Author's Note: In this chapter, The Phoenix will be getting a visit from someone from his past... Can you make a guess? Also Sansa will finally be reunited with family and also gets some news on family once and for all.
Many of Stannis men, the Phoenix men and Northerners are building siege weapons mainly catapults. There going to hit Casterly Rock very hard and might as well with not only just arrows but stones and balls of fire.
Sansa is in sitting in the square of Harrenhal doing some type of craft. She seems to be doing this as waiting for her husband coming back from the Vale, she gets joined by Ser Davos.
Davos: My lady.
Sansa: Oh hello...
She doesn't really know his name.
Davos: Davos... Davos Seaworth. I'm Stannis hand, well was now that he gave up the fight for the Throne.
Sansa: Oh.
Davos: Actually I came to tell you something, I just thought you should know since because you're a Stark.
Sansa: What is it?
Davos: Well, me and Stannis came from the wall, and i just thought maybe you would like to know how your brother Jon Snow is doing.
Sansa: I haven't heard from him in so long. How is he doing down there.
Davos: He became Lord Commander of the Night's Watch. And from I heard, before me and Stannis showed up that he defended the Wall very well against the the unified willing army.
Sansa takes a small of Davos glimpse hand.
Sansa: What happened?
Davos: Getting what was owed for doing smuggling. Stannis gave me it, he also rewarded me with a knighthood for my doings in smuggling. It's kind of complicated if you look at it. I never did get to tell you how sorry I am about your father, he was an honorable man.
Sansa: Thank you. I'm trying to the best I can with running Winterfell, but I was raised to be a lady, not a warden or a lord.
Davos: I was born low birth, but yet I was always able to advise Stannis regardless of my low birth. Chin up, you'll get it you are your father daughter. You know your not the only one who great leadership potential, Stannis saw some leadership in your brother Jon Snow; he even offer to legitimize him as a Stark but jon chose to stay Lord Commander. When I look at Jon I see a lot of your father in him, honest, honorable and moral sense. You would be proud of him.
Sansa: I already am. Perhaps when this war is over, I should pay a visit to the Wall to see him, me and Arya. I'll even take Kalimar with.
Davos: Well my lady with what's happening beyond the wall, were going to have to send many men that we can spare.
She nods, she seems to know what's happening at beyond the wall. Horses can be heard outside the gates. The Phoenix men alert the others on the walls and behind.
The Phoenix heard the alert and quickly rushes out to see who is at the Main Gate. The Gates are open and a small group of travelers come carrying a flag that is recognized by the Phoenix.
Phoenix: While I'll be.
He rushes over, seeing the leader get off his horse and revealing himself to be Barlock who made his way here to meet his friend after a long time.
Phoenix: Barlock!
Barlock: Wilhem!
They embrace as brothers, just like how Robert Baratheon and Ned Stark embraced.
Phoenix: I was wondering when you would get here.
Barlock: Well I made a stop to Kingslanding, and unfortunately met the Lannisters, and that boy king they have. He looks like a complete little monster doesn't he?
Phoenix: You bet... well come on we have a lot to catch up on.
Sansa sees Wilhem and Barlock heading up to the tower. She then hears more people approaching Harrenhal, gates are being opened. It is Brynden Tully, Alto and Kalimar with Arya by his side. Sansa quickly rises up and rushes over. Arya sees Sansa approaching, like her sister she gets off the horse and runs towards her, they hug very tightly and look like they're not letting go.
Sansa: I'm so glad your ok.
Kalimar smiles as he is getting off his horse. He goes towards them both.
Sansa: (to Kalimar, as she is tearing) Thank you.
Kalimar: It was no problem. Where my father?
Sansa: Up in the tower with some type of friend.
Kalimar looks at the horses and banner, he recognizes it and the men that came. He rushes to the top of the tower to tell his father what he knows, but not before he gives his young wife a kiss.
Wilhem/The Phoenix and Barlock are sitting at the table catching up on old times.
Phoenix: How your daughter?
Barlock: She gets more beautiful, like her mother. She also has a good eye in politics... she so good, the council is even considering nominating her to join.
