"You sure we can't wait any longer?" Jon asks turning to Yara steering the Iron Victory through the waves towering above the ship crashing into the starboard and port sides. The pair sail through unfamiliar territory having left House Farwynd a week prior. Throughout that time Yara and Jon switched sailing duties taking turns on the wheel every twelves hours. While one steers the other tended to the vessel's needs unfurling the sails, adjusting the rotors, maintaining food rations and feeding the prisoners. Neither of the two spoke a word to the pair of prisoners choosing to keep them alive to sail to the Shadow Lands, Asshai.
"Yes Lord Snow there isn't a choice anymore we waited as long as we could." Yara says handing Jon a key to the prisoner cells. Jon examines the key contemplating throwing it over the railing. Based on the time he'd spent around the prisoners there wasn't any reason other than Euron's knowledge and sailing experience. It was the only way to get to Asshai, it was the only way to get to Arya. He glances out a sea once more releasing an exhale gripping the prison key tucking it in his satchel's front pocket heading into the Iron Victory.
Jon descends the stair holding onto the corridor walls keeping balance as the vessels nearly sends him stumbling. He grabs a torch illuminating the darkness unable to see past arms length striding down more stairs. Chains decorate the walls as Jon notices bone carcasses halting a jaw nearly taking up the entirety of the wall. He runs a bare hand over the megaladon jaw tracing a tooth unable to believe there were sharks out there this big. He had heard stories growing up from his father about him and Uncle Benjen catching thirty foot great whites on the Northern shores but there were no stories about megaladons. He turns the other direction finding more bones of all kind. Among them some were human however one stood out causing him to pause. A Basilisk bone structure is nailed across the wall stretching to the other side. Jon pulls out the queen spider's fang out his satchel measuring it to the Basilisk fang noting the snake fang nearly tripling the spider fang. The queen spider was at least twenty five feet the Basilisk had to be three times the size.
Jon continues down into the Iron Victory's depths finding steel bars are placed in the middle section of the corridors replacing walls from the room above. Blood stains the hay placed in the cell's center splattered against the walls. If he didn't know any better he would've assumed the Iron Victory's crew were hauling foreign animals hailing across different continents. Jon sticks the torch in seeing a large lions corpse residing in the corner. There wasn't any doubt Victarion Greyjoy traveled as far as east Essos collecting any and everything that peaked his interest. Jon walks to the end of the dungeon placing the torch on a holder. "You're finally back come to feed us more horseshit?" Euron asks staring up at the ranger as Moqorro rolls on his side listening in.
"No. I come to free you both." Jon says glaring at the prisoners glancing at the key resting in his palm sighing.
"Its about fucking time. Had you come any later
we might've been sinking to the bottom of the sea right about now." Euron rises to his feet halting noticing chain handcuffs in Jon's possession. "Are those necessary ranger? We're all allies here hell I'd go as far as to say we're on the same side there's no need—"
"I can't trust either of you. Your only going free because Yara needs your help navigating through these waters and there's no one else who can do it besides you." Jon glances back and forth between the prisoners tightening his grip on key turning to the exit debating on wether to leave and tell Yara they would navigate their own sailing route to the Shadow Lands forgoing Euron's assistance. It isn't worth the risk of the two betraying them while they had their backs turned to them.
"Trust goes both ways ranger. You can't expect me to navigate this ship being held prisoner." Euron leans back holding out the chains for Jon to see. He spits on the ground making his stance apparent about their alliance clear. He would kill Jon the very first chance he'd get. Moqorro sits up on the cot showing his chains he sighs glancing at Longclaw resting on the leather sword belt.
"You're going to have to. If I let you roam free you'll stab me in the back first chance you get."
Euron glances at Moqorro, "suppose you're right. The moment those chains come off I'll make sure you see me coming before I kill you." Euron places wrists through the cells opening. Jon clips the cuffs on signaling Moqorro to step toward him.
"Did you bring the dragon horn?" Moqorro asks. Jon nods cuffing the sorcerers hands. "What about the Pyat Pree is he still below deck? His presence is essential—"
"Stop talking." Jon opens the cell stepping aside awaiting the prisoners. Euron exits glaring at Jon grabbing the elevated torch standing behind the duo. The pair march recognizing Jon's hand settle on the White Wolf hilt. Euron rushes Jon Moqorro evades moving out the way. He shoulder rams Jon into a nearby cell sending them both crashing to the deck. Jon draws Longclaw clutching the torch climbing to his feet as Euron tackles him once more sending the torch and Longclaw sliding across the planks away from the combatants.
Moqorro steps past the combatants as Jon slams Euron's head denting a nearby cell. Moqorro raises Longclaw swinging as Jon ducks under evading another strike. Euron wraps chains around Jon's neck attempting to strangle him. Moqorro raises Longclaw piercing a nearby beam unable to yank it free.
