A/N: it's been a little while since the last chapter...I assure you this story is not going to be abandoned! Sometimes it just takes me a little while for the pieces to come together in the right way...this chapter was a hard one. I needed to get certain pieces to do things in new ways that were plausible. And so I will be putting up two chapters for you all to make up for the time :)
I'm currently writing the next chapter to put up for you all!
Enjoy!!!
Chapter Fifteen: Heart of Stone
The stifling heat of Dorne beat down on Sunspear, the bright rays of the sun sending bright prisms of light shining across the floor of the Old Palace. Beautiful coloured patterns reflected across the pale marble floor leading up the the dual thrones at the end of the room.
Each throne was occupied by a Martell brother, one brother serious the other with a lazy smirk across his face.
The tension in the room was focused on one person, Ashara Dayne. Standing alone in front of the Martell brothers, she stood defiant and proud. Her long dark hair cascading down her shoulders brushing against the floor and her purple eyes flashing with anger.
Doran simply held up a scroll, and wordlessly flicked it at Ashara. All eyes followed the scroll as it rolled through the air and tumbled towards Asharas feet. The sound of it dropping with a loud rustle echoed around the room, Ashara merely looked down at the scroll and back up at Doran. Refusing to pick it up.
"Pick up the scroll" he said with a glint in his eye and a smile that was anything but friendly.
Slowly Ashara bent down and grasped the scroll in her slender white fingers, turning it in her hands her heart skipped a beat when she saw the sigil on the wax seal. A wolfs head.
"Explain this to us" purred Oberyn dangerously, as if playing with her, "we do not know the Starks personally and we don't appreciate agreements not being honoured"
Exhaling slightly Ashara slowly rolled open the scroll and read Ned's words. She read them twice, in her minds eye she saw him hastily writing the scroll. He was stressed, worried, fearful even.
Once finished Ashara looked up to the Martell brothers, "I'm not sure why you summoned me to Sunspear to read this. Ned clearly explains the situation, Arya is injured. He's simply worried for his daughter" she speaks nonchalantly but underneath fear is bubbling in her chest for Ned.
Doran smiled briefly before his face hardening again, he rubs his hands together.
"This is the first time since my sisters murder that we have formed any type of relationship with a House outside of Dorne. A relationship I entered into with much apprehension mind you. I will ask you again, what is happening in the North Ashara?"
Anger flashed in her eyes, and she huffed slightly, "I haven't spoken to Ned for a long time, I don't know what is happening in the North!"
"You bear the man a son and he doesn't want to stay in touch?" laughs Doran, a laugh which is echoed around the room by the looming Lords and Ladies of Dorne. Fury builds within Ashara as she is ridiculed publicly, her hands form into fists. Oberyn raises his eyebrow curiously.
"Maybe some time in the dungeons will jog your memory Lady Ashara?"
Ashara turns angrily to Oberyn, "Ned is a good honourable man, perhaps the only one from the others. If you made an alliance with him and he has communicated his daughter is unable to come then he is telling the truth. He doesn't break an agreement easily I can assure you. I've told you all I know, why are you interrogating me?"
Ashara angrily whips around the glare at the other noble representatives seated around her, she points her finger accusingly.
"Shame on you, all of you. How dare you question my loyalty with your smirks and whispers! This is a sad day for Dorne when one of their nobility is scorned for bedding someone and birthing their bastard. You've all got bastards, you've bedded each other's lovers and wives. Why do I stand trial?"
Doran and Oberyn exchange glances, ever so slightly Oberyn nods to his brother in a wordless exchange.
Ashara turns back to face them, and Doran raises his hand.
"Guards escort Lady Ashara from the room to somewhere she can think more clearly"
Several guards converge on Ashara, spears drawn, faces hostile. Before they can seize her two direwolves sprint into the hall, and come between Ashara and the guards. The sandy wolves are as large as a pony, their yellow eyes flashing with aggression, teeth bared and snapping. The commotion has drawn everyone's eyes away from the two tall boys entering the hall.
"Why is our mother being arrested?" demands the eldest, Rickard with a deep booming voice.
Doran's eyes flick up to see Asharas sons, Rickard and Edric Stark approaching from across the hall. This complicates things, snarling wolves and young boys keen to prove themselves and protect their mother wasn't a good mix. Doran lowered his hand slowly, all the while his mind ticked on how to handle this new situation. Oberon watched the boys intently, an amused look spread across his face.
"And what do we owe the pleasure boys?"