Phoenix: That's great, Barlock. And your wife?
Barlock: No matter how old she gets, her beauty never fades.
They get joined by Kalimar.
Kalimar: Uncle Barlock.
Barlock: Kalimar, my how you grown.
They shake hands.
Kalimar: Father I really need to talk to you.
Phoenix: What is it?
Kalimar sits with them, Stannis joins them.
Stannis: (referring to Barlock) Who's he?
Phoenix: Stannis, this is my good friend Barlock Dollar-dan Leader of the Ulthoian council of Ulthos. Barlock this is Stannis Baratheon, Lord of Dragonstone, and former King of Westeros.
Stannis hates the sarcasm in his voice. He has the respect to shake Barlock hand.
Stannis: Welcome to Westeros.
Barlock: Pleasure.
Stannis: (to the Phoenix) Anyway I came to tell you that the catapults are almost ready.
Phoenix: Thank you Stannis... we'll leave when they're complete.
Stannis stays and sits down, joining them. It's like the Phoenix cut his balls of the Stag off and showed him that he is running things here and not Stannis anymore.
Barlock: Former King?
Phoenix: War of the Five kings, Stannis happened to be one of them... anyways my son needs to tell me something. (To Kalimar) Yes?
Kalimar: I discovered something about Jon Arryn, remember when Stannis said that Jon Arryn was poisoned, and everyone thinks it was the Lannisters?
Phoenix: It wasn't?
Kalimar: No... it was Lysa Arryn, Jon Arryn widow, moreover I think Baelish had something to do with it as well.
Stannis: I can't believe this. I knew that woman was so overprotective of her son, but to poison her husband because she doesn't want him away from her...
Davos enters reading a raven.
Stannis: When Daenerys, gets here Lysa must be brought to trial for this. Jon Arryn was a good mentor and to me, Robert and Ned Stark.
Davos is about to tell him news.
Stannis: In a minute Davos.
Kalimar: I think Baelish knows that I know. I think this poisoning was the main thing that started the rift between the Starks and Lannisters.
Phoenix: Makes sense. That would explain the war.
Kalimar: It was only the Precipice of it. The decapitation of Ned Stark is what started it.
Barlock: Maybe I should step out for a while.
Phoenix: No Barlock... Kalimar perhaps we should talk about this later.
Kalimar understands, if he had a friend he hasn't seen in a long time he would want to wait as well. Kalimar leaves, The Phoenix looks at Stannis... again this is a personal meeting.
Stannis: I'll checked on the construction of the catapults.
Stannis leaves.
Barlock: Kalimar grown up, and got smart like you.
Phoenix: He's getting there, he's a pretty damed skilled swordsman though too, and he slightly noble.
Barlock: You probably wonder why I'm here? I didn't just come here to catch up Wilhem, I came to because I need your help.
Phoenix: What is it?
Barlock: The council and I have discovered that my father loyalist are preparing for war. We know there not planning to attack us, they have a lot but we have more.
Phoenix: How can you be so sure?
Barlock: Weapons are being forged, there recruiting younger men everyday. Everything except for ships.
Phoenix: Weren't they exhiled to the Shadowlands?
Barlock: Yes.
Phoenix: What's the total of men they have?
Barlock: 50,000.
Phoenix: How how many for the Ulthos Armies, since my long absence?
Barlock: Since you were gone... about 750,000, including the tribes.
Phoenix: How did it grow that big.
Barlock: Many of the young men were grateful to the new order that they wanted to show it by serving in our military.
Phoenix: Seems like you got enough men, what do you need me for.
Barlock: We need you back, to talk to the Loyalist see what there up to and where they're going.
Phoenix: I can't leave now... I'm almost close to winning here.
Barlock: I understand. It's probably nothing just the Council's paranoia. When your done here, would ever consider visiting, may of the other people sing for your return. Hell a lot of people we grew up with would love to see you again.
Phoenix: After I'm done with the war, but I have to tell you... This war is not going to end with getting Daenerys Targaryen on the Iron Throne... but it's not ending with her on the throne. So my return might be longer than anticipated.
