Disclaimer: I don't own any of these characters or universe. Martin, George R.R owns all. I'm just humbly trying to walk in his massive footsteps.
Chapter 19 Gendry and Catelyn II
Gendry
"What are we to do now!" James yelled throughout the small council. "You're my small council! Now counsel!"
Everyone remained silent, as Gendry noticed him grow angry. Wolfsblood, he mused to himself. Gendry had a bit of Stag's blood in him too, and was prone to have a high temper, like Arya. It is why they are so much alike. He often then not remembers when they met down at the same rush of water, James was eager to protect. Gendry remembered when James had bid him to protect Arya on the Kingsroad, all that time ago. She looked like some little boy with her greased up hair, but over time she grew into a beautiful women. They had been through so much together it just made sense to marry.
James ran his hands through his hair, and released a breath of frustration. Daenerys whispered in his ear and squeezed his hand to calm him down, Gendry had seen her do that one-thousand times before. Next to Gendry, Arya, was holding his hand, both equally stressed by the news of the dragons escaping. The news had come over two days ago, as Edric burst into the solar panting and sweating.
James bid him to calm down, and the boy had been known to be the bearer of bad news. He told them that something went horribly wrong, and that the dragons had escaped from their pit. The shock rocked through Gendry like a sword wound, and he forgot how to breath. The dragons were of the upmost importance to the warfront, and without them the crown was but lost. Moat Cailin, would have to be taken by the Northmen and Riverrun, along with all the Tully men, could be lost. Aegon could now be more free to lay siege to King's Landing with ease, and there was no grave threat to stop him. Just a couple hundred Stark, Baratheon, and Targaryen men-at-arms along with thousands of Gold Cloaks. They aren't anything but peasants, not soldiers. We need disciplined men.
Daenerys had tried to call out to her "children," as she liked to call them, although she had two human children of her own, but they did not answer. Nobody knew where they could have gone, or if they were even alive. Tyrion, thought they moved back to the Dragonstone or the ruins of Old Valyria, but nobody knew for sure. James called an immediate small council meeting on the morning that they all were supposed to rest. They had urgent business to discuss regarding the siege, Moat Cailin, Riverrun, the Martells, and too many other things to count. Gendry and the men had already tried to come up with plans before the meeting was set to convene, and some had came up with good ideas. Tyrion, suggested having the Martells relieve Riverrun and lay siege on Highgarden. Gendry's own bannermen would come to the capital and boost up the number of men. With hope, a splinter force of Martell and Gendry's banner men could relieve Riverrun and move on to Moat Cailin. Giving enough time for the Tully's to arrive. All had liked the idea.
Gendry, sat uncomfortably in his chair and shifted his weight from once side to the other, his muscles aching with every move of his arms. James had whacked him hard in the arm with a sword, and Gendry felt a bruise forming. He did not let that go unchecked and gave the King a good hit in the chest with his hammer. The same one he used along the Kingsroad, all those years ago. All the men wanted to be prepared for whatever battle loomed over the horizon, and it was at Jon's suggestion to begin practicing with weapons again. Gendry, hadn't truly fought or killed a man in a long time, and he hoped it stayed that way. But, Aegon had other plans. Then there was the mounted frustration coming from absorbing the position of Master of Ships.
Gendry would not only look to the Gold Cloaks, but as well whatever men-at-arms and seamen were in the city. It caused him a lot of stress, but he couldn't just say no. Arya was angry that he took on the responsibility and blamed it on her brother, but Gendry insisted that he knew what he was taking on. Arya, thought otherwise.
Gendry heard someone clear his throat, and it brought him out of his thoughts. It was Jon Snow, who spoke up and Gendry was surprised. He had noticed that Jon was in a happier mood as of late, and his relationship with Sansa was not as strained. Gendry, figured that someone had talked some sense into him about forgiving the women and relishing the few moments he had left with her. That person was obviously, Arya. She could make him do anything.
"Have you sent envoys to all our allies, Your Grace?"
James nodded. "Already taken care of. I've sent one to Dragonstone, urging Stannis to come with all haste. I've sent one to the Lord of Winterfell about what happened to the dragons, and telling to relieve Riverrun if he were to push through, Moat Cailin. Arianne, sent one to her brother."
