Jaime
The weathers during the course of travel to the North were very kind of the Dothraki from Highgarden. The snows were light, the trails clear, and the days the sun shone were relatively warm if not for the cold air. The morning light of the sun danced in the clouds But even with a delightful setting, the mood was dull and grey. The Dothraki hardly ever spoke to anyone but among themselves and kept to their own language.
Jaime had to admit he was glad to be on a horse rather than walking, but he wished he didn't have to have his arms bound behind him. It was because of Bronn that they were taken as prisoners rather than stragglers. When they encountered the Dothraki on the Kingsroad, they were refused help at first until Bronn told them that they were valuable enemies who almost killed their queen at the Blackwater Rush. If It wasn't Jaime showing them the stone he had, he and Bronn would have been dragged by horses rather than riding them.
Their weapons and the bag that contained the stone were confiscated by a Dothraki who kept by them at all times. But even in such a predicament, Bronn found it easy to stay optimistic about the whole situation, given that he had began signing while on the road.
"As he lay on the ground with the darkness around"
"And the taste of his blood on his tongue"
"His brothers knelt by him and prayed him a prayer"
"And he smiled and he laughed and he sung"
"Brothers, oh brothers, my days here are done"
"The Dornishman's taken my life"
"But what does it matter, for all men must die"
"And I've tasted the Dornishman's wife!"
"Quiet!" One of the Dothraki who spoke the common tongue shouted.
"What's the matter with a song?" Bronn asked. "It's the only thing we have to pass the time."
"Singing is for the women and children." The Dothraki spoke.
Bronn shrugged at him. "Your just jealous cuz you can't sing."
The caravan came to a halt on the road and unfortunately for Jaime and Bronn, they couldn't see why since they were at the rear of five hundred men. But that was about to change when a rider from the head rode to them.
"You two," he said, "to the front."
"Of course," Bronn said, "just let us learn how to ride with no hands first." Before the joke could get any reactions, their bonds were cut and their hands freed. Without arguing, Jaime and Bronn followed the rider up to the head of the caravan and came to the top of a hill that overlooked the valley and beyond them was Winterfell. Jaime's mood darkened when he saw the castle. It was here that he practically started the War of the Five Kings. He had heard about Littlefinger's part in the attempted murder of Brandon Stark's life, but it was Jaime's fault the opening was there to begin with. He expected he would be lucky if he would be graced enough to at least have cell to sleep in by tonight.
The leader of the caravan was approached by two other Dothraki on horseback. He spoke something in their language to them while directing their attention at areas in the largest encampment Jaime had ever seen. The two nodded their heads and rode back to the rear of the caravan. "Kisha dothraki!" The leader shouted out as he spurred his horse into a gallop and everyone followed.
Near halfway to the castle, the main section of the caravan broke off to a wide pass for riders to enter the encampment, leaving Jaime and Bronn with an escort of their own consisting of them, the leader, and ten other Dothraki riders.
Entering through the gates into the courtyard felt like entering to door into hell for Jaime. He had absolutely no place here, or anywhere. He was instantly surrounded by Dothraki as he dismounted his horse and waited with Bronn.
"Zoratto!" A Dothraki from the castle began to approach the escort looking happy to see them.
"Abroko!" The leader exclaimed as the two of them shared a brotherly hug. They looked pleased to see each other until the tone of the conversation changed when the leader looked over to Jaime and Bronn.
The one who greeted them said something before leaving them, waiting in the courtyard.
"Nervous?" Bronn asked.
"The last time I was here, I pushed a ten-year-old boy out a window and crippled him." Jaime looked all around him and saw hatred behind eyes of those that recognized him. "If they don't kill me today, then I'll be nervous."
"Don't worry, your brother won't let that happen. And I'm sure the King and Queen won't either."
"I think you're forgetting that we both tried to kill the Queen in battle."
"Aye, we did. But my hide is redeemed for doing what I could in King's Landing before switchin sides. I'm sure once they learn you went as far as to try and kill the Mad Queen, they'll welcome you with open arms."
Jaime scoffed, disbelieving and doubtful of Bronn's prediction. "It's not them I'm worried about. It's every damn lord in the North. The North remembers and so do they." Jaime glanced around the courtyard and saw many hateful stares in his direction.
