Catelyn Tully Stark
On route from Winterfell to Greywater Watch, 299AC
It had been a long time since Catelyn had left Winterfell. And it had been even longer since she had last made any kind of dealing politically. It had been a topic she was always good at, but she was nowhere near as clever as the Spider. That much she knew for certain. She'd only met him a handful of times, and every time he always knew exactly where she was, who she was with, why she was there, and what was going to happen. A part of her doubted anyone had a network of spies as expansive as he. Everyone keeps spies, she herself has some, and she convinced Ned to get a few as well when he first rode off to join in the rebellion. He had not taken kindly to that, thought it too southern, but she was saved when Wyman Manderly confirmed he had a network himself. It was only then he had agreed to take on a few, but it was not a network by any means. It was the bare minimum to keep her paranoia at bay.
She remembered being twelve and her father pulling her aside to show her the betrothal offers she had been given. Even then she had thought of the implications of it all, and she knew the most advantageous for her House was undoubtedly Brandon Stark, but she had been hesitant. Godswoods were nothing new to her, nor were heart trees. They had one in Riverrun as did many of the great houses down south. But unlike their northern counterparts and the Blackwood's, did not worship the religion. She had been anointed under the seven-pointed star and her gods had faces. Faces she could describe in perfect detail without needing a reference. The North was a strange place to her.
Nonetheless, she knew her position as the eldest daughter of Lord Hoster Tully, so she had watched as he wrote a response to Lord Rickard agreeing to the match. She didn't meet her intended for a few more years, on her sixteenth name-day. Less than a year before he was taken from her and she had wed his younger brother in his stead as custom decreed. Brandon had been loud, boisterous, ambitious, and vain. It was a welcome change for Catelyn, the south was filled with people who as Ned referred to them were nothing but overgrown roosters and peacocks. As degrading as it was, it was a relatively accurate description.
In the years prior she had read up on as much as she could about the culture she would be thrown into, and she had surprised him greatly with her knowledge regarding it. He was honest with her too, how he had already sired two bastards but promised her in both the Sept and the Godswood he would never sire another once they were wed. His words had been sincere, and she believed him. But then the day came, only a few days after they agreed on a date for the wedding when he said he had to go away for some time as he had unfinished business. She'd kissed him for the first time that day and little did she know it was the last time she would see him.
A month later her father received the raven that he had been imprisoned for threatening Prince Rhaegar in front of King Aerys. She had been confused, not knowing why he had gone to the Red Keep. But then whispers of rebellion and oath breaking began, and a few days later they received a raven from Rickard confirming what had happened. A month after this both father and heir were dead, now knowing she would have to wed his younger brother. A man he had spoken often about over how quiet he was. Apparently a total opposite of Brandon, and it set dread in her stomach. She had liked Brandon, a lot, and now she had to wed someone she had never met before.
To think that was almost eighteen years ago now, and she could remember every part of it as if it had all happened the day before. From the dark green dress that she was wearing with silver trimming, to the deep red Edmure had been wearing when their father had confirmed they were going to war against the Targaryen's, and the pale silver Lysa preferred. To the way she'd had her hair intricately braided to look like she had a crown atop her head with a couple of loose ringlets dangling around the sides of her face.
Yet here she was. Going against what her father had done by supporting her Targaryen nephew in his claim. So much had happened in the time she had been told that at times it made her feel like years had gone by, yet it had only been a little more than nine months. She'd been horrified, disgusted, shocked, and numerous other things when the words fell from Ned's lips. How he'd found his sister dying from being cut open to get her son out of her, of how he found out that she hadn't been kidnapped and either Brandon had assumed wrong or someone had told him she had been taken against her will. That Elia was fully aware of what was going on and that Lyanna and Rhaegar were wed on the Isle of Faces.
It was a place that sent shivers down her spine, and not in a good way. It was the only place in the south which had a natural Godswood, all others being planted as a sign of peace between the Andals and the First Men thousands of years before. Said to be filled with a foreign race of humans they called the Green Men and rumoured to still have some Children hidden in the numerous forests. Plus, the God's Eye was the sight of many battles over the years. It was the place Maegor the cruel had slain his nephew Aegon, where Daemon stabbed his nephew Aemond in the eye during the dance. There had been numerous others- countless between the Bracken's and Blackwood's themselves before the seven Kingdoms were united. That was a feud that would never go away, only an absolute miracle would have those two Houses being civil.