"Is that true?" Jon asked, turning to the women he pretended to love.
"Yes, my sweet. I've sent one to, Trystane."
Gendry noticed, Jon cringe at the words that poured out of her mouth. Being called that by her must feel like salt over an open wound. Gendry, had sat down and talked with Jon, with James there as well. Both figured it was about time they settled the differences between them, too much animosity existed in such shit times. Jon, had told them true that he only loved Sansa, and that he would give it all up for her. Then he told them of his intention to marry the Dornish woman for her army, and nothing more. He told them that once, Aegon was defeated he planned on annulling the marriage somehow.
"I don't want to marry the Dornish woman," Jon had told them, seething in anger. "Once we defeat, Aegon I plan on annulling the marriage somehow. I don't know how I'm going to do it, but I will; with your blessing or not."
Gendry gave that plan his blessing, as did James. He had finally came to grips with their relationship, and actually came to hope that it would work out between them.
"We need to figure out a course of action to relieve Riverrun, and at the same time Moat Cailin. The Northmen have been stuck there too long, and I'm not sure how they have been able to hold out. Their supplies must be dwindling by now." Jon said, bringing Gendry out of his daydreaming.
James looked over to him. "We will get there, Jon. However, we first need to discuss the siege tactics. What are we to do?"
"What else can we do?" Tyrion said. "We have made the wildfire necessary to defend the city, raised the number of Gold Cloaks, and have rationed out the food. The Mud Gate stands open."
"Yes I know and that is what the plan is. I'm speaking of what you would think Aegon's plan of attack would be."
"Aegon will plan on attacking the weakest gate in King's Landing, as Stannis did. He will try to break down the Mud Gate. Aegon, will land on the rush."
"And we will stop him with men and wildfire." Gendry replied. "I assure you, he won't take the city."
"Don't be so sure of things," Sam said. "I don't want to see him take the city either, but you never know what the Gods could have in store."
James scoffed. "Regardless, will Aegon only attack the Mud Gate or will he go after others?"
"No. King's Landing has never been taken by siege, nor have its walls have ever been breached until Daenerys used dragons, but that was different. Aegon knows it would be folly to attempt anywhere but the Mud Gate." Tyrion said.
"That is why we must have the catapults ready by the river," said Jon.
"Already seen to," replied Tyrion. "I've seen the builders to take care of it."
"Good," James said. "Now how can we relieve Riverrun?"
"What about Moat Cailin?" Arianne asked.
Gendry rolled his eyes, the woman constantly added her thoughts into the small council, as if she was part of it. James, had never made her an adviser or anything, but she always attended. Although she does at times give good advice. Arianne is not an idiot. Gendry thought that was bizarre, as did Arya. She thought the woman had been acting weird for far too long.
James twirled his cup of water, Gendry smirked at how he stopped drinking wine for Daenerys. She thought he had grown too attached to it. Now the man only drinks water, sometimes ale, and his precious tea. "I'm sorry but the Northmen will have to take it on its own. Bran will take care of it; I know he will."
"Which is exactly what I was going to say," Tyrion added.
"What about Riverrun?" Daenerys asked.
The queen was dressed in a red dress with black outlines. Targaryen colors, Gendry figured.
James turned to her. "Well that is what we need to figure out."
"Have the Stormlord's take it." Varys suggested.
Gendry did not trust that man. The small council went back and forth concerning the subject. Tyrion suggested the Martell's relieving Riverrun, and Arya said the Baratheon's should do so. Both of them went back and forth in their usual fervor, before James had to break it up. Gendry always got a good laugh out of their banter, but none of them ever crossed a line. Finally they came up with a solution.
"When will the rest of the Stormlord's come, Gendry?" Varys asked.
"Not sure," Gendry replied. "A couple more months, to be sure. Stannis claims he is already massing fleets upon Dragonstone, and he will be here soon."
"That is good to hear," said Sam. "We will need those more then anything."
"How many men-at-arms will we have in the city with the Baratheons and Martells?"
"Close to about twenty-four thousand," Tyrion answered.
"Twenty-four thousand!" Jon exclaimed. "Where will all those men stay? How will we feed them?"
