This chapter was voted on by my patrons. If you wish to have a say in what I am currently working on, read ahead, and support me, I have a pat reon where they get the chapters in advance. All of this month I will be saving all the money I make on Pat reon to put to St Jude children hospital. Thank you all for reading.
Red Keep
Ned pulled up the lists of things Jon Arryn had been doing in his day to day life for the last several years as he walked into the council chambers. The man had done his best with the day to day notes of the going on of the kingdom. Though it was odd he kept going to meet groups of children and women throughout the city. It wasn't until he met an actual boy on his eight name day that he finally understood.
Flashback Two days prior
Ned walked through the city with Ser Jory as they investigated what Jon Arryn was doing before he died. A number of things did not add up to Ned as just a month before his death, Jon was said to be happy and healthy. He had just come back from the Eyrie and was seen walking the very streets he now walked.
"I don't like it." Jory said to Ned as he walked beside him. "Too many things are not adding up."
"Aye, that it doesn't." Ned agreed, as they stepped into the third household today. "It is almost like he was keeping something a secret. A secret that got him killed."
"Do you truly think it is wise then to stay here?" Jory questioned. "If something were to happen, I do not think your guard could protect you."
"I am finishing up putting the kingdoms in order." Ned replied. "Then we leave for Winterfell. I have had enough of this political war."
"Aye, as am I." Jory said as Ned knocked on the door.
"One minute." They heard a call from the small house.
A boy standing about Ned's shoulder high with dark black hair and bright blue eyes that looked not much older than Sansa opened the door. "Can I help you?"
"Yes, my name is Eddard Stark. I am wondering, is your parents home?"
"Sure. Mom!" The boy called out as he eyed both men suspiciously. "Eddard Stark is here to see you."
Inside they heard a scramble as pots clanged to the ground. A woman, with blonde wispy and green eyes, rushed to the door. "I am so sorry my lord." She said as she noticed the hand of the King pin. "Please, forgive my son. He does not know how to spot a lord."
"Be at ease. We came to your house. I am sure the lad is only trying to protect you." Ned said, waving off the woman's concern. "I have been doing some background work for the king as his new hand. Tell me has the last hand of the king been by before his passing."
"Of course," The woman sighed. "Lord Arryn had come by once a month to check on us. You see, my son, Thorin, was who he came to see. It was kind of the man to come see us after all. Lord Arryn always made sure we had what we needed."
"That is good. Tell me, when was the last time he came by." Ned questioned.
"It was roughly two weeks before his passing." The woman said after some thinking. "He wanted to let us know that if we wished to leave we could have moved to the Vale. I told him that it was a kind offer but all we had was here."
"Well, I will make the same offer as him then. If you ever wish to, I offer a place in Winterfell. Even if the lad wishes to become a soldier or knight, have him come see me." Ned offered.
"Of course, my lord." The woman cried out as she felt overwhelmed.
"Is it true? You can make me a knight?" Thorin asked.
"Of course, it will not be easy. But my offer will always stand." Ned said as he turned around. "Just ask for lord Stark of Winterfell. Tell them your name and if I am not there tell them that Lord Eddard Stark sent you."
"Thank you and many blessings to you my lord." The mother cried out.
"Before I forget, who was the father?" Ned asked, wanting to confirm his suspicions as they stepped outside with the mother.
"It was his grace, my lord. King Robert was kind and sweet before the war with the Greyjoys." The mother explained as she smiled remembering the past. "I was one of his favorites and would always make a request for me. It was heartwarming when he would hold me after the night of passion. After finding out I was pregnant I could not put myself through the pain of losing him. So, I stopped being a maiden of the brothels. I had saved up enough money as it was. Life was hard but thankfully Lord Arryn helped. I will always be thankful to him."
"Aye, he was truly a great man. Remember my offer will always stand. I can see the lad becoming great." Ned said as he pulled a pouch of coins. "Please do consider it. The city might not be safe soon."
"I will, my lord." The mother bowed.
"Damn it, Jon. What did you get yourself caught up in." Ned muttered as he finally understood what Jon Arryn's last messages were about. "We need to keep this as quiet as possible. If what I fear is correct, we just stumbled onto Robert's bastards."
"This is dangerous information. Lord Arryn's information could destroy the very stability Robert brought." Jory replied.
"Let's hope we can return to Winterfell soon and put this whole mess behind us." Ned sighed.