"Release our mother," boomed Rickard with authority.
Doran glanced at the guards, "Release her"
"Now apologise," seethed Rickard, "all of you"
He spun and glared at everyone in the room, the room erupted in mumbles of apology. Doran raised his hands in surrender, and apologised also. Oberyns mouth was open slightly in wonder at what was happening in front of him.
"Lord Starks alliance is upheld, he's telling the truth" spoke Rickard.
"It seems Lord Stark is telling the truth, our alliance remains" parroted Doran, a pleasant smile across his face.
Edric pushed through the guards and held out a strong hand to his mother, she gratefully took it with her slender hand and slowly stood. She was ageing and couldn't rise to her feet as fast as she used to.
"Move away," commanded Rickard to the guards to which they immediately obeyed, stepping back to their positions along the wall. Ashara looked around the room, amazed. Everyone was smiling as if in a wonderful dream, their eyes glazed over, even Doran.
"Mother we need to leave" said Edric gently as the wolves flanked their sides, Ashara nodded and let them lead her out.
Oberyn looked around in shock, what had happened here? He stood in haste unsure if he should be impressed or furious.
"What about me young wolves? You forgot the most dangerous man in the room" he smiled as he spoke, arms outstretched as if mocking them.
The boys looked back, as did Ashara. She gave them a look and indicated to leave the hall which they did reluctantly and lingered by the door as a precaution.
Ashara stepped towards Oberyn a few paces looking up at him.
"Whatever your son is doing did not work on me," he said with a wry smile as he looked at the faces of everyone surrounding him.
"If my sons gifts didn't work on you it's because he didn't want them to, he must have a reason. Come to Starfall if you want to know why"
Oberyns eyes flicked to Rickard who stood solemnly in the doorway to ensure his mothers safety. With talents like this the boy is either a very real threat to his family or a powerful ally. Slowly returning to sitting Oberyn didn't know which one the boy was yet, but he intended to find out.
Without another word Ashara turned and exited the throne room, followed by her sons. The wolves lingered in the doorway for several moments, their yellow eyes fixed on the only person in the room who was fully aware at that time, Oberyn.
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That encounter did not leave Oberyn, especially considering immediately after how much Doran gushed about Ashara. Where before he had been ready to throw her in the dungeons, it seemed he had no awareness of his compulsion and Oberyn didn't bring it to his attention. He needed to know if this was a threat to his family or not before bringing it to anyones attention. Yet it kept Oberyn awake at night, as he lay among a sea of naked bodies Oberyn stared up at the ceiling, his mind never still. After several nights of restlessness, he clambered over the remnants of the nights orgy to dress himself and set out to find out once and for all.
The sun rose with blazing heat on the horizon casting a long shadow of horse and rider across the sandy desert floor. Spurring his horse forward Oberyn finally reached Starfall, a gleaming white oasis rising out of the sand. In his mind the entire way burned with the memory of the encounter with Rickard, and his ability to compel others to do his bidding. What shook Oberyn most of all was those he compelled being completely oblivious to it, this he decided was most dangerous of all.
The horse slowly picked its way towards the gleaming white gates of Starfall, and as he passed under its gates Oberyn brushed his hand against the hilt of his dagger laced with poison.
Oberyn was surprised to be greeted by Edric, the younger of the two boys. He had a mature, stern way much like his father who he closely resembled. Oberyn dismounted and held out his hand, Edric took it and they shook firmly while looking determinedly at the others eyes.
"Welcome to Starfall," said Edric with a warm smile, "I'm surprised it took you this long to seek us out"
Oberyn looked over the boy with a keen gaze, "I came to see your brother"
"I know," agreed Edric as he led Oberyns horse to a stable hand, and slapped it gently on the rump as he passed.
"Please follow me to the castle," he turned abruptly, "however before you can enter you must surrender your weapons"
Oberyn stopped and chuckled, "I cannot do that boy, my blades go where I go"
"Then I'm afraid you can't go any further, remember you were going to imprison our mother. Not the other way around"
Oberyn glared at the boy hard for a moment before reluctantly handing over most of his weapons.
Edric looked over the small collection of blades and glanced up at the Red Viper.
"Where are the rest?"
Again Oberyn chuckled, "You are good my boy. How could you know?"
Edric merely smirked but did not speak, he received the blades and waited patiently again.
Oberyn raised his arms, "That's it, no more blades"
"No there's one more" was all Edric said, Oberyn hissed the air through his teeth.