"They will stay outside the city, as is befitting an army. And they will feed themselves."
"Well that is a relief," Jon said, he swiped his brow with his sleeve. "How will they help to defend the city?"
"If Aegon were to land men ashore they will flank his forces, as Tywin Lannister did to Stannis."
"Makes sense."
"Will some of them stay in the city incase Aegon's men come over the walls?" Daenerys asked.
"Yes," Tyrion replied. "And we will send Martell splinter forces to lay siege to Highgarden, and relieve Riverrun if the Lord of Winterfell has not broken through the Moat in a certain time."
"The Martells cannot send their army to relieve Riverun, Tyrion. We need their men!" Arya yelled.
Tyrion smirked. "Not if we have your lord husbands men."
"We need all the men we can get! Not just the Baratheons."
"Ha! Of course we do but that is not the point. We need someone to lay siege to Highgarden too."
James sighed. "The Baratheons will bring their men to the capital, and then send a splinter force to Riverrun. The only downside is the Tyrells will more then likely get word before hand. Arianne's brother will lay siege to Highgarden, and send another splinter force to King's Landing. All of this rests upon Bran taking the Neck. The Northmen will be the one to relieve Riverrun, and the Martells will help."
The council remained silent.
"I will take a silence for a yes?"
Everyone nodded.
"Very well then. I will send an envoy to my brother, and Arianne to hers. Informing them of the plan; keep building the catapults and wildfire. Council adjourned."
All the council members grumbled and moved out of their seats. Gendry helped his wife out and both made their way over to Daenerys and James. Jon was walking over to them too after giving his betrothed an awkward kiss on the lips, Gendry wondered if the lad still had sex with her. Lucky bastard, Gendry thought, It is not like Arianne is hard on the eyes. James bid them all to stay behind, including Tyrion.
"I would have us go to the Dragonpit and investigate," James said.
Everyone grumbled but he bid them to listen even further.
"I have a feeling that they did not escape, but were released. It was Tyrion's suggestion."
Everyone turned to the dwarf, as he shrugged. "I figured they wouldn't get out so easily without help."
"And when do you want us to go, James?" Arya asked.
"Now. I would go before the kids have to be fed and put to sleep."
They made their way out of the small council room and towards the entrance of the Red Keep. Gendry, had ordered a party of Gold Cloaks and his own fifty Baratheon men-at-arms to escort them. James bid the Stark men he had in the capital to guard the Red Keep while they were gone. The party of men formed a circle around the royals, as they walked to Rhaenys's hill. Gendry walked side-by-side with his wife, while James and Daenerys were to his left, with Tyrion beside them. As they passed through the gates, Gendry looked over the sea of Gold Cloaks and Stags to notice the spot where Dany had erected the dais. James ordered its destruction immediately the next day, and then he slipped into his depression. And may that forever be behind us.
"That is where James executed that woman," Gendry said, turning to his wife.
He spoke in a whisper so James wouldn't hear him. Daenerys always grew uncomfortable when they passed this spot. Gendry looked over to Daenerys and saw her looking down at the floor, the guilt plain on her face. James kissed the top of her head.
"I don't want to remember, Gendry." Arya replied.
"Who was that woman, anyway? Was James fond of her in his youth?"
Arya nodded before speaking in a whisper. "She was a whore in Wintertown, outside of Winterfell. According to Robb, Theon had given her to James as a present on his fourteenth name day. And after that it was history."
"So he cared for this whore?" Gendry asked. He looked over to his brother by law who was talking with his wife, they seemed happy.
"Oh very much so, Gendry. I can recall them meeting in secret, and kissing when they thought nobody was around. James was never good at hiding it, I think he may have loved her in some way. When my Lord Father caught wind of what they were doing, he told James to end it. I remember one day in the courtyard of Winterfell when James had to break it to her. He did it in front of the whole family, and the woman cursed him to the Others. James almost cried."
"I can understand why he got so upset then."
Arya shook her head. "Yes, he had a right to be upset, but the way he handled it was wrong. You know that."
Gendry nodded. "Yes, I know. He took it out on everyone, even you."
"I know he did, but that is all in the past now. I forgave him a long time ago, as did Daenerys by the looks of it."
