Chapter 21:
Author's Notes: I am so sorry about the delay in posting up another update. The usual enemy kept me hostage for the last few weeks BUT I have now escaped! Okay, onwards and upwards!
"Khaleesi, the emissary has returned with word from the Commander of the Wall." Aggo spoke as he entered the khas. He then proceeded to beat the snow of his coat. Many of the bloodriders had discovered, upon landing in Westeros, that their usual regal of leathers would not prevent frostbite, and after much grumbling and muttering, turned to the woods to provide them new clothing.
"Send them in Aggo. Let us hear what this Commander has to say."
Ashley waited as Aggo went to bring the emissary in. she hoped that this Commander of the Wall was a practical man and he would see the futileness of waging a war against her army. One less battle would not harm anything, she thought.
"Khaleesi," the soldier saluted as her bowed before her. Instaad Rhis was a slim man but with a commanding presence. A full black beard was the only hair on his face as he kept his hair closely cut to his skull. When standing, his stance was one of a man who had found his calling in war instead of a cheap runner for the slave masters in Slavers' Bay. A metallic helmet adorned his head and he, as well as the rest of her army, had taken to burning three dragons onto their armour, in allegiance and obedience of their queen. Ashley had not known of this act but was pleasantly surprised and moved by the faith her men had in her.
"Thank you for your haste Instaad. I shall not be long with this matter. What did this man have to say?"
Clearing his throat. Rhis pulled out a parchment and began to read out. "According to the words of His Royal Highness, Aiden Baratheon of the kingdom of Westeros, all those opposed to the ruling of the king will have to return from hence they came. If this Queen continues her march, he shall be forced to take action and defend the kingdom of his king. Signed Clay Carlin, 998th Commander of the Wall."
Ashley heard a small gasp from Spencer. A Carlin, she considered, I might just spare him. "Thank you again Instaad. You may go." she said, keeping her composure in front of the man. He bowed and saluted again before exiting the khas. Ashley turned to her captains. "It seems as though we are destined to fight our way through Westeros."
"It seems that way does it not," Ser Barristan answered.
"Let it be that way. We shall cut them down as we have done time and time again. Even your dragons can sleep while we rid this earth of those dogs!" Jhogo stated.
"There may yet be another way, Jhogo. All is not won with battle, I thought I had shown you that." Ashley replied. "Spencer step forward."
"Yes Khaleesi?"
"This Clay. Do you know him? He is a Carlin is he not?"
"He is, Your Grace. He is my half-brother."
"Would he listen to what you have to say?" Ser Barristan asked, seeing where his queen's thoughts were headed.
"I am not sure. I did not know he had gone to the Wall after I left Westeros. I could talk to him but whether or not he would listen would be another matter."
"I would suggest we try one more time, Khaleesi, with something this man would be more familiar with and find less threatening."
"I agree." Ashley stopped, thinking everything through. "Spencer I will need you to go to the Wall and speak to your brother on my behalf. Change his mind if you can. Ser, you will accompany her for protection and also for familiarity. I believe he would perceive any of my men as enemies except for you both. Leave as soon as you can."
The two Westeroi bowed before leaving the khas as well. Spencer knew how important getting by the Wall without another battle was to Ashley and the fear of seeing her brother as an emissary for the so-called enemy was warring with her joy at finding one of her family was alive and well. Maybe he knows of what has become of everyone else, she mused.
"I am sure he will be happy to see you." Ser Selmy said as they walked towards the horses to prepare.
"He will at first, but how he will react after he finds out I am not a prisoner might matter more at this point."
"I have always heard that the Carlins were wise, honourable, but wise as well. If we can show him that our path is a truer one than that of the Lannisters currently ruling Westeros then we may gain an ally."
"I know. Clay has always been reasonable but he is also stubborn, as all Carlin men are. He may not care whether or not or cause is right. All he will think is that our father supported Robert Baratheon so he should do the same and support Aiden."
The knight hummed in agreement. "We have time to think this through on the way to the Wall. I shall see you as soon as you can gather your things."
Spencer nodded and headed towards her tent. She had not wished to share with all the other handmaids but as she had found a friend in Missandei, they shared a tent. She found the former slave inside the tent, stoking a small fire to warm the inside of the tent.
"Has your service ended?" the Astapori asked.
"Yes. I am to go to the Wall to speak to my brother and convince him to let us through without a fight."
Missandei stilled then rubbed her hands closer to the fire. "And the Khaleesi agreed to this?"
"I think she may have suggested to it and Ser Barristan spoke the words."
"And how do see this new order?"
"It cannot be anyone else. I know that it is important for us to cross into the North and I am happy that Ashley does not want to fight every army she faces, especially now as the Commander of this army is my brother. I am I afraid? No but I am nervous as to what he will do when he finds out I am now a traitor."
"He is your brother no? I hear in Westeros, family is important so he will support you."
"Family is important. Among the nobles however, it is merely part of the game many play to gain power and strength. Still, I shall try and hope for the best."
"When do you leave?"
"As soon as I am packed. Ser Barristan shall be my guard and companion."
"Then I wish you well."
A rush of cold air entered the tent as Ashley opened the flap to the tent. "Missandei, I need a few moments to speak to Spencer."
"Yes Khaleesi," Missandei said as she bowed and left the tent.
Ashley sat by the hearth. "I hope you can understand why I have asked this of you."
"I understand."
"Not just for the army. I think it would be a good thing to see your brother again without a battle raging all around you."
"It would but I know that coming out of this forest and into Westeros is a good thing as well."
"It is." Ashley stood again as she prepared to leave. "I want you to know that I can understand if you fear this meeting and I thank you for taking this upon yourself. I hope that your brother will see me the way you do, as an ally and not a mad tyrant coming back to cast the kingdom into darkness again. And…" Ashley leaned forward, placing a small, chaste kiss on Spencer's lips. "That is a token of my appreciation." The young queen smiled at the stunned look on Spencer's face. "I shall see you soon Spencer."
Spencer watched, lost in emotion, as Ashley left the tent. One thought became more and more clear in her mind. I wait all this time, thinking she has forgotten or is displeased. A smile began to break out on her pale face, followed by slight a frown. When did she become so bold? Why am I still holding back? A determined look fell upon her before she turned to finish her packing. This time, I shall be bold.
Special mention of all my reviewers, 107 reviews is extremely flattering:)