The Iron Victory shifts rolling the torch across the deck darkening the area as Euron elbows Jon's jaw rushing for the sword. The torch falls to the other side relighting the area as Jon latches on Euron's ankle pulling him to the ground striking him repeatedly. Euron headbutts Jon kicking his chest sending him to the deck. Moqorro yanks Longclaw out the beam stepping to the downed combatants, "cut me free Moqorro." Euron holds the chain link out stepping back as Moqorro raises Longclaw. Jon throws his weight against Euron shoving him into a nearby cell door as Longclaw slashes through steel bars. Moqorro pursues Jon holding onto the sides noticing the only light source roll out of view camouflaging Jon in the darkness avoiding another slash.
Moqorro is shrouded in darkness registering Euron's movements unable to climb to his feet. He grips metal bars hearing movement in one of the cells turning the other direction as a cell door slams shut. Moqorro heaves glaring at a groaning Euron fading into unconsciousness stepping forward cautiously. Chains rattle at the end of the dungeon hall causing him to glance over a shoulder. The lone torch shifts with the vessel's momentum nearing Euron illuminating their surroundings as Jon grapples Moqorro's grip on Longclaw cracking his knuckles. Jon strikes Moqorro repossessing Longclaw holding it in front of him as Euron rises to a knee.
"Try that again I'm killing you both. You're not worth the trouble." Jon strikes Moqorro hooking a charging Euron sending them slumping to the deck. He grabs the torch holding Longclaw at his side waiting for the prisoners to stir from their stupor.
Yara clutches the wheel steering it through high waves threatening to submerge it. Euron and Moqorro appear from below deck as Jon shoves them toward Yara's position. She assists Jon hooking Euron to the steering wheel without resistance as Moqorro is chained to the main mast a deck lower. Jon roughly shoves a compass in his hand ignoring Moqorro's shouts about prophecy. "I'll take first watch you should rest up Lord Snow."
Jon enters the captain's quarters unstrapping Longclaw settling it against the desk. He sits at the table placing a hand over an eye examining the map he and Yara worked on detailing different trade routes to Free Cities across the east. Yara insists Arya is most likely in Qarth queen of the free cities. Sansa claimed it's where she talked about wanting to going most. Then there's Braavos a city Westeros always talks favorably of wether it was because the sights, the blend of east/west culture or the Iron Bank. Either way he can't assume Arya would return to a place where she'd be hunted down on sight by the faceless assassins she trained with. Then there was a mystery place called YiTi. He doesn't know anything about the place but is considering searching there if it will get Arya back. Still all roads point to Asshai a place everyone tells him shouldn't exist in the modern world. Jon sighs pinching the bridge of his nose leaning in the chair. The months long journey has taken its toll on him. Despite all the training and preparation he's taken getting to this point attrition is starting to set in. He grunts feeling the soreness wrack through his body placing a fist on a temple dozing off into a sleep.
"Where are we going Robb? We're not supposed to be down here at this time if father knew he'd—"
"Father won't know a thing. Anyone ever tell you you worry too much Snow?" Robb asks stopping Jon in his tracks staring out at the entirety of Winterfell taking in the sight realizing he'd one day inherit the kingdom his father ruled over since the end of Robert's Rebellion. Since his birth it was common knowledge he would take over as the Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North some day. Everyday is different unto itself having been raised since birth to memorize everything about his birthplace and the history of it and the North itself. The North is known as Stark territory throughout the seven kingdoms however Winterfell is his home and domain and we would never stop fighting for it.
"Everyone."
"Good it means you're not stupid just broody beyond all hell."
"I'm not broody." Jon follows Robb glancing at the gate behind them leaving Winterfell's main territory behind.
"Whatever you say." Robb gestures Jon to follow pointing to the First Keep located near the broken tower. The keep is taller than it appears afar decorated with gargoyles eroding away due to the north's harsh weather conditions the brothers walk through the first keep's blindside passing the guards hall.
"What's that place?" Jon asks glancing at the smaller hall in the keep's blind spot.
"Its a graveyard containing the servants of the old king's of winter uncle Benjen calls it a lichyard claiming Castle Black has one located on the eastern road below the wall near ancient tombs." Robbs says leading Jon to the entrance shoving past the Ironwood door.
Robb and Jon grab the torches mounted beside the door entering the first keep descending a narrow and winding spiral staircase leading to multiple levels. Jon illuminates a floor containing a long line of granite pillars examining the vaulted ceiling. He places a hand on one of tombs paying respect to the dead of House Stark. "Come on Snow we don't have all night we can pay our respects another time."
The brothers continue down the stair passing a collapsed level heading to a section of the crypts where the Stark siblings were allowed to play. Years earlier Jon recalls covering himself in flour scaring Arya and Sansa pretending to be ghost. The days of them playing Lords and Lordesses are long gone. Their father commanded them to stop playing childish games and focus on their duties beholden to House Stark. With the coming of age came the responsibilities of adulthood having to let go of imaginary games contemplating life in ways neither of the Stark children thought possible just months earlier.
