Willas Tyrell

Highgarden, 300AC

Despite having lived here his whole life, Highgarden still somehow managed to take his breath away.

From the pure white walls which were covered with ivy crawling up the sides, with a few roses of numerous different colours being weaved within to give the illusion of their sigil. To the numerous towers from the newer ones to the older ones that if the tomes were true- were built prior to the Age of Heroes. Sitting atop a hill where at the base of said hill were large rose bushes with none of their thorns cut off from them. When House Tyrell had ordered such a thing be planted when they were raised to Paramount position, other Reach Lord's had laughed at them. Something they found out the hard way there was a reason for it.

Due to the thorns, horses could not get through them. Even the most heavily armed man would struggle to do so. The only reason they themselves never were harmed nor were anyone else that resided within the castle walls, was because they could lower a bridge that covered them. Something that could only be opened from within. Thus making Highgarden almost impregnable. Many had tried to take their Seat for themselves, and every time they had been repelled and had been left licking their wounds. A saying his grandmother said often ringing in his ear.

Picking at roses is all fine and dandy until the thorns bite back.

When Willas was younger, he had not understood her words. But as he got older the meaning became known to him. Looking around his father's solar with a strange sensation gnawing away in his gut. Thousands of times he had stood in this very room watching almost embarrassed as his father worked through everything. If it weren't for himself, his grandmother, Margaery, or his mother, things would not run smoothly. He loved his father; he really did. But gods, was the man someone that made him want to rip his hair out at times. When news had reached them of Lord Eddard's execution, he had been beaming with delight. Completely convinced that King Joffrey would set aside Sansa Stark as he would not wed a traitors daughter, and this giving them the perfect opportunity to offer his little sister to the King.

Margaery was born to be Queen. She was kind, graceful, helped the smallfolk surrounding the town at the bottom of the hill whenever she could and he didn't doubt she was doing the same in Bitterbridge right now. Not only this, she shared his wit, leading to numerous barbs hit at one another to see who was the smarter sibling. Garlan joined in on occasion but he always failed after a few minutes whereas Loras would rather remain with the company of boys and play at swords than waste his time practising his wit. His sister and himself were their House's future.

When his father had rallied them all into this very solar and exclaimed with joy that a betrothal had been made for his golden rose, hope set in for Willas. A feeling which was crushed when he revealed who it was he had struck a deal with. His grandmother even pinching her nose and smacking her son across the back of the head ordering he reconsider the absolute farce of a marriage. But he'd already agreed it, and as his father was Lord of Highgarden, he overruled them all. Meaning they had to make the best of the situation.

All of their forces had joined Renly as a result and making him have the largest army, something which many of those who were fighting were cocky about. He knew better though. When he had fallen from his horse only for the animal to fall on his leg and crippling him, he could no longer fight physically. But what he couldn't fight physically he could fight verbally and knowledgeably. Pouring through the thousands of books there was and writing to his grandfather to lend some from the Citadel. Reading of the battles of the Freehold against the Rhaynar, the Ghiscari, and the Dothraki. To the Jogos Nhai with their pointed heads and riding zorses against the Golden Empire of Yi-Ti. To the Unsullied against the Dothraki.

Numbers weren't a guaranteed win. Winning battles wasn't even a guaranteed win. It was politics that always won out in the end. And if he couldn't fight anymore, what better opportunity did he have to become a master at the art? Running through every possibility in his head and trying to work out how best to come out on top. It was a large gamble they played, one he wasn't certain would pay off. They needed a backup plan. A part of him wanted to call for one of his cousins but as they were lower in the tree, they weren't privy to a lot of their conversations. Which left himself. He'd give anything right now to have his grandmother here currently, but she had travelled with the rest of the family leaving him in charge of Highgarden.

In order for Renly to become first in line, Stannis had to die. Doable but risky. The brothers had never liked one other, being glad that Loras had squired for Renly initially as it meant they had a lot of information about their relationship. If they succeeded, the only big repercussion they would get would be the Florent's either licking their wounds or begging on their knees and apologising for joining. Yet Willas couldn't fault them, because Selyse was a Florent, her House owed her allegiance through blood. Hence why he was keeping some of his spies in Horn Hill. He did not trust a Florent, and he did not trust the rotten apple Fossoway's as Leonette liked to say about her own House's lesser branch. With Melessa being Selyse's cousin, a part of him was wary. Wondering if Lord Randyll was helping Stannis. But so far, nothing incriminating had come out about the man so he had no choice but to sit back.

