JAIME
They were no more than a days' ride from Riverrun now. The road west had been a harrowing journey, the Riverlands still bore the charred scars of the destruction left by the Lannister's in the wake of the War of the Five Kings.
Town after town, village after village, recognised only by the black outline of the structures that once stood there. The green forests and woods turned black with speckles of white from the winter snows. The fields and hills appeared battered with shades of brown, orange and gold, almost barren with no signs of life.
So much ruined, Jaime thought, so much wasted.
Dawn broke over the morning sky, the golden rays engulfed the darkened hills and yellow fields. The trees of the woods around them casted shadows across the dirt path creating black figures of all manner of shapes, some looked like monsters, others like angels. They had been riding since before first light, thankfully the wind was down yet an icy chill still lingered in the air, sleet and ice still marked the path, beaten blankets of snow layered the black countryside either side.
They rode at a slightly slower pace than when they first set off, now their destination was within touching distance, their speed was little more than a trot.
"Still awake under there?" Jaime heard from under his hood.
"Just about." He groaned at Bronn to his left, "You're awful chirpy at this hour."
"Well we might all be dead soon, no point in spending your final days miserable as shit."
The cold winds had been rising ever fiercer the further north they travelled, only death rides on these winds, Jaime thought, how could Cersei not see? So blinded by hatred and paranoia…
"You thought about what you're gonna say if they've heard from your sister?" asked Bronn. Jaime removed his hood, feeling the chilly breeze whip through his hair, "Not in so many words, as far as they're concerned I'm still the commander of the Lannister armies, they still answer to me."
"Aye…and your sisters the queen, pretty sure that puts her above you. All you high-born cunts follow that chain of command bollocks. How you gonna answer that?"
"We'll say the letter was forged, we'll say it was a mistake, we'll say whatever we need to say, we need this garrison Bronn. We can't leave Riverrun without it."
"I installed command of the garrison to Captain Tregar when we left there last, he's a seasoned knight with vast quantities of experience. He fought by the side of my father more times than I can recall. I can rely on him to fight by mine."
"Let's hope so." Bronn said with a cynical quip
Before long, the castle of Riverrun came into Jaime's view. Departing the icy path, the duo rode atop a hill to the left. The Lannister encampment stationed outside, a crimson ocean swimming beneath the castle. Row on row of blood red tents tinted with gold edges, the lion of House Lannister flying from scattered banners with coats of white.
Jaime spotted a dozen guardsmen appear from the ridge to their left, "You there, state your business!" Jaime heard from amongst them.
"Easy gentlemen, no need to draw your steel. I may be looking worse for wear but I am the commander of this army and I must speak with Lord Edmure…urgently." One of the soldiers ushered his horse closer to them, hand on the hilt of his sword, taking an inquisitive look before he met Jaime's eyes.
"Forgive me my lord, we did not recognise you. Nor were we expecting you, I'm afraid we received some concerning news from the capital regarding your position."
Seven hells, she managed her poison this far
"What news soldier?"
"You've been branded a traitor my lord, stripped of your titles and rank as commander of the Lannister armies and you were to be taken into custody upon sight."
"I need to speak to Captain Tregar, everything will be explained soldier. I assure you."
"I'm afraid I can't allow that, my lord."
"Whatever news you've received I assure you is a falsehood, the crown currently has many enemies throughout the realm all seeking to destabilise my sister's reign. This is one of their many ploys. If you permit me to speak to Captain Tregar I promise this issue can be resolved."
The cold wind blew fiercer in the lanes of the camp, Jaime saw scores of men gathered around braziers and fires, warming their hands, bundled in crimson cloaks, few were sharpening their weapons and tending to their armour. Pots and cauldrons carried scents of steaming stews, warm bread and piping soups from within their tents when the wind bellowed through them.
The pavilion stood at the head of the camp, raised above the ground, Jaime Lannister could feel the eyes of those around him following them. He wondered how far the news of his 'treachery' had spread among the men, it matters not what they think, I don't want it to matter, yet it eats me inside knowing Cersei's poisoned words may have infected their ears.
Dismounting their horses, the guards permitted them entry. Captain Tregar rose from his seat at the table surrounded by four other officers.
"Ser Jaime" He began, "This comes as a surprise."
"Not an unwelcome one, I hope." Jaime jested.
"Hah, no of course not my lord…leave us." The captain gestured to the officers.
"Please be seated my lord."
Jaime noticed the captain eyeing Bronn as he took a seat to his right. "The officers' quarters is three tents down."
"Good to know." quipped Bronn as he relaxed his feet on the table.
"You need not worry captain; this business concerns him as well."
