A song unsung
Something is going to happen that is going to start a long, hard, awesome path for a certain character. You may or may not like it but I'm sure you'll love it once the storyline gets going. Like I said last chapter, things are about to get crazy.
A thought came to me, is it hard for you guys to follow along since it's told from a 3rd person perspective? If so just let me know. I write it that way so I can freely flow from one person to the next. I suppose this is one of the reason GRRM hates fanfiction, someone changing the way his story is told. Anyway if you guys don't like or if you do, just let me know.
Guest (No one): Well sir while I didn't outright say, after Ned left King's Landing he suffered a head injury which in turn gave him short term memory loss (Convenient huh?). He remembers nothing that Jon Arryn told him. I assure you my friend, I spend a large amount of time to make sure everything fits and there are no inconsistencies.
Chapter 11
299 AC, Nightfort
Robb sighed as he woke up. A week had passed since Jon left to join the rest of siblings, with the exception of Rickon, to King's Landing. Since then he hadn't heard the voice, though another weird occurrence had taken its place. He was dealing with the backlash of said event now.
He stood up and walked over to the jug of water he had requested after the first few times of waking up with the taste of blood in his mouth. He swished the water around before spitting it into another jug.
His eyes turned to Grey Wind, the main character in his dreams. He dreamt of being the direwolf, hunting beyond the wall. In his most recent dream he had taken down a great elk. It all felt real, he could feel the cold winds of the coming winter brush against him. He could feel Grey Wind's teeth sink into the beast. It was like he and Grey Wind were one but it was impossible, it had to be just a dream. No one had come to him about Grey Wind wandering the halls. Even then, there was no way the direwolf to get on the other side of the wall.
It was time to get his day started. He put his doublet on and pulled his furs over his shoulders. The mess hall was his first stop. The cooks assigned to the Nightfort weren't the best but they sufficed. Bread, eggs and auroch's meat filled his stomach.
Now that his hunger was sated he needed to meet up with Jory and see to the needs of the castle and its men for the day. Like the days before he found his second overlooking the courtyard from the tower stand next to the barracks. This time he was chatting with the heir of Hornwood.
"Lord Robb." They both bowed as their commander approached.
"Jory, Lord Daryn, how goes it?"
"All positions on the wall are manned. The men who have eaten and are rested are training. Everything is in order, my lord." Jory reported.
"Good, if I am needed I will be in the library." Robb remembered what the voice said the last time he heard it.
"Seek knowledge of your ancestors. I will return to you when you're ready."
Oddly enough, he had a thirst for knowledge now. A coincidence, it could be but nonetheless he would seek out the history of his house. The problem was he didn't know where the library was. He sought out the first black brother he could find. He came upon a man known as Dolorous Edd, a steward assigned to the Nightfort. The man nervously flinched as Grey Wind stood beside Robb. After a few reassurances from Robb the man answered his question. Robb did not like the answer.
"I'm sorry my lord, the library was among the rooms of the lower levels of the castle. The lower level is blocked off by a thick block of ice. No one has been down there since…since your ancestor struck down the Night's King and his bride."
"That makes things difficult." Robb muttered, "Thank you for the help Ser Tollet."
"I'm no Ser, my lord." Dolorous Edd told him, "Barely a squire."
"Nonetheless, I thank you."
The Night Watchmen bowed before returning to his duties. While the man had no reason to lie to Robb, he still wanted to see for himself. He knew the place that Edd had mentioned. A few days prior he had seen it for himself, at the time he didn't know that he would need to get passed it. With Grey Wind following behind him Robb made his way to said place.
His blue eyes met the frozen mass that blocked his path to knowledge. Grey Wind whined as he pawed at the ice.
Robb chuckled, "I don't think we'll get through like that."
As if understanding his master, Grey Wind stopped his pawing and walked off. Robb continued to stare at the ice. He knew it to be a futile effort but the growing want, the need for knowledge the voice talked about kept him there. The Stark heir snapped out of his thoughts as his faithful companion began barking.
Grey Wind sat on his haunches. His piercing yellow eyes were staring at the wall. At first Robb thought nothing of it but then he felt it. A cold wind hit his face, a familiar feeling. Though he was confused as to where it was coming from. He leaned in closer to inspect the wall. His eyes couldn't find anything discernable. Since sight had failed, he used the next logical sense, touch. He put his hands against the wall. They slid across the smooth surface. One of his fingers found a lone jagged edged of the aged rock. On instinct he pulled his hand back checking the injured appendage. Blood pooled from the cut. It wasn't life threatening but it was deeper than he liked.