That would be the repercussion they would receive from that side. The next thing would be to rip the Lannister's out root, stem, and weed so there was no chance of them growing back. That was going to be the difficult portion as there were just so damned many of them. Tywin, Kevan, Genna, all of their children and grandchildren. Then Stafford and his children. And who knows how many other cousins there was hiding around Lannisport whether they be trueborn or baseborn.

At first, the deal had appealed to him greatly, until he thought on it. With Lord Tywin's reputation and loyalty and ambition, he would stoop at nothing to get what he wanted. What he wanted, was his House tied to the throne. Preferably to having House Lannister be the ruling House and not Baratheon. Perhaps they could use that, because word had spread rapidly through the Kingdom's that neither of the Queen's children were King Robert's. Bastards with royal titles, the thought sickening him even more so that they were abominations as his grandfather would say.

Lord Leyton had always been an incredibly pious man, even when he was only a boy and would be taken to the Hightower to visit his mothers family alongside his siblings. Always having to bite his tongue when he ranted over how vile the marriages the Targaryen's had as he conveniently forgot often that his ancestor had been Otto Hightower whose grandchildren had wed one another despite being siblings. That portion of House Hightower's history had sullied their name ever since, never quite gaining the respect they previously had. Not that he could blame them however.

King Aegon II may have written Queen Rhaenyra out of the fact she had temporarily held the throne from the history books to the masses, but they were not the masses. They knew the truth of it all, and if that got out House Hightower would be burned to the ground as would his own House by association. Even though they had sat that dreaded war out. Something he could not allow to happen. House Tyrell's words were Growing Strong, and grow strong they would.

But how does a rose grow out of the reaches of a lions claws?

The only way he could think of was if they surrounded them on all sides. The southern border portion was no issue, nor was the western border as they could just send their Redwyne cousins and their fleet to blockade Lannisport and other ports in the Westerland's. But the east and the north would still remain open, allowing them a path to go around and rip his own House out root and stem. It unnerved him, how quiet the North, the Vale, and the Riverland's were being. Were they sitting it out? No, that didn't sound right. House Stark would not take the slight of their head being executed for treason. There was also the fact that Robb Stark was beating Tywin Lannister in the field, something many people wouldn't dare attempt never mind succeed in.

If only his father hadn't wed Margaery to Renly. Whilst it wouldn't make his little sister Queen, if she was wed to Robb Stark they would've surrounded the Lannister's on all sides without even trying. The only thing they could do would be to perhaps have himself or Loras wed the younger Stark girl, but she was stuck in the capital so that pathway was closed to them. Sitting down and running his hands over his face. There had to be something they could do, because he knew even if they won the fight, the political upheaval it would cause would create too many headaches to unravel and remain on top. They needed security, and they needed it now. But how would they get that security? Maester Reuben walked in then, carrying a scroll.

"Another raven, my Lord."

"Place it with all the others, my father will pick it up when he gets back- "

"It's addressed to you, my Lord, not to your father."

Willas' brow quirked at the words. Who would be writing to him? The only one he could think of would be Oberyn Martell. The Dornish Prince only ever writing to him and him alone because Willas knew if his father found out they kept in regular contact he would blow with rage. Despite it being an accident, Mace Tyrell was convinced foul play was at hand and was convinced House Martell had it out against House Tyrell. No reasoning from anyone would change his mind on the matter. Taking the scroll and nodding to the Maester to silently order him to leave as he looked at it, and his eyes widened. Surely not? But there it was, a red three-headed dragon was stamped on the seal.

Who would be using such a mark? The only person that could was Daenerys Targaryen, but why would she be writing to him when she was stuck in the Dothraki Sea according to reports? Had she perhaps escaped and found his aunt Lynesse wherever she was staying since she went into exile with her Mormont husband? That was a possibility actually, considering his spies confirmed that Jorah was spying on the Targaryen for King Robert. Cracking the seal and unrolling it wholly expecting to see soft cursive handwriting of a female. To say he was surprised that he was not met with that, the writing being messy but not to a point that was unreadable. Placing random items on the corners to read the raven fully.

