Chapter 3: Frozen Memories

They were heading south now, or at least more south than east. Following the endless coastline. It was hard for many, even the Ironborn, to believe that Westeros kept going. Yet they were seeing it with their own eyes. The ice was no longer a permanent cover, but was still pervasive. They watched as increasingly barren shores passed by. All desolate. There was no life here. At least not human life.

Arya's worries about Snowflake proved groundless. The dragon had no difficulty finding places to land. Yet she still had to hunt fish from the sea. There was nothing else for her to eat. Arya noted that she was eating much more than she used to. Marwyn told her the dragon had to keep her fires stoked. She might be more resistant to the cold, but she still needed food.

It was on a clear, sunny day that the lookout called, "Rising shores."

Everyone rushed to the gunwales to see what he was referring to. Cliffs, not of ice, but rock. The shore gradually rose higher and higher, soon dwarfing the fleet. There was no ice now to block their journey. The current though remained strong.

"We are now south of the realm of endless cold," Marwyn said. "It should become more comfortable from now on."

Asha asked, "Are you saying we are on the other side of the world?"

"Oh yes. We are definitely on the opposite side of the globe from Westeros."

"Oh no archmaester," Arya responded. She pointed at the shore. "Westeros is right there."

The group gathered in the main hold, Marwyn and Jake bringing armloads of maps, most of which they had made themselves. Asha picked through them before finding the one of the coast they were following. Half of it was blank.

"How much farther before we reach Essos?"

"There's no knowing." Marwyn took up a pencil and began to sketch the coast. "Nobody is really sure just how big the world really is. Some maesters have tried various methods to measure its size. But no one has a definitive result."

Arya muttered, "Just one more thing maesters argue over." No one chose to answer. "Can you give us a guess?"

He shrugged. "Maybe within a few days. I've already calculated how large the Sunset Sea is based on Maester Gurin's calculations. But I won't know for certain until we actually reach Essos."

Brienne asked, "How do we know there isn't any other lands between Westeros and Essos?"

Marwyn gave the question due consideration. "We don't."

This wasn't encouraging.

What they did discover came later that same day. Asha led Arya, Brienne, and Marwyn up to the starboard deck. She pointed, "There."

Looking ahead the three saw a large cutting in the cliff. It formed a slope that ran along the cliff face southward.

"The lookout said it runs all the way to the top. There's a beach at the bottom."

"Good. Time to stretch our legs."

Brienne didn't like that sound of that. "You don't know what lives here."

"And we won't find out unless we go look."

A ship's boat ground against the harsh gray sand. Arya jumped out before any of the sailors could pull it ashore. After a quick look, she made a beeline for the slope. This was steep, but useable. The Hound and her Queensguard followed. Marwyn and Jake took up the rear. The Ironborn remained near the boat.

Even for experienced warriors it was taxing. When they reached the top there wasn't much to reward them for their efforts. It was flat as the bottom of a sauce pan and covered in more gray sand and rocks. Some distance away snow fields covered the land. Towards the interior the snow built up into huge mounds as large as the highest hills. None of them desired to get any closer.

The group began to wander around searching for anything of interest. "There's nothing here," Yimi declared.

"I beg to differ." Marwyn was the only one who showed any interest.

Arya and Brienne were staring out to sea, looking down on their ships below. These were the only things in view that way. "No man has ever set foot here."

"Come and look." Marwyn bent down, picking up a rock off the ground.

The rest of them thought it was just a rock at first. But once Arya got close she saw it was an arrow head. It was made of a kind of rock she did not recognize. "How old is this?"

"There is no way to date rocks accurately. Based on the remains of the settlement I'd say centuries."

"Settlement?"

"Yes. It's all around us."

The others all looked around in every direction as if expecting houses to spring up out of the ground.

Marwyn laughed. "No. Right here."

He walked to a point that looked exactly the same to the rest of them and pointed down. He was pointing to a small lump on the ground. Arya walked over and brushed sand off of the pile. When she did so she revealed wood. Frozen wood, but wood just the same. It had been deliberately sunk into the earth like a post. Looking up Arya saw that there were three other piles just like it set in a rectangular shape on the ground.