"I believe it's in your boot" said Edric without trying to hide his amusement, a wry smile on his face as he stared at the boot hiding the blade.
With the greatest reluctance Oberyn removed the blade camouflaged in his boot, and with a pointed look placed it in Edric hands.
"Nothing better happen to that one," he said dangerously as Edric carefully grasped it by the handle avoiding the blade. Oberyn noticed, and was impressed, the boy knew the blade was poisoned. Before he had a chance to ask how he could possibly know Edric had wrapped them up and handed them to a waiting servant who whisked them away. Once the blades were secured, Edric led Oberyn into the gardens of Starfall.
For a desert city it was breathtaking, hanging vines and fragrant flowers hung all through the luscious garden. Colourful birds flitted overhead singing loudly, and here and there children squealed and chased each other around bushes. It was an unexpected sight for Oberyn to be faced with, Starfall truly was an oasis. In the centre of the garden was seated Ashara and Rickard talking in low voices, upon seeing Oberyn Ashara rose and swept across the garden to greet him. Her face was passive, neither happy or angry to see him, she had good control of her emotions today which Oberyn wasn't sure was a good thing.
"Welcome to Starfall Oberyn" spoke Ashara with the friendliest tone she could muster.
Oberyn simply dipped his head in response as his eyes were trained on Rickard who was also standing.
"I came to find out more about your boy and this skill he has Ashara, as you appreciate being able to do something like that has piqued my curiosity. And I'm not sure that's a good thing"
Ashara led Oberyn and invited him to sit which he reluctantly obliged, for a moment nobody spoke.
"Why did you choose to show this skill to me? Surely you have heard my reputation. If I deem you a threat to me or my family," he clicked his tongue and shook his head, "it won't end well for you"
"I'm not a threat to anyone in Dorne" retorted Rickard defensively which earned him a glare from his mother.
"He was defending me Oberyn, surely you can appreciate that after Elia-"
Oberyn snapped his gaze over to Ashara with a look of fury brewing.
"Don't speak of that Ashara," he warned.
"Wouldn't you have used my skill to save her though?" cut in Rickard, Oberyn snapped his gaze back to him and raked him over.
"Yes," admitted Oberyn with some difficulty, "I would've used any means possible to save my sister"
"Well," started Rickard slowly, "I showed myself to you in a show of faith. We have never wavered in our loyalty to your family and we never will"
Oberyn scoffed, "Forgive me son but words I find difficult to believe. Especially coming from someone who can do what you do"
Rickard blanched and sat back in his chair, unable to think where to go next.
Ashara shifted in her chair and smiled slightly, "What did you come here for Oberyn?"
Oberyn shrugged, "I don't know exactly, what happened has not left my mind and I felt a pull to come here. Part of me is enraged at what you can do, you are a threat to my family but I have to admit I'm also kind of impressed.. And so, here we are"
"What do you want? You've known me my whole life, my family has never wavered in their loyalty. I was your sisters lady in waiting for a time, we have history. And our families have coexisted peacefully for an eternity, why would we change now?"
"The desire for power makes people want what they think should be theirs, even if it means turning on their friends for it" returned Oberyn calmly with a mischievous glint in his eye.
"I can't argue with that," agreed Ashara which caused Oberyn to smirk, "but that's not what's happening here"
"Then what is happening here" he looked around at the Daynes seated beside him curiously assessing the looks on their faces with scrutiny.
"We are waiting for the right time" replied Ashara cryptically, her expression grave.
"For what my lady? To gain more power?" interrogated Oberyn heatedly.
Ashara laughed, "The last thing I want is more power," a melancholy look spread across her face, "I actually want more peace, and love"
Oberyn laughed again and rose to his feet, "I wasted my time coming here. You can't give me a straight answer"
"The dragons will return and unite with the North" said Edric, "there are bigger concerns for our people than grabbing power, we are waiting for that day. War is coming, the likes which none have ever seen"
Oberyn looked down at Edric with amazement, the boy really was his father. After several moments of staring in amazement, Oberyn sat.
"The dragons? They're dead" he said to Edric with certainty.
"No they're not," said Ashara, "one escaped through my port many years ago"
"Who" demanded Oberyn.
"Lyanna Targaryen"
Oberyn whistled in amazement and sat back, "Why would you tell me this? That could be considered valuable information to the current King of Westeros"
Ashara scoffed, "You're the last person who would give King Robert information, and besides me telling you this is to show my loyalty to Dorne, and your family. We bring a strength no other family possesses. That's what drew you out here, nothing else"
"What other dragons live?" pressed Oberyn eagerly.
