DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN GAME OF THRONES THEY BELONG TO GEORGE R. MARTIN AND HBO
A/n: Wow you guys are awesome! Thank you all so much for last chapter! To the reviewer who asked me about the Grand Septa not dying by paranoid Southerners. Let me tell you that She did die many times and in many horrific ways. She had not always stayed in the North. She traveled the world in all her centuries of life. She has seen a lot of things and died so many times that you can lose count quickly. She mentioned it in chapter 3.
Other then that you guys are awesome! And now on with the story.
So anyways please remember to leave a review and no FLAMES, BASHINGS AND LORE MONGERS PLEASE!
WARRIORS OF WINTERFELL
Chapter 7: The Kracken's Day Out
OFF THE COAST OF PYKE
Asha stood proud on her ship The Black Wind as they spotted the coast of the Iron Islands. The waves were crashing against the northern coast of Blacktyde as she watched Theon steer the ship towards the west hoping to catch the current that runs between the islands. She was proud of her brother as was the men on her ship. They complimented her on a job well done teaching him about the sea.
"You did well Cap'n" one man said, "He will make a fine Ironborn captain one of these days."
"He truly is a son of the sea as I had never seen a man navigate without a compass before," another man said.
Asha smiled at the compliments from her men. they meant them with all their being. Theon had grown into a fine sailor and the past few days out at sea proved it. His training at Winterfell was proving fruitful and with his warrior training was even better.
As they entered the channel between Old Wyk, Great Wyk and Orkmont it was then that Asha noticed something was not right about the situation. For starters the normal trade route between the islands is lacking ships. In fact there are none at all.
"What is going on?" asked Asha.
All the time she spent here in her homeland the sea route was always full of ships. They were either fisherman or sailors going by. But today there was nothing but silence.
"It is too quiet Capt'n something ain't right," her quartermaster said.
"Theon I need you to remain on the helm," she said to her brother.
"You sense it too," Theon said.
"Yeah, something ain't right," Asha replied.
"SMOKE! THERE IS SMOKE!" the lookout said.
The other sailors looked beyond the starboard side of the ship to see smoke in the distance. Sure enough where the dark shadows of Pyke are just forming there is smoke rising from just beyond its peak.
"Fuck!" someone cursed.
Asha didn't like it at all. She had never seen smoke from Pyke like this before. Usually when there is smoke it was from the many homes on the island cooking their meals. But that smoke was small and white. This time it was large and black meaning there is a large fire in the distance.
"Hoist the sails I want full sail on this lads!" she shouted.
She then started to make her way down, "Garlan I want all my men armed and ready for combat," Asha was now the captain of the boat once again and ordered her Quartermaster to begin sounding the alarm. She then had everyone started to put the ship into full sail. Theon at the helm steered her towards the island.
In fact as they went further into the bay more islands were smoking as if a battle was fought.
"I had not seen this much smoke since the rebellions Cap'n," said her Quartermaster.
"You mean we could be facing an attack?" asked Asha.
"Who knows but we better start moving," he said and Theon nodded before a gust of wind pushed the boat faster. As if the Drowned God was with them.
As they neared the Iron Island of Pyke the smoke became more obvious and darker.
It was when they neared Lordsport that they truly saw the extent of the damage done to their home. As smoke rose higher and the people were crying with many of them wounded.
As they landed and lowered their sails Asha and Theon were the first to leave the vessel.
"What happened here?" she demanded of one of the priests who was helping the wounded.
"Slavers M'lady! It was slavers from Essos they came and ravaged out islands. They demanded supplies from us, and when we refused they came in the night and slew most of our men and took our women and children. That is not the worst of it. Euron he was here!" the Priest said with fear.
"My uncle? Why was he here?" Asha asked.
"I don't know ma'am but the castle…..it burned!" he said wailing.
Theon and Asha looked at each other before Asha went to her ship.
"Garlan!" she called for her Quartermaster. The man rushed down from the ship, "Get the supplies off to these people help as many as you can. My brother and I will head towards Pyke I have to see my father," she said.
