Because of the mind link with both horse and crow, Aulix could ride all day and night. He was making good time, but needed to stretch his legs, so he dismounted and started walking. He attached a feed bag to the horse's bridal and whatever he ate himself, he shared with the crow, that perched on his shoulder. They came to a small stream and stopped. He filled his water bag and let the horse and crow drink their fill too. Half a day past and then back in the saddle he went. The crow showed him Melisandre's death and Aulix smiled. What he didn't like, was that Arya had decided to come north.
"Damn that wolf," Aulix grumbled out loud. He'd send her to wait for him at Saltpans, via crow messenger.
He had wanted to check out Winterfell castle and then go to the Weirwood in that area. Now he'd have to push his horse faster, to get to the tree and then go south to intercept Arya. She was supposed to be going to King's Landing. Since he didn't have as much time as wanted, passage up the Green Fork to the Twins was bought. It was busy on the water way. As expected, all of Walder Frey's family were reuniting for his funeral. It was going to be one of the biggest feasts held at the Twins. Checking his pockets, Aulix found three vials and his smile was devilish. It was easy to blend in with the crowd that gathered to gain entry to the Twins. He penetrated the kitchens and found the barrels of wine that the Frey men would drink. In each barrel, a drop of liquid from those vials were added and mixed. The sweet, rich smell that the wine became, was temptation itself.
"Byt, you and I are brilliant. They'll drink this down and not share a drop with their women."
In the shadows Aulix watched and waited. He saw Lady Kitty Frey, Walder's ninth wife, with Roslin Frey, his daughter and her husband Lord Edmure Tully, all at the head table. A speech was made and the wine passed out. When the men smelled the wine, they coveted the liquid all for themselves, not allowing their women to have a drop. A toast was made in Walder Frey's name and all tossed the red wine down their throats, chasing it with more. Suddenly all the men began to choke and then collapsed where they were. Death had walked among them.
Aulix said from the darkness, "when people ask what happened here, tell them The North remembers. Tell them winter came for House Frey."
As he left, Roslin Frey said, "it wasn't winter that came for these men, but the Gods punishing them for their greed and all the sins that followed."
He smirked and said to himself, "call it what you want, but it was payment for the Red Wedding."
Getting passage on a boat for himself and his horse, Aulix sailed up river to the area of where some thought was Greywater Watch. The horse was fed as much as it wanted, during that boat trip. After that it would be rationed grain. Once landing he estimated it would take him about five days to reach Winterfell, if he didn't encounter problems and kept his horse walking and trotting most of the way. On the return trip, he'd take a boat to get to Saltpans. The air became chilly and Aulix put on the fur lined cloak. He added another fur on top of that, which had a hood as well. His horse would have a fur blanket, which would hook to the saddle and protect it's chest, back and hindquarters from the cold. Winter had come and with a vengeance.
Meanwhile Arya and Gendry, with the wolf pack made their way up from near Harrenhal to Lord Harroway's town. It was a town in the Riverlands that sat along the Trident and upriver of the Ruby Ford. It was the seat of House Roote. There wasn't much to it. It use to have a seven-side sept, a two story inn and a stone round tower. A wide, flat-bottomed boat at the ferry, had a wooden house on it's deck, with two carved horse head decorations. The town had been burned by the dragon Vhagar in the past, but had been rebuilt. It still had an inn and a dock for a ferry. The stone round tower was broken down half way. The sept hadn't been rebuilt. It was in Harroway that they heard about all the dead Frey family men and poison being the method. Arya and Gendry knew it had to be Aulix. From the time line of when the poisoning happened, he was making good time reaching the north. They, themselves, weren't prepared for the colder climate. So when Arya received the crow's message from Aulix a few days later, they decided to follow the river down to Saltpans and wait for him there. They couldn't take a ferry, because of the wolf pack. And Arya refused to leave them, even though she'd become good at the mind link. So they slowly made their way down. Normally it would only take 2 days at a trot, but the colder weather, made the horses need to eat more and same with the wolves. It took 3 and a half days. They didn't go all the way into Satlpans, at least not Arya and the pack. Gendry took the horses and went to get them stabled first. Then he got food for the two of them and returned to Arya.
"Shouldn't we just start our trip towards King's Landing? Did the crow tell you anything more?" Gendry asked building up the fire for warmth.
