Sorry its a bit late, the creative juices have been stagnant as of late, ya'll knows how it is. Anyway, hope you enjoy!
The silver-grey walls of Stonehelm glistened from reflected sunlight as Snowstorm approached the mouth of the Slayne river, a deep and narrow river that wormed its way into the heart of the Stormlands. The sun was just about to set over the mountains as they sailed smoothly into the bay, and the water sparkled like gems. Truly a beautiful welcome to the Stonehelm. Although he had not seen any other castles in the Stormlands, this had to be the most beautiful of them all. The main keep was situated on the eastern bank. Keeps, Turrets and walls jutting from both the ground and out of the side of a mountain, yet high walls on its northern and western sides showed its capabilities as a true Marches fortress. There were bridges and watchtowers at further points down the river, with a growing town on the western side, rolling across the hills. The town had tall wooden walls, many thatched buildings, and a smoky town hall, alongside a neat an clean quay that stretched down the river. Contrary to the realms name, the winds were gentle and soft, blowing them slowly into the bay where they would dock further down the river. A squawk sounded from outside his window, and a colourful bird flew past.
"Bloody letters, harder than wielding an axe" he muttered to himself, flexing his tired fingers. While the crew had bought them into port, Jagare was writing letters in his solar. After the conversation with Faythe he had decided to forget his worries about war and death and sought to contact his friends and family. Letters were the immediate action. He had written one for Connie, Rambo, Benjen, Daryn, his mother…his thought father. That had been a hard letter to write but he deserved to know. He deserved to know that without him, his children had thrived…that he had grandchildren. That would shock him. When he asked Lyanna if she wanted to write anything she simply glared at him then told him to say hello to their brothers and Connie for her. He was correct in his assessment; she hated her life in the North even more than he did. He had just finished writing his letter to Rambo, stating that one day he would be back, and not to do anything too stupid until that happened, when Tommo burst through the door.
"Jagare! You should get on deck, there's a landing party on the shore- Oh, ah, sorry." Jagare glared at him while standing up, the bottle of ink that he had accidentally knocked over on Tommo's entry now split across his entire desk.
"Well, it seems you won't get to meet them because you will be too busy cleaning this shit up." Tommo winced and nodded.
"Fair enough. They are flying black and white colours; we can't see exactly but Wendel reckons it's House Swann." Jagare picked up the soaked quill and nodded.
"Aye, that seems likely. Come on then, you can clean ink later. I need you at my side to face nobility." Tommo's eyes lit up.
"You do? Thought I was just an annoying background figure." Jagare chuckled as he pulled his armour off the stand.
"You remind me that I myself am not highborn, and although politeness is expected…their smugness is not to be tolerated." Tommo laughed.
"Like that fat Reachlord, now that was fucking funny." Jagare nodded, smirking.
"Agreed, now let's go see if the Stormlords are any better."
"I think the storms will have hardened them up a bit, their winter storms can be harsher than ours apparently." Jagare snorted, remembering the winter when he was eight years old. One night it was so cold that he, Lyanna and Ben all shared the same bed, shivering under at least ten furs and snuggling as close to each other as possible. Noble children had died that winter in the North, Lord Flint, Lord Manderly, Lord Umber. Lord Karstark hadn't said a word at his children sharing a bed, and when Lady Hornwood muttered a complaint, he snapped back that in winter we must stick together, regardless of birth.
"I doubt that very much."
"Agreed. Still, hopefully its enough for some sort of respect."
"Yes well, lets hope not too much. I don't want to be taking anyone back with us. The last thing I need is a Dornishman, a Reachman and Stormlander on the same ship." He glanced fearfully at Tommo. "It would be a bloodbath."
"Sounds like a joke I know actually." Jagare raised an eyebrow and Tommo grinned. "You know, a Martell a Gardiner and a Stark walk into a bar. All three order a drink, and in each one comes a fly. The Gardiner tosses it aside and asks for another, the Martell scoops it up and eats it, and the Stark plucks it out and yells 'Spit it out ya wee shit!'." It was funny, yes…but he didn't want to admit it.
"Witty."
"Ooo, speaking of which, why hasn't Angie killed one of them yet?" Jagare snorted derisively.
"Because Cragg has threatened to tie his balls it the anchor and let it drop if he starts anything." They laughed and chatted until they both reached the deck, and immediately Jagare could see a large party of men waiting for them at the docks, blocking the only way into the town, and across to Stonehelm. He walked up to Wendall and Leyton who were looking through a far eye at the group.
"Captain" Leyton grunted, his face pale. "It's the Swann's all right. Once you see a banner fly in war you never forget it." His eyes were hard as he looked at Jagare. "I think that we should tell the men to arm themselves, catch them by surprise."
"You want to charge across a flat dock and 'catch them by surprise?" remarked Wendel. "They are better armed, better armoured, mounted, and on their own turf with many reinforcements available. That seems a bit counter intuitive to me."
"Reinforcements?" asked Jagare as he watched Leyton shift uncomfortably. Jagare grabbed the far eye from him and gazed at the docks. It's true there were a number of them on horses, but while most of them wore swords, they were lightly armoured and there were no knights. Simple men at arms in chain and leather.
"Look over the cottages Jagare" murmered Wendel. "See the smoke." Jagare swiveled his view and found stacks of smoke rising from beyond the town, neat in the calm wind.
"It's a war camp..." Jagare muttered. "Then I suppose with a mad king." He glared at Leyton. "Attack them should we?" Leyton's eyes fell, clearly seeing the stupidity in his comment.
"Maybe not then" he winced. Jagare frowned. Leyton was a war veteran, battle trained and experienced. It was a stupid idea for a military man.
"Yes well, before we start murdering those whom we wish to help us, maybe we should parley first?" He jabbed the far eye back into Leyton's chest and moved away. He saw Faythe on the foredeck practising with a knife, slashing, and stabbing in the air. He moved towards her and leaned on the foremast for a few seconds before clearing his throat. She yelped and dropped the knife.
"Don't do that in a fight" he frowned. She glared at him and picked up the knife.
"What. I was practising." He chuckled.
"Yes, I can see that. If you want knife tips, go find Lady Yronwood. I'm sure she has a fantastic ability with a blade; but for now, I need you to go find Aeron, Aimee, and Angie." She giggled and smirked. "Huh…lots of A's" he grinned at her. "Go on, hurry up." He dropped back down to the main deck and was immediately approached by Cragg.
"Captain, I've had an idea." Jagare nodded at him to continue. "If you could convince them, I would like to bring our men onto land, train them on the land. It will do them good if we ever need them to fight in a real battle." He nodded slowly thinking of the possibilities.
"We could get some of us on horses, and see if their shield wall holds up."
"Precisely captain. Do you think we could convince them?" Jagare sighed and looked up to the hill.