"Rhaegar's body was never found, and the children-," Ashara paused to continue carefully, "weren't able to be identified"
"How do you know this?" Snarled Oberyn becoming infuriated at the mention of his niece and nephew.
"I pay a high price for good information and that's what I know"
Oberyn seethed for several moments at the memory of his sisters body and her children arriving in Dorne. It was an ugly day for his family, one he could never get out of his mind.
He looked up to Ashara with rage in his eyes, "I always questioned the children, I knew it was not Rhaenys. She had a birthmark on her side and the body they gave us had no mark"
Ashara shrugged, "Then there's a chance she's still out there"
Oberyn considered Ashara for a moment, "Thank you Lady Dayne for that information but actions speak louder than assurances and gossip. If you want to ensure I trust you then you'll need to do something for me. Prove my sisters children are alive"
Ashara's face dropped, "Oberyn you're asking me to chase a trail that will be long cold by now. I don't think I can prove this to you"
Oberyn shrugged and stood, "Then if you can find anything I will be very impressed. I'm sure if one son has a talent so does the other. Find a way to bring me something"
Without waiting for a response Oberyn turned and slowly swaggered back to his waiting horse. He had come here for answers and left with more questions, but he knew one thing though, Ashara and her sons were loyal to Dorne. If he could find a way to Rhaenys and Aegon he could finally have some peace in his heart.
The day he saw Elias body broke a part of him, and the rage he felt never subsided. If her children lived, maybe he could finally be free of that rage.
Ashara watched Oberyn leave, her mind turning every which way to figure out how to remain in good graces with the Martells. A cool hand rested on top of hers, and she startled slightly.
"Mother," said Edric softly, "we will find a way to get some answers for Oberyn"
"Lyanna didn't tell me anything about where she was going," sighed Ashara in defeat. "I'm afraid we've been given an impossible task"
She looked over to her youngest son and smiled warmly, "You made me proud today son, you too Rickard. It's not easy to come up against Oberyn with words or a blade. You held yourselves well, you're going to do the Stark name proud"
"Thanks mum," replied the boys at the same time.
"Edric go and organise Oberyns blades be returned," he stood to leave, "I'm going to talk with your brother about how we are going to do this"
Rickards eyes were firmly on his brother as Ashara spoke, "Actually mother I think we should let Edric be included, he's actually the main part of the plan I'm thinking"
Edric smiled and scurried away to see off Oberyn, leaving a curious Ashara behind.
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Ned sat in the enormous hall in the midst of a feast, the sound of conversations deafening, the smells of roasted meat hanging in the air and the heady wine making formalities fall away. Music rang in the air and several Lords were dancing with Stark server girls, Ned observed the scene in front of him. Catelyn sat by his side smiling widely, but both of them felt anything but relaxed. As the night wore on Ned became more and more clear headed, he after all wasn't drinking but he gave his men the appearance that he was. Toasting and drinking to the loyalty of his men, some of which he had known to have betrayed him. Robert give his usual speech about friendship and loyalty to the crowd which garnered cries of approval and kept everyone thinking everything between the Starks and Baratheon families was rosy. Inside though Ned seethed, he fed the families who betrayed him, let them drink his ale and could read their true thoughts. It took every ounce of his being to not slice all of their throats, several times Catelyn rested her hand on his and kept him cool. As Ned observed he noticed something interesting, it seemed several of his own servants seemed to whisper in Cersei's ear as she clapped along to the music. This piqued Neds attention, and he quickly realised he wasn't the only one pretending tonight. Covertly he observed the comings and goings, the servants would flit among the lords sitting on their laps seemingly whispering sweet nothings in their ears. Not long after they would whisper in the Queen's ear to which she would either nod or shake her head ever so slightly. It was a well oiled machine. Ned realised what he was watching, she was garnering support. Who can be trusted, who is loyal to the Starks. Ned felt a sinking feeling in his gut as he realised in a room of battle hardened men, this woman was actually the most dangerous person in the room. The noises around him dropped away as he focused on nothing else, not even Roose Bolton coming to seek audience with him did he notice for a moment until Catelyn squeezed his hand.
The sound returned, Ned blinked and he looked up into Roose's soul less eyes.
"Might I have a word Lord Stark?" queried Roose with an even tone that did anything but make Ned feel comfortable. This man had orchestrated an attack on his children in his home. Ned seethed internally, but Catelyn shifted and stood.