The Quartermaster nodded and began to bark orders. Theon and Asha managed to find a couple of horses that were spared the massacre before heading towards the cliffs of Pyke. As they traveled up the steep hill and the mists of the Ocean hit. The smell of smoke also hit their noses. Urging their horses faster the siblings made it up the hill and down the road till.
"Storm God be damned!" Theon breathed.
There was Pyke or what's left of it in a smoking ruin. The towers that were on the many jagged pillars of stone were gone. The sea had consumed the rocks and the only part that still remained was burned to the ground. As the two rode in there were bodies everywhere. Servants and stewards alike littered the ground. They spotted a man who was hobbling around muttering to himself. He wore armor that was caked in blood and his ax never left his side. The kracken shown through the dirt and mud on the man's breastplate.
Both of them knew who it was instantly.
"Uncle Victarion!" Asha cried as she and Theon dismounted their horses and ran to the man.
Victarion Greyjoy looked up at the two. His face was caked with blood and his hair was matted and covered in soot. He looks as if he had been in a hard battle. His carried himself with a limp and from the wounds on his side they had not been treated.
Both siblings helped their uncle to a well to clean his wounds. As he could barely stand himself they both took each side to help him into what was left of the castle. The only areas that were not affected by the fire was the stables where the horses and hounds were kept. They lowered their uncle onto a stump so that Asha can help him out of his armor. Theon went to get water from the well.
When he returned he gasped at the wounds his uncle had sustained when they removed the armor.
"We have to get him to a maester," Theon said.
"Where is the medicine we packed from Winterfell?" Asha asked.
Theon quickly went to his horse to get his things and pulled out a satchel. Inside were several bottles and boxes full of ointments. Pulling out one bottle he quickly went to his uncle to lather up his wounds. Asha cleaned him as best he could. He whimpered from the pain but that did not stop them. Asha remembered her training in Winterfell in field medicine and so started to use the pots and lathers that they had brought with them to deal with Victarion's pain. The man quickly leaned back and his face went slack.
"That is all we can do for him, we have to get him back to Lordsport!" said Theon and Asha quickly agreed.
So both used a wagon that miraculously survived the fire to place their uncle in. Then saddling up their horses pulled the wagon down the hill back to Lordsport.
LATER THAT NIGHT
The candle was lit when their uncle finally awoke. His breathing was ragged as Theon quickly gotten a cup of water to give to their uncle. Quickly sipping the water the man leaned back on the pillows he laid on.
"Where am I?" he asked hoarsely.
"You are on my ship it was the only place that had a bed available," Asha said.
"Asha?" he said looking at her with weak eyes.
"Yes uncle, I have returned with Theon," she said smiling.
"Thank the Drowned God!" he said as he smiled.
"Uncle what happened someone told us that slavers came through here?" Asha said.
"Aye, they did, took us by surprise. What got us was how they got past our defenses! It was as if they knew where we were and how to approach. Like someone on the inside told them of our weaknesses and where to exploit them." Victarion said to them his voice nothing but a harsh whisper.
"Uncle what happened to father?" Theon asked.
"I'm sorry Theon but Balon is dead. He was killed by Euron while fighting them off on the bridge between the main castle and the first tower," Victarion replied.
The news struck both Asha and Theon hard. Their father even though he was a cruel man was still their father. And as such the rules of succession were as follows as Theon suddenly realized how grave everything is.
"They will call a Moot won't they uncle," Theon said.
"Aye, they will for you Lord Theon but the Moot can also decide if a new king is needed. Usually when a Moot is called it is to determine which of the Greyjoy heirs will be king. But since both you and your sister are his only heirs left that means a Moot will be called to determine the winner," he said.
"No," Asha said.
"What?" Victarion replied.
"Theon is not ready and he does not have a ship. The rules of the Moot state that only the captains of the ships decide who of Balon's heirs will be king. But since Theon does not have a ship of his own that leaves only me and you uncle," Asha said.
"No there is one more," Victarion said.
"Uncle Euron," Theon said.
"Yes, as much as it pains me he will also be arriving to the Moot," Victarion said.
