Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 7: Day 327 - 297 AC
"Legilimens," Harry intoned. Suddenly, his mind was assaulted by hundreds of memories. The boy's mind seemed to have no real organization, just memories floating haphazardly in his mindscape.
As Harry watched the memories fly by, unsure of where to start, he saw a young boy approach him.
"Lord Peverell?" Bran said, looking at the man who was technically invading his mind.
"Hello, Bran," Harry responded, smiling.
"What are you doing here?"
"I'm visiting you. You took a mighty fall, and your parents are very worried about you." Harry responded, kneeling to his level.
"I know! But I can't wake up!" Bran responded, angrily.
"Perhaps I can help you if you help me."
Bran eyed Harry carefully, "What do you want?"
Harry kindly smiled at the boy, "I only wish to see what happened to you from your memories."
"And if I show you, I wake up?" Bran asked, creating the deal.
"Yes, you will wake up." Harry agreed. Once he had, memory flashed into Bran's outstretched hand. The memory was the wispy like substance that what almost like cotton candy. Harry instinctively knew what to do and gently guided his hand into the substance. Once he did that, his eyes flashed red as the memory was absorbed.
"You were pushed by Jamie Lannister?" Harry asked the boy who only nodded Yes, "Thank you Bran."
Harry retreated from the boy's mind and looked upon the broken form. He pulled his wand from his holster and went to work, healing the boy.
It took several hours to fully fix the boy, but once he was done, he repaired most of the damage. Harry then could leave Bran to wake up on his own in a few hours, making the boy believe it was some dream.
Harry quietly left the room and donned his cloak again, making his way back to his dragon mount. The beast sensed him approaching and let out a rumble in greeting. Harry smiled and bowed, "Tillidh mi Hedwig, rachamaid dhachaigh."
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 7: Day 330 - 297 AC
"Jaime Lannister pushed him when Bran saw him banging the Queen." Harry said, meeting with Neville and Susan.
"That's not surprising. No doubt they wanted to keep it quiet. I guess we can say for certain Robert's children are not his." Susan replied, confidently.
"We have known that for a while now, but this just confirms it. If Bran were to wake and tell his parents that he saw them, this could ignite a large crisis." Harry replied, smirking.
"But he is not dead... Just in a coma." Neville said, looking towards the memory Harry had shown them in his penseive.
"I suspect this will not be the last attempt on the boy's life." Harry responded, looking towards the map of Westeros arrayed before him on his large table. The table itself was massive, with an equally gigantic map covering it. Across it, a hundred figurines of sigils showed the locations of House Armies and one glowing stag with a crown moving down the King's road at a snail pace. "With the King returning with Lord Stark in tow, I would suspect an assassin to silence him."
"Should we move to prevent it?" Susan asked, obviously considering leveraging her witch spies to protect the boy.
"No, we shall let the die be cast by the Lannisters. If they attempt it, then they are more foolish than I thought." Harry chuckled, casting his eyes toward the Lion figure in Casterly Rock.
"I doubt Tywin would condone that." Neville said bluntly.
"No, but his children would..." Susan said seriously, "Cersei believes she has the beauty to manipulate anyone and the intelligence to outwit them as well. Jaime just follows his sister's lead. Shameful."
Harry laughed, "Is that right? That's sad the Lannisters have fallen so far."
"Tyrion Lannister is a nice fellow, if a whoremonger and drunkard can be nice." Susan chuckled, Neville just looked at her confused, "What?"
"Who is that?"
"Tyrion? 'The Lannister Imp'? Tell me..." Susan began as Harry laughed in the background and Neville cut her off, remembering.
"Ohhh! I didn't realize that was the Imp's name!" Neville said, trying to defend his lapse in memory. Harry and Susan just kept laughing. "I don't deal with the Imp, okay? Tywin has never mentioned him to me in our meetings."
As Harry and Susan tried to stop laughing, a soft voice replied, "Tywin hates him, wishes he didn't exist." Astoria said, entering the room with her sister in tow.