They halt in a chamber stepping to the most recent tombs constructed after Robert's Rebellion. Rickard, Brandon and Lyanna Stark's tombs flank next to each other having all perished during the war. "Grandfather Rickard a true king of the North. Its a shame what happened to him in the capital. He truly had a vision what would've best for the north and the people living in its territory. A true stark to aspire to."
"Him and uncle Brandon didn't deserve to go out the way they did. Grandfather was burned alive with wildfire while Brandon strangled himself trying to free them both."
"It's unfortunate what happened though I think aunt Lyanna suffered the worst fate." Robb says shining the torch on Lyanna's statue. The marble resembles exactly like she did before her passing. Ned Stark choose to keep her hooded showing she was an honorable woman at the time of her death keeping her maidenhood.
"I know what you mean. She was taken against her will by Rhegar Targaryen and raped dying during childbirth."
"Father claims she was the kindest bravest person he'd ever known. Our aunt was betrothed to King Robert before she died, she should be queen of the seven kingdoms."
"Theon and I came across a letter at father's desk about the king requesting Lyanna's statue to be moved to the Red Keep." It wasn't a secret Robert Baratheon loves Lyanna Stark more than his wife Cersei Lannister claiming their aunt to be the love of his life. He slayed her kidnapper and rapist Rhegar Targaryen expecting to marry her after the war only to hear from his closest friend and confidant she died during childbirth.
"Aye just shows how important she was to everyone outside our family. Come on we should keep moving." Jon lingers behind a moment following Robb deeper in the crypts.
"Hold on Robb this is Gaven Greywolf the ancient king who led giants and skinchangers from beyond the wall attacking the north."
"Yeah he was an enemy of the kings of Winter, lords of Winterfell. Our family slew his skin during the course of the war establishing our reign over the north."
Jon crosses arms studying the half human half human half wolf stone face, "makes me wonder why we choose rememberer an enemy."
"Sometimes its required of us to remember how we came to be. Without killing Greywolf and his army House Stark might not hold control of the North as we do today."
Jon and Robb continue down the staircase unable to see crypts ground floor. "I'm starting to believe Old Nan's story."
"What about how the crypt has no end?"
Robb chuckles turning over a shoulder, "yeah you also believe there are spiders and rats big as dogs down here too?"
"The rats I believe. Arya said she came across one playing farther than she should've."
"And the spiders?"
"Never seen a spider bigger than a hand. If they do grow as big as hounds I'll consider moving south." The brothers share a laugh as Jon grabs onto Robb's outstretched arm keeping him from falling into the crypts depths. Robb tosses the torch up as Jon hoists him onto the staircase heaving beside Robb, "hand enough excitement for one night?" He asks offering Robb a hand up.
"Not nearly." Robb takes Jon's hand avoiding the cracked steps trailing him further into the crypts. "See right there Snow." Robb leads Jon through a collapsed chamber entrance side stepping past debris crackling above threatening to fall.
"What is this chamber?" Jon asks searching the unfamiliar statues.
"The Kings of Winters defeated enemies over a thousand years. These are the Barrow Kings who ruled over an extensive area between here and Moat Coalin. They claimed to have been monarchs ruling over the first men. They aren't buried here but these serve as a reminder."
"Right I recognize these ones. These were the Red Kings of House Bolton."
"These here are Flints, Slates, Umbers, Lockes, Glovers, Fishers, and Ryders."
Jon is impressed as always by Robb's extensive knowledge of Stark history. He supposes its required out of the heir to Winterfell and Warden of the North. "They also defeated the Warg King and Marsh Kings forcing the Blackwoods to flee, and vanquished the Greenwoods, Towers, Ambers, and Frosts."
"We also warred with Theon's people the Ironborn on their Iron Islands and wildlings beyond the wall. However we didn't win all the wars we fought nor were we always honorable."
"You're talking about the Rape of the Three Sisters. The war on Sweetsister, Longsister and Littlesister located in the Bite south of White Harbor and north of the mountains of the Moon."
"Impressive Snow you know your geography."
"Its the only way I get to practice swordplay."
"I feel the same. Still can't believe the atrocities we committed even if we were tired of the island's pirating and pillaging. Supposedly we killed children cooking them in pots, disemboweled men wounding their entrails, executed three thousand warriors in a single day at the Headman's and Balthasar Bolton made what's called a 'Pink Pavillion.' He flayed skins of a hundred sistermen."
"The northern Maesters never mentioned any of these actions in their accounts."
"For good reason Snow. Our great house is seen as honorable. Should such accounts be known to our people it could potentially shatter the family's reputation."
"People deserve to know the truth—"
"Somethings are better left in the dark." Robb says gesturing Jon to follow him out. The pair side step through the half collapsed entrance glancing at cracks splintering above. "Hurry Snow!" Jon and Robb dive out the exit narrowly avoiding the collapsing chamber.