LATER
It was dark with the moon hiding its presence behind the thick clouds of a passing storm. Theon and Asha found themselves in the crow's nest of her ship. It was quiet as most people were asleep save for those currently on patrol around Lordsport. The guards themselves were a meager few and they held their weapons ready.
"I don't want to face Uncle Euron," Theon said as he shivered in the cold wind.
"I don't either and from what I understand he is crazier then father. He impregnated Uncle Victarion's wife," Asha said.
"He raped her?" Theon replied.
"No, he seduced her and then impregnated her so Uncle Victarion was forced to kill her," Asha said.
Theon nodded knowing the custom of the Ironborn towards marriage and those who were unfaithful. Asha had taught him as such. Though stories of Ironborn sailors who raped and reaved the women of other lands came to mind. In reality most Ironborn would rather court a woman the old fashioned way. Ironborn women however wanted to make sure their males can provide for their family. So most of them would watch what their husbands did during the day. If they proved unfaithful or if they are lazy the women just simply leave. In the case of Victarion, Euron just simply wanted to cause trouble.
In Ironborn customs if one was unfaithful to ones spouse then they are to leave. However if a man impregnates another man's wife then the woman and her unborn child were killed and sacrificed to the Drowned God for atonement. The Drowned God does not like it when men are unfaithful to their wives unlike what most people believe.
"So Uncle has not been able to find another bride then?" Theon asked.
"No, he still mourns for the one he lost," Asha said which was understandable. What their uncle did was unforgivable disguising himself as Victarion while his wife was drunk and impregnating her. That was one act that should not have happened.
"So, when will he be arriving?" Theon asked.
"I don't know," Asha replied.
"We need to send a raven to Bear Island," Theon said.
"I know and I know just the bird to do so," Asha said.
BEAR ISLAND
Black Wings flew with great speed but also were exhausted by the time they got to Bear Island. The Maester who was tending to the birds noticed the Raven right away. It was a raven with a gray underbelly. The underbelly was painted gray a sign that it was from the Iron Islands. On it was a message with the sigil for House Greyjoy. Taking the scroll from the bird he immediately gave it food and water before closing its cage. The bird didn't mind as it was fast asleep by the time he left.
Jorah Mormont Lord of Bear Island was busy in the kitchens with Lady Sansa Stark and Princess Daenerys Targaryen. They were helping the people make the evening meal. The meal they were having was a large seal that was killed just a few hours ago. The animal was brought in by some fisherman who caught it in their nets. The meat is tender and the fat even more so. It would make the meat buttery to the taste. And as they carved it to put into the stew pot to cook the Maester came in with the scroll.
"My Lord a message from the Iron Islands," said the Maester.
Lord Jorah reached out and took the scroll. Then opening it up he read the contents. Eyes growing wide he read them before passing them to Sansa who also read it.
"What does it say?" Dany asked.
"The Iron Islands was attacked by Slavers." Sansa said and everyone in the room stopped what they were doing to look up at her.
"Are you serious?" asked Dacy who was busy skinning a rabbit.
"I am, this letter is from Theon Greyjoy he says that when they got to Pyke everything was burned. Their father Lord Balon Greyjoy is dead and their uncle Victarion was found injured. The castle of Pyke is gone burned and destroyed to the ground. The pillars that the towers sat on was also destroyed. The men there say that these slavers knew how to strike them." she said.
"Strike the Ironborn fleet? The only one who did that was Eddard Stark and that was to allow Robert Baratheon and his men to take the islands. This time it is different these are slavers!" Jon said.
"If Balon is dead then that means that they are going to call a Moot to decide on a new King," Lord Mormont said.
"I know I have to send a raven to father. This bird is Asha Greyjoy's personal raven used to send messages to Winterfell. It must be exhausted." Sansa said.
"The bird is exhausted my lady," the Maester said as he walked up to them, "However I can send a different bird in its place and use your seal to tell Lord Stark what is going on,"
"You do that old friend I will write up the report myself," Lord Mormont said.
"We better prepare then," said the Maester as he stood up to leave.