That would cause an issue down the line. Catelyn knew with certainty that if worded correctly she would get her own Houses men on Jaeron's side, the Mooton's would probably be easy to get as well as they fought alongside Rhaegar in the rebellion. A couple of lesser Houses did too. But the Blackwood's would flock to his side due to their shared blood. After all, his twice great-grandmother had been Betha. But there was a problem there, they didn't have as many men as their biggest rival. The choice comes down to more men or distant relations. In the south, distant relations are not a big thing, but said House came from the North. Had asked for refuge in the Riverlands after being driven from the North, and the North is fiercely protective over family. Hence why the Karstark's are so loyal- even though there hasn't been a marriage between the secondary branch and the main branch in a long time.
But that wasn't going to be for a while, or she hopes so. She needs to be able to have Varys at the least remain neutral and not to spill the secret. If he did, all their heads would be on spikes, the North would rebel against the south, and it would be a never-ending war. Northerner's are proud people, and hold what they believe close to heart, and will fight until the final man. With the thought in mind, she closed her bags over that were filled with dried beef, coin so she could stay at inns on the way down and for her ship, and clothes. She'd also made sure to wrap the copy of the pact up tightly, needing to show it to Jon when she sees him. Her mind was still reeling with it, and Robb's was too as he had barely spoken to anyone today.
It had been chaotic yesterday, massively so. One thing after another after another. The next more damning than the one previous. She'd had Maester Luwin send a raven the night prior to Greywater Watch to alert Howland she was coming down. At first, she was simply going to go straight for White Harbour and straight to Kings Landing from there, but she couldn't make decisions for Jon, he had to do them himself. She'd been shocked when Robb told her he was going to press on the claim, despite having a hunch of it when he came up with the mummery they were playing. Except it wasn't a mummery anymore as now the girls were in on it.
The few ravens that had been sent their way from where they were, it bothered her how vague they were. The only thing he wasn't being vague on was how quickly the dragons were growing, they were not the tiny hatchlings she'd first lay her eyes on a little more than five months ago. They were around the size the wolves were when they were first brought to the castle, yet now they were slightly larger than horses. That was scarily quick, and a part of her hoped his research into it was correct and they could be mounted early. If they continue growing at the rate they were, perhaps they won't need to hold things off by at least a year. Dragging out an impending war is a difficult thing to do, and they could not make a misstep. If they did, the chain they've started weaving will immediately unravel.
A part of Catelyn was nervous about facing him again. It wasn't until a few days after she had been told that she began to treat him as family, and at best he left when they were on civil matters. Now, she's had time to think deeply into it, knowing she needs to support her family. Family comes first no matter what to her House. Meaning she had to stand by him, for her children's sake. She'd failed him until recently by sheltering him and ignoring him often, being downright awful at times. She remembered the time when she'd had a massive argument with Ned over it and that night she made a terrible wish. The next morning the boy was being attended to by Maester Luwin as he was screaming in agony from the pox. He'd only been seven then. To wish death on a child is a horrific thing, and she had done that horrific thing. It was only when she was told that there was an incredibly high chance he would not survive the night did she take leave to the small Sept Ned had built for her and praying to all the gods to make him live.
The mother for forgiveness for her awful wish, the stranger not to take him, the smith to make him strong enough to survive, the father to watch over him, the maiden to care for him, the crone to give him the will to pull through, and the warrior to make him not fall to such a fate again. Her prayer had been answered, as he had survived the night. He'd had a fever for the following week after this and she made a silent promise to herself she would treat him as kin after this.
And she'd failed to keep that promise.
But now she had a chance to prove herself, and she was going to keep at it now. No one ever knew about what she had done, and she planned to keep it that way. Rickon had cried when she mounted her horse, begging her to come back. She had simply reached down and tossed his auburn curls he shared with his brothers and eldest sister, and promising she would come back. Looking at her children, it was difficult to see many of them were even half-Stark. All taking after her in her Tully colouring apart from Arya. Another reason she had hated Jon before she knew the truth. Because he looked more like a Stark than her own did and all were trueborn. But then came feisty little Arya which proved that her colouring was not completely wiping out Stark colouring.