"Dammit." Robb hissed.
Grey Wind responded by nuzzling up against Robb's leg. Robb smiled, patting the direwolf on the head with his uninjured hand. He turned to leave so he could tend to the wound but something caught his attention. The sound of small objects hitting the hard ground reached his ear. Turning to see the area where his finger was cut, crumbling to dust. It was as if his blood were fire and the rock, paper. With wide eyes Robb watched the section of the wall. When it was done, the hole was more than wide enough for Robb and Grey Wind to step through.
As he stepped through he turned back to the hole, "The Gods be with me."
Two things happened before he could take another step. First a cold wind blew by him that was strong enough to make him stumble. It was unlike any had felt before. This wasn't the cold that he felt back at Winterfell. This cold gripped his bones. An ominous feeling planted itself in his stomach.
Second, he heard a faint moan, more like a woman's cry from within the wind. His entire body shook as he righted himself. Robb wasn't one to get scared but something was amiss. Yet he still felt the need to go on.
Basically blind as he didn't know where he was going, Robb chose to wander until he came upon his destination. He couldn't help but feel as if he was being watched. Grey Wind seemed to share the same sentiment. He stood alert as he prowled next to Robb. Eventually his eyes landed on door, a door just like the rest but he felt a pull from the other side of the door.
Surprisingly the door wasn't locked and opened with no problem. Slowly he stepped into the room. It was a small room but three of the four walls were covered in books. He stood still, trying to decide where to start. There were plenty of books to choose from but he had no idea of the ones that would help him.
"By the Gods, why am I here?" He questioned himself. He remembered he was only here at the behest of a voice that only he could hear.
"I'm going mad—." As he began to lose hope in his self, he was given an answer. A massive gust of cold wind from seemingly nowhere, the temperature fell instantly. Frost began covering the room. The floor, the walls and books alike were frosting. His breathe could be seen with each exhalation.
The heir of Winterfell looked on with wide eyes. There were no openings in the room, besides the opening he magically created and that was not where it came from. There was no place where the wind could have come from. He felt a strange sense of fear and awe. There was something happening to him and he didn't know what. He looked at Grey Wind to confirm that he was seeing the same thing. Unfortunately the canine could not speak, so Robb had to confirm it himself.
"A shame, those of the old blood forgotten who they are," Robb's head shot up at the reemergence of the unseen visitor, "History is repeating itself."
"What are you talking about? I know who I am, I am Robb Stark, heir of Winterfell and the North." Robb said starting to get frustrated, though he kept his tone even.
"The young will forever need the old. I will show you who you are boy." Before Robb could speak his vision went black and his body cold.
His eyes flickered open to find himself surrounded by darkness. He remained in darkness until the image of a man entered his view. The man looked familiar but Robb was sure he'd never seen him. What shocked Robb were the other two standing with the man.
A small humanoid figure with brown spotted skin, big eyes and large ears stood with a spear with a black head. Finishing the triangle was another figure from stories he was told as a child.
"An Other." The words left his mouth with utter disbelief.
Its milky skin covered in armor that glistened in the moonlight. A polychromatic display, the shifting colors could take a man into a trance. The glowing crystal blade in its hand made it an intimidating sight but the most frightening characteristic was its eyes, deep pools of corrupted ice.
They began speaking but not in common tongue. It was not a language he knew, nor did it sound like any of those of the known world. The words they spoke flowed smoothly, like the words of a song. They spoke for another few minutes before stopping. The eyes of the man he suspected to be his ancestor pulsed, an unknown power shining in his eyes. He cut his hand, blood soon covered his palm. Stretching his hand out, offering it to his opposites. Before Robb could see anything else his vision went black again.
"What's happening, what is this? Who was that man?" Robb frantically asked.
"Too long have my blood forgotten who they are, this is your enlightening."
His vision came back to him. This time he saw a battlefield. His eyes focused on a thin man with long dark hair, a beard and a crown on his head. AS
"A King of Winter." Pride, at the moment it was all he felt.