"Please Lord Bolton, take my seat. I wish to dance" she smiled politely before giving Ned a look and swished away into the crowd.
Roose carefully sat, every move was measured and thought out. Ned noticed Cersei's gaze was on him now, he appeared not to notice.
"I wish to extend my deepest wishes to return to peace," started Roose, "my son is brash and foolish. He had grand ideas of being Warden of the North-" he chuckled in a way that was so fake anger quickly boiled over in Ned.
"I'm going to stop you right there," interrupted Ned, "you want peace? After attacking my family in my home, trying to kill my children?"
"Those actions were not of my doing, my son-"
"Your bastard you mean" cut in Ned rudely on purpose, "you come here and seek an audience with me to grovel that your son is too much for you to handle? I've a mind to send him to the Wall"
For a moment Roose seemed to lose composure at mention of the Wall, and Ned knew he had plans for the boy.
"You still have my son, imprisoned. I would seek your forgiveness for his actions and request he be returned so I can punish him in my own way. We take punishment very seriously at the Dreadfort"
Ned matched his gaze seeking to garner any of his thoughts, his real thoughts. Roose however was closely guarded, Ned knew he must possess skills of his own. Usually no one's thoughts could be hidden from him if he tried.
Ned exhaled and took a long gulp of his fake ale, as if to mull it over.
"I will think on it," he returned coldly, "but there will be a price to pay"
Roose bowed his head, "I accept whatever punishment you deem fair. When can I expect him returned?"
"I'll send a raven"
"I was hoping to return with him to the Dreadfort-" Roose sounded mildly surprised.
"I will send a raven, and only then will I return him to you" reiterated Ned, he would not be coerced by this man. All the while Ned felt eyes on him and knew who was staring, turning suddenly Cersei averted her gaze.
I see you, thought Ned, and now that I see you I can't unsee you.
Later that night Ned retired to his room stretched across a lounge gazing into the fire, a glass of whiskey in his hand. Catelyn entered and climbed on top of him, rubbing her body along his. Usually he would grab her and take her to bed but tonight he was indifferent. Pulling back with her arms she gazed down at him from above.
"You are troubled Ned, what is it?"
"The battle has begun and I don't know if I can win it" he replied wistfully taking a long sip from his glass. Lyarra whined at his feet and lifted her head to lick his hand reassuringly.
"What battle Ned? Nobody is fighting anyone"
"Yes they are," he retorted, "someone is recruiting Houses against us and I don't think I can match them in power or wealth"
Catelyn scoffed, "You're Warden of the North Ned! If any northern House wants to move against you-"
"It's not a Northern House Cat," he mumbled tiredly drinking again.
"Well who is it then?"
"Cersei Lannister"
Catelyn laughed in disbelief, "The Queen? Ned I think you're being paranoid"
Ned sat up and crashed his glass on the table beside him, "I'm not paranoid, I know what I saw. Cersei is against us, she has spies here"
Catelyn didn't know if Ned was going crazy or was just drunk, "Ned I think you've had enough…." she started.
In fury Ned stood and swung out his hand dismissively and stalked to bed, taking one last long swig from his glass before smashing it against the wall. He fell into bed leaving Catelyn watching in disbelief as he fell into a deep sleep.
His dreams were dark and foreboding, Cersei looking down at him as he fell into a dark abyss. He was falling and crashing, rained down by rocks and boulders. His body bleeding and broken, alive but he was alone close to death. Ravens flew overhead squawking loudly, attacking Cersei on her rock ledge but she endured them and managed to repel them. A crown lowered onto her head and she stood triumphant in the throne room, declaring war on her enemies to a cheering crowd.
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Robb struggled to find his feet at Casterly Rock, everything he did came under scrutiny. Every step, every word, every action he was scolded for. It felt like all he came here for was to be broken by Tywin Lannister, for a long time Robb despised Tywin and resisted him every step of the way. It got tiring for Robb, every day he felt beaten down by the time the sun set. Shoulders dropped in defeat, his bones and muscles aching from sword practice and working in the forge, he sat heavily on his bed. Tiredness washed through and around him, rubbing his eyes his gaze focused on the flames dancing in the fireplace. It had been so long since he had enjoyed his talent with fire, for now it felt like a chore and it was exhausting. The flames danced and hissed at him, he smiled tiredly but shook his head.
"Not tonight," he muttered, "I have nothing left after Tywin squeezed everything from me today"
His tone was bitter and resentful, in that moment he also resented his father for sending him here. What was he thinking?