Thinking on it now, she realised just how lucky Eddard had been with Jon. If he had been born with silver hair it would've been game over in a matter of minutes. Alas, he simply inherited purple eyes which tied in with the rumour that was circulating at the time regarding Ned and Ashara. She had even brought it up once herself, and that was one of the only times she had felt scared of her husband. Clearly he cared for her somewhat, but whether it was love she would never know. The Dayne woman had thrown herself from the highest tower in Starfall in her grief.
It took her a little more than a day to reach an inn, and she had revelled in allowing the dirt to soak off her. This would be the only inn for five days if she remembered correctly, and she was going to make the most of it considering she was going to be living on salt beef and sleeping in a makeshift tent. It was going to be a long journey no matter what. First heading to Greywater Watch to discuss things with Jon directly, then she would be heading North to White Harbour where she would then be travelling down to Kings Landing to speak with Varys. That was something Catelyn was not looking forward to in the slightest. She remembered the overly perfumed man from Harrenhal and the glare Rhaegar had given him. Clearly he wasn't wanted there but what for? He must've known or done something that had angered the Prince.
She'd been thinking back on that fated tourney a lot lately, trying to work everything out. Even excluding Lyanna's tourney stunt it was just filled with drama. From the fights that were breaking out, to Rhaegar calling a mass meeting which was interrupted by the first sighting of his father in years, to King Aerys naming Jaime Lannister to his Kingsguard and then boasting of how he was now his and not Tywin's. The Lion had not been there during it all, still heavily insulted by his attraction to Joanna and refusing Cersei's hand in marriage to his heir. Lannister's are proud, they always have been, but Tywin tripled that stereotype. Castamere was enough proof of that. He'd flooded and drowned hundreds of people solely because they didn't pay their taxes to their liege who at the time was Tytos. Many people took advantage of the pious man, but no one suffered a worse fate than the Reyne's and Tarbeck's had. And they'd had the audacity to make a song boasting about the victory too.
A small smile came onto her face as without anyone's knowledge two Kingdom's were planning to revolt against the crown, they just had to wait on the perfect timing. All she had to do was play up to her houses values to her father to have him switch his side to her nephew. And if he didn't, then she could simply state that they wouldn't be in the position they are now without the Targaryen's. She'd need to speak to Jon on it beforehand though firsthand, in case he had any plans brewing.
A further six days had passed before she finally spotted the swamps that encased the Neck, her nose turning up a little in disgust. She remembered being young with Edmure and Lysa, daring one another to jump into the Green Fork. Her brother had pushed her once, and it was a chore wiping off all the dirt from her skin from that escapade. How old had she been then? Eleven? Twelve? Perhaps even younger? One thing was for certain, it did not feel like it was that long ago, it felt like it were yesterday. But steadily, she and Lysa drifted apart and Edmure barely spoke to her considering they were due to go on completely different paths around that time. But they were still family, and she loved them fiercely. Perhaps she could pay them a visit. The Eyrie is only around four days from Greywater Watch- no. There was a task at hand, trying to prevent a war from breaking out right now. Time is needed, and they don't have much time to prepare. It's a race at this point, and hopefully they will be the first to cross the line and remain ahead.
Jaeron Targaryen
Greywater Watch, 299AC
"Have you drafted the raven, my Lord?"
Howland turned to Jaeron at this before nodding in acceptance. The younger pleased by the response. They had talked for days regarding what to do with the Velaryon's, and they decided to word it as a trade agreement. Since hardly anyone ever travels to the Neck, and the Crannogmen isolate themselves so much, there were bountiful amounts of things available to do so. And considering it was the only place on the continent which had such materials, made it valuable. It had actually been Jyana's idea to do this, and it wasn't intentional. She had been skinning a lizard lion Meera had shot down the day prior for the meat to give to the kitchen staff, and stated more people should use the skin as the material was incredibly strong.
Perhaps it wasn't the most creative nor was it the most political, but it was the best idea they had come up with to turn this into something it wasn't. That's what the game is about, making it look as though what you are going for is the last thing on the list. Therefore, when the time comes to strike nothing can tear down the foundations. Five days had passed since the letter from Robb arrived detailing what they had discovered and what it meant for everyone. Why a Principality of all things? Yes, it was agreed upon almost two centuries ago now, but still. Surely there must've been some other agenda hidden in it. Unfortunately, there would be no way to know for certain as everyone who had witnessed such an agreement had been dead for a very long time. Jacaerys shot down by the Myrish, Lucerys killed by Aemond one-eye, Rhaena in battle, Rhaenyra eaten alive by her half-brothers dragon Sunfyre, Joffrey thrown from his mother's dragon Syrax trying to free his own in the ensuing riots. The whole thing was a mess, and it all happened because people refused to name a female as a sole Queen despite her father stating she was his heir and not his son to his second wife.