"Had enough?" Jon asks climbing to his feet.
"Aye there's one more place we need to visit first."
Robb and Jon enter a smaller chamber seeing Torrhen Stark's kneeling statue holding a crown out. "This is Torrhen Stark the king who knelt during Aegon the Conquerer's reign."
"Do you know why he knelt?"
"The Targaryens three dragons."
"Thats one reason but I assume its always been more than that. After the Riverlands and Storm's End fell under control of Aegon the Conquerer, Torrhen called his banners. He was aware that due to the vast distance of the north it would take a long time to assemble his army. After the Field of Fire while at Highgarden Aegon learned Torrhen Stark crossed the Neck entering the Riverlands leading an army of thirty thousand men. Aegon I abandoned his plans to march south at once starting his way north raising ahead of his army on Balerion. Both Rhaenys and Visenya Targaryen as well as lords who bent the knee to Aegon after the burning of Harrenhal and the Field of Fire were sent word of his movement. When Torrhen reached the banks of Trident he found a host of forty-five thousand men and three dragons waiting for him. Torrhen's scouts reported seeing the ruins of Harrenhal and he'd heard accounts of the field of fire as well. Some of his lords urged him to attack but he realized that a similar fate would him if he tried to force a crossing. Others of his lords urged the king of the North to fall back to Moat Coalin to make his stand there. The night before Torrhen's half brother Brandon Snow offered to cross the Trident at dark to kill the dragons. In the end the army crossed the Trident where Torrhen knelt laying his crown at the feet of Aegon I Targaryen swearing fealty. For his surrender he was named the Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North. Ever since Torrhen is known as 'the King who knelt.'
"Did they ever find out what Aegon did with Torrhen's crown?"
"Its whereabouts are unknown. Some say it resides at the Inn of the Kneeling man which arose where Torrhen bent the knee."
"There's no shame in what Torrhen did as King in the North. Bending the knee to save his people from sharing the same fate as the other nations. He did what was necessary to protect the North."
"You'd do the same in his position?"
"Aye I would."
"Then I guess there is a difference between you and I Snow. I told you this because its no secret I'm going to inherit father's position and Winterfell one day. I'll have to make decisions that will affect the northern people and their futures. No matter what happens the north will never bend a knee to another foreigner." Since the kneeling of Torrhen Stark the North never accepted another king having chosen to uphold the title of Warden the North swearing fealty to the crown residing in King's Landing.
Jon nods offering a smile, "I always wanted your position being Jon Stark Lord of Winterfell. Perhaps there's I'm not and am best suited elsewhere instead of ruling."
"You don't have to be. I want you to consider joining me as the commander of my armies Jon."
"What about Theon I thought—"
"Theon is a great marksman and a better talker. He's selfish, you're not. Having you by my side brother will only make our armies stronger for the upcoming wars."
Jon considers Robb's offer leading the northern bannermen beside him. This decision wasn't to be taken lightly and it only dawned on him why Robb brought him down here—The time for playing game is truly over. "I'm honored you would consider me Robb. I can't accept. I already swore to take an oath for the Night's Watch and join Uncle Benjen as a ranger."
Robb chuckles clasping Jon's shoulder walking beside him to the exit, "somehow I knew you'd say that Snow. Though I want you to swear something to me."
"I'm not swearing anything."
"Come on Broody."
"Aye alright if it gets you to stop calling me broody I'll swear."
"Good. I know your Night's Watch vows will be for life I wouldn't ask you to be abandon your oath."
"What are you asking exactly?" Jon questions halting Robb at the tomb's entrance.
"I'm asking you to put our family first before any oaths or vows. Should the times comes I need you to swear as my brother you'll come to help us."
Jon nods shaking Robb's hand, "I swear it."
Jon jolts awake rushing out the captain quarters holding onto the railing as the ship breaks through a towering wave making it to calmer seas. "There you are ranger thought you went into hiding the seas are no place for a Stark."
"Where are we going Euron?" Yara asks throwing the map on the steering wheel.
He points to map tracing a line west, "we're riding on the sunset current. Its as I claimed back at the Pyke if we sailed on any other current it could've easily sent us east, south or in circles until the waves overwhelmed us."
"How can I be sure you're telling the truth? You could easily be telling us one thing while doing another."
Euron grins pointing to the horizon farther than the eye can see. "There's a wave coming through that most of every ship will succumb to. Take a look for yourselves."
Yara grabs the scope standing at the railing adjusting the lenses zooming in. She hands Jon the scope. He hands it back a moment later, "looks like any other wave."
Euron laughs leaning over the wheel, "I told you before ships aren't made to sail west. Most don't make it past this point. The seas are a living breathing entity it has a filter as anything else. This wave acts as one preventing dumb shits like us messing up the natural order of things."