Now they knew what they were looking at, it didn't take long before they all started seeing the signs. The center of the community, for that was what it was, was a lodge of considerable size. Arya had Yimi, Obella, Joella, and Maud stand at each of the piles. Slight ridges of raised dirt went from one post to another. "It looks like a long hall."

"That it is." Marwyn pulled out his measuring string. It was basically just a roll of string with knots tied at regular intervals. Both ends were tied to sticks. He handed one to Jake. The two often used it to make measurements of various things. "About as long as the great hall of the Red Keep."

"What are these?" Lynna stood near a depression in the ground. There were dozens of them scattered all over the plateau. "They look like fire pits."

"That's what they are. I'm guessing there were a number of huts surrounding the long one."

"What were they made out of?" Brienne was having a hard time imagining the settlement.

"Oh, hides and wood most likely. Much like the Wildlings used to use."

He and Jake went about their measuring as the ladies wandered about counting all the fire pits. They found several more arrow heads, plus various other tools of worked rock. None of which looked particularly remarkable.

The Hound, who had remained standing near the top of the slope, was unimpressed. "What difference does it make? Nobody's here now."

Brienne shrugged. "It's what maesters do."

Arya drifted off on her own. There was no danger here that any of them could see, so none of them took any notice. Some distance away from the settlement she spotted a strange mound. It was composed of rocks and dirt piled together. She walked over and began digging into it. Brienne by this point had seen her and followed.

Arya froze. Brushing off the dirt had revealed a skull. Very gently, she brushed away the remaining dirt. The skull was attached to another wooden post, one that must have been several feet tall when it was complete. Some kind of red paint or ocher had been smeared on the skull. She held it up to see it clearly. It was human, or at least very close. But it had fangs in its jaw. She couldn't tell if they were natural or not.

Arya looked over at Brienne, who wasn't any more comfortable with her discovery than she was. Arya put the skull back down. "Let's go."

The biggest party Dragonstone had seen in centuries was well under way. It was a masked ball in the style of Braavos. The colorful outfits and masks were not very Westerosi. The Sealord himself was a special guest. So was a prince of the Summer Isles. A magister of Pentos, and another from Lys. An archon of Tyrosh. Even a prince of Yi Ti.

But the true guest of honor was Princess Rhaella. The newborn lay in her cradle with her nurse at hand. Standing behind was Dany's entire Queensguard in full armor. The musicians had to play quietly by royal order, but nobody minded. Seeing the princess was deemed worth it. The baby appeared to enjoy all the attention.

Her brothers and sister were in attendance as well, though not entirely willingly. Rhaegar fidgeted. Catelyn was already acting the wife, nagging him and insisting on straightening his clothes. Eddard wouldn't stop crying. His nurse and Annis eventually gave up and took him to his room.

Their father and mother were enjoying themselves too. After making several rounds of the dance floor the two positioned themselves near Rhaella. Many of the lords and ladies of Westeros came to give obeisance.

"She is a most delightful baby, your grace," said Lady Hightower. "She reminds me of my youngest grandchild."

"Let us hope they have the chance to play together," Daenerys answered. After the old couple left she muttered, "By the old gods, this needs to end."

Jon laughed. "I thought you enjoyed balls."

"Dancing yes. But all this protocol, no." A bunch of ladies had gathered nearby. They made sly glances at the royal couple, whispering and giggling. "There's a bunch of hens who need to be plucked."

"No need to say that."

The gaggle of ladies made their way to the royal couple. Lady Alayne Fossoway, a handsome woman though older than either king or queen, led them. Alayne was laughing as she addressed them. Or rather him, for she ignored Daenerys entirely. "Your grace, such a wonderful ball. Such food and merriment! You have done so well to be able to hold such splendor so soon after the Long Night."

This was probably not the most tactful thing to say, as the other ladies behind her realized. But Jon didn't let it faze him. "I see it as just another way to aid the small folk. All the food and drink must come from somewhere and they are more than willing to provide."

"Oh, no doubt. Any coin is welcome." Despite her smiles it was clear she wasn't there to talk economics. "But what of you, your grace? Surely you must find such things tedious."