"How about we start with convincing them that we aren't going to kill them, then we'll see." He mopped his brow and looked up at the blistering sun. The wind had died and now the heat had reached levels similar to Dorne. "Fuck it's hot, let's get off this ship and out of the sun."
"Jagare, you really think bringing Aimee and Leyton ashore is a good thing?" asked Tommo carefully. "It seems like a heavy gamble."
"Aye, it is a heavy gamble" he replied solemnly. "But I fear it is one we must make if we are to make them trust us. Angie and Camerlron have spun similar tales about Dondarrions dislike for the king, and if I have judged right, this Lord Dondarrion could be a major asset to us."
"Speaking of me…" Cam approached, dressed in his travelling clothes, and wearing a hopeful grin. He rolled his eyes, deciding to choose his battles.
"Fine…just stay out of my way." They disembarked the ship on horseback, him, Lyanna, Tommo, Aeron, Aimee, Leyton, and Angie, with Camerlron following on one of the spare horses. He had Aeron and Xavi commanding a few dozen archers on the ship, ready to give them arrow fire if there really was an attack, but he doubted it. Eyme had wanted to stay on the ship, and Wendel was left in charge in case they needed to command a quick getaway. He had elected against bringing Lemnos and his guard, not wanting to seem aggressive. Instead Lemnos had elected to lecture the twins on what it meant to be a Northerner...gods only know what that meant. Angie however, was key. He was their way in if he had truly known Lord Dondarrion in his youth. Eventually, their horses crested the hill, and they came face to face with the Swann party. There was around a score of them, and as he had seen through the far eye, lightly armed and armoured. At the head of the party was a woman of around five and thirty name days. She had greying, light brown hair, and a sharp face. Her dress was black and white, but with trimmings of purple as well. He remembered Angie saying Lord Dondarrion had a sister.
"Greetings, Lady Swann. It is kind of you to send us a welcome party although I do not think we are worth such an honour." He had decided to speak in his highborn voice, pronouncing every word as if he owned them. There was silence for a few seconds before she spoke, cold and harshly.
"It is proper conduct to kneel before a lady, especially one of such high standard." He saw Aimee and Leyton preparing to dismount and kneel but held his hand out to stop them. He met Lady Swann's gaze with steely eyes .
"I apologise, my lady. But my crew and I do not bow to anyone anymore. We were all beaten, broken down and enslaved once. Now we are free men."
"And women" added Lyanna trotting forward. "We don't bend our knees to no one anymore. Not kings or queens, lords, or ladies, not even if the gods themselves paid us a visit." He saw Tommo's hand shift to his sword, and Aeron preparing to draw his bow, before the lady smiled, warmly.
"Good, I would have been disappointed if the legends were all false." Lyanna choked on a cough.
"I'm sorry the legends?!" Jagare raised his eyebrow at Tommo and smirked.
"I have legends." Tommo rolled his eyes and Jagare laughed. He then turned back to face Lady Swann.
"You do me a great honour, and I am glad that I live up to your expectations. Please allow me to introduce two fine nobles myself." He motioned towards Aimee and Leyton. "Lady Aimee and Ser Leyton Hightower, guests upon my ship." Lady Swann inclined her head.
"And I am Lady Eleanor Swann. A pleasure to meet the both of you, at last, my brother is expecting you as well."
"Lord Dondarrion is expecting us?" remarked Tommo surprised. Lady Eleanor inclined her head expectantly. "Sorry, Tommo Locke. I'm Jagare's protector you know, makes sure he doesn't stub his toe or scrape his knee." He grinned and Lady Eleanor laughed politely while Jagare scowlled.
"Yes, Lord Locke, my brother is expecting-"
"Oh, I'm not a lord, my lady. That's my uncle."
"Not a knight either?" Tommo shrugged.
"Don't follow the faith."
"Ah well, neither does my brother. His mother was a Northerner, and he's always found peace with the old gods."
"Like the sound of him even more" Tommo muttered to Jagare, to which he had to agree. A fellow old gods worshiper was incredibly helpful.
"Is Lord Dondarrion here then?" asked Lyanna. Eleanor shook her sad with a sad smile.
"He has been away, travelling to Cape Wrath for…diplomatic reasons."
"And just how is it you knew of our arrival this quickly," asked Leyton sharply. "You were expecting us. How." She gazed coolly at him.
"Ser Leyton. Your questions will be answered in time. Know that you are safe now." Jagare watched the two of them. There was something there, between them. They knew each other. Leyton shifted and then nodded sharply.
"Thank you, my lady. I'm glad it's under better circumstances." She smiled faintly.
"My brother spoke highly of you when he returned from his campaign. He had great respect for you. Your journey here was..."
"Uninterrupted." Leyton, glanced at Jagare. "Mostly."
"Good." She smiled at them and gestured to follow her. "Come, let us cross the bridge. The town is beautiful but I am sure you will want rest." She turned and trotted off. Jagare cantered up to her swiftly.
"Why is Lord Maximus not here then?" He asked, noticing his tone was sounding mistrustful.
"Given the current situation-"
"Potential rebellion, you mean" Jagare replied, his horse nickering faintly. She smirked and put a finger to her lips.
"My brother should be back tonight; he will want to feast with you, I am sure. Until then you are welcome to treat the castle as your own, he made specific requests for you to be treated as nobility…especially the Lady Hightower." Aimee's eyes widened in shock, and she nodded.
"M-me?" she asked, surprised. Eleanor smiled warmly.
"If you wouldn't mind, I would like a talk with you before the castle becomes too crowded" she glanced at Leyton and rolled her eyes. "Yes, you lunk you will be there to watch her. Now come along." The group rode past neat houses and shops until they came to a square keep that guarded the bridge. A few guards stood watch, but the portcullis was up and after seeing their lady the men bid them no more notice. The bridge across to Stonehelm was wide enough for a carriage, with chalk coloured stones arranged in neat patterns.
"Is this the only entrance to the castle?" Aeron asked.
"No, the main entrance is on the Northern side. This is more for visiting the town, and of course the docks." She glanced back at Aeron for a moment, before turning back around.
"You recognise the design because the architect was Ironborn, Prince Aeron." Aeron's eye narrowed.
"You know me."
"My brother does, he's heard tales." Jagare huffed slightly.
"Might I ask, my lady, where your brother came by all this information?" She smirked at him slyly.
"Dorne, of course. Where else would we get such wonderful information." He face morphed into a frown. "I will say that letting the Lady Hightower simply wander about the streets wasn't perhaps the best idea." Jagare ground his jaw in annoyance.
"We are free on my ship, in every way. I will not hold people captive when they wish to explore. Besides, she was well protected."
"I'm sure" she responded, her eyes glancing to Leyton. "Nevertheless, here she will be protected with our full strength; as will you."