"We better get back out there to help as well," said Dany as she and Sansa made their way out.
Lord Mormont stared at the letter before going to his desk to begin writing to Winterfell.
LATER THAT EVENING
"So Pyke was attacked just before Bear Island. That does not make sense! If Lady Hightower wanted to get back at Lord Mormont then why attack the Iron Islands? Is she asking for a war?" asked Sansa as she sat down facing the fire with Dany. The three dragon eggs were being rotated carefully with her hands. Dany discovered that fire can't hurt her at a young age. Both she and Jon possessed this gift but Jon being only half Valyrian also had gifts of the First Men. Much like Brandon does.
Since they both discovered their gifts and since Jon bragged about it to Lord Stark. Both of them had been taking side lessons with a Greenseer from the Freefolk as well as the Grand Septa. Though Septa was only a title given to her by mistake. The immortal proved to be very knowledgeable in the ways of magic. She even gotten Jon a teacher for his accidental Warging.
Though magic lessons were part of their curriculum all Northern Children are versed in it. They know the fundamentals of magic and what it took for one to use it. Hordor was a product of accidental use. That much they can tell.
Bran even talks about seeing a three eyed raven in his dreams. One the Septa quickly urged him to seek out when they took a trip to the Heart Tree near the Ice Dragon Preserve. It was a good thing to know. Bran's expertise in Magic grew from them. So Lord Stark encouraged Bran to study more if he wanted to control his budding powers.
But as it was Dany was content to just turn her dragon eggs in the open flames.
"I have have to admit that was rather bold. To attack the Ironborn that way can only spell trouble." Dany said.
"Yes, especially after what had happened here on Bear Island. Whoever hired the slavers is asking for both the North and the Iron Islands to burn them to the ground," Sansa replied.
"I agree and if they are slavers hired to do just that then Lady Hightower is putting her family and the Reach in danger by doing this," Dany said.
"Don't worry about the Reach after all Lord Hightower himself had stripped her of her title and her fortune. It would be whoever she stolen gold from that would be her downfall," Sansa replied.
"I am not so sure, but if anyone were to try and invade us they are in for a rude awakening." Dany said.
Lady snorted as if agreeing with Dany. Sansa ran her fingers in her direwolf's fur also agreeing. "Lady is right they can try to invade us."
Just then there was a knock on the door and when the invitation came in to open it. Jon poked his head in, "How are the eggs Dany?" he asked coming in to check on them.
"I just turned them so they are doing fine. Besides its your turn tonight to care for them," she said as she gently took them out to be placed in their special satchel. Jon gently thanked his aunt and wished both her and Sansa a good night before heading back to his room.
When he was gone the girls started giggling.
"Did you see the way he looked at Mira Forrester?" Dany asked Sansa as they changed the subject to something more lighthearted.
"Oh my goodness I remember Jon having fancies before but nothing like this!" Sansa laughed. Dany also laughed, "You should have seen his face whenever she is near him. Even Ramsey says he hears him at night moaning her name,"
"Oh Gods! You know Ramsey he does not exaggerate when it comes to that!" Sansa said laughing.
"Yeah I am so glad Theon and Asha are not here!" Dany replied.
And as she said it the mood became somber once again at the mention of their friends.
"What do you think Sansa should we sail for Pyke to help them?" Dany asked.
"I don't know it is up to father. But Ironborn are stubborn and if Asha and Theon are anything to go by then we will help them when they ask for it." Sansa replied with much wisdom.
THE FOLLOWING MORNING
"I sent your raven to Winterfell m'lord," said the Maester as he came in to check on Lord Mormont.
Jon and Ramsey were there helping the lord with herding the sheep. The sheep were being corralled into a small pen so they can be sheered of their wool. They can only do so a few more times before winter sets in and the sheep have to keep the wool on. But the boys were more then happy for the chores. They then can help the women weave the wool into string to be sown into clothes by the tailors. But like the girls the night before their thoughts were on their friends.
