Chapter 25: The New Thread
A/N: here we are...the Westeros arc has begun! I know a lot of people have been waiting to see how Valreos and Westeros come together and I felt it was time to begin bringing Westeros in the current timeline we know into the story. There is a large time jump from the end of the last chapter and we jump straight into the Battle for Winterfell. This chapter is shorter than some of the most recent ones but still has plenty happening. Enjoy!
Present Day Westeros...
The Children of the Forest watched the battle for Winterfell unfold using their magic from the Isle of Faces. The elders watched on concerned as the battle begun to seem helpless, their faces becoming more concerned as the living began to fall. The five Elders of their civilisation whispered amongst themselves as the cries of the dying could be heard magically.
"What will we do?" Asked a young child frantically to the elders who huddled amongst the roots of the enormous Heart Tree at the apex of the island.
"It's time to help the survivors, we need them to retreat. Otherwise all hope is gone" spoke the lead Elder his voice shaking with emotion.
The young child of the Forest bowed her head and instructed the others to begin.
"Will this work?" whispered another elder to the group of Elders clutching the thick roots and observing the battle.
"With the power coming from those islands we should be able to make this work. We have never worked our magic in this way before" spoke another Elder, glancing around the group hopefully.
"What happens if we fail?" whispered another.
"We prepare to fight him at every chance and we don't give up until all hope is gone" replied the lead Elder, defiance in his tone.
The air was solemn as the seriousness of the situation spread over them. The group of Elders turned to those waiting their instructions.
"Focus on those still living!" boomed the lead elder, "we can't help the fallen, give the living the chance to escape!"
In unison the children hastily gathered around every tree on the island, little green hands touching the stark white trees under the moonlight. As they poured their magic into the tree they felt out the humans still living, still fighting, still trying to resist the Night King. The magic intensified and one by one the trees glowed with golden light and they began to shine as one. A brilliant golden light exploded into the night sky illuminating the inky lake surrounding them and casting an eerie glow on Harrenhal.
VFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFV
The dead had swarmed over the living but the living clung to their fight, swords flashed as the dead fell. The living were covered in sweat despite the cold winter but their efforts were becoming fruitless. Arya was feeling overwhelm and panic taking over her usually cool and confident self. She slashed at a group of attacking soldiers of the dead, spinning around their clumsy attacks and landing death blows on several. One grabbed her foot and dragged her to the ground, they dove on top of her as she was overcome by soldiers of the dead. The light was blacked out all she could see was swarming dead, scratching and snapping at her, the stench of the dead repulsing her and inducing more panic. She frantically lashed out getting enough of an opening to jump to her feet and run down the darkened coridoor. They chased her with inhuman speed and she just made it to a room and slammed the door shut as she struggled against their scrabbling forms. She barred the door and stood with her hands on it panting as they barraged it with such force she was convinced the door would break. The room behind her was silent but she heard the scraping of movement, she spun around her eyes wild from the adrenalin and battle for her life. The room was littered with burnt bodies of the dead and standing in amongst them was Melisandre.
"And so we meet again Lady Arya" spoke the priestess smiling.
Blade out in front of her Arya approached the red priestess, rage and dislike bubbling up within her. Ready to strike this fanatic down Melisandre smiled and guided the sword down to point into the floor.
"You will want to lower that blade child. I still have work to do in this world. It seems our saviour will come after all" she spoke with fervent belief.
Aryas expression flashed confusion for a moment and then hardened as quick as she advanced. Convinced the woman was trying to trick her into remaining alive.
Under the weir wood tree Bran sat, ringed with defenders and listening to the battle coming closer.
"It's almost too late" he murmured.
His defenders felt the cold creeping over them as his words swept over them. Nervously they twitched at the sounds around them, hearing the crashing of clumsy soldiers of the dead advancing on their position.
In the sky Jon was astride Rhaegal, chasing the Night King and desperately trying to extinguish the undead dragon. He raised a dragon glass spear and aimed, he put all his effort in to his throw. At the last minute the dragon twisted away and his spear sailed into the tide of undead soldiers. The Night King looked back at him and smiled, Jon's blood froze in his body as he felt hope beginning to ebb away.
All over Winterfell the survivors clashed and tried to win the battle but Hope was fading. In the crypts the dead had risen and slaughtered those not quick enough to find safe hiding places. Sansa and Tyrion cling to each other in a hidden passage with a large group of women and children as they heard the sounds of others screaming in fear as they died. Once they fell silence returned, life was losing quickly. Everyone in battle, defending Bran, hiding in the crypts and even Jon on Rhaegal's back knew their death was imminent.
