Daenerys
They had travelled for nearly three moons when they found the borders of Lhazar marked by endless plains of pasture. What followed was a beautiful landscape, full of rolling plains of brightly coloured grass. Tito's people call it fire grass, it is used to produce oil for lamps and cookfires.
Yet they were still a days' ride away from Tito's birthplace Lhazosh, one of the three major cities belonging to the Lhazareen. Dany was relieved when Tito informed them, for she longed for night under a proper roof. Lhazar proved quite warm, but the nights were often frosty. Jon and Tito tolerated the cold well enough, but Aemon and Dany were different. Every night she had to wrap her son in several layers of cloaks and pelt to keep him warm.
The dragons were similar. They held great dislike for the cold and dug deep holes to ward off the icy wind.
"Finally," Tito said and pointed at the town located near the swirling slope of a river, glittering like a band of silver in the last rays of sunshine. Like most Lhazareen towns, the houses were made of wooden planks and roofs covered with dried fire grass. The only protections were wooden walls and ditches meant to ward off unwelcome enemies."This is the last town before Lhazosh. We should stay here overnight...the rest of the way we will only find sheep herds and fields.
"You know your homeland best," Jon said and winced as straightened himself in his saddle. Dany shared his pain. Her ass was wound from the long ride.
Aemon whimpered in her arms, obviously unhappy that he hadn't been fed for several hours.
Have a little patience, she whispered and rocked him, her eyes darting to the three dragons soaring above their heads. She had looked at them a thousand times, but their beauty was still breath-taking. Especially, now as the first rays of sunshine fell upon, their scales and skin gave the appearance of diamonds and other precious jewels.
Rhaegon's smooth skin looked like black obsidian. Sonarys' scales glowed like the surface of a blue diamond flecked with gold. Yet it were Viserions' wings that stole her breath away.
Their rapid growth was even more astounding. In the matter of moons they had doubled in size. Feeding them was becoming more and more difficult, though Dany believed it was the freedom that made them thrive.
"One day I want to see your land," Tito replied and dismounted."I want to see this frozen snow."
"It's called snow," Jon corrected him, but Tito ignored him and grinned.
"I like my term better," Tito jested and grabbed the reins of his horse, leading it along a downtrodden trail towards the river. Near the river bend she noticed a handful of girls, some bathing and others cleaning colourful clothes.
Dany followed suit and climbed from her saddle, Aemon secured on her arm. Jon walked next to her, Ghost not trailing after his horse.
Two of the dragons, as if they were able to sense their plans, descended from the sky. Dany stretched her free arm and Rhaegon landed on it, his tail curled around her upper arm. Sonarys followed suit and settled himself on Jon's shoulder. Only Viserion continued to soar above their heads, his silver wings spread wide. He gave a lonely appearance. If Viserys had he could have claimed Viserion as his own. Sadly, she was only able to give Viserion her brother's name.
Maybe Aegon could become his rider, she wondered not for the first time, but that moment was years away. Who knows how big the dragons will be by then.
"We should spend the night out here. Ghost and the dragons could frighten the inhabitants," Tito suggested and pointed at the grassy plain sprawling around the river bend. Further away from the river the grass changed to a pale yellow colour, but close to the river the grass was a rich green. The pattern was reminiscent of a colour motley.
They followed the river and built a camp beneath a large tree. Jon watered the horses and Dany used the time to fed Aegon. By the time her son was sated Tito had made a proper cook fire. Ghost was already slumbering on a patch of grass as Dany set down next to the popping fire. Carefully, she placed her sleeping son on her folded cloak and made sure to cover him with a warm pelt.
A moment later the dragons were there, swarming around her like a bear around a pot of honey. Rhaegon started to blow small flames in the air and Viserion started to shriek. Only Sonarys remained calm and sat on the branch of the mighty tree, providing them with a pleasant shade.
"Soon they will have plenty of meat," Tito promised."My family owns a large herd of sheep. Believe me...after a moon or two you will start to pray for something else than sheep meat."
"I doubt the dragons would care," Jon remarked and slumped down next to the fire, his cloak thrown around his shoulders."Still..Why are you so sure that your people won't mind the dragons?"
Tito shrugged his shoulders and sat down next to Jon.
"My people have never seen dragons," Tito explained. "But they are quite adaptive. Besides, you will have to convince my mother and brother of your trustworthiness. They are the ones in charge of the city."
"They are in charge of the city?" Jon asked, surprise apparent on his face. "Is your family some sort of nobility?"