Gendry heard some peasants jeering, as he looked over at the king and queen kissing for the public. They had to show that everything was alright and in order, so James did this all the time. Gendry was not too comfortable with public displays of affection, and neither was Arya. Sometimes they'd let the occasional kiss linger in front of everyone, but they weren't so open with affection as James and Dany.
They walked through the streets of King's Landing, and Gendry felt the sun upon his head. His dark brown hair made his head feel hotter then normal, he could only imagine how Arya was feeling. The dust was in the air and it lead to a lot of coughing, and complaining from Tyrion. He kept going on and on about his feet being sore, but he kept walking. During the walk a crowd of smallfolk began to trail the royal party, yelling out curses and praise. Most of them curses. They were upset of the new tax upon the city, the food rationing, and the gates being closed. Gold Cloak numbers were heightened as well since the dragons escaped.
Finally the Dragonpit loomed before them, and Gendry took some time to notice it. The structure still stood sound, but the dome had caved in. James ordered some men to clear out the debris, but told them not to touch any of the evidence. And so now all it was just a pit, with sand in the middle.
James ordered the Gold Cloaks to stand outside and keep guard, as Gendry's own men came inside the dome with them. The pushed open the two bronze doors and walked in, following James. The pit was round with torches lining the walls, none of them lit. The sun glared through the huge hole where the dome used to be, and it shown upon the sand.
Tyrion immediately stepped forward onto the sand, and walked towards the giant chains that were laid out there. James followed him, as did Gendry and the rest. He kneeled down onto the sand and Gendry noticed that none of the links were broken. If the dragons escaped on their own, then why are no links broken? Even the spikes in the ground that held them are still intact. I'm sure a beast as big as Drogon could break some chain if they escaped.
"Why are none of the links broken?" Arya asked. It seems everyone had figured that part out.
"Because the dragons were let loose, Lady Baratheon. They did not escape." Tyrion answered.
"Just as I have feared," said James.
"Is Aegon in the city?" Daenerys asked. "Could that be possible? Could he be responsible for this?"
"That much is clear," Gendry said. "It is clear that Aegon ordered somebody to do it, but I don't think it was him personally."
"Yes, but who could be communicating with him and know where to go?"
Tyrion shrugged. "I'm not sure but this is not good. I believe we have a traitor in our mists."
"But who is the traitor?" Arya asked.
"Only the gods know, I fear. And may they help us all for the war has truly begun now." Dany said.
"And without the dragons it will only make it harder. It seems wildfire is our only choice." said James, ruefully.
"All rests on Bran," Arya said. "He must take Moat Cailin and relieve Riverrun before it is too late."
-x-
Catelyn
A breeze came through her tent and Catelyn snugged her arms closer to body, to keep warm. She had decided upon a grey dress today, Stark colors, with her hair braided down her back. The mid day sun was bursting over the horizon, leaving a clear blue sky with a lot of clouds. Birds were chirping and the morning dew wet the grass. Her tent was modestly sized, as befitting the Lady of Winterfell, and had the right accommodations. Their was a desk that laid in the middle of the tent that were adorned with half-burned candles, parchments, and ink. A small cot was kept in the corner where she would sleep at night, most of them restless. Her thoughts were constantly on what the next day would bring, whether it be fighting or just peace.
Catelyn, looked down at the surface of her desk that she was sitting at, and picked up the parchment in her hands. The texture of the paper felt rough in her long fingers, and she read the scroll as she had done about half-a-hundred times now. It was a raven from her son, James, and it told her about how her family was doing. He wished her the very best and assured her that they were doing their very best to help hasten the taking of Moat Cailin. Catelyn missed her children and grandchildren dearly, and thought of them with each passing minute. She wished to see them grow before her eyes, but the Gods had other plans. She was meant to be here with her son, as she was for Robb. Catelyn, felt tears tug at her eyes as she read the last sentence, "and I look forward to the moment where we are all together again. All of us in Winterfell, as it should be. Love your son, James."