"Now there's a truly wonderful sight." Bronn said as he stepped passed the Dothraki and into the arms of a young woman. She slapped him across the face that surprised everyone who saw them.
"You're late, handsome." She said.
"And you've just earned a fucking up the ass." Bronn replied casually.
"Can't wait." She began to violently kiss him and lightly bit his lip when she pulled her head away. Her eyes fell onto Jaime and her mood turned from lustful to hateful. "Why is he here?"
"He's was the commander of his sister's armies," Bronn told her, "but after trying to kill her, I think he's been stripped of that title." Bronn turned back to face Jaime. "I believe you've already met Tyene before."
Jaime felt nothing but rage at her. "That I have."
Before things could grow violent, Jaime and the others were graced by Queen Daenerys's Handmaiden, one of the Unsullied, Sansa Stark, and Edric Dayne.
"Welcome, Ser Jaime and Ser Bronn." Sansa greeted. She looked just like her mother, and was every bit as poise as her. "I welcome you to Winterfell. We were expecting you to arrive with your army."
"There were complications," Jaime informed, "I have urgent news for the King and Queen."
"They are preoccupied preparing for the war council that is to take place with all of the present Lords and Commanders. But that won't be for another couple of hours or so. Until then, you can get situated with your men."
"That wouldn't be the best of ideas." Bronn interjected. "For a man with a death sentence on his head, putting him in the middle of the executioners wouldn't be smart."
"Death sentence?" Sansa asked.
"That tends to be what traditionally falls upon someone who tries to kill a Queen." There was a moment of silence between everyone while they all put two and two together to understand what he meant. "Would it be possible for me to see my brother?"
Sansa regained her composure before answering. "Of course, I'm sure he'll be wanting the same."
"I'll escort them to Lord Tyrion." The Handmaiden said.
"Thank you, Missandei." Sansa said.
"If you'll follow me, Ser Jaime." Missandei spoke something in Dothraki to the men escorting Jaime, one them was the one who had his things, before leading them into the castle. It wasn't long until they came to a closed door guarded by two Unsullied soldiers. Missandei knocked a few times before opening the door. "Forgive me for the intrusion, Lord Tyrion, but Ser Jaime has arrived."
Jaime stepped forward into view of Tyrion and Varys were both sitting down at a table. "What a coincidence," Varys said, "we were just talking about him and some rumors that I believe will be pleasing to the King and Queen." Varys got up from his seat and folded his arms into his clothes. "I'll excuse myself so that the two of you can have a moment." Varys left the company and Tyrion who gestured for Jaime to take his place.
Before he entered, Jaime swiped the satchel Harry gave him from the Dothraki who carried it. "This stays with me." Jaime said, as the large man put a hand on the pommel of his curved sword.
Missandei spoke something to him and he retreated from any aggression. "You may keep your bag," she told him, "but your weapons will have to remain with us until you see the King and Queen."
"Not unreasonable to ask." Jaime agreed. "Thank you for the hospitality." He walked inside and the door was closed behind him. To Jaime's surprise, Tyrion did not have any form of wine or ale within his reach. "Going sober, little brother?"
"The only way that would happen is if the stores of ale ran out." The two of them shared a small bit of laughter together. "I'm sorry about your child." Tyrion said as he turned grim.
"I'm not." Jaime admitted, shocking Tyrion. "Better to be with Myrcella and Tommen than wherever Joffrey will be greeting Cersei when she dies." Jaime took a seat next to Tyrion and placed the satchel on the table.
"What's in the bag?" Tyrion prodded.
"A gift for the King and Queen."
"Yes, but what is it?"
"Am I not entitled to surprise you?"
It wasn't long until the door opened and Missandei walked in. "The King and Queen will see you before the war council."
"War council?" Jaime asked.
"To plan for the battle at the Wall."
"Of course, forgive me."
"I'm afraid we don't have any rooms to spare in the castle and the barracks are full."
"It's not a problem, Missandei." Tyrion told her. "He'll be guest in my quarters until we can find suitable accommodations. Could you have some meals sent please?"
"Absolutely, Lord Tyrion." Missandei gave courteous bow before departing.
