Humans, wolves and horses left the ship at Maiden Pool. People stared, mostly because of the wolf pack. As soon as they were clear of the city, Nymeria led the pack ahead at a run. The rest came behind them. Aulix did a partial link to Nymeria and a hawk. Cantering wasn't as fast as a dead run, but ate distance without over tiring the horses. The land was mainly flat and grassy. Taron expected they'd reach Rooks Rest around sunset.

It was late afternoon when Arya announced, "Nymeria hears riders approaching."

Aulix knew it already and added, "be ready but it's not a big threat. The pack should be able to handle it. Tam and Benn can capture the stray horses that the pack doesn't need."

They were red cloaks; more raiders than king's men. A few arrows from Arya for assistance and the wolves handled the rest. Two horses were rounded up by Tam and became pack animals. Once again they continued on, with no further problems, getting to Rooks Rest just as the night darkened the sky. They bought passage on a ship, that would head out at dawn. A stock paddock was used for the wolves and horses, but they stayed with the animals. Only Byt and Aulix went to the tavern for information and hot food pick up. It was a clear, cool night and the stew was well received.

The last news was that there had been a lot of dragon sightings recently. Most importantly was that 3 had been seen leaving Dragonstone and only 2 returned. They'd come from the north, which was alarming in itself. Aulix shared that information with all of them.

"Can a dragon be possessed like a White Walker?" Gendry asked everyone.

They all looked at Aulix, who nodded. "Probably by the White Walker King. He'd have to be very magically strong to do it. Let's hope not, because then no one is safe, not even those across the sea."

That comment made them restless, so Taron reassured, "they were stopped once and they can be stopped again. And Daenerys Targaryen has two more dragons. I'd say those odds are one's I'd bet on!"

Tam said thoughtfully, "if it came down to that type of war and Daenerys won, the whole world would take their knee for her."

"If everyone united to fight the White Walker King, we'd win for sure. That's why Arya's list completion is so important, I think." Benn added his opinion to the discussion.

Taron nodded. "Tomorrow is the beginning of the end. Rest up everyone, because who knows when the next time you can sleep safely."

Aulix concluded, "we've all been trained and have lived to be ready for all this. Trust in each other, your skills and most important your instincts. Never give up."

It seemed like they had just closed their eyes to go to sleep, when Nymeria woke everyone up with a wet nose and lick. Daylight painted the sky with a warm glow, as the humans of her pack stretched and rose. Taron and Aulix went to talk to the Captain of the ship, while the others got the packs, horses and wolves ready to board.

"The ship is ready, let's get on our way." Taron announced once they'd returned.

After handing out hot sweet bread and cheese, Aulix picked up his gear and lead them up the plank. The ship's crew didn't like the wolf pack and were nervous around Nymeria. Arya made the wolves sit, as that was more dog-like and non-intimidating. Being the only ones on board, meant the ship wasn't as heavy as when it carried food cargo. With the strong wind, they made good time across the water.

Benn sighed, "this place looks like it's all rock!

"We'll take a small boat to shore. The ship docks at another location on Dragonstone, there the horses and wolves can get off the ship until we leave." Aulix explained what would happen on arrival.

"I can stay with the animals if you want," Tam offered.

"Me too," Benn added.

"That would make things easier, but if we're staying overnight, one of us will come get you," Taron added.

"Do you think it's okay if Nymeria came with me?" Arya asked.

"Don't see why not."

It was late afternoon when they climbed down a rope ladder to the smaller boat that would take them to Dragonstone. Nymeria simply jumped overboard into the water and was pulled on board by Aulix and Taron. Landing on the beach, Gendry helped push the small boat off shore, so it could return to the main ship. They were treated by armed men and Aulix spoke to them for a few minutes, then they were lead up the steps.

"Damn that's a long way to reach the castle!" Gendry observed.

Five minutes later, even Nymeria was panting. They looked down at the rocks and water and were glad the walls of the stairs were high. Everyone became relieved on entry to the castle. Arya noticed Taron and Aulix speaking with their hands. Aulix wasn't going with the rest of them to meet the dragon queen and Jon Snow. Taron continued onward with Gendry, Arya, Byt and Nymeria. Aulix slipped away into the shadows, without their escort noticing.

Arya thought she recognized her half brother, "Jon?"

He turned around and saw a young woman running towards him, a dire wolf following her. "Arya!"

They met and hugged each other, he swung her in a circle. Both cried in joy and after he put her back down, crouched to pet Nymeria. "How did you find her?"

"She found me… well us. We've got a lot to talk about." Arya smiled. Then introduced the others. "Everyone this is Jon Snow, King of the North and my brother. This is Taron, the man who trained me to become an assassin. Gendry is my partner and a skilled smith. And the beauty, is Byt; she's a genius with potions, poisons and elixirs. Benn and Tam stayed with the horses and wolf pack by the stock yards here. Aulix is roaming around somewhere, he's a warg."