Bran warged trying in desperation to help the battle, he warged into Vyserion flying high up into the air and twisting to unseat the Night King. Jon followed and blasted Vyserion with fire but the undead dragon managed to twist away just in time. Jon heard a loud crackling noise and realised the Night King was laughing, and it was a terrible sound.
Bran cast out his mind and felt a powerful surge of magic, it drew up through the ground and the Weirwood tree glowed a brilliant, blinding golden light. The light shone outwards and beamed through the garden, up into the sky and all through the castle. The living were filled with this golden light and it renewed their vigour. They cut down the undead, slashing and attacking as the undead army screeched disliking the blinding life energy that suddenly appeared. Arya and Melisandre surged through the door eyes glowing, pushing back the attackers inside the castle, Bran's defenders pushed back the undead advancing on them and surged forward out of the garden. The living fighters in the castle came together and their power intensified, they pushed the undead army back out of the walls of Winterfell.
Jon and Rhaegal glowed with power and light, chasing the Night King as he twisted away from their power. Vyserion flew north incredibly fast, retreating away from this unknown power. The Night King looked back at John with the same look he gave him at Hardhome.
And Jon knew they would meet again.
The living came together and their combined strength with this magic formed a barrier around Winterfell, a glowing wall of golden light encased the area protecting the living.The dead tried to breach it and those that tried were extinguished in the light, exploding into fine dust never to rise again.The White Walkers sounded the retreat and they disappeared into snowy mist as they retreated north.
The survivors stood united as the dead were temporarily pushed back, the power from the tree waning but the protective shield remaining in place. As the survivors returned to normal, some fell on their knees panting with exhaustion, Adrenalin and fear fighting in their bodies overwhelming them. Tonight a small victory had been won, but the cost to the lives of the living had been extensive. How they would recover and fight again nobody knew. Jon and Rhaegal landed amongst the survivors, Brienne and Tormund had already begun preparing piles of the dead for burning. It had become automatic that people burn the fallen so they can't rise up again.
Jon surveyed the scene and as far as the eye could see were bodies, strewn amongst the snow and blood. It was defeating just seeing how many numbers they had lost, in that moment he felt it was too hard to go on. And he thought of Daenerys safe on Dragonstone pregnant with his child and he resolutely joined in the others stacking the bodies for the fire. Bran was brought from the Godswood by his protectors, Meera by his side and they watched for a short time before Meera began helping. The survivors from the crypt had been liberated and the dead brought up to be added to the fire. Sansa was trembling with shock, Tyrion sat by her draping a blanket across her shoulders and comforting her. All around those left behind numbly looked around at the devastation the undead had inflicted on Winterfell and their forces.
They scoured the castle and removed every dead and undead form they could find. Those still living looked on solemnly as the bulk of their forces were dragged from where they fell, friends and comrades had fallen. Jon looked back at Rhaegal and without saying a word he simply nodded and stepped away.
The survivors stepped away from the piles in unison, there was so many dead they needed to make multiple piles. Rhaegal unleashed flames upon the bodies and the survivors watched in various states of shock of solemness at the life that was lost in one day, in one battle with the Night King.
VFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFV
Bran returned to the Godswood, the only place he felt comfortable and connected to now. His time as the three eyed raven had hollowed him out and his existence was split amongst different threads of time. He stared at the face of the tree, musing on how this could've been the spot the Night King was vanquished. That thread of time had been disastrous, he had ended up King. Daenerys had burnt all of Kings Landing and none of it made much sense to him. Another timeline they had all died and the Night King had swept through the entire living world taking all the souls for his own and not resting until he owned them all. Another situation which he couldn't allow to become true, and there was the thread in his hand. The best plan he had and one which hinges on so many pieces falling into place at the right time. Success and failure were even but it was the best solution for the whole world not just Westeros. He had to think wider than just where he called home once. He warged into the tree and travelled through memories and times past, seeing his fathers smile, his mothers anguish at the moment of her death, Cersei crowning herself Queen, the children of the Forest placing their hands on the trees and generating that shield, Alaerya sitting in front of a heart tree older than she was last time they met with her hand on the tree talking to someone. He returned as he heard snow crunching underfoot of someone approaching. It was Jon, he watched him approach, his shoulders slumped, breathing heavily covered in blood and defeat.
"We live another day" said Bran simply.
"For how long though? We can't fight them off again. We lost over half our forces, we won't survive another fight." spoke Jon the defeat clear in his voice.
"We won't be planning another fight" said Bran calmly looking at Jon.
Jon's face broke into confusion and concern, he knelt down by Bran's chair gazing desperately into his eyes. Jon's face was thick with dirt and blood, Bran could see he had been crying as tears had caused marks to interrupt the debris on Jon's face.