Something else seems to be bothering Barlock.
Barlock: There's more Wilhem... My son Ballard you remember him?
Phoenix: Ballard II? He was three the last time I saw him.
Barlock: Ballard left Ulthos.
Phoenix: What? Why?
Barlock: He was excommunicated from the Serpent Guard. He didn't take it very well... before he was kicked out he spoke to me and the entire council, well more like a rant. Ranting about "How we never seizing our destiny"
Phoenix: Conquering the world. Putting the family crest of the Crocodile over the whole world.
Barlock: Yes, but not my old Family crest, The Ulthoian Flag, reigning across this known and civilized world.
Phoenix: So I see he's against one man rule as well, just like you, me and everyone in our country.
Barlock: Yes... but the Council and I worked hard to avoid war or an invasion.
Phoenix: I know.
Barlock: I'm scared Wilhem... He is becoming more like his grandfather everyday, same intelligence, same ruthlessness, and the same ambition. Remember when father told you about taking Essos and Westeros.
The Phoenix nods.
Phoenix: I do. I still think about it; the fact that I remember, reminds me everyday why I left Ulthos, that there could be others like him around this world. I traveled everywhere around Essos, Sothoryos and the Summer Islands Barlock... and no man in either continents came close; until one day I heard of a silver hair girl who walked into a fire and came out unharmed and with three dragons, going to cities liberating slaves... and when I heard of what was happening in Westeros, and that's when I knew that there is more than one Ballard, and many of them are... (pointing to where he standing, referring not to Harrenhal but Westeros itself) here. I think Daenerys is the answer to end these man ambition of power, greed and corruption.
Kalimar is shown outside, not exactly hearing, but he is listening. Like Barlock, he too seems worried. Kalimar slowly walks out of the hallway going downstairs to be with Sansa.
Barlock: Is she worth it.
Phoenix: Yes, she's worth it.
Barlock: Would love to meet her.
Phoenix: Maybe you can.
Barlock: I would, but I gotta get back to Ulthos.
The Phoenix stands up and takes something out of a chest, the object that Euron Greyjoy gave him. He reveals it to Barlock; what it is, is a horn; The Dragon Horn.
Phoenix: Then perhaps you wouldn't mind making a small stop before you go back to Ulthos. I need you to give this to her personally... at Volantis. Think of it as, a start of friendship between Westeros and Ulthos.
Barlock: You want me to give her that.
Phoenix: I'll do it myself, but I'm busy here. Please Ballard, if you met her you would definitely see she is worth it. She's young, a little naive, and ruthless but she's kind, merciful, just, determine and ambitious as well; but not like Ballard. She can make this country great, and soon destroy this system of power and give it to the people.
He still holding the horn, waiting for Barlock to take it... he does.
Barlock: It would be my honor, old friend. Tell Falicia I said hi.
Phoenix: I will.
They embrace, once more as brother. Barlock is about to leave, until he turns around to say something else.
Barlock: The last place I heard where my son was, was the Bone Mountains. After, I had no clue where he was, it's like he knew we were watching him. You have a great name Wilhem; The Phoenix... he's going to try to destroy it before he destroys you. If you have to kill him, If it's necessary to bring peace in Ulthos then do it. No matter how evil your child becomes, a part of you still loves him. i hope you never live to see your son fall into darkness, and I never does.
Phoenix: I understand, Brother.
Barlock: A war is coming Wilhem.
Barlock gives him a nod and walks out, leaving the Phoenix feeling for the first time in his life worried of Ballard II coming for him.
Down in the squares of Harrenhal, Alto is teaching Arya some stealthy fighting techniques of an assassin, while Kalimar and Sansa spending time together after being apart for a while. Arya takes quick peaks of the two, they seem very happy together. Alto gets Arya to pay attention, she gets back to training.
Arya: Will you teach me, how to become someone else.
Alto: Sure, but there some things you learn before you can turn into someone. Like infiltrating without being caught, killing without being near the person or in the room and many more. Also you must leaned to put personal vendettas behind. Can you do that?
