JON
Jon, Donovan, and Roland watch as Sam tries to shoot arrows at a stuffed dummy. "How can I shoot with the ship moving?" Sam complains; three days had passed since leaving Dragonstone.
"Most Archers have to be able to focus despite distractions..."
"Yes but this distraction is too much..." Sam aims again then he looks at Jon and the others. "Any of you had to shoot at a target while aboard a ship?"
"My father would throw leaves and other stuff at us while we practiced the bow..."
"I lived in White Harbor and we would train aboard a moving ship..." Roland offers.
Sam aims again and fires striking the dummy in the chest area. It was the first time Sam had gotten it since overcoming his sea sickness. He trains for an hour then they help with ship duties like tying off lines and cleaning the deck. Jon even takes a few turns in the crow's nest. "Hey Jon..." Sam says walking up to Jon who is sanding by the rail looking out at sea.
"Yes what is it?"
Sam looks around to make sure no one is in earshot, "How did you know about that gold we took from Dragonstine?"
Jon looks as well to make sure no one is nearby to overhear them, "I consider you a friend so I will tell you...My mother was Lyanna Stark and she named me Aegon Targaryen...My father was Prince Rhaegar…" Sam stairs at Jon, "Well say something."
"I believe you."
"Why?"
"Because when I was younger my father would always tell me about the war and how he defeated Robert Baratheon on the battlefield...I heard how Rhaegar kidnapped Lady Lyanna Stark..."
Jon interrupts him, "He didn't kidnap her...They fell in love, she ran away with him and they married in secret."
"Wow..." San replies. "You know what that means? You are the heir to the Iron Throne..."
Jon smiles, "I don't want it...The real reason we are heading for Braavos is to seek out my Uncle Prince Viserys and his sister Daenarys Targaryen...Keep this to yourself for now." Jon walks away. Later he is sitting on his bed Dream-walking. His eyes are white and his body is still as he gazes into the past...
Jon stands near the heart tree as his mother and father stair lovingly into each other's eyes. Princess Elia is present as a witness and it is Septon Maynard who performs the wedding. "May the gods bear witness as these two come together in the bonds of marriage...You may cloak Lady Stark and bring her under your protection..."
Rhaegar is taller than Jon by six inches of medium build. His mother Lyanna is five feet tall with long dark hair and grey eyes. They say the words and as they kiss Elia claps then she kisses Lyanna on the cheek. "Beloved sister...Welcome to the family..."
"My father is going to kill me..." Lyanna nervously says.
"No he won't..." Rhaegar replies.
Jon awakens from his dream-walk and lays down smiling thinking about what he just witnessed. The next morning they are sailing pass Gulltown. Living aboard ship is hard, but Jon and his companions endure. Soon they come to enjoy life at sea. "Well it seems I have succeeded in turning you lot into sailors." Pennigast says to Jon, Sam, Donovan, Roland, Able, and Martlyne as they sit at meal.
"Aye I may get use to this." Roland replies.
"Speak for yourself..." Donovan says.
"Lord Stark...I am not a man who pries in the affairs of others, but that gold...How did you know about it?"
Jon smiles, "I will tell you all when we reach Braavos."
BRAAVOS
The city of Braavos is the most powerful and wealthiest of the Free-Cities of Essos. It was founded by slaves after the Doom of Valyria. The city is built on several small Islands in the North. The city is home of the Iron Bank of Braavos and the Faceless Men. In the harbor stands the Great Titan of Braavos; a fifty foot statue holding a shield, holding high a broken sword.
"You ever been to Braavos Captain?" Sam asks.
"This would be my third time..."
When the ship is docked Jon sends Donovan to fetch someone from the Iron Bank. Two hours later he returns with a banker, "Tycho Nestoris Lord Jon Stark of Winterfell..."
"So what may I do for you My Lord..."
Jon takes him to the cargo hold and shows him the treasure. "I would like to make an account with the Iron Bank..."
"Of course...I will have to take an accounting before I can have it moved."
"Of course..."
It takes all day to count and weigh the gold, then Tychos sends for guards and men to carry the gold to the Vaults of the Iron Bank. Is there anything else I can do for you My Lord?"
"Yes...I am in need of information."
"What kind of information?"
"On the whereabouts of two people."
"I know of an information broker who can help you..."
Two days later a man by the name of Armond Raos comes to see Jon; during which time the men aboard ship go ashore to explore the city and spend some gold. "My name is Armond Vesro. What may I do for you My Lord Stark of Winterfell?"
"This stays between us..." Jon says shoving a bag of gold across the table.
"Of course."
"I am looking for Prince Viserys and his sister Princess Daenarys Targaryen."
"Ah the beggar Prince they call him...He left Braavos with his sister over three years ago. But you can find them in Pentos at the home of Ilyrio Mopatis...Magister of Pentos and Spice Lord."
"What do you know about this Mopatis?"
"Enough...Mopatis was an orphan and grew up on the streets..."
"Is he a trustworthy man? Why is he helping the Targaryens?" Jon interrupts.
"Mopatis is one of the most powerful and influential men in Essos...A good friend to have and a formidable enemy if you cross him. He is trying to extend his power and influence to Westeros...The only person standing in his way is King Robert Baratheon. So he is trying to put the Targaryens back in power..."
"How do I meet him?"
"I could arrange a meeting for you..." Jon pays Armond and three weeks later he sets sail for Pentos.
PENTOS
The city of Pentos sits on the west coast of Essos and is south of Braavos. It is considered one of the most ruthless cities among the Free-Cities. The city is ruled by a Prince elected from among the nobles of Pentos. Pentos is known for its spices and cheese. It takes five days to sail from Braavos down to Pentos. When they arrive it is the third hour after sunset, so Jon decides to sleep aboard ship and go to visit Mopatis' estate in the morning.
The next morning Jon decides to tell his men and Pennigas the real reason they are in Braavos so that they are not surprised by the revelation. Pennigas and his mem take a knee and pledge themselves to Jon. At first he refuses their pledge, but then Sam changes his mind. They all vow to never reveal his secret without his permission.
"May I help you?" Mopatis' Steward asks with two guards at his side.
"Yes I am here to see Ilyrion Mopatis...Armond sent me."
"Yes please come in...We have been expecting you..."
Jon waits in the foyer, but doesn't have to wait long. "I am Ilyrio Mopatis Magister of Pentos...What may I do for you fine sirs?"
"May we speak in private..."
"Speak freely everyone in my employ is loyal to me..."
Jon hands him the letter his father showed him, "This will explain everything..."
Mopatis reads in silence and then looks at Jon, "Yu don't look like a Targaryen."
Jon smiles, "Everyone says that the first time I tell them..."
"I am a man who prides himself in being able to distinguish lies from truth...You are telling the truth or least you believe you are...It will take time for m to confirm whether or not you are who you say you are..."
"In the meantime I will be aboard my ship the Jade Runner..."