"If we don't fight we join him, what else are we to do?" questioned Jon incredulously.
"Accept the fate in front of us and move in another direction." replied Bran calmly.
"What do you mean?" said Jon looking at Bran desperately, he put his hand on Bran's, "please just tell me what we need to do. I will fight until my last breath but after that battle I might be the only one. What direction can we move in now?"
"There is only one direction we need to go in, we need to retreat"
"Where Bran? He can find us anywhere we go"
"I have a plan, call a meeting with the survivors. If we make this happen we can survive but I need everyone's trust"
Jon looked down at his boots, inside his feet ached and his body was sore all over. He was battle worn and tired, he nodded and met Bran's unwavering gaze again.
"How long are we protected for?" asked Jon wearily, not prepared for another attack while they plan their next move.
"When we are a safe distance away the shield will dissipate, we won't get that kind of help again. We have to make our next plan work"
Jon stood by spearing his sword in the ground, thick with blood and he slowly got to his feet. He pushed Bran towards the castle, "The main hall is damaged but still standing, take me there Jon"
VFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFV
The survivors had already crowded in the damaged main hall and whoever couldn't fit was scattered around the halls outside. They still had a large force but their numbers paled in comparison to the undead. Sansa sat with Brienne and Arya talking quietly, while Tormund drank some unknown drink with Jamie and Tyrion. The Hound was looking at Gendry's battle hammer made of dragon glass and Ser Davos sat with a group of soldiers. Jorah Mormont was huddled with some surviving Northeners talking gravely. They all looked up as Jon entered with Bran, the talking ceased immediately.
Jon directed Brans chair to the centre of the room and stood beside him.
"We lost the battle today. We lost friends, comrades, family and my family have lost their home. We all almost lost our lives, we almost fell to the Night King to rise again as his soldiers" spoke Jon commandingly and solemnly to the living.
The chill in the air stung all of them, because they knew how close they had all come to death. And Winter was a sobering reminder of what was still out there, wanting to hunt and kill them.
"We were saved, by what, I don't know. And we have been given the chance to live another day. We need to change our strategy though, because we know we can't beat him in battle. His numbers and the way his force fights ensure certain defeat. Our only chance of survival is to retreat" he looked around the room and the faces of the living became confused.
The room broke into murmurs as they struggled to understand what Jon meant.
"He will find us wherever we go little Crow, you know this" boomed Tormund.
"He won't find us everywhere we go" said Bran quietly but loud enough all heard him.
The room quietened and they looked to him, every eye in the room bored into Bran for more information.
"We could've just hidden the whole time?" said Tyrion incredulously, "why didn't you tell us to hide before?"
"This won't be hiding, this will be escaping until we can return and defeat him. But you all need to trust me, I have a plan but if it's not followed exactly it will fail."
Jamie looked uneasy, "Bran what are you saying exactly?"
Bran looked to Jamie, "Each of you needs to travel and evacuate the noble families and any other people you find willing to go with you. Get on ships and sail away from Westeros"
The room erupted into confusion momentarily until someone whistled loudly and sharply, "Where do we go boy? No one out there will help us against him. They'll just join him, we're doomed" boomed the Hound from back in the crowd.
"Not everyone," said Bran, "I know someone who can possibly defeat him. But you all need to evacuate as many people as possible, and go to Dragonstone. You'll get further instructions from there"
"Dragonstone?" said Jon alarmed, "why Dragonstone? It's close to Kings Landing we could be attacked by Cersei or worse he will just fly over and kill us anyway"
"It's our best chance to do it this way" replied Bran simply.
"Let him tell the whole plan" spoke Arya, "we don't have much choice anyway"
Everyone in the room sobered at her words, she was right. They couldn't do anything else.
"Tonight you'll ride as fast as you can to major towns, evacuate all nobility who will leave, take commoners who will leave as well. Women, children, men, elders take whoever will come, board the black ships waiting in the ports. They have ruby sigils on their sails. The rest of us go to Kings Landing, we have business there"
Jamie laughed, "Cersei will have all of us executed, you do know that? Aren't you able to see the future? It'll end with us dying in Kings Landing"
"I'm aware of the risks on this path, she won't succeed in killing anyone" replied Bran to Jamie.
"Oh but she will still try, see Jamie, she's still going to try and kill us" said Tyrion lightly into his cup, "It wouldn't be a family reunion without her trying to kill us"
Bran continued, "Jon take Rhaegal to the Vale and meet us at Kings Landing, we will evacuate from there. Everyone else leave tonight, only sail on the ships with the ruby sails and take as many of the noble families and people as you can. Head to Dragonstone, Gendry, you will sail straight to Dragonstone to prepare for their arrival"
Gendry looked surprised but didn't know what to say, "What will I tell the Queen?"