An envoy had come a weeks past, slipping past the Ironmen, but not without receiving an arrow wound in the back. By the time he arrived at the Northern camp he fell off his horse and had died. One of the men found him carrying a message, intended for Bran, with James's seal on it. The message was written in a language only Bran was privy to, and he quickly deciphered its meaning: James intended to relieve the Moat with Viserion, the white dragon. He told them to watch for Jon on the horizon, and prepare the men for battle. All the Northern Lords cheered for this idea, for it would minimalize casualties and take them out of this Bog.
The Northern army had been at this Bog for months on end now, and everyone was anxious to break through and move South. From there they would move their way down south and towards King's Landing, to help out the crown. No one was looking forward to the march, or staying in this swamp any longer. The Neck's reputation as a fearsome place had not let anyone down, but they couldn't let this stop them. James needed their calvary and men-at-arms, for Aegon was known to strike at any moment. If only Asha Greyjoy had not tried to live up to her father's name. Most of the men feared the Neck and rightfully so.
Swamps, quicksand, strange plants and flowers, poisonous snakes, and lion lizards made the Neck not only formidable but somewhat impossible to cross. The Kingsroad had been built up through the land over the years and it ran straight and true for the most of the way, a raised ribbon of rock and densely packed earth that was an island in the swamplands. The problem was the road was too narrow to cross the army of eighteen-thousand men, and the Ironborn held the towers with men and archers. To take the three towers head on was folly, Catelyn knew, and it would cost them many lives. But if Jon did not come soon, then they would have no choice.
Catelyn's days at the Neck had been the same since, Asha had taken it. First she would rise in the morning and break her fast with, Bran. The Lord of Winterfell and her second son had grown angry, frustrated, and stressed. Catelyn knew it stemmed from him missing his wife and family. Myrcella was pregnant when he left and by this point was ready to deliver at any moment. Bran would miss the birth of his first child and miss the early moments after that; the thought made him angry. After her fast she would take a walk with the army Maester, a short man with black hair, and they would go over the provisions.
Supplies were dwindling and some men were wounded from snakes and lion lizards, they're bites were fierce and some were poisonous. Not only were medical supplies needed, but food as well. Bran had gotten in touch with the Reed's and they had helped them all they could, but they couldn't anymore. Howland, Ned's friend from Robert's Rebellion, showed them different paths along the swamp that lead behind the towers and Bran was grateful. He said they would need them when the time came, to take the Ironborn by surprise. It would maybe minimalize casualties, but not entirely; having Viserion on their side would make things terribly easier. Then after that she would usually go and listen in on whatever the Northern Lords spoke of. Most of them grew anxious and frustrated, urging Bran to take the Moat without the Dragon. However, Bran kept his feet firm and refused, telling them waiting was the best option. After that Catelyn would retire to her tent and stay there the rest of the day.
Catelyn clutched the parchment once more and smiled, as she heard someone open the flap to her tent. She looked over and saw a guard staring at her, the typical Stark men-at-arms with his bowl helmet and boiled brown leather over chain mail.
"My Lady," the guard said. "Lord Stark has bidden me to escort you to his tent."
"For what?" Cat asked him.
"He wishes for you to sit on todays meeting, My Lady. My Lord has called a meeting of his commanders, says you should be there."
Catelyn gave him a nod, as she rose from her desk. "Very well then escort me, if you will."
The guard nodded and opened the flap of her tent, as Catelyn walked through. The sun immediately glared over her eyes, and she rose a hand to block the light. She began to walk with the guard, side-by-side, towards Bran's tent which was not far from hers. The camp was organized with the Lord's in the center, with their retainers and such, and along the outskirts were the calvary and normal men-at-arms. The wind began to pick up, as Catelyn stood outside the Lord's tent. All the men were yelling and cursing; Cat took a deep breath before the guard opened the flap for her and she walked in.
All the men were arguing and such, as they all stopped in their tracks: all of them looking at Catelyn. She took the time to notice the tent before her: there was a large desk in the middle with a map of Westeros, small wooden pieces were placed on the map to signify enemy positions. All around the map the Northern Lords stood, wearing their swords and boiled leather. There was the Greatjon Umber, a man who stood at nearly seven feet tall and was clad in muscle. Next to him was his son, the Smalljon. Then there were the Glovers, the Manderly's, Harrion Karstark, and a few others.