Yara runs past Moqorro standing on the ships helm nearly dropping the scope at the sight of the wave speeding toward their ship gaining height. "You see what the Lord of Light has prophesied? We are not made to go against the one true gods will."
Yara yanks Euron's collar slamming him against the wheel, "turn the ship around surely we can out run it."
"I told you its a death sentence sailing west. This has been a short and unsatisfying trip to say the least."
Yara unsheathes her sword resting it at Euron's neck, "tell us what we need to do."
"You do what I say we'll make it through this."
"What's your plan?" Jon asks staring at the two thousand foot wave rolling toward the Iron Victory.
"We're going to sail up it be prepared to do what I say, you included ranger. First order free Moqorro you'll need an extra set of hands."
Yara releases Moqorro running across the deck grabbing on a cannon hoisting it over the railing. "How many more cannons do we rid of Euron?"
"Keep one get rid of the rest." Euron turns to Moqorro glancing up at the mast, "climb the mast pull in the sails."
Moqorro ascends the rope ladder glancing at the wave roaring to their position pulling out the scope, "less than two thousand meters!"
"Rid of the supplies we have no use for."
"We can't afford to waste our inventory Euron, any of it."
"Do what I say or we're dead." Moqorro reels in the main mast as the Iron Victory enters the wave current.
Jon and Yara descend below deck tossing barrel and sandbags through the cannon openings shoving the weaponry out. The floor holds five cannons on a side forcing the pair to work as the victory shakes threatening to throw them out with the cannons. Jon cuts a rope rolling several barrels through the opening diving out their path. Yara follows suit as a loose rope latches onto her ankle sending her sliding to the opening.
"Your niece nor the ranger have appeared from below deck yet."
"Good hopefully they're dead." The vessel crosses the wave's shadow.
Jon grasps her hand leveraging against the planks noticing the wave approaching closer pulling harder unable to budge Yara's position.
They grab on the nearest railing staring up at the towering wave. The ship begins it ascent glides above the surface. Jon unsheathes Longclaw slashing the knotted rope pulling her in making their way back onto the main deck. Jon climbs the railing to the helm directly above on the other side of the stair.
Moqorro clutches the rope ladder noticing the front of the ship break apart sending debris falling toward Jon. Jon evades a plank climbing past Euron driving the wheel turning it a hundred eighty degrees. He makes it to stairs glancing at a cannon prying loose at the helm falling toward him. He leaps to the other stair railing grabbing the loose iron chain hanging off the mast.
The Iron Victory jets toward the waves peak nearly overturning. Euron spins the wheel turning the rotor sending the vessel crashing into the peak. The wave passes traveling east consuming the sea in its path. The victory bursts through the surface descending the waves peak. Yara and Euron hold onto the wheel fighting each other for control. Jon notices Moqorro above praising the Lord of Light. He releases the chain falling on the rope ladder catching its tail end climbing to Moqorro blocks Longclaw's strike ascending the ladder. Yara and Euron battle for control of the ship. The Victory smashes into the surface on the waves other side re-emerging on calm seas.
Jon clutches the railing accessing the ship's damage. Debris lays scattered on deck half the helm is in disarray and the front mast wrecked. Jon notices Moqorro chained against the main mast Yara hoists the sails while Euron steers throwing a grin in his direction. Jon grips Longclaw wishing to cut the Ironborn's head off for putting him through that.
He descends into the victory's lower levels finding an extinguished torch igniting it entering the hull. Sailing the Iron Victory proved to be the right decision due to the reinforced exterior and interior lined with steel between its lumber. Jon walks to the end of the hull unlocking a large trunk pulling out Pyat Pree. Jon settles the warlock the leaning him against a nearby beam. "That was quite the trip ranger I'm sure you're here for a reason considering I know we're no where near our destination."
Jon unsheathes Longclaw cutting the metal handcuffs, "I can't let you roam free though there's no use keeping you chained."
"That doesn't explain the reason your here."
"I heard Daenerys Targaryen burned you alive. What business did you have with her?"
"The mother of dragons. Your last Targaryen family member and sworn queen whom you slayed to protect the North I don't know wether that makes you a Kingslayer or Queenslayer perhaps it makes you both."
"I did what I had to."
"I suppose you did. She was in possession of three fully matured dragons and was prepared to burn down all of Westeros to achieve an ancient Targaryen prophecy. Though I suppose you're done listening to any of those. I gave you the answer you sought. The mother's dragons were the reason we welcomed Daenerys into Qarth and why I brought her in the House of the Undying."
"Everyone wants dragons and would trade their trade kingdoms for one without hesitation. Why did you want them? I'm guessing it isn't a normal circumstance considering your a warlock."