"Why?" asked Tommo. "Why go through all of this for us?" She cocked her head to the side and smiled.
"My brother's source spoke most highly of you all and urged him to treat you as valued allies. I do hope that he is correct." A rider came cantering across the bridge towards them, sidling up to the Lady Eleanor, and whispering something frantically. She nodded swiftly. "My deepest apologies captain, some business has come up and I must ask we postpone your visit until this evening." Jagare frowned, but nodded nonetheless.
"Of course my lady, I understand." She smiled in thanks and beckoned to Leyton and Aimee to follow her. "I shall await you in the great hall, Captain Snowstorm. Oh!" She turned around and grinned wickedly. "Do feel free to use the fields for your men to train." His head shot round to Tommo who looked equally as shocked.
"What the fuck?" Lyanna muttered, Eleanor cantered towards the castle. "How…"
"Not how" he grunted. "Who. And I know just who." The entire party was muttering. Except one. "Back to the ship!" he called to the rest of them, his mind whirring as they took the short trip back. Wendel was waiting for them as they returned.
"That was quick" he smirked. "Did Jagare..."
"No" he muttered. "Wasn't me this time."
"Surprisingly it wasn't" Tommo confirmed. "They had business. Leyton and Aimee went with them though." Wendel paused at that, looking at Jagare with a knowing look.
"What we discussed last night..." Jagare nodded.
"Perhaps."
"Well, that went well overall" Aeron stated while dismounting. "Eyme was hoping for a fight."
"Was she" he growled, dismounting, and handing the reins to Lyanna. "Where is he…" then he saw Cam, leaning against the mast and plucking at his lute. He glanced up at Jagare with a smirk.
"How'd you like her?" Jagare strode over and without warning grabbed him by his tunic and slammed him against the rail, threatening to send him over.
"Jagare!" cried Lyanna.
"Captain..." Aeron ground out, but he ignored them both.
"Yes, you really do think that we should help the Dondarrions don't you, you little SHIT!" Cam laughed nervously and held up his hands.
"At least let me explain myself, captain, I-I'm guessing that the Lady told you something-"
"I FIGURED IT OUT MYSELF" he roared, pushing his forearm down on Cam's throat. "Now give me a reason I shouldn't throw you over this instant. Or maybe I'll leave you for the crew, or Leyton after YOU ENDANGERED HIS WARD!" Cam had the nerve to grin further.
"Leyton won't kill me, that's not part of the plan." Jagare felt the blizzard inside him roar, but before he could speak, cold steel was pressed against his neck.
"Get your hands off him" Eyme hissed. Immediately he heard blades being drawn all around him.
"Eyme, think carefully about this" Wendel's measured voice spoke, but even that was trimmed with rage.
"Where the fuck did you come from" Jagare snarled.
"I grew up in Dorne, we know how to move undetected."
"Unless you want to be fed to the sharks slowly from the feet up then you will put your blade away" hissed Lyanna, the anger in her voice shocking Jagare.
"You have until the count of three" growled Tommo, in a voice that did not suit him at all. "One…two…thr-" Eyme dropped the blade and pushed him away from Cam with a fierce shove, her face a mask of rage.
"You fucking idiot, how do you think Lord Dondarrion would react if you KILLED HIS INFORMANT ON HIS DOORSTEP." Jagare held his hand up at the men around him starting to sheath their blades. Out of the corner of his eyes, he saw more starting to emerge from below deck.
"Oh no keep those drawn boys!" He moved back towards her, towering over. "You're telling me you knew?"
"No shit she knew, it was part of a greater plan" coughed Cam from the ground.
"Greater plan..." Jagare mumbled. Things started to click in his mind, things not making sense cleared for him. The night before he and Wendel had discussed the irregularities going on...something wasn't adding up. Now there was a plan. "Leyton and Aimee...relatively smart, wouldn't you say." Eyme raised an eyebrow. "Not very good liars though. Almost as if they've been acting a role this entire time. Reachman hating Dornishmen. Leyton hating the Stormlords...he thought it would have made me suspicious if he'd been fine with it. It and you...the fucking conflict was staged!" Eyme's silence told him he was right, and soon it started to sink into everyone's mind as well, except Aeron.
"The fuck do you mean by all that" hissed Aeron, his eyes searching Eyme for answers. Cam glanced, unsure, at Eyme, who rolled her eyes and shrugged.
"SPEAK BARD" barked Tommo, his face turning an ugly shade of red.
"Think about it you fool" Cam snarled. "Two kingdoms wanting to rebel against their rulers. Both are very close to each other and in a good position to support each other's wars. Two rulers who command more respect from the rest of their realm's lords…bit of a coincidence." Eyme laughed coldly.
"You're telling me you didn't figure that out, captain?" Jagare whipped his head around with a growl.
"Do NOT turn this around on me. You came onto my ship as my guest and a passenger, if you had ANY sort of other arrangements, you should have told me."
"Why?" Eyme scoffed. What good would it have done me to have some nosy Northern captain snooping into a plot far too large for his bastard brain to understand!" The mutterings on the ship fell quiet at those words, and Jagare felt a sharp ringing in his ears. It had been a while since anyone had called him a bastard and he had cared. It had been even longer since he did something about it. But this time it mattered. There were two reasons it mattered. Two reasons on this ship that demanded he never let someone disrespect his name again. Eyme at least had the sense to look ashamed, while Cam said nothing, realising the danger they had just landed in. Aeron for the first time seemed torn, not sure what to do. Everyone else had faces of stone or fury.
"Apologise" breathed Tommo, quiet, but the whole ship heard."
"I-I apologise captain, I-" quicker than lighting Lyanna stepped forward and slapped Eyme across the face, hard. She fell to the floor and Aeron cried her name, going to help her.
"Do. Not. EVER…call him that again" she screamed, her voice ragged, and her face flushed with pink.
"THE FUCK IS WRONG WITH YOU LYANNA" Aeron yelled, but he quietened once he looked into Jagare's eyes. Humble he was not; he knew he was terrifying.
"No one shall name me bastard" he growled. "Not on my ship, not while my children breathe!" He gazed down at Eyme, then looked at Cam, whose face was pale and gaunt. "My name is Jagare Snowstorm. You would be extremely wise to remember that." He turned to some of the other men on the deck. Lemnos had appeared halfway through their argument. His broadsword was now resting against the deck. A massive blade of black steel, his eyes were as dark as the sword. "Lemnos, Brik, Merri, if you would escort Lady Yronwood and the bard back to her cabin and place a watch to make sure they are comfortable, so they need not leave..."
"With pleasure, captain" rumbled Lemnos, shoving the blade into a back sheath. Cam hauled himself up, his face still pale.