"Thank you Maester," said Lord Mormont as he continued to gather wool. The Maester left to help out the people who are still in the great hall. After several days many of them returned home to begin the rebuild. After the Slavers burned down their villages many started the long process of rebuilding their homes. The Lord himself was busy with making wool for the winter to help his people with staying warm.
The Mormonts were taking things in stages. Lord Mormont with Jon and Ramsey would help the women in the day. Then the Mormont Women and the girls in the evening. There were many sheep to sheer and many more to pasture. The young boys worked well with the lord of Bear Island.
"Has the Maester also delivered our message to Asha and Theon?" asked Jon.
"Yes, he was suppose to send the Raven out this morning," Lord Mormont said. The boys said nothing else as they continued to work on the wool.
PYKE
It has been three days since the raven left for Bear Island. And the villagers of Lordstown are starting to get back up again. Like true Ironborn the men started to go out to fish in the ocean while the women went back to work on the nets. Asha and Theon were still in her cabin discussing the future.
"We'll have to send ravens to the other lords of the Iron Isles," Theon said.
"I know," Asha replied.
"What are we going to do?" Theon asked.
"I will send the ravens letting them know of father's death. They don't know that you've returned yet. They still think you are in Winterfell and for now that is our weapon." Asha replied as she got a pen and paper.
As she wrote the messages her Quartermaster returned.
"Cap'n its your uncle," he said.
Both Greyjoys rushed out of the room towards the lower decks where Victarion Greyjoy was being nursed. The Healer onboard was a wiry man but he was still young. His skills as a healer astonished them as he checked on the wounds from Victarion's fight.
"Is he alright?" Asha said as she and Theon came into the cabin.
"He had a terrible spell but thanks to your trading with the North I have the salve I needed here," he said holding up the bottle.
"What spell?" asked Theon.
"His wounds are infected he hasn't cleaned them so they made him with fever. I managed to get the salve on him to sooth the wounds and clean the infection. I also applied maggots to eat the rotten flesh. But the fever hasn't gone down yet," said the Healer.
"Shit!" Asha said.
"It will take time m'lady for it to go down. But for now the man is not in the clear yet." the Healer replied as he put a cool compress to Victarion's head.
"How long do you think it would take to get ravens out to the other lords?" Asha said to him.
"It would take about several days to a week before the other lords respond to the call for a Moot," a raspy voice said and both Greyjoy siblings turned towards their uncle.
Victarion had a fevered face but he was glad that he was being tended to. Asha held his hand as he was covered in sweat. Theon also grabbed his other hand, "Uncle you need to get better," he said.
Breathing a deep sigh the man looked at them all, "If those slavers come back tell them the Ironborn are not happy with them," he said.
"Oh don't worry we won't," Theon said as Victarion slipped once again into sleep.
With his ragged breathing the siblings turned to the healer. "Help him as much as you can healer. We need him to referee the Moot," Asha said to him.
"Yes, Captain," he said with a bow.
As they left the Quartermaster was there to greet them. He was standing on the deck making sure everyone was working. Asha and Theon went into the village to see about the people there.
There were many that needed to be put to rest and both siblings helped as much as they could. The bay was full of sharks eager to feast on the flesh of the dead while the Salt Priests gave the blessings of old. Some of the folks began to sing songs of departure to the sea. Both of them even joined in some of the singing as they mourned the dead.
"We need to leave Theon," Asha said.
"I know and I will tell uncle about it. When are we setting sail?" Theon asked.
"We sail at dusk when the tide is high and the winds are good," Asha replied.
BEAR ISLAND
The men were busy repairing the homes that were burned in the attack. Dany watched as Jon and Ramsey both shirtless were admired by several of the women. Dany wanted to laugh, but then again her nephew grew into a handsome young man. Had he not been disguised as a bastard he would have had women flocking over to him from all around the North.
Well being a bastard has not stopped them anyways, but still it would be more appealing if he wasn't disguised as a bastard.