"It started in ancient time's originating at our intended destination Asshai or the Shadow Lands. Dragons were originally incarnationed there as unnatural beasts born from Fire to Flesh. Fierce monstrous creations that were tamed by incentous Targaryens living in Valyria. We were the first dragonriders roaming earth as unquestioned conquerers. The Targaryens stole trade secrets allowing them to be consumed by blood magic over centuries bonding bloodline to dragons. As thousands of years passed the dragons rebelled against the warlocks bloodline choosing the Targaryens. However all that blood and black magic comes at a price, you think its coincidence the Doom of Valyria happened. The Targaryens earned their karma messing with the natural order of things. Daenerys stands as the last remaining unnatural Targaryen in the world. I wanted her dragons to reclaim what the warlocks lost nearly a millennium ago."
"Daenerys burnt you alive in the House of the Undying? How did you escape?"
"My duplicates share the exact mannerisms as I. Speech pattern, dialect, tone and my appearance." Pyat glances out the nearby window noting the sea change from indigo to cerulean. I escaped by not showing up. My clones and I convened before meeting Daenerys in the House of the Undying. She couldn't deny a request to accept my offer to reclaim blood magic into the Targaryen bloodline. Should she have accepted the mother of dragons could've had a chance becoming unbarren and lived an immortal life restoring Targaryens to their former glory. Chose to keep possession of her three dragons not a very wise decision considering you killed her."
Jon stands in front of Pyat unlocking the cuffs yanking them off, "I did what I had to. Daenerys claimed she'd cleanse Westeros burning everyone opposing her authoritarian rule. Would you have done it if someone threatened to take your home away everything you held dear to you."
"Isn't my place to say wether I'd go through with the act or not, I wasn't in position to make the morally complex decision you did. Though I can tell the act of slaying Daenerys hurt you ranger, so what will you do now that shes ruling Meereen as the rightful queen?"
"Daenerys isn't coming after me or anyone else in Westeros. She would've done it already. Tell me about the warlocks."
"The warlocks waned over the past centuries after migrating from Asshai to Essos where the House of the Undying was established. In the beginning we created magic using the essence in our surroundings; blood, black, its all the same ranger. We created the dragons roaming the beasts across the skies when the lands were not east and west but of one continent."
"How did you end with Victarion Greyjoy?"
"I was escaping on the galleas of Qarth when Victarion was resupplying on his way back from the Ruins of Valyria capturing me and my other four companions. The lord captain tossed one overboard, smashed another's skull apart crushing his jaw on the railing, feeding the first one to us saving rations for his crew. As you can see I'm all that's left, no more doppelgängers, no more comrades, and no more magic."
"Why do they need you to go to Asshai?"
"I'm an Asshai citizen having been a nomad traveling to Qarth. I lived in the city for decades making an annual pilgrimage every five years. My brother lives there and is in possession of the three dragon eggs. Some say they're the last remaining ones in the world. Suppose they need me because the ancient city don't accept outsiders. My brothers wouldn't accept a meet had I not accompanied the group."
"What does your brother do in Asshai."
"He is a slave trade business owner selling every type of inventory you can imagine. Mostly we sell to the highest bidder unless an auction is set in place where the top bidders have a chance to privately outsell one another's previous offers."
"Why would your brother sell dragon eggs?"
"He wouldn't unless a king or lord are willing to part with a part kingdom and its wealth. Dragon eggs are intrinsically linked to the old Targaryen bloodline they need to be birthed in the fire with a Targaryen. Lets say a king's servant is commanded to walk in the fire carrying the dragon eggs the dragons will remain remain unhatched. Its the same conundrum with the dragon horn. A regular person forfeits their life when they blow the horn as their lungs turn to ash while a Targaryen will survive bonding every dragon hearing its call to their will.
Jon crosses arms stepping off the post, "you're saying Daenerys is the only person left alive to birth the new set of dragons. Would about me? I'm half Targaryen what chance would I have birthing the dragons?"
"You're also half Stark you would incinerate as anyone else aside from a full blooded Targaryen. Daenerys Targaryen is the only one in the world capable of birthing the last dragons.
Though I've heard rumors the highest God Emperor residing in YiTi's forbidden city is a Blackfyre. A descendant of House Targaryen they were the only other bloodline to tame dragons."
"Blackfyre? Never heard of em."
"Their an extinct house from the Crownlands founded by Daemon Blackfyre a legitimized bastard of Aegon IV Targaryen. House Blackfyre is named for the Valyrian steel sword of the same name. The sigil is essentially the Targaryens with the colors reserved through their motto unknown the Targaryens passed on their traits; platinum blonde hair, violet eyes and the premonition like dragon dream ability."
"Dragon dream ability?"
"They affect those with the blood of the dragon who are known to have premonitions- they're no ordinary dreams- perhaps their more akin to visions of the future or a possible outcome of one. They involve dragons but not always. Dragon dreams have haunted those with blood of the dragon throughout the generations; same more than others. Members of Houses Blackfyre and Targaryen have had these dreams. Why do you ask? Have you had these premonitions before?"
"I have. When me and my expedition team traveled farther north into the Lands of Always Winter I passed out after falling into a cavern."