The Stark king fought like anything Robb had ever seen. He cut down every man who stepped to him. His sword cut through them as if they were made of air. Robb noticed his eyes were full of power too. It was something familiar about them but he couldn't place it. As before his vision was taken from him again.
Unlike the last times his eyesight didn't come back. He could hear voices, some praying.
"To the Gods, I give you this as an offering. I have not forgotten about you. I feel the whispers of winter coursing through my blood. I have you to thank for that."
Next all Robb saw were to orbs of terrifying ice. The intensity in which they glowed, the power emitting from them and the cold he felt reminded Robb of one thing, an Other.
"That is only a glimpse of who you are, who you are meant to be. I have given you knowledge and cause. Venture out and seek what is needed for the darkness that is to come. The North had cried out for years and it has continuously ignored, no more. Follow the call, young Stark and there you will find salvation."
As it had come, it had gone. The frost had dissipated as if it were never there. The voice had gone again and just as before it left him with a longing for something of which he did not know. It spoke of the North crying, surely the lands could not cry or so he believed.
Feeling no reason to remain in the library, with Grey Wind at his side Robb quickly made his way up to the ground floor and finally outside. He took a deep breath, taking in the fresh air. After being underground in the library it felt good to be outside.
The words of the voice replayed through his head. Traveling his way up the only ice carved steps up the wall, Robb stood overlooking the lands of the North his family had no dominion over. Reaching out with his senses, stretching them to the limits he listened for the cries the phantom voice spoke of.
He heard no cries, only the sounds of high pitched winds cutting through the air. His eyes scanned the outlying lands. Somewhere, somewhere deep into the frozen lands of always winter, he felt something. He didn't know how to explain it but there was something out there. Maybe this was the call the voice spoke of.
If it was, what could he do? He couldn't just leave. His father had given him command for a reason. Though as the moments passed the connection he felt to whatever was calling out to him grew stronger. Then again his father would never let him go beyond the wall. He would have to tell him about everything that happened to him. First he would ask permission, if that failed the truth would be revealed. Robb sighed, if all else failed he would have to sneak out.
The winds began blowing harder and the sound accompanying it raised an octave, making it sound like a scream or a cry. That moment did it for Robb. He had always been a firm believer in the Old Gods but of all his years praying he had never experienced anything like his recent events. A skeptic at first but at every time his doubt rose they were shot down by things that were either difficult or impossible to explain.
Robb descended down the ice stairs with Grey Wind at his heels. Going to the training area he found Daryn Hornwood training with the men, black brothers and northmen alike.
"Lord Daryn." Robb called out.
The young Hornwood finished his opponent with a strong slash across the chest. The blunted sword impacted against the man, sending him crashing to the ground. Daryn smiled before turning to his future liege lord.
"Yes, my lord?"
"I have business with my father. You have command of the men until I return."
Like his commanding officer, Jory was a shadow at his lord's side. Robb had yet to notice the knight behind him.
"When do we leave?" Robb jumped at the sound of his guard's voice.
"Don't do that Jory," Robb growled before sighing. He knew Jory wouldn't let him leave alone. He was not his liege lord yet and his father's orders trumped his.
"Immediately, this is urgent."
Jory nodded and followed Robb to the stables. The two men mounted their horses and were on their way to Castle Black. Grey Wind easily kept up the pace as he ran at their sides.
"May I ask what is so urgent?" Jory questioned as they rode.
Robb thought quickly, he felt the need to keep the voice and search secret. He knew Jory would die for him but for now he needed to keep it to himself.
"I've learned something that he needs to know."
Jory nodded, all he could do was accept the vague answer. A raven would have done the job easily. He knew something was going on with the lordling but he wouldn't push it. The rest of the trip to Castle Black was in silence.
Robb wasted no time in finding his father. He did find an obstacle in the fact that he was in a meeting with a few of his bannermen. The guard at the door to Lord Stark's room let Robb by. Robb entered the room to find his father, Lord Umber, Lord Dustin and Lord Bolton. In the corner was his father's ever present defender and Robb's mentor, Ser Arthur.
"Robb," His father looked up in surprise, "What are you doing here?"
I…I have something to tell you."
Eddard could see the look in his son's eyes. He saw the fear, the strength and many other things. Something was going on. Maybe his son had been hearing the voices in the wind too.
