It seems strange to return to the city, where she trained in the House of Black and White, half a lifetime ago. Their ship docked at the Ragman's harbour, two days' hence. She, Robyn, and Catelyn have taken lodgings in one of the better areas of the city. Braavos is almost unique among the world's cities in not being covered in shit. Really, she could even settle here; earn a living as a bodyguard, and forget about the North. As usual, the city is wrapped in fogs, chill and clammy. The three of them make their way to Venier's Wine Rooms, where they order a rack of lamb, and a fine Dornish red. Catelyn remains subdued, hardly surprising, in the light of the horrors she has had to endure. But, at least she is safe. They make desultory conversation, over dinner. However, their meal is about to be interrupted.
A slim, handsome, man in his thirties, dressed in navy like most of the elite of Braavos, approaches their table, and bows, before speaking.
"Signor, Signorine, the Sealord of Braavos, and the Council of Six pay their compliments. They would esteem it greatly if you were to attend them directly."
A Guardian of the Night; the secret police of Braavos are feared the world over, more so even than her sister's Inquisition. At least they are more polite. She looks around the room, guessing that at least half a dozen Guardians are present, studying the party with interest. Fighting them would be pointless; they include graduates of the House of Black and White among their number.
Robyn looks at her, and she nods, before he replies. "I am happy to be of service to their Excellencies." The Guardian smiles and bows, in acknowledgement.
They walk directly past the House of Black and White. She has guessed right, as they are surrounded by Guardians who left the wine shop with them. Night has fallen, giving a sombre air to the proceedings. She wonders what will happen to them. Nothing too bad she hopes. The Guardians can be far more brutal than this. Tonight, they have been positively civilised. They reach the main canal, a slim bridge leading to the Sealord's Palace, a vast affair of state rooms, offices, dungeons, and gardens; even a menagerie, not that she ever got to see it when she lived here. They are led through the entrance, into a vast ante-chamber, decorated with frescoes of remarkable beauty/
"Please wait" the man tells them. He knocks three times, on a small side door, and then disappears through it. They wait for perhaps half an hour in the ante chamber, in silence, until the man returns, and bids them follow. They enter a smaller chamber, illuminated with candles. This is the very heart of the Serene Republic, a room from which people will, on occasion, emerge only to be put do death. She hopes she is not to be one of them. The three of them are seated at one end of a long table. At the other, is the Sealord himself, a man of indeterminate age, bald as an egg. An air of chill menace radiates from him. On each side of the table sit men who are robed and masked, the Council of Six, charged with the security of Braavos. Their identity is a closely guarded secret. Also present, are several scribes and guards.
"My Lord and Ladies" begins the Sealord, " we have heard of the fall of White Harbour. We understand that your brother is safe, my lord" he addresses Robyn. "He yielded the citadel, in return for his life and those of his people. A wise decision Should he seek asylum in the Republic, it will be granted, provided he plays no further part in Northern politics.".
"As to you Lady Stark, you are doubtless aware that your sister's reign is at an end. To the best of my knowledge, Winterfell remains untaken, but its fall cannot be long delayed. Let me make very plain that your sister would not be granted asylum by us, should she apply for it. We consider her conduct as Queen in the North to be ….unethical in the extreme." They would. This city was founded by freed slaves, and my sister has shipped thousands abroad. " I do not consider I am breaching a major confidence, when I say that tomorrow, the Signoria will recognise Yara Greyjoy as Queen in the North; nor that we see major commercial advantage to establishing close relations with her. As you might imagine, our navy and merchant marine have an insatiable appetite for timber and pitch, commodities the North possesses in abundance."
"As to your position, here, you must be aware that you are persona non grata in this city. The House of Black and White does not remember your activities here fondly, all those years ago. There are those who would wish an example to be made of you, but that …..would not be politic, in my opinion. A fast ship to Eastwatch is all that I can offer you."
Better than a cut throat, and a body found floating in the Grand Canal
"I suppose a woman who is lost in the desert..." "must accept whatever water she is offered", he finishes for her.
"What of my niece?" asks Arya, turning to Catelyn, Understandably, the girl looks very frightened. The Council Chamber, and its Sealord, are equally intimidating."
"What indeed, of your niece? The Republic does not hold you responsible, Lady Catelyn, for your mother's misdemeanours. I believe you are thirteen years of age?"
"I am, your Excellency."
"And, you are betrothed to this gentleman.?"
"My mother arranged the betrothal, your Excellency."
"I understand. You will remain a ward of the Republic, until you reach the age of eighteen. At that age, you will be free to settle here, or return to the North if you should prefer. I understand that Yara Greyjoy has guaranteed your life. If you wish to marry this gentleman, at that age, then you will of course be free to do so. But, you will not be compelled. You will be lodged in this Palace, and will be educated with other children of high birth."
"Your Excellency" she replies firmly. "I wish to remain with my auntie".
"I understand, but believe me, while the new Queen has guaranteed your safety, there will be still be those who are seeking vengeance on your family. You will be safer here than anywhere else in the world."
"His Excellency is correct," Arya sadly tells her. "Life here will be far better for you than life at Castle Black." The Sealord is a shrewd man. Who knows what reversals of fortune will occur in the North over the next few years? Catelyn as a client Queen would suit Braavos just as well as Yara Greyjoy. And, she will at least be well-guarded, during her stay here. The Braavosi are ruthless, but not wantonly cruel. They will not harm a child.
"My lord" he addresses Manderly. "As with your brother, we will grant you asylum, provided you play no further part in Northern politics. Should you make your peace with the Queen, then you are of course free to return to White Harbour. I understand you have funds deposited with the Iron Bank?"
"I have, your Excellency".
"Good. Then I wish you all health and great joy. That concludes our business together. Lady Stark, your ship will set sail in two days' time."
Notes:
Braavos is based upon the Republic of Venice. The Council of Six was the Venetian security council, and the Signoria the main law-making body. Venice's secret police had a formidable reputation.