If ambition is insanity, then there would be no such things as House's in Westeros.
Robb's words had been circling around in his head a lot these last few days, words he had spoken when he had researched up on his family to find out where the belief that the Targaryen's were insane came from. Even now, there's no answer to that. Only two had sat on the throne itself, and one could be explained as making up for his pushover brother-cousin. Everything could be explained in a logical manner, even Aerys. He had been imprisoned for months on end, beaten, tortured, starved, and who knows what else until Ser Barristan pulled his daring stunt. He'd even considered sending the elderly man a raven to confirm who he was, but that would be a dumb move to make. Howland soon appeared again with the parchment in question so he could read over it in detail. It was a tempting offer, a 35% share in the earnings for such a trade, and due to Driftmark's proximity to Kings Landing, they would be swimming in gold and silver.
He was about to seal it off before a thought came to his mind. He asked for Howland to take some wax and the stamp he'd had made for him. The older was surprised by this, but he knew it was an order so he did as he was told. It was a risky move, but it was one needed. Things are moving considerably faster than he would like them to, meaning they need to move quickly. Allies are going to be needed, hence why Arthur was going to be taking him down to Starfall at the end of the month to meet with his sister Allyria. There had been some welcome news from her recently, that Edric had accepted to be Beric Dondarrion's squire, a possible entry to getting that House to his cause. Jaeron was nervous about doing so, he'd heard a lot about his youngest sister and that she knew it all from the beginning through her older siblings. Were any others let in to said private talks when the truth was revealed? It was something he probably wouldn't find out himself. Howland reappeared now and he was noticeably giving him an odd look. This time, he complied;
"Things are moving too fast to just sit idle. They're the best bet for my first allies due to the shared history between the House's."
He nodded before sitting down in front of him, watching as the wax melted, red and black entangling together once more but with another red dragon.
"What are you going to do with the others terms of the pact?"
Jaeron sighed at this before looking the shorter directly in the eye.
"We can't do anything with the other part of it. It was an agreement for a hostage swap of the youngest siblings. Monford only has one child- "
"You could try Aurane."
The younger froze in surprise at this, why had that thought not come to him before now? It was something that needed to be discussed heavily with them, and if said family agrees to join the fold then there's going to be even more demands than normal with them. By now, the wax had melted and he carefully poured some onto the corner of the parchment, and leaving the stamp in place for it to dry. Jyana brought up having it made for him specifically, and he was glad she had done so.
"We will fold this up and place it inside another piece of parchment. That will hide the stamp from anyone apart from them and whoever their Maester is."
Silence ensued for a few more minutes as both let it all sink into them. Howland knew how to play the game despite not appearing to be someone who would, but playing it was something else. Weaving silk until it turns into cobwebs where they are the spider and everyone else is the insect who gets caught in the web. Except it's not small things. Lions, stags, roses, and who knows what else.
"My Lord, the Lady has been spotted about an hour North."
Howland nodded to the man who had walked in before leaving the room, leaving Jaeron to his own devices. Slowly, he removed the stamp and he felt his stomach coil awkwardly upon seeing the roaring three headed dragon. He'd been half-tempted to create a new seal of two dragons and a direwolf, but that would just look like he was forming a secondary branch. And no one needs a secondary branch with his House. Not after House Blackfyre got created through it. He crossed his legs and eyed over the wording a few times before folding it neatly into a small square and placing it inside another roll to completely cover the seal from view. Then he grabbed Howland's own one to close it off from sight. It was done now, no turning back anymore. Even though there were times where he really wanted to just pack it in and go back to the life he'd had before, that was something unattainable to him now. Too much has been weaved together already to give up so soon into it.
He stood up and walked outside only to see Arthur and Torghen were sparring one another. That was a spectacular sight, because both knew the others style incredibly well, therefore every fight was different as they integrated new techniques in to try and cause the other to fail. They'd drawn a few times, but the only person who ever won was the Sword of the Morning- which was not surprising. And Eddard had sparred against him one on one and managed to hold his own. Perhaps he would be able to fight with his uncle one day, but it wouldn't be any time soon. One wrong move on his part and all their heads will come off their shoulders. It was still so new to him, but luckily he was adapting well. Even if he stumbled on occasion and worked on ideas with others. Then again, isn't that what the small council is for in the first place?