"Lord Maximus will ask after us if we do not show" spoke Cam rapidly. "You would be a fool to not bring us to the meeting."
"Then I suppose I am a fool" he growled. "But I will not have you both walking around to put a dagger in my back the moment I close my eyes." Eyme fixed him with a cool glare as Brik came to stand behind her.
"Let's go milady. Don't make any trouble now."
"Not now, no" she murmured. "Not yet."
"Close eye" he muttered to Merri, who nodded affirmatively.
"Aye, captain."
"COMMANDER CRAGG" Jagare roared, and the man stepped forward.
"Captain, I am yours to command."
"On the morn, assemble the men and have them march to the fields on the far side of the town, we have been given permission to use them. Take Xavi and Aeron-"
"I shall go keep Eyme company I think" snarled Aeron, his eyes glaring daggers at Jagare. Rage burned in his chest as he moved towards the Ironborn prince.
"Remember where your loyalties lie, Harlaw." Aeron took a step forward as well.
"Why don't you remember where their loyalties lie" he motioned at the crew with his head. Jagare's eyes widened as he felt a stab of both anger and fear in his chest. "They crew this ship because of me, what do you think would happen if I were to…disagree with you." A short gasp left Lyanna's mouth, Tommo's face hung limp and Jagare clenched his hands so hard they turned white.
"You go too far" Cragg whispered, his hands closing around his blade.
"Enough!" hissed Wendel, darting between them, his stocky frame forcing them apart. "ENOUGH. Have you both forgotten yourselves? Forgotten your friendship!" He glared at the two of them. "We are united under a banner of shared fucking hardship and shitiness. We have fought and almost died together. Do NOT through that out for a woman" he turned his head to Aeron harshly. "Or pride" he fixed his gaze back on Jagare. He ground his teeth and flexed his fingers
"Very well" he muttered. "Because you are emotional and care for Eyme, I am going to forget that you just suggested a mutiny. But NEVER mention such things again. You understand the responsibilities I now carry, and I hope you will also appreciate the lengths I will go to." His voice hissed the last part, and Aeron's one eye flickered down to the deck.
"I too…apologise" he ground out, before turning and marching towards the cabins.
"Captain?" asked Cragg. He knew what he was asking, whether he should go and take Aeron into custody as well. But that wouldn't do.
"No. Take Xavi and Wendel, and start planning out tomorrow's exercises. Lya…"
"I'll stay with the babes" she responded softly. "Make sure everything's in order and we all stay...together." He nodded at her and kissed her forehead.
"Keep Angie and Lemnos close and keep Brik and Merri guarding their rooms. I'll be back soon my love." She nodded and smiled at him warmly before smirking darkly.
"Show that fucker who you are." He grinned.
"THE REST OF YOU ARE DISMISSED" he bellowed. "UNLOAD THE CARGO AND GET ON WITH REPAIRS, THIS IS NOT A FRIENDLY VISIT." The deck burst into life again, and Jagare grabbed Tommo by the shoulder before he could leave.
"Tommo, you're with me. I want to gather some information from the town before we talk with this scheming fucker, old gods be damned."
"Well, hopefully this Maximus Dondarrion is slightly different to the other cunts we've met" muttered Tommo.
"I doubt it" grunted Jagare. "Bastard, old gods, good man…when you give someone an inkling of power it all goes to their head. Whatever is happening here, I won't be fool to it much longer." Before they left, he pulled Faythe aside, peering over his shoulder carefully. "I know you sneak around this ship like a mouse, and I want you to use that. See if you can hear what's going on inside their cabin. Any words of mutiny from the crew…"
"Straight to Lyanna, Wendel or Cragg" she replied stoutly. "Don't worry captain, I'll keep an ear out." He nodded sharply, then went to fetch their horses back from the stables. He and Tommo rode over the docks where townsfolk were coming to gape at awe at the ship, with some coming to peddle their wares. Jagare and Tommo soon found the main tavern in the village, and tied up their horses outside. The inside was crowded, and everyone knew each other, so when they walked in all chatter stopped and eyes turned their way. The silence was deafening and Jagare was considering leaving before Tommo strolled forward with a grin.
"A round for everyone barman!" he proclaimed, slamming down a number of coppers. The locals cheered, and the chatter resumed instantly. Tommo winked at him and they went to find a booth.
"That was smart" Jagare murmered, gladly accepting the ale the matron brought them.
"Trick I picked up from my wandering days. Everyone likes to be suspicious of the outsider till they start buying drinks."
"I'm sure." They sat in silence for a few minutes, sipping the ale and letting the soft hum of chatter flow over them.
"I should think this a slight bit intimidating for them," remarked Tommo with a smirk. "The Dondarrions I mean."
"How so?"
"Well, if Cam has truly been keeping them this updated, they'll know of our strength. They must be very confident we won't attack."
"Doesn't matter for them either way" replied Jagare. "They are prepared for war, and we have no way to cross the river. The castle would simply close up and a direct attack would fail horribly. Then an army already prepared for battle would come from behind the village and fuck us up the ass."
"Aye, or they just charge us with cavalry and watch us crumble" he muttered. "It feels that no matter how strong we become-"
"There's always someone stronger, aye. But that's the way of the world. Even the Valyrians learned that lesson."
"That they did" Tommo sighed, his eyes following a particularly curvy serving wench.
"Focus Tommo" Jagare warned.
"Best way to get information is if they like you back Jagare" Tommo grinned. Jagare rolled his eyes, but couldn't much argue. The sun was setting when they left the tavern, and after a few more tankards of ale, they had found a good deal more things. The most interesting had been that the great Lord Dondarrion had refused a great many marriage offers, but had rejected every single one. Powerful houses as well. Dayne, Tarly, Massey and Darklyn amoung them, houses that could help heavily in a war with the Storm King. They rode their horses to the castle gates, where they were let through with little fuss from the guards. They dismounted in a small courtyard and immediately stable boys arrived to take their steeds. They were approached by a maester, short and stooped but with kind eyes.
"Greetings ah, captain." He bowed low and gestured towards a building that looked to be the main hall. "A feast is being prepared for tonight, but until then you are free to roam the castle at your will. Rooms have been prepared for you and clothes laid out for dinner. Lord Dondarrion wishes for you to dine as befit your noble rank." The maester glanced round and frowned. "Are there others to be joining us?"
"I'm afraid not" Jagare replied coolly. "My companions were not feeling well. Just myself and my closest advisor." The maester squinted at them, then sighed in defeat and nodded.
"Very well, nevertheless, may I offer salt, bread and wine sent up to your rooms." He and Tommo glanced at each other and Jagare shrugged.
"Why not, may you show us to the rooms then," asked Tommo eagerly.
"Of course," the maester responded, beckoning for some serving boys.
"Lady Swann, I wish to speak to her" spoke Jagare. The maester winced apologetically.
