab her. Screaming in pain he did not see the other sword till his head went flying across the room.
The main hall was in full battle mode as men rushed in to take the keep. They saw the Mormonts in full battle gear taking on several of the men at once.
Lord Jorah Mormont used his sword like a pole vault to launch himself at two of the men before hacking away with them. Sansa had to give these invaders credit they were not half bad. But still she could tell that they are being beaten by the Northern host.
It was not long till they were fully beat that Lord Mormont gathered his forces to race towards the ocean. The village still needed help as more ships were coming in.
IN THE VILLAGE
Both Jon and Ramsey found themselves back to back as the men came from all angles.
"We need to do something about those ships!" Ramsey said as he started to head towards the docks.
Jon was beside him as he too ran and as they neared the docks it was then that Jon noticed the light house.
"We need to put the light out! Why is the fire lit in the first place?" Jon asked.
"It wasn't earlier not since the Greyjoy's left," Ramsey said.
Both Snow's looked at each other before racing to find some horses. When they found them they immediately rode towards the lighthouse with Ghost running alongside them.
When they neared the tower both men were surprised at the bodies there. Holding out their weapons they made towards the tower only to be confronted by two men with large axes.
"Oh shit!" Jon said as he ducked while Ramsey took on the other one.
The first man was a giant next to Jon and the Prince wasted no time to duck and wield after him. Leaping away from his ax he took out his sword which hacked off the man's arms. Screaming in agony he held his two stumps only for Jon to do a running leap and send the man over the cliff into the sea below.
Ramsey also sent a man tumbling, but he took two knives from his pouch and stabbed him in the shoulders. Hitting the tendons the man was made useless as he was thrown over the cliff.
Just as they fell several more men came from the tower.
"Oh this will be a fun night eh Jon?" Ramsey said.
"You bet it would be fun," Jon replied.
Ghost only howled.
MEANWHILE
Lady's ears perked up at the sound of Ghost howling from the cliffs. Dany and Sansa also heard it.
"You heard it right?" Dany said.
"Yeah, it is coming from the lighthouse tower!" Sansa said.
Lord Mormont who was with them also heard it, "You! Get some men and follow me quickly!" he said as he rushed up towards the tower with men in tow. Several of them managed to get horses for Lord Mormont and his group, allowing them to race upwards towards the tower.
AT THE TOWER
Jon and Ramsey did not realize the numbers that came from the tower. But they managed to kill the last of them. It was thanks to Jon doing a wall run before backflipping behind the man pursuing him and cleaving him in two. Ramsey did the same only used his bow to shoot two arrows into the other men. Just then the sound of horses could be heard as Lord Jorah Mormont, Sansa and Dany raced up along with a few other men from the village.
"You two are you alright?" Lord Mormont said dismounting.
"We are fine my Lord but the lighthouse was crawling with them!" Ramsey said.
"Sir they were using the lighthouse to signal to their men," Jon said.
"They must have known about it from someone on the inside. The Ironborn I know couldn't have done it for they were gone right before they got here," said Dany.
One of the men was moaning meaning he was still alive. Ramsey managed to find him first and pulled him up, "You, why did you attack us!" Ramsey said.
The man spat in his face and just before he could bite his tongue Ramsey's fingers went into his mouth and pulled out a fake tooth. Shocked the man looked as Ramsey smelled it before tossing it to the ground.
"That shit ain't going to save you here," he said before pulling the man up.
Lord Mormont's men quickly came to take him away while Dany rushed up the stairs to douse the flames.
When they doused the flames the only thing bathing the reef was the moonlight. Soon the ships started to set sail again, but without the light to guide them many of them met their fate in the rocks. Those that made it past the rocks never made it past the reef. And no sooner have they passed the reef then large tentacles made itself known.
They could hear the screams of the men as they were thrown into the sea and consumed by the Kracken.
"Well at least Timmy gets to have a good meal," said Sansa.
