Chapter 5

Notes:

Okay, this is probably the longest chapter so far, and I intended to keep these shorter than my average story chapter length. There is a lot of things going on in this chapter and a few awkward time jumps. To clarify, Winterfell and Starfall scenes are in the present, while Highgarden scene is in the past.

(See the end of the chapter formore notes.)

Chapter Text

(North – Day of Robert's arrival)

Winterfell was a hive of activity as final arrangements for the royal visit were underway. Each keep along the King's Road had sent riders reporting on the progress of the royal party. While Robb Stark should be assisting his family in dealing with the final preparations, he was walking towards the Smoking Log, Grey Wind at his side. A townsman was coming out as he approached, one look at Grey Wind, and the man pushed open the door, "Milord, good day."

Robb nodded to the man as he followed his Direwolf into the alehouse. He was not surprised to see Theon deep in his cups. The Iron Born ward of Eddard Stark had his head laying on the table and was blurry-eyed looking at Grey Wind. "Fuck off you damn beast," Theon slurred as he flung his arm as though he was trying to strike the wolf. Grey Wind did not budge, but a warning growl came from him.

With a sigh, Robb took the seat across from him, "You're lucky it is me who came to find you and not father. He was livid when the servants reported your bed had not been slept in."

"What do I care," Theon grumbled, "I'm just a useless leech, who'll lose his head the moment his father does something stupid. Whom am I fucking kidding, my father's a git, he won't even care if something he does results in me getting killed."

Robb frowned, "What in the name of the Seven has gotten into you Theon? Ever since you got that letter from your Uncle Harlaw the Reader. You've been acting like a damn right prick. You know I had to hold Jon back from punching you after you made Rickon cry last night. All he asked was you to read him a fucking story." Robb snorted, "For the first time in our lives, mother scolded me, saying I should have let Jon thrash you for that."

Theon snorted, "The Seven, why you bring them into this, you're a tree humper and I belong to the Drowned God. You taken to kneeling for the Septon?"

"Damn it Theon," Robb growled, "the King is going to be here in a couple of hours and here you are soaked like a pickle and smelling like stables after Grey Wind's mother gets too close."

Theon smirks, "Why thanks Stark, you look like shit too."

"I look like shit because I was up at fucking dawn finishing the chores you were supposed to do. I don't know why I fucking care. You treat my siblings like shit, and you try my father's patience at every turn. I'm on your side Theon, I've defended you, you damn squid, I've sided with you over my own brother." Robb watched Theon fumble for the empty flagon.

The heir of Pyke finally got ahold of the flagon, but glared into it realizing it was empty, "Shite." He then turned his glare to Robb, "Maybe you shouldn't care, I never asked you to side with me Stark. Just leave me here."

With a sigh, Robb stood up, "Can't do that Theon." The door to the inn opened revealing Jory and a half dozen Winterfell guards. "Father treats you as a ward, but you know that is not what you are. If father was a less honorable man, he'd claim last night was an attempted escape. Theon, for the remainder of the king's visit, unless otherwise stated you are to remain within the walls of Winterfell."

Back at Winterfell, Catelyn was busy seeing that her children were appropriately ready for the royal arrival. Sansa was perfect as always, while Arya had been avoiding her most of the morning. Bran had been caught climbing and needed to change for the second time that day. Robb was still out with the guards; Ned had sent him to collect Theon. The only child Catelyn had yet to find was Rickon.

The boy had not been in his room or the nursery, the two places she'd requested the servants keep him. One of the servants had nervously told her he'd been asking for a story out of a book written in the runes of the First Men. Cat knew of only three members of the family who could fluently read the runes. Ned had been teaching Robb and Jon the runes since they were old enough to read. He'd been trying with Sansa, but she wasn't as keen on the old legends as the boys. With Ned busy and Robb not in the keep, it narrowed where she had to look. She had banished Jon to his chambers after he had finished with his chores.

As she approached the bastard's chamber she heard his voice, "The Others drove all the other peoples south, no one race could stop them. Then came the last hero, and his followers, the first Night's Watch. They made a pact with the Children of the Forrest, and together with the giants, they fought back as one. The Others were driven away back to the frozen lands of Always Winter."

"Look Jon," Catelyn heard Rickon's always excited voice, "It's papa."

Jon chuckled, "Not quite little brother, but I can see the family resemblance. That's Brandon the Builder, he raised the Wall so if the Others were to return, we'd be ready for them."

"He has a wolf, like us," Rickon pointed out, "but it doesn't look like Shaggy Dog, it looks like Ghost."

Catelyn bristled at that, a part of her wanted to rip the illustration from the book, but she paused at Jon's words, "I don't know Rickon, I think it looks more like Lady. See the shading here on the shoulders of the drawing." Catelyn approached the open door and peered into the room.

When Jon was younger he'd shared a room with Robb, when they had gotten too old to share, Jon had at first been moved to the room across the hall. That room had once been Eddards when he was the second son. She'd tried to expel Jon from the room when Sansa was old enough to have a room of her own, but the older servants like Old Nan had gone straight to her husband. It wasn't that she was trying to take the room from Jon, but that she was trying to house a daughter in a room meant for a son of Winterfell. There had been no such outcry when Bran came along a few years later. There was some outcry when she would not permit Jon to have any of the other rooms within the family wing of the castle, mostly from her children, save Sansa who never argued, like a proper lady.

Catelyn took in the room Jon had been regulated to, it was a cell meant for visiting Night's Watch members. The chamber Benjen used during his periodic visits was right next to the one Jon used. Due to the unseemly nature of many Night's Watch members, Ned would often suggest Jon stay with one of his younger brothers when such members visited without Benjen. The room was spartan, with only a bed, a dresser with a mirror and washbasin, and a footlocker. Currently, Jon was sitting against the headboard of his bed, Rickon using him as a seat as the two boys perused the old book of legends.

Rickon had tired of stories as he was turning pages and looking at the various illustrations. He stopped on one and frowned, "Where this?"

She noticed Jon adjust the book to better catch the sunlight coming through the window, "I think that looks like the hot springs beneath Winterfell," Jon smiled at Rickon's surprised look, "When you are older, Robb and I will take you down there with father. That's where he taught us how to swim."

The young boy looked back at the book, "Who's that man? He wears a lion, like Lode Ty When, but Lode Ty When don't have a lion like him."