He shook his head at this, willing the thought away. It was something else he would need to do, gather people to bring into the fold he could trust completely not to betray him. But trust was not an easy thing. Even Aemon had told him that, and he wasn't going to go back on the elderly mans wisdom. They'd not sent any correspondence for a few weeks but with everything going on, it didn't feel right to casually send a raven to him. Although, there was one good thing that came of it all. After receiving the raven that someone in Moles Town told Varys the truth, he'd asked Elyssa to send her eagle to spy on the area. And he was furious when it came back it was one of the brothers who had snuck off to spend a night with a whore- said whore being one of his famed birds. Howland had sent a raven to Jeor confirming what had happened but they had yet to receive a response. No one can blab about this, one was dangerous enough. Then again, he shouldn't have revealed it in a fit of anger either so he was just as much at fault as the person who had spoken.
It didn't seem like much time had passed at all before Jyana was summoning him to the courtyard as Catelyn would be here in a matter of minutes. Gulping loudly, he made sure his clothing sat perfectly before making his way down. He was nervous, it had been months since he had seen her. And at best they had left on civil terms, but far from friendly. A lot can change in such a short amount of time, he knew that now. He was situated behind Jojen and Meera but still in view of everyone unlike when they had gatherings in Winterfell where he wasn't visible unless you were looking for him specifically. It was another jarring difference and it was one he would have to get used to. When the time comes, he will be the one at the front and not hiding behind people. Not long after, the Lady was escorted inside, her auburn hair hidden by a black scarf. Clearly as a way to hide herself somewhat. He noticed she was carrying a rather large bag and a leather pouch of some kind. Once she was introduced formally, Howland stepped forward and invited her to his solar to discuss things.
She didn't look his way once, and this set him on edge. She must've noticed him because he was considerably taller than the Reed children, which means she wasn't looking for him. What was she playing at? He simply bit his lip lightly and walked back inside, Arthur and Torghen following close behind. Both were giving him odd looks at the exchange, but he didn't know any better than they did. Meera immediately went back to throwing spears at the targets she was previously and Jojen went to the other side of the castle. A part of him was glad for that, the boy set him on edge massively. He had to spend enough time with him when he and his father were training him on how to use his warging power. Other than that, their interactions were so little he could remember every word that was spoken. By now, Howland had confessed about his odd vision regarding a wolf trapped in a cage surrounded by lions.
Jaeron had been startled and was furious he had waited so long to tell him about it, but he couldn't remain angry at the man because he knew he was looking out for him. Eddard's letters spoke of how many Lannister men there were in the Red Keep and that he found it odd there were so few Baratheon men. He'd also stated that Prince Joffrey commonly wore a crest that depicted his parents Houses as equal seats of power. What did it all mean? He didn't have much time to think though as a servant walked up and stated the Lord had asked to speak to him directly. The other two moved to follow him but it was stated that he was to go alone, which caused Arthur to bite his cheek noticeably but standing down. With the thought in mind, he made his way to Howland's solar and much to his relief, Catelyn looked him directly in the eye this time and gave him a small smile. It was barely there, clearly just as nervous as he was to be in a room together considering their past.
"The Lady brought the pact with her, the original one. Here it is."
The younger took it and carefully unravelled the brittle parchment and reading over it. Seeing it himself was all the proof needed.
"Lord Howland tells me you've got an idea."
His top lip curled in a little at this before sitting down, allowing the parchment in his hands to ravel back up and placing it back in the leather pouch.
"We've drafted a trade agreement with the Velaryon's so that we can speak with them and not have it look suspicious in any way. I'm planning on bringing Monford and Aurane into it, but I'm on the fence with Monterys currently. He would be useful but he's still young, and if things go bad he might be used as a hostage. A hostage with no knowledge is much better than a hostage with knowledge. We know from uncle's latest raven that Stannis fled the city and is building a fleet with them, meaning they will likely know what is going on. Due to the numerous shared links with our Houses, there's a chance they would deflect to me. In this case, we can use them as spies on Stannis and remain a step ahead."
Catelyn's eyebrows rose marginally, allowing his words to sink in before nodding in acceptance.