"Ladies, good to have you." Harry smiled sincerely, "Anything to report?"
"My research of the Veil remains slow. Based on my observations, it is not active all the time as we thought though. The veil itself appears to ripple and disappear for a split second every 38 minutes. The runes that are faintly lit up while the veil is 'active' go dark for that second. More research is required. Perhaps there is a way to 'turn off' the veil?" Daphne said, obviously very interested in her studies.
"Astoria, how goes the schooling?" Susan asked, smiling, as she thought about how her kids came home so excited after school.
Astoria smiled broadly, "New Hogwarts is amazing. Our staff have had great success at emulating the atmosphere of Old Hogwarts."
"Did you decide to use houses or not? I know that was a hot button topic." Neville asked, toying with a figure that was close to him.
"We decided to go ahead and use houses."
"Oooo. What did you call them?" Neville asked, leaning forward against the table to listen.
"Well, I had the staff choose. They decided on:
House Bones, cunning yet loyal
House Longbottom, resolute yet understanding
House Greengrass, intelligent yet humble
House Peverell, ambitious yet selfless
They said that we deserve our own houses."
"Thats shite. Harry gets selfless but I get stuck with resolute yet understanding? What the hell does that even mean! I gave up Riverrun to come back here and run the Riverlands, that's pretty selfless. No offense, Harry." Neville complained.
Astoria rolled her eyes, "They worked on those phrases for a while, but I think they got stuck on yours..."
"Might as well just done House Longbottom, Monkey yet Human."
"Neville, I think they meant it as like resolute in supporting magicals yet understanding that sometimes you have to make hard choices." Astoria said in her mom voice.
"Sure." Neville said waving his hand dismissively.
"Well, I like mine." Harry said, causing the group to chuckle.
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 8: Day 25 - 297 AC
Loud running footsteps filled the quiet halls of Harrenhal early in the morning. Obviously, a man's steps, it sounded like a herd of elephants making their way through the keep. Harry heard them coming and paused his breakfast with his family, waiting for the door to their private dining room to open.
When it did open, a tired looking Neville stood in the doorway. Harry motioned for his friend to approach as the others continued eating, only Astoria looking up in curiosity. Neville made his way to the table and leaned down to Harry's ear as he handed him two notes, "Susan received this, very early this morning. She confirmed it not ten minutes ago."
Harry just nodded, confused as to what the letter could be. He slowly unrolled one parchment and read silently.
My Lady, I bring grave news. Daenerys Targaryen was spotted courting the favor of the leaders of Qarth even with her small band of Dothraki. While this is not grave news itself, she was spotted with TWO small dragons. She is using the Dragons to gain supporters to make an attempt on the Iron Throne. - A Friend
The second was obviously in Susan's handwriting, I have portkeyed to Qarth and found this report to be accurate. Deeply concerning. She also appears to be courting the Wizards in Qarth as well. Perhaps as a way to protect against our magic, but it appears their magic is insignificant compared to ours. Talk soon.
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 8: Day 60 - 297 AC
Merlin, everything is falling apart. Bran, the Stark boy, awoke but couldn't remember anything about his fall. Lucky for the Lannisters currently, but I did ensure that the memory would return in due time. He had also made a miraculous recovery according to the Maesters, which was thanks to me and a bit of magic.
The Lannisters, foolishly, sent an assassin to kill the boy now that he is awake. That assassin however, got his throat ripped out by Bran's Direwolf which I guess was good so he couldn't get captured... I did receive word that Cersei, whom I presume sent the assassin, failed to tell the man to NOT carry incriminating evidence on his person while going to kill the boy so he was found with a coded letter and a Lannister minted coin. I supposed the coin would get him past the guards in King's Landing once the job was complete?
So, currently the Starks are silent. That isn't great. I have read some rumblings that Lord Stark is trying to find out who sent the assassin and why at King's Landing but is struggling. Perhaps I can nudge him along... I have also heard rumors that Lady Stark made an unscheduled visit to King's Landing to discuss the situation with The Hand...