"I don't know why, but the crow wants us to wait… at least that's my understanding."
"Are you nervous to go on without Aulix?" His question had two answers.
"No. I kill on my own, I know their names. He's good to have on our side. We'll wait another week, but I'll leave the pack and come into town in a few days. I need to see how many people travel to Saltpans this way."
"Okay we'll wait. Maybe do some training, or in Saltpans I'll use the forge and make another sword like Needle. Then I'll train you on the basics of how to use two swords at once. On the trip south, Aulix can drill you." Gendry finally decided.
"Thank you… I'm so glad you're with me and here together…. I love you so much," Arya admitted.
He pulled her to him and kissed her forehead. "I love you too, don't forget that."
Far north of them Aulix decided he didn't have time to go to Winterfell castle. He couldn't touch the weirwood tree himself, as it was behind the walls of the castle. Instead he sent the crow. Via mind link, once the crow's feet touched the branches of the weirwood, the information he sought would flow. It would be hard for him mentally, but after a good solid night of sleep, he'd be fine. The connection with his horse stopped and with no guidance it just stood there, trying to get through the snow to the grass below. All his energy was on the crow and the information it gave him access to. Eventually the horse stopped moving and dozed, awaiting it's rider's command. When Aulix returned to his body, head was throbbing and he planted the idea of warmth in the horse's head, sending it down the King's Road towards Cerwyn. Once he got to Greywater Watch he'd take a boat down past The Twins all the way to Saltpans. He'd sell the horse to buy passage. That would be faster than travelling by land. Until then he planned on sleeping in the saddle.
The crow that travelled with him, returned much later. It saw the raven. When Aulix didn't wake, the crow landed on his head, pecking at it.
"What the hell, get off me! I'm awake already!" Aulix tried to swat it away.
He looked skyward and then saw it. Immediately linking to the raven with his mind and bringing it to him. He unrolled the scroll and read the message that had been
sent by Tyrion Lannister to Jon Snow. It wanted him to come to Dragon Stone, to accept Daenerys Targaryen as his Queen. It told him that she had brought three dragons with her. After reading the note twice, he fastened it back on to the raven and set it free, making sure it travelled towards the north. Undecided if he wanted to tell Arya about her brother, he went back to sleep. When he woke again, this time without assistance, Aulix decided to wait until they were face to face, before telling Arya about her brother; King of the North.
Back on the sea, Taron, Byt and Benn where woken up by Tam. He announced, "we can see land. Looks like we'll be going up a channel, with a different boat."
"Where does the crew say we'll be making port?" Taron asked.
"Gulltown. We'll need to take a smaller boat up to Saltpans, like where you said we'll be going." Tam replied and then added, "it's about two days by ship from Gulltown to Wickenden. And if the wind is good, one day from Wickenden to Saltpans."
"I'll get us horses and boat passage in Gulltown, as soon as we arrive. Byt and Tam get the packs ready. Benn you work the area and get as much coin and jewels you can. Also all of you listen to the gossip, I want to know everything those towns people know about what's happening in Westeros."
"How much time before we leave Gulltown?" Benn asked Taron.
"Not long. As soon as I've bought the horses, I'll send out a whistle. We'll meet at whatever tavern is closest to the docks."
While the four from Braavos made plans, Gendry once again reunited with his apprentice. That's when he was shown the order of weapons from Aulix. His apprentice had not completed three of the list. Gendry could make the throwing stars easily and in various sizes and shapes. He'd have Arya test them and decide which would work best against a man. However he had no idea how to make the disk thing or the knuckle protection. As it got colder, the pack was left on the outskirts of the town and he and Arya stayed at the forge. Kika was happy to see them again and asked if Aulix would be returning too. She was told that he'd come, but they didn't know when.
In the end, Aulix arrived the same day that Taron's group did, however he came in the morning and they came at night. Aulix first found Nymeria and pack, who acted like puppies as they welcomed him back. Then after barking a command to her pack, Nymeria lead him to Gendry and Arya. It was the wolf, that alerted him to a docking boat, that carried people and horses. He sent his crow to check.
"They're here," Aulix whispered and then left them to go to the dock.
Arya had heard him and followed. Gendry looked at the wolf and then they too followed.