"I don't know what that means, but my Father was elected to the position of chief upon my grandfather's passing. My brother succeeded him a after his death and it is very likely that his will be the next chief . The office has been in our family throughout generations," Tito continued to explain and nibbled on the piece of fruit he had cut apart with his dagger.
"Elected chief?" Dany asked curiously. "That sounds familiar. The Triarchs of Volantis are elected every year, but it seems the term of your rulers is rather lengthy. How long is "throughout generations"?"
"I don't know, a long time," Tito answered. "It is not important. I think the office has been occupied by my family since my grand-grand grandfather."
"And your mother?" Jon asked and leaned over to feed Ghost with a piece of dried meat. "You mentioned that she and your brother are in charge of the city."
Tito shrugged his shoulders.
"Well, my mother is no the chief, but my brother likes to leave the squabbling farmers to my mother. She is a learned woman and my people respect her for her knowledge."
"Learned woman?" Dany asked. "What does it mean?"
"That she knows a lot," Tito explained matter-of-factly, obviously amused by their interest. "She taught me how to speak and to write the language of the Free Cities. Not many among my people have this knowledge."
"And you think she will welcome us despite the dragons?" Dany asked and continued her questioning. Tito's mother intrigued him, though she didn't want to appear too eager.
Tito grinned and bared his teeth.
"My mother is rather eccentric and very fond of stories. You will understand what I mean once you meet her.
…
Robb
Lord Karstark looked grim as ever, but that didn't surprise Robb. A week ago he invited his bannermen to attend the harvest festival. Every Lord one of his Lords joined him in Winterfell, only Lord Karstark excused himself.
Robb tried not to hold it against him as is Lady Mother advised him.
He lost his sons, his Lady mother had told him only hours ago.
It was true. Lord Karstark lost two of his sons in the Battle of the Whispering Woods, but so did many others. Lady Hornwood lost her husband and son, yet not a single word of anger passed over her lips when Robb spoken to her during the harvest festival. She even accepted his suggestion to legitimize her Lord husband's bastard son Lawrence Snow, though only on the the condition that the boy won't succeed to his father's position until her death.
"It took you long enough to make it here, Karstark," the Greatjon grumbled and took a swag from his tankard. "Did you get lost?"
The Greatjon's words earned him a murderous look.
"I had to bury my sons, Umber," Lord Karstark replied curtly and shifted his attention to Robb. "And my only remaining son and heir remains imprisoned by our enemy while your son is enjoying himself with the whores of Wintertown."
"Such rudeness!" the Greatjon barked and slashed his hand on the table, the wood giving away under the might of his blow. "I will…," he continued, Robb whistled and Greywind rose to his feet. His wolf bared his teeth and the men stopped.
"I didn't call you here to endure such childish quarrels, Lord Umber!" Robb shouted and tried imitate his father's voice.
Then he swept his gaze over the assembled men. There was the Greatjon Umber, Lord Manderly, Lord Glover and of course Lord Karstark.
"Of course, my Lord," The Greatjon muttered, but accepted his reprimind with grace.
Relieved, Robb shifted his attention back to Lord Karstark.
"It is regrettable that you were unable to attend the harvest festival, my Lord Karstark," Robb added politely and whistled, calling Greywind back to his side. "But it is good that you came here to hear my decision concerning the Hornwood lands. Your daughter was after all deprived of a future husband, was she not?"
"She was," Lord Karstark confirmed curtly and took his seat next to Lord Manderly."My Alys was indeed betrothed to Lord Hornwood's heir."
"I intend to have Lord Hornwoods's natural son legitimized. The boy is only a few years younger than your…," he continued, but Lord Karstark cut him off, his face a grimace of anger.
"My daughter will not wed a bastard, legitimized or not!" he snapped angrily. "I will not be humiliated in such a manner, my Lord Stark."
Robb sighed. He never had any intention to force the matter, but the Hornwood lands are rich and he didn't expect such a violent reaction. Lawrence Snow wouldn't be the first bastard to be legitimized and wed to a Lady of trueborn stock.
"On the contrary," Robb replied as calmly as possible. "This arrangement was merely a suggestion. You may wed your daughter to whomever you like. Insulting you was not my intention."
"And yet you sit idly while the Lannisters occupy the Iron Throne," Lord Karstark said what many a man didn't dare to say to his face. Robb was not fool. He knew that most of his men were disappointed by his actions. He won one battle after another and many of them believed that they could have won the war."Stannis Baratheon is amassing an army to claim his throne from the Lannister bastard. The only reason I haven't yet joined his cause is my respect to your Lord Father. Yet this respect is dwindling as my son and heir remains a captive."