Tregar was an elder man to Jaime, a man of fifty and one, his hair a blend of blonde and white was short and neat kept. Clean shaven, he had a single wrinkle that ran across his forehead, above a set of brown eyes. His lion-crested helm sat at the table before him gleaming in red and gold, a crimson cloak draped his shoulders, golden pins graced his chestplate orbiting the proud Lannister lion.
"Very well, you're aware Ser Jaime of the news we received from the capital of your actions."
"Indeed captain, I am aware."
"Her Grace, the queen made some incredibly damning accusations against you, claiming you conspired with her enemies to weaken her position, exposing the crown to be usurped by this Dragon Queen, Daenerys Targaryen."
"I understand Captain."
"There was also an order to take you into immediate custody should you be sighted…so I might ask…why are you here?"
"It's slightly complicated Captain, I could attempt to dissuade you of the credibility of this information but it would be for naught. All I wish is that you listen to what I have to say."
"Very well….talk."
The more he talked, the more Jaime could see the face of the captain turn. He knew he was winning him over, would his honour compel him otherwise?
"What of the castle, of Riverrun?"
"It will be returned to the Tullys, Lord Edmure will be re-given control of the castle, the land and the Tully army. We will march north once our forces in the westerlands have garrisoned here."
"The Lannister army has never ranged as far north as Winterfell, we will need time to prepare my lord."
"Time isn't a luxury we can afford captain, we mobilise at the earliest possible moment.
"Very well, what of Lord Edmure?"
"I will speak with him myself directly…today."
Jaime got to his feet turning to make for the entrance, as Bronn collected himself from his chair.
"Ser Jaime…Her Grace the Queen will not appreciate this motion, she will likely call for my head and the heads of my fellow officers. This will dishonour us all in the eyes of the gods."
"Oh I don't think the gods will mind captain, your honour won't mean much to them when you're a walking corpse."
"Lord Edmure, captain?"
"He'll be in the castle, head to the drawbridge, you'll find one of the squire boys there to lower it."
Returning to the cold air outside the tent, Jaime felt the shiver course down his back. Mounting their horses, they trotted towards the entrance of the castle.
Approaching the drawbridge, a tent stood off to the right at the edge of the camp. Its shade identical to the sky, a deep shale grey, it was dwarfed by the crimson tents surrounding it. A man sat beneath the tent, warming his hands over a smouldering fire, the hazey fumes wavering about his face. Jaime caught sight of his layered armour, black and grey scales in rows along his shoulders and chest cascading down his arms to his sleeves once white had now turned grey from wear, the silver trout of the Tully sigil embroidered on the metal. Before he could utter a word, Jaime heard Bronn call out to the young man from his right.
"Ey cunt, lower the drawbridge will ye." A look of disdain and malice crossed the lad's face as he stood to face them.
"Apologies friend, my companion here was beaten as a child so lacks the decency of good folk such as yourself. If you would be so kind as to lower the drawbridge so we may permit entry to the castle."
"Of course…my lord, welcome back to Riverrun." the lad replied, bowing his head. He recognised me…but my own did not…I suppose you don't forget the face of your enemies
"What's your name, friend?" Jaime queried
"Prentys…Prentys Whent, warden of House Tully."
"Seems you got the shit end of the stick being stuck out here lad." said Bronn.
"We all have a role to play." The young man replied.
Signalling to the castle walls, the drawbridge creaked and groaned as it began to descend across the moat.
"This way my lord."
Dismounting in the courtyard, Jaime Lannister could feel the tension in the air as he gazed around the inner walls, Septas rose from their books, knights ceased sparring, guards swivelled their heads.
"You wish to speak with Lord Edmure my lord…?...Ser Jaime?...Ser Jaime…?"
"...Yes…forgive me…yes please…if he permits."
"Follow me my lord."
The demise of House Frey after the massacre at the Twins left the castle under Lannister occupation, yet Jaime felt as welcome as the golden lion banners that draped from the walls, many of which were ripped and torn, splattered with mud and saliva.
Being led through the castle, Jaime could feel holes being burnt into his head by the eyes of every Tully they passed, from highborn knights and guards, to lowborn stableboys and servants. Some even spitting in their path, whispering words of 'kingslayer', 'oathbreaker', nothing he hadn't heard before, nothing he wasn't used to.
Ascending the spiralled staircase of stone steps to the solar, the trio met with two guards minding the door clad in identical garb to the young squire.
"Ser Jaime wishes to see-"
"Lord Edmure does not wish to be disturbed" interrupted the guard to the right."
"It's urgent, please-"
"He said Lord Edmure does not wish to be disturbed." interjected the opposite guard."