Flashback End
Ned pulled up his notes as the small council slowly arrived. Little Finger gave him a short nod before sitting down. He was still mad at Ned as the tournament of the Hand was stopped. It lowered the overall amount being brought into the capital but saved them roughly two hundred thousand crowns. Ned sighed remembering the argument with Robert about it, but he knew he was not going to allow such a cost to be paid when the debts were still at risk to collapse the entire Seven Kingdoms.
The meeting finally started when Robert walked into the room looking as if he was drunk again. 'This is the fifth meeting in a row. It must be because I am blocking his other vices that he is using the only one he has left.' Ned thought as they sat down.
"Your grace, I have received news of the Targaryens." Varys said as he pulled out a scroll from his sleeves as the meeting started. "My informant sent a letter out this evening. The Dothraki horde is slowly breaking apart. It seems that by the end of this month they will be completely separated. Viserys has killed off an important member of the horde in his rage. My informant is now going to let the collapse happen."
"Good. The beggar prince will finally meet his due. But we should help it along. Have your contacts start the elimination process. We can not allow the horde to unify and come to our shores." Robert said with a grin as he pulled his seal out. "This will give your informant a full pardon. I can not give him his lands but he will be allowed back into our lands."
"Who is your informant?" Ned questioned as he saw the dangers of giving a full pardon.
"It is Jorah Mormont." Varys explained as he saw the anger on Ned's face. "He has been most helpful since his fleeing of the North. He even brought in information about Daenerys Targaryen."
"And you believe the word of a man that would sell his own people to slavery?" Ned asked. "He may be allowed in the six of the seven kingdoms but he will not be in the North. We remember and will not forget the treason he did to his fellow Northerners."
"Perhaps once he is back in Westeros, we will have him come to the Stormlands. That way he will continue to prove his loyalty." Renly offered.
"That will depend on his information about the Targaryen whore. It has been months since we had information on her." Robert countered, as he glared at Ned.
"We now have the identification of the Khal who the marriage was to. It was said that the Dothraki fear the Shadow Lord because the man killed the former Khal of the khalasar. The man was not even close as it looked like the man toyed with Khal Drogo. With that the bride price was paid and the Shadow Lord took the girl away with him." Varys replied, sharing a look at Ned.
"Do we have any information on this Shadow Lord?!" Robert roared, slamming his fist on the table. "I will not have that whore opening her legs and birthing dragon spawn into the world!"
Varys looked at Ned giving him one last look before saying. "It is said that the man wears all black armor. He moves with the strength of ten men. Has a blood red blade that seems to take more of its victims blood into it. The few who had seen the man say he is death in human form. A man who is known throughout Essos as perhaps the strongest sorcerer in the world."
"Out with a name. I have no time for your games, spider." Robert yelled in a drunk rage.
"We only know his first name. It was heard by one of the Dothraki when the man's right hand man said it." Varys said. "Hadrian..."
Robert looked in shock as the heads of the small council turned to the Hand of the Kings. "You knew..." It was not a question from Robert but an accusation.
"Aye, I knew the lad was the Shadow Lord. It was a family secret that he made me keep for saving my son." Ned replied, staring directly at Robert.
"Your nephew is sleeping with that dragon whore! One of the most influential people in Essos and you allowed me to attempt to execute him!" Robert yelled, turning to his small council. "I want them both dead! I do not care what price needs to be paid. I want them both dead."
"Have you gone mad?!" Ned yelled out as he stood up. "The lad is keeping the seven Kingdoms floating with his imports being so cheap."
"You dare talk to the king in such a way?!" Robert yelled back. "I told you that I would kill all of the Targaryen spawns and I will!"
"You wish to kill a man who has the support of three of your kingdoms with his help? My nephew. The main importer that brings supplies to you and your city?!" Ned calming down. "For what? Fear of a Targaryen invasion? If Hadrian wished he could have leveled this keep when you imprisoned him. Instead he simply left. Now you wish to try to incur Avalon's wrath?! The Robert I knew would not do something so stupid!"
"I could hang you for treason! You think you can go against me!" Robert yelled.
"If that is the case, then here." Ned took his pin off. "Find yourself a new hand. The North will not stand for this." Ned said walking out.
"Leave! If I ever see you again, I will have your head on a pike!" Robert yelled as Ned walked out.