Jon chuckled at his brother's over pronunciation of Lord Tywin, "I think that is supposed to be Lann the Clever, he is Lord Tywin's ancestor. This is the legend about the Lions and Wolves breaking their ties with King Greenhand. Some people think Lann the Clever, and Brandon the Builder were either half-brothers or were both foster sons of Greenhand."

"You mean like us?" Rickon asked innocently, "Sansa says you are only half because you don't have a mama."

Catelyn's jaw tensed, unsure how the bastard would react, would he hurt the boy over such an innocent question. It was silent a moment, and only then did she realize Jon had taken notice of her and was looking at her. He knew better than to look to her for any help, she'd made that quite clear when she slapped him for daring to call her mother when he was a small child.

The sudden glare that crossed Jon's eyes made her feel as though the boy was thinking of the same incident. Gently, Jon set the book aside, "Sansa's right Rickon, I'm only your half-brother, but she's wrong about me not having a mother. Everyone has a mother somewhere, mine is just not here anymore."

Rickon's face screwed up in a mix of confusion and irritation, "Then papa should make her come back."

The Lady of Winterfell had to swallow a gasp as the shoulders of her husband's shame visibly dropped, "She cannot come back Rickon, she's with the gods now." Catelyn remembered the dinner when Eddard told Jon to meet him in the crypts later in the evening. She'd had half a mind to follow and listen in, many a time when Ned took the older boys into the crypts to tell them about their ancestors she'd thought to follow but didn't. Though that evening she'd been forced to play dutiful hostess to Lord Tywin, and by the time she'd begged him good evening, Ned was already exiting the crypt.

Rickon was still too young to fully understand what it meant for someone to be with the gods, but he did know it meant they were not coming back. The boy's face became as serious as a child his age could, "You can have our mama, then you wouldn't be half anymore, and you'd have a mama. She's a good mama, most of the time, but she makes us go listen to the guy in the funny dress, and she yells when Shaggy Dog and I roll in the mud."

Catelyn's heart pained at the innocent sincerity of her littlest one, a part of her wanted to rush forward and praise the boy for being so kind and thoughtful, while another wanted to rip him away from the bastard and tell him to never say such foolish things again. She was saved from making a spectacle of herself either way by Jon's voice, "Sounds nice little brother, but it doesn't work like that. You'll understand when you're older. It's getting about time for the King to arrive, better get you back so the servants can make sure you're ready."

"I'll take him," both boys turned to her as she stepped into the room, "you need to change as well." She saw the frown on the boy's face, "Theon will be in no right state to be brought before the King and what would it look like if both your father's ward and you were not present? With all the talk of strange illnesses across the realm. You'll stand behind us, the last thing we need is Sansa and Arya making a scene. The younger ones tend to mind you."

"As you command Lady Stark," Jon bowed his head. Catelyn gave a stiff nod before picking up Rickon and leaving the chamber.

(North – Day of Robert's arrival)

Barristan Selmy sighed as he rode next to Jamie in flanking positions behind the king. Gossip had come up the column that Lord Tywin was already at Winterfell, and his younger sworn brother was on edge. It had taken Barristan a few days to decide the best course of action to take following his fever and the accompanying visions. The ravens were terrifying, and he had heard firsthand accounts of Bloodraven from Ser Duncan the Tall himself.

His first instinct had been to go straight to Robert with what he knew but had swiftly realized that would ultimately be futile. Robert would doubt him, doubtlessly claiming his visions were fever induced. In actuality, the fever was caused by the vision, or so the Three-Eyed Raven explained. Worse case Queen Cersei would not hesitate to arrange an accident. It was only when Peter Balish turned up scattered across the streets of silks that he realized he was not alone, and someone was already making powerful moves.

"Bold," Barristan turned to find Jamie looking at him, "you've been quiet the last couple of miles. No interesting bits of battle lore rattling around in that head of yours to break up the monotony of this dreary landscape?"

Selmy chuckled, "I would not wish to frighten the young prince," he looked to where Tommen sat at the front of Jamie's saddle, "most of the battles that occurred this close to Winterfell were horrible affairs between the Starks and their ancient enemies the Red Kings."

He saw Jamie grimace, "They're the ones who became the Boltons?" Barristan gave a quick nod and Jamie patted the boy's golden locks soothingly, "Right, let's talk of happier things."

The sound of hooves signaled the arrival of another of their sworn brothers, Sir Oakheart rode up with Myrcella secure in front of him, "Your grace, the Queen begs we make for Winterfell quickly. His grace Prince Joffrey does not seem to be improving."

Robert grumbled, "The only good thing Trant did was die from the blasted venom first," the King motioned to the approaching walls, "That's if memory serves, Winter Town. We're within spitting distance from Winterfell. Barristan, ride ahead and give Ned word to forgo the usual pomp and ceremony, tell him we need his maester to meet us at the gate."

Barristan gave a curt nod, "Of course your grace." Kicking his heels his horse bolted forward, he knew Arys would take his place in the formation. He rode hard, finding the gates to Winterfell open and waiting. The people were just gathering for the customary greeting. He noticed Eddard Stark's frown at his sudden arrival at a full gallop. He dismounted and strode to stand before Lord Stark, "Pardon my lord, but the King requests we dispense with the customary greeting and introductions, there has been an accident."

Eddard's frown deepened, "What sort of accident?"

"Prince Joffrey picked up a snake in the Neck intending to use it to scare his younger siblings. My sworn brother Meryn Trant was supposed to be watching him but failed to notice this. This morning as we were leaving Cerwyn, the reptile got loose. It attempted to strike Princess Myrcella, but Ser Trant did his duty. Instead of drawing his sword and killing the stupid thing, he tried to pick it up." Barristan shook his head in disgust, "It struck him repeatedly, before we could act, the Crown Prince made to reclaim the serpent, before we could intercede, he was struck."

Barristan noted Lord Stark paling, "What did the serpent look like, the markings, tell me quickly."

"It was a viper of sorts, a bright green with a yellow belly, red triangular marks above the brows like tiny horns." Barristan heard Catelyn Tully gasp; he was not aware the Starks were so familiar with the fauna of the Neck. He focuses on Lord Stark, "You know this creature?"

"Aye," Eddard glared, "You said Ser Trant was struck repeatedly, I assume he has already passed?" Barristan nodded as he noticed Catelyn moving to clear the yard and summoning their maester from where he stood with the more prominent residents of Winterfell. Lord Stark sighed, "Then he should count himself fortunate. The serpent you described is colloquially called the coward's repent. The legend goes they are the souls of the Andal invaders who fled into the swamps during their failed siege of the North. It is rare to find one so close to the causeway, they tend to lurk in the deeper swamps. I am sorry, but I have never heard of anyone surviving the bite of one."