Again the flames hissed but Robb ignored them, instead turning his back on the flames and beginning to undress. His rippled chest was covered in sweat and soot from the forge, he exhaled and dropped his head back as he struggled to stay awake. From behind him the flames stretched and swirled out of the fireplace forming into the shape of a person coming to stand behind Robb.
Again the flames hissed but quieter this time, it sounded almost like someone trying to get his attention. He swirled around angrily.
"I told you-" he started angrily, but the words were lost in his throat as he came face to face with the form of a woman made of flames.
"Who are you?" he stammered as he stepped back slightly.
The flame woman stepped forward, her face becoming clearer but still unfamiliar to Robb. He knew her but he couldn't place from where.
"I am also a wielder of flame magic Robb," she spoke calmly and evenly.
"Where are you? Who are you?"
The woman smiled, "Someone from afar who sees you are in need of help, that's all I can tell you for now"
"I need more than help I need a bloody miracle" joked Robb, feeling more comfortable in the woman's presence.
"No Robb you don't need a miracle at all. You are the miracle, the first Stark to bridge the gap between the North and the West. The first Stark member since Brandon the Builder who can make magic artifacts. You need to cool your temper and make an effort with Tywin, he is the key to mankind survival you know"
"Tywin? How?"
"He's the most powerful man in Westeros and an ally you need, stop resisting him and embrace his lessons. Before it's too late"
"Too late? What do you mean?"
The woman shrugged, "He's starting to think he's wasting his time having you here. You're brash and hot headed like your father, you're not listening to him. You must let a part of yourself die to become who you're meant to be"
Robb felt the fire grow in him but realised in that moment this was the problem, quick to anger, quick to offense. He was sabotaging himself, not the other way around.
"I see what you mean now," replied Robb quietly, "but when you said I'm hot headed like my father what do you mean? My father is anything but hot headed"
The flame woman said nothing for a moment, "Many secrets are held within the children of the Stark family"
Robb opened his mouth to reply but the flames began to swirl and swish back into the fireplace leaving the questions her comment raised to die in his throat. Before he knew it she was gone and he had more questions than before. One thing was for certain though, he had work ahead of him with Tywin.
Tywin in the meantime sat mulling over his thoughts regarding the boy in his care in his office. He spent more time in his office than anywhere else, he couldn't retire to his bedroom unless he was beyond tired. Too many memories lived in that room. Bringing himself back to his thoughts, the boy, yes the boy. Foolish, hot headed and egotistical young boy. He didn't think he had the time, patience or inclination to polish his rough edges. Maybe the alliance with the Starks was a mistake.
Picking up the sword that lay across his desk he looked over it in great detail. It was truly magnificent, golden and red for his house with a golden lion head roaring in fury. Tywin actually loved the sword, somehow the boy had made the closest replica of a Valyrian steel sword he had ever seen. The patterns of the swirling metal danced seductively in the light of the flames. Tywin sighed, the boy does have value but he was tired not physically but mentally. Raising three willful children on his own and running the affairs of a country had done that to him. Not to mention needing to be terrifying to everyone every moment of the day was sapping at Tywins declining energy quickly. Tywin considered what he should do, the foolish boy would need too much work. Regrettably he decided maybe he should return the glorious sword he was given and cut ties with the Starks.
A sharp knock at his door made his eyes sharply glance up, slowly he rose and made his way to the door. He opened the door impatiently ready to tell whatever servant this was to go away but to his surprise Robb Stark stood nervously in the corridor.
"I apologise for intruding Sir," started Robb he stepped forward, "may I?"
Shocked to see him Tywin simply stepped aside and let Robb inside, shutting the door sharply behind him.
"What do I owe this unexpected visit?" questioned Tywin in his cold uninterested tone, "it's rather late to be barging in here don't you think?"
"This couldn't wait," returned Robb determinedly.
Tywin sat behind his desk and indicated a chair in front of him with a raised eyebrow.
"Do indulge me, what is so urgent?"
"I know you think I'm too much work. I'm asking to start again, I want to learn as much as I can from you"
For a moment Tywin didn't speak, he was shocked at this turn of events. He stared at Robb seemingly unimpressed, Robb felt uncomfortable under his penetrating gaze.
"I was seriously considering sending you right back to your father on the first ship," spoke Tywin sternly, "Why shouldn't I do that?"