Taron walked forward and put his hand on the side of Aulix's neck, the same was done to him. They stood facing each other, just a foot or two of space between them, eyes connected. The moment seemed more intimate, than any kiss.
"You came," Aulix said softly.
Taron replied with the same tone, "you called." He tapped his head.
Aulix laughed, "I should've known…. but why did you come to Saltpans?"
"Thank Ari. She'd told me once that's where she'd bought the ship passage to Braavos. I figured it be a good place to start."
Byt nodded, "not too far north, not too far south."
"I see you brought some talent with you," Aulix embraced Byt and gave her a kiss, that would make most girls' legs get rubbery.
Tam went on one knee, his head down, waiting for Aulix to acknowledge him. Benn did the same. One hand landed on each head. "Stand up," Aulix commanded. "You two followed Byt and Taron, to meet up with me. Do you know why you're here?"
"Yes. To help Ari finish her list and maybe go to war."
Aulix then turned to Arya. "Before I let them all go with us, you must tell them your real name. Your story can wait until after we eat and drink."
She sighed. "Taron, this is Gendry."
"Finally I meet the one that stole her heart," Taron embraced his arm.
"And I meet the man who turned her into a confident woman. Thank you for helping her, when she needed you the most," Gendry replied genuinely.
Then facing Byt, Benn and Tam, she finally told them her real name. "I'm Arya Stark. If you come with me, it might be into hell."
Byt laughed, "you admitted who you are, about damn time!"
Arya's eyes grew big. "You knew?"
"She might have, but we didn't," Benn admitted.
Tam agreed, "he's right. And you can't scare us away. Before we got on the ship back in Braavos, Taron told us that we might not live, to return. It was our choice to come here. Anyway, you'll need all of us, if you want to finish your list."
"Okay let's eat, drink and catch up." Aulix put his arm around Taron's shoulders and they began to walk towards the tavern.
Arya began to connect to Nymeria.
Gendry said, "I'll take your horses and get them stabled. And Aulix we haven't completed your weapons order. The knuckles and disc thing, we don't know how to make. It seems that the payment you sent to my apprentice, keeps him occupied in the brothel every night. So we won't see him until late morning."
"We've got time. Tomorrow I'll explain what's needed." Leading the way to the tavern, Aulix paid for a grand feast.
They waited for Gendry to join them, before beginning. Little conversation happened while they ate. After hunger was satisfied and the drink flowed more freely, Arya told her story. While she spoke, Aulix had the wolves fed and then observed Arya's supporters. Byt and Tam seemed more cozy; they had become a couple. Benn he'd send to Kika afterwards, but mainly he observed Taron. The interaction of Arya and Gendry, even though not outwardly shown, hurt Taron.
"Now that you know her story, Taron and Benn come with me." Aulix stood up and the two followed him. Before going out the door Aulix added, "The rest of you have rooms and baths waiting."
Benn asked, "did you need me for something?"
"Not really. Kika is Gendry's friend, who was left out of our reunion, due to the sensitive information. I want you to spend the night with her. Treat Kika well and give her this bag of coin as a gift from me," Aulix added and then pointed to where she'd be waiting.
Then he and Taron went to their room. Once inside Aulix said, "we need these baths. We'll talk later."
Aulix stripped, but before his last shirt was removed, Taron came into his arms and rested his face against Aulix's neck. "I know your heart hurts Taron, you can let it out now." He held his friend, who's tears soaked the remaining shirt. "We're alone now, so tell me about your trip and what you've seen."
After his clothing was removed, he gave Taron a kiss, that was gentle and soothing. Then got into the hot water. Taron locked the door and took off his clothing too, before sinking into the other tub. His eyes met Aulix's and his friend understood that Taron couldn't speak yet. So he explained what the weirwood had shown him, the warning of the third-eyed crow and the raven he'd intercepted. When his words were still met with silence, he got out of the tepid tub water. Putting on a robe, Aulix kneeled down and washed Taron's back. Then as his friend stood, he gave him a robe too.
The first words from Taron came forth. "Come to bed, even with the fire, it will be colder soon."
Aulix got under the covers first and then Taron joined him. Aulix knew that it was comfort that was sought, for now. He spooned Taron, chin resting on his neck, arm protectively around the waist. It took Aulix back to a time long since past, when hearts had been broken and souls needed warmth. When he lay on his back, Taron turned around, raised up on one arm, looking into the depths of Aulix's eyes.