Ned walked out of the room and quickly towards his room. Jory walked right beside him. "We need to pack and leave. It was a bad idea to come south." Ned said. "Gather the men, have them start the move out."
"At once, lord Stark." Jory said as they arrived at the Hand of the King's room.
"Lord Stark," Varys came around the corner. "It is saddening to see you leave. You were on the way to setting up the kingdoms on the correct path."
"I am sure Robert has a different opinion." Ned replied, setting his last letters to be sent out.
"He did have some choice words for you and your family." Varys replied. "Be that as it may. I believe that you are going to be leaving?"
"Aye to hell with this city and politics. I am sending my letters and then going to be out by sunset." Ned said as had the ravens setup and ready.
"Perhaps I could convince you to stay. Your friend is in incredible danger." Varys pulled out a note. "You have been to the king's bastards. Tell me, what conclusion did you come to?"
"If you are asking then you already know." Ned said not willing to play games.
"Indeed. I wish you good fortune on your travels." Varys said, placing the note on the desk.
Ned looked at the man curiously as he departed. Picking up the note, Ned was shocked to see what was on the inside. "That cheeky bastard." Ned muttered. "Jory, send a man out to the children and their families. Robert left the city to go hunting. We need to be out and on the road to Winterfell before nightfall."
"At once my lord." Jory bowed and turned to leave the room to get his men ready.
"This will cause war..." Ned said as he sent out the messages out to the Reach and Dorne.
Winterfell
Robb sat with brother as Tyrion Lannister walked in. "At ease my lord. I have just returned and will be out of your hair shortly. I just wish to see how young Brandon was doing."
"I am doing well my lord." Bran said with a smile. "The maester's say I will be able to walk again. I unfortunately will not be able to ride a horse again."
"Ah, I feared the worst when I heard of your affliction." Tyrion said, pulling a scroll out. "I have here a specific saddle that I created. Now, it will be difficult, and you will need to breed the horse specifically for you but you will be able to ride again."
"Why would you do this?" Robb questioned. "We have not done anything to have this kindness."
"I have a soft spot for the hurt and disrespected people." Tyrion said looking sad. "You see, it is complicated. When I originally heard that Brandon was not going to be able to walk, I originally created a chair for him to be able to move around on his own. I saw myself in him as I may be able to walk but as a person who is crippled there are many things I can not do."
"I see," Robb said. "I thank you for this kindness. Please, rest in my halls. I will house you as long as needed."
Tyrion bowed leaving them to their thoughts. Robb sighed. 'Mother, why did you leave?' He thought as he saw the happy face of Bran.
Flashback
"Robb, we received a note from your father." Catelyn Stark called out as she stepped into Robb's study. "It is not good news."
Reaching for the note, Robb was curious of the situation in the south. Unrolling the note, Robb was shocked. "Mother, we need to call our bannermen." Robb commanded as he finished the note. "It is worse than father predicted."
"What about the treaty with the wildlings? We can not have you leave and fight a war in the south if you are going to have to stop the civil war here." Catelyn countered. "How about I leave and go see your father, I will take a small guard with me and speak with my brother. We will be able to move faster and quieter."
"What of Bran and Rickon? They will need you." Robb said, sighing out that he knew his mother was right.
"I believe in your ability to protect us." Catelyn said smiling. "You know that we will need your entire council if you are to convince the lords to allow wildlings into our lands."
"You are right. Go, be safe." Robb said, getting up out of his chair. "We both have paths we need to take."
Flashback end
Robb watched as the next lord arrived, or should he say lady as Maege Mormont walked into the room. "My lord, you have called and we have answered." She said as she worked her way to the throne kneeling before it. "I have brought my men and are ready."
"At ease, Lady Mormont. It is good to see you." Robb said, standing up and stepping down. "I have not seen you since my father exiled your nephew. How are you?"
"Good my lord. My daughter Dacey is currently with the men." Maege smiled. "It seems the young wolf finally has grown into a man."
"Aye, you have received my letter then?" Robb questioned.
"Yes. I am unsure of the wildlings but if the words are true then we must be prepared." Maege said, pulling up her old tomes. "Do you trust the words of this Hadrian?"
"Aye, with my life. Without him, my brother would have been crippled or worse dead." Robb replied. "He just recently defeated the Mountain in single combat in a trial by combat. If he said some kind of evil magic is waking up then I believe him."