"My Lady," The Greatjon said with his booming voice, bowing to Cat.
Catelyn returned the bow in kind and walked over to her seat by, Bran. Her son gave her a nod and returned to the meeting. Catelyn, took the time to study her son, sitting in his chair with wheels that the Maester in Winterfell had made for him. Bran had grown into a handsome man, his face grew slender, his shoulders broad from rolling his chair, his brownish-auburn hair had grown long like a Northmen, and he grew a beard to match it. Catelyn thought about how much he looked like Robb, but Robb's hair was purely auburn. It seemed all of her sons had grown a beard, the thought made her laugh to herself. Catelyn wondered why men felt obligated to grow shortly trimmed beards, especially men in power. James, Rickon, Bran, Robb, even her nephew, Jon had a beard.
Bran motioned to his Lord's. "Now that my Lady Mother is here, we can get down to resuming. Where were we?"
"We were talking about how to take the Moat, My Lord." The Smalljon replied.
"It would be easier to take it if we had a hard frost, My Lord." Said the Greatjon.
"Aye," Bran replied, using the Northern way of saying the word, yes. "This bog wouldn't smell half as bad as it did, and the swamp would freeze. Getting here was easy, but now we have to take the Moat. Now…what do we do, My Lords?"
We wait for, Viserion, of course. What else would we do, Bran?
"If the Moat were to fall quickly, we would get way to stacked up, along with all the donkeys, horses, and oxen we have. It would take us days to move past the Moat, but we will eventually pass. Our supplies have dwindled, and morale grows low. We need to take the Moat, as soon as possible." Harrion Karstark answered.
Bran grunted. "Yes, but we need to do it in an efficient way. Taking the Moat head on will result in a lot of casualties, and it would be foolish for us to do so. The squids have taken permanent residence in each tower, stacking them with archers. At least that is what the scouts report."
"I suggest sending some men down the path that the Crannogmen have shown us." Lord Manderly said. He pushed a wooden piece around on the map.
"We can take them by surprise, go from behind and fuck them in their asses!" Jon Umber bellowed, his laugh made the tent shake.
All the Lords joined in on the laugh, and even Bran let out a snicker before restoring order. What made Catelyn nervous is that nobody mentioned the dragon, surely they knew about Jon's plan.
Bran sat up in his chair. "It seems the element of surprise is all we have. We can attack just at dawn, when the squids will be asleep, and take them by surprise. Lord Karstark can take some men-at-arms and go down the middle, a distraction force is all it is. The Greatjon and his northern calvary can take the left and then the Crannogmen and Howland can lead the rest of the men through the secret roads and take the third tower from behind. We will have Howland harass the Ironborn for a few days before the attack. And I will be on-top of the hill and surveying the scene."
Harrion Karstark grumbled. "My Lord, that sounds like a good plan, but hundreds of my men will die in that attempt."
"Not hundreds," Bran replied. "Try maybe a thousand."
All the men began to grunt to themselves, and this time Galbart Glover spoke up. "If that is what it takes to take the Moat, then so be it. However, I think their can be a way to at least try and minimize the casualties."
"I agree, My Lord." Karstark added, motioning to the map. "The quicksand will make my men slow, and we will be susceptible to the arrows."
"Then have some of our archers fire back at them." Bran suggested. "Our force needs to give the surprise force time to get around the Moat. But I do think we need to come up with a way to minimize the casualties."
He sounds so much like, Ned, Catelyn thought. I remember, Robb, sounding like this too when he became King in the North. Why isn't he mentioning the dragons though?
"Perhaps, we can construct some sort of device to cover the men while they make their decent down the middle." Said Wyman Manderly. "Something that they can hide under that will take some of the arrows."
"Good idea," Bran replied, "see that it is done. We can make it out of wood, or something. Then once we take this damn Moat we can move on to, Riverrun."
Riverrun? We need to go to King's Landing! James needs us.
"Good!" bellowed Jon Umber. He was holding his sword belt and his chest moved up and down with each yell. "Then we can fuck the roses from behind, go to King's Landing, and then send Aegon Targaryen back to the deepest of Seven Hells!"