In another room, Benn and Kika were getting along splendidly. She taught him everything that a woman loved to receive when in bed. Tam and Byt had also gone for their baths, leaving Gendry and Arya the last to leave the tavern.
"So what skills do the new comers have, other than Taron and Byt?"
Arya smiled, as they left the tavern. "Benn can stay under water longer than you'd think is possible. He's an amazing pick pocket and can disable a ship, to the point of ruin, faster than you can count to five. Tam is the best at balancing on the impossible, at stupid heights. Also he's one of the best assassins, using anything as a weapon. I've told you before about Byt and Taron."
"These friends from over the sea, are the best allies you could hope for. I'm glad they came." Gendry smiled, kissed her nose, then locked their room's door.
All the couples made love with their partners. Aulix took the lead until Taron could only think about him and say his name. Once Taron was back to his usual self, he seized control and returned the pleasure. It was the look of love in Aulix's eyes that healed Taron's soul and fixed his heart. As the sun came through the window, Taron finally told Aulix what his green sight had shown him and about their ship travel. They lay entwined, until someone's stomach announced it's hunger with a grumbling roar.
Laughing, Taron got out of bed and dressed. He helped Aulix get his clothes on too. Curiosity had him ask, "how did you get so much coin and gems?"
Aulix winked, "I ran into some Lannister men and supporters in the north. After they were in the throws of death, I of course relieved them of anything valuable."
"It's been a while since we went to war together, but I'm glad you sent for me."
"Our connection is stronger than it once was. I had only sent a woman to get you, she probably just arrived at the guild. You'd be arriving much later. Was it your green sight alone?"
"Aulix you already know the answer, hurry up I'm starving," Taron grinned, almost boyishly.
He received a kiss and then together they left the room. In the tavern, Arya, Gendry, Tam and Byt were already eating and gave a nod in greeting.
Taron laughed, "Benn might not be seen until late afternoon."
Gendry looked at Aulix, "you sent him to Kika's bed?"
"Yes. We have things to get done, before prying eyes join us. It was the most rewarding way, for all concerned."
"All the same, thank you for remembering her," Gendry added. Then after Aulix had eaten something, he probed, "what's needed to make the rest of the weapons?"
Taron showed him the specs, on a piece of parchment, that they'd once used in the past. "The knuckles, now those you'll probably want to make a set for yourself too. They preserve and concentrate a punch's force by directing it toward a harder and smaller contact area. This force usually breaks or cracks your target's bones on impact. This part is an extended and rounded palm grip, which spreads across your palm the counter-force that would normally be absorbed by your fingers. It reduces the chance of damaging your fingers."
"I made a wood pair as a model. Not as good as iron, but works well enough." Aulix handed over the weapon.
"That's what you were whittling all the time?" Gendry asked in awe.
"His hands are always productive," Taron joked with affection. "Also the stars are made to be thrown, better than a dagger, due to the volume of them that can be carried and concealed. Byt uses them coated in poison, but only she knows how to use those effectively. Mostly they have sharp points to penetrate skin and open arteries."
"We've made a few of those. What about this ring or disk thing?" Gendry asked, impressed by the ingenuity of these weapons.
Aulix took over the explanation. "It too is thrown and sometimes used in hand-to hand combat. Normally, the outer edge is sharpened and it can range in size too. The small ones might be worn on your wrist. I want both sizes made. If it hits arm, neck or hand, it cuts through it all."
Taron looked at Gendry, "think you can make this stuff? We brought you some good steel."
Aulix added, "I've a bunch of swords I picked up on my way back, you could re-work the metal on them too."
"Yeah I can make it all. How many do you need of each weapon and how many days do I get?"
"Well with your apprentice helping you, four days. I can work a forge too, if we're behind on the final day," Aulix added.
Everyone, including Taron, focused on him. "What! You can? Since when?"
Aulix held up his hand for silence, but only gave them a mysterious wink in return to their questions. "We've got work to do and check the horses too. Packs must have food that travels well. I want Arya training with the pack. I'll be with her for that. Taron's in charge when I'm with them. Most importantly, do this quick and quiet. No one must know what's going on. We're going to war, so don't forget that."