Robb looked at Bran as he smiled at his brother. "Once all the remaining lords are here, I will be revealing the truth to all." Robb continued remembering the chest that had appeared in his father's office with the note that said to not open and to kill with fire.
"Of course my lord." Maege said smiling. "I would like to meet this Hadrian. If he obtained your family's approval then he must be a good person."
'In more ways than one.' Robb thought as he read the reports coming in from White Harbor. 'If the lords and ladies only knew how much they had grown accustomed to his cousin providing supplies they would be shocked.'
"Please, rest in my halls. I will house you as long as needed. We will discuss more once the remaining lords have joined us." Robb said.
"Of course, my lord." Maege bowed leaving Robb to deal with the next person.
Outside
Dacey walked through her men as they set up camp. There were whispers from the men about why they were called. "I heard we are here because Lord Stark is going to have us attack the crown for attacking the man who helped young Brandon."
"Ridiculous, I heard that we are going after the fabled Avalon."
"It must have been about that man that came from beyond the wall. I heard people in Queenscrown they had someone come into town from the northwest. They said he did not appear to be any wildling they ever met. He used money and everything."
Dacey scoffed at the rumours of the common man. She had read the letter sent to her mother before they departed. Even her uncle was skeptical but the wildling movement had everyone worried. His rangers had come back with reports of entire villages of wildlings being abandoned or bodies charred to a crisp. She still did not believe any of this. Her mother did not believe it either despite her insistence that once the Stark's call, we answer. It did not seem to matter if it was for war, for peace, or for exiling one of their own.
"Lady Dacey, is it true?" One of her men ran up to her.
"What is true?" She questioned.
"That we were called to have you marry Benjen Stark's son." The man asked based on another rumour.
"Benjen Stark does not have a son..." Dacey replied, palling slightly at the knowledge that is not supposed to be known by any but Lord Stark's most trusted lords.
"But people are saying here to Dorne that Hadrian Stark, son of Benjen Stark killed the Mountain. It is said he came to the north to find a wife and along the way he heard his cousin was hurt so he healed him." Another man came up saying.
"It was said he has the most vibrant violet eyes with hair black as midnight that looks like the wind tossed it even after he pulled a helmet off." A female soldier said.
"It is said he is the Stranger incarnate. He wore armor so dark that light seemed to suck it in. With the strength of the Warrior that made it so he easily stopped the Mountain." The first soldier said.
"Well, I am not sure about all of that." Dacey replied remembering the report Lord Stark had sent out after the match.
"I heard that you were asked for your hand in marriage and turned him down." The female soldier said ,causing Dacey to blush.
"That did not happen..." Dacey said as she refused to continue. "We are here because Lord Stark called and we answered as we always have."
"Right, but can you imagine it? His arms must be as strong as steel." The woman daydreamed.
"Yeah..." Dacey sighed out, remembering her brief encounter with the man.
Flashback to a year ago
Dacey was with her mother on their thrones as the envoy of Avalon had arrived on their doorsteps. They came bringing gifts and fresh crops. She sat as a small group of people walked into their hall. "May I introduce the Shadow Lord, Lord of Avalon." Missandei, introduced as a man wearing dark armor, walked in.
"Welcome to Bear Island." She heard her mother call out. "We have received word from Lord Stark that you would be arriving soon."
"I thank you for your hospitality, Lady Mormont. I come to offer small trade to allow my ships to sail to your islands and restock before they return home." The Shadow Lord said as he bowed.
"It is odd, you know who we are, but we do not know who you are. Tell me, Lord Stark has told me good things about your trade but you have yet to prove yourself trustworthy." Maege said, looking at the man.
"I apologize, my lady. I must not let many know who I truly am. If I do then people would target people to get to me." The Shadow Lord replied, still bowed.
"Are you saying we are not trustworthy?" Maege questioned. "We who are far from the rest of the Seven Kingdoms."
"I do not question your trustworthiness. I question your people's trustworthiness. Your loyalty is legendary even in Essos, however I have many enemies." The Shadow Lord explained.
"Everyone leave." Her mother commanded.
Once everyone departed, the only ones remaining was the Shadow Lord, his female companion, and his personal guard. "Now, reveal yourself or we will be forced to end negotiations." Maege commanded.
"As you wish my lady." The Shadow Lord said as he removed his helmet.