"Would the people of the Neck know an antidote?" Barristan asked as the maester and Lord Tywin came to join them.

"I am afraid not," Maester Luwin grimaced, "when I first came North, I had the chance to speak with a crannogman who was versed in the flora and fauna of his home. For a number of years, he brought me specimens to examine, he brought me the corpse of a coward's repent he'd caught, and when I asked for a live specimen, he refused. He told me the crannogmen avoid the creatures because their venom is so lethal. To the point, if even a drop of it even touches bare skin, they grant the victim mercy as soon as possible."

Tywin frowned, "Maester Luwin, you are a skilled maester, not a commoner living in a bog, I hope you try everything in your power to aid my grandson. Though, I understand if it is beyond you."

Luwin's chest puffed up in indignation, "I'll do all in my power, my lord, I may not have much knowledge of this particular serpent's venom, but I am not unknowledgeable in the field." With that, the man turned and hurried off to his tower.

The Lord of the Rock smirked as the man departed, "We need to speak, in private."

"Crypt is closest," Eddard remarked as he led the two men towards the Litchfield. He lit a torch and led them to the crypt of Cregan Stark, "If anyone noticed we came down here, they'll check at my father's resting place first."

Barristan mused, "I take it you both had sudden illnesses recently, as Lord Lannister did not come to Winterfell in the vision I was given."

"Neither did you Ser Barristan," Tywin remarked, "neither was my grandson stuck down by a venomous snake."

Eddard rubbed his chin in thought, "No one in the North would use such a method, the crannogmen, in particular, would never strike at a child in such a careless way. As Ser Barristan said the snake went for Princess Myrcella first."

Barristan grimaced, "Pardon my lords but I may have fabricated part of the tale. Prince Joffrey did not pick up the snake, but the snake did come from the prince's luggage within the wheelhouse." Selmy frowned, "Ser Jamie suggested that the prince must have found the snake."

"Jamie?" Tywin's eyes widened, "was my son ill at the same time as you?"

Barristan paled, "Before me, the maester assumed it was some form of contagion when I came down with it after he recovered. I had tended to Ser Jamie as I am the Lord Commander, after I fell ill the maester suggested Jamie tended to me as he'd already had the illness. Jamie has not let on to have had any form of vision, but I have noticed when he is guarding his sister he makes a point of having at least two Baratheon guards present."

"Why would Ser Jamie kill his son?" Eddard turned to Tywin, "it doesn't make sense. He had just cause to breaking his vows and committing Kingslaying, but to be labeled a kinslayer."

Tywin shook his head, "They moved swifter than I thought possible." He looked to the other two men, "I sent word to Dorne that it was my daughter who changed the orders given to Sers Clegane and Lorch. I also told them I would not protect Cersei or Joffrey any longer, and their fates were in the hands of the gods." Tywin crossed his arms behind his back and turned away from the surprised looks of the other two, "I would suggest a thorough examination of my grandson's effects, I am sure a box will be found with a hole that would allow the snake to get out."

Eddard nodded, "Not that the visions exactly gave us calendar dates for events, but I admit you made good time. The snake was probably placed in the baggage somewhere before you reached the Neck, the snake was most likely meant to strike before you left the swamp."

Barristan nodded, "We made good time. Ser Sandor Clegane's squire is to credit for that. He shored up the axel on the wheelhouse and made sure the wheels were in good order every evening when we made camp. The boy kept to himself mostly, the Queen was even praising him for his diligence, told him she'd make sure Lord Tywin rewarded him when Sandor and he returned to the Westerlands."

"What's this about the Hound having a squire?" Eddard frowned, but realized quickly, "You had him brought here?"

A chuckle came from the King's Guard, "Robert already realized the boy is one of his, but the Queen hasn't seen the squire's face. He keeps his bull helm on whenever in her presence, and the only ones in the party who've seen his face are his Grace, Lord Kevan, myself, and Sandor of course." Selmy sighed, "He was the one to kill the serpent though, smashed its head with his war hammer once Joffrey dropped it."

(Back with the King's party)

Jamie had passed Tommen off to Robert and ridden back to the wheelhouse to check on his sister. As he lashed his horse to a hitching point on the monstrosity, he took the proffered hand of his sworn brother who was watching over the Queen. They were now short a member, "We're in sight of the gate, ride up and stay with his grace, and the prince and princess, I'll take over here."

With a nod, the other King's Guard jumped on Jamie's horse and unlashed the reins, and urged the horse forward. With a sigh, Jamie entered the wheelhouse. The room still smelled of piss and shit, Trant's bowls had voided before they could drag his corpse from the wheelhouse. They were all used to the stench from years of living in King's Landing, but it was still unpleasant. There was also the dent in the floor where Sandor's squire had smashed the damn serpent. Joffrey had summoned the older boy upon learning King Robert had been instructing him in the use of his war hammer.

It had surprised Jamie to find Gendry here, he'd at first thought the boy had also received the warnings that he and to his suspicions Barristan had. He'd yet to confide in the Lord Commander, but he knew now the man had to have been warned as well, Barristan had not come to Winterfell in the future shown in the vision. It was only upon hearing from Uncle Kevan that Tywin had forced Sandor to accept knighthood that pieces started to fit. Sandor and Gendry were as oblivious as Robert, but Tywin had been warned and he was making moves.

Jamie so wanted to join Sandor and Gendry at their fire, the pair usually made camp away from the main column, usually close to the prison cart housing Sandor's brother Gregor. The vision had shown him they were better men than most whom Jamie knew, and men he would proudly fight to the death with. Well, considering they were now minutes away from returning to the place all three of them would die if things went to shit again, he'd find the time to get a pint with them when their imminent death wasn't hanging over their heads.

Returning his thoughts to the here and now, he had trouble understanding how things had already changed so greatly. Joffrey was laying on a couch unconscious, Cersei sitting next to him, eyes red from crying. Trant had been bitten at least three times by the snake and had dropped dead within minutes, Joffrey was bitten only once. Jamie knew the horrible things his ill-begotten son could potentially do, but he'd hoped to dissuade his sister from arranging the king's death at least long enough to figure something out.

Cersei looked up at him, "My precious boy, how could this happen?"