"The Lady is currently occupied; you may speak with her tonight at the feast." Jagare sighed and rolled his eyes.
"So be it, the rooms then?" For the next hour, the castle was silent as the grave. Jagare enquired to the maester about sending the letters he had written and was told that they would be strapped to the fastest ravens they possessed and sent off to the North at once. Then, he had little else to do until Tommo suggested they went to the sparring yard. There weren't as many men training as he had expected, but the few of them there could not stand against Jagare that day. Southern knights fought with swords, maces, and lances, but all fell before his axe. The thoughts of Aeron, Eyme and Cam raced through his brain and fueled his strength. Time and time again he would hit his opponent's blade with such force that they were disarmed in a single blow. By the time the sun had set, he was hot and sweating heavily. There was a bath drawn for him in his room and fresh clothes laid on the bed, a black doublet trimmed with white. He chuckled at the irony; it was the inversed colours of the Karstark sigil. His bastard colours. A knock sounded on his door and a voice echoed through the keyhole.
"Captain. You have been requested for dinner."
"A moment" he muttered. "I shall be down shortly." He sat on the bed for a moment and breathed deep, trying to calm himself. His anger had been wakened to many times recently. It was getting out of control. He couldn't let it rule him. He wouldn't. A short while later he made his way to the great hall, finding it empty except for Tommo, Aimee, and Eleanor, sitting at a long table along the length of the hall. Leyton stood off to the side, in fresh clothes and his sword strapped to his belt. Before them was a feast for kings. Loaves of freshly baked bread, soups and stews of all kinds, honey-glazed ducks, and a whole roasted boar in the centre. Aimee looked uncomfortable in a dress of gold and purple, while Tommo was slurping up stew wearing a grey tabard and brown breeches.
"Ah, Captain Snowstorm, so pleased you could join us" spoke Eleanor as she rose from the table. "Please, come and share our food. I can only imagine it has been a while since you had anything but ship's rations."
"Salt beef and hard biscuits my lady" mumbled Tommo through a mouthful of bread. "Nofing like dis." Jagare rolled his eyes and sighed heavily, taking a seat at the table.
"Tommo, chew with your mouth closed. Aimee, are you okay?" She nodded furtively.
"Y-yes, I'm fine." She glanced at Eleanor. "Lady Eleanor showed me the great stone baths under the mountain, they are heated from hot springs."
"And what did you talk about?" he asked cautiously, looking at Lady Eleanor for a reaction, but her face remained blank.
"Just my life in Oldtown, that sort of thing."
"Did she ask you anything about Dorne?"
"Oh, captain you need not interrogate her as such. We had a lovely talk, didn't we?" Aimee nodded again, but remained nervous, pushing pieces of duck around her plate. Jagare's gaze hardened.
"My lady…I wondered when your brother would be joining us" he spoke slowly, drawing his dagger and cutting off a large piece of boar. She eyed the knife, then shrugged and tore off a piece of bread.
"Knowing my brother, he will want to make a dramatic entrance."
"I wish to discuss something with him" Jagare ground out, reminding himself to keep a check on his temper. Just then a crack of thunder sounded in the distance.
"The remnants of the storm I believe" smirked Eleanor. Then there was a loud bang as the doors to the main hall closed. The clink of metal on stone and the rustle of chainmail sounded at every step, as someone walked the length of the hall. Dramatic indeed. He was dressed in half plate, black and purple gambeson with a steel chestplate over the top. Chainmail leggings and purple-trimmed pauldrons, with a long purple and black cloak sweeping behind him. A shield was strapped to his back and a lightning-styled sword hilt rested in a scabbard by his side. Although his features were classically Stormland, light brown hair and a plain, tanned weathered face, grey Northern eyes stared back at him, with a smile covered by stubble.
"Well, well, well. Captain Snowstorm I presume." His voice was rough but cultured, similar to Jagare's. He stood and walked around the table. He was tall, almost as tall as Jagare. With his long hair tied back in a bun and the purple cloak flowing around him, he looked very much a lord. Not at all a bastard. For some reason he felt some of his anger dissapate at the sight of the man. His prescense seemed...trustworthy, friendly.
"And you must be Lord Dondarrion" Jagare replied, standing to meet the man. "It is good to meet you at last, you have a fearsome reputation." The Stormlord grinned at him and stuck out his hand to shake.
"As do you, captain. A pleasure to finally meet you. I have heard some tales that I wish to be told in full." His eyes flickered past Jagare to the table. "Sister, good to see you well."
"And you brother" Eleanor replied mildly. "How fares the Cape?" Maximus waved off the question and shook his head.
"It's fine its fine, no need to discuss that now though. We have guests." He looked at Tommo who was still stuffing his face with food.
"And you are…" Tommo looked up, swallowed, and stuck out his hand.
"Tommo Locke, my lord. And may I thank you personally for the feast you have laid before us. After a moon of ships food," he kissed his fingers delicately. "Truly wonderful." Maximus laughed heartily.
"It is my pleasure, and you are most welcome." He looked to the form of Leyton, standing at the end of the table with a sullen expression. "Ser Leyton," he remarked coolly. "It has been a while. You look well." Leyton shifted uncomfortably.
"Yes well, the scars have healed, and I am no longer in mourning for my cousin." Maximus nodded grimly.
"It was a tragic loss. I had wished we had come to terms before that battle, but your bravery in leading the charge earned you much respect from us. And your cousin fought bravely…he was a good man."
"Being a good man didn't stop King Durrandon from killing my brother though" mumbled Aimee, her voice quiet and yet strong. Maximus turned to Aimee and his eyes softened a smile lighting up behind his eyes.
"Hello again Aimee, it is good to see you… it's very good indeed." Jagare heard Tommo's fork drop as he stood. The two of them had the exact same thought in their mind as they stood back from the scene. Aimee looked like she was about to cry before jumping up and running around the table, launching herself into Maximus's outstretched arms. Almost instantly their lips met, and Jagare's brain connected the dots in less than a second. For a few seconds, the room was silent before Aimee pulled away. Jagare felt the shock spread slowly through his body like ice across a lake, and Tommo's mouth was hanging slack for a few moments, before every muscle in his body tightened. Jagare whipped his head round to look at Leyton, half expecting him to charge forward and cut Maximus in half, but he simply bowed his head, looking resigned. Eleanor was simply looking pleased and happy with herself.
"Guess I know what you two were talking about now, huh," remarked Jagare flatly, casting a glare at Eleanor. "Is there anyone on my ship that you do not already know and are plotting with?" Maximus looked up from Aimee's face and met Jagare's eyes. They were apologetic but humoured at the same time.
"Nobody before Oldtown, my friend."