Anyway, the Hand has requested my presence in the Capital for an accounting of the realm which I am displeased about. To be honest, I enjoy being left to my own devices and I would guess Lord Stark wishes to rein the small council in. Renly barely does his job as Master of Laws. I have to say though, one of Paxter relatives (I forget his name) is doing a good job as Master of Coin. He has raised taxes to bring down the debt and has prioritized getting rid of the Iron Bank debt. Smart lad.
That leaves Varys... Varys "The Spider"... Elusive and cunning, his loyalties are forever clouded by subterfuge and lies. He continues to provide intelligence that is the truth yet avoids going into detail. "Daenerys has reached Qarth to gather allies", he says yet fails to tell us of the dragons which is likely the most important part! But for some ridiculous reason, he decides to tell the Hand that there have been Dragon sightings in the Riverlands. Dick. So now, in the demand letter for my presence, the Hand says I must shed light on these rumors...
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 8: Day 84- 297 AC
Harry's retinue made its way through the city towards the Red Keep, his Deathly Hallows sigils fluttering in the shite smelling wind. The black armor of his guards gave a sense of foreboding to the commoners they passed, reminiscent of Targaryen rule. However, what struck Harry was how hollowed out the city looked. The last few times he had been to King's Landing, he didn't observe the city. But now...
"I had forgotten the smell." Neville said, snapping Harry from his thoughts.
Harry nodded in agreement, "Indeed... It seems less pungent since our last visit." Harry said as they passed several abandoned buildings and shops, "It reminds me of a ghost town. There are a lot less people here than I remember."
Neville nodded as one of his guards spoke up, "Duskendale is growing, mi Lord. Same as much of the Crownlands and Riverlands thanks to your leadership."
Harry chuckled at the young man's comment, "I am to blame for this?" He replied in a mock scandalized voice.
The man stumbled over his words in apologies before Harry and Neville laughed, "Perhaps I am. Maybe they should make me Hand of the King so I could make Westeros a better place altogether!" They both laughed again, even getting some chuckles from the other guards.
As they turned a corner onto a seemingly abandoned street, which was supposedly a shortcut, Harry felt the hairs on his neck prickle with trepidation and warning. Harry brought his horse to a stop, causing the entire group to clamor to a stop as well.
"Did you feel that?" Harry asked Neville while seriously looking around.
"Of course." Neville replied, scanning the abandoned area for any signs of danger. As he spoke, he looked backwards towards the turn they had come from and saw some sort of cabbage card blocking their retreat.
"I sense a trap." Harry said, pulling out his wand from his sheath.
"Next move? Our escape is cut off." Neville replied as he too armed himself with his wand.
"Spring the trap." Harry smirked, "Do you have your light armor on?" he asked as he tapped a finger against his chest, causing a light tinging sound. Neville just nodded and tapped his chest as well.
As Harry watched Neville's response, his enchanted armor glowed a bright gold as he was propelled backwards off his horse, crashing into the ground.
"Ambush!" One of the Riverland's guards yelled as they all removed their swords from their sheaths and brought their shields up to protect themselves from the windows and the arrows now raining down on them. Several muggle guards were hit and fell to the ground as Harry ran to check on Neville.
"Are you okay?" Harry asked, looking Neville over for wounds.
Neville just chuckled in pain, "Your enchantments worked, albeit imperfectly."
"We can discuss how to improve later; we need to move out of here into cover." Harry said, looking around quickly. As he scanned the nearby buildings, he pointed his wand at the door of one and cast a blasting curse into the boarded-up door, blowing it inward. "In here, quickly!" Harry yelled, pulling Neville up and into the building as his guards streamed in behind them, leaving their horses outside for now.
As they entered and took stock of their surroundings, Harry's guards searched the house and took up any defensive positions they could find. They moved what remained of the house's furniture to block the entrance and create an obstacle for any adversaries foolish enough to enter.