"Timmy?" asked Dany.
"I don't know about you but I had enough for one day," Jon said.
"I need to check up on my eggs and then I will call it a night," Dany said.
LATER
Daenerys was lying on her bed with her three eggs roaring in the fire next to her bed. Dany made an effort to move the bed next to the fire so she can be near them. From what she read only the females or dragons with female tendencies do this. Jon being the male and a half breed only needs to be near them when they hatch. But he still sleeps with them often but not tonight. In the meantime Dany kept an eye on her eggs as they incubate and special pouches were made for them to retain their heat when they travel.
"Why would slavers from Essos come here of all places to raid this island?" Daenerys asked Sansa as the other girl had just emerged from her bath. Dany had already bathed while Sansa was being debriefed by Lord Mormont.
"I have no idea but Lord Jorah has told me that they managed to round up enough officers or high ranking slavers to get some answers," she said while she dressed in some sleeping clothes. Lady was already sleeping at the bottom of the bed her eyes closed while her paws showed how relaxed she is. As she slept Sansa looked out towards the village. Most of the villagers are sleeping in the great hall tonight until the sun comes up to assess the damages done to their homes.
The slavers did a number on their homes and burned quite a bit. The bears would be feasting on the flesh of the dead today. Lord Jorah had made sure to use the slavers bodies as offerings to the Old Gods to thank them for their protection.
ELSEWHERE
"So what do you think nephew this attack was not deliberate," said Maege as the Mormonts gathered in Lord Jorah's solar.
"No it is not," Jorah replied.
"What do you think Uncle is it from Her," Dacy spat and refused to say the name that all of them dreaded.
Jorah growled in his throat at the thought, "If they were hired by Lady Lynesse then she is breaking Westerosi Law again by having them here!" he said as he looked at each of his companions.
"So what do you suggest dear nephew we already sent her packing with an annulled marriage what more does she want?" Maege said.
"I disrespected her and ruined her honor she would want revenge. I will send a raven to Highgarden immediately to deal with the issue. Lord Tyrell knows the law as well as I and this must be dealt with." Jorah replied.
"It is convenient that they knew about the light house my Lord. You think the Greyjoys have anything to do with it?" asked Dacy.
"No, Asha and her brother were in Winterfell so the fault does not lie with them. No, I think it is someone on the inside who had told them about the lighthouse. I want them found and I want them dealt with," he said.
"Yes brother," said Maege as she walked out with Dacy.
Jorah Mormont put his hands to his head and began to think of who might have allowed them into the harbor. Bear Island is full of reefs and dangerous surf. It is only in winter that the seas become frozen over with ice. They are so far north that the ice becomes a problem for most but the most skilled sailors. Asha Greyjoy he knows can navigate the sea ice and her ship is built to do it.
No
That is not what worries him.
The ice has been frozen before and with it came the wildlings. Freefolk who do not honor the treaty of the North. But they are usually dealt with swiftly.
It has to be her, his former wife. She has to have been the one who had sent those Slavers here to take the people of Bear Island for slaves. He has yet to hear from Lord Hightower and if this is the response he was getting…
Suddenly there was a knock at the door.
"Come in!" said Jorah.
The door opened and the Maester came in.
"How is everyone?" Lord Jorah asked.
"They are fine my Lord but this just came in for you. The poor bird was wounded and barely made it. Luckily one of the patrols found it and brought it here," he said holding the bird and showing Lord Mormont the scroll.
He took the scroll and observed that it had the sigil of House Hightower on it. Opening it up he was surprised to see the message inside.
Lord Mormont
I must warn you before she found out that I knew. But my daughter Lynesse has done the unthinkable. She has hired a group of slavers to invade Bear Island in retaliation for your annulment of her marriage. Please I do not wish harm on our families and you only did what was best for your house. I hope this message gets to you on time.
Lord Hightower
So Lord Hightower tried to warn the Mormonts of the impending danger.