The rest of the Lord's laughed and agreed with him. Bran gave a solemn laugh, and Catelyn could tell he wanted them to all leave.
"Is that all for now, My Lord?" Harrion Karstark asked.
Bran nodded. "Yes, that is all for today. You are free to take your leave."
The northern lords grumbled and made their way out of the tent. Catelyn, got up and was about to leave when her son bid her to stay. He treated her as his most valued consultant, as Robb did when he moved South. She sat down back in her seat and watched as Bran sat there quietly, stoically thinking, and poured himself a cup of wine. He sighed in frustration and poured a second one for Cat, which she accepted.
"What are we to do, mother." Bran said, he rubbed his temples.
Catelyn put a hand on his shoulder. "You've done a good job leading these men, Bran. Your father and Robb would be proud."
Bran smiled. "I certainly hope so. I'm just worried about losing so many men, and our family. I wonder if Cella has given birth."
"We will get word when she does. Your father missed Robb's birth fighting Robert's war, and Balon Greyjoy almost made him miss Arya's."
Bran snickered. "And now his daughter will make me miss my own. Damn this!"
He took a big gulp of wine and set the cup down, he poured himself another cup.
Catelyn put on her motherly demeanor. "James needs our help. Our whole family is practically down at King's Landing, surrounded by an enemy that is almost on their doorstep."
"I know they do, and I don't blame him for any of this. It isn't his fault," Bran laughed. "I just blame him for saying yes to Daenerys."
Catelyn smiled. "Would you have been able to say no to a woman like that? The beauty that she is."
"I think not," Bran said. "If there is a man out there who would, then I would show you a true idiot."
Catelyn laughed. "It swells my heart to see you in such a mood."
She hadn't seen her son this happy in such a time. He was mostly such a stoic and solemn boy, the opposite of what he was as a child. Catelyn figured being crippled was the reason. Myrcella, had brought him out of his mood, but being away from her made him regress.
"It is just the wine talking," Bran replied, pointing to the wine.
Catelyn scoffed. "It really shouldn't be though, Bran. You are a good man and leader."
Bran shrugged. "Nonetheless, mother, I believe we have to talk about something."
"About Viserion," Cat heard herself blurt. "I know something has happened because you haven't mentioned anything about the dragon."
Bran nodded. "Yes, that is what I will be talking to you about. An envoy came last night, from my brother."
Catelyn was shocked. More envoys in the night, she thought. It seemed that whenever an envoy came that it would be the bearer of bad news. Cat was surprised that any of them would make it past the Ironborn, but they used the secret paths the Reeds showed them.
"What did the envoy say?" Catelyn asked. In the back of her mind she felt that she already knew the answer.
Bran sighed and pulled a message from his pocket, he handed it over to Catelyn. "Read it. I had to use fire to be able to read it. James used special ink."
Catelyn took the message in her hands and frantically read. It was written by James and it seemed hastily written.
"Brother. I have most grievous news regarding the taking of Moat Cailin. I fear that Jon's plan will not come into fruition, because the dragons have escaped from the pit. We do not know how they did, but they have, and we are attempting to figure how. Dany has tried to call out to them but they do not answer; most feel that they harbor animosity towards her for being chained. Dragons are intelligent creatures. I fear that you must take the Neck on your own, and in due haste. Riverrun is still under siege by the Tyrells and we need you to lift it once you take the Moat. The Martells army will come to the city once Jon has been wed, so I would ask you to stay in the Riverrun to make sure the Roses do not attempt to take it again, especially Randyll Tarly. I will update you if something happens here in King's Landing. We all miss you down here and wish you the best. Daenerys and the kids are doing well, as are Arya's. We can not wait for Cella to give birth to your child, Bran; I'm sorry for all of this. Give mother my love. James."
"The dragons escaped?!" was all Cat could say. The shock must've been plain on her face because Bran was smirking at her.
"Yes," Bran replied, solemnly. "Which means we are on our own."
"So that is why you never spoke of the dragon during the meeting."
Bran nodded. "I told the Lords and they did not take it well. Nonetheless, pouting about it will not take the Neck. We cannot turn back the sun, mother."
"No we can not," Cat replied. "James spoke of relieving Riverrun. Shouldn't we be moving to King's Landing with all haste?"