"Not at all. I enjoy dancing."

"But there must be other things more to your interest?"

He shook his head. "I am having a most pleasant evening."

"But it could be sooo much more pleasant." Her friend, who was standing to one side of her, grabbed her arm. She was probably alarmed by where Alayne was leading.

"No. The evening is going very much according to my wishes." Dany wondered if her lord husband was being serious, I, or was making fun of her.

Evidently Lady Alayne didn't know either. "You must surely desire more intimate company?" Her friend, Dany thought it was Janyse Florent, was pulling on her arm. Alayne was indifferent to all warnings. "I am sure any one of us would be happy to accompany you." Most of the other ladies did their best to hide their faces behind their masks or fans.

Janyse, for that was indeed who it was, noticed that the king had a firm grip on his wife.

"I have all the company I desire."

"But a king… it is so frustrating dealing with all those lords. And the need to expend all that pent up energy. I imagine you must want to relax and take pleasure in another's company."

Though Jon continued to smile, and his tone remained jovial, Lady Florent could tell that his grip on his wife was very tight. Dany, for her part, was just as determined to break loose, though she kept smiling.

"I get all the companionship I need. And my wives have always been most helpful."

"Of course they have. Though it is widely said…"

"Yes?" Maybe there was something in his tone that finally penetrated.

She laughed, the sound of it giving away her fear. "Silly me. Just a joke." She laughed and they all laughed. All of it was forced. "Still, it is said that kings enjoy…"

"Perhaps others. But I already have all the attention I need."

The nod of his head made clear that this conversation was over. With a little more fake laughter, Lady Fossoway led her friends away.

Later that night Dany was ragging. A lot like her dragon. "How dare she!" Jon couldn't stop laughing. That only pissed her off more. "How can you laugh?"

He shrugged. "Why not? It didn't work."

"That's not the point! She dares say such things in front of me!"

"They say them all the time behind your back."

This only made her madder. That he thought it was all a joke made her madder still. "And you think it's funny? Them trying to induce my husband into an adulterous affair amuses you?"

He shrugs again. "As long as they don't try to rape me."

"Ugh!" She wanted to throw him across the room, but wasn't strong enough. Instead she stormed over to her vanity. The sight of her reflection in the mirror failed to dampen her mood. "They wouldn't dare if Arya was here."

"What makes you so sure?" He was no longer amused.

"No one ever dared insult her. Not to her face. Not ever."

Jon sighed. "Is that what this is all about?"

She spun around. "What do you mean?"

His eyes bored into her. It was a times like these that she remembered that he was far wiser than he looked. He didn't say anything. He didn't need to.

Right then she felt very alone. He held out his hand. She took it and allowed him to pull her into his lap.

"You miss her."

"Of course I do. She made me feel alive like I never had before. When she first dragged me from the hall from Euron, I was sure she was one of his men going to rape me. But then, when she took off his face…"

"You always wanted to be able to do what she can."

She tucked herself under his chin. "I am so worthless." She started crying.

He laughed. "You're the only one who keeps us going."

"But I can't do anything! When my mind and hers were one I knew what it was like to fight for myself. Without her I am nothing. All I ever had was dragons."

"Nonsense. It was you who conquered the Bay of Dragons. Nobody did it for you. It was you who seduced the Dothraki. Made an army. Led the freedmen. You are the wisest person I know. And Arya knows it too."

"With all these women throwing themselves at you, I don't know why you put up with me."

He hugged her close. "How could I live with anyone else? Two women are as much as I can deal with."

That made her laugh.

Snowflake flew up to Summer, Arya jumping down from off the dragon's back. Marwyn, Asha, and Brienne were waiting for her. "There's a channel up ahead. It looks like what we've been waiting for."

"You sure?" Asha actually looked surprised. "How wide is it?"

"I am sure and it is wide enough to sail through."

"Do you want to?"

"Let's scout it out first."

Marwyn had rolls of maps under his arms. "What's it like?"

The ships reached the channel early the next day. Long before they got there they could see rocks rising out of the ocean blocking their way.

Asha turned to Crackjaw, "Set course around them. Have the rest of the fleet hold position here."

