Chapter 11
Lannister Camps, at Riverrun
JAERYS
Cersei was taking a stroll when she saw Jaime standing in front of her.
"Jaime, you're here" Cersei cried as she threw herself in Jaime's arms
"I'm here" Jaime said as he hit the back of her head so hard she lost consciousness
"Two lions down." Jaerys thought as he gagged and stuffed Cersei in a bag and loaded her next to her equally gagged and unconscious twin in an iron cart that concealed the two of them. Then a falcon appeared bearing a missive, it read
Lord Darklyn,
Lionheart is here, he brought his godchild and apprentice with him. The Young Wolf rides for Riverrun. Bring the lions and meet him there.
Tristram
He dropped Jaime's face and donned Ser Lucius' face made his way into the woods when someone bumped into him. It was Arya Stark, disguise as a boy.
"Lady Stark" Jaerys said
"You're the sworn shield and sword of Lord Caspian's daughter. Why are you here?" Arya asked
"I'm delivering a package from my master to your brother. He is on his way here. Where's your lady mother?" Jaerys asked
"It will take the Seven to free her. She is guarded by Ilyn Payne, the Hound and Vylarr" Arya revealed
"Trust me, Lady Stark. My package will free your mother once it is delivered to your brother. Come with me, I shall deliver you safely to your brother." Jaerys said
"I'll go with you" Arya said
Robb leads his horsemen to Riverrun along with a group of five bloodriders led by Edvard, where, aided by the counsel of his great-uncle, Brynden Tully, he achieves complete surprise in ambushing Daven Lannister's army in the Whispering Wood, annihilating Daven's forces and taking Daven captive. Shortly thereafter, forcing Tywin's army, which had scored a victory against Roose Bolton's footmen on the eastern shores of the Green Fork, to retreat back to Harrenhal Robb was with Brynden and Edvard when Ser Lucius' arrival was announced.
"Pardon, my lords Lady Arya has arrived with Ser Lucius of Braavos." a page
"Send them in" Robb said
As Arya entered the tent, Robb immediately took her in his arms
"I'm sorry I couldn't free mother." Arya sobbed on Robb's shoulder
"Do not blame yourself. It is not your fault." Robb hushed her as Ser Lucius came bearing two body bags turning to the page
"Find two steeds and take her back to the camps. See that Lady Arya is with Lord Baratheon or Lady Targaryen." Robb said as the page and Arya left
"I am forever grateful to you for recovering my sister" Robb said to Jaerys
"Lord Stark, I heard you have Daven Lannister. Quite a feat but may I present the incestuous twins the Kingslayer and Cersei Lannister." Ser Lucius said as he dropped the body bags revealing the twins
"They are no use to us dead" Brynden assumed
"They aren't. I gave them a powerful dose of Helianna's breath. It is a flower found in Aleanarnith sent to me by Liam Corleone. Its scent can send the strongest man into the deepest sleep, sending them to their worse night terrors but I wager these two will wake soon and now, that you have these two gold headed shits, you can bet on this godsforsaken realm that Tywin will bend to your will for the safety of his whelps. So I suggest you tie them up." Lucius said
"Well, Robb, it seems you have letters to write." Edvard japed
"Great! More work" Robb complained
Later at sun down, Stark Camps
As plans were being made most of day, Dany was feeding the dragons while holding Barra when Nieseryne came in with her supper.
"Nieseryne, will sit and dine with me?" Dany invited the girl as she sat on the dining table
"Of course, if that is what you wish, my lady." Nieseryne replied taking a seat
"Please sit and tell us a story" Dany said as she held Barra
"What story shall I share?" Nieseryne asked
"Of your home. The place where you grew up, What is it like there?" Dany asked intently
"I lived in the same realm where Tristram belonged before his stay in Westeros. In Aleanarnith there is a country named Hellas, my mother's homeland where I was born and raised but I grew up in a forest in the south my father's country, Hispania in the woods of the south most part of Andalucía. I remember swimming with my mother in the shores of the island of Kythira where she was born. I remember riding Shadow, my father's horse with him taking the reins as we rode through oceans of grass for miles and farther still beyond the horizon." Nieseryne recalled as tears spilled from her eyes and Dany placed a sleeping Barra in her crib as she crossed her room and embraced the girl
"Hush now, I promise you when all this madness is over you will return home" Daenerys said then Tristram came in
"My lady Daenerys forgive me but I must borrow your handmaiden for a certain task, Khaleesi." Tristram bowed
"Of course but please do take care of her" Dany said graciously
"Of course, Khaleesi" Tristram said
Then Tristram led Nieseryne to the nearby clearing as she changed back to her true face as Tristram stepped aside.