"Go on, what did you dream of?"
"I dreamed of home. I returned to Winterfell riding toward the gates wanting to see my family. I saw Daenerys riding Drogon burning Winterfell to the ground. I watched my family turn to ashes before my eyes."
"How did it end?"
"I stood before Daenerys and Drogon drawing Longclaw aiming to strike both of them down before I was consumed in fire waking up not too long after."
"Warlocks ain't fortunetellers yet I can tell you it sounds like a premonition of a confrontation yet to come. In my view it seems inevitable since you slayed the mother of dragons."
"Do you happen to know the Blackfyre's sitting as YiTi's god emperor?"
"Rumors say he's Maelys Blackfyre bastard son who was the last of the Blackfyre pretenders. A series of claimants to the Iron Throne of the seven kingdoms rebelling against the crown several times they opposed the Targaryens from the reign of Daeron II. Eventually he was slain by Ser Barriston Selmy in the Nine Penny King War ending the Blackfyre's male line while the female line remains unknown. He fled Essos unable to overtake the Golden Company and hearing of Daenerys and Vicerion's arrival."
"Then the Blackfyre's have the ability to birth dragons?"
"They posses the natural Targaryen traits. The answer to your question is yes."
Jon walks toward the door cracking it open, "I'll bring you the usual rations anything else can bring you?"
"You're not locking me back in the cage?"
"No."
"Something to read would be nice. Anything will do ranger." Jon leaves the hull stepping out onto the deck noticing the sunset.
Yara cuffs Euron placing hands behind leading him and Moqorro to the main hall. Jon follows the trio inside taking a seat across the pair keeping his attention trained on them. The iron vessel creaks shifting items filling the hall with noise breaking the silence. "You want to kill me that bad ranger? Go ahead," Euron exposes his throat, "I'm all yours."
"I'm considering killing you both the moment we dock in Asshai."
"Good a time as any."
"There will be no killing today, the Lord of Light—"
"Stop talking," Jon says. Yara settles food and water on the table sitting at the table head.
"Tell me something ranger. I want to know what makes you still believe you're good? You killed wildlings, your fellow Night's Watch brothers and Daenerys Targaryen. You swore an oath to a new queen in North your cousin Sansa Stark. What next? The moment she does something you disagree with you're going to stick a knife through her heart—"
Jon stands placing a hand on Longclaw pulling it part way out its sheath, "Don't feed into him Lord Snow he's not worth it. Besides we need him until we get to Asshai." Jon retakes his seat digging in the food as Euron grins following suit.
"Have you ever heard of the prophecy of Azor Ahai?"
"Isn't that the prophecy of the prince that was promised?" Yara asks keeping eyes on Euron.
"I'm impressed your grace you've heard of the prophecy. Azor Ahai was a legendary hero who wielded a burning sword called Lightbringer. He or she is known as Hykroon the Hero, Yin Tar, Neferion, and Eldric shadowchaser according to different cultures. In the beginning darkness lay over the world and a hero's sword. He labored for thirty days and thirty nights until it was done. When he went to temper it in water the sword broke. He was not one to give up easily so he started over. The second time he took fifty days and fifty nights to make the sword better than the first. To temper this time he captured a lion and drove the sword into its heart once more the steel shattered. The third time with a heavy heart for he knew beforehand what he must do to finish the blade he worked for a hundred for a hundred days and nights until it was finished. This time he called for his wife Nissa Nissa and asked her to bare her drove his sword into her living heart, her soul combining with the steel of the sword creating Lightbringer, the Red Sword of Heroes. According to Azai's five thousand year old prophecy Azor Ahai is to reborn as a champion sent by Rhollor after a long summer when an evil cold darkness descends upon the world. Its said that wielding Lightbringer once again Azor Ahai will stand against the darkness and should he fail the world fails with him."
The table is silent with the exception of Euron scarfing down his plate of food, "sounds like a bunch of horseshit." Jon says sipping a beer mug, "the Long Night and the Night King came and gone there is no prophecy there is no Azor Ahai or Lightbringer its all a made up story."
"That's what Lady Melisandre and Kinvara said in their preachings around Essos. That the hero who will save the world doesn't exist. I concur with those sentiments I also believe Daenerys to be the one who is going to change this world."
"She burned down King's Landing killing millions of innocent civilians and planned to do the same to the rest of Westeros."
"Thats why you did it? You can be remembered a hero? You slayed your own family and queen you swore loyalty to. What kind of hero is that? Wait don't tell me you did it so you could save your family and Winterfell? You really are a fool Snow there isn't a chance in hell I would've made the decision you did. I sought to protect my queen no matter what. Since I was a little boy I dreamed of marrying the prettiest girl in the world I would have stuck by my queen's side if she wanted to burn down the world. Unless you were planning on betraying Daenerys the entire spying for the queen in north. You are no better than me which is why I'm going to leave you alive long enough to watch me slay that queen of yours and conquer your precious home. Then and only then will I finally kill you Snow. I want to watch that hope you hold in your eyes die the same hope you have wanting to find the Winterfell's hero. I'm counting the days until it happens."