It had been Jamie who quickly claimed Joffrey must have caught the snake as they passed through the Neck. He couldn't give his sister's paranoia the chance to manufacture the idea someone had intentionally targeted them. She'd have somehow blamed it on Tyrion, not that they had many interactions with him on the journey as he'd taken to either ride next to Uncle Kevan as they discussed matters they kept private, or spent his evenings drinking with his Grace. At least when his Grace wasn't sparring with Gendry.

A grimace crossed Jamie's face, he couldn't give her an explanation, and he would not permit her to manipulate him once more. Cersei only brought the worst out of him. He'd lost count of the number of people he'd murdered to protect their secret, the things he believed he had done for love. He'd throw a child from a tower for gods' sakes, well technically push but that's semantics for the maesters to argue over. The same child whom he stood next to as he watched the horrors to come, the boy might have called himself the Three-Eyed Raven, but he had the face of Bran Stark, the face of a child he almost murders in the coming days.

Jamie shook his head, "I don't know Cersei, things like this just happen. We're almost to Winterfell, their maester might know some way to treat Joffrey."

"He better," Cersei snarled, "if Joffrey dies, I'll see that grey rat dies with him."

"Cersei," Jamie scolded, "you cannot threaten someone for something out of their control. It isn't that maester's fault the snake bit Joffrey. You should have done a better job teaching him not to pick up strange animals."

Cersei turned on him, "You are blaming me for this?"

Jamie glared, "Yes, you have sheltered the boy and coddled him. Made him think of himself so high that everything in the realm bows down to him. Even a lion must be wary of the snakes lurking in the grass."

(North – King's Road a few miles behind Robert's party)

Mya Stone grumbled as her party stopped to make way for a wagon headed south to Cerwyn. The white tarp over a large, armored figure made them pause. Mychel motioned the driver to pause, "Who's this?"

The man driving the wagon huffed, "King's Guard, Meryn Trant, died defending Princess Myrcella from a serpent attack. I'm taking the body back to Castle Cerwyn to await the silent sisters to come to prepare it for transport back to King's Landing."

"A serpent attack?" Mychel frowned, "I did not think there were venomous serpents this far north."

"There aren't," the driver huffed, "at least not normally. Prince's uncle Ser Jamie thinks the prince might have caught the thing while passing through the Neck. Not exactly sure how, cowards repent are aggressive things, they have no fear of men or beasts. The cannogmen patrol the causeway to ensure none of those serpents make a home there. The only time any were ever caught alive was by special request of the Citadel about fifteen to twenty years ago requesting some live specimens for research purposes. Old Lord Rickard Stark gave the okay, but the Citadel had to send their people to do the gathering, he wasn't sacrificing his people for something so foolish."

Mychel shared a look with Mya before letting the man go on his way, "We'll arrive at Winterfell not long after the King."

(North – A couple of miles ahead of Mya's party)

Leyton Hightower smirked as one of his guards picked up the dead snake. He turned to the man at his side, "You are sure the prince was bitten?"

"Aye milord," the man replied morosely, "snake struck true right through the sleeve of the prince's doublet. Bull headed squire pulled the snake away before bashing its brains with his war hammer. King's party took off fast for Winterfell." The man grimaced, "The snake also got one of the King's Guard, bit him a few times before getting the prince. Might have reduced the amount of venom it gave the prince."

Hightower snorted, "From that type of viper, a single drop could fell a dozen men the size of the Mountain, and still have enough left over to fell a giant. At least that's true of the wild variant, the Citadel had warned me the venom of their domesticated snakes has lost some of the potency of their wild cousins, it should still be enough to ensure Prince Joffrey goes with the Stranger."

The man nodded, "Of course milord, but there's the matter of my payment, you promised me work and a roof if I snuck that beast into the prince's luggage."

Leyton nodded as he motioned to one of his men, "That I did, and you will find both at Castle Black."

"What?" the cutthroat's eyes widened just before the Hightower guard's fists came down on the back of his head.

The Lord of the Hightower glared down at the unconscious man, "Remove his tongue and escort him to the Night's Watch. Inform the Lord Commander that this man is a criminal who's been sentenced to the black. If he asks for the man's crime, tell him it was heresy against the Seven, that's why he lost his tongue."

(North – Winterfell)

Robert and Cersei sat by the cot Joffrey had been lain on. Maester Luwin was examining the bite mark on the boy's wrist, "Most interesting, you said the prince was bitten earlier this morning?"

"Aye," Robert barked, "we were about midway between Castle Cerwyn and here, figured it would be quicker to come straight here than turning the wheelhouse around."

Luwin looked to the royals, "The description of the snake Ser Barristan gave us is accurate correct? Bright green with a yellow belly and red markings above the brows."

Robert nodded giving a glare to Cersei, she'd demanded the snake's corpse be tossed from the wheelhouse before anyone realized it could be important for the maester to treat Joffrey. He turned a less thunderous glare on Luwin, "That's the description, remember from my first trek to these parts. Ned gave me a stick and told me to check under my bedroll before climbing in for snakes looking like that."

"True, of any poisonous animals in the Neck, which there are many. The cowards repent is the only one we have no antidote for the venom." He noticed Cersei's stricken look, and the maester gave a reassuring smile, "but had it been a true coward's repent that struck the prince, he'd have succumbed long before reaching Winterfell. The wound does not match my notes, the bite pattern is right, but the necrosis would be much more prevalent. I have not heard of any such mimic to the cowards repent, and this concerns me, but for now, the prince appears to be responding to treatment."

Cersei sighed but noticed the sadden look on the maester's face, "What is it?"

"I am afraid the prince's hand will have to be amputated. While not as prevalent as I would expect for this type of venom, it has still spread quite aggressively." Luwin sighed, "I would advise removal up to his elbow to be safe."

Robert saw the way Cersei paled at the suggestion of maiming her precious boy in such a way, "Is there no other option?"

"Unfortunately, no," Luwin grimaced, "If not stopped soon, the necrosis may spread into the chest cavity and further upset the boy's humors in an undesirable manner."

The king nodded before standing up and guiding Cersei to do the same, "Well then, better be on with it. We should go down to the hall and properly meet with our hosts." Robert was surprised Cersei allowed him to guide her from the chamber before she started spitting and scratching at him.

"What are you doing, you cannot let that man maim my precious son, my golden child," Cersei screamed, she caught sight of Jamie who had been guarding the door, "Jamie, stop him, he's going to hurt Joffrey."

"Silence woman," He turned to Jamie, "ignore her, the maester has to amputate Joffrey's arm if there's to be any chance at saving the boy. I'll let Lord Stark and your father know, they are awaiting us in the Great Hall right?"