Robb sat forward eagerly, "Give me a chance to prove myself, I'm not going to convince you I'm going to show you. Just give me time"
"Fine," said Tywin curtly, "you have one week to prove you have what it takes to learn from me. Now get out of my office"
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Arya woke for the first time free of pain in her side. The pain that plagued her since that horrific night where death was almost certain. Sleepily she ran her fingers along the ugly scar that ran down the length of her side, it was there but the pain was gone. She wriggled happily in bed and jumped from bed quickly dressing and calling to Nymeria. It was time to pray. Today it was just Bran and Arya under the weirwood tree, kneeling side by side, sun shining through the canopy throwing dappled light across the floor around them. Father and mother were notably absent, Arya looked around when she finished praying her eyebrows knitted together in concern.
"They prayed before us," muttered Bran, "and Father has gone hunting with King Robert"
"And mother?" questioned Arya, worried.
Bran simply shrugged and hovered under the tree looking up at the ravens which seemed to stare back at him.
Suddenly Bran turned to Arya, "Let's go out for a ride today, your side is healed and you haven't been out of the castle for ages"
Arya smiled widely in relief, that sounded like a great idea to her. For the first time in the longest time she was excited.
As the horses rode side by side through the forest trails Arya bounced happily as they trotted through familiar forest. The air rushed past their faces and the sun shone through to the forest floor. Fresh scents of the forest and fresh, clean air revitalised Arya and Bran. Both the Starks looked refreshed and at peace in the forest. They found streams teeming with fish and caught several for lunch, which they roasted over a fire. They pushed further into the forest and took turns firing arrows at an enormous old tree. It was the most Arya had laughed and smiled for the longest time, it was much needed to lift the last of the heaviness that surrounded her since they were attacked. For this moment in time it was like they were never attacked in the first place. The sun began to drop in the sky and Bran looked out into a clearing at the sky.
"We should head back," he said, "before nightfall"
"Why?" asked Arya, "I'm sure the wolves would come if we called them to protect us"
Bran looked around uncertainly, and Arya stepped forward. He looked worried.
"Bran? What's wrong?"
Bran didn't answer he just pushed his finger to his lips indicating she be quiet.
She looked intently at her brother and shrugged her shoulders to ask why, she was confused. What had happened to change so quickly? In response, her heart rate increased two fold in anticipation. Bran beckoned for Arya to follow and they slowly and silently crept through the scrub. Bran showed Arya how to walk so they wouldn't make a noise and she dutifully followed him. Suddenly Bran raised his hand to stop her moving forward, she nearly tripped over his feet. Her eyes followed his gaze and squinting she made out several figures standing on a rocky ledge. They wore hoods and were unrecognisable, but it was clear they didn't want to be noticed to be meeting in such a remote place as this. They watched for several moments before Arya whispered to Bran.
"What is going on? Can you hear anything?"
"Yes," he answered simply, "I can hear"
"How?" questioned Arya as she strained to hear for herself.
"We need to go before they find us," said Bran softly. Slowly they turned to creep away but they turned straight into a waiting bow and arrow cocked straight at them.
BTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTWBTW
Cersei seethed as she glared down at the Stark brats under guard in front of her. Everything had been going exactly as she planned up until the moment they were shoved from the underbrush by a sentry. Roose Bolton had immediately turned away without a word and disappeared into the forest. Their meeting was not finished, they were in agreement but the details of their plan had not been discussed. This infuriated Cersei, it was a loose end and one she would now have no chance to finalise in person. She hated putting anything in writing and now she was forced to. She paced in front of the Stark children on their knees looking up with more defiance than fear in their eyes.
"Why were you spying on your Queen?" Interrogated Cersei, "did your Father put you onto this?"
Neither child answered her question they just stared at her in response.
"Answer your Queen" warned Jamie from Cerseis side.
"We weren't spying on you," said Bran, "we were riding and saw hooded people meeting on our lands. Naturally we stopped to see who it was"
Arya nodded in agreement, but she had a terrible feeling in her gut his explanation wouldn't be enough.
Cersei laughed slightly at his words and turned to face Jamie, they exchanged a look and she squinted her eyes narrow and nodded to the children.
"Go on Jamie, do your duty as my protector. Take care of them"
Jamie's face changed, "But- but Cersei," he protested, "they're just kids, Ned Starks kids as well. What would you have me do?"
"Whatever you see fit" she replied curtly.
Jamie didn't like this, a strange feeling rose in his gut. He was a cold hearted prick but when it came to children he drew the line, Cersei was now pushing him past that line. He stood before the Starks while Cersei moved in close behind him.