"I'm so happy that you're alive. We thought the Lannisters killed you. Sansa is at Winterfell. Come let's eat, have some ale and catch up. Tonight I will introduce you to Daenerys Targaryen."

Before they even took two steps a dragon roared from above. Taron swore and Byt immediately coward by his side. Arya said in awe, "that thing is huge!"

Jon grinned, "he's the smaller one; Rhaegal. He's green with bronze markings."

Taron asked, "who's his rider?"

"He has none, but obeys the Queen of Dragons, Daenerys Targaryen. She rides the biggest one. Drogon's black with red markings."

Taron tilted his head to one side. "We heard there were three dragons."

"Viserion, was creamy white with gold markings."

Arya repeated, "was."

"He was killed by the Night King."

Gendry winced, "oh shit that's the White Walker king… do you think a dragon can be possessed like the human dead?"

"We hope not." Jon hadn't considered that himself. "Do you want to wait for your friend Aulix?"

Taron answered, "no, he'll find us when he's ready."

As they walked onward, Arya also recognized Tyrion Lannister. He walked beside a tall woman with white hair, which she guessed was Daenerys. Jon lead them to a dining hall and they sat down together at the long table. Ale, cider and food were brought out for them. Arya gave a brief history of what happened to her, then Jon explained his past and what he knew of their family. They were mid way through the meal, when Aulix came.

Arya and Taron both stood. Their reaction to this new guy joining them, was not lost on Jon. Especially when Aulix bowed and greeted him. "King of the North, I am Aulix, a friend of Arya's."

She snorted, "shut up, you're more than just a friend."

Aulix sat down and Taron passed him a mug of ale and a big piece of meat. With his hands he asked, 'where were you?'

Arya saw him ignore Taron and was surprised.

"The Queen of Dragons will join you now," Aulix announced, seconds before the woman appeared through a door.

Everyone stood up and only sat down when she did. Jon introduced her to them all. Daenerys gave a greeting and told them to continue as they were.

Arya asked, "are you both going to fight the White Walkers? What's happening with the Lannisters?"

Taron suggested, "why not tell them our plans."

"Um… well we're going to kill the Mountain and Cersei Lannister."

Gendry spoke up suddenly. "I'm staying to help the Queen and Jon, mine the dragonglass and make weapons to kill the wights."

"What? When did you decide that?" Arya demanded.

"I'll just be in the way. I'm more useful here…. We'll talk more later." Gendry said with stubborn finality.

Daenerys asked, "have you worked with it before?"

"No, but I have made many weapons."

Arya immediately defended his honour. "He's the best smith alive."

Jon smiled, his sister was in love. "I'll take you to where we have begun to mine it, tomorrow."

Aulix asked, "Queen of Dragons, how did you assist in their hatching?"

All eyes fell on him, but his remained on her. It wasn't often that Daenerys could be unsettled by a man. She hesitated, until Jon gave her a nod. "Blood and fire."

"Old magic," Aulix acknowledged. Then in High Valyrian continued. "You call them your children, but there was one and he can never be. He was part of one prophecy. Jon and you are part of another."

She was shocked, but only showed it by widened eyes. The others all had their mouth's hanging open, except Taron. Arya asked with her hands, 'did you know he could speak her language?'

'It's Aulix. You know that's a stupid question. Things like this no longer surprise me.'

'You guys have way too many secrets and it's frustrating as hell.'

Taron replied with a wink.

Aulix himself added, 'It originates in the eastern continent of Essos. What language do you think Valar Morghulis comes from? Your Red Witch could speak it too.'

Taron's hands ended the conversation, 'we keep telling you, knowledge is power.'

Daenerys finally replied in her language, "Kessa."

Aulix gave her a nod and spoke again, so all could comprehend. "Do you understand the prophecy of the One that Was Promised?"

"What?" Arya interrupted.

Explaining, Taron chose to do. "It's the prophecy of the saviour in the religion for the Lord of Light. It says this person would be born from salt and smoke, and pull a sword named Lightbringer from flames. The sword would be used by that person to combat an impending darkness. Some think that it is a Prince, but High Valyrian has a word that is like prince, but isn't man or woman."

"Are you suggesting The Queen of Dragons is also the Princess that was Promised?" Byt asked in awe.

Daenerys herself didn't think so. "There are many interpretations of the prophecy…. Do you think the White Walkers will bring this darkness?"

Jon suggested, "we need to find out more about the prophecy. Where is Tyrion?"

Aulix didn't answer either of them and just let the idea fester among those at the table. He ate his fill and continued to drink. Only Taron didn't join the discussion. He saw his friend smile, when Daenerys and Jon left together. Missandei came in and Aulix stood. Taron followed.

"Can someone bring Tam and Benn here?"

"They chose to stay with the wolves and horses. We have given them food, drink and made them comfortable for sleep." Missandei explained. "Do you wish to see your rooms?"

Taron said, "I'll stay with Aulix."

"Please follow me."