Jamie nodded, though he'd gone slightly pale at the mention of the amputation, "Yes, your grace, everyone is awaiting you there, I've heard a few groups of riders have also arrived behind us."

"Interesting, I wasn't aware we left so many stragglers," Robert mused as he half guided, half dragged Cersei down the hall.

(Winterfell – Great Hall)

Catelyn watched as the Mountain Gregor Clegane was brought before her husband in chains. She could not ignore the satisfaction that only she and others well versed in reading Ned Stark could see. Ned had long harbored the desire to see the Mountain bound and brought before him on his knees. She'd once asked him what he would do if the Mountain were to be brought to him for judgment. Ned had blankly looked at her and said that it would depend on his mood.

She scanned the hall for her children, thankful she'd sent Arya, Bran, and Rickon with Myrcella and Tommen to play in the gardens under the watch of Ser Sandor Clegane's squire and a dozen household guards including Jory. Robb stood at the opposite side of Ned's chair from her. Sansa sat with lady Mormont and her daughters, the Mormonts had arrived late the previous day along with several other noteworthy individuals of the North. Across the room she spotted Jon, his face was so like Ned's that she had no trouble reading his expression. He held nothing but contempt for the Mountain that rides, a contempt that she'd never had levied against herself no matter maltreatment she'd foisted on him.

Tywin Lannister approached and spoke so the entire hall could hear, "Lord Stark, as we have spoken privately on this matter, I do not wish to rehash it here. Ser Gregor Clegane has lived with the guilt of many atrocities that he has come to regret." Tywin pulled a yellowed piece of parchment from his sleeve, "I submit this document to evidence, recovered from Clegane Keep by Ser Gregor's wife at his behest and turned over to me. These are the original unopened orders I sent to Ser Gregor before we marched on King's Landing. I present them still sealed so that you might attest to the age of the sealing wax."

Eddard nodded, and Robb stepped down to collect the message, which he quickly passed to his father. Ned examined the letter, "The wax is aged, cracking, and flaking around the edges." Ned then proceeded to break the seal and begin to read the missive. Catelyn surreptitiously looked over her husband's shoulder, the ink was partially faded but still legible. The orders plainly stated for Gregor and Lorch to secure Princess Elia and her children and bring them to Lord Tywin so that he might turn them over to the rebel lords as a sign of good faith. Catelyn could not conceal her gasp as her eyes turned to the monster kneeling on the floor of her home. Yet it was Ned's voice that kept her from speaking out of turn, "Gregor Clegane, these orders were for the capture of Princess Elia and her children alive. Yet they were still sealed, why did you seek out the Princess if you had not read your orders?"

Gregor raised his head to look at Lord Stark, "I received other orders, orders I thought were true. They were written in Lord Lannister's hand and were signed with the sigil from his signet ring. They stated for us to kill the Princess and her children. They requested we do it as brutally as possible to send a message to anyone who dared to cross the lions."

Ned snarled and his Direwolf stood up from where she'd been laying at his feet with Grey Wind curled up next to her, "Where are these orders now?"

"Ashes, somewhere between the Westerlands and Crownlands." Gregor grumbled, but his eyes were affixed to the Direwolf, "the orders said to burn the missive."

"Yet you kept the original orders," Robb asked before shirking back at the glare he got from his father.

Ned's glare shifting to Gregor was all the monster in the skin of a man needed to figuratively spill his guts, "I never really thought of them, just a piece of parchment in the pile of others Lord Tywin sends me."

"While any southerner might think I should just be done with it and remove your head," Eddard stood, Catelyn noticed people around the room nervously backing away as Lady and Ghost both stood along with Grey Wind who stood next to their mother. "Death is too easy a punishment. Ser Gregor Clegane, I sentence you to spend the remainder of your days serving the realm. You will take the vows of the Night's Watch, and you will hold to them, otherwise know there is not a place on this world I will not find you. Pray that whenever we meet again, we stand on the same side, otherwise you will learn why even unchained giants kneel before a Stark of Winterfell."

Gregor bowed his head, "I swear to you my lord, I will keep to the vows of the Knight's Watch from this day forth until my watch is ended."

"Damn Ned," Robert said as he and Cersei entered the hall, "who went and woke the Quiet Wolf. Haven't seen you like this since the rebellion," Robert paused, "Ours that is, you were more mellow when we went squid hunting." The King indicated the Mountain, "Guessing this is all settled, whatever reason he came all the way here to get sent to the Wall. Lord Kevan Lannister never gave me the full details."

The Mountain stood and walked to where a group of Night's Watch along with Benjen Stark waited. Catelyn noticed the despondent look on the Queen's face, "Your grace, Prince Joffrey is not?"

Cersei shook her head morosely, "He lives, but your maester informed us he will lose his right arm. The surgery is being done as we speak."

"How horrible," Catelyn moved to take the Queen's arm, "Let us adjourn to the garden, the younger children are currently there. I am sure his grace and my lord husband can handle greeting the other guests who've arrived."

Ned surrendered his seat to Robert who sat in it heavily, "So, who are these guests?" The king sighed, "anything to take my mind off what's being done to my boy up in your maester's quarters."

Tywin moved to another chair Robb had pulled over next to the King as Jon had quickly moved around the edge of the hall to provide a chair for his father once Catelyn had exited. Eddard motioned the boys to stand at the side of his chair before answering Robert, "Lord Leyton Hightower arrived just after your party. There is also a group from the Vale led by a son of Lord Redfort."

Robert nodded, "Wonder what has brought them here, a long way to travel otherwise." Robert saw Leyton Hightower and motioned him forward, "Lord Hightower, hope this doesn't have something to do with your errant good son and daughter running off to Essos."

Leyton bowed, "No your grace, though there is a business of that which I would speak with Lord Stark about privately without the court that has followed you here listening in. The reason for my journey is twofold, the first is to renounce the Seven and seek forgiveness of my true gods. To kneel before the heart tree in Winterfell and beg the gods for guidance and absolution for the sins of my ancestors."

The king made a good impression of a fish before stuttering out, "The most devout know of this my lord?"

"If they do it does not matter," Leyton said, his eyes held no emotion, "my sons have already begun the process of rebuilding our godswood and have set out on a quest to obtain a true heart tree from the Isle of Faces. If the followers of the Seven disapprove, they can find a new city to reside in."

"Well, as long as your sure, I guess," Robert looked to Ned, "anything like this happen before?"