"James bids me to relieve your ancestral home, so I will. We have to relieve it eventually, and uncle Edmure needs our help."
Catelyn smiled at the prospect of her younger brother. Last she had seen him he was Lord of Riverrun, his auburn hair made him look like their father, Hoster. His wife Roslin had given birth to a girl, and Catelyn was excited to meet her niece.
"Indeed he does," said Catelyn.
Bran sipped on his wine. "Once we take Riverrun, we will stay there for a little. Let the army recuperate and make sure that Highgarden does not return. I can maybe send a splinter force to King's Landing with the Tully men that will go too."
Catelyn found herself doing the same, the chalice felt cold in her grip. "That is all I could ask for. I can not wait for us to all be together again, Bran. I miss our family dearly."
Bran sat forward and placed his hand in hers. "This will all be over before you know it, mother. We will all be in Winterfell again, laughing and happy."
He gave her hand a soft pat before releasing it from his grip. "Thank you, Bran."
"No problem, mother. I know you must be tired after all this."
Catelyn let out a small laugh. "I truly am. It seems the day has escaped us already, I'd go back to my tent and sleep if you don't mind."
"Of course. You've done more than enough."
She smiled and stood up from her seat, hugging her son before leaving the tent. A guard opened the flap for her and the smell of the bog hit her nose like a blow to the head. The smell was so foul that it made her wince, as she made her way back to her own tent. The sun had began to set and the day was all but over. She finally arrived at her tent and ordered her supper brought to her.
Catelyn enjoyed a nice meal of roasted chicken with potatoes, in a nice sauce. She idly sat in her chair and drank wine after she had finished, resuming reading the raven scrolls that she had received from her family. One of them was from Rickon, informing her that everything in Winterfell was in order, that he was taking good care of Myrcella who was heavy with child. That is when she heard the flap of her tent open, and Bran roll through in his chair. Catelyn turned to meet him with a smile. He was dressed in a light tunic and breeches.
"Mother, do you have a moment?" He asked.
Catelyn turned her chair to face him. "Of course, Bran. What is it?"
"I had a weird dream. Like the one I used to when I was a child."
"What about?"
He hesitated to answer. It made Catelyn nervous because usually his dreams came true, whenever he had them. Bran, dreamed of James's failed assassination and many others.
"It was with Jon and Sansa."
"Jon and Sansa?" Cat asked, perplexed.
He nodded. "It was a very weird dream, mother."
"What happened in it?"
He hesitated to speak. "They were kissing. Then they…"
Bran's voice trailed at the end, and he hinted at what happened next. The tone of his voice suggested that they were coupling, in his dream. Catelyn gave him a worried look. Bran's face was in his lap, acting as if he was still a child.
Catelyn cleared her throat. "Have you had this dream before, Bran?"
"This is the third time."
"Are you suggesting that Jon and Sansa might be in love?"
Bran shrugged. "I'm not entirely sure of what the dream is suggesting. How would you feel about this?"
"About what? Jon and Sansa."
"Yes," he quickly replied. "I for one would not mind so much. They are but cousins in truth."
"Cousins who were raised as siblings! I'm not sure how I'd feel about it."
"Jon is no longer a bastard, mother. I'm glad you begged his forgiveness for how you treated him in his youth, but I think they'd be fine together. It has taken me some time, but you will come around. You will."
Catelyn sighed. "But Jon is going to marry Arianne. They can never be."
"One never knows what the future can bring, mother," said Bran, sounding poetic.
He rolled his chair towards the opening."Anyway I came here to bid you a good night."
Catelyn smiled him and watched him leave, as she undressed and put on her nightclothes. The sound of crickets filled the night, and she needed the rest. Catelyn, unbraided her hair and moved over to her small cot. She opened the sheets when she heard someone call her name.
"Lady Stark." the man said.
Catelyn was about to turn and face him, but before she could she felt a sharp pain on the back of her head, falling to the floor. A mysterious man pulled her up and slumped her over his shoulder, as Catelyn drifted in and out of consciousness. The flap to her tent was opened and she smelled the bog. He had big hands and smelled of the sea.
Catelyn heard him mutter a name before everything went black