"That is a good plan, did you come up with that yourself?"
"Most of it he did, my Lady. The trade agreement was an accidental suggestion from my wife who was making new boots for Meera at the time, and it was the best of a bad bunch. He's also started creating a network of spies but there aren't many yet, and neither are being used yet, ensuring they're loyal to him first. Plus, he's got a very loyal first member of a Kingsguard already."
Now, she wasn't hiding her shock. Catelyn had been wholly expecting to come here and have to give him some of her own ideas. Pleasantly surprised was an understatement that he was already many steps ahead of her.
"And who is this Kingsguard member?"
Jaeron turned to Howland now and nodded to him, a silent order to go and get Arthur. The older caught on immediately, and he saw the amusement dancing across his distinct features. Now, they were alone in the room, and it didn't take long for the Lady to ask her question. He stood up and walked towards the window so he could stare down at the adjoined island where he was keeping Rhaegon and Lyrax sheltered.
"So, you're pressing on your claim nephew?"
Jon paused in his step as he eyed his aunt with trepidation. She'd arrived only an hour ago but they hadn't spoken to each other one on one until now, and he was terrified that the little relationship he was building with the Lady would disappear. This hadn't happened though; she had been relatively pleasant to him. It would be a long time before he ever trusted her or warmed to her, but it was considerably better than it had been before. He sighed deeply before making his way back to the desk, making sure to wipe all emotion from his face so he was just a blank canvas.
"I wanted to wait until Rhaegon and Lyrax were big enough to cause damage. No, I'm not going to be like my ancestors and burn thousands to the ground to try and get them to bend to me, but fear is a good tactic when making alliances. I don't want the throne, aunt. But I do want vengeance against those who caused this whole mess. Robert Baratheon, Tywin Lannister, and who knows who else orchestrated it all. Although, I am aware of the bigger picture. Someone will be elected King if I succeed, and if I survive it, they probably will name me due to my blood link and heritage."
She simply nodded her head at this, letting his words sink in. She'd sent ravens to Howland Reed to ask him to teach the boy courtly mannerisms and how to survive during the great game. No, he hadn't actively participated in it, but all highborn knew of the great game. A game most were playing themselves. Everyone craves ambition deep down, and it was humbling that Jon didn't crave ambition for evil. He simply wanted justice for his family. But he would soon be an active participant, and he had to be ready for when the time comes.
"Well, you'll have the North at your back, you'll probably have the Vale through my sister but I cannot confirm with certainty. I love my sister, but she is a paranoid person, and she hates confrontation. With the correct persuasion, she will join the fold. You'll have the Riverlands through me and my father- "
"But doesn't your father hate my family?"
Catelyn was silent for a few moments before shaking her head.
"A common misconception, Jon. It was my ancestor Edmyn who deflected against Harren the Black to join Aegon. After Harrenhal was destroyed by Balerion, Aegon raised House Tully to the station we are at now. We would've been a lesser House if it weren't for this, so we've always been favourable towards Targaryen's. The misconception that the Tully's of Riverrun hate your family comes from a failed betrothal, but it was jointly decided to be broken. There were no harsh intentions to this. It was further brought to light that we hate your family because we chose to fight with the rebels. What are my House words, nephew?"
Jon was sitting beside her, looking around in case anyone stumbled upon them. He could feel in his mind that Rhaegon and Lyrax were nearby, them having learned how to hide in forests from spending months in an attached island to Greywater Watch no one he and the family had access to. Dragons were intelligent creatures after all.
"Family, duty, honour?"
He was confused where she was going with this, but he knew the answer would be something he would remember for a long time. How does a House who deflected from their King to join another King, turn to take down the family of said King they joined?
"Exactly, Jon. Family, duty, honour. To us Tully's, these three things are the values we hold dearest to us. Without family, we wouldn't be alive. Without duty, we wouldn't be alive nor would we be in the position we are. Without honour, much the same as the other two, but we would also be laughed off by every other Lord in Westeros. But a lot of people don't realise there is more to our words than this. Why not duty, honour, family? Why not honour, family, duty?"
The younger took a long gulp of his ale before turning to her again, the expression she was wearing on her face not one he was accustomed to.
"They are our main values, Jon. But how does one order said values? Honour gains respect and trust, duty earns loyalty and assures position, and family gives everything. Honour must come into account with every decision, but there is a time where honour is too much and it becomes stupid. Therefore, duty must always come before honour to solidify everything. But what is duty compared to the love of a family?"