Dacey looked as the helmet revealed a mat of black hair, a goofy grin that she seemed to think that mischief was about, and a pair of violet eyes that seemed to be boring into her own eyes. "Apologies, my lady. I did not wish to be spotted. I am Hadrian Stark, son of Benjen Stark." The Shadow Lord said smiling.
"Hadrian Stark..." Her mother muttered looking at the man. "I have not seen you since you were a babe in your mother and father's arms."
"It is good to meet the woman who my mother said had protected her as she disappeared from Braavos when we had escaped." Hadrian said bowing.
"How is Samira? I have not heard from her in quite some time." Maege questioned.
"She was killed." Hadrian spat out, showing a rare anger that seemed to suck the very air out of the room as it dimmed.
"I am sorry. She was a good woman, and one hell of a fighter." Maege said, slightly grieving over the woman she had spent a month with years ago.
"I accept your apology, as long as you accept mine." Hadrian replied.
Dacey watched as her mother descended the throne. Walking towards the man pulling him into a hug. "It is good to see you in good health." Maege said, smiling after she pulled away. "Your mother would send letters about you all the time. It seems that she raised you properly."
"That she did." Hadrian muttered as he blushed under the motherly affection he received.
"Where are my manners, this is my daughter and heir Dacey. Dacey, this is Hadrian Stark." Maege said as she turned to show him her daughter.
"Well met my lady." Hadrian said, kissing her hand.
"It appears we have business to discuss, my lord." Dacey said coolly. "I must say it was an unexpected surprise to meet you."
"Indeed. I must say that we can do that later. Dacey, how about you show lord Stark around Bear Island. I believe it will be good for both of you to get out and about." Maege said, smirking at the other woman in the room.
"I believe that to be the best my lord. Perhaps it is time you get to know some of the people we will be trading with." Missandei said as she turned to Maege. "I can work on the trade agreements with lady Maege while you find out from the people what would help them the most."
"Excellent idea." Maege said. "My lady, perhaps we have the lord out of his armor and can be accompanied by his guard. We can have him transferred to normal clothes to allow him to be hidden."
"That would be acceptable. Silver hound, please see to it that Hadrian does not do anything foolish." Missandei said, giving the man a knowing look.
"Of course Missandei." Silver hound said, pounding his fist to his chest.
"Dacey, please show Hadrian to a chamber to get changed, then show him around." Maege commanded.
"Of course, this way my lord." Dacey said, allowing him to take her hand.
"You do not believe anything will happen do you?" Maege asked as she saw them leave. "We do have raids from rogue Ironborn on occasion, but that has not happened in a long time."
"Please do not speak of things, it will only cause them to happen." Missandei sighed. "And Hadrian seems to have the worst luck with these kinds of things."
Dacey waited for a half of an hour before Hadrian stepped back out from the room. "Thank god, I could take that armor off. It is so annoying to have to use it for these kinds of things." Hadrian complained as he wore a leather brown leather vest with a white shirt underneath.
Dacey noticed the muscles under the shirt as it seemed to barely fit. "At least you look like a traveler now. Not like a warlord ready for battle." Dacey commented.
"Are you ready to see your people my lady?" Hadrian asked, allowing her to loop her arm in his.
"Let's go." She said, looping her arm as Silver Hound trailed behind them.
For hours they traveled around Bear Island stopping at multiple areas to speak to common men and women. Dacey watched Hadrian as he spoke to men as they complained about what they wished to have to help them. It was heartwarming to see the man take each person's complaint into consideration. He continued to ask her opinion, making sure he was not going overboard.
"Excuse my sir!" Dacey heard a small girl call out. "Would you buy some flowers? They are one copper each."
"Well, my lady." Hadrian said to the little girl. "Will this cover it?"
Hadrian pulled a gold coin out, placing it in the little girl's hand. Looking at it, the girl's eyes went wide. "Sir, this is too much!" She said, getting scared.
"Do not worry, perhaps you can help me with the money." Hadrian said smiling. "You look very knowledgeable. I want to know what your family needs to be brought in to help out and why a cute little girl like you is out working this hard?"
"Really?!" The little girl giggled at the fact she was called cute. "That is all?!"
"Of course." Hadrian replied smiling.
"I know my family could use a new horse. I am trying to save up money to get one." The little girl said. "They are expensive but I hope to be able to ride like Lady Maege does."
"That is a good goal." Hadrian smiled, looking back at Dacey. "I am sure, I can help you out with that."
"Really?!" The girl grinned. "You can?!"