"Your son is a respected hostage," Robb countered and steeled his nerves for the rebuttal. "He will be released within a year. Tywin Lannister…," he continued and was promptly interrupted.
"Curse Tywin Lannister!" Lord Karstark raged and pounded his hand on the table. "I don't give an inkling of shit about his promises. We know how they are bought…with blood…the blood of my sons."
"You have my honest sympathies for the loss of your sons," Robb declared and tightened his grip on the handle of his chair. "But such is the way of war. Other men have also lost their sons and none of them show me such disrespect. I should cast out of my halls, but I will refrain from doing so, because I know that it is only your rage that drives you to such headless actions. I am sure you know why I forged peace with Tywin Lannister. It was not because I wanted to avoid battle, but to save my Lord Father's life. I would gladly join Stannis Baratheon in his struggle against the Lannisters, but I have no interest to see my sister's head mounted on a pike. Now let us return to the matter of hand…the Hornwood lands."
Then he paused briefly to gather his thoughts.
"As I said before," Robb said and jerked his head at Master Luwin, who had remained silent throughout the heated exchange. "Lawrence Snow shall be legitimized. Does anyone here wish to voice his objections?"
The Greatjon and Lord Manderly remained silent, but Lord Karstark made his disagreement known.
"Why should a cursed bastard rule over the Hornwood lands if there are other lords eligible to hold these lands?"
Robb expected this answer and turned to look at Lord Glover.
"Tell Lord Karstark about this cursed bastard's character," Robb replied through gritted teeth.
"I have raised the boy from early age…he is a fine boy and will make a good lord. All he needs is a proper wife," Lord Glover added his voice.
Lord Karstark laughed.
"Well, I am sure your Lord Father harboured similar thought about his own bastard," Lord Karstark mocked. "And what did he do? He ran off with a whore."
Robb heard enough and rose to his feet.
"I think I have heard enough of your venomous hatred," Robb replied and rose to his feet, trying to keep his anger at bay."I ask you to leave, my Lord. Return once you regained your ability to control your rude speech."
Silence reigned for a long moment, before Lord Karstark rose to his feet.
"Very well," The proud Lord declared coldly. "I shall not return until my son has returned to me."
"What a bitter cunt," the Greatjon grumbled and broke the heavy silent that had settled over them after Lord Karstark's departure. "Don't fret about it, my Lord."
"I am above such insults," Robb replied coldly and sat down. Greywind came to his side and licked his fingers.
"My Lord Stark," Lord Manderly broke the silence, a jolly smile curing on his lips. "May I speak?"
"Speak," Robb replied and picked up his goblet.
"I don't wish to insult you, Lord Stark," Lord Manderly tittered. "But maybe you could consider to ransom Lord Karstark's son. This may help to ease his anger."
"Lord Tywin already offered such an arrangement," Robb replied unhappily. "But the price is too high. The harvest was good, but the Maesters believe that this will be the longest winter in a thousand years. I intend to buy corn from Essos."
"I see," Lord Manderly replied and graced Robb with assuring smile. "But I think I have a solution for your problem. Allow me to shoulder the costs. House Manderly owes house Stark. Let may ease your burden, my Lord."
Robb wanted to refuse, but Lord Manderly was right. He couldn't afford to make an enemy of Lord Karstark. Yet he was sure that Lord Manderly expected something in return.
"Very well," Robb replied and returned Lord Manderly's smile. "House Stark will ask for this favour, but in return I would like to suggest a match between the future Lord Hornwood and your younger granddaughter. Would such an arrangement please you or are you also insulted by the stain of bastardy, my Lord?"
"Of course not," Lord Manderly assured him quickly."My granddaughter will be pleased to wed the future Lord Hornwood."
A small success, Robb thought and sighed deeply.
"Very well," Robb said and leaned back in his chair. "We should proceed."
"Of course," Master Luwin added and cleared his throat. Other topics were discussed, ranging from simple land disputes to marriage arrangements. It was late evening when they were finished.
"Lord Manderly," he addressed the Lord of White Harbour. "There is another matter I want to address…in private."
Robb read surprise on Lord Manderly's face.
"Of course," Lord Manderly and remained seated. "How may I be of service?"