Left alone again, Jaime expected that these moments might even be his last. He was hated by almost all of the world so it would be no surprise to him if he were to lose his head tonight. "I just realized something little brother."
"What would that be?" Tyrion asked.
"I never learned how in seven hells a hideous looking dwarf became the Hand to such a young and beautiful queen."
"Hideous?" Tyrion asked, mocking Jaime's statement. "You're still jealous that even with a scar I'm better looking than you." Tyrion hopped down from his seat and approached a trunk in the corner of his room. He opened and dug through it for a minute before retrieving a flask. "Let me tell you a tale of a lion, a spider, and a bear that met a dragon."
The light of the outside sky was turning into the orange of twilight as the early night of winter quickly came. After some hot meals and a long story, Missandei returned to Tyrion's Solar and found to men laughing at tales of Meereen.
"I swear it by all the gods!" Tyrion exclaimed, while trying to contain himself. "The poor man pissed himself when Greyworm killed the masters next to him!"
If it weren't for the alcohol in him, Jaime wouldn't be on the verge of tears laughing. But he and Tyrion calmed down when they saw Missandei standing in the doorway, wearing a smile that was tolerating them.
"Forgive us," Tyrion said, "too much wine."
"This is exactly the reason why you are denied any when you're alone." Missandei let out a big sigh and recomposed herself. "It's time for the meeting to begin."
Tyrion corked his flask and set it on the table. "Then let's not keep everyone waiting." He sounded as if he had instantly sobered from the wine, but given that he drank only a small portion of what he usually does, it wasn't surprising at all. Jaime only had enough to make the story telling amusing, but not enough for him to be seen as a drunkard in front of the entire world. He grabbed the satchel off the table and pulled it over his shoulder.
Instead of going to the Great Hall, Jaime and Tyrion followed Missandei outside and out of the castle. They and their escort of Dothraki walked into the camp outside Winterfell, passing many log huts until they came to a rather large log house.
Standing guard to a doorless entry way were two giants. Jaime had to take a moment to remember he wasn't drunk enough to be imagining what he saw. One of them looked down at Jaime and snarled at him. He spoke something in a language he had never heard before and proceeded to follow Tyrion inside.
The interior was much bigger than the outside made it look. More than two hundred people were seated in bleachers on one side of the building as if they were to be an audience to their King, Queen, and the Starks who sat in full view of them all on the opposite side with the. Hanging on the wall behind the Targaryens was a large map of the Wall that focused mainly on Castle Black. Lying down in front of Jon and Daenerys was a large white direwolf with red eyes, looking calm and quiet.
Jaime looked around and saw the Lords and Commanders from the Westerlands, all of them staring back at him like people did when he was first named Kingslayer and Oathbreaker. Before Jaime realized it, he was standing before Jon and Daenerys Targaryen. Tyrion and Missandei took their places next to there King and Queen, leaving Jaime alone with two Dothraki guards, one of them wearing his sword belt.
The constant chatter in the building quieted down when two unsullied guards banged their spears on the wooden floor. Jaime felt slightly embarrassed he was the only one who wasn't sitting down with the other lords and commanders.
Missandei stepped forward and projected her voice loud enough for all to hear. "Before is Jon, Aegon the Sixth of his name and Daenerys Stormborm of House Targaryen, rightful heirs to the Iron Throne, rightful King and Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Protectors of the Seven Kingdoms, The White Wolf and the Mother of Dragons, Lord of the Dreadfort and Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, The Winter Dragon and the Unburnt, The Sword of the Evening and the Breaker of Chains. Beside them is those who have hosted you on their lands, Lady Sansa Stark of Winterfell, Wardeness of the North, Lady Arya Stark, Lord Brandon Stark the Three Eyed Raven, and Lord Rickon Stark, heir to Winterfell and the North." There was constant chatter echoing her words in other languages, most likely translating for those present from Essos and beyond the Wall that didn't speak the common tongue. She stepped back as Jon Targaryen got up from his seat and stood before everyone.
"We thank you all for coming, including those who would see us dead and us them. But before we begin, we have an important matter that must be taken care of first." He looked right at Jaime and all eyes followed. Jon returned to his seat before going on. "Welcome back to Winterfell, Ser Jaime." Jon said.