"My lords," His bannermen got the message, "We'll discuss more of this when we sup."
"Aye, these bastard wildlings need to be dealt with." Greatjon Umber, his most boisterous bannermen boomed.
"For once, Jon is right." Lord Roderick Dustin said with a smirk.
"Until then, my lord." Roose Bolton said before slithering out of the room.
Ned watched his men leave. Now it was only he, Arthur and Robb. Robb didn't even flinch as Arthur strode their way. Anything he could tell his father, he could tell the dornish knight.
"What is it Robb?"
299 AC, King's Landing
All was not well in King's Landing. Sometime ago rumors had reached the King's ear that his uncle Stannis had begun mobilizing the forces of the Narrow Sea, now more had come saying he was meeting with the storm lords. A vital situation, he himself called a small council meeting. A step above what his father did as king. His green eyes looked out at the assembled lords.
"What does my traitorous uncle hope to gain from his foolish actions?" Joffrey asked from the throne, barely keeping his anger contained.
"Stannis has always been jealous. First it was when Robert awarded Renly Storm's End and now Robert is gone, he believes the Throne is his. Worry not my sweetling, he will learn his place." Cersei said with anger clear in her voice, all the while a smile adorned her face.
"Stannis and I have never seen eye to eye but I've never known him to be an irrational man. Justice rules that man as honor does Eddard Stark." Tywin spoke, he turned to his daughter.
"What was in the letter he sent?" His tone carried a hint of anger, as he was upset at the fact that Cersei burned the letter before anyone else could read it.
A feint amount of worry flickered in her emerald orbs before disappearing, "Just the man going on about him being the rightful king."
Tywin watched his daughter with keen eyes as she spoke. There was something she wasn't telling him and he didn't like that. He would get down to the bottom of it, and quick. Time wasn't something they had, not with war on the horizon.
"Lord Stannis is a stubborn man. He is not one to give in. If he truly believes the throne is his then he will fight until his last breath leaves his body." Littlefinger added.
"Stannis will be dealt with accordingly." Lord Tywin told them, the old Lion turned towards his grandson.
"What's this I hear about the Stark children coming to King's Landing?"
Although he didn't say it, Joffrey knew his grandfather was inquiring about his proposal about Sansa. He would tell them only what he wanted. He was king, his reasons were his own and no one could question them. Joffrey was no fool, he knew his uncle meant to usurp him and he was just assuring his vassals knew where their loyalties lie.
"Tommen and Myrcella need to be with children around their age. My father would have liked this, Starks and Baratheons." Joffrey allowed a faint smile appear on his face.
Even with all his faults and failures as a father, Joffrey loved his father. He wanted to be a great warrior like he once was, the respect people gave him. Having the Starks as friends helped his father gain his throne. He would not have them as his friends but they would be loyal, loyal dogs that would help him keep his throne. As long as they knew their place, they could be his dogs like they were his father's.
He hadn't been born but he heard the stories of the Starks and their armies carving through the royal forces. The Starks were strong, he couldn't afford for them to be ambitious. Joffrey had heard that Mad King Aerys wanted to give half of the North to another family. He would never say it out loud but he liked the idea. Though he surmised it would never work.
"Your grace," Joffrey snapped out of his thoughts as a gauntlet covered hand wrapped around his wrist. He looked up to see his grandfather with a scowl on his face.
"What is it?" The king growled, snatching his hand away in the same moment.
"What purpose does Sansa Stark serve, you are already betrothed to the Tyrell girl?"
"I never consented to that." Joffrey could see the various looks on the faces of the occupants of the room.
"Joffrey, you have a duty to the realm—."
"Yes, yes, mother I know and I will fulfill that duty. I never said I wouldn't marry the girl but I would like to choose for myself. I am the king, am I not?" A devious smile appeared on his face as he knew he had them beat, even his all-powerful grandfather. Even if he didn't marry Margaery, maybe Tommen could, there wouldn't be a Tyrell on the throne but the babe would have royal blood nonetheless.
Without a word Tywin rose from his seat and left the room fuming. Seeing as he was growing bored himself, Joffrey dismissed the council. Surprisingly his mother left the room without trying to change his mind. That worried him; his eyes followed her as she left.
A chill ran up his spine, "Your grace?" The golden haired king jumped. He turned to see his Master of Whispers. The eunuch made him feel odd. He didn't trust the man but as many said, he gets the job done.