They had taken causalities with two muggle guards gravely injured and one nicked in the arm. Harry healed what he could with his wand, his muggle guard already knowing of his sorcery. The wizarding guards with him remained unscathed fortunately.
"Gregory, have you discovered a way out?" Harry asked his guard commander. Greg was a middle-aged man with light brown hair and a muscled build. Certainly not one to be trifled around with. Originally from Earth, he had grown up in a "New Blood" wizarding family and was discriminated against by the government of Voldemort and even the freed government.
When Harry spoke it broke through the yelling and clamoring of chaos that had overtaken the group, "No, my Lord. It appears half the house is collapsed, and we dare not move the rubble for it might fall on the rest of us."
Harry scowled but nodded in understanding, "Then we must fight our way out." He stood and waved his wand towards the front of the house, causing the front wall to shimmer for a moment until it became transparent. Neville quickly understood what he was doing and cast the human revealing spell to light up their foes.
"Looks like there are only a few back the way we came, perhaps we could make run for it?" Neville said, peering through the wall at the street.
"No, they will rain arrows on us as we flee, I would hate to lose more men as we retreat."
"Frontal assault then?" Gregory asked, looking at the men around him, "Perhaps a small team of wizards could take enough out for us to make our escape?" Neville nodded in agreement as Harry thought about it. It may expose their magic, but if they were fast, they might be able to end the threat without exposing magic to the masses.
"Alright, let's go. Neville, Greg, John, Edward, and I will take out the people attacking us. Wait until the fighting is done and we'll make our escape." Harry said, announcing his plan to the rest of his guards and he made his way to the barricaded door. A quick flick of his wand and the furniture moved away and allowed for their exit.
Harry was out first, pulling a pure stone wall out of the ground to protect him from the numerous bolts flying towards them. As the team filed out and found cover behind said wall, Neville peaked around the corner and saw a black clad figure in the open obviously trying to flank them. He smirked for a tenth of a second as a deep purple spell shot from his wand, easily hitting the running human. All of a sudden, the alley was filled with the screams of that person as their skin seemed to disintegrate, exposing their muscles and whatnot to the air.
It even caused the ambushers to stop firing and stare in horror, giving Harry the prefect opportunity to cast an ancient siege spell at one of their buildings. That spell Harry found in an abandoned castle in the Middle East. Some Templar castle maybe? But it was made to specifically destroy hardened stone walls in a siege. What it was not made for was houses inside the castle.
Harry watched as his orange spell impacted the building and completely destroyed it. The sound of the explosion was deafening. It seemed like those who were inside had been vaporized. As Harry destroyed that building, the rest of his team picked off more ambushers in the confusion. One here, one there. Truly, it was a sight to behold.
But as quickly as the attack started, it ended. Harry and his guard didn't really have any competition during their battle, so it was a simple search and destroy.
When it had been about 12 seconds since the last crossbow bolt was fired and Harry was now standing in the open, Harry commanded his men out of the house and to search the wreckage for survivors.
"Mi Lord, there was only one unscathed survivor. He keeps repeating that his name is Jon Waters, and he refuses to answer any other questions. There were several wounded though."
Harry nodded and replied, "Good, put a bag over Mr. Waters' head and send him back to Harrenhal quietly. The rest just bring out to the street and kill them."
"Harry, if we don't hurry the small folk will come see what all the ruckus of all about." Neville said as he cast repario at different buildings. The rest of the team all started doing that, quickly cleaning up the street before the townsfolk arrived. The only thing they could not fix was the house Harry had destroyed. So instead, they just banished the remains and cleared the lot. Might look weird but Neville said it might confuse the folk enough that they might think there was actually never a building there. Like the Mandela effect from Earth.
As they finished cleaning, the group made their way back to their horses and snuck away into an adjacent alley. They reformed their convoy and continued their journey to the Red Keep. A minute later however, they passed a red cloaked woman who met Harry's eyes as he looked.