For the eyes of Lord Willas Tyrell.

I am sure you will be wondering who is writing this as my own spies have reported this has yet to seep into the Reach. Let me explain as it is rather long. I am someone no one believed existed apart from a handful of people, your dear friend Prince Oberyn being one of those but was ordered into remaining silent from his brother Prince Doran as my entire existence insults House Martell.

You were only young during the rebellion, therefore you will have grown up with the spread story. Of how Prince Rhaegar kidnapped Lyanna Stark, her brother demanding her release, their father demanding Brandon Stark's release only to be executed. To the Mad King ordering Eddard Stark's head alongside Robert Baratheon's which was all that was needed for the banners to be called. Whilst the tale has truth to it, it is not the whole truth, I will have you know that.

In the North, there is a saying that the Stark's have the blood of wolves running through their veins. Some have it stronger than others. The last generation harboured two members who had the blood. The Wild Wolf, and the She Wolf. And tell me, does it sound plausible that a wolf could be taken against her will?

What? That was the only word running through his mind. Knowing there was no use analysing it yet because there was much more written down. Instead deciding to read it in its entirety before reading between the lines.

Before I came forward, there was doubt in the North that what was said happened is what actually happened. Ask any Northern Lord and I guarantee you will find one who will say with certainty that Lyanna Stark was not someone to be messed with. They jokingly call her half a horse here, alongside the warrior Lady. But I'd imagine that didn't seep passed the Neck because in the south Ladies are frowned upon for wielding a weapon. But she never cared about propriety, and she without question would not be tied to someone who would want her to be a perfect Lady. She once wrote a letter to her father stating she would rather be wed to someone with two towers on their sigil than be wed to a pig-nose whorefucker. You'll be wondering why I am discussing Lyanna Stark so much, and this is why.

I am her son. The son no one knew existed and the son that is the result of the rebellion occurring in the way that it did. You may have heard stories about the Tourney of Harrenhal when you were growing up. Of how Rhaegar Targaryen rode passed Elia Martell to lay a crown of winter roses in Lyanna Stark's lap. The day the smiles died they call it in the history books. But why did he do so? The day prior, a mystery Knight enlisted and unseated three squires in the jousts. King Aerys demanded said Knight's head as he was convinced it was a plot against him and he set his son and Ser Arthur Dayne to find him.

Well, they found her.

A few days prior to this, Lyanna Stark caught the same squires beating one of her fathers bannermen. Lord Howland Reed of Greywater Watch. Demanding he enlist to teach them a lesson but he did not have the courage to do so, but she did. Donning mismatched armour and taking to her horse with a lance under her arm and coming out victorious. When Rhaegar Targaryen found her disposing of the armour, he knew he couldn't hand her over. Instead making it look as though the Knight of the Laughing Tree had disappeared and leaving people wondering if they had even existed in the first place. He remained with Ser Arthur to talk to her. Him laying the flowers in her lap was a show of a job well done, but it was not taken as such.

One year after this, Rickard Stark was preparing the trip to Riverrun so Brandon could wed Catelyn Tully before travelling to Storm's End so Lyanna could wed Robert Baratheon. Something she was not agreeable with and escaped with help. Riding hard for White Harbour and boarding a ship to the Riverland's where she met up with Rhaegar, Ser Arthur, Ser Oswell, Ser Gerold, and the High Septon who wed the two to one another on the Isle of Faces as his marriage to Elia Martell was annulled prior to the tourney which they kept quiet on for fear of his children's lives.

From there, they fled to Dorne on Elia's request who was planning a way to get to her home Kingdom herself with help of her uncle Lewyn but was commanded to come to the capital. An order she could not refuse so this plot fell through. Letters were sent, but why they never reached the recipients is unknown, but I suspect foul play. Then Rhaegar was ordered by his father to join in on the fighting himself only to fall to Robert Baratheon's war hammer in the waters of the Trident. Leaving not only his children behind, but his wife and an unborn babe he was excited to meet. Eddard Stark rode to his sister to free her still wholly believing the lie that had been spread only to be told it was not truth. Making a promise to his dying sister as she was bleeding out from birthing me.

