Chapter 16 - King's Landing
In the night, they left swiftly and quietly as best they could. Brienne returned to her leather and armor. Steve grabbed more leather to cover his shield and a bag to contain his other items. Jaime grabbed what he could, a sword and some food. They rode out of Harrenhal on two horses to make their escape less conspicuous. Steve rode with Jaime. The Kingslayer was still not fit to travel, but he feared what the Boltons would do to them if they stayed especially after their strange savior spoke up. The Lannister helped steer while Rogers kept him from falling. They rode for Kings Landing through the night until the sun came up. Jaime could still not understand why this stranger stuck is neck out for them, but he was grateful. When the sun did shine, Steve saw it, a large city made of stone walls, cobblestone pathways, red clay roofs, wooden bridges, waterways, and large spiraling towers. It reminded him of Europe. The Captain was not sure how to feel about this place.
"Kings Landing," muttered Jaime. His severed arm bandaged and in a sling. When they passed through the large bolted doors to the city, no one recognized them thank god. Rogers saw soldiers in gold cloaks and shiny armor, merchants, artisans, food laid out for buying, forges, people wandering around poor and not so poor, but the rich … that is where they were headed … to the Red Keep. The higher they climbed up to the castle, the cleaner it got, and the more shiny soldiers appeared. Rogers thought the city was breathtaking in a way, but he preferred the European cities from his world. The stench of suffering could be smelled from anywhere except for where they were going. A gold cloak stopped them at the door demanding to know who they were.
"I am Brienne of Tarth, here to deliver Sir Jaime Lannister," she said bravely. The soldiers exchanged odd looks until they got a good look at the cripple on the horse held up by the other blue eyed blonde.
"And who is this?" they questioned pointing a spear at Rogers.
"A squire from the Reach. He volunteered his services. If not for him Sir Jaime may not be alive today," she lied proudly.
"Is that right? Looks more like a knight than a squire?" doubted one of the soldiers. Steve remained quiet.
"That is right … or do you want my father to find out that you refused his first born son at the front door," the Kingslayer growled losing patience. They recognized his voice and let them through. Steve helped him from his horse. Inside was even more magnificent. It reminded Steve of some of the European cathedrals. The Captain began to understand why this person had a lot of powerful leverage, but he was not sure he saved the right person. The environment sort of reminded him of Stark tower, and the Avengers compound, but Tony's properties were never this gaudy. He could not believe he actually thought that, but as egocentric as Tony could be … ironically enough he was never this selfish. He gave a lot to the Avengers, and he stopped producing dangerous weapons … other than his suits. Rogers was about to let the Lannister lean on him when Jaime swatted him away.
"Where is my father?" he asked one of the soldiers.
"He is in the tower of the hand, my Lord," he said. Steve laughed internally at 'My Lord.'
"Have rooms ready for Brienne of Tarth, and … " he said looking back at Steve, "And Steve Rogers of the Reach. We've had a long journey."
Little did they know that a famous Spider and an infamous Little Finger, lingered somewhere in the crowd, listening.
Varys found Tyrion and took him to one of his secret rooms in the castle.
"Why must we always meet like this?" Tyrion said sarcastically.
"If I didn't have anything of importance to say, we would not be meeting like this," said the Spider.
"Fair enough … so what do you have to say?" the dwarf said impatiently grabbing a glass of wine. Varys noticed.
"You are drinking more," he remarked.
"Well I wonder why? We lost one Starks to trade … Joeffry torments the other one ... my brother is god knows where, everyone despises the Lannister name, and now we have a new Stark that fell from the sky … what is there not to drink about?" said Tyrion taking a large gulp of wine. Varys waited for him to finish.
"Your brother arrived in King's landing this morning," he said with the good news. Tyrion practically choked, coughing.
"What?!" he said surprised wiping the wine from his mouth, "Why didn't you lead with that?!"
"Your brother arrived at Kings Landing … with two companions," continued Varys. The dwarf paused.
"Is this where I am about to hear the bad news?" he asked cautiously.
"Perhaps … one of them is Brienne of Tarth," said Varys calmly. Tyrion let out a sigh of relief.
"And? The other?" he dared ask.
"Why don't you go ask him … we have been summoned to a small council meeting and he will be there … I heard … he's not from here."