"Thank you, your grace."
"The Queen and I were informed that you had an urgent message for us, but we already know about the Wildfire." That wasn't surprising, given that they had the greatest lord of spies at their command and a boy who could see through the eyes of animals. "However, I don't believe the men who believe that you betrayed them know, or the rest of the realms for that matter." Jon gestured his hand, allowing Jaime to have his moment to address the men of the realms.
Jaime turned around and had never felt more nervous in his life. He would much rather stare down the large black dragon again than do this. He cleared his throat before finally speaking loud enough for all to hear. "Many of you know that my sister is in possession of large amounts of Wildfire. While planning for the march North, the other commanders of the Lannister forces and I tried to negotiate with her to bring it with us to use against the dead. Our request was denied for different reasons than we were told." Some of the Lannister commanders began to murmur with each other before Jaime proceeded. "It is true that Cersei is using the Wildfire as a defense against the Targaryen armies and the dragons, but not the way we thought. She's emptied her stores and placed it all underneath King's Landing, ready to set the city in flames before giving up the Iron Throne."
This caused a great commotion among all of the people pf the Westeros, save the Wildlings. A few people were so bold as to rise from their seats.
"Lies!"
"Treachery!"
"She's a Mad Queen!"
Fighting would have broken out if it wasn't for a noise louder than any dragon. One of the giants standing outside stuck his head through the entryway and let out a loud roar, shutting everyone up. He retreated back outside and everyone began to calm down and took their seats.
"My lords and ladies," a voice came from the group of men from the Riverlands belonging to Bronn as he stood up, "As one who tried to steal some of the Wildfire from Cersei, I can support the truth Ser Jaime speaks of."
"Who the hell are you?" Someone shouted out from the Westerlands.
"Bronn of House Blackwater, newly appointed Lord of the Twins. I was a commander for the Lannister forces and spied on Cersei for Tyrion. After the meeting of the Dragonpit, I tried to smuggle out some of the Wildfire from the Alchemist Guild, but it was all gone by the time I got to the vaults. If you don't believe any of this, your welcome to ride back to King's Landing and look underneath the city." The tone and sound of his voice carried absolutely no trace of doubt, and it seemed to be enough to shut up the men of the Westerlands.
"We knew of this treachery long before many of you arrived. We also learned that Jaime Lannister tried to put a sword through Cersei before he fled from King's Landing, trying to end such madness before it could go on." Jon's gaze fell directly onto Jaime. "And we also know that you are one of the reason any of us are here to begin with." Jaime looked puzzled before Jon looked over to Brandon. "It was because of you my brother became crippled. With his condition, your actions gave Peter Baelish a window of opportunity to send an assassin to kill him."
"I can only accept the punishment for my actions and mine alone, not the actions of others."
"I agree, but what punishment do you think you deserve? Death, or maybe your own legs should be broken. Your family always does say that a Lannister always pays his debts." Those words were the force that drove the Lannisters to feared for many years, but they were a double-edged sword.
"I'd prefer to die fighting if I had the choice. Send me to the front lines of the army when the dead come and I'll be gone before the battle even begins. But that's what I think. What does the Targaryen King have in store for me?"
"Nothing, the decision of your fate lies with the one who you harmed." Jaime's gaze shifted to Brandon who kept the same expression he did when Jaime fist entered the room. It was horrifying to stared at like he was, as if he was peering directly into Jaime's soul.
"Would you raise your right hand, Ser Jaime?" Brandon asked. Jaime obliged and showed everyone his hand of gold. "You were one of the greatest swordsmen alive before you lost your hand, now you're a cripple, like me. The debt has been paid."
Jaime became confused as he had never met someone so passive as Brandon Stark. It was as if he was focusing on now rather than dwelling on the past. He was also amazed that None of the Northern Lords were objecting. Most of them probably lost many sons and fathers to Jaime and his father. But they remained quiet and tame. "You heard him," Jon said, "that debt is paid." Jaime didn't know what to feel. He was grateful that he was given mercy but didn't feel he truly deserved it. He could here many murmurs of discontent, but nothing more than that. "However, there is one more debt you owe."
"And what would that be?"