Jaime heard a muffle from behind the door, "It's the Whent boy my lord, he has a…visitor that wishes to see you."
"Send them in."
Filing into the solar, the room was triangular, the back wall stretched across to each end, black and white scales coated the edges, up, down and along to the corners. Two large painted trout leapt inwards toward the centre, surrounded by streaks of blue, white and red. A stone balcony to the left jutted eastwards out to the Red Fork, a gentle breeze weaved around the stone columns. A great canopied bed lay to the right, its pillars carved as leaping trout reaching high into the air.
"My Lord, may I present Ser Jaime Lannister."
He was seated at a desk beneath the leaping trout on the wall, not even turning to face them,
"Why have you brought him here?"
"Ser Jaime claims to have important news for you, my lord. He requested to see you."
"And what makes you think I want to see him?"
Resting his pen on the table, Edmure Tully stood to face them, taking a few steps forward.
"What could I possibly have to say to you?"
"You don't have to say anything Lord Edmure, I'll do the talking, all I ask is that you listen and listen well." said Jaime
"And why should I? Why should I spare one second listening to what you have to say?"
"Because when I'm finished, you might just be the Lord of Riverrun once again." That should entice him enough
"What game is this? You have already shown nerve beyond reasoning by showing up here."
"Tis' no game Lord Edmure I promise you. I would explain it to you…to you directly."
"Leave us."
The young lad bowed his head and promptly left the room. Bronn slowly followed suit, making for the door. Lord Edmure returned to the desk, leaning up against the wood.
"Go on then, explain it to me kingslayer."
"Somethings happening in the north Lord Edmure, you'll be well aware that winter has come once again. But this is no ordinary winter, these winds carry something dark and deadly. This darkness, Lord Edmure, is coming for us, for all of us, regardless of name, allegiance or station it will take us all alike and I made a promise to face it."
"I'm pulling the Lannister forces garrisoned here out of the Riverlands. I'm withdrawing all troops from Riverrun and granting the castle back to House Tully."
"Is this some sort of joke? I warned you once kingslayer-"
"There is no deception here Lord Edmure, whether you believe it or no. This darkness threatens the lives of every single person in this world. Something has been lurking beyond the wall for centuries past…but now they've awoken and are on the march."
"They?" Edmure asked with a hint of concern.
"I'm sure you heard the stories Lord Edmure; we all heard the same ones when we were children. Tales of the White Walkers, their dead horses, their packs of ice spiders." Now these stories have become reality
"Huh, have you gone soft kingslayer? Those stories frightened us as children because that's all they were…stories. You really believe an army of undead ice men are coming for us?"
"I've seen it, Lord Edmure, with my own eyes. You know of the arrival of Daenerys Targaryen and her dragons?"
"Yes."
"She's allied herself with the bastard son of Eddard Stark who leads the northern lords. They've combined their forces so they may face the threat together."
"And you're joining them? You're telling me your sister has agreed to help them, to help your enemies. You expect me to believe that? That Cersei Lannister put aside her own selfish needs and desires for a greater cause?"
"No…I don't expect you to believe that. You're a smart man and you know my family. To hell with all the lies, I'm not doing that anymore. As my men are not currently present, I'll speak truth to you Lord Edmure, my sister did agree to send the Lannister armies north…but she lied."
"She lied to the Dragon Queen, she lied to Ned Stark's bastard, she lied to Tyrion, she lied to me…she does not intend to send a single man north."
"So what are you doing here then?" Lord Edmure asked.
"I made a pledge to ride north, I mean to honour that pledge. I was organising the expedition north when Cersei revealed her true intentions to me. She plotted with Euron Greyjoy behind my back. She's foolish enough to believe she can defeat whichever side triumphs in the north. For once, I thought she was doing the right thing, but it was just another lie…so I left her."
"Huh, I don't believe it. You abandoned your sister?"
"Well she did threaten to execute me so I'd say it was pretty justified."
"You turned your back on your family after everythings that's happened."
"I turned my back on my sister, not my family."
"Oh yes…your brother, the Imp. Still drinking himself to death across the Narrow Sea is he?"
"No, as a matter of fact, he's now serving as hand to the dragon queen."
"Gods be good, the Lannister brothers turncloak?"
"This war goes beyond honour and houses and oaths, Lord Edmure, it's beyond anything we've ever known. That's why I'm here, that's why I'm withdrawing the Lannister forces from the Riverlands. They'll need every sword in this fight so I'm doing everything in my power to bring as many as I can muster."
"And this is where I ask something of you Lord Edmure, you command the remaining Tully forces, a garrison of three thousand strong. I imagine they could use those swords in the north."