As Summer crashed through the waves Asha could tell their speed was increasing. The rocks jutted out from the mainland like islands. Waves beat against them showing a powerful current. Asha altered their course, skillfully moving around the projections. As they did so the channel opened up before them in all its glory.

It was at least twenty miles across with deep blue water flowing through it. The opposite shore, what they could see of it through the haze, looked much like the one next to them.

The ship made a hard lurch. It was strong enough to almost knock them off their feet. The Hound had visions of krakens in his head. "What was that?"

Asha leaned over the railing. "The current has picked up. It's the strongest I've ever seen."

One of her Ironborn called out, "Captain, we're headed for the rocks."

Everyone rushed to the side to see. Sure enough they were making good headway straight into large immovable mounts.

Asha sprang into action. "Hard port. Lay on all sail. Signal the fleet. They need to throw us tow lines."

Summer made a tight curve, listing hard to starboard. Everyone had to grab anything in reach to avoid flying over the railing. By some twisted god's will the wind suddenly dropped to nothing just as they successfully turned away from the death trap. The superstitious among the Ironborn, of which there were many, were inclined to see the hand of the Drowned God.

Asha wasn't superstitious. "Drop the long boats. Carry the tow lines to the fleet."

Arya's ships were more advanced than any other in the world, but they did have one weak point; they had no oars. Within minutes the long boats were launched, the men rowing for all they were worth. Unfortunately, the current was immensely strong and they were barely making headway in front of the ship. As for Summer, without wind it was being pulled inexorably backward.

Arya yelled out, "Give me the tow lines!"

New lines were jerry-rigged as Arya climbed onto the bowsprit. They handed them to her just in time before Snowflake rushed past, snatching her up. The closest ships to them were the Snow Dog, Drake, and Rock of Pyke. Fortunately, all three were of a size with Summer. This far from the coast there was still a wind, albeit a small one. Snowflake flew over each, giving Arya time to drop a line. Once the lines were tied off the three reversed course and pulled Summer out of the current. They managed it so fast the long boats didn't even have time to reach them. The rowers yelled insults back at Arya as she flew past.

She was laughing as Snowflake deposited her on the deck. Asha smiled, "You didn't give them a chance to show off their muscles."

"It was good exercise for them."

Using the boats they calculated the diameter of the current. They had to go fairly far out to sea, but were able to keep sight of the coast as they sailed south. As soon as they could get a clear view of the interior of the passage they dropped anchor.

"There's no end to it." Joella must have thought it went all the way around the world.

Marwyn was at his most condescending. "Hardly. Though no doubt we could travel it all the way to the Shivering Sea. What a trip that would be."

"Not one I wish to make." Brienne walked up behind, almost as if she was trying to intimidate him somehow. If so it didn't work.

"Don't you see? This would put is that much closer to home."

"I thought you didn't want to go home?"

Arya's command was sharp, "No bickering! Marwyn, we are not heading home. At least not yet."

"But-"

"No! None of us wants to go to the Shivering Sea. Especially since we'd have no way back. Not against that current."

"But we will." This took them all aback. "The current is tidal. It will reverse and flow the opposite way come nightfall."

"How do you know this?"

When he failed to answer everybody gave him nasty looks.

Asha's mind was on more practical considerations. "Even if you are right we'd be trapped. There's no way we'd be able to go all the way through to the Shivering Sea before the tide changes. We'd be locked inside the passage."

"Not necessarily. We don't know how far it extends. It could be the other side is just beyond the horizon."

"That is not a risk I am willing to make. And as the Lady Brienne has said, none of us wishes to go to the Shivering Sea. Except you."

"We are explorers! How are we to know if we don't see?"

This was not an attitude most of them shared. Arya wasn't most people. "You're right. I will not risk the fleet on this."

Brienne knew where she was heading. "How do you plan on dealing with it?"

"I will go myself."

The crowd erupted. None of them, not even Asha, liked the idea of Arya heading off on her own. Even Marwyn looked leery.

"SILENCE!" Arya was mad and it showed. They all backed away, even the Hound. "I will not be argued with!"