She was helping some of the women with plastering the house which would insulate it against the cold. Putting the stones back into place and putting plaster on the inside. The plaster itself is made from mud, straw and turf roots. The outside once the stone is put back will be used with turf as well to lock in the warmth during the coming winter. The slavers had burned the houses that they formally lived in so people cleaned up the mess and nothing went to waste. Dany was glad that Jon had Ghost up at the keep turning the eggs. The wolf was good at doing that. Lady would often switch with him to guard the eggs. She can't turn the eggs like the Targaryens can but for some reason Ghost can turn the eggs.
Dany remembers hearing Jon tell Ramsey the other morning about it. It was totally weird that a wolf would be immune to fire. But then again she did read up that some animal familiars reflects their masters. The wolf would be the same. So being both a Stark and a Targaryen would prove that Jon has the blood of old Valyria in his veins.
Dany smiled as she started to hum a song while pushing more building materials into the walls.
"Ships approaching!" a lookout said.
Quickly everyone rushed out some with weapons drawn.
That is until a light raced upwards and exploded above them. Being as it is the signal for a friendly vessel a horn was sounded. It was there that more ships started to arrive but all of them bore the sigils of House Glover.
Many of the men peeled off to help with the ships. The loading docks thankfully are still intact and allowed them to unload from the ships. Lord Mormont was there as he was walking up with Dany and Sansa trailing behind them. Jon and Ramsey also joined them as Lord Glover's youngest son came from the ship.
"Lord Gawen it is good to see you," Lord Mormont said as he shook hands with the man.
"The same is said to you Lord Jorah. I see that you have suffered as we did," he said.
"The slavers had hit your end too?" he asked.
"Aye, they did and we sent them a message on their burning ships. Kraken Town also had been hit as well as several other towns along the coasts. We thought we would check up on you to see if you were still alive." he said laughing.
"Indeed we are Lord Glover," Lord Mormont said smiling and it was when he noticed the girls that he smiled, "Lord Glover please meet Lady Sansa Stark, Lord Jon Targaryen also known as Snow and his aunt Princess Daenerys Targaryen along with Lord Ramsey Snow of the Dreadfort," he said.
Lord Glover bowed before Sansa and the Targaryens before offering his hand, "I've heard that you've been attacked and came to offer some assistance," he said.
"Much appreciated thanks," Lord Mormont said.
"My Men will offload the supplies needed sir and what's more we also came to collect Lady Mira Forrester. She is due back to Ironwrath. Her father insisted because the wedding is near," he said.
"Very well then Lady Sansa if you will?" he asked of Sansa who bowed before leaving.
Dany and the others left Lord Mormont to deal with Lord Glover and his much needed supplies. The harvests that were being pulled were destroyed by the Slavers in their quest to destroy Bear Island. They returned to helping build the new homes for the families of the village.
The day pretty much went the same till nightfall. As night fell upon them the men that came from the mainland told them more about what happened at Winterfell and how stories seem to travel fast in the North.
"They struck several major towns along the western coast," Lord Glover said as he put his hands down on the map.
"From my own home to Kraken Point. Word spread that the Iron Islands were also hit. So I was about to get down there to check it myself, but then I thought 'Why should we do anything for those blasted pirates?! The only ones I wouldn't mind helping are those in Kraken Town. At least they contribute to society even if they all came from those wretched islands."
"Even if they came from the Iron Islands they are good traders and better seamen," Lord Mormont reasoned.
"Aye, I don't doubt that. I've been wanting to know why did those slavers attack us though?" he asked.
"I received a letter from Lord Hightower in the Reach," Lord Mormont said showing him the scroll. Lord Glover read through them and was shocked at what he read.
"You must be joking?" he said.
"I believe it was only part of the story," Lord Mormont said as they both walked down the shoreline.
"I know because if it is from her then why would they pillage the North? That is asking for war," Lord Glover replied.
"I have no idea Lord Glover but Lady Sansa and I are trying to find that out as we speak," Lord Mormont replied.
"Jorah, I know she is helping and she has proven herself an admirable warrior and leader. I've heard stories as far as the Barrowlands of Lady Sansa and Princess Daenerys's journey. The young prince and the bastard have proven themselves admirable warriors and capable leaders as well," Lord Glover replied.
