Author note: Driftmark and Dragonstone will lie closer together, than in canon

Flashback: 5 years ago

Geralt was riding, along with Arthur, Syrio Forel, Sifu, John, The Warmaster, Aemon, Viserys and Daenerys and of course the nine (for now). They were on their way to Winterfell from White Harbor, where all of them would meet and reside with his uncle and his family. A lot had happened since leaving King's Landing, two years ago.

Flashback: 6 years and many moons ago

They had settled quickly on Dragonstone, since leaving King's Landing. Rhaella had taken control and command over the castle and its responsibility quickly. She was quickly forming a council of her own, loyal to Geralt and herself. Aemon had been stripped of his title as grandmaester and cast out as a member of the citadel, once the citadel found out that he had left against the king's order. Geralt had been distraught and blamed himself when he found out, it had taken a lot of Aemon to convince Geralt of the opposite. He had quickly been given the title of Steward of Dragonstone, by Rhaella. The maester of Dragonstone was Cressen, Sir Bonifer Hasty was the spymaster. Davos Seaworth was to be the master of ships and Sir Arthur was to be the master at arms, until they could find someone capable of filling the position, he would continue to act as Geralt's sworn sword and shield. All of them were to be on Geralt's and her council.

As days turned to weeks and then to months, things were going great on Dragonstone. In a surprising move Rhaegar had chosen to change tradition. He had decided that he would rebuild Summerhall and give it to Aegon. Geralt became the prince of Dragonstone, while Aegon, the heir apparent, became the prince of Summerhall and now a new tradition would be built. As Everyone on Dragonstone understood it, Rhaegar wanted to isolate them and curtail their influence, not that it bothered any of them one bit. After this announcement house Celtigar of Claw Isle, house Seaworth of Cape Wrath, house Bar Emmon of Sharp Point and house Sunglass of Sweetport Sound, came and swore allegiance to prince Geralt, as did several houses in the Crownlands. It was understood that Rhaella would rule Dragonstone until Geralt was ready, a decision everyone agreed and were happy with.

Unfortunately, house Velaryon was no more. Monterys Velaryon had been killed during Robert's rebellion, siring no heir and Driftmark now stood empty because of it, but not to worry, Rhaella had plans for Driftmark. Robert had been killed during his Rebellion, Stannis was now the Lord of the Stormlands, after swearing allegiance to Rhaegar and putting down every house who sided with Robert. Lord Arryn had been allowed to return to the Vale and rule until his time was over, he was however forbidden to marry and produce offsprings. Upon his death, Rhaegar would appoint a new Lord of the Vale, most likely house Royce. This was a consequence of his involvement in Robert's rebellion. House Stark and Lord Eddard received no further consequences, considering his father Rikard and his brother Brandon had been killed by Aerys, thus started the rebellion, and all Eddard wanted was his sister back. Lord Stark was allowed to collect her remains and bury her in Winterfell.

Geralt, Daenerys and Viserys' education went well. They were all studious and worked hard, Geralt in particular. He was determined to become a great ruler and warrior. He read a lot of books, asked questions the uncle Aemon (though he still was the grandmaester in his mind) and maester Cressen, while observing how his grandmother ruled, being in attendance when she solved disputes and asking questions afterwards to why she had made the ruling she did. To improve his offhand, he wrote the Valyrian language with his left hand. His swordsmanship was improving by leaps and bounds under the tutelage of Arthur, practicing both single- and dual wielding. He was already better than Viserys, despite Viserys being 8 years his senior, that boy would never be a sword master, but he would be capable and would be able to defend himself. Daenerys had taken to the bow.

Since leaving King's Landing the children were happier, they could be themselves on Dragonstone, without worry, but there weren't any other children on Dragonstone, so they got occasionally lonely and got on each other's nerves. This was something Geralt was aiming to change; he still remembered the conversation he had had with Arthur regarding the King's guard.

"The idea of the kingsguard is great Arthur, I'm not arguing that having guards whose sole job is to protect the King and his family is sound and smart. What I am arguing and want to know is the number of the kingsguard, why only seven, that number sounds too small", Geralt argued.

"Your original number of 49 members of the kingsguard are too many, Geralt. While we in the kingsguard don't make a lot of money, we get a small amount on the side, the more members there are, the higher the cost to the crown, also the kingsguard is a brotherhood, everyone needs to know and trust each other, too many members and that won't happen. There is also the fact if there are too many members, you can easily put in a spy, also Iron sharpens iron" Arthur stated clearly.