Ned shook his head, "Lord Hightower knows the history between the North and the Reach. He was against his daughter's marriage to Jorah Mormont for that reason." Eddard looked to Lord Hightower, "You said your visit was twofold, what was the second reason?"

Leyton chuckled as he looked to where Robb Stark stood, "It is a matter of House Tyrell, but my good son and liege lord trusted me to present the proposal in his stead. Lord Mace Tyrell wishes to unite the houses of First Men blood of the Reach, with our Northern cousins. He offers the hand of his first and only daughter Margaery of House Tyrell, true and of noble birth, the blood of the First Men, to be the wife of your son and heir Robb Stark, future Lord of Winterfell." The Lord of the Hightower preened, "You would be hard-pressed to find a better match than my granddaughter."

"It is a most monumental proposal Lord Hightower," Ned noticed Robert begin to turn red trying to hold back his laughter at Ned's expense, "and not one to take lightly." He looked to Robb who'd never been one to think about his prospects in wives. "I would not dismiss the proposal but would not wish to force something upon them. Perhaps we can arrange a meeting."

Leyton clapped his hands and a young woman stepped forward to stand beside him, "Her father thought as much, and sent her by way of White Harbor under the guard of her brother Loras and two of Prince Oberyn's daughters." Leyton motioned to a disgruntled-looking young man and two young women.

(Highgarden – Sometime after Oberyn's arrival)

Prince Oberyn frowned at the missive from his brother, a very enigmatic command to head for Winterfell, and that Doran would meet him there eventually. He'd yet to get a handle on whatever was going on in the Reach. Other than Ser Loras and his father getting into an argument over plans for Lady Margaery. Apparently, Loras had been scheming with Renly Baratheon to supplant Cersei Lannister with the Tyrell girl, a scheme that was put an end to by Mace deciding to send an olive branch to the North.

"Prince Oberyn," He looked up to find Willas at the door, "nothing too troubling I hope."

Oberyn smirked, "Nothing too much, though I will need to depart soon it seems. My brother desires my presence in Winterfell. I dare say this is not a visit I am looking forward to."

To Oberyn's pleasure, Willas walked with his cane only taking the weight his leg could no longer handle, and without the pain, the young man was experiencing upon their arrival. The heir to Highgarden took a seat at the table in the room, "I did not know you had animosity with the Starks."

"Animosity, no," Oberyn sighed, "I broke a solemn promise to a dear friend. For that broken promise, good men died senseless and needless deaths, and a life I could have saved was lost to the Stranger's grasping clutches. I always put on an image of bravado, but when it comes down to it, I am a selfish and pathetic excuse for a human being. Anyone I have ever cared for; I have failed them when they have needed me the most. Elia and her children were murdered, and where was I, ensconced in Sunspear. My friends the Daynes needed me to parlay, and where was I, drunk with my face buried in Ellaria's bosom. Lyanna Stark needed me to use the skills I gained at the Citadel, and where was I, well same as before, drunk and with Ellaria."

Willas poured two goblets of wine, "You have not failed all, your daughters are healthy and whole. You have been a consistent and loyal friend to me since the accident. You have tried pushing Obara on me since then as well, though I do not exactly know why."

"She is my eldest, and though I do not favor one over the others, we have always had a special bond," Oberyn smirked, "I would see her happy and doing something that would please her. If allowed, she'd one day take the place of Aero Hotah as the chief protector of her cousin. I would not see her throw away all possibilities without experiencing the joys of life she would be giving up. Hotah has no kin, and he will never marry or father any children, his whole life is focused on the preservation of my brother's life." Oberyn shook his head, "Obara is not the comeliest of my daughters, handsome indeed, but she is overshadowed by her sisters. Were you to become intimate, and a child resulted, you'd have no fear of future claimant issues, Obara would never permit her own children to be pawns in the game, and we of House Martell take care of our own."

Willas shrugged, "Father has implied he is interested in the idea of your daughter at least taking up a position as a bodyguard. If anything, to give my grandmother something else to argue over. She is displeased he made plans to betroth Margaery to Lord Stark's son without even consulting her. Apparently, it was she who put the idea to supplant Queen Cersei in my brother's head."

Oberyn chuckled, "An interesting thought, but I would think it more likely to have her matched to the crown prince. Unless your grandmother wishes your father to be compared to your Hightower ancestor, Lord Hand Otto Hightower."

"I brought that up as well, but apparently Loras gained some information from Renly during his time as his squire." Willas lowered his voice and leaned forward, "Renly has been raising one of King Robert's bastards at Storm's End. The boy is black of hair and blue of eye, like every Baratheon in recorded history, the same goes for all of Robert's known bastards regardless of the appearance of their mothers. Yet, the King's true-born children are all blond with green eyes, the coloring of their Lannister mother."

"You are not implying," Oberyn noticed the serious look on his young friend's face, "we are not two gossiping septas, so you have more evidence than your little brother voicing a conspiracy told to him by the King's brother. Does this have something to do with your father suddenly embracing his First Men heritage?"

Willas nodded, "It does, I noticed it when Loras tried to use it as an argument to sway father's decision. Though, that would be futile seeing as he requested Grandfather to make the proposal during his visit to Winterfell." Willas took a drink of wine, "Father did not show any reaction to what he was hearing like he already knew this information. He said the iron throne didn't matter, that it was a distraction from our duty to the realm. The Reach has a duty to perform and anyone who does not uphold their duty would be unwelcome. The Reach has always been the primary food supplier for the kingdom, and father is doubling and tripling production. The numbers I'm seeing will have the normal winter silos filled to max within the year, the additional winter silos he's having Lord Tarly raise will see us through an average winter with some to spare."

A knock at the door signaled the arrival of Sarella, "Father, I am sorry to interrupt, but Lord Tyrell has requested Nymeria and I accompany his daughter to Winterfell. He planned to ask you himself this evening but wanted to see if we were amenable to the task."

Oberyn looked to Willas, but the young heir could only shrug as he was rarely involved in his father's plans these days. His involvement was limited to monitoring the books and sending messages to the various bannermen. The prince looked to his daughter, "Did he give reason he wished you to accompany her over her normal ladies in waiting?"

"To quote the Lord," Sarella mimed air quotes, "because he did not want simple girls to be his daughter's only companions when there were so many threats lurking around. He wanted brains and cleverness, he specifically said Nymeria and I were the best suited to this." A frown appeared on the girl's face, "I was not aware Lord Tyrell wasted much thought on any of us Sand Snakes."