"Do not sneak up on me like that, eunuch!" The bald man wore a ghost of a smile, "I'm sure you have good news?"
"I do, your grace but I also bear bad news." Seeing the instant anger growing in his king's eyes Varys thought it well to continue, "We've lost prince Viserys—."
"He is no prince." Joffrey warned.
"Of course, your grace. As I was saying, his boat sailed into the smoking sea and our men are unwilling to follow him but at your orders they will."
"The fool, let the men know they wait and if he comes back out I want him gone…for good." The Targaryen's would not be a nuisance to him as they were to his father.
"Now what of the girl, Daenerys?"
"That where the good news comes from. My little birds spotted her entering Vaes Dothrak."
"A place sacred to savages, I care not. She is to die and anybody with her. The city can burn for all I care."
"As you wish." With that the spymaster disappeared as if he was never there.
Joffrey couldn't help but shiver again as the man left his presence. He shook the feeling off and headed towards his next objective, Margaery Tyrell. A malevolent smile crossed his face. They had been spending a lot of time together lately. Even though he wouldn't be marrying her, he still wanted to have some fun and he would get that.
"Who would deny a king?" He thought.
He and his two kingsguard strode passed the reachmen who stood guard for their lady. Finding the Rose of Highgarden sitting in the gardens, chatting with her handmaids was his usual routine.
"My lady." Joffrey gave a bow of his head, his hand outstretched waiting for hers to sit upon it.
"Your grace." She said with a smile that failed to reach her eyes. Joffrey failed to notice this as he kissed her hand.
"Ser Arys, Ser Mandon, the lady and I would have some alone time." The two men nodded before taking their place at the only entrance of the garden.
Margaery signaled for her handmaidens, who were also her cousins to leave them alone. They gave her a look of reluctance but she gave a reassuring smile. They knew it false but what could they do.
"We will be near if you need us." Elinor told her with Alla and Megga giving her a look of pity.
The three Tyrell ladies walked away leaving their cousin with the king. Margaery did all she could not to scowl when the king sat down and scooted close, too close for her liking.
Lust, it was slowly consuming his being as he eyed the southern beauty. Her milky skin, her voluptuous frame. The dress she wore hugged every curve she had. He promised he would not be like his father but he was still a man and a man had needs.
"So my lady, you've been here for more than a moons turn. How are you enjoying your time in King's Landing?"
The only daughter of Lord Tyrell turned her face as the king was too close. Close enough she could feel the heat of his breath against her cheek. She had already been angry when her father informed her that she would not be marrying Robb. As her time in King's Landing passed and she and Joffrey spent more time together, she began to see what he really was.
There was so much anger within him, a cruelty she had never seen. She heard the whispers of how he treated his siblings. She shivered as she remembered when little Tommen told her what the king did to his pet fawn. There was a small hint of fear for her safety. She knew if she kept denying him he would eventually get angry and lash out. She could not let that happen but she wouldn't give herself to him either.
"It's been…informative, your grace. I've learned a lot during my time here."
The emerald eyed boy flashed another dazzling smile. His smile serving as a distraction as he put his hand on hers. He gave a squeeze and the reaction he received was not the one he wanted.
"It's been a long day your grace, I think it's time I retired to my room." Unfortunately for her, the king was not willing to let her go so easily.
"But we've only just begun talking." He said tightening his grip. While he was still smiling, Margaery could still see fire burning behind his eyes.
"I would be better company if I had some rest." She stood and he stood with her, her hand still in his grip. Worry began beating against her confidence, with fear tearing what little happiness she had left.
"I insist that you stay." This time Joffrey made more of an aggressive move. His friend hand snake lower and began lifting her dress.
Fortunately for her, someone was coming their way. They could hear the voice of a female. Margaery sighed in relief as her cousins appeared before them. Joffrey sneakily moved his hands away from Margaery or so he thought. Alla eyed the king but made sure she snapped her vision elsewhere when his almost hateful gaze landed on the Tyrell handmaidens.
"My lady, your grace." They greeted.
"What's so important that you felt the need to disturb us?" Joffrey questioned. On the surface He seemed fine, albeit a little irritated but underneath he was seething with pure anger.
"A letter has come for you, my lady." Alla told her.
