Chapter 57

The Lord Commander watched as the snow continue to fall. His gaze moved to the tall man walking towards the tower that housed his solar and chambers. Jon recognized the limping gait of the man, that he was here could only mean one thing, The Dreadfort had fallen. Soon enough, the door opened and a cold wind blew in as the man entered and closed the door. He pulled the fur hood from his thick gray-black hair and smiled at Jon, "The Lord Bolton and his wife and child will be here very shortly. They and about 30 prisoners are all that were left alive at The Dreadfort. They are heavily guarded. It went as easily as we thought it would."

Jon went to the sideboard and poured them both a mug of spiced wine,"I am in your debt, Mance. You know the reasons why I couldn't do it myself, I swear to you, if we live through all that's coming, I will make it right with you."

"Jon Snow, you have already made it right. The generations had forgotten the true reason the Wall was built. You were honest and brave enough to see that it wasn't men that the Wall was to contain. I would ask that you allow me and a large group of free folk to go back to The Dreadfort and maintain the holdfast. We know what's coming, it needs to be fortified and prepared. Only the Old Gods know how long of a battle we're in for. I went to Winterfell before I traveled here, it is coming along well. Winter Town has been mostly rebuilt and is inhabited and functioning well. The Keep, itself, well, the debris has been cleared away, the grounds are clear. They have rebuilt the stables and kennels. Your glass gardens are nearing completion. They have roofed the main building and are able to live inside the great hall while they are repairing and rebuilding the inside. It will take time but I know you'd be pleased."

Jon felt some of the tension leave his body upon hearing this. He knew it would take a great deal of time to ever restore Winterfell but to hear that there was at least steps moving in that direction were comforting. He owed a great deal to Mance Rader and the free folk. He hoped that The people of the North would be more accepting of them due to their help and efforts in helping rebuild the seat of the North. He felt Sansa would be thankful, it was her home after all.

He turned and looked out the window again, 'How did it ever come to this? My father is dead, Robb and Lady Catelyn. My brothers and sisters either dead or beyond my reach.' He wished for the days of carefree fighting in the yards of Winterfell with Robb. He would gladly live a life again, of Lady Catleyn's scorn, if he could just have them all back again. "Yes, ready the Dreadfort. We know what's coming, Mance. We have to also look to making sure that holdings all in the North and even towards The Neck are fortified. Winter is coming, we have to be ready. We have to all work together to save the North. I'll have Sam send ravens to Moat Cailin, Deepwood Motte, Torrhen's Square, Barrowtown, Last Hearth and Greywater Watch. We don't have any idea what is really going on in the South and we can't wait to see what the outcome may be, even though they are sending what help they can. We are The North, we have to protect our own."

Daenarys sat under the pavilion, looking out at the uncountable ships anchored in the bay and as far out as her eyes could see. They all bore two flags, one being the sigil of the House that owned the vessel, the other, larger and flying topmost was her own black banner with the three-headed crimson dragon, the banner of House Targaryen. She felt overwhelming pride at seeing her banners flown, she felt an even deeper sense of gratitude for those who were loyal to her. She thought about all the stories her brother used to tell her about how the common folk were secretly sewing banners for them. How foolish he was. She had grown to know that it wasn't the commons who decided who won and lost, it was the Lords and Princes. She was eager to meet these Westerosi, to hear what they had to say, to learn about her homeland. She wanted to go home. She wanted them to know that she wasn't her father. She wanted peace. She had heard the rumors that she would reclaim the throne with fire and
ash. That was so foolish. Why would she want to destroy her home? Hadn't the West had enough of blood and war? She knew she would have to prove herself to them, as they would to her.

She watched as the group rode towards her, she could name them from the descriptions that Ser Barristan had given her. Words describing Sandor Clegane did not do him justice, seeing him in person was overwhelming. She could easily see why he was the most feared man in Westeros. She knew that her Khal had been a huge man but this Clegane was even larger. Watching him, astride his equally huge and deadly looking black horse, sent a chill down her spine. 'He has been blessed by fire.' His brother was even larger than he is, according to what she had been told and he had killed his brother. She kept her face impassive, even though she wanted to let a small smile play across her lips at the thought of him being her protector, she thought back on the dream she had about him.