"Tell Daenerys this is the last hope for survival. She will understand" said Bran gravely.
Gendry nodded once and exited the room, he wanted to be on his way and fast. Arya slipped out behind him and trailed him, Gendry walked through the devastated castle towards what remained of the horses.
"I don't know if I'll see you again" said Arya as she slipped from the shadows.
Gendry turned to look at her, feeling his love for her but not sure it was returned. As she approached him he committed her to his memory and his heart ached at what was to come.
"We will see where this takes us, if I don't see you again-" started Gendry.
He stepped forward and grabbed her, drawing her in and kissing her. Swiftly and forcefully, she returned his kiss and grabbed onto his arms. The memory of their last encounter still on her mind, he pulled away and held her in a tight embrace.
"If we die I want you to know, I never wanted anyone else" she said into his embrace.
"Nor have I" responded Gendry as he pulled her closer and felt her in his arms.
VFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFV
That evening, the riders departed, their mission to save as many as would be willing to go. Considering not many people believed in the white walkers they were unsure how many would leave. Learning of the fall of Winterfell should be enough but that was not a certainty.
Jon prepared to leave with Rhaegal, while Sansa, Arya, Jamie, Tyrion and Sandor were ready to leave with Bran.
The fastest way for them to travel was by horse, taking minimal possessions with them and riding as fast as their horses could carry them. Carriages and other bulky means of travel would only slow them and make them targets for bandits or the dead. Jon and Sandor prepared the horses the following morning, there had been enough left over from the departing messengers to allow them to have a horse each. Sansa wasn't a fan of riding so far but she didn't voice her opinion due to what faced them as the alternative.
"How long are we protected for Bran? Won't he be waiting to chase us when that shield disappears?" said Sansa with uncertainty.
"He is waiting but not to chase us, he's waiting for us to be in Kings Landing" replied Bran devoid of emotion as he watched their horses being saddled. Jon was preparing Bran's horse first as he would need to be strapped in to ride. This was the first time his harnesses had been used since he had returned from north of the Wall.
"We are all going to die there aren't we?" said Tyrion jokingly but serious underneath. All jokes aside Tyrion also disliked the journey to Kings Landing, horses were not known for being the most comfortable to ride on.
"Not all of us, if I'm listened to none of us" replied Bran.
Sansa looked at Winterfell and to Arya, "We leave here for the last time. The last Starks, abandoning our home"
"We aren't leaving by choice Sansa" said Arya looking around, the wolf banners flying in the wind, but in tatters. The castle sustained heavy damage during the battle as the undead dragon had targeted places of shelter to prevent the living escaping.
Once saddled up and ready Jon looked to the waiting group and laid his eyes last on Bran.
"We are ready to go now Bran. Just to be sure this is our best hope?"
"It has to be this way, the other options are a disaster"
Sansa stepped forward and mounted her horse looking down at them, "I trust Bran, if this is the best way let's get on with it"
Arya grinned at her sisters grit and determination striding forward to vault onto her horses back with ease.
The two sisters looked up at the ruined castle together taking it in and looked to each other.
"Next time we come back here we return in victory" said Arya quietly.
"I hope so" murmured Sansa sounding doubtful.
Tyrion looked up at Jamie and to his horse, Jamie grinned, "Something you want to ask me Tyrion?"
Tyrion looked at him sarcastically, "Dont make me ask dear brother"
Jamie laughed and helped Tyrion mount while Jon and Sandor lifted Bran onto his saddle and strapped him in. Sandor looked uneasily around and at Bran.
"Clegane, some things are more important than fears and grudges" said Bran evenly.
Sandor gazed at him silently while he tightened the straps and wordlessly stalked to his horse and mounted. Jon looked amused as Sandor cantered after Sansa and Arya.
"You do that on purpose sometimes don't you" laughed Jon.
Bran smirked slightly, "I haven't lost all of who I used to be cousin"
Jon's face darkened momentarily as he recalled the moment Bran and Sam broke the news of his parentage to him. And the aftermath of his uncertainty about Daenerys.
Bran saw the change in Jon and smiled, "Seems you haven't lost the ability to brood either Jon"
This snapped Jon back to the present and he smiled slightly still haunted by the information he needed to process on the matter.
Stepping back Brans horse pulled away alongside Jamie and Tyrion as they sought to catch up to the girls and Sandor.