Willas snorted, "Up to a few weeks ago, my father didn't waste much thought on anything. His moniker was well-earned, but something came to pass. Something that drew father, grandfather, Uncle Paxter, and Lord Tarly into close confidence. The fever that affected them, it is the only commonality."

Sarella's frown deepened, "A fever? That is curious, while I've been at the Citadel, several maesters have reported their lords suffering from a mysterious illness that has laid them up for days or even weeks. A handful has been down for an entire moon before suddenly recovering as though they were never sick in the first place." Sarella looked to her father, "As uncle told you, Lord Dayne was among those afflicted, but he was the only one in Dorne reported to the Citadel. Not saying there were not others that had not been reported. It has not only affected men of high birth or high standing. Maester Aemon of Castle Black reported two recruits who'd freshly arrived both suddenly came down with a fever. Both recruits were smallfolk before joining the Watch. Maester Aemon reported that their personalities had completely changed upon their recovery. They started acting like seasoned members of the Knight's Watch and requested to take their vows immediately before the heart tree, neither man was a follower of the Old Gods before the fevers."

Oberyn's brows furrowed, "Sarella, whom all do you know of have been affected by these fevers?"

"Well, I wasn't attached to the Archmaester who was investigating this, but I'm friends with his apprentice." Sarella rubbed her chin, "Lord Dayne as I said, and the four lords in the Reach we know of. In the Westerlands both Tywin Lannister and his brother Kevan were afflicted. In the Vale, there was only Lord Royce." Sarella paused before continuing, "Grand Maester Pycell reported two King's Guards were possibly afflicted but he didn't report their names, only that he suspected it was a common ailment as he thinks one was exposed while treating his sworn brother." She then shrugged, "The Citadel doesn't have much of a presence on the Iron Isles, and I don't remember hearing of any Storm Lords coming down with it. If a Northern lord came down with it, their maester wouldn't report it, the North likes to keep their secrets."

"What about the Riverlands?" Willas asked.

"Blackwood and Bracken," Sarella remarked, "Edmure Tully had to go in his father's stead to calm their families, both had started accusing the other of poison. Lord Tully requested a neutral maester come to examine the two lords and assure their kinfolk that no poisons were involved in their illnesses. After the two men recovered, they spoke with Edmure privately, he has since taken both men into his confidences and they act as his personal advisors."

"Both," Willas shook his head, "the feud between those houses is legendary. It is practically a living reminder of the animosity between the two primary religions of Westeros." He looked to Oberyn, "Something very wrong is going on."

Oberyn nodded, "Indeed, and your father has given us an opportunity to look to the source. Nymeria and Sarella will accompany your sister as requested. I will take a more indirect approach, swing through the Riverlands and speak with Lord Edmure and see what his bannermen have told him. I will leave my other daughters here under your protection, I'll send word to my niece, she will send Ellaria to collect them once she has returned to Dorne."

(Dorne – Day of Robert's arrival at Winterfell)

Starfall was silent as Doran sat in the solar of Lord Dayne. His old friend had grown weaker by the day, their talks limited to a few minutes each day as he tried to help guide his prince in preparing for the horrors to come. Yesterday, Lord Dayne was too weak to even wake, and this morning the maester had given notice the end was coming. Against Lord Dayne's wishes, Allyria had sent word to Edric and Ser Beric Dondarrion of Edric's father's deteriorating condition.

It had taken a few days for Allyria to finally admit she knew of her nephew's true parentage. It took a decanter of Dornish Red to open her lips on the entire affair. Allyria was too young to fully remember her sister and had no memory of Arthur as he'd already gone to King's Landing by the time, she was old enough to have any memory of him. What she remembered of Ashara was the sadness, and the hours of her sister praying in the godswood for her wolf to forgive her.

Doran had only then realized what Ashara would be wanting forgiveness for. He and Oberyn had played the part of witnesses for Rhaegar's marriage to Lyanna. The she-wolf had won both men over, especially her thoughts of acting in Elia's stead. She had no desire for a crown, only her freedom. Doran had made it known to all the Dornish the sacrifice the girl had made for their beloved princess. There were some who spoke Lyanna's name along with those of Elia and her children as victims of Robert's Rebellion who cried out for justice.

Most of what Allyria knew had been told to her by her late good sister. She had been barren, unable to bare a child, Starfall was doomed to fall into the hands of the Daynes of High Hermitage, something nobody in Dorne would wish to see happen. Ashara had suffered all the losses she could, her lover being forced to wed his brother's betrothed, the deaths of Elia, her children, Lyanna, and Arthur. Allyria was told one morning her sister had been seen jumping from the top of the Pale Stone Tower. This had left Edric in the care of Lord Dayne and his wife, Edric was born extremely small and the maester was not even sure he'd survive his first year.

Doran had frowned at that, "Is that when they came up with the tale of Ashara's child being a girl and had been stillborn?"

"Yes," Allyria looked sadly out the window, "my brother claimed it would not hurt, and it was better for everyone to believe Ashara's child was dead and gone."

Edric spent his first couple of years just struggling to stay alive. It was four years after his birth that Lord Dayne had officially named Edric his son and hid all traces of his true parentage, even sending his wetnurse Wylla away. It was not unheard of for families to postpone notice of a child's birth, especially if there had been complications that indicated the child might die in infancy. What was uncommon, and rather underhanded was claiming a sibling's bastard as one's legitimate child and heir.

A part of Doran wished this revelation had never been made to him, for it put him in an uneasy predicament. Edric Dayne was truly Edric Sand and held no actual rights to Starfall over his legitimate cousins in High Hermitage. If a member of that family learned the truth, they could issue a challenge for rights to everything including the ancestral sword, Dawn. If it became known that Doran had knowledge of the deception and had not given the rights to their proper claimants, the situation in Dorne could potentially escalate to civil war few outsiders knew how precarious the political climate of his kingdom was.

Allyria had watched him like a hawk with her purple eyes, so similar to those of her sister, "What are you thinking my prince?"

"I must speak with your nephew," Doran grimaced, "and his birth father. Your brother's deception robbed him of his right to claim his own son, and his right to decide the boy's future. If he agrees to permit Edric to be legitimized as a Dayne, I will uphold his claimant rights as the sole member of the main branch of your House, as you are marrying Ser Dondarrion."

"I thank you, my prince," Allyria bowed her head, "would you allow me to be present when you tell Edric? He is the only family I have left."