Harry saw a scene almost out of a movie, the woman, and a group of men, standing in the shore as she lit a jelly covered sword on fire and gave it to some guy. That guy then took the sword and lit several pylons on fire, burning several people to death. When the seeming vision was over, Harry just raised an eyebrow at the woman and smirked. He didn't even bother to give the woman a second look as he continued.
Melisandre, King's Landing
Melisandre, Red Priestess for the God R'hllor, had just watched an ambush of Lord Paramount Peverell thwarted by MAGIC she had never seen before. More powerful than the Wizards of Qarth or even the High Priest in Volantis who can perform miracles in the name of R'hllor.
She was whacked to her core. She had barely made her escape before one of the guards saw her, but her curiousness of the Lord made her double back towards them. As she walked, she would glance at the Lord, trying to feel for any clue to how powerful he was. Then suddenly, when she looked up, her eyes met his and the memory of the last 'ritual' she had performed flooded into her mind.
She watched it play back, seemingly in real time as the Lord watched with curiosity. It seemed like she was reliving it, but soon enough it was over with not five seconds passing. As she kept looking at him, he just smirked at her. All she saw in his eyes was darkness. All-consuming darkness. That man definitely was NOT the Prince Who Was Promised...
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 8: Day 85 - 297 AC
We arrived in King's Landing yesterday to meet with the Hand of the King, but before we arrived, we were attacked by a group of people in a side street we took as a shortcut. They were easily dispatched, and we took one prisoner who is now on his way to the Harrenhal dungeons. I'll interrogate him later...
Yesterday I locked eyes with a woman who I believe to be a 'Red Priestess of R'hllor'. She seemed to be committing ritualistic sacrifices somewhere on the eastern seaboard of Westeros. Concerning but not a big deal when it comes to me. The magic I have seen from R'hllor pales in comparison to my power. However, the most interesting part was where it was occurring. The sea seemed very harsh. The Stormlands perhaps, Dragonstone? I will speak with Susan about this to see if she has heard and rumors.
I also had this vivid dream last night of some sort of Ice Monster from the North beyond the wall. I am unsure what to make of it. I feel like it may be connected to the Red Woman… I have never had a dream like that before I met her. I will ask Lord Stark about it.
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 8: Day 86 - 297 AC
Harry ascended the stairs of the Tower of the Hand fairly quickly, wanting to get this meeting over. He really had no desire to remain in King's Landing longer than necessary. He wasn't accompanied by anyone in contrast to normally. Neville had decided to visit with the merchants of the town to get an idea of how Harrenhal could benefit from additional trade. In truth, Harrenhal and the Riverlands had slowly been shifting their trade routes to Maidenpool and encouraging those passing through to use Maidenpool's newly expanded harbor rather than King's Landing.
Harry reached the door a few minutes later and was surprised to see four Northern guards watching his approach. The security, while not uncommon, slightly surprised Harry. He had not expected to see such high security deep within the Keep.
"Good afternoon, gentlemen. I have an appointment with Lord Stark." Harry said, grinning at the guards.
"Who are you?" an unnamed NPC guard asked.
"Lord Peverell, here at Lord Stark's request."
The man nodded and knocked loudly, garnering a gruff, "Enter", from the other side. Harry pushed the door open and was greeted by Lord Stark sitting at his desk, looking at some sort of book that he hastily put away after Harry's entrance, "Lord Peverell, thank you for coming on such short notice. I trust your journey was uneventful?" Stark asked, shuffling his papers, obviously looking for something.
"As much as it can be. Luckily, Harrenhal is not far from King's Landing. Only a few days ride, unlike Winterfell…" Harry jabbed, trying to lighten the mood.
"Of course, of course. Well, I do appreciate you coming." Lord Stark said, visibly not paying attention until he found the document he was looking for.
"I heard your son was attacked in the night?" Harry asked, "The injured son I mean."