Lord Willas, you will know me as Jon Snow. The bastard son of Eddard Stark. Something I believed myself until my sixteenth name-day where my mother made my uncle promise to speak the truth. Jon Snow has never existed, but Jaeron Targaryen was hidden amongst the wolves. I write to you with an offer. Whilst I am aware your sister is wed to Renly Baratheon who as much as I detest it, is my cousin. Yet he is a fool. Are you aware he took ten thousand of his army to go after his brother and leaving everyone else behind? If Renly Baratheon falls, I will pardon your House for siding with an enemy. We can join our House's with marriage and together we can beat the Lannister's.

If not, I hope you remember it was House Targaryen that made House Tyrell into who they are. House Targaryen can easily strip House Tyrell of such.

His knuckles were white, not even realising when he had gripped the edges of the oak table that was inlaid with pristine white marble until he had finished. Loosening his grip and immediately feeling his fingers get warm as blood rushed to his fingertips. Feeling a small droplet on his lip and wiping it only to see the tip come back red which confirmed he had been biting hard on the area and broken skin. Taking his sleeve and pressing it against his lip before reading it again, and again, and again. Trying to spot the lie within it and getting steadily frustrated that he could not spot one. Taking a deep breath and closing his eyes as he thought it all through.

It made sense. Almost too much sense. Either this was something that had been concocted over years, or it was true. The last line echoing in his mind like one of the fools that ran through Highgarden for entertainment purposes singing whilst playing a stupid melody on whatever instrument they could get their hands on. Something now hitting him in the face as he stood up and poured himself a glass of wine. No wonder the North and the Riverland's were not openly declaring for Renly or Stannis. They had declared for House Targaryen. Quickly thinking on who the High Septon at the time was because the letter did state he wed Lyanna Stark to Rhaegar Targaryen.

Maynard, that was the name if he recalled correctly from his studies. He'd need to send a raven to his grandfather to see if he kept a record of such a union. Surely there had to be one. A Crowned Prince with a Lady of House Stark? The more Willas thought on it, the more it made sense. If Renly fell, they would be pardoned. That portion he did not believe, but he had also never known this man existed. A man with the North and the Riverland's backing him through marriage oaths whose cousin was putting more than a few thorns in the lions paws. Eyes focusing near the top at who knew, feeling betrayal that apparently Prince Oberyn knew and had not disclosed such to him.

He rolled the letter up and sealed it again, being careful to not cover any of the original seal to prove that portion and walking out. Searching for the Castellan and Maester. Finding both with relative ease.

"I am leaving Highgarden to ride for Bitterbridge. I must speak with my father urgently. I leave Highgarden to yourselves."

Both opened their mouths to object but before they could do so he was already at the opposite side of the corridor. Ordering a servant to head for the stables to have the master of horse ready his own mount and for the bridge to be lowered over the treacherous rose bushes that surrounded the hill Highgarden sat atop. Walking by the kitchens to get food for the journey before leaving the castle. His horse being readied as he secured his cane to the saddle and allowed someone to help him onto the animals back. Wasting no time in snapping the reins as he rode towards the Rose Road.

It wasn't a long journey, a little more than a week, but to Willas it felt like the longest journey he had ever taken. His mind running in many different directions and thinking of the possibilities. They needed security badly, and how better to get security than to ally with the North and the Riverland's? But in order to do so, Renly would have to die. Making it known the man claiming to be a Targaryen was not going to bend to Renly, and Renly was much too prideful to bow to someone. Not even to family as he was in open rebellion against his own brother. If he could do so, there was no doubt in his mind he would rebel against a cousin.

But it would make Margaery Queen. Something she had always wanted as had their father, and House Tyrell would grow stronger than they ever had as a result. When he spotted the camp up ahead, he forced his horse to gallop a little bit harder. Guards surrounding unsheathing their swords before putting them back as recognition danced in their eyes.

"Lord Willas, we were not expecting you."

"I apologise Ser, I did not have time to send a raven. Please escort me to my father, grandmother, brothers, and sister."

Despite him asking the question, the Knight knew it was an order. An opening being created as he rode through the crowd. Ignoring the stares directed his way. Clearly none of them had expected for him to leave Highgarden, so it saw to fit that something big was happening for no word to be sent beforehand. Stopping in front of the largest tent as he was helped from his mount and untying his cane to walk inside. Margaery's eyes widened as she ran over to wrap her arms around him, having to stand on her toes as he was much taller than she was. Returning the gesture and gently kissing her head.