"We will be fine Jon, meet us where we agreed" yelled Bran as Jon watched them leave.
The horses moved out of the castle and the last of the survivors retreated to Kings Landing. The shield protecting them remained in place, glimmering a golden hue blocking their vision to what lay on the other side.
Tyrion looked back at the shimmering wall, "Do you think he's right there waiting for us?" he said to Jamie.
Jamie looked back, "I hope not, we are screwed if he is"
And not wanting to be left behind they glanced back one last time before they spurred their horses into a canter after Bran, Sansa, Arya and Sandor.
Jon found Rhaegal in the Godswood waiting for him, the dragon watched his approach and lay down his head to allow him to mount.
"We need to go to the Vale, although I can't imagine we will be welcome" spoke Jon as he mounted Rhaegal.
Rhaegal snorted in what sounded like laughter and he rose into the air, as he did Jon looked out over Winterfell one last time. All the memories he left behind, his ancestors who lay in the crypts, his home all being left behind. Rhaegal turned and flew towards the Vale, the Winter air made the flight extremely cold. As he flew he remembered the battle, seeing Edd coming back with blue eyes, Lyanna Mormonts small form burning in the flames. These memories left a scar on him, he felt even more solemn than before and he realised this battle had aged him more than any other. Jon didn't feel the same anymore, like a piece of himself was gone, he felt empty. The only thing that made him feel better was to think of her, her smile and her warmth. He remembered when Daenerys told him she was with child, and he forbid her to be present for the battle. That was his first reaction, before he considered his parentage or what they were facing, he instantly went into protective mode. Seeing her leave on Drogon had been hard, but seeing his pregnant lover die in battle would've been worse. Jon felt surreal that he would be a father soon, he never considered it would eventuate after taking his Vows. It was something he had willingly given up not appreciating what it meant, and after he struggled with his parentage and relation to Daenerys the news had surprised him. Learning this jolted him out of his moodiness and switched him into numerous realisations. Jon loved her despite being related to her and he wanted to be a father, he wanted their child. She had been reluctant to leave him, but conceded leaving Rhaegal here to protect him would keep her mind at ease. Jon felt her touch his face looking at him the last time, and even though it was freezing on Rhaegals back the thoughts of Daenerys warmed him.
The mountains of the Vale began to come into view and the small white speck that was the Eyrie grew larger as he approached. He had never seen this castle before and it truly was an architectural masterpiece, built and carved into the rock towering into the sky on top of an impregnable piece of rock. Rhaegal flew closer and around the Eyrie, Jon saw a place to land and touched the hilt of his sword. He spotted small figures below running to defend the castle, and saw a small boy with an older man looking on from a terrace. Jon flew Rhaegal closer to them recognising Robyn of Arryn, Robyns face dropped in excited pleasure as the dragon came closer. The man looked on sternly.
"I'm not here to attack, Winterfell has fallen, the dead have risen. Our time is running out" boomed Jon.
The stern man turned and exited the terrace, Jon looked around at his attackers, he had hundreds of bows pointed at him. He hung in the air on Rhaegals back for a few minutes deciding his path of action. He saw the man stride out into the clearing and signal for him to come down, the bows had been lowered.
Rhaegal landed and Jon climbed down, striding towards the man he nodded, "Thank you for not attacking my Lord"
"You could've just as easily had us all killed" replied the man indicating Rhaegal
Jon smiled tensely, "Might we speak somewhere in private, Lord Royce?"
"Why me and not Lord Arryn?" questioned Lord Royce suspiciously.
"I was told what I need to discuss is for your ears only"
Lord Royce looked at Jon for a moment, "You look familiar"
"I'm the son of Rhaegar and Lyanna Targaryen sir, you might have known me as Jon Snow"
"Ah Rhaegar yes, now I see it. You were well hidden by your Stark features, but oh yes it's there. You're definitely like your Father"
Jon looked uncomfortable, "I'm sorry my Lord but this is...time sensitive"
Lord Royce led him into a private room intricately decorated with the Arryn sigil. Jon felt it ironic considering what was to come next.
"What was so important only I could hear it?" Began Lord Royce impatiently.
Jon disliked having this type of knowledge in his hands and he looked uncomfortable with it too, "Robert Arryn is really a bastard, born of Lysa Tully and Petyr Baelish. House Arryn died with Jon Arryn"
Lord Royce's face was unchanged, "Do you have proof of this?"
Jon handed him a scroll, of Lysa's hand written to Petyr detailing her pregnancy and how overjoyed she was that it was his child rather than Jon Arryn's.
Lord Royce read it, face expressionless and rolled it back up, "Burn this."