"Is there a good reason why Tristram summoned me from my duties and you better explain why you called for me, Lord Liam" the young maiden demanded as she arrived in flowing rose gown with blood red lining and her eyes as golden as the midday sun
"I want to you to accompany me in meeting someone. His name is Velkan Draculesti and he is a creature of the night known in our realm as the Demonknight of Shadows, sired by an old conquered foe of mine. And one thing more, your mother named you, Nessarhose Calcaire in this world but I shall call you Rose. For the love you bear your mother, do not argue with me" Lord Liam said in a gravely serious manner
"All right, godfather. This someone, can he be trusted?" the young maiden conceded
"To a certain degree, He is reliable if he wants his father to live longer; he should not do anything to compromise my trust in him. We need him and his abilities. He has the skill to survive, defend and kill at the same time." Lord Liam said
"You speak as if he is a vrykólakas." Rose said
"The son of two, to be exact." Lord Liam retorted
"Don't tell me" Rose cringed
As the sun had set, a darkness appeared in the horizon and encircled Rose. Next thing she knew she was in the arms of a man with golden brown hair and dark azure eyes. She urgently looked at Lord Liam for assistance when she felt the man's hands exploring her and his lips only a hair's breadth from hers. Lord Liam walked towards them and pulled the man by his hair away from Rose.
"Velkan, you are here to work for me not to touch girls inappropriately and especially not this one because if you do there will be trouble. I know I said that she is part of you however it is not now but in time, understood?" Liam spoke so only Velkan can hear while holding him in a chokehold
"I forgot myself, my lord." he said apologetically
"If you are going to play the part of a good apprentice you better apologize to my godchild, you leech" Lord Liam snapped as he slapped Velkan in the head, releasing him from the chokehold
"My lady, I was very rude. I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me" Velkan charmingly said
Without warning Rose slapped him across the face with all the force she could muster and stepped back but he recovered in a blink of an eye
"Now, you are forgiven, Velkan Draculesti." Rose said
"I am at a disadvantage. You know my name but I do not know yours. May know the name of the most beautiful woman standing before me?" Velkan asked with charming tone
"Nessarhose Calcaire" Rose said with a sparkle in her eyes as Velkan leaned in for a kiss which is foiled because once again Lord Liam pulls him by the hair away from Rose.
"I thought I told you to keep your lusty hands off! This is my last warning and the next time you attempt to touch her inappropriately. I won't be using my hands to keep you off her. Am I understood?" Liam threatened as Velkan nodded as he understood
"And I am Lord Liam Corleone the Lionheart, godfather to Nessarhose Calcaire. Now that we all know each other, we have much work to do. Velkan, you are to fly north to Winterfell bearing tidings of grief for Viserys Targaryen's wife and to protect the Starks that remain there. Should Winterfell fall, you know where to go. Keep me informed of the events occurring there. Feed before you go. You'll need it. For now we must head to Rhaegar's tent and talk about strategies" Lord Liam said in a stern tone then spoke softly that only Velkan can hear.
"And what of Lady Calcaire?" Velkan asked
"I am to make certain that the marriage of Daenerys Targaryen and Jon Baratheon will occur at all cost. To ensure that there is love and passion in their marriage which will be a challenge because of the untimely death of her brother. She blames herself for what happened, Ser Draculesti." Rose replied curtly
"Why her?" Velkan scoffed
Rose raised her eyebrow and her face was red with indignation
"Do you think me incapable, ser?" Rose asked
"It's a definite maybe" Velkan challenged
"I will have you know that she is more than capable, you ignorant twit." Liam said while hitting Velkan in the back of his head.
"How capable is she, exactly?" Velkan asked suspiciously as he rubbed the back of his head
"Her mother was a very passionate and loving woman. No one knew love well than her and that knowledge she had passed on to her daughters and her sons. The tricks and truths of love belonged to her offspring but Cypris alone is pure love" Lord Liam said using his old pet name for Rose's mother
"Oh my giddy aunt, you're telling me that she is one of the-" Velkan said with utter shock
"Yes she is and she deserves your respect." Lord Liam enjoying the priceless look on Velkan's face
"My lady, forgive me I meant no disrespect" Velkan genuinely sorry the things he said
"Your apprentice is a quick learner, Lord Liam but we shall see if I could forgive you depending on the success of your journey north" Rose hinted
"Then I will not fail. For only you, I will succeed "Velkan said flirtatiously as Rose rolled her eyes
"Shall we to Rhaegar Targaryen's tent?" Lord Liam coughed out
Rhaegar and Jon were going over some plans for the wedding of Daenerys and the combined forces of Houses Targaryen and Caspian in the siege to relieve Riverrun when Lord Liam followed by Velkan, Rose and Tristram (who came in Robb's place) arrived.