"Ok, so 49 members are too many" Geralt conceded.

"But that still doesn't change the fact that I think seven members are just too few. What about sleep for the guards, you have to be fresh? You can't honestly think that while your brothers are the best of the realm, that it is a unit that functions at its best?" Geralt continued

Arthur had to concede that point, there had often been days where he was dead on his feet and wasn't working at his best, and that was unacceptable, looking back on it. He just nodded at Geralt.

"Your points regarding too many guards are valid Arthur. In your experience, how many members should there be" Geralt asked curiously.

Arthur thought silently for a second, before he came to a number. "13 is the ultimate number" he answered back.

So, after the talk with Arthur and informing his grandmother, it was decided that a new "kingsguard" called the 13, loyal to Geralt and his family would be created. Arthur, Aemon and Rhaella, spent a lot of hours discussing, how to go about this. They finally landed on using Ser Bonifer's spy network looking for young children around Geralt's age. The children didn't have to be orphans, but it was preferable, as by living on the streets, having to do anything to survive, they would be more grateful for their improved situation. Thus, increasing their loyalty towards the people who improved their lives. Was it honorable, fair or morally just? ABSOLUTLEY NOT, but they lived in a hard world, where people died left and right. They were also talking about Geralt's survival. Honor, fair and morals could go fuck itself.

Ser Bonifer had a vast spy network in Westeros and most of Essos, excluding the Dothraki sea, Plains of Jogos Nhai and Grey Waste and he would use his network to find candidates all over. Once the candidates for his kingsguard had been found, they would sail to pick them up and to give them the offer.

Geralt was now 6 years old, and it was now time to travel around Westeros and Essos to offer the candidates they had on the list a spot in his kingsguard. If all went well, they would be gone for 3 moons all together. If the training went well, they could talk about adding to the Dragon Legion (military of Dragonstone) and expanding it, not his kingsguard. He was excited, both at the prospect of getting of getting new friends and guards, who was specifically loyal to him, but also his family (the attack played in his mind, he still had nightmares about that day, though they were getting fewer and further apart), but most importantly, he was getting to see the world, see new places, people and things.

They were also establishing trading deals with important figures in port cities in Westeros and Essos. Aemon would handle the negotiations, Geralt would only observe, his presence would signal that Rhaella Targaryen and by extension himself were serious about establishing good relationships and trading agreements with said people of the cities. Rhaella had decided they would use the climate and fertile lands of Driftmark for agriculture, as within agriculture there laid several more opportunities. The grain produced would keep their people fed and they could sell the excess. They could also make other things from the grain, alcohol for one. She also wanted to build a bridge to connect the two islands, driftmark had a small port, but the short ride from Dragonstone, could be treacherous with the unpredictable sea.

They were now on their way back to Dragonstone. The journey had been successful, they were able to convince nine of their targets to join their kingsguard, the other four had sadly died. They had also been able to establish trading agreements with big port cities, all the while picking up a few extra people along the way.

From King's Landing they picked up five boys of Sarmatian heritage, Bors, Dagonet, Gawain, Galahad and Tristan. All five were orphans, their family were friends, but had all perished. Bors and Dagonet were brothers, with Tristan, Galahad and Gawain being friends. Bors was two years older than Geralt and the other boys, he was brash, spoke his mind (that would be interesting whenever he came before the lords and ladies), but very protective of the rest. Dagonet was taller than his brother and thus Tristan. Tristan was quiet, but very observant and intelligent, he also had a knack with animals, as he already had a pet falcon. Galahad and Gawain were more talkative than Tristan and Dagonet, but less than Bors.

In Bravos they picked up another boy Duncan Idaho, same age as Geralt, along with the new sword master Syrio Forel (after swearing his allegiance), who had to flee because the son of the Sealord accused him of lusting after his wife. The final three were picked up in Yin and Jinqi in Yi Ti, Guan Yu, Zhang Fei and Zhao Yun were their names. They also picked up a blind monk, who would be their hand-to-hand master, called Hundred Eyes. Geralt still remembered how he had introduced himself. They were walking back to their ship after picking up Guan Yu, Arthur sensed and attack and readied himself, 11 thugs came running towards them, Athur drew Dawn and mentally assigned the order to put them down. Only to be interrupted by hundred eyes coming out and quickly put down the 11 assailants without using a weapon, knocking them out.

After being sure the assailants would not be getting up, hundred eyes turned and looked at Arthur, Geralt and the group.

"Why?" Arthur asked

"You had it under control, no doubt" Hundred eyes responded.