He turned and strode from the room, Jon tossed the scroll into the fire and watched it burn before following him.
Robyn Baelish was waiting with his personal guard in the High Hall beside the Moon Door. Lord Royce entered the room and signalled to the men who immediately restrained Robyn. The young lad looked shocked and began spluttering to be unhanded. Despite being an older man, Jon noticed Lord Royce had great strength and watched as he picked up and carried Robyn with one arm and threw him from the Moon Door. The door closed and Lord Royce turned to Jon, "I always suspected".
Taken aback at such a quick execution Jon was speechless, Lord Royce walked towards him.
"I get the impression you're not done with today's news Snow. What other news do you bring?"
"Winterfell has fallen, the Vale must evacuate...now. The army of the dead is coming and it will take every man, woman and child unless you leave today"
"Where?"
"Gulltown, there are ships waiting, black ships with Ruby banners. Take as many who are willing to come, sail to Dragonstone"
"Why Dragonstone? Isn't that close to Kings Landing? We will be attacked" scoffed Lord Royce.
"For now there will be no attacks, get your people to DragonStone and don't delay" continued Jon firmly.
Lord Royce summoned his soldiers, and sent them out with urgent messages.
"We will follow this order, but tell me, what happened with Baelish? Did he survive Winterfell?"
Jon smiled slightly, "He was executed by Sansa for crimes against our family, Arya carried out the sentence. It was swift but just"
"I would've preferred if you told me it wasn't swift and just but never matter. I'm glad that filth is gone"
"I need to be on my way, we have more evacuations to organise."
"Tell me one thing before you go Snow. What was it like? The battle..."
"Horrific, fighting dead men that don't go down easy and never tire. It was the worst battle of my life, I'd advise against trying to fight them Lord Royce"
Lord Royce looked thoughtful, "Thank you, for your warning"
"Thank Bran, he said our only chance of survival was to evacuate the Vale and other areas. If he thinks we have a chance of surviving do as I said, get your people out of here"
"What about after?"
"If we survive it looks like the Vale is yours Lord Royce now if you'll excuse me", he bowed his head slightly and swept from the room to leave with Rhaegal.
VFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFV
Flying away from the Vale, Jon shuddered at the fate of Robyn Baelish but Bran had been firm it was necessary. The beat of Rhaegals wings and stinging cold brought him back to reality as the challenges they faced ahead took over his attention.
Jon met the group at their agreed spot, he circled around before landing seeing them waiting at the clearing. Jon dismounted Rhaegal and spent some time communicating with him, he didn't know how he was doing it but the connection with Rhaegal had woken something within Jon. He was sending him back to DragonStone, knowing Kings Landing would be where Rhaegal died if he stayed here.
Bran watched their interaction for a short time before he interrupted, "Jon"
Jon looked back, and Brans face was serious, "Tell Rhaegal to fly above the clouds and avoid the ships. Euron Greyjoy is out there, waiting to kill them"
Jon's face flushed with anger, to kill the dragons was to attack Daenerys, and him. It angered him, he looked to Rhaegal and communicated this to him. Rhaegal blinked one huge golden eye in response acknowledging his command. Jon stepped away as Rhaegal launched into the air, everyone watched him leave. As the dragon disappeared into the clouds Jon felt his heart lurch, first Ghost had left and now Rhaegal, he had strong bonds with both of them.
Jon approached his cousins, the Lannister's, Sandor and Bran.
"How did you get here so fast? Those horses fly?" smirked Jon at his own joke.
Bran gazed up to Jon and seriously showed him a pouch, "We had some help"
Jon's face became confused and he looked around at the others who all smiled and looked to the ground.
Bran slowly opened the pouch and produced three very large and very bright red weir wood leaves.
"The horses ate these leaves and were able to travel at great speed"
Jon stepped forward and looked in awe at the leaves, "These...have magic? They're edible?"
"Seems they are. They helped the horses travel at speeds greater than usual and they didn't appear tired or hurt."
"What about people? Can we eat them?"
"I've only seen one person in a thread of time eat one...and they survived"
"Who was it?" pressed Jon.
Bran paused and looked down, Jon's face blanched and furrowed in concern. "I can't tell you. Too much is at stake, if I tell those details it jeopardises all of us. Just know that this person survived and was...enhanced"
"What are you planning to do with the rest of them?" asked Arya as she stepped forward to look at the leaf over Jon's shoulder.
"They will be used, but not here and not now" replied Bran as he held out his hand for the leaf Jon was gazing at in wonder.
"What is the plan here Bran?" asked Jon as he returned the leaf and they looked towards the city which could be smelled from a distance away.