Lord Stark smiled, "Bran, yes. An assassin tried to take his life after he miraculously woke. The man did not survive… I am surprised to hear you knew about this; we did not inform the Realm." He ended his statement a bit more suspicious.
"You would be surprised how much a Lord can learn for a bit of coin, Lord Stark. The Lannisters aren't the only ones who have coin." Harry said, joking a bit but completely serious. However, lord Stark did not appear amused. It was clear he had the idea the North was immune to the South's conniving nature. Harry just shook his head, "Don't act so surprised, Lord Stark. Even you must know knowledge is power."
Stark frowned, "Indeed…"
"Let me know if Bran says anything about why he fell."
"Why do you care?"
"Because why would someone try to have a child assassinated? I would bet he saw something he shouldn't have…" Harry opined, looking for any change in the Hand's face that would betray his knowledge… There it was… A slight look at the book on his desk and a deeper breath.
"I will… Let you know, that is." Stark said, looking slightly uncomfortable by this topic.
Harry saw this and pivoted, "Astoria tells me that Arya is taking well to her lessons. I believe she said that Arya continues to resist the most 'girly girl' tasks, but Astoria has informed me that she is working on it." Harry smiled, easing the tension.
"Good, her mother had struggled getting Arya to want to attend her lessons in Winterfell, I am glad she is enjoying them in the south." Stark said, his mood perking up.
"She is a good young lady. James enjoys her company. Perhaps they can make the trip out here soon… How is Sansa enjoying the Capitol?" Harry asked, thinking about the older girl.
"She is enjoying it immensely. Sansa has always taken after her mother, choosing her Southern traditions over my Northern ones."
"Too much Tully in her?" Harry grinned while asking.
"Maybe just enough. Arya got my Northern blood."
Harry nodded in understanding, "It is what it is, Lord Stark. You cannot win all household battles."
"Indeed. Now, tell me… What are these rumors of a Dragon in the Riverlands?" Lord Stark asking, leaving the small talk behind.
"Lord Stark, I can assure you there is not…" Harry began until he was cut off.
"Don't play games with me, Lord Peverell. I have heard it on good authority that there is something large flying through the skies near Harrenhal?" Stark said in an accusing voice, "You live there, you know something. Out with it."
"Where did you hear these rumors? I do know the God's Eye can fool with the minds of non-Riverlanders. Perhaps the Gods have projected a memory of the destruction of Harrenhal?" Harry said, using his rehearsed lie.
"Should I go there myself and look?" Lord Stark asked, "Must I do everything myself?"
"Lord Stark, I can assure you. There can't be a dragon in the Riverlands. I would have heard of it!" Harry said, slightly raising his voice, "But if you or his Grace want to be sure, I will take some of your guards with me and we can set up a search party."
"And what, search all of the Riverlands? You kid, Lord Peverell."
"Then what? You think I lie to you?" Harry asked, accusing the Lord.
"I have heard from reputable sources that there is something large flying near your castle!"
"So, I am lying? Okay, let's follow that to its conclusion: I am lying, there is a dragon roaming the Riverlands, and I am covering it up for some reason? Think, Lord Stark. Does that make any sense? What do I have to gain from hiding a Dragon?" Harry asked, trying to convince the Hand.
Lord Stark sat there for a minute pondering what Harry had said before frowning, "But explain how your sigil ended up carved into a dead Jorah Mormont outside Vaes Dothrak and, according to Lord Varys, Daenerys Targaryen is missing a dragon egg…"
Oh shit. Harry thought, realizing now that carving his sigil into defeated enemies as he did in Britain might not have been the best move.
"I can explain that…" Harry replied slowly as he leaned back into his chair, scrambling for a response.
"Oh, please do…" Lord Stark replied, obviously seeing the young lord backed into a corner.
It seemed like an eternity for Harry but was probably only ten seconds as he decided. In a flash, his wand shot from his wrist holster into his hand and was leveled at the face of the slightly surprised Lord. "Oblivate!" Harry cast, striking the man in the face, "You spoke with me about the Dragon and concluded it was just a rumor. You also concluded that it was slander that I stole Daenerys' egg. You will forget this conversation beyond that." Harry ended the spell and quickly returned his wand to his holster.