"It is a rather delicate matter that I intend to put into your hands…it concerns my brother Jon," Robb explained and explained deeply. "Your son informed me not long ago that my brother travelled to Braavos. I Know it is much to ask, but your son knows the Free Cities better than most men…I am sure he would be able to find my brother."
"My son will be pleased to fulfil this important task," Lord Manderly declared confidently. "I assume you want this to be a secret?"
Robb nodded his in confirmation.
"Does that mean I can trust on your secrecy, my Lord?"
Lord Manderly smiled and sipped from his cup. The crimson liquid splattered his doublet and cloak.
"You can, Lord Stark. You can."
…
Jon
They departed before the sun had risen beyond the horizon, the river drenched in bright sunlight. The dragon led the way, soaring above their heads like three colourful kites.
Jon liked watching them, though he worried about the impending meeting with the Lhazareen. Tito was too enthusiastic, but Jon remained sceptical.
Yet he hoped that everything will work out. For Dany's sake they needed a place to stay. Neither Aemon nor the dragons could endure the constant travelling.
These thoughts occupied his mind as they continued their travel, passing more plains and hills. Sometimes they saw a sheep herd grazing on the plains of colourful glass, kept in check by a few riders mounted on small horses. Once they came upon a smaller herd, not more than a hundred sheep, protected by two young children. Yet they moved on quickly after one of two young girls threatened Ghost with a handmade bow.
Your wolf looks similar to the desert jackals, Tito had explained to them. They feared that Ghost might kill sheep.
"I can see it!" Dany exclaimed suddenly, her voice alight with happiness."Finally."
Jon tore his gaze away from the dragons and angled his head to look at the city walls rising behind the distant horizon.
It didn't surprise him that Lhazosh had city walls, but the magnitude surprised him, given that all the other Lhazareen towns he had seen so far were mostly made of wood and clay. These walls were made of high, white stone walls, the surface glinting like a polished blade. The city was slightly bigger than White Harbour, but densely populated. The outskirts were littered with small wooden houses, sheds and fields. It looked like wheat, corn and barley.
"Finally," Jon agreed and graced Dany with a relieved smile. She looked tired, her face pale, though she was smiling. Aemon was also awake and gurgled, his small fingers pulling Dany's bright-coloured robes.
The eyes of the Lhazareen followed them as they rode along the dusty road leading to the main gate.
The street was busy. Carts rolled by, transporting barely and people alike, children played their games and a pair of guards gambled.
Yet all of them stopped their activities when they spotted the dragons soaring over the sky. One woman gasped, a small girl started to cry and a boy pointed at the sky.
Tito led the way, an amused grin playing on his lips while Jon avoided to look at the onlookers. Dany was much the same, her gaze fixed on the city ahead, a look of determination apparent on her face.
Inside the city they found houses made of equally white stone, some more whole than others. On top roofs he spotted green gardens and even trees.
It was a beautiful city, but Jon missed his home, the snow and winter's touch on his cheeks. Even in Braavos he missed his home, though he never dared to voice it in front of Dany. She had been so happy and now they had to make a new beginning, in this strange land.
More and more people stopped along the road to get a look at the dragons, though none looked violent or angered. Most of them looked simply awed.
None of them dared to speak to Jon or Dany, though they spoke with Tito. Some smiled at him, others frowned. It was odd, because Jon was unable to understand their language.
They moved along the main road, passed the large statue of a man carrying the staff of a shepherd, a flock of sheep perched beneath his feet, before they crossed over a small bridge leading in different part of the city.
A flock birds fled from the dragons as they crossed a large courtyard, leading to a broad staircase giving access to the stone building above. It was a two-storied building with a thatched roof painted in a dull red colour.
A handful of guards, armed with spears appeared from behind the gates, their dark eyes stunned by Tito's appearance.
A brief exchanged followed. Then the leader of the guards pulled off his helmet and revealed a sweat-covered face. The resemblance between Tito and the older man was unmistakable. They shared the same sharp cheekbones and the same straight nose, though his hair was smooth and short, while Tito's was curled and fell to his shoulders.
First the man frowned and then he started to laugh.
They exchanged a hearty hug and continued to exchange pleasantries. Jon didn't dare to move, his eyes fixed on the dragons, circling above their heads.
Tito was calm as ever and pointed at the dragons.
Gasps escaped their mouths and one man even dropped his spear.
The leader of the guards was about to open his mouth when a young woman decided to interrupt their meeting. She was tall and graced with copper-skin, her hair kept in a tangle of braids.