"Of course, I was looking for a gift for the beautiful woman who is accompanying me today." Hadrian smirked mischievously. "Perhaps, you can direct me to a beautiful flower to go into her lovely hair."
"Of course," The little girl was ecstatic. "I have a bear lily here that is perfect."
Hadrian watched the girl go through her basket as he turned to Silver hound. "Have one of our men get a couple of the horses out from the ship. We should give them a mare and a stallion to have them allowed to breed their own."
"Of course." Silver Hound said, turning and whistling.
Dacey watched in shock as the girl gave him a white lily. "For you my lady." She heard Hadrian say, placing it in her hair.
Dacey looked at him with confusion. "Why?"
"Why, what?" Hadrian was confused. "I wished to do something for you, so I did."
"You are a strange one, Hadrian." Dacey stated. "Many do not care for the common folk."
"Yet, House Mormont does." Hadrian said as the little girl walked with one of his guards as they had brought two horses up to her farm. "Besides, she was right. The flower is perfect for your hair."
Dacey looked at the man as he walked with the little girl as she excitedly chatted about her family and how her father and brothers constantly worked their farm and hunted animals in the woods of the land. She smiled as they arrived at the house, shocking the girl's mother. After multiple arguments from the family, Hadrian convinced them to take the horses. They cried as they thanked the man multiple times.
"Thank the gods that is over." She heard Hadrian mutter.
"Big bad Shadow Lord, can not handle the gratitude of people." Dacey laughed out as she held her sides laughing at his tired sigh.
"Hand me a sword any day..." He said, gaining another round of laughter from the woman.
Walking back to the keep, Dacey continued to poke fun at the man. It seemed so easy to her. They continued to walk until she heard screaming from the shore. Soldiers were running back and forth with weapons. "What is going on?!" She asked a soldier who looked to be a bit on the young side as his leather armor was not strapped properly.
"Raiders..." He wheezed out. "They have the flag of the golden Kraken."
"Damn raiders..." Dacey said. "Get me a sword."
"Silver Hound. Get the men we need to move." She heard Hadrian call out.
"Where are you headed?!" Dacey questioned as he barely had armor.
"Those damn raiders followed us." Hadrian said, pulling his blood red sword from a pouch. "We do not have time."
"We are ready, Shadow Lord. What are your commands?" Silver Hound said as a small group of men formed up around Hadrian.
"Let's show these fools that they should never have shown their ugly faces near us!" Hadrian cried out as he rushed towards the cries of fighting.
"Wait for me!" Dacey said, grabbing a sword from a passing soldier. "Bear warriors to BATTLE!"
Dacey ran after Hadrian as he rushed to the shores. The battle was chaotic. Pirates rushed the shores from their longboats killing men left and right. Dacey lost sight of Hadrian as she became engaged with a man. She dodged the blade aiming for her head spinning only to clash with the blade as the man pushed against it. "You bastard!" She roared, trying to push her blade towards the man's chest.
The man laughed as he used his strength to keep them deadlocked. "You will be a good salt wife when this is all done. I heard Bear Island women are stronger than others. I can not wait to break you." The man said, taking a step forward causing the blades to be pushed toward Dacey.
A grin formed on the man's face as a spear stuck out from his throat. Dacey looked in shock as the man nodded and pointed his spear and shield at the next man thrusting with deadly accuracy into the man's heart.
"You savages, will not pass here!" She heard her people rally as they rushed the men on the shore.
The Mormont army pushed the tide of battle as they swarmed the men. Dacey looked to see her mother in leather armor riding up to her. "What in seven hells happened here?" She asked as the remaining men were slaughtered in the waves.
It was then that Dacey noticed the Avalon soldiers and the surrounding pile of bodies that surrounded Hadrian. He was currently engaged in combat in a hulking man weilding a trident. She saw Hadrian parrying the trident with his blade as he brought his other hand up to the man's neck. She watched as a dagger seemed to appear out of nowhere plunged into the man's throat. She watched as blood started to pour from the wound as he dropped to his knees. Hadrian stood before him blade in hand, stabbed through the man's armor with his red blade into the man's chest. She continued to watch as he kicked the now dead man off his blade as his soldiers worked in pairs killing any enemy that got close to their lord's back.
"My gods, I truly did curse it didn't I." She heard her mother mutter as the last of the raiding party was killed off as a few managed to start to row back to their ship.