But the bird had been wounded meaning that someone wanted the message not to get through. Or at least delay it till it was over.
"You have done well Maester. You should get some rest the night has been long," Lord Jorah said.
"I wish I could but there is still many wounded to tend to," the Maester said.
"Let your apprentices deal with them. You look like you are ready to collapse. Go rest, and we shall see about tomorrow," Lord Mormont said.
The maester nodded before departing. Lord Jorah was tired himself as he stood up and made his way out of the Solar.
Just as he was about to open the door instinct kicked in and he quickly threw his knife at the window. The sound of gagging was heard as a man fell from the curtain.
"Damn Cat's Paw," he said before exiting.
THE NEXT DAY
The smell of something spicy rained in the air when Sansa woke. The night of fighting had wore both her and Dany out. Getting out of bed they were surprised they were not awakened sooner.
"It was Lord Mormont's idea m'lady," said a servant girl.
"Really?" Dany replied from beside Sansa.
"Aye he did, he wanted to make sure you are fully rested. He made the morning meal himself a fine meal it is," the servant girl said.
As a Lord of the North should thought Sansa.
"Very well, where is Lord Mormont?" she asked.
"Lord Mormont is currently giving food to the injured. Prince Jon and Lord Snow went to search the village for any more survivors," said the servant.
"Thank you," Sansa said as she entered the main hall.
Already people were lined up to have the morning meal. Many sported numerous wounds but nothing too fatal. Those that were fatally wounded were already fed and dressed by the Maester and his men.
Those that have died overnight were buried in the forest to be consumed by bears as is the custom of Bear Island. As they neared the food stand Sansa and Danny could make out lord Mormont with his aunt and cousins pulling out bowls and filling them with stew.
"Good morning my Princess, Lady Sansa," Lord Mormont said to them. The two ladies already greeted him while he served them up a bowl of stew with some bread and cheese.
"I am sorry if the high table is not available," Lord Mormont said since the high table is currently being used to give out the food.
"Don't worry about it we will find another spot." Sansa said.
"Now don't fret yourselves up Lady Sansa go sit by Lyanna over there she needs the company," Maege Mormont said to Sansa and Dany.
Both women made their way up the tables to where a young girl was eating. She was dressed like a typical lady of house Mormont. Though she lacks the weaponry and the armor that most of them wear. She is still young with a youthful face to prove it. Young Lyanna was the youngest daughter of Maege Mormont and the sister of Dacy Mormont. As she sat she was across from another woman whom was a lady in her own right.
But unlike Lyanna she was dressed in fine silks though her hair and her posture screams Northern.
Both girls sat across from Lady Lyanna and ate in silence for a while.
"You're Sansa Stark aren't you?" she said to Sansa.
"Yes, I am and you are Lyanna Mormont are you not?" she said smiling to the young girl. The girl smiled at her, "Yeah I am Lyanna my friend next to me is Mira Forrester she is from Ironwrath. She was spending the night here before she heads to Old Town but then we were attacked." Lyanna said.
Mira only rolled her eyes and smiled.
"Actually she has it backwards, I am returning to Ironwrath from Highgarden for a brief visit to my family. My mother requested my presence because my brother Asher is getting married." Mira said.
"Really? I never thought they wanted you home from someplace as far as Highgarden. Normally they just do the wedding," said Dany jokingly. She knows well enough everyone in the family must be in attendance to a wedding. Even if they are far away as Dorne or Slaver's Bay.
"I know and I told my mother that in the South they don't do that, but she wrote to lord Tyrell asking for a temporary release. The ship that I was riding had to stop at Bear Island to drop off some trade before going towards Deepwood Motte. I was at the Inn when the attack happened and I wished I had my sword with me. Luckily the bastard I killed loaned me his," she laughed.
"I found it funny that a woman like you could be at Highgarden. What were you there for?" Dany asked.