"Daevon, forgive our tardiness. We were delayed. "Liam apologized
"Liam, you are just in time. Who have we here? "Rhaegar assured him
"May I introduce my apprentice, Velkan Draculesti"Liamintroduced his companion
"The Demonknight of Shadows, good to meet you. Now let's get to work. Jon, What news?" Rhaegar asked
"The Lannisters have Lord Edmure. Robb is on his way to Riverrun along with a force led by Edvard" Jon said
"Lucius is on his way to meet them along with Arya Stark and two important packages. Tristram, go and get Mormont." Rhaegar said then Tristram left to get Jorah and when they came back.
"Why did you attack my betrothed?" Jon asked calmly keeping his rage in check but failing miserably and unfortunately just lost control of his temper and Jorah received a blow to his head when he didn't answer
"Who sent you?" Jon raged and still no answer
"Maybe I can loosen his tongue. Give me a moment then he'll talk." Liam said cheerfully
"My lords, I suggest we step outside. This might get gruesome and I insist." Nessarhose said sounding terrified. Upon hearing her tone of voice the men immediately followed her out and Velkan was the last to come out and when he did. They heard Jorah's screams of absolute agony. When the screams died out, Liam's head appeared out of the flaps
"You may come in now. He will talk" Liam said cheerfully as if nothing happened
When the group re-entered the tent they were surprised to see that Jorah was completely unharmed except for the fact that he looked like he woke from a vicious nightmare gasping like there is no tomorrow.
"Seven Hells" Rhaegar and Jon said the same time
"What did you do to the poor man, godfather?" Rose said sounding very uninterested
"He'll talk in three...two..."
"I did not get paid for this!" Jorah thought out loud as he sweated like a pig
"You bastard! Who paid you to kill my sister?" Rhaegar lunged at Jorah but Jon restrained him
"Your sister? Rhaegar Targaryen, You're supposed to be dead "Jorah paled in realization
"I am not? Obviously I'm standing in front of you, which clearly means that I am alive." Rhaegar said snarkily then continued
"Let me make this easier for you: You've two choices; Jon will punch you in the gut, you answer my questions then you keep your life, take the black and get out of my sight or if not I will give you the beating of your life, until you answer my questions and trust me it will be like burning in the Seven Hells because I am is very pissed because of you. You killed my brother and tried to kill my sister-" Rhaegar said
"How about you let me speak? I was promised a royal pardon by King Robert, if I kill Viserys five moons ago and three days ago, Lady Cersei Lannister paid me a bag of 5000 gold dragons and a royal pardon to kill your sister because our former queen would rather send her family to the Seven Hells than see Robert's favorite bastard have his happy ending. I will take the black and be on my way once I'm released" Jorah said
"Release him" Rhaegar said grudgingly
"Why did you do that?" Jon asked
"I've no quarrel with the Targaryens to begin with" Jorah sighed as he went on his way
"Well that was easy" Lord Liam jibed
"Liam, just don't" Rhaegar calmed
"Forgive me, my lord. When are you going to tell Armea that her husband is no longer of this world" Nessarhose asked
"I can't face my daughter's tears when I tell her that I broke my promise" Rhaegar said quietly
"I will go, Lord Caspian" Velkan volunteered as Rose went out for some air
"You'll need a horse" Jon said
"There really isn't a need. I'll go on my own. It is faster" Velkan politely declined
"How can you go without a horse?" Rhaegar asked as Liam smirked
"I've my ways. With your permission I'll take my leave" Velkan said
"Safe journeys" Rhaegar and Jon said together
Velkan went out to the clearing, where he first saw Nessarhose and embraced her
"I shall return for you to forgive me, Rosy" Velkan said
"Come back unscathed because if you die I will never forgive you" Rose whispered in his ear
"I can never die, my lady" Velkan said as his black wings spread out and took him in the air
Three hours later, in Winterfell
Lady Lyanna was with Rhaenys who was braiding Annalysse's silvery-blonde when Velkan arrived
"Begging your pardon for interrupting, my ladies I bear news for Lady Armea Caspian Targaryen." Velkan said
"I am Armea Caspian of House Targaryen. What news of my family?" Rhaenys spoke as she gave her daughter to Lady Lyanna
"Your father and brother lives, your good aunt is well but it is my sad duty to inform you that your lord husband Viserys Targaryen was slain in battle. I am so sorry for your loss, Lady Targaryen" Velkan said emotionlessly
"No!" Rhaenys cried
"Armea" Lady Lyanna said as she held Armea
"No! It cannot be true!"Rhaenys cried
"Are you certain of this grievous news?" Lady Lyanna asked
"Yes, my master was there when they burned his body." Velkan said
"How did my lord husband die?" Rhaenys whispered
"He was killed by Jorah Mormont when he was saving his sister." Velkan said with a solemn tone