"However, you want to establish trade with the warlord of this city, that will not happen if you kill his people, regardless of them being criminals, since you are foreigners" he ended with.

Everyone seemed to accept this answer, not Geralt, but he knew he had to play this carefully.

"As thanks for stopping these attackers, we would like to invite you back to our ship for salt and bread, guest rights in our culture", Geralt said

After eating on the ship. Geralt decided it was time to nip this in the butt.

"How did you know, we were getting attacked, they were quite quiet, and you can't see? Geralt asked.

"There are many ways to see, not just with the eyes", hundred eyes responded.

"Again, why? Don't give me that crap about saving our trading agreement, that wasn't mentioned by anyone, so there was no way you could know", Geralt stated.

All the people on the boat became tense, and slowly went for their weapons. Sifu sighed, knowing that the jig was up.

"What I think, is that you became aware that a small boy went along with foreigners, and you wanted to investigate the situation and possibly protect said boy. You came aboard the ship and discovered two more boys of the same ethnicity as you, as well as six other boys. You've used the time, while we ate to discern that all the boys are here of their own volition, that we have hired a translator to able to communicate with the boys from Yi Ti and we mean them no harm". Geralt continued.

"I saw you sitting in an alley, begging for money, and thought nothing of it, not a mistake I will make again. The way you took down those thugs like it was nothing without any form of weapons has intrigued me, and I would like to make you an offer. I would like you to train myself and the boys in your art form, in return you will have every need taken care of, like the boys". Geralt pressed.

"Why?", Hundred Eyes asked.

"Why would you need to learn my style, to kill, to conquer?", he continued to ask suspiciously.

"Words are but the wind, you said there are many ways to see, come forward and see for yourself", Geralt stated.

Geralt took off his shirt and the eyes of everyone who didn't know what happened had their eyes widened to epic proportions. Understanding dawned on the orphans as to why Geralt wanted to create a guard for him, as his body was littered with scars. Seeing those scars brought a bad taste to Arthur's mouth. Sir Davos was shocked, no wonder Rhaella was taking charge, Aemon didn't like the sight, but was happy his great great nephew was alive. Hundred Eyes stood up and walked slowly towards Geralt, Arthur and Bonifer had taken out their swords and were ready to strike, Geralt signaled them to relax, not to do anything, but be ready. Hundred Eyes reached out his right hand, his hand started on Geralt's head, when he was done taking a picture of his head and face with his hand, he went lower. When he reached his chest, that's when he felt the first scar, as he continued to feel, he felt more and more scars, his frown grew deeper and deeper, soon he was done with the front. Out of curiosity he wanted to feel the boys' back, but dreaded what he could find, he walked behind Geralt hoping not to find any more scars, only to feel scar upon scar. He grew sad and sighed, no boy should experience that. The boy had clearly survived an assassination attack.

"Someone tried to kill you", it was more of a statement than a question.

"No wonder you are gathering children, to grow up with you, and for them to eventually be your guard. No wonder you want to learn my style", he continued, almost talking to himself.

He ended up right in front of Geralt, with his right hand on his head.

"A little nomad wind in the garden of the world, it wish you to grow into a flowering tree" he took down his hand "What is the most important part of such a tree?"

Geralt thought on the answer, but only one thing came to mind.

"The roots" he answered.

"Ah, thank you for the answer" only to quicker than lightning use his left leg to sweep Geralt's legs from under him, falling on his right side. Arthur and Bonifer looked murderous, only to be stopped by Aemon.

"What is your name, boy?" Hundred Eyes asked

"Geralt Targaryen", he answered back

"That wouldn't happen to be Prince Geralt, second in line to the Iron throne now, would it?"

"Why ask a question you know the answer to" he got in return. Hundred Eyes smiled at the clapback, as he heard Geralt get to his feet.

"I am One Hundred Eyes, though you and the boys can call me Master Sifu", he smiled back.

"I accept your offer and promise to guard you and train your boys. Geralt your answer is correct. We begin with roots". Only to sweep his legs from under him again. Geralt scowled, now wondering what he got himself into. Everyone stood down.

They picked up Yahya Ibn Umar, when they docked in Qarth on their way back to Dragonstone. Turned out he had snuck on their ship and hidden and was found out when the ship left port. The only thing that saved him was that he was a friend of Ser Bonifer and Bonifer vouched for him. He had seen Bonifer when they docked, but couldn't approach openly, so he decided to hide away on Ser Davos' ship. The reason for him stowing away on the ship was that he had taken revenge on a Saracen general, who was responsible for killing Yahya's son. Yahya showed them his equipment and Ser Bonifer raved about the Saracens ability with the bow, after swearing his oath towards Geralt and becoming the bowmaster and captain of the archery division of the Dragon Legion, he was allowed to stay. All of the boys were looking forward to seeing his skill, to determine whether he was the real deal or if he and Bonifer were blowing smoke up all of their asses.