The small woman to his left, must be Shalene Martell. It gave her another reason to want to trust them, Clegane's brother had killed a Martell yet here was a Clegane and a Martell, married. To Clegane's right she watched a man who could only be Jaime Lannister. That was surprising most of all. After what his father had done to Elia Martell, something must have given them cause to trust him. He was not the heinous monster she had created in her mind. He was breathtakingly handsome. Golden, lazy curls brushed his broad, well muscled shoulders. She could tell he was a tall man, very well-built. He held himself proudly, regal, even. His eyes were so vividly green, it was hard to look away from them. She could tell many things about him at once but the most telling thing was the sad and broken look in his eyes, as if demons of his past had all but buried him under their weight. She had to look away from him, this was the man who killed her father, she had to know why.

Next to him had to be Lord Tyrion Lannister, she was unsure of the rest but as they approached and dismounted, she noticed a very tall warrior. As she looked closer she saw that it was a woman. She was as tall if not taller than all the other men except the Prince. As they came closer to her, Ser Jorah stepped closer to her side. Irritation at him rose in her, he had been acting more and more possessive of her and overstepping his bounds. She waved him off, he acted as though he might not obey so she turned to the man on her right, "Ser Jorah, look around you. Look out as far as your eyes can see. Does it look to you as if these people have come to harm me? They fly the banners of my House. If they meant me harm it would take only one man to do it. Do not presume you are more than my guard. Ser Barristan, if Ser Jorah cannot remember his place and follow a direct order, remove him from my presence and have him guarded in his rooms."

"As you wish, Your Grace." He cast the other knight a scathing look, Ser Jorah moved back to his place on her left, hatred for his fellow Westerosi clearly evident on his face.

Sandor was mildly surprised to see the young queen, though his stony, impassive gaze revealed nothing. She was beautiful, he had nothing to compare her to as far as Targaryens go, he had never seen one. He took in the entire scene, his eyes never lingering, always watching and searching. His battle instincts fully alert. She had her Unsullied around her but not in a threatening manner, more as if they were doing their usual duties. He had his own with him, Shalene was at his side, if anything should go wrong, at least he hoped Jaxell could get her back to the ship and their children. He glanced at the sky and saw Shadow, his eagle, passively gliding overhead, nothing seemed to be putting him on edge, hopefully it would all go as it was meant to. His only potential problem now, was making sure the damned Lion kept his head on his shoulders. He noted Ser Barristan next to the queen, 'Good man, that one. The stupid bitch queen made a very bad mistake letting that man go.' The other man looked vaguely familiar, but he wasn't important enough to Sandor for him to think on him too long.

As they all dismounted and entered the pavilion, several servants were quietly walking among them offering wine, bread, and fruit. Each of them, in turn accepted. The silence and tension was thick, Sandor didn't feel as though there were any threats, but he wasn't going to be the one who spoke first, talking wasn't his way. The Imp had arranged all of this, let him lead it.

As they each took in the measure of the other, a dark-haired young woman spoke," You are before Daenerys of House Targaryen, the First of Her Name, Queen of the Andals and the First Men, Lady Regent of the Seven Kingdoms, Protector of the Realm, Khaleesi of the Great Grass Sea, Breaker of Chains, Mother of Dragons."

Tyrion was the first to speak and move forward, his bow was perfect and dramatic. "Your Grace, Tyrion Lannister of Casterly Rock and King's Landing. I am honored to finally meet you. I will let my friends introduce themselves. We have a great deal to learn about each other and plans to make for your journey home."

He stepped aside, moving to stand next to Jaime. Sandor offered Shalene his arm, which she promptly took, he let her take the slight lead, being more at ease talking than Sandor was. He noticed that Brienne had moved slightly closer to Jaime and that Ser Addam was behind him as if they were creating a barrier between Jaime and any unforeseen dangers. He and Shalene were in front of the Dragon Queen, Sandor was never one for grovelling at anyone's feet, his bow to her was the same he used in Court at King's Landing, almost non-existent. Shalene's curtsy was perfect and graceful, she introduced them, " Your Grace, Prince Sandor Clegane of Emerald Bay in Dorne. I am his wife, Princess Shalene Clegane of House Martell and Emerald Bay. We are here on behalf of my uncle, Prince Doran Martell of Sun Spear. If it please Your Grace, we are here to pledge the allegiance and
fealty of Dorne to you. We offer our ships and military assistance as you chose to use it."