"How many men did we lose?" Dacey asked as she saw bodies everywhere.
"We are still examining the bodies but we lost fifteen men." A soldier replied. "If it was not for that man and his men we would have been a lot worse off."
"Perhaps we finally found you a worthy man to marry." Her mother teased as saw Hadrian pushing his hair back from his eyes.
"Mother!" Dacey yelled.
"What? You can't blame me." Maege argued. "You have beaten down every suitor you had in a fight to the point we do not have anyone requesting anymore."
Flashback end
Dacey remembered how her mother teased her for the next couple of days even going so far as to offer the marriage to Hadrian much to Dacey's ire. Of course, Hadrian did not accept as it would put a target on her family. 'Maybe if he did accept...' She thought as the man filled her thoughts again as he had throughout the last year. Dacey stared at Winterfell keep. 'Perhaps we will meet again..'
Casterly Rock
Tywin Lannister sat reading over the reports of the last several days. As much as he did several crimes in the last war, he did it for the good of Seven Kingdoms. Tywin sighed as read that the Martells wanted their blood debt for the death of their sister. 'This Hadrian has made a mess of things.' He thought as he remembered how he had made his family the most powerful family in Westeros.
His own son had ended the Mad King's rein. His daughter was married to the current king, to ensure his family's legacy. He had single handedly made the North weaker by making them unable to get resources cheap. Dorne has shut themselves off to all the other kingdoms due to his timely intervention in the capture of the Targaryen children. The Reach had no true heir due to the power struggle after his plan to make Willas crippled. The Vale was slowly driven to a corner by Jon Arryn's death. The Riverlands were weak and easy to manipulate as he had Walder Frey in his pocket. Westeros was his and his families.
"This is what you get for not siding with me, Aerys." He muttered as he read the reports of his lands' revenue.
"My lord, your brother is here to see you." One of his servant boys came in.
"Send him in." Tywin replied, taking a sip of a fire whiskey.
He looked at the reports of the growing capital of Avalon. His spy in the Iron Bank had informed him recently that they were making a move to secure their own connection with the city permanently. Whoever this Shadow Lord truly was, well he was single handedly the created an empire that rivaled his own.
He had ships at his very port in Lannisport delivering exotic goods and wares that he had come to enjoy. It was infuriating that his own people could not harvest the delectable fruits as the seeds refused to grow. His own alcohol makers could not figure out how to make the very fire whiskey he was sipping. It hurt the old lion's pride that he drank this over his own brew.
Tywin finished his report pulling out a piece of paper, ink, and a quill as his brother, Kevan, walked in. "Good, you are here." Tywin said without looking up. "Have our spies given us anything?"
"We have reports from your daughter that Hadrian Stark is suspected to be the Shadow Lord." Kevan replied sitting down in the chair available. "We also received word that Robert is going to be launching an assassination attempt on him."
"Brave, but utterly foolish." Tywin said, reading the reports of how many spies had actually returned from Avalon. "How did Lord Stark take the news?"
"Well as expected." Kevan said, pulling out the letter. "It seems he is setting out to ride to Winterfell. While the King sets out to hunt."
"Has Cersei issued any orders that we need to be made aware of?" Tywin asked, the girl's foolishness had already cost them dearly.
"It seems that the only order was to insure that Robert enjoyed his time and had all the wine and liquors he needed." Kevan reported. "Other news is not as good, I am afraid."
"Do tell, we need to be prepared." Tywin commanded looking up from his drafted letter.
"It seems that Joffrey's actions have many against him." Kevan said, pulling the latest report. "The Stark girls are being kept safe, while arrangements are being made between the Tyrells and Starks to have them bind their houses in marriage."
"We will have to curb that as soon as possible." Tywin said, thinking of solutions. "Perhaps we can convince Mace to marry his daughter off to Joffrey or better Tommen. We will need to convince Doran to marry Joffrey and his daughter. As a token of good faith to attempt to mend the loss and misunderstanding that my orders caused."
"The letters will be sent out." Kevan said, before pulling the last note. "Here, this is the most concerning news."
"What is this then..." Tywin asked as he began to read. "It seems the Starks are calling their banners. We need to prepare to gather the men. Have them ready."
Tywin watched as his brother left to do as he commanded. 'It is time for everyone to remember that a Lannister always repays their debts.' He thought as he began drafting a letter to the Iron Bank.