"I'm sorry Jagare" Aimee muttered. "I wanted to tell you but…"
"We thought it safer to keep it a secret" interpreted Leyton, who moved forward into the room. "Just in case your loyalties lay somewhere else. We had to ensure that you were not a spy loyal to King Jaime."
"Loyal…" he murmured. "To…."Jagare felt the weight of the situation crash down on top of him. He had been played. Played since Oldtown. All of it had been an elaborate scheme. A scheme of rebellion, alliance and…love. Leyton, Aimee, Cam, Eyme, Maximus…and him at the centre. The bastard. The scapegoat. The fool.
"Well then" he whispered, his breath hard and sharp, a ringing noise in his ears. "I should let you know that your acting was nowhere as good as Eyme's...gods know if Cam even doesn't act a part anymore." He turned his head to Maximus. "If I have served my purpose, Lord Dondarrion. I believe I shall be going." Surprisingly, the Lord of Blackhaven looked confused.
"But why would you-"
"BECAUSE I DO NOT ENJOY BEING PLAYED FOR A FOOL, MY LORD" Jagare roared, his anger that had been simmering on the surface breaking forward, all self talk from earlier forgotten. He instinctively reached for his axe but found there was nothing there. He wasn't even wearing his own clothes. Maximus's face was calm and settled, but that only enraged him more. "You fucking highborns" he chuckled manically. "You...you think, YOU DARE, TO ASSUME WE WILL SIMPLY DO YOUR BIDDING." Instead, he turned to Tommo, who upon the same realisation looked shocked and seething. "Tommo, I believe we have served as the highborns puppets for two long. I think it's time to cut the crew back down to size, Northern and Ironborn only."
"Too fucking right" growled Tommo who at Jagare's glance left the room. Maximus disentangled himself from Aimee and went to move towards Tommo.
"Wait for just a second Locke-"
"OH NO I'M NOT DONE YET" he bellowed, Leyton stepping forward in response to his anger. "You really think that you will play me for a fool without any repercussions!"
"And what repercussions would you give exactly!" spoke Eleanor, whose face had turned furiously red. "You are in a war-ready castle and your ship is currently being repaired by OUR men!" That shocked him slightly.
"It…It is?" he asked, bringing his tone down forcefully.
"Yes" spoke Maximus calmly, much calmer than his sister. "And while it is being repaired, I am sure you have a lot of questions. Questions that may well take us through the night, which I would of course understand. I would ask that you allow me to explain before you renounce all ties with us...or do something that you'll regret." His father had said the same thing, years ago now, but it struck a fresh wound.
"And why the fuck should I" he snarled. "I hold Lady Yronwood and your precious informant on my ship-"
"No, Aeron Harlaw holds them" Maximus replied, his voice changing in an instant to cold and menacing. "And I fear he may be more loyal to Eyme than you anticipate. She does have that way with men. I daresay that if you were to return so hostile, it may be mutiny." Jagare stood silent for a second before bursting out with laughter, running his hands through his hair.
"Of course, of fucking course. You made Eyme seduce the one person on the ship who could sway my crew. You knew it wouldn't work on me because of Lyanna and you NEEDED someone to ensure that I did not betray you, WITHOUT ME EVEN KNOWING I WORKED FOR YOU!" He had the fucking nerve to smile.
"You are almost correct. In truth Aeron was a happy accident. Every man on that ship could be loyal to you and we wouldn't care of the response. But I must say you are much smarter than Cam gave you credit for. He told me all brawn and no brains" Jagare picked up a meat knife and jolted forward without even thinking.
"HOW ABOUT I SHOW YOU BOTH I CAN BE-" He heard Aimee scream, Maximus pushing her behind him, and then the sound of metal on leather before finding himself face to face with the rippling grey folds of Valyrian Steel. The tip inches from his chest.
"I have great respect for you Captain Snowstorm" he growled. "But never again shall you threaten me and my betrothed like that again." Jagare paused, and realised he was telling the truth. Maximus Dondarrion could easily cut him up and have Aeron take control of the ship. His friends would have been killed or imprisoned and his children…Like it or not, he was entirely at his mercy. He had also called him Snowstorm.
"And you wonder why we don't fucking bow to lords" he growled. "The bad ones insult your birth and the good ones point swords at you." That forced a small smile out of Maximus. He lowered his arms and inclined his head.
"Well I'm glad to here I'm one of the good ones." He held his hand up at Leyton, who had drawn his sword as well and seemed ready to run Jagare through with it. "I must ask that you apologise to my betrothed, however." The tone was non-negotiable.
"I apologise for my temper Aimee" Jagare spoke softly, as she clutched onto Maximus's arm with wide eyes. "It was unbecoming of me, and I'm sorry for frightening you." Maximus nodded, twirling his sword and sheathing it. "A fine blade."
"Thank you" he replied calmly, patting the pommel. "Its name is Black Lighting. A Lysene pirate decided to take on my ship in the Stepstones and was introduced to the power of the Stormlands swiftly. I took this as my reward and had a fresh hilt designed for it." The blade had a majestically carved hand guard and pommel, wrought in the shape of lightning bolts, with purple and black colouring running along the hilt. "Now, if you would be so kind as to tell me where Tommo has gone." Jagare paused for a few seconds before stepping away and leaning against a chair.
"He has retrieved our belongings and is riding hard towards the ship. If I do not join him before the sun comes up, then he will most likely take control of the ship, kill Cam and force Aeron to be his puppet through threatening to torture Eyme before setting sail in any direction he wished. The same would happen if he saw a party of men riding towards the ship." He glared at the Lightning Lord. "Depending on his mood he may or may not go and deliver some crucial information to King Durrandon and swear loyalty to help subdue your rebellion." The room was silent, nothing but the crackling of a hearth in the corner.
"And if we followed the ship with our own fleet, or alerted my allies on Estermont." Jagare smiled darkly and shook his head.
"Even damaged, there are very few ships that could keep up with us, and I do not think your men would fare well against armed and organised Ironborn warriors."
"That" hissed Eleanor, rising from her chair. "Sounded like a threat. Brother?" Maximus shook his head and grinned.
"No…he was showing us that no matter how much we plot and plan, he can always counter our moves. Or he was bluffing?" Jagare gazed at him coolly.
"I'm Northern. I don't bluff, and I don't make idle threats." Maximus nodded slowly; his grey eyes very similar to Jagare's.
"And neither do I." He then laughed abruptly. "And Tommo knew to do that with simply a glance, amazing. You have a truly inspiring relationship with your crew, especially those close to you." He unbuckled his sword and placed it on the table, then planted a soft kiss on Aimee's forehead, her face morphing into a beaming smile. "Please, Jagare. I must request a word. It will do us both a large amount of good and I will answer the questions you have." Jagare thought for a moment before shrugging his shoulders and smirking ironically.