Sandor followed his wife's lead, as they had asked him to do," Your Grace, Emerald Bay is yours." Sandor motioned for his son, "This is my son, Lucian Clegane. He will be Lord of Jade Mist when he comes of age." Lucian stepped forward and bowed to the Queen, "Your Grace." Then he moved to stand beside his father, the three of them stepped back as Lord Varys stepped forward, " My Queen, I am Lord Varys. We have exchanged numerous correspondence over these past many months. I am ever so pleased to meet you finally. I do hope to always be of service to you." Varys bowed gracefully, as only he can do, and moved to stand in his former place.

Tyrion then introduced Taeko Patel, from The Bank of Braavos. He and The Queen spoke to each other in Braavosi, which of course, all of them could understand. After many pleasantries, he too, bowed and returned to his earlier place. Tyrion moved on to introduce Ser Addam Marbrand, heir to Ashemark in the Westerlands. He then turned to Sansa and Bronn. " Your Grace, may I introduce to you, Lord Bronn Zeneek of Braavos and his wife Lady Sansa Zeneek of House Stark." Sansa's curtsy was perfection and Bronn's bow was appropriately elegant. "The North is not as strong as it once was, Your Grace, but we are yours."

Sandor noticed that The Queen's gaze lingered on Sansa, he felt the need to protect her even though Bronn was by her side and could very well defend his wife. He shifted his body casually to move closer to Sansa. He could tell that Sansa was beginning to feel nervous by the way her breathing changed. Daenarys leaned over slightly and called to one of her Unsullied soldiers and whispered in his ear. As the man left to carry out his orders, Daenarys said," I see that you have a woman warrior in your midst. Are you a knight?"

Brienne stood tall and proud. Her ever-present scowl softening slightly. She glanced at Jaime then Tyrion and both nodded at her. She stepped forward and bowed to the Queen, as a man would do." No, Your Grace, I am not a knight, the men of Westeros do not view women as Knights. I am Lady Brienne of Tarth. These are my companions."

"I have heard of you. You are The Warrior Maid of Tarth, am I correct?"

"You are correct, Your Grace. I am known by that name as well as others."

"I understand that you have travelled with Lord Lannister for many months. How is it that, with your reputation as a most capable and noble warrior, he has not seen fit to Knight you? Is it not the custom in Westeros that one Knight may choose to Knight another who has proven themselves to have valor and honor? Is a woman not also deserving of such a title?"

"I could not say, Your Grace. I cannot speak of what may or may not have been in another's mind. I would not be so
presumptuous as to question what My Lord choses to do. His choices are his own and my fealty to him is given out of respect and loyalty. Not on what titles he bestows upon me."

Dany could clearly see the pride in this woman. She wasn't a woman of physical beauty, but that sort of charm fades. "I am most pleased to have met you, My Lady. I hope that you and I can spend some time together, mayhaps you could educated me on your lands as I am unfamiliar with Tarth."

"I would be honored, Your Grace."

Dany turned her gaze to the Lannisters. They were all golden, just as Ser Barristan had said. She noted also the regal stance, proud and noble. Their eyes were astonishing. They looked so much like their sire, it was almost unsettling. She stood and walked towards them, motioning her guard back. Her eyes moved over the four of them, 'Why don't I feel anger and hate towards this man? There is more to this. I can't and won't judge until I have heard him speak. I don't want to be known as the Queen who ruled by hate and vengeance. Injustice must be tempered with justice.'

She looked at the younger Lannisters, knowing the rumors that they were not Baratheons, but Jaime Lannister's children, "You are the usurpers children?"

Myracella curtsied then said,"No, Your Grace. That is a falsehood. We were told that our entire lives. Robert Baratheon was not my father. My Father stands at my side. Lord Jaime Lannister is my Father. I am Myracella Lannister. Unless Your Grace chooses to name me a bastard child born of an incestuous relationship between my father and mother, then if so, I am Myracella Hill."

Dany saw the elder Lannister wince at those words, clearly he cared for his children.

"Lady Myracella, I am a Targaryen, my mother and father were brother and sister. What sort of person would I be to judge you? We cannot chose who our parents are no more than we can be responsible for anyone's actions other than our own. When we return to Westeros, it will no longer be a Targaryen reign of old. I have no true blood brothers and if I did, I would not continue the practice of my forbearers. Is Lady Myracella Lannister the name you chose? If so, then from this day forth that is your name. I am honored to meet you." She could see the relief clearly etched on the young woman's face.

She then turned to the young man. He was a handsome boy and would grow to be as striking as his father. Tommen went to his knee in front of her as his uncle had told him to do. "You may rise. Are you King Tommen Baratheon?"