Beric had also requested to remain present; he had become more of a father to young Edric than Lord Dayne had ever been. Doran watched looked at the couple for a moment before looking the Edric, "Edric, you know I have been meeting with Lord Dayne in private these last couple of weeks."

"Yes, my prince," Edric grimaced, "auntie says you and him had much to discuss, making plans for the future. Father was always preparing for the future, that's why he arranged Auntie Allyria's betrothal to Ser Beric. In his last letter to me, he was still looking to arrange a betrothal for me, he was hoping to find a suitable match in the Reach."

Doran nodded, "A wise man, a clever one too if I might say." Doran sighed, "There is no easy way to say this Edric, so I'll be blunt. On my first day here, Lord Dayne revealed to me a secret that is far too dangerous to simply let fester. You were not born the son of Lord and Lady Dayne, from what I have learned from your aunt and corroborated by Starfall's maester, Lady Dayne could not even bare a child as she was barren."

A confused expression appeared on the boy's face, "What are you saying, my prince?"

"Your maester confirmed that you were born shortly before the end of Robert's Rebellion, a small sickly child that most in the household thought would die within your first year. Against all odds, you began to rally and gain strength, but your growth was quite slow, and even when you were eight years old, the first time we met face to face, you could pass as a child of four, which was what I was led to believe at the time. Even now, you can pass for a youth of your assumed age, and no one would be the wiser."

Edric turned to his aunt, "Is this true?"

Allyria nodded, "It is Edric, my brother feared our house falling to the Daynes of High Hermitage and took the opportunity given to him by divine providence. You look more a Dayne with your coloring, but I have heard the servants who've met your birth father talking. It just so happens his house and ours share several physical traits thanks to both being of the First Men."

"Then," Edric looked to the three adults in the room, "who were my real parents? Why would they allow Lord Dayne to do this? What does it mean for Starfall?"

Doran sighed, "I'll answer that last question first, as I am already planning to address it swiftly. If your true parentage were to come out at the wrong time it could lead to serious political ramifications, especially if it was learned I knew the truth and did not act accordingly. By the right of the decision of Lord Dayne, you are the rightful heir, as long as you remain a Dayne. The problem comes with the fact that if your true parentage were to come out, your cousin house could petition for your claim to be annulled by having you declared a Sand, as your birth father did not give up his authority over you to permit Lord Dayne to officially legitimize you.

Ser Beric frowned, "You have not mentioned who the boy's father is, can we not simply send a letter to him to have this matter cleared up?"

Doran snorted, "I would rather not have Lord Stark any angrier than he no doubt is with my family at this time. I have sent Oberyn to Winterfell, and this will be their first meeting since my brother failed to arrive at the Tower of Joy. Oberyn was meant to be there to ensure Lady Lyanna was attended to properly and to ensure the three King's Guard fools my good brother assigned as her protectors didn't do something stupid. Instead, good loyal men died and Lady Lyanna was lost to childbed fever."

Those present in the room shared a look of surprise. Edric was the first to speak, "I was told Jon Snow was my milk brother, that Lord Stark fathered him on Wylla."

A scoff came from Doran, "That tale was Lord Dayne helping to cover the boy's true parentage. Even though I supported Lady Lyanna being Rhaegar's second wife, many in Dorne believe that I only went along with it to protect Elia from the dragon's wrath. They were half right, it was to protect Elia, but not from her husband or his family. Those who believe the rumors of Lyanna being a seductress never truly met the girl." He looked to Edric, "Your aunt was a vibrant and willful force of nature itself. Had Elia not needed her to be a surrogate, I believe she could have tamed even Oberyn."

Edric frowned, "If Lord Stark is my father, then my mother is?"

"Ashara," Allyria smiled sadly, "my sister loved Lord Stark, my brothers were infuriated when he abandoned her in favor of marrying Catelyn Tully to uphold the betrothal pact between their families."

Doran grimaced, "Lord Dayne told me he forbade your mother from telling Lord Stark about you. I find it ironic how he claimed his sister's child as his bastard son, while his true bastard was claimed as a legitimate son of his uncle." Shaking his head Doran continued, "I will set out for Winterfell via White Harbor in a couple of days. I will seek Lord Stark's permission to legally legitimize Edric as a Dayne and legalize his claim to Starfall. With the backing of the Warden of the North behind him, High Hermitage will dare not move against Edric." He focused on the boy, "You need not accompany Edric, nor will I force you."

"I will come," Edric looked to Ser Beric, "if that is all right with you Ser Dondarrion."

"Aye," Beric nodded, "I'll come as well, your wellbeing is still my responsibility."

Allyria stepped forward and placed her hands on Edric's shoulders, "I'll come as well, it is my responsibility to make amends for the deceit our house committed against your true father."

Doran nodded, "I'll have my ship prepared, once we have handled Lord Dayne's funeral arrangements we will depart. I will have the maester refrain from sending out messages confirming Lord Dayne's passing and Edric's ascension to Lord of Starfall until after we have cleared up this mess."

Notes:

Just a few clarifications.

1. Jamie is probably the first person who had the fever dream/warning vision chronologically. Bran/Three-Eyed Raven using someone geographically close to him as sort of a test subject. Jamie will also be the only person who was physically at the Battle of Winterfell who get's the warning, so that should answer the questions on who the two Night's Watch members are that got the warnings.

2. Leyton's attempt on Joffrey, yeah the guy is still a Hightower, and technically it wasn't a true attempt. He was actually planning for the attack to occur earlier and be a distraction resulting in a delay as the royal party checked the wheel house and all carts for more snakes, allowing him to beat Robert to Winterfell. There was no planned target, other than the blame landing on Joffrey as the snake came from his luggage, because Leyton assumed the Kings Guard would kill the serpent with a sword not catch with his hands. Though, Leyton wouldn't be upset if Joffrey were to die. This is also why he sends his hired cutthroat to the Wall minus his tongue, to cover up his connection to what he thinks is the death of the alleged crown prince.

3. Travel: Leyton left by ship and headed up the west coast of Westeros past the Iron Islands, landing at Lannisport and then traveling east before coming north through the Neck, entering sometime after Robert, but before Mya. He already had the snake on hand because he knew he'd fall behind Robert. A few days after Leyton left Highgarden and Oberyn's arrival, Mace sends Margaery and her entourage by ship south and up the east coast of Westeros to White Harbor, from which they traveled to Winter Town to await Leyton's arrival. They also might have picked up a few people from King's Landing on the way.