"What did you see?" pressed Jamie, "tell me the truth"
"We saw two people wearing hoods talking"
"Right," continued Jamie, "and what did you hear?"
"Nothing," said Arya, "we were too far away"
Cersei stepped forward and hissed in his ear, "They saw me with Roose Bolton, they cannot live. Now do what has to be done!"
Arya gulped nervously her eyes flicking from Jamie and Cersei, while Bran seemed very calm.
Jamie exhaled and looked to his feet, he didn't want to do this.
"Stand up," he said as the sickness boiled in his gut.
Reluctantly Arya and Bran stood, Jamie looked at them both before brutally striking Arya in the face with the handle of his dagger.
She yelled in pain and staggered backwards, losing her balance on the rock ledge she tumbled over the side and fell down into the dark abyss. From nowhere a gust of wind picked up and swirled around the clearing, wildly throwing up dust and causing Cersei and Jamie to cover their eyes. The wind swirled over the ledge after Arya, in the midst of the wind Bran desperately looked over the ledge for a sign Arya was alive.
Before Bran had a chance to turn back and defend himself, Jamie was on top of him, raising his dagger to strike him. Jamie charged forward despite something in him urging to stop, he struck Bran but his blade only grazed across his face. Blood spilled over Jamie's hands and down Brans face, he too stumbled from the strike and fell over the ledge. Thinking quickly Bran grasped his climbing hooks hanging from his side and slammed one into the cliff, it dragged him down the rock face so fast it sent a shower of rocks and a large slab of rock tumbling down after him. The slab circled slowly towards him in slow motion, Bran raised his arm and protected his face just as the slab rolled past him. Miraculously it bounced off a small rock ledge above him but slammed against his legs and a larger rock ledge just below him. He heard the sickening crunch of bones breaking and cried in agony before passing out from the shock of the pain. He was wedged between the rock and the wall hanging there on the edge of death. Swinging unconscious side to side, head slumped Bran hung droplets of blood slowly making their way down the side of his face to drip onto the rock ledge and exposed tree roots immediately below him.
Cersei watched both the children fall from the rock ledge with a smirk across her face, Jamie retched on the ground and looked up at her.
Cersei stepped forward to see if the bodies could be seen, but it was just hazy and dark.
"Cersei," said Jamie from her side, "I told you don't ever ask me to harm a child!"
"What was our alternative Jamie? Think! They would've run right back to Daddy and then everything I've worked hard for is gone! No," she laughed coldly, "this was the best way"
Jamie shook his head and stood, coming to look over the ledge himself.
"Could they have survived?" asked Cersei as she peered over next to him.
"No," said Jamie, "we can't see the bottom that's not a good sign"
"In any case we don't want Ned Stark to find them, send some men to recover and burn the bodies. Actually better yet send the Hound, we need someone who can be trusted"
"Cersei," panted Jamie, "you can't be serious?!"
"I am serious Jamie, find and burn the bodies"
"What if they live? What then?"
Cersei looked around as her mind began to form a plan, she smiled evilly.
"If they live have them taken to the Kings Landing dungeons. I'd like to keep them for breaking Ned Stark at a later time"
"Why?"
"Because he will think they're dead imagine what he'll do if he discovers I have them alive. He will never rise against me if I dangle their lives in front of him"
"You talk as if you're already the only person sitting on the Iron Throne Cersei," warned Jamie, "Robert is still King you know"
"He's King, for now," she peered over the rock ledge again and laughed, "I really must have a heart of stone. When those brats fell from the ledge I didn't even feel a thing"
Jamie turned and put his head in his hands, in disbelief at what had transpired.
Cersei turned and sneered at him, "What did you think working to seize the throne would entail dear Brother? We have to get our hands dirty along the way"
Jamie looked up at his sister, the woman he loved and saw an ugly monster in a beautiful woman's body. Yet his heart still ached with love for her, he just couldn't resist. Sighing and shaking his head slightly Jamie turned and whistled. A moment later The Hound materialised from the forest, a tall formidable beast of a man with a horribly scarred face.
"You know what to do," said Cersei coldly, "find them, burn them. If they live take them to the dungeons in the capitol, there's three hundred gold dragons in it for you"
The Hound said nothing, he just trampled into the scrub disappearing from sight, Cersei watched with satisfaction.
If only more men were like the Hound, she thought to herself smugly rejoicing in the feeling of power thrumming through every part of her being. Her chest swelled and she turned and stalked back through the forest to the waiting horses, in her mind, it was only a matter of time before the throne was hers.