A minute later, Lord Stark awoke from the spell to find Harry opining about trade with the Reach, "Like I said, I find it frustrating that the Reach, while the largest grain supplier in Westeros, gets preferential treatment in with the Stormlands and Dorne while the Riverlands produces quality grain as well."
Lord Stark found Harry was not even looking at him as he spoke, just looking out a window nearby, "Lord Peverell, I apologize. I must have missed what you were talking about…" he said, shaking his head.
"No problem, do you wish me to explain again?" Harry asked in a kind voice, starkly different than the man not three minutes prior.
"No… No. I will speak to your steward to find out how the Crown could help…" Stark replied, putting his head in his hands.
"Are you feeling okay, Lord Stark?"
"Perhaps not, Peverell. I feel I must cut this meeting short."
"Well, if you need anything, I will be in town for another couple of days. Let me know." Harry approached the Lord and offered his hand to shake, which Stark did hastily, "Oh, before I forget, do you know anything about Ice Monsters or Wrights in the North?"
Lord Stark looked surprised, "Ice Monsters, Lord Peverell? Do you perhaps mean White Walkers?"
"I am not sure. Do you have any books about them I could look at?"
"Here," Lord Stark scribbled a quick note, "That this to Grand Maester Pycelle. He can get you anything you need."
Harry quickly thanked the Lord and exited the room. He moved down the stairs back towards the ground level. Once he was out of earshot of Lord Stark's guards, he sighed heavily. He had not expected Lord Stark to know of the dragon eggs or them going missing. Perhaps it was time to hatch that stolen dragon egg, get another dragon on his side...
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of Harrenhal and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 8: Day 94 - 297 AC
Neville asked me on our return trip from King's Landing why we do not simply kill Lord Stark, the King, and whoever else we need to take over the Seven Kingdoms. We have magic, he says, it would be easy. Use fiendfyre against the castle! The trouble is, with any ruler change, there must be legitimacy behind the ruler. Sure, I would have the right by conquest, but who is to say that all the Kingdoms recognize that? Or would even support it?
For example: I kill the King and seize King's Landing. I have the support of the Reach, Dragonstone, Riverlands, Crownlands, and Vale on lock. Looking good right? Let's say then, I kill Lord Lannister, Lord Stark, and Prince Doran with magic to get those kingdoms to recognize me. But instead, I have created a power vacuum in those Kingdoms. Three Kingdoms are now fighting each other for who gets control. Thus, I still have to send my army in anyway.
The thing I find is that there will always be a bloodier way of accomplishing your goals, it may be faster in the short run, but it ALWAYS have unintended consequences down the road that lead to more blood. I choose the slightly longer route with hopefully less blood. Maybe everyone will surrender when I land Hedwig nearby.
Moving on from my soapbox, I have ordered no more assassinations of our enemy's to not to include our sigil carved into them. That was something we did in Britain during the war, but it is bringing us unnecessary attention from those who govern us. The scare with Lord Stark and Varys discovering that did not need to occur and has been handled with obliviate...
Lord Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North, Hand of the King
I had an interesting conversation with Lord Varys today. He mentioned that we had spoken not a week ago about the Targaryen girl missing an egg and finding the sigil of House Peverell carved into Jorah Mormont's body, however I told him that Lord Peverell insisted that it was just a rumor. Lord Varys, however said that it was not a rumor, and he had a source with Daenerys that she is indeed missing an egg at the same time as Jorah Mormonts death. I know not what to trust, my memory or Lord Varys. I do not remember Peverell presenting any evidence that it was slander but for some reason I am compelled to believe him.
I feel something is deeply wrong with the Peverell's, but I cannot act without endangering Arya. Perhaps it was a mistake to send her to Harrenhal to be raised there. I have visited the Godswood to commune with the Old Gods on several occasions about this and they seem to be favorable to Lord Peverell which gives me some comfort.