"I can kill you now and save the trouble much as I hate to admit I need your help for now. Once I find Arya I'll kill you afterwards."
"Looking forward to it."
"That's all well and good you want to kill each other. Do it when we get to Asshai there's a long way to go. When do we get off the current we're on? We've ridden it since descending the wave."
Euron glances out a window across the hall noting the night sky, "its almost time to cross to the west/east divide which separates Westeros and Essos waters where many ships from the east refuse to sail to Westeros if they reside West. Every sailor is taught in the east to sail west its a natural direction the ocean flows."
"What makes sailors fear the mile stretch of waters so much?"
"You'll see when we get there. Let me worry about sailing you just do what I say."
"When will reach these waters?!"
"Shouldn't be much longer," Euron slams his cup denting the table, "any of you aside from my niece know why our people choose to follow the Drowned God? Our god is unique to the Iron Islands. He's seen as the creator of the seas and father of the Ironborn we believe they come from his watery halls. The Drowned God is said to have made the Ironborn in his own likeness, to reave, rape, carve, out kingdoms, make their names known in fire, blood and song and holds dominion over all the waters of the earth. Ironborn wish a return to the old way and paying the Iron price. The Ironborn believe that the Drowned God is opposed by the Storm God. This malignant deity dwells in the sky having a hatred for men and all their works. The Storm God resides in a cloudy hall and sends cruel winds lashing rains and lightning down upon men. The Drowned God and the Storm God are said have been at war against one another's thousand years. The Ironborn believed that the Drowned God has fewer power the further removed from the sea they are. Even in strange lands where other gods are worshipped, some Ironborn believe a large amount of men who have Westeros and the Old Gods of the North. "Let your servant be born again from the sea as you were. Bless him with salt, bless him with steel, and the kneeled blessing recipient responds, 'what is dead may never die, but rises again, harder and stronger."
"Yes that's well and good however Rhollor is the true God everyone worships after witnessing the miracles he performs. Our God communicates through fire—"
"Your God's evil. Your God commands you to burn children in order to obtain power, what kind of true God is that? That same God brought me back from the dead resurrecting me after being stabbed to death by my fellow Night's Watch brothers."
"Then you should worship at the six gods altar. However knowing the Northmen you brooding boring people follow the Old Gods. Nothing more than a fairytale religion."
"No. I don't deserve to be alive after what I've done. I killed men serving the Nights Watch through the years. I'm going to find Arya and return to Winterfell. I'd be content dying beyond the wall keeping to the same oath I committed to for life."
"The Nights Watch should be extinct they're serving an irrelevant cause dedicating their lives to an arbitrary oath."
"Its respectable. Its the only reason why I view you as someone worthy standing on my level. I can't comprehend what it would've been like encountering you beyond the wall. Northern soldiers said you returned to Winterfell resembling an animal. Truth be told I would not messed with you who knows what you would've been capable of. The Northern soldiers said you changed after reuniting with the queen in the north finding purpose hearing of your cousin's disappearance.
"You keep mentioning my family don't care if we need you, I'll kill you."
The Iron Victory shifts sending tables, chairs and barrels falling toward the group. They evade the debris making it to the elongated corridor leading out to the main deck. The sky's clouds part down the center lightning hits the waves crashing into the vessel illuminating the trench ahead.
"What is it?" Jon asks holding onto a rope as the wind picks up sending fallen debris flying past the group.
"Its a current trench happens in storms like this." Yara pulls out a compass watching the needles rotate off the axis, "Euron what do we do here?"
"Sit back and watch hold onto something."
Moqorro stands atop the helm raising arms to the thundering sky, "Lord of Light I praise you for guiding us in our journey—"
"Its not the Lord of Lights doing it's drowned gods." Euron grins recognizing the sea split down the center giving the vessel a two way go. Euron positions control from Yara spinning the wheel avoiding the other side seeing Typhoons.
The victory glides overtop the surface as the ship tips on its side forcing the passengers to hold onto the railing the trench has no end in sight consuming the ocean and its current. The storm hastens illuminating the trench's side other showing the typhoons descend miles beneath the surface. A kraken hurls quickly toward a leviathan grappling its tentacles around it attempting to drag it into the darkened depths.
The group forget they're fighting for survival for a moment seeing the mythical creatures they heard stories about never fathoming to witness. The nearest typhoon bursts as a sea dragon dwarfs the kraken and leviathan consuming the creatures vanishing into the depths. Jon stares at creature's size noting its tail whiplashing through the waves before the sea darkens once more. Jon glances at Euron boasting contemplating if he truly was a god. "What a fucking day ranger! What a fucking day!" A wave smashes into the vessel consuming it and its occupants.