"We go into the city and see Cersei" spoke Bran as the others all looked exhausted from the fast paced journey.
Tyrion chuckled in disbelief, "Oh he makes it sound so simple. Just walk in and see the Queen. She's going to murder us you know that don't you? You've seen it haven't you? It's a suicide mission!"
Sansa looked at Tyrion scornfully, "If Bran says we go in we follow him, what other choice do we have? Aren't you supposed to be Lions? And aren't Lions brave?"
"Lions are brave but they're not stupid my Lady" said Jamie, "I don't often say this but Tyrion's right, she's going to murder us, all of us"
Tyrion gestured exaggeratedly, "See? And he's Cersei's favourite and he even thinks we're doomed"
Arya stepped forward, "Would you rather face Cersei or the Night King, I know my choice"
And she turned away and walked alone towards the city, the Red Keep towering in the distance. Begrudgingly they followed her, Sandor grumbling he doesn't have enough wine for this.
The gates to the city were open and they walked through together, once they entered the city soldiers flanked them and escorted them to the Red Keep. Jamie and Tyrion looked at each other as they were escorted into the throne room. They each thought they might never leave.
Cersei sat on the Iron Throne, Euron Greyjoy sat next to her a smug look across his face. Both wore crowns, Jamie burned inside and wondered what Cersei thought she was doing.
'This is the stupidest alliance she's ever made, Father would be so disappointed' he thought to himself, thinking quickly what he can do to save their lives. Cersei's face was also smug at the sight of the bedraggled visitors, defeated and reduced significantly in strength and numbers.
The soldiers forced them to stand in front of the rulers, Jon in the middle flanked by his sisters, Jamie, Tyrion and Sandor beside them.
"Jon Snow, we meet again. Where is your Queen? Marching with the undead?" spoke Cersei gleefully.
Jon's jaw clenched but he wasn't provoked.
"The Queen was sent away before the battle" he replied stiffly not wanting to give anything away.
Euron and Cersei glanced at one another slightly, Tyrion noticed.
"For what reason?" Said Cersei, gripping the throne and leaning forward.
"To organise the retreat from the North"
"You knew you were going to fail? Why did you stay and fight?" answered Cersei again trying to provoke him.
"It was a decision made in the moment to have a plan in place in case we needed it. And now we need it, the battle failed Winterfell fell to the dead"
The room broke into murmurs around them and Jon continued, "The Night king will arrive in Kings Landing within the week, we presume he will sweep through the continent bringing every man, woman and child with him. His numbers will be in the hundreds of thousands"
The murmurs grew louder and the rulers sat side by side like statues, stiff and unyielding. Jamie noticed Cersei had a very flat stomach, unusual for someone who was supposed to be pregnant.
"It seems we should begin preparations then, guards seize them all, except Jamie" spoke Cersei calmly and dangerously.
The guards grabbed them all roughly and started shoving them towards the dungeons. As Arya left the room she locked eyes with Cersei and smiled sweetly. Sansa regarded her coldly, and Sandor spat at her feet while Tyrion didnt spare a glance for her. As they left Cersei noticed Bran sitting and watching under guard, he stared straight at her and through her. For the slightest moment she thought she saw his eyes flash milky white.
"This is the famous Boy beyond the Wall, Bran Stark" she said his name slowly and deliberately, Jamie looked at Bran and back at Cersei. Bran continued his blank stare, Cersei was slightly irritated he didn't speak back to her she continued.
"How did you manage to get over the wall boy? You can't even walk" Cersei smiled cruelly as she demeaned Bran in front of the court.
The room was silent and Jamie looked with disgust at the floor, he dreaded what was to come. Bran remained silent.
Cersei seethed on the throne, her grip tightening, knuckles getting white.
"Speak boy so I know what should be done with you"
"What good is power if you cannot protect the ones you love Cersei? Gold their crowns, gold their shrouds" spoke Bran, firmly but loud enough so everyone heard it. The silence was deafening, she smiled menacingly.
"Take the cripple to Qyburn, he will enjoy experimenting with this one"
Bran smiled slightly like he had gotten what he wanted, Jamie looked in disbelief. He didn't know who this woman was in front of him.
"Who are you? I don't recognise you anymore" started Jamie stepping towards her.
The Mountain drew his sword and advanced on him.
"Be careful little brother, you are the only one standing above ground right now. But that can be easily changed" warned Cersei.
Jamies face changed to seriousness and Euron laughed harshly.
"How did you fight the dead Jamie? I've been wondering. Just found the ones with only one hand so it's an even match? Or did you hide with the women and children?" he shouted belligerently and scathingly.