"Don't have much of a fucking choice do I. Plan or not, I either end up dead or imprisoned." Maximus chuckled softly and shook his head.
"Aye, correct. Now come, before it gets too cold." He frowned.
"Outside?"
"Oh aye, I want to show you something." He followed Maximus as they left the hall, not sparing a single glance behind him at the other three. They walked for a few moments before he spoke.
"Any question?"
"Any question."
"When did you and Aimee meet then, I sense there is quite a backstory there." Maximus chuckled again, his face going slightly red.
"Odd first question." But Jagare's face was serious, so he nodded slowly and then spoke.
"You know of the recent war of course. It was short and bloody, and after King Durrandon wanted a feast held to publicly announce the treaty between our Realms. Because the Gardiners played almost no part in the war, he declared that it should take place where our two armies met, between Nightsong and Hornhill. He set up tents, dug latrine pits and created whole new roads for food and wine to be bought down from the two castles. It was there I met her…shining like a true Hightower beauty. Her hair was braided with shimmering ribbons and adorned in all the jewellery that could be bought with gold. But I saw through all that. I saw the beautiful, sweet girl she was, so strong in the face of her family's defeat. I danced with her for a while before we found somewhere more private to talk. It was there I fell in love with her and swore that by all the power I could wield I would protect her and make her my wife. But of course, I knew what they were planning for her. To wed such a kind, innocent girl to a monster like Jaime…It killed me."
"You hate him, don't you," Jagare asked softly, watching Maximus's face grow stormy and harsh. "I can see it because I've seen it in my own reflection, thinking about those in the North who have wronged me. You truly hate him." He sighed and nodded.
"Almost as much as I love Aimee. He was my friend once, my brother. He always had…tendencies, but he hid them from his father, and wisely so. But when he became king, he decided that hiding them was no longer necessary." His voice dropped to a low growling him. "The things he did…" Maximus turned and Jagare froze in shock. His face was contorted with rage and the grey eyes of the Stormlord had clouded over with a deep purple fire, his very pupils changing colour. After a second, however, his features relaxed, and his eyes changed back to grey. He caught Jagare's gaze and winced slightly. "Family trait, I apologise. My mother came from the first men same as your parents, the magic was stronger then." Jagare shook himself out of his surprise and nodded.
"Magic still has its place in the North, though I must admit, I have never seen anything like that."
"My mother was a Dayne, a lessor one, but still the blood of the first men. My father took a fancy to her when he visited Starfall. Nine moons later..." Jagare smiled slightly.
"Of course, you are a bastard yourself, in blood if not in name. And I suppose there will always be those that doubt and judge you for it." Maximus smiled weakly and nodded. They turned a corner through the castle's elaborate design and came to a wooden door with an earthy smell. A woodland smell…a smell of home.
"Even many years after being legitimized, and technically swearing before the seven, I still come here in times of stress and need. As I am sure you did as well." He cocked an eyebrow at Jagare and grinned. "Tell me, how long since you visited a Godswood?" Jagare sucked in a breath as Maximus opened the door, which lead into a large patch of woodland. There were pines, oaks, beeches, maples and at the centre…
"A Weirwood" he breathed, stunned. "I-I-I didn't know they grew this far south." Maximus shook his head as he walked up to the great tree.
"Not unless a follower of the Old Gods plants it and speaks the ancient words. I had to travel up to the neck and learn them from the Crannogmen, the southern realms have forgotten their roots." Jagare chuckled, moving his hand over the pale white bark and exhaling.
Thank you…" but then he frowned, remembering. "One good act does not wash out the bad. This doesn't make up for the fact you used me for your own schemes." Maximus sighed and nodded his head.
"I understand, though I will say I was against using you in that way. After what Cam had told me, in all honesty I was afraid. If word got leaked, you could prove our greatest enemy, so I do not regret keeping it secret." Jagare took a deep breath, sucking in the godswood air, before speaking.
"Tell me. Everything." Maximus nodded
"All of us met in Yronwood not long ago, around the time you were reaching Lannisport I believed. Our plan was simple. Eyme wanted Dorne and I needed to dethrone Jaime, and get Aimee to Blackhaven safely. Those two were exclusive, I would not simply be able to steal his intended. We hoped to cause tension between the Durrandons and Hightowers with Aimee's disappearance, and Cam proposed the idea of using you to transport Aimee in secret, and everyone agreed. That day in the harbour, Leyton made sure that their pleasure barge would be near the inspection ship. It was all planned." Jagare shook his head, still confused at the plan.
"But Eyme didn't want me to come here. Neither did Leyton, they both vouched against it. And how the hell did you know a storm would even push us near here?" Maximus sighed and sat down at the base of the wierwood, gesturing for Jagare to sit alongside.
"Aimee had wanted Leyton to tell you everything in Oldtown, otherwise you wouldn't know where to go, but we decided against it. Our original plan was for me to set sail from Estermont and meet in Myr, more discreetly. That allowed Eyme to point you towards Myr with her plans, creating a destination less obvious to the naked eye. But then Cam told me about the storm, and your little Greyjoy problem. Then Yronwood or Stonehelm seemed the best option. Seeing as Yronwood would have resulted in Eyme explaining why Aimee and Leyton had to stay with her, and her lack of tact may have created a rather nasty result."
"It would have" groaned Jagare softly.
"Stonehelm then," Maximus continued. "Luck allowed that bowman of yours to suggest the idea, but Cam would have eventually done the same. There was talk of us telling you from that moment, but still, Eyme was adamant there was too much risk of you choosing the other side and putting everyone in danger. "
"The other side?" he asked.
"Aye, the other side. Ser Stannis, King Jaime, and Prince Martell, though do not worry they are not aware of each other in this way. Although they do not know it, we have built up opposing factions against them. Aimee wanted to escape the clutches of her uncle, who after Lord Hightower has retreated inside his chambers, rules Oldtown in all but name. You think that Lord Hightower is in there by choice? No, his brother is behind that. I wanted to overthrow my King but lacked the wisdom or the claim to rule, so I needed a royal claim from a family that were kings for thousands of years. And Eyme wanted to overthrow her prince but lacked the forces to do so. We all met at that feast, Eyme was alerted to it by Camerlron and came as a Dornish envoy to act as a witness for the signing of the pact, unbiased. From there, Cam became our go-between. You see, he possesses something that is very rare to come by, I believe he purchased it from the Summer Isles. It allows him to send messages to wherever he wishes without the use of a normal raven." Jagare thought for a few moments before it clicked.
"The bird" he muttered, and Maximus nodded. Although he had paid little attention to it, many times since Dorne, he had seen a brightly coloured red and yellow bird soaring near the boat. It came every few days or so and always returned.