"Your Grace, as recent events have unfolded and I have been told of my true parentage, I must tell you that there is no Tommen Baratheon. I was labeled a King at one time but it is not what I chose to be though by all intents and purposes, that is who I am known as. When we return to King's Landing, it is my intent to peacefully relinquish my crown to you, the rightful Queen. I am Tommen Lannister, son of Lord Jaime Lannister and future heir to Casterly Rock, if Your Grace will continue to allow my family to keep their home and legacy. My mother is Cercei Baratheon. I wish to beg your forgiveness and mercy for any wrong doings that my family has caused you. I pledge my fealty to you and will do my duty to defend you." He looked at Daenarys, his gaze strong and full of love and honesty. He glanced at his Uncle and father, " I would also beg of you, My Queen, to show mercy to my father. What past crimes he has done to your family, were done for a reason. I do not know why, I only know that he is a great man. He has loved and protected me. If you must have a life to take for your fathers, I beg you to spare my father and take my life in his place."

Jaime had not said a word throughout all of this but upon hearing those words he almost fell to his knees. "No! Tommen, don't say that! My life is nothing! You are young, you cannot say these things, my Son!"

Daenarys was taken aback by the words of this boy. She could clearly see the way that Jaime Lannister's friends had tightened their circle around him and his children. She gestured for Tommen to stand and said," I will take no lives this day. I am not such a cruel person that I would judge a person without first hearing the reasons for his actions. I give you my word that you all are safe here. I admire the loyalty and love you bear your father. I accept your fealty and respect you as a man of honor."

She walked over to stand in front of Jaime. He could clearly see Rhaegar in her. He knew Tyrion close to him, as he felt the familiar hand on the back of his leg, it had been Tyrion's way of getting his attention all of his life. He felt Brienne's fingers barely brush his, offering her support. He slowly pulled his sword and knelt in front of the young Queen, placing it at her feet,"I am Jaime Lannister, Lord of Casterly Rock and Warden of the West. I know my words will mean nothing to you but I come to you freely and openly. I offer my allegiance and my life, which ever you believe fit to take. I do not deserve your mercy nor can I find it in myself to ask it of you. I can only tell you that the wrong I have done to you was not done out of malice or personal gain. I cannot tell you that if I had it to do over again, I would change what I did. I'm tired, Your Grace. Tired of running, tired of lies, tired of hiding."

Daenarys looked down at him, having the man who killed her father, at her feet, his life in her hands, didn't give her the feeling of satisfaction she thought it might. She looked at him closely, his head bowed in submission to her. She wondered what he had been like then. He had been her age when he made that choice. She could see the silver hair at his temples and mixed in with golden beard on his face. Some wild part of her wanted to touch his hair, his face. He was a flesh and blood man, not the horrid demon that some tales had made him to be. She glanced at his sword laying at her feet. Even one-handed, he wielded it with such grace and power. He could as easily killed her as just laying it at her feet. She knelt in front of him and placed her small hand below his chin, tilting his head to look at her. His eyes met hers, searching, curious. 'I can see his soul through his eyes' she thought. So many emotions could be read there, she could also see that he was just as lost and lonely as she felt a great deal of the time, though she could never let anyone know. "Lord Lannister, today is not a day for passing judgement. I feel that you and I have many things we need to discuss, you are my guest here. I have found that tales often become more grand and unbelievable as time goes on. All I ask of you is that speak to me truthfully and give honest counsel."

She stood up and held her hand out to him, Jaime looked up at her, relieved but cautious, he took her hand and stood in front of her, kissing her fingers before he let go of her hand. " I will answer any questions you have, Your Grace. Thank you for your mercy."

She couldn't control the heat that coursed through her at just that barest brush of his lips.'It should feel wrong for him to touch me, but it feels so perfect, as if he was made for me. Surely that's a foolish thought!' Dany looked back down at his sword," My Lord, you will have to pick that up, I'm sure it's too heavy for someone like me. And, I will be expecting you to rectify this problem with the Lady Brienne. You should have already done so, in my opinion."

She could see his hesitancy about reaching for his sword, she understood. She turned and walked away from him, addressing Sandor," Prince Clegane, I was under the impression there were children with you. You may send for them if you wish." She watched as Sandor whistled loudly, her curiosity was soon answered when she saw the eagle that had been soaring over them, fly back towards the ship. She smiled at him, "If only my dragons would obey that easily!"