Love is the death of duty. Words Aemon had told him when he had travelled to the wall on his way to Greywater Watch. He'd never thought for one minute what her words meant, and he was stunned into silence as she revealed their true meaning.
"At the time the war started, you were already married to my uncle, and were previously promised to my other uncle. You were family, therefore bound by duty to support family, and duty compelled you to support the rebels."
From Catelyn's small smile, he knew his analysis was correct. It was a relief to him that he would have House Tully's support when he decides to come forward. Which going from how quickly the dragons had grown may be as soon as within the next year. They were both nearing fifteen feet now, Lyrax just a little smaller than Rhaegon, but equally as terrifying. He'd been surprised when he had saw them breathe fire the last few days. The flames they had breathed before now had been characteristic red/orange. Yet at some point in the last few days had turned to their colouring. Bright silver and sapphire blue with specks of black, red, and grey within. It was a spectacular sight, deadly, but spectacular.
"We need to concentrate on getting the Lannister's into a position where we can ensure the safety of Ned, Sansa, and Arya. That is paramount, we cannot have them gain any leverage to use against us. Aye, you have leverage in having two dragons, but you've said yourself you don't want to use them unless it is needed. In order to do this, we need to find a way to either break the betrothal with Sansa and Joffrey or have him set her aside for someone else. And a way to have Ned released from his Hand vows. If Stannis has fled the city and is trying to gain allies, then he knows something. That man is stiffer than the bricks that remain in the oldest parts of Winterfell. I'll try my best to find out when I go to speak with Varys but I cannot guarantee it. The eunuch speaks in the worst riddles imaginable."
"Is that where you're heading then? To Kings Landing to speak to him?"
Once again, she nodded his way.
"We need to at the very least have him remain neutral. You cannot go yourself as no offence Jon, you will not be able to hold your own against him. I'm glad you're learning quickly but he's had decades of experience whereas you've only had a few months. I doubt I'll be able to, but Robb cannot go as he has to remain to keep Winterfell and the North running. That leaves just me."
There was the confirmation that she was working in his favour and not solely for her own ambitions. She'd done her part for her House by allying the North with the Riverlands through her marriage. Not long after this though, the door opened and Howland walked in with Arthur behind. He had his helmet on which obscured everything bar his bright purple eyes. At first glance, his aunt probably thought he was a product with a Lysene delight. However, once the door was closed leaving the four in solitude, he removed his helmet to reveal his face. At the face she made, Jaeron allowed a small shred of amusement to ripple through him.
"Everyone thinks you're dead!"
Arthur turned to Howland with a small smirk, clearly asking him to tell.
"He was sorely injured and we assumed him dead. I had to remain a few days behind so I could be nursed back to health and it was during this that I found out the blows we rained on him did not end him. He was weak, but that was it. Refused to bend to the Baratheon's and Lannister's, and wasn't going into exile. Only ourselves, my children, my wife, and a certain Torghen Hill know- "
"Torghen's here too?! Wasn't he banished to Pentos?!"
Jaeron was surprised at this, how did she know Torghen? That was a question for another time, now wasn't the correct time to do so.
"Aye, he is. Took him almost three months to get here considering he is an exile for refusing to bend. We've been training young Jaeron together. He's a very gifted fighter, my Lady."
No sound was made at this, allowing her time to process it all. This was broken as she threw her head back and let out a loud laugh, something the younger had never seen her do. Confusion was welling up inside him as he spotted the smirks on the others faces. What did they find so amusing?
"Torghen has a link to the Tollett's through his father, Jaeron. They're a lesser House but they're close to the Royce's of Runestone alongside the Arryn's of Gulltown. If you were to remove him from his exile when you go for it, you can potentially bring three Vale Houses into the mix."
That thought had never once occurred to him, and he was annoyed he hadn't considered that option. So that is what they did over the next few hours. Discussed potential allies and how to get them. Two Kingdoms were a certainty, a third a likely possibility, which gives him over half the continent fighting for him. This leaves four other Kingdoms to work through. Technically six if counting Dorne and the Iron Islands. If he keeps Theon close to him this will at the least have Balon remain neutral as he is his only son left considering his older siblings were killed in his stupid rebellion years prior. The pieces were finally beginning to fall into place, but it would be a very long road until the jigsaw is complete.