"What are you doing here? Father ordered you to remain in Highgarden- "

"A raven arrived. One that changes the course of the war in a direction no one thought was possible. Where is his Grace?"

His sister roller her eyes a little, a pit forming in the bottom of his stomach. Surely what the letter said wasn't true. Yet she spoke, and confirmed it was indeed truth. Loras and Garlan had ridden to Storm's End to attack Stannis and leaving the bulk of the army behind.

"They're restless, brother. Yet I cannot do anything without my husband's consent- "

"You should be in Highgarden son, I did not summon you."

Willas turned to his father who looked as ridiculous as ever. Even wearing a helmet with feathers sprouting from the top of it. How had he come from the man? They couldn't be more different if they tried.

"I am aware- "

"Then off you go- "

"No. I have made my stance clear on the farce I believe this entire thing is. I have spent weeks trying to find ways to get around everything yet every opportunity that presents itself is squashed before anything can fruit."

Mace's face went red at his words, clearly not liking being talked back to. Fully expecting an onslaught of insults that he was wholly prepared to fight back with a razor sharp tongue only for his mother, grandmother, and grandmothers guards walking inside.

"Left, Right, please remain outside. No one is to come in."

The twins nodded and did as they were bid.

"Now, my boy, you will tell me why you are here."

He sighed deeply before handing the parchment over to Margaery as she was Queen. Eyes widening herself as she saw the seal but managing to keep her face terrifyingly still. Grandmother had taught her well, as had their mother who had now walked over to pull him in for a tight hug as she had not seen him in weeks. Eyeing his father who was getting angrier the longer the silence carried on.

"No wonder Lady Catelyn refused to say anything about her son."

He cocked his head to the side, silently asking for her to explain.

"Lady Catelyn rode down to speak to my husband but she made it clear she was not kneeling for her son, said Robb Stark wanted to get the measure of Renly before deciding anything. Gods, we've been played like fiddles."

Mace got even redder at his daughters words which any other time would've had him cracking a smile because he looked ridiculous, but with the severity of the situation they were now in this was not funny in the slightest.

"Where is Lady Catelyn, Margaery?"

"My husband demanded she come with him to Storm's End, he wanted to keep an eye on her too- "

"I am guessing Robb Stark has declared for the King then?"

Willas rolled his eyes at his father's question. Wondering to himself if there would ever be a moment where he would say or do something even remotely smart and not leaving others to pick up the mess he'd left behind to piece together.

"Robb Stark has declared for a King alright, but not Renly, and not Stannis, and not Joffrey. Give them the letter sister."

Margaery complied without hesitance, ignoring the looks of confusion on the other occupants faces as they also took in the seal and reading the letter fervently.

"What are we going to do?"

"If you want to be Queen there's only one thing we can do- "

"The Stormland's won't stand for that- "

"Frankly dear sister, I'd rather lose the Stormland's and gain the Riverland's and the North."

"You're speaking treason- "

"I'm speaking because I don't want our House to be burned to ashes. Is that what you want?"

She went quiet after this. He could see she wanted to retort but could not think of anything to use against him. Huffing lightly and pouting towards him before turning to their father.

"Please tell me you're not believing this falseness son- "

"I'm not saying I believe it. But don't you think it's more than a little suspicious how everything in it ties in almost a little too perfectly? Isn't the word going around that Eddard Stark confessed to something before he was executed? His Grace is convinced he outed the Lannister bastards as what they are, but what if it wasn't?"

Mace spluttered at the retort, beginning to puff up and turn red again.

"Son, why don't you check on the army? Make sure there is no dissent?"

Thank you grandmother. He didn't say this aloud for obvious reasons, but he knew his sister was at the least thinking of it. What his mother was thinking he did not know. Likely feeling incredibly conflicted as the last time a Hightower and a Targaryen were somewhat close led to a devastating war. His father stared at Olenna, as if it would make her back down. Instead batting her eyelids to confirm she didn't care about what he thought on the matter. After a few tense moments, finally admitting to losing the battle and walking from the tent.

"Alerie dear, please make sure my son does nothing foolish."

His mother nodded and left in pursuit of her husband. And