The final straggler and future Warmaster of Dragonstone, a new name of the title master of arms, was a surly and grumpy man, named Gurney Halleck. He cautiously decided to join on trial basis from New Ghis. The biggest surprise was that he was the former mentor and teacher of Sir Arthur Dayne. Arthur laughed as he remembered the looks on everyone's faces. Gurney had had a falling out when Sir Arthur decided to join Aerys' kingsguard and he had spoken harsh words to Sir Arthur, when they saw each other again. Gurneys main anger, disappointment and discontent towards Arthur stemmed from that he had understood that the members of the kingsguard were beholden to the king and his wishes, regardless of whether the king was wrong, Arthur had understood this too late. Arthur was told by Gurney, that he was proud of him when he left the kingsguard, only to be disappointed again, when he swore himself to Geralt. Ser Arthur spoke up vehemently in defense of Geralt, arguing that he was not like his grandfather and father and if Gurney chose to accept the position of Warmaster, he could guide Geralt and see for himself.

Geralt would never forget the words Gurney spoke to him.

"I hear from my former apprentice that you are different than your mad grandfather and your selfish father". Geralt raised his eyebrows at the words and the man's tone. He could be a bad influence on Bors.

"I also hear you need a master of arms. That is a shitty name for a title. The new name is Warmaster and I accept that position as it was offered to me by my former stupid apprentice. I accept it on a trial basis. Arthur swears that you're different, only time will tell, so long as you live up to Arthur's words and I deem you worthy of my services, I will stay. The moment I deem you unworthy, I will leave, and you will help me with the transportation. Do we have an accord?" Gurney asked.

Geralt looked him straight in the eyes and answered "yes".

6 years ago

They had now stopped at Valyria at Geralt's behest, something drew him towards Valyria, he had felt on the way out, but ignored it, but it felt stronger now and he couldn't ignore it anymore. The moment his feet touched the ground of Valyria, his body felt strange, as they continued to explore the coastline, they came upon a shipwreck. Geralt walked towards a skeleton, he saw a crown hanging around the skeletons neck, but it was the sword that drew his attention.

"Arthur, uncle Aemon, look at this. Look at the pommel" Geralt said exited

"It's a lion", Arthur said looking very surprised.

"Good lord nephew, you have just found Brightroar, this must be King Tommen II", Aemon said.

"Take the crown and sword back to the ship and Ser Davos, we will continue to explore", Geralt said to one of the men.

They continued walking until they came upon a big door. They opened the door and to their surprise, inside there was a big room with a lot of scrolls. Geralt and Aemon ran to the scrolls and opened them, to their surprise there was a lot of information in the scrolls. How to build different ships, advice on agriculture, special forges, clean water, hygiene. Aemon gathered up everything with the help of the men. Geralt felt a pull towards a shelf, Arthur and John helped him move the shelf and behind it was a hole in the wall. Geralt stuck his hands in the hole and pulled out something, to his surprise he found a dragon egg, it felt alive. Everyone was absolutely mesmerized by the discovery; he also felt a pull towards a book. Once he grabbed the book, a wind blew in the room and his body stopped acting strange. He opened the book, but he could not read it, he could only make out a few words and that his arm was to be pointed out from his body. The name of the book was Sign.

Geralt took the position and spoke:

"Aard", suddenly a blast came from his open hand and chairs flew backwards.

"Igni" a burst of fire came from his hand.

"Quen" a shield formed around Geralt.

"Yrden" a glow came on the floor under Geralt, he stepped away.

"Axii" a symbol came before Geralt, but nothing happened.

That was all Geralt was able to do, he staggered backwards and passed out. John was able to catch him. Aemon ran to check on him, only to sigh in relief.

"He is asleep, he will wake once he has rested, I believe whatever he did drained him", Aemon said.

"Did he just do magic", Arthur asked with fear in his voice.

"I believe he did", Aemon responded.

Aemon took the book and looked at a couple of pages. The book was written in old tongue. Everyone was sworn to secrecy about everything they saw, heard and discovered. They packed up, went back to the ship and sailed towards Dragonstone.

Author note: The characters are played by their original actors