Sandor leaned over to talk as quietly as he could. "I swore to guard you. How can we if we can't keep up with you?"

"I won't be needing you. Snowflake provides all the protection I require." As if to emphasize the point the dragon did a close flyover of the ship. "Besides, I can always fly back to the fleet when I'm done."

Asha noticed something in Arya's words. "You don't want us to hold station?"

"No point. No matter how far you go I can catch up with you easily. I'm not planning on travelling too far down the passage. Once I get a clear enough picture of its length I will come back. Someone else will inevitably try later."

Marwyn sounded pessimistic, "I hope you're right."

"You can't expect us to solve every mystery archmaester. When people hear about it there will no doubt be an army of explorers wanting to solve it."

He had to admit, she had a point.

Arya didn't take much with her. Aside from some food she only took her weapons and armor. Snowflake, showing off as usual, put on an acrobatics display around the fleet. Arya could only shake her head. Her dragon just loved attention. With a daintiness at odds with her size, Snowflake alighted upon the water. The dragon was not bothered by the current in the least. She easily swam against it. Certainly the rowers were humiliated. Looking like a giant swan, Snowflake floated up to the side of Summer.

This was closer than most of them had ever been to the dragon. Naturally, they were nervous.

"Finished showing off?" Arya retorted at her dragon. Snowflake didn't answer. Though Brienne swore she saw a smile on its face. The dragon nuzzled her rider, making Brienne genuinely fearful that she would knock Arya down. The dragon's head was almost as large as her body.

Arya leaped over the rail and landed on the dragon's back. She had barely settled before Snowflake launched herself into the air. A deluge of water soaked the others.

Alys screamed, "Damn that beast!" They heard Arya laughing as she flew off toward the west.

Obella spit water. "That's cold!"

Lyanna wasn't as bothered, her northern blood being well used to cold. "What did you expect? I've felt worse."

"Maybe you should try warm baths occasionally."

Brienne grabbed Lynna before she could reach the Dornish woman. This was disappointing to the Ironborn who were not the least bit averse to watching a contest.

Snowflake flew far into the passage before descending to the water. The view of both the northern and southern side could easily be exchanged, so alike were they. Arya spotted no distinguishing features anywhere. It was simply a continuation of the coast they had been seeing for days on the trip south.

As Snowflake descended Arya noticed that the current was strongest in the center of the passage, as one might expect. Near the shores it weakened to the point that most boats would likely have little difficulty. Unfortunately, the current was very wide. Only a small ship would be able to stay comfortably outside it.

One notable point she made: most of the fish in the channel stayed close to shore. "Fishermen would be in the seven heavens here." One could easily stand on one of the frequent beaches and just toss a net anywhere. You'd be guaranteed a catch.

Snowflake settled in the water. She was like a duck, floating down the passage. Arya could not remember when her dragon became so comfortable with water. Dragons generally avoided water most of the time. Arya shifted further back so as to keep her feet dry.

They floated this way for some time, letting the current take them where it will. Arya enjoyed just looking at the landscape. There wasn't much variety, true. Nevertheless, she spotted many things that were of interest. Particularly the bones of strange animals half buried in the cliff faces. They looked like nothing she had ever seen before. Some she thought might be related to dragons. Or whales. Most were just too weird.

A large fin was moving in their direction. Shark. Arya knew very little about sharks, not least how big they got. However one judged such things, this one had to be considered a giant. The dorsal fin was easily larger than her head and the tail fin was at least twenty feet behind it. It was swimming against the current as easily as if there was none.

Snowflake dunked her head beneath the surface. She was nose to nose with the great beast. The dragon smiled. Whatever intelligence the shark possessed told it to go elsewhere. The dragon kept grinning as the giant fish moved rapidly away.

"Not to its liking, are you old girl? Better be careful. It might come back and bite your tail."

The peace and quiet soon became rather boring. With nothing to distract her from her thoughts, she lost track of how far they had floated. It was a shock therefore when she realized that the channel had narrowed significantly.

She looked back and forth, hardly able to believe how close the approaching banks were. The channel in this area couldn't have been more than a couple miles wide. In addition, the high cliffs had also given way to steep slopes. These were rapidly shrinking, becoming more like sand banks. Wide beaches also covered both shores. Looking past the banks she could still see the mountain high drifts of snow to the north. No such obstacles were to the south.