Tito grinned happily and patted his scabbard.
His sister, Jon guessed. They had the same eyes, golden brown like running honey.
Jon read anger on the young woman's face. No word left her mouth as she slapped Tito. Jon winced and Tito rubbing his burning cheek.
Yet his friend continued to smile and jerked his head at the young woman.
"May I introduce my sister Larsha," he said as if nothing happened."Don't be afraid. That is her way to express how much she missed my presence."
"The slap was well-deserved," the young woman said in broken Bastard Valyrian.
"Three years, brother. Mother thought you dead," she added and took in Jon and Dany. "And now you bring these foreigners here."
"And dragons!" Tito added with a grin and pointed at the sky. Larsha lifted her gaze and froze. Then she covered her mouth and remained like this for a whole minute.
"Did I startle you, sweet sister?" Tito teased and earned himself another slap on the shoulder, though less hard than the first one.
"I am…Hibal," the man who shared Tito's features decided to introduce himself."Tito is my brother."
"A pleasure," Jon replied politely and Dany followed suite. Then she smiled and called for the dragons."Māzigon kesīr!"
Come here, she had said and Jon tried to recall the High Valyrian Dany taught him. By now he understood the basic grammar, but his pronunciation was terrible and the hundred different conjugations never fail to make his head squirm.
At once the dragons obeyed and propelled themselves downwards. Sonarys settled on his shoulder while Viserys landed on the ground beside Dany's feet. Rhaegon followed Sonarys example and settled on her shoulder, his head rubbing against her neck.
"By the Great Shepard!" Larsha muttered, her eyes wide in shock. "It's like mother's stories!"
"You don't have to be afraid," Jon assured them softly and stroked his hand over the dragon's head. Ghost was not far, his white fur standing out like a sore thumb. "Neither the dragons or my wolf will do you harm."
"I believe you… Jon…Did I say your name right?" Hibal asked in broken Bastard Valyrian.
"Jon is fine," Jon confirmed with a smile.
"And I am Dany," Dany added. "I am pleased to meet you too. Tito spoke very kindly about his family."
"He did?" Larsha asked and wrinkled her brows. "Well, mother will be anxious to meet you."
"I sure hope so," Tito replied cheekily and Larsha rolled her eyes. "I was speaking about our guests. You can be happy if mother doesn't wash your ears for running off like a fool."
"I fought Dothraki," he declared proudly and Larsha's face softened a little.
"You are still a fool," Larsha chided and graced Jon and Dany with a smile.
"I will lead you to my mother," she explained and winked with her hand as if to indicate to follow after her."Please follow after me."
Instantly the guards parted and allowed them to pass. Slowly, they descended the steps towards a large wooden door. It opened with a loud groan and revealed a round inner courtyard, overseen by balconies carved out white cedar wood. Vines snaked around the walls and flower pots decorated the steps. Jon spotted women and children of all ages, observing their entrance with great curiosity.
Some came running towards Larsha, pulled on her skirt started to ask question. They only stopped after they spotted Ghost and the dragons . Some froze in fear and others stared in awe.
"Come along," Larsha called and shooed the children away. Then they led them up another staircase leading up to a bronze door."This way. Don't mind my wild nieces and nephews. You will get used to them."
Jon couldn't help but to smile. The swarm of children made him think of Winterfell and his siblings.
Not now, he thought and brushed the thoughts away before they were able to take hold of his mind.
Another staircase followed, before entered a round room lightened with braziers. Elevated above the tables, placed near the walls, was a high seat carved out of white wood and covered with brown pelt.
On the opposing side were two guards, armed with sharp spears and painted shields.
"So you have returned, my unruly son," a soft voice remarked, belonging to a woman standing on the other side of the room. She was tall and beautiful, her dark hair streaked with silver, but falling around her shoulders like a waterfall of ink. She looked very different from the other Lhazareen women. Her skin was pale like snow and her eyes were strangely-formed, very narrow and almond-shaped. Yet her golden-coloured eyes betrayed her identity.
This is Tito's mother.
Tito smiled brightly and lowered his head in reverence.
"I have returned, mother" Tito replied and jerked his head at Jon and Dany."And I brought guests."
"I can see that," Tito's mother replied and descended down the steps, her pale robes swishing after her.
"And dragons," she added, her eyes wide in wonder as she took in Sonarys' appearance. There was calmness to her that unsettled Jon. Tito's mother seemed completely unfazed as if it was a common occurrence to see dragons. "Truly, those are gracious beasts."