Jamie ignored him but his face flushed with anger. Cersei smiled tightly, "You will not disrespect my family like that Greyjoy"
Euron's smile faltered to be replaced with malice, "Yes my Queen" he said rather unconvincingly.
"You have a choice Jamie, choose me or that little demon brother of ours. Make the smart choice," she leans forward, "because it will be the last time I offer it to you"
Jamie felt sick in his stomach, she was a monster, he knew it. Sometimes one had to side with monsters to do good, "I choose you Cersei"
Cersei's face lit up as she thought how sweet it will be to execute that poor excuse for a Lannister. Euron looked troubled, it seemed they weren't aligned on everything thought Jamie. He knew this could be used later on.
"Let it be known the Queen has two consorts now, Euron Greyjoy and Jamie Lannister" spoke Cersei, Euron looked outraged and Jamie looked amused.
'She has no idea what she's doing' he thought, 'and I'll play the game'.
Murmurs and uproars were sounded throughout the room at this announcement but Cersei ignored them all as she relished her position on the Iron Throne. Drunk on power as it throbbed through her she was satisfied and ready to strike on her newly captured enemies.
VFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFVFV
The dungeons were dark and damp, the air was cool against Arya's skin and she felt a slight breeze coming from somewhere.
'Close to an opening, good to be near an escape route' she thought quietly as she spent time getting her bearings.
The dark was constant but she found it comforting, sometimes she heard Sansa sob slightly. Sansa wasn't enjoying the dungeons, she was strong for what she went through but not strong like Arya. Arya reached out in the dark and finding her sisters form, comforted her slightly she ticked over a plan in her mind.
"Sansa" she whispered, "the pack survives, just remember that, the pack survives"
The muffled sobs ceased, and she knows her sister has returned to her resilient coolness.
A few days pass and Arya watches the movements of the guards, they come in groups of two and three all except for two guards. Only one brings food, only one brings water, but they come in groups to change the torches that always blow out straight away regardless. She thinks they do this on purpose, no, she knows it's on purpose. This is Cersei after all, and Cersei enjoys psychological games. She makes herself small and unnoticeable, the guards stop looking at the girls after a while. She appears weak and small, just a little girl, watching and waiting patiently waiting to strike like a snake. The water boy she decided will be the one, smaller of the two he is slower also. And has let down his guard a lot, has an exposed weapon on his hip and even leaned close to Arya where she could've reached it once. She waits for the next time to strike knowing it will be soon. Her chance comes, he enters the cell with water, two cups with barely a sip in each. Another one of Cersei's games. As he puts them down, one spills and as he bends down to pick it up, in that moment Arya soundlessly removes his weapon and opens his throat. The only sound is a muffled gurgling sound as his life quickly slips away, Arya quick as possible takes his clothes and swaps. She heaves him onto her bunk, turning him to face the wall just as she's been doing. Appearing to be sleeping, dressed in Arya's clothes he resembles her form.
Sansa is asleep, that's how quick and quiet Arya had been. Like a slinky cat, Arya disguised as the water boy slips from the door with the keys to the cells in her hand.
Pulling the hood up over her face she mimics the water boys walk, and scurries along unnoticed. On her way she overhears the guards talking...
"He was screaming again last night, poor way to go for a lad. I wouldn't want to be locked up with that old nut job either"
"I made the mistake of going into his workshop once saw all kinds of horrible stuff, severed limbs and heads. He's into some dark stuff that Qyburn"
"What could be possibly do with a cripple though? Unless he plans on making him walk again that is"
The guards laugh and continue talking about Qyburn but Arya doesn't hear them, she slides back into the darkness and goes in search of Qyburn.
Arya flitted along the familiar coridoors of the castle with her target in mind, remembering all she could about Qyburn which wasn't very much. She remembered one piece of information which made her smile, how close he gets to Cersei.
The room was dark and smelled of foul potions, the door creaked slightly as it was opened. Like a shadow her figure slipped into the room, and Arya began slowly looking around the room. Where was Bran? He was meant to be in here, she crept soundlessly forward and found Bran strapped to a table with marks over him. She touched his face, Bran was still warm, alive. Arya breathed out in relief, and watched over him for a while. Bran was breathing and his eyes were closed, Arya remembered how Bran used to be and she missed him. Staring down at him she smiled at some of their memories at Winterfell, lost in the moment Arya only heard the approaching footsteps at the last moment. As the door creaked open and Qyburn entered she stepped quietly into a cupboard close to Bran. Not wanting to be far away from Bran so she could still see him and protect him from harm. Arya began the dance she enjoyed the most, hunting for new faces.