Lord Peverell does know something about Bran's fall, perhaps the cause of it. While I don't suspect him as he was not in Winterfell at the time of the accident, he somehow knows that the Lannisters pushed Bran. At least, that is what I suspect. I also caught a glimmer of recognition when he saw the lineages book I was looking at. Perhaps he also knows something is amiss about Robert's "true born" children.
Catelyn continues to demand we do something; however, I caution against that. I have enough trouble now between this mystery and dealing with Peverell.
Lady Catelyn Stark, Lady of Winterfell
Inn at the Crossroads
Catelyn sat quietly, eating with Ser Rodrick at this ramshackle Inn in the middle of the Riverlands. To be honest, she was sad to be eating in a place that used to be controlled by her family. It was tough to see all those soldiers that used to serve her family now serve a different master.
It had been a hard few weeks for Catelyn. The fall of one of her boys, his attempted assassination by a Lannister agent, now Edd refusing to do anything until they had solid proof? She was demoralized. She truly couldn't wait to be back in Winterfell.
As she ate, there was a beat of horse hoof falls outside, followed by a hush coming across the Inn. That surprised the Lady of Winterfell, and she peaked outside to see. Outside, she saw seven black and red cloaked men hop off their horses. It was obvious from the sigil embossed in a blood red on the middle of their cloaks. Peverells.
She really wasn't sure why everyone had quieted down at their arrival. They appeared to just be banner men of their Lord? A Tully guard would never receive such a response. As she watched the guards outside, they acted like any group of young men, joking and laughing at each other's expense. But no one was laughing inside.
She leaned over the seat to the person behind her, "What is going on, Ser?"
The man didn't even turn around to respond, but whispered, "Peverells."
She whispered back, "Why did everyone go silent?"
The man slowly turned to look at her, "You aren't from here, are you?" He whispered once again.
"I'm from the North. I haven't been to the Riverlands since the Tullys were Lords." She responded.
The Darry bannerman just looked at her seriously, "You had best return to the North, mi Lady."
As he said that, the group of Peverell banner men entered the Inn. They didn't seem that serious to Catelyn, still speaking to each other. Albeit a bit quieter.
"What will it be gentlemen?" the barkeeper asked, a forced cheerful attitude showing.
"Let's get a couple chickens, a few drinks, and some information." The lead man said, sliding over a few more dragons than necessary over a piece of paper the Catelyn assumed to be a bounty or arrest warrant or something.
The bar keep sent a child to prepare their requested items while he looked at the picture, "Yeah, short. Kind of thin. Comes in about twice a week for some food so must not live far."
The bar keep continued speaking with them for several more minutes until their food was served. A quick thank you and the guards were off with their items. It seemed they chose to sit outside near their horses rather than inside the Inn.
Once the Peverells were out of earshot, the Inn livened up a bit. Still much more subdued than before though. The man Catelyn had spoken to a moment ago turned around again after Catelyn asked what that was all about.
"Peverell Auror Corps as they are called. Some sort of secret kingdom watch run by Lady Longbottom in Harrenhal. They act like city watch for the entire Riverlands. Not known for being kind or forgiving. Many have gone missing just looking at them wrong. You caught them on a good day. Most will ask unknown travelers like yourselves questions."
"The Tully's never did that sort of thing." Catelyn said in disbelief.
"The Tullys are dead and gone. Been for a while now. Just the Peverells now." The man pulled out a few coins and placed them on the table as he stood with the man sitting across from him. The man then nodded at Catelyn and left the Inn.
To Lady Stark's surprise, the Darry men made their way directly to the sitting Peverells. The two men talked with them for a second before pointing to the Inn as two of the "Auror Corps" members stood. They spoke for another few seconds before the men shook hands and the two Peverells made their way back to the Inn.
They were halfway there when more galloping horses were heard, heralding the arrival of the Lannister Imp…