"You must be mad, you expect me to command my men to fight alongside you?"
"Don't think of it as fighting beside me; think of it as fighting for your family, for your house. Your sister may be gone Lord Edmure but her daughters are not, think of them."
"The Army of the Dead will hit Winterfell first…and if it falls, nothing will stop them. They'll keep coming south, down the neck, over the twins to the Eyrie, then to you. Then Kings Landing and the Reach and the Stormlands all the way down to Dorne until they've covered every inch of this land wiping all life from it in the process."
"The Dragon Queen told us there are a hundred thousand of them, we can't beat a force like that alone. We need to work together if we are to win this war. There is no other option."
"I cannot say whether I believe you kingslayer." Lord Edmure said following a slight pause.
"Regardless if you believe me or not is of no consequence my lord, I have spoken the truth to you, the whole truth. It's up to you whether you choose to act upon it. I'll give the order to withdraw immediately and prepare for the road north. We'll be gone in a weeks' time, after that…the castle is yours."
Not waiting for a response, Jaime headed straight for the door. Descending the spiralled staircase, he traversed the stone steps carefully before entering the courtyard. He spotted Bronn speaking with a few Lannister guardsmen,
"Well?" Bronn asked curiously, "Did he believe ye?"
"I'm not sure, it matters not anyhow." replied Jaime.
"Report to Captain Tregar, tell him to give the order. Call all forces back to Riverrun with haste."
"Be nice to have some other company for the road ahead, been getting sick of seeing your sour face every day."
"Ha, I could say the same of you."
The following few days were a flurry of chaotic activity, Lannister riders were arriving in the hundreds, largely from the west with a few from the south coming from the borders of the Reach.
By the end of the following day over eight thousand men occupied the grounds outside Riverrun, working with the various captains of the garrisons, the preparations for the road north were swiftly put into action. Before long, the field of tents and pavilions transformed into a convoy of carriages and caravans packed to the brim almost bursting from within.
The days were long, the nights ever longer. The snow fell hard and heavy, relentless and without respite. Most days Jaime lost the feeling in his hand, his fingertips becoming numb, almost useless.
The morning of the sixth day finally brought an end to the snowfall, the grey clouds were marked by patches of blue where the sky attempted to reach through the sullen thickness. The wind still blew fierce from the north downwind through the camp.
He had been awake for an hour at least, Jaime Lannister sat at the desk in his tent, reading the words of his sister in the letter sent from the capital of his treachery.
'My brother…traitor…betrayed…dishonoured…conspired…oathbreaker…'
Words not so unfamiliar to Jaime Lannister, he had heard most of them his whole life. To hear them from the woman he loved cut a little too deep. How can I still love this woman, a woman so hateful, so full of poison, so full of deceit, yet without her a part of me feels incomplete. We were bound in every way save for marriage…by children…by name…by blood…
Strangely, Jaime felt a sadness wash over him. Rolling the parchment up he secured it in the pouch of his belt. Gathering himself, he holstered Widow's Wail to his waist. He was dressed in a dark crimson garb from head to toe, a maroon cape draped across his shoulders, collecting his gloves from the table, he slid his hands into the leather whilst making his way to the vestibule. Will I ever see her again?
Jaime found Bronn outside the main pavilion still standing in the camp,
"How are we looking, is everything ready?" Jaime asked as he approached
"Gettin' there, should be done come noon. Some lads over the other side there still movin' their shit around. Gonna be done soon though."
"How can you tell?"
"Cos I'm gonna go over there and give them a bit of encouragement." He said slyly, brandishing a curved dagger secured behind his back.
The convoy formed up before the castle a few hours later into the morning, a snake of red and gold slithering betwixt white snow and blue sleet. Jaime saddled his horse at the head of the train, a white mare with a mane as grey as the sky above him, golden straps draped its neck with red cloth intertwining the loopholes.
Bronn rode up to his left beside him, "Everything's ready, just waiting on you now, ya cunt."
"Good to see you're still in a pleasant mood." Jaime retorted. Hoisting himself up, a task he had now mastered with his left hand.
"We need to get moving before this weather turns to shit on us."
Jaime nodded as he prepared to move off, he heard Bronn shouting commands down throughout the train as the convoy began to mobilise.
Setting off along the path, Jaime turned to look over the moat towards the castle, he spotted Lord Edmure standing on the battlements. He has home back, Jaime thought. But he didn't summon his men to join us. At least I won't arrive at Winterfell alone, I'll have something to offer Jon Snow and the Dragon Queen. If they see I've tried to keep my end of the promise, perhaps they'll let me keep my head.