"How did you accomplish it?"
"The eggs hatched after I put them in a burning pyre," Daenerys explained vaguely.
"I see," Tito's mother said and smiled unbelievingly. "When I was very young I travelled to Asshai…it was there that I first laid eyes on dragon eggs. A wise woman prophesied me that I would see a living dragon within my lifetime. It seems the time has finally come. The Lion of Night will soon be unleashed upon the world."
Jon was confused by her words, but tried to remain polite.
"The Lion of Night?" he asked. "Is that a myth from Lhazar?"
"No, from my homeland," she answered and winked with her hand, as if to indicate that it wasn't important. "Forgive me…I was just elated to see a living dragon," she continued and smiled. "Now let us come back to the topic at hand. What brings you all the way to Lhazar?"
"Tito told us we would be welcome among your people," Jon explained their purpose. "The dragons need a safe place. Lhazar is a wide land. We are asking for asylum."
"I understand," Tito's mother said, her eyes resting on Dany. "My son, who rules this city will not be pleased. His people don't like outsiders. It took years before they accepted me as one of their own."
Tito frowned.
"Jon fought at my side against our common enemy, the Dothraki," Tito defended Jon. He is trustworthy."
"I believe you," Tito's mother replied. "And I will do my best to convince my son. For the time being you have our hospitality."
Jon had hoped for more, but it was better than nothing.
"I thank you, my Lady."
…
Ser Barristan
The darkness gave away to light as Ser Barristan slipped along a dusty wall, towards the Silk Maiden. Ser Barristan was a man of the Kingsguard and tended to avoid such places, but it was this place the Spider chose as their meeting place.
I should curse him, he thought, but he was a knight without a King. Prince Joffrey had disposed of him like a dirty pair of smallclothes, though that was not the only reason he was filled with bitterness.
I bent the knee to serve a better King, but that was another lie.
Briefly, he considered joining Stannis or Renly Baratheon's cause, but then the Spider contacted him and he decided to delay his decision. Barristan distrusted the man, but nobody can deny his knowledge.
One of the ladies led him into a small anteroom where he found the Spider, clad in a simple black cloak. The lack of his silken robes made him almost unrecognizable.
"Good Ser Barristan," the Spider greeted with overflowing sweetness."It pleases me to see you hale. After the unfortunate…," he began, but Ser Barristan wanted to hear nothing of the humiliating exchange in the Throne Room.
"Make it quick and tell me about your findings," he demanded coldly, his hand grazing over the pommel of his sword.
"Hasty as ever," Lord Varys chided him his tittering voice. "But it is understandable. Let me be brief…I received delicate news from Essos. The rumours say that dragons have returned to the world."
Barristan felt as if all air had drained out of his body.
"Dragons?" he asked and thought the man in front of him mad."Are you trying to take me for a fool?"
"Of course not," the Spider assured him."My source wouldn't lie about such a delicate matter. Well, it confirms another suspicion of mine…I firmly believe that one of Queen Rhaella's children escaped the assassination attempt...it is the only possible explanation. Who else can command dragons other than those of Valyrian blood?"
"True," Ser Barristan replied hesitatingly."But King Robert firmly believed that they died. Or was that a lie?"
"Lie?" Lord Varys asked and smiled as sweetly as an innocent maid. "I might have withheld certain pieces of information from our most gracious King, but I have never lied to his face. No corpse was found, which leads me back to the original purpose of our meeting. I want you to find whoever commands these dragons and report to me about his whereabouts."
"And why should I trust you?" Barristan demanded to know."Or do you think I have forgotten how you pitted the Mad King against Prince Rhaegar?"
"I did no such thing," Lord Varys replied, amusement apparent his face. "I invited you here to offer you a purpose, Sir Barristan. Agree or don't agree, I won't argue with you…," he trailed off.
"I will do it," Ser Barristan said at last. "Where do I begin?
"Braavos," Varys provided quickly. "The rumours about the dragons started in Braavos."
"That is not much information," Ser Barristan remarked and sighed heavily. Yet deep inside his heart he allowed himself a glimpse of hope.
If there is a chance that the Prince or Princess survived I need to take it.
I owe it to Queen Rhaella.
"I will do it," Ser Barristan repeated his declaration of acceptance."But I have one last question."
"Speak, Ser Barristan."
"Why are you doing all this?"
The Spider smiled sweetly.
"I fear I can't answer your question to your full satisfaction, but know this…I serve the realm."
…