"Cousin, I knew I'd find you here." Doran whispered as he walked into the back room of the sept. His grandfather had allowed Aemon to practice the faith of his father and his uncle had kept that promise, but so as to not upset the order, they agreed he would confine himself to this hidden room in the sept. Aemon looked up and turned to Doran.
"I thought some prayers might do me good after my morning training" Aemon said as he stood and grasped his cousin's hand. "What has my dear uncle asked of us today?"
"He would like us to go and wait on the road for the guests with some men. Several of their outriders have reached the castle."
"Perfect. I could use a ride, and I know the boys could use a good stretch as well. I'll meet you at the stables." Aemon grabbed his sword from the hook by the door and they walked out into the main part of the sept.
Once outside in the square, Doran set off towards the stables and Aemon went to grab some food from one of the stands. He knew the feast would have everything, but he knew he should grab some for the day while they waited for the guests. He approached a vendor and purchased some apples when he felt someone looking at him. He could not tell where they were, but he felt their eyes.
Aemon paid for his apples and started towards the stables. As he walked, he still felt the presence behind him. He did not quicken his pace, but he cut down an alley and waited. When the follower came down, Aemon grabbed them by the wrist and put his dagger to their throat.
He was shocked to see the face of a young girl. "Why are you following me?" He asked as he noticed the girl's fear.
"Please Ser, my lady bid me to ride forward with the outriders and bring this to you. She said handing him a note. Aemon pulled his dagger away and let go of the girls hand. "I apologize girl, I did not know you were merely a messenger. Please take my apologies." The girl nodded and ran back out of the alley and onto the main street.
"Aemon," the note read "I am travelling with my father to the feast in your honor. Please do not talk to anyone before we speak. There is news that I must tell you. Ashara"
He wondered what this news could be and how he would speak to her before anyone else as he journeyed to the stable. "Cousin you look like you've been hit with a mace" Doran said as Aemon walked into the stable.
"I'll explain it all to you on the ride." Aemon said as he climbed into his saddle and led their band out onto the road.
"So, she is coming," Doran said as they rested at the crossroads outside the city "I wonder what her news is."
"I am unsure as well, and what the urgency is." Aemon and Doran were the last two of their band left at the crossroads. The rest of their men had escorted the guests to the castle as they arrived, and their uncle had joined them to personally welcome the Lord of Tarth. To their surprise, one of the younger Baratheon's had travelled with the Lord as a squire to his son. The boy had been brash and rude, especially to Aemon. Aemon had wished to show the boy some manners, but knew nothing good would come of striking the son of the Stormlord.
The sun was at its highest point and the last retinue that was expected was the Dornish prince. Several more of his outriders had come and informed them that their wagon train had suffered and unexpected broken wheel and would be coming shortly.
"Cousin, I know you have resigned yourself to it, but perhaps an exception could be made for you and the lady Ashara." Doran said hopefully.
"You know as well as I do, even though the Dornish don't hate bastards, she'll end up betrothed to some rich lordling from one of the Great Houses."
In the distance some banners appeared. "Ah at last they approach, should we ride to meet them?" Doran asked hoping to change the subject. "Yes we should." Aemon spurred his horse towards the party.
As they reached them, the Prince of Dorne rode ahead of the train with a few of his retainers. "Ah the famous Aemon," the Prince exclaimed as they met, "you have brought honor to your house with this deed."
"Thank you my Prince. We were sorry to hear of your trouble on the road. My uncle would have sent his own wagon had your riders not insisted you were fine." Aemon replied looking over the riders with the prince. He noticed the sigils of some, including a man about his age wearing the sigil of House Dayne. "Could that be the sword of the morning?" Aemon thought to himself.
"It was nothing my boy. A simple broken spoke. It did not take long to fix at all. Besides, my men needed to work with their hands. They do not have nearly as much action as you do" the prince said with a chuckle. "Besides my future son needed to prove his worth yet again. He wanted to lift the cart himself, didn't you Arthur" the prince asked the Dayneman as he clasped his shoulder.
"My prince has done me a great honor by betrothing me to his daughter, I felt it only right to try and prove myself." Aemon felt a lump grow in his throat.
"Ah here's my betrothed now" Arthur said as he turned in his saddle to face the rider approaching. Aemon recognized her before she was even within shouting distance. He was flooded with the memories of her olive skin and dark hair blowing in the breeze as the rode their horses through the fields where they now sat. "Lady Ashara you needn't have left the wagon, we will be at the castle shortly."
She looked at Aemon and he had to control his despair. Her deep brown eyes were the same as he'd remembered, but he saw their pain as well now.
"Lady Ashara" Aemon managed to choke out "it is wonderful to see you again."
"It is wonderful to see you again too Ser." Ashara replied quietly.
"We shall lead you all to the castle. My uncle has readied rooms and baths for each of you so you may rest before the feast." Doran said, noting the change in his cousin.
"Lead on Sers" the Prince responded and Aemon and Doran turned their horses towards the city.