"My mother is from the Reach from house Branfield. She managed to somehow arrange for me to be one of Lady Margaery's handmaidens. It was her wish that I learn the ways of the Southern Courts not realizing that she just denied me access to Winterfell's advance schooling," she said.
"Not to worry Mira we don't have age limits to requests. In fact we have old maids who are still studying there. So when your time is over you can arrange to go there to learn a craft if you want," Sansa said.
"Really? Oh I would like that very much. My half siblings Josera and Elesra had just come back from the Northern Grove. They studied Dragonology at Winterfell before going north to live with the freefolk. Father chose them to watch over the Ice Dragon rookery there," Mira said.
"Ice Dragons?" Dany said remembering her lessons with Lord Tyrion and Master Luwin.
"Aye they said that Ironwood grows from the scales of an Ice Dragon. In fact every lord goes there at least once for a visit if my letters were correct," Mira said.
"Isn't that one of our stops Sansa?" asked Dany.
"Yes, just after we visit the Shadow Tower and the wall. It is one of our stops since I am of house Stark. It is also my duty to see to the Freefolk who live outside of the Seven Kingdoms and to ensure that the treaty is maintained." Sansa replied.
"I see so any other person of age who does the tour does not visit the Northern Grove?" Dany asked.
"No, it is mainly House Forester's duty to maintain it and to protect it," said Mira.
"So your family protects the grove? Who in your family looks after it?" asked Dany.
"It is mostly our bastards that guard it. They find that it is their duty to do it. It is optional of course that they do it. Sometimes legitimate children will take the place of the bastards to ensure that someone from House Forester guards the forest. The ice dragons favor weirwood trees as a nesting ground. The many heart trees that litter the ironwood forests also provide a place for them. Ice Dragons unlike Fire Dragons are rather shy. They prefer that you gain their trust before approaching. They don't like people riding them for obvious reasons," Mira said.
"Their spines are said to be made of ice," said Dany.
"Well they are not but they tend to feel cold when you touch them. Lately my brother has been writing to me saying that the ice dragons are getting jumpy," Mira replied.
"The long night is coming and from our reports the Others are already on the move," Sansa said.
"Just as I thought," Mira replied.
They ate in silence afterwards enjoying the meal that was made. As they ate Sansa and Dany observed Mira as the woman also ate. They noticed that her skin was tanned not the usual pale like most Northerners with the exception of the Crannogmen near The Neck. As they ate in silence the doors opened to let Jon and Ramsey through. They walked towards Lord Mormont who just gave out the last of the food.
"Lord Mormont we have accounted for all the dead," Jon said.
"And?" Lord Mormont replied.
"Mostly on their end sir they did not expect a village like us to fight back. They are used to people fleeing from their ships not staging a fight," Ramsey replied.
"Did the men we'd thrown into prison finally talk?" Lord Mormont said.
"No, it was just a wild guess," Ramsey replied.
"Oh,"
"Do you know who might have sent those men?" asked Jon.
"I have an idea. Come I will discuss this with you and your aunt and cousin," Lord Mormont said.
As they walked they saw Sansa with Dany and a woman that Jon could not take his eyes off of. She was beautiful that was for sure and Ramsey not one to ignore it smirked. He elbowed Jon and laughed, "Someone caught your eye lover boy?" he said noticing the girl in strange clothes.
"Yes..I mean no," he stuttered and Ramsey started to laugh.
"She is Mira Forester I met her when I was going to Winterfell to study a few years ago. Her family runs the Ironwood business in the North and they also guard the sacred Northern Grove beyond the wall," Ramsey replied.
"The Northern Grove? The Ice Dragon preserve?" Jon asked.
"Yep been in their family for generations. The Freefolk give them wide berth because of it. In fact we are scheduled to visit the Northern Grove after we visit the Shadow Tower. Before we make our way to Castle Black." Ramsey replied.
"Ok," said Jon.