"All it needs is a smell, and it will find that person anywhere. Its range is not unlimited, but between Oldtown, Yronwood, Sunspear and Stonehelm, it worked. From that, we were able to arrange the whole plan. Aimee and I fell in love at that feast, and I knew I would do anything to free her from her fate. But all of us were being watched closely, so we needed a discrete way of travelling. Fast, and with no colours flown. So, Cam told us of the fastest ship ever built, coming south from Lannisport and happy to do anything for the right price. And willing to help anyone if justice demanded it." He grinned at Jagare. "You did a wonderful job with those Reach cavalrymen, believe it or not Eyme was very impressed." Jagare pushed his back against the trunk and massaged his head, which was starting to ache.
"But Cam and Leyton...they were fighting. They all seemed so divided. All an act?" Maximus nodded solemnly.
"That was the plan. Cam was worried though, he figured you might be working it out due to our Hightower friends less than good acting. But he believed he told you too much as well. His motto?"
"For the good of the realm" Jagare muttered.
"Aye. They wanted to make sure you didn't start connecting pieces, so tried to cause conflict. In all honesty I think they just confused you, because you saw their characters knew who they truly were." Maximus grinned. "You knew there was a plot going on, and still finished the mission, still came here tonight." Jagare laughed harshly, his hand curling into a fist.
"Well, you fucking succeeded in the end. I was as daft as a babe dropped on their head." He felt Maximus place a hand on his shoulder.
"Do not feel so useless, my friend. We formulated a very thought-out plan, and as you might have noticed it went almost flawlessly, only a slight mishap with that storm."
"How did you know I would not suspect a plot, and simply cut their throats in the night?" Jagare demanded. Maximus shook his head slowly.
"Because you are a good man, and there was not a single part of me that suspected you would make a call like that without knowing all the facts. Maximus looked down and then let out a short breath. "I do not hope that you think harshly of us for this. And so it is now that I must truly, truly thank you Jagare Snowstorm." He looked around surprised at Maximus's earnest eyes. "You bought my betrothed to me safe and unharmed. You spirited Eyme away from a place where if she stayed much longer, she may have been killed in her sleep. And you did it all out of the goodness of your heart." His smile was broad as he gazed at Jagare. "I could only hope to be as good of a man as you are now. I think the lack of bastardry has made me forget that a man is only as noble as his deeds, not the family name he carries. You did all this not for personal gain, but to help other." Jagare felt a smile form on his face, and he looked down at the green earth beneath him.
"Well…there were some horses involved I believe." They both laughed together, and Jagare felt his anger evaporating.
"Oh yes that part was real, and she actually does want to go to Myr for those sellswords. Stormlanders would be too obvious and since you were far to smart to do it yourself, she will need some hired help. You will have to complete that journey." Jagare cursed loudly and Maximus laughed even harder.
"And what about Aeron, is that all fake? I mean, I think he might be in love with her...and maybe her him." Maximus looked thoughtful for a moment.
"It's not unlike her to do that, but Cam mentioned there was something different this time. He thinks she generally cares for him. But who knows, I mean, she's Dornish isn't she? Can't tell if she loves you until she cuts off your-" They both exploded into laughter. This was proof, proof that a bastard could rise high in this world. And that not all lords were shits cooked up in a dragon's belly. But the laughter soon died, and Maximus became serious once more.
"And what of your lady, Jagare Snowstorm. Will you marry her?" Jagare paused, his laughter catching slightly.
"I...I don't know. It seems pointless at this point. We love each other, and that's enough." Maximus smiled.
"Beautiful, isn't it. And your babes?"
"Alaric and Alys" he grinned. "Strong and healthy. They'll conquer the North some day." Maximus laughed again, before it died suddenly. His face became wrought with worry. "What's wrong?" He turned to his head to face Jagare.
"There is something else. You see, I wanted to tell you myself, rather than Cam giving you the news. He can be slightly…tactless sometimes." Jagare frowned, annoyed at the vagueness.
"Well, come on. I think after all of this I can take it." Maximus winced slightly and nodded haltingly.
"It's…it's about the North. The situation up there." Jagare felt the temperature in the Godswood drop and his heart clenched.
"What's happened, is something wrong?" He took a step forward, his mind racing with scenarios of horror and death. "Has Jon Stark led them to war?" Maximus looked around, took a deep breath, and started speaking.
"After you left, the North was left in a tenuous peace. Thin ice, but peace, nonetheless. But then something happened. Something that has not happened in hundreds of years…the wall was breached." Jagare shot up, his breath racing.
"No…you're lying that's impossible!" But as he leant against the wierwood, the wind rustled through the leaves and he could sense it, sense through the bark of the trunk the screams and wails of Northerners slaughtered by the wildlings swarming from beyond the wall. Maximus stood slowly, his eyes purple once more, and his hand on the trunk.
"The Wildlings…they allied themselves with the Skagosi, who provided ships to transport the Wildlings south of the wall. They attacked Eastwatch-by-the-Sea from the south. The combined force was too much. After they took the castle and opened the gate, thousands more swarmed through. The reinforcements from the other castles could do nothing but retreat and regroup in hopes of fighting another day." Jagare fell to his knees, his breathing short and sharp. The Skagosi were savage islanders to the east of the North, in a prime position to attack Eastwatch. With the wildlings through in numbers…thousands of them…
"What happened next…" he muttered, fearing the answer already.
"King Stark called his eastern banners, ordering them to ride hard and deal with the wildling threat. Umber, Bolton, Hornwood and Karstark troops marched to fight the wildlings, and the two armies tore each other apart. The Northern forces had the terrain and the training, but the wildlings had the numbers and sheer ferocity. As I'm sure you know, the eastern houses were low in morale and were not at full strength. The battle came to a fierce stalemate, the wildlings being pushed back to the New Gift and the eastern forces being mostly decimated." Jagare looked up at Maximus, his eyes were red and bloodshot. He saw in his face, that there was something else…
"What else has happened? What aren't you telling me" he hissed, and Maximus bowed his head.
"The Lords Umber and Bolton argued with him, but Lord Karstark insisted on leading the vanguard against the wildings and…" he choked on his words. "I'm sorry Jagare, but your father was killed in the first charge. A wildling axe took him off his horse and before his men could reach him, he was butchered by the savages." A high-pitched ringing filled his ears, and Maximus's condolences were drowned out by the wailing in his mind. Jeor Karstark. Dead. It didn't compute. The man had always, always seemed invincible. An indomitable presence that would forever stand, brooding over his lands. Carved into stone. Dead. Gone.
"He wasn't my father" Jagare mumbled, interrupting Maximus. His body stood without him controlling it, and he started walking towards the door back to the castle. "He was nothing to me."
Re wrote this chapter a few times to try and get the twist just right, though I probably failed massively. May have been too obvious in previous chapters, but hey we live and learn.
Feel free to comment!