Arya nods, she disappointed that she won't use the skills she will learn on her own personal revenge... but she remembers Alto story "Will it make me feel better or will lit make me more monstrous than the others."
Sansa watches Arya training.
Sansa: (to Kalimar) She was always tomboyish. She never cared for lady like things, not like me or my mother.
Kalimar: Well I'm just glad, that you two are reunited again.
Barlock exits from the tower with the horn.
Barlock: Kalimar. I got to go.
Kalimar: Are you sure?
Barlock: Yes. Maybe when this war is over and you and your father finish whatever you have to do here, you should visit Ulthos, my house will always welcome you.
Barlock looks at Sansa and back at Kalimar.
Barlock: (To Kalimar about Sansa) Is she?...
Kalimar: My wife.
Barlock: So you finally found someone... shame, I always thought you would of been good enough for my daughter.
Kalimar: Sorry, Barlock.
Barlock: It's alright, she smart enough to pick her own husband.
Kalimar gets up and helps Barlock to his horse... along the way Barlock and Alto; both are good friends to the Phoenix greet each other.
Barlock: Alto.
Alto: Hell Barlock.
That's all they have to say to each other.
Barlock gets on his horse.
Barlock: Kal, watch over your father. I have reason to believe that his life could be in danger... mostly by my family.
Kalimar: Are you sure?
Barlock: I've been Leader of the Ulthoian Council since it was established, I wouldn't have been in that position for so long if I was doing my job right.
Gates are opening, Barlock men wait for him.
Kalimar: Be safe yourself Barlock, we made enemies here since we landed.
Barlock: I wouldn't worry, I may not be my father, but I have his intuition on things.
He does a chest salute, then leaves, heading to his ship to go to Volantis.
Kalimar watches him leave. He then heads back towards Sansa, while sitting by her Kalimar begins remembering his conversation with Baelish.
Kalimar: Sansa... there are somethings I need to tell you, all connected to Baelish. You are my wife after all and it's time to be honest.
Sansa: Tell me.
She ready to listen.
The Phoenix goes over maps and spots the map of Ulthos. The way he looks at it... he misses it. After the risk he put his life in to free it from his mentor and tyrant, and now to be informed that the reborn country he so helped free is being threaten by the family of the same man that once ruled it.
Phoenix: Oh Ballard, was all that power worth your life. Were all these continents were going to be worth conquering and ruling.
Stannis comes in with a Raven scroll.
Stannis: I got good news and bad news.
Phoenix: Good news first.
Stannis: Catapults have been finished, so we could make our way to Casterly Rock.
Phoenix: And the Bad?...
Stannis can't seem to say it, so he hands him the scroll.
Stannis: You might want to see it yourself.
The Phoenix takes the raven scroll and begins reading it. He doesn't like the news.
Phoenix: Lysa Tully dead. She killed herself, leaving Baelish every...
He can't finish it, probably won't.
Phoenix: (surprised, for the first time as well, just like him being worried) Damn!
Author Notes: Now that I have to type of reunions... Sansa reunited with her sister Arya; plus alto training her and possibly going to be a friend and mentor to her. And with The Phoenix reunited with his friend, Barlock... by what you read there very close; closer than Alto and the Phoenix could ever be. Informing him of two things that could threaten the Phoenix and Ulthos.
The news of Lysa Arryn death is told around Westeros... and your all probably wondering how Baelish gets everything... remember the note he left by the moon door; well he forged a suicide note. Since there's no witnesses, the note is the only thing the other Vale lords are going to have to believe. Leaves you wondering, if Baelish gets Lordship from his forged suicide note from Lysa Arryn... What will he do, will he use the Vale knights to aid Tywin Lannister or will he go with the Vales knight and have them wipe out the Phoenix without the Lannisters... there could be opportunity in both options. But who knows what Littlefinger is up to right?
Kalimar will have to tell Sansa everything... what lead to her father betrayal, the war of the five kings, Westeros debts, and the attempted murder of Joffrey Baratheon at his wedding with almost Sansa and Tyrion being framed for it.
Truths have been revealed and the past will be confronted.