"Lady Sansa, Princess Daenerys, Lady Mira if you would follow me," Lord Mormont said to them.
They all walked into Lord Mormont's solar and it was Maege who closed the door. A hand gestured for them all to have a seat while he sat on his table.
"As you all know those slavers had indeed come from Essos," Lord Mormont said and then produced a note, "However this raven was injured trying to get this message to me and it arrived too late for us to prepare," he said.
"Who is it from?" asked Maege.
"It is from Lord Hightower in the Reach. He was warning me about Lynesse's anger towards our annulment. She wanted to take revenge out on me for throwing her out and sending her back to her family in disgrace. I already explained to her father why I wanted the marriage annulled and he agreed to it. What I didn't know was that Lynesse wanted revenge for disgracing her so. No man in the south would desire her now that she is broken goods," Lord Mormont said.
"You mean since she is no longer a maid you mean and she was thrown out by her former husband," Sansa said.
"That is correct. The sellswords came from her with money she had stolen from her family. I already sent a raven to Lord Hightower and to Lord Tyrell since she broke Westerosi law. By the time I had gotten this message it was very late and the raven barely made it here. My men found it in the woods wounded. The maester is caring for it now the poor devil." Lord Mormont said.
"The bird was very brave to travel this far and faced such adversary, but my question is how was the bird injured?" Ramsey asked.
"A good question something I am having the Maester look at right now. This bird is loyal that is for sure and from its bigger size it is a Northern breed so they are built to be strong fliers," Lord Mormont replied.
"It was probably shot by an arrow somewhere nearby or hit by a bludger," said Dany.
"Could be," Lord Mormont said.
"If I may Lord Mormont I would like to send a letter to my lady in Highgarden. Perhaps that way the message about Lady Lynesse would reach Lord Tyrell." Mira said to them.
"That would be most helpful Lady Mira and I have to ask why are you here? Normally when one becomes a handmaiden to a Southern family they often don't let their handmaidens return home till they are done serving the host?" Lord Mormont asked.
"My mother had written to Lady Margery and asked her if I can return home. My brother Asher is supposed to get married in a few weeks and had asked if I be there. I am after all the eldest daughter so it is my duty to present Asher's wife with the sacred blessing," she said.
"The blessing of the ancestors," said Sansa.
"Yes, Asher is marrying Gwyn Whitehill and because of tensions between our houses. My father asked Lord Whitehill for this union to unify our houses once again." Mira said.
"So that is why you are here to carry out the rite," Sansa said.
"Yes, to carry out the rite as all eldest daughters of the Forrester Lords had done. Lord Whitehill is also sending his eldest daughter to ensure that the rite is carried out on their end." Mira replied.
"Alright we can hope for the best from you my lady and I hope your message to Lady Margery goes through," said Lord Mormont.
Mira bowed before she stood up to leave.
"Now then my ladies and my lords we can discuss how they knew of the lighthouse,"
TBC
A/n: Ok so this chapter was getting kind of long so I had to cut it short here. But I introduced to you Lord Jorah Mormont and Lady Mira Forrester. Now if you are aware Jorah Mormont was exiled to Essos to escape Eddard Stark's justice for selling poachers to slavers. Well that was because his wife was a greedy spoiled bitch and because of his blind devotion to her he put his family through bankruptcy. In this story however the opposite happened. Jorah became well aware of what his wife was doing and annulled their marriage in the Reach. Telling her family that she had shamed him and his house. So she was sent back to Hightower with nothing. So in this story he is still Lord of Bear Island.
As for Mira Forrester she is from Game of Thrones the game by Tell Tale and was a hand maiden to Margery Tyrell so if you played the game you know her. If not then watch some videos on youtube to know who she is.
How do you like that so far? The next chapter will be more of Sansa and her group with a little more on Theon and his sister in Pyke. So remember to leave a review and no BASHINGS, FLAMES AND LORE MONGERS PLEASE!