Before Margaery could reply they were interrupted once again, this time by a kingsguard. Ser Boros stood in between his sworn brothers.
"Your grace, your mother has summoned you."
"This is not over, I always get what I want." He whispered as he walked by Margaery.
Unlike most of the families of the Lord Paramounts, the Tyrell's bannermen had little love for them. They easily be replaced and with the upcoming war he could see it done. Nothing had to be done at the moment. Lord Tyrell was a rose without thorns, unlike his mother, the Queen of Thorns herself, or so his mother said.
"Ser Mandon," He said getting the stoic man's attention, "Make sure Lady Tyrell and her party are watched closely, unseen of course."
The man only nodded. In his short time as king, Joffrey had come to learn that the kingsguard was in invaluable resource. They took their oaths serious and would do as their king says. A man like Ser Mandon seemed to have no problem with killing a man or a woman, maybe even a child. He would use them to the extent of their abilities.
He met his mother in her room. He saw the look on her face and he knew he wouldn't like the following conversation. His mother had always been around when he was a boy, still around him in fact. She and his father fought about it all the time. His father thought she coddled him but as boy he didn't have any friends, all he had was his mother since his father spent little to no time with him. She was there and he wasn't. Now he was king and he felt he needed to become his own man.
"Joff, what were thinking sending for that Stark girl?" Venom dripped from her mouth as she said the name Stark.
"Mother, if I am to marry then I will pick my own wife. Lady Margaery is becoming quite boring." While talking he was thinking of what to do to get back at the Tyrell woman.
"We don't all get to marry for love, Joffrey." She told him.
"Not everyone is a king, I am. If you're worried about the alliance, Tommen can marry Margaery. I'm sure that fool of a father she has will agree. He wants power and we want allies. Besides who says I won't marry Margaery, I like to have choices. Now I have things to do, mother, goodbye."
He could tell she was in slight shock but he had other matters at the moment. He had figured out what he would do. One whisper to Ser Boros Blount was all it took. A bruised rose didn't hold as much prestige as a spotless one.
Braavos, 299 AC
It was another day in Braavos. Like most days Cregan was in the tiltyard practicing. If he wanted to be half the man his father was then he needed as much practice as possible.
"Duck, sidestep and swing overhead. Parry, strike low, dodge, strike low again." The Young Stark's mind was in overdrive as he trained against two men in the tiltyard.
Cregan preferred to dual wield two single edged curved swords. He lifted the blade in his left hand to block the first attack. He quickly released himself from the struggle, spinning around delivering a blow to the back of the second opponent who chose to charge from behind. The man fell to the ground with a scream.
The first man saw an opportunity and swung his greatsword down at the still crouching Cregan. The younger warrior brought up his right sword blocking the attack while bringing the weapon in his left hand to the man's stomach.
The sound of clapping could be heard. After helping the downed man up he turned back towards his home and saw his father. The man smiled when their eyes met.
"You're getting better every day."
"Someday I'll be better than you." Cregan said with a cocky smile.
Brandon mirrored his son's grin and ruffled his hair, "Aye, you will but you still have years to go. Got get cleaned up and meet me in the gardens."
Cregan wordlessly followed his father's orders. Sometime after his fifteenth nameday his father allowed him to join the Wild Wolves on one of their adventures in the disputed lands. Two years of fighting and taking orders had turned him into a disciplined warrior. He was praised for his skill to dual wield. Many said there weren't many that surpassed his skill with a blade. His father was feared throughout the world, someday he would be too.
After quickly washing the sweat and dirt off of himself he headed towards the gardens. It was the most beautiful place in the entire compound. Green, everywhere was green. Plants from all over the world inhabited it. In the middle sat the most important plant, a blue winter rose. He knew his father had it there because it reminded him of his Aunt Lyanna.
Surrounding the northern flower were his father and the highest ranked men in the company. It was made up of the men who followed his father. Ethan Glover, Kyle Royce and Jeffory Mallister were his father's most loyal men.
"What took so long boy?" Ethan Glover, one of his father's captains asked with a smile on his face.
Cregan smiled, "Isa just couldn't let me go."
Laughter erupted Ethan's face soured at the mention of his lover. His frown quickly turned into a wide grin.
Slapping the younger man on the shoulder, "As long as she comes back."
"The boy is your twin, Brandon." Kyle Royce another captain said, "In more than just looks."