"You best mind your tongue Gawen that bastard is a Warrior of Winterfell and Lord Bolton's son," Lord Mormont replied.
"My apologies Jorah I had forgotten," Lord Glover replied.
"Best you not forget it unless you want Lord Stark's army on you," Lord Mormont replied.
"Sorry," was the reply back.
They continued walking along the beach until they reached the edge where there were some rocks being splashed by the pounding surf. Here it was hard to hear but at least they have some privacy.
"If the Slavers were sent by Lady Hightower then why had they attacked the rest of the coastline? That is asking for war?" asked Lord Glover.
"I don't know but I sent a raven to Lord Tyrell just in case to prevent the North from going against the Reach." Lord Mormont replied.
"I hope he sends a reply and deals with the problem," Lord Glover replied.
"Tell me what do you think about the Targaryens here in the North," Lord Mormont asked his fellow.
"Well I think they are a huge asset to have. I mean even with the king here in the North the Targaryen presence has stirred quite a bit of fuss within the last few years." Lord Glover replied.
"At least the last living heir to the Iron Throne is still safe," Lord Mormont replied.
"Aye, Lord Stark was mighty brave to take him on as his bastard son. That was mighty clever of him and even wiser to allow Lady Catelyn in on the secret. Imagine if he had not? I bet she would have hated him like all women do in the South. Their bastards are treated little bit more then garbage. The only exception is Dorne who treat them like family. If it wasn't for Westerosi law of Bastards not claiming anything then I bet they would have had the same rights as legitimate children," Lord Glover said.
"Had a few bastards lord Glover?" Lord Mormont asked.
"Yes a few, all of them are studying at Winterfell," Lord Glover replied.
"What are they studying might I ask?" Lord Mormont asked him.
"Milla my eldest bastard is nearing her time of touring and would be home soon. Jilanna is only ten and six and is currently going for her mastery of forgery. Lucius had finishing his second level education and will be following Milla after her tour. He wants to then go on to his third level of education to become a master healer. He hopes to be able to travel to Old Town for his education in becoming a Maester." Lord Glover said.
"Well why couldn't he get it here?" asked Lord Mormont.
"Well he can but to get full certification he has to travel to Old Town and pass a few tests. Not many Northerners travel to Old Town to become Maesters but Lucius wants to see the world. He hopes by becoming a fully fledged Maester he can travel around and see for himself what the South is all about. That boy has a knack for travel." said Lord Glover.
Lord Mormont met him with silence as he gazed over the rough ocean. His mind was elsewhere as he thought about the events of the past few days. So much has happened from the attack on Bear Island and then hearing about the attack on the Iron Islands. Something was going down he could just feel it on the wind. As he could feel it the cold wind from the North brushed his skin.
"There is something brewing you can feel it can't you?" asked Lord Glover.
"Aye, I can and I don't like it one bit," Lord Mormont replied.
"Something is brewing in the South and it is making its way North. I don't like it Jorah I don't like it one bit," Lord Glover said to him.
"First the Long Night and now the Southern Conspiracies," Lord Mormont said.
"I know what you mean," replied Lord Glover.
"What next the King's death?"
They both laughed at the joke until it was time to return. Both men made their way back to the port where the younger group was busy cleaning up the mess. Some of the sailors from Deep Motte looked ready to sail back. It was growing late and it takes about three hours with a good wind from Bear Island to the mainland.
"Well I best be on my way I have to inform Lord Stark that the supplies we have came in handy since those bastards destroyed your crops," said Lord Glover.
"Aye, you take care now and tell Lord Stark to watch his back hmm," Lord Mormont replied.
The man bowed before he left leaving Lord Mormont to stare at his guests.
MEANWHILE
"Well Mira it was nice seeing you," said Sansa and Dany as they bid their friend fare well.
Mira Forrester boarded the boat sailing back to Deepwater Motte because it was the only vessel leaving for the mainland. She wore her family's colors of green and white with her house sigil stitched on her side. She smiled at them before giving them a hug. The silks she wore when they first met are gone replaced by the thicker dresses of a Northern woman.