The channel twisted to the right. As the two rounded the bend a horrid sight came into view. The channel here was easily the most constricted she had seen so far. The south bank was composed entirely of a huge beach stretching off beyond sight. The northern shore had no beach. Instead a steep slope of rock and sand extended down from a high plateau straight into the water. Covering the slope from top to bottom were bones. Human bones.

Arya's hand closed on her sword hilt. Nothing threatening was in sight, yet she felt danger here. Despite that she urged Snowflake to the shore. The dragon felt no danger and needed no urging.

Arya hopped off the back of her dragon. It was hard not to step on the bones piled all over. It was more than just bones. She saw scraps of clothing scattered throughout the field. Arya recognized many styles worn by various Wildling tribes. Some remains had black too. But many had been dressed in clothes totally unfamiliar to her.

Arya made her way up the slope, looking it over. Snowflake followed, unbothered by stepping on the mortal remains below. Arya tried to find anything that would help identify the remains, but only scraps were left.

Several minutes struggle finally found her at the top of the slope. If anything the sight above the slope was more disturbing than the slope itself had been. She quickly climbed back up on Snowflake's back and the dragon took to the skies.

Ice fields covered the interior of the continent. But it was what was buried in the ice that grabbed her attention. Peeking out of the top was a coal black tower, windowless, reaching for the sky. Arya could tell it was made of greasy black stone. And it wasn't the only one. Five other towers, each as tall as the first. Guessing that they were all within the confines of a single community, they must be part of a city larger than Old Town, Braavos, or Kings Landing. The towers themselves were the biggest she had ever seen. The entire godswood of Winterfell would have fit within the base of each one.

"Come on girl. Let's go look."

Snowflake growled, but didn't move. Her eyes were locked on the towers before them.

Arya kicked her side. "Let's go!"

Snowflake suddenly snapped at her with a roar, the dragon's teeth just inches from her face. Arya was too shocked for words. Snowflake gave her a growl, then turned back to the towers. Arya could feel the rumble as the dragon made plain her displeasure.

The fleet was far south of the channel when Arya returned days later. The coast, if anything, had only become more rocky and imposing. The cliffs were rapidly turning into full fledge mountains. Even the lookouts in the crow's nests couldn't see into the interior.

Snowflake deposited Arya on Summer's deck no worse for wear. Marwyn was first by her side. "What did you see? What was there?"

"By the gods, let the queen rest." Brienne pushed him aside.

Arya was stiff from all the flying. "I need a bath. And get me some wine."

She refused to answer questions as she made her way to her cabin.

Later in the hold, as Arya guzzled down food as if she hadn't eaten in days, Marwyn was diligently copying down everything she said. He was particularly interested in the makeup of the towers.

"I wish you could have gotten closer."

"Not without growing my own wings."

"The dragon wouldn't respond at all?"

"Her name is Snowflake."

The Hound interjected. "When a dragon tells you not to go somewhere you'd better listen."

"My feeling entirely. I don't know much about black stone. All I know is that it is always bad news when you find it."

"Not always." Marwyn was being his nitpicking worst. "There's the…"

"Archmaester." He look up at Brienne, ready to do battle. But the expression on her face warned him to back off.

Asha was more interested in other things. "Did you ever see the other side of the channel?"

Arya shook her head. "I never saw the other end no matter how high I flew."

"Did you see any sign of people besides these bones?"

She shook her head again. "Not even many animals."

Jake had to express his opinion, "It must be too cold."

Lyanna never liked Jake. "It's colder in the North."

"Doesn't matter." Arya took a long gulp of wine. "The wights were here. No question. Even if there had been people here once there are none now."

A thought occurred to Brienne. "Could they have destroyed the village we found?"

Arya shrugged. Marwyn said, "No. It was gone far too long ago."

"How long?"

"Impossible to say. Even in this cold wood still decomposes. Not more than a thousand years, if that."

"The Others were active long before the Long Night."

Nobody had an answer for that.

END CHAPTER 3