Brandon smiled, "Enough of that, we're here to talk about something serious."
The entire mood changed. Cregan knew his father to be a man that jest more than he was serious, his uncle Eddard was the opposite. His father wore what he called his lord's face. Stern, serious, cold and unforgiving like his homeland.
"There has been word from Winterfell. A wildling army a hundred thousand strong marches on the wall—."
"What does that have to do with us?" Gaza mo Azkan, the lone foreigner among the council spoke.
Five sets of angry westerosi eyes fell on the man. The ghiscari wasn't one to scare easy but these were no normal men, at least his father wasn't.
"If the wall falls the North is next and the wildlings are not the only problem." He turned his gray eyes to his ghiscari captain, "Do not interrupt me again."
Gaza could only nod, "Back in Winterfell we had a woman who had been there since my grandfather was a child. Her name is Nan but we called her Old Nan. She told me Ned, Lya and Benjen all types of stories. It was this one that interested me the most."
Cregan unconsciously took a deep breath. His eyes went wide and his heart began beating faster. He knew what story his father was talking about. It was the same one he told he and his siblings to scare them.
"Father you can't be serious, that's only a legend."
"Your uncle Ned says otherwise and Ben is missing beyond the wall." Brandon told him with a solemn face.
"Can you two fill us in on what's going on?" Kyle asked.
"It's the Others, isn't it?" Ethan asked, ghostly still.
"Don't be a fool, that's bullshit. Stories like that are only meant to scare kids." Jeffory said butting in.
"Who in the bloody hell are these Others?" Gaza asked, raising his voice to be heard over the arguing men.
"Silence!" Brandon roared. All became silent at the command of their leader. The northman looked towards his foreign subordinate.
"I'm sure you've heard of the Long Night." Gaza nodded, "Well my brother believes a second one is near and I believe him. Get your things ready and make sure the men are ready also, we set sail tomorrow at midday."
"Well boys, its look like we're going home." Kyle said getting up.
"Maybe we'll see some dragons too." Ethan said japing, out of his moment of fear.
Cregan could only sit still as the other men left to get ready. These men didn't even question his father about going. They were going to fight an army of a hundred thousand and possibly a magical ancient enemy and they would follow him without question. He shook himself from the momentary shock and went to get himself ready. More importantly say his goodbye to Rhaenys.
He found the Targaryen princess sitting in her room looking out the window. A smile crept onto his face as a thought came to his mind. He slowly crept towards her. Reaching his hand out, he grabbed ahold of her. She let loose a piercing scream but Cregan wrapped his hand around her mouth hoping no one heard her.
She turned and gave him a glare, "How many times have I told you not to do that?"
The Stark boy remained silent as he just kept staring at her. A red tint appeared under her olive skin but she kept the look on anger on her face.
"What are you looking at?"
"I'm just taking in the most beautiful face that I know. I might not get the chance to see it again. We ride out again tomorrow." Cregan told her.
At this Rhaenys dropped the false attitude. Ever since being allowed to join the company Cregan never doubted returning when they rode out.
"What do you mean?"
Cregan brought his hand up to her face. He looked deep into her eyes before crashing his lips into hers. For a moment she remained still but then she began participating in the kiss. They would have continued kissing if it had not been for his sister, Alyssa.
An innocent blush appeared on her face as she looked away.
"Don't be such a child, Alyssa. What do you want?" Cregan asked smiling at his sister's childish antics.
"Father and mother want you."
Cregan gave Rhaenys a peck on the cheek, "I'll come see you before we leave tomorrow."
"Wait, you never told me where—." She stopped as Cregan ran down the hall.
She didn't know what it is was but she could feel something bad was going to happen. Then there was another feeling fighting against that fear, like fire.
Boom, the longest chapter and written in an even shorter time. I really hope you guys enjoy what I'm doing with Robb. He has a long and hard journey ahead of him. Can you guys guess who the guys were in his visions? I also finally showed you guys the Joffrey of this story. He kind of the same but he's a bit more cunning, still the sadistic though. The one extra year made him grow up a lot (If you guys didn't know all of this happened a year later than it did in the books/show. Finally I introduced Brandon and his family. There is more to come but it probably won't be as long as this one or come out as fast but coming nonetheless. Until next time, Lknight out.