"I will send my regards from Ironwrath. And when you come back to the mainland be sure to visit," Mira said.
"Oh we will!" said Dany.
The ship that Mira boarded pulled back its plank and began its voyage to the open sea. The tide was high enough to let them depart and the sound of a horn was heard. The lighthouse was once again lit to allow them passage out of the harbor.
The four companions stood there watching their friend leave and waved her off. She waved back and smiled which for Jon Snow had in his thoughts as she disappeared over the horizon.
"So, what do we do from here?" Ramsey asked.
SOMEWHERE OFF THE COAST OF KRAKEN TOWN
"Smoke! Smoke on the horizon!" the man in the crow's nest called out.
Asha and Theon rushed towards the bow of the ship to see for themselves. Sure enough there was smoke coming from the town. But the smoke appeared dark gray not black like how Pyke was.
"Get the signal flares ready!" she shouted to her men.
Soon a light was shot up from the stern and a huge explosion of light could be seen. It was then followed by another one from the shoreline. This one was red signaling that trouble happened while they were away.
"Theon steer us in," Asha told her brother.
Nodding Theon rushed towards the stern to steer them in. As they sailed in debris floated past them. At first if was very little then slowly more and more began to float past.
"By the Drowned God!" someone said.
The once prosperous town of Kraken Town was in shambles. Those who survived were being helped by their northern brothers. As it was those that were suffering were pleading for food and shelter when the ship arrived.
"Lady Asha!" one of the men yelled when he arrived. He as the inn keeper of the village. The others gathered around him.
"Oh thank the Drowned God your here! We had been raided by Slavers from Essos….Lady are you alright?" he said finally noticing Asha's dirty appearance.
"I just came back from Pyke," she said, "The Iron Islands has been attacked too," she said.
"So has the whole western coast of the North my lady," said another man this one has the looks of a sailor.
"Bear Island, Deepwoods Motte, all the towns along the west coast were raided. I've sent the only raven we had alive to Lord Stark hoping he could help. Lord Balon is he still alive my lady pardon my rudeness," the man said all at once.
"All the towns along the coast?" this time it was Theon who asked as he came off the ship.
"Aye, every town along the coast at least that was what the sailors had been telling me. They stop here on their way south, but were surprised that this place was hit as well as the others. Now we hear that the Iron Islands had been struck as well? Something or someone is planning a war," the Innkeeper said.
"I know and my father is dead," said Asha.
"So that means they are calling a moot then," said another man.
"Aye, and being a woman I can't participate and my brother has no ship of his own so he can't join. So if any luck were with us it is up to my uncles Euron or Victarion to fight for our family," she said.
"No offense Cap'n but everyone knows that your uncle Euron is a psycho and Victarion is a coward. We would rather have you lead us then have those two shits." The man said and the others agreed with him.
Asha smiled enjoying the compliment, "Thank you good men of the Kracken Coast. I will find the leaders behind this and I will pay the Iron Price with their heads," she said.
This got them cheering for her.
"Now if you excuse us we need to find some place to rest and to tend to my uncle," Asha said to them.
They all parted to allow her and her brother to pass. Several men followed carrying Victarion on a stretcher and several of the most critically injured have also been brought by Asha and her crew. The people of Kracken Town quickly moved out of the way to allow the sailors through. There they placed him with the other wounded of the city. As they left both Greyjoy siblings could only sigh.
"What will we do now Asha?" asked Theon.
"We rest for two days and on the morrow we make for Bear Island. Then we will help Lady Sansa and her party as much as we can. For all we know things are stirring and I don't like it one bit," she said.
TBC
A/n: Ok this chapter was hard to write especially with trying to get the scale of the Slaver attacks on the North. Now how did lady Hightower get that many men to attack the entire west coast of the North. Well that will come later. For now the next chapter is the chapter you all been waiting for. So hold your horses for now I just finally bought season seven of GOT so I will be doing a marathon for inspiration.
So as always please leave a review and remember to NOT LEAVE ANY FLAMES, BASHINGS OR LORE MONGERS PLEASE!