Daenerys Targaryen stood up from her seat and assumed a regal stance. "I do not easily forget those that would try to harm me and my dragons. If it weren't for your friend, my dragon would have turned you to ash at the Blackwater Rush. And I don't easily forgive. So tell me, how do you plan to repay this debt?"
"Your Grace," Tyrion interjected, "Given that my brother failed at his attempt to kill you, the only thing equal in payment would be another failed attempt to kill a Queen, which he has already done." Jaime didn't know if Tyrion was trying to be serious or clever. Whichever it was, it didn't seem to amuse Daenerys, but it did amuse some of the lords watching.
"If I may," Jaime said, "I brought you something I think you will be pleased to have. Whether or not it clears my debt, I do not know." Jaime rested the satchel in his right arm before opening it and pulling out the red and orange stone. When it came into the sight of Jon and Daenerys, their eyes widened and jaws dropped.
"Where did you get that?" Daenerys asked.
"I received it from Harry Strickland before I fled. He told me his men found it deep in the Dragonglass mine on Dragonstone." Jaime took a few steps forward and offered the stone to Daenerys who took it carefully, as if receiving a newborn babe. "If that's not enough, the only other things I have are my swords. They both rightfully belong to you after all." Jon and Daenerys looked puzzled and desirable for an elaboration. "If I may?" Jaime looked over to the Dothraki who had his sword belt and waited for conformation.
"Shafka azhat mae arakh." Daenerys said to the man.
"Ai, khaleesi." The Dothraki undid Jaime's sword belt from his waist and returned it to Jaime.
With some difficulty, Jaime was able to strap his belt back around him before he drew Widow's Wail from it's scabbard and laid it on the ground. "This sword is one of two that was reforged from Ice, the sword of House Stark." Jaime drew his other sword and laid it down next to Widow's Wail. "And this is what is left of the Targaryen sword, Blackfyre. The bottom half was lost after a duel with Arthur Dayne."
"That's happened to the other half." Someone among the lords said.
"I am the Eldest son of Tywin Lannister and the rightful heir to Casterly Rock and the Lannister armies." Jaime turned from Jon and Daenerys and faced the lords of the Westerlands. "Honor and oath swears your allegiance to me. If you choose to still follow Cersei, even after what has been revealed, then you're nothing but Mad Oathbreakers." All of the Westerland lords looked insulted, but also ashamed. Jaime returned to facing the Targaryens. "I offer to pledge the allegiance of House Lannister and any of its loyal forces to you, the rightful King and Queen of the Seven Kingdoms. All I ask is that you do everything you can to help me make sure that there won't be years of reign from a Mad Queen." Jaime sank to one knee, in front of all the lords of Westeros to bear witness.
Daenerys and Jon both looked impressed at the humility he was expressing, but undecided. Daenerys took her seat, still holding the egg in her hands, before quietly conversing with her husband. After a quick moment, Jon stood up from his seat and walked directly in front of Jaime. He picked up Widow's Wail and held it carefully in both hands by the hilt and the blade.
"You will not be losing your life today, Ser Jaime. Do you pledge to swear fealty to House Targaryen and it's claim as rulers of the Seven Kingdoms?"
It was far better than the alternative. "I do, now and always."
"Rise." Jaime stood up face to face with the young king, not recognizing him as the Bastard of Winterfell he met his first time being in this place, but instead seeing parts of a prince that was long dead that he once called friend. "If you stand beside us on the battle and keep the promise your sister could not, we will deem you worthy to be of what you are by right." He offered Widow's Wail back to Jaime. "This sword is yours now, may it serve you well."
Jaime slowly wrapped his fingers around the golden hilt of the sword and strangely felt a warmth coming from it. For once, he felt like he was doing what he wanted and not what his father wanted for him. "Thank you, my King." From behind, the sounds of men banging on their seets could be heard, meaning that many were both impressed and satisfied.
"Now please, be seated." Jon gestured his arm over to a spot at the front row of the Night's Watch representatives, next to the Lord Commander and Benjen Stark. Jaime sheathed Widow's Wail and took his seat.
"Well done Lannister." Benjen said, patting Jaime on the back.
"Now then," Jon said after picking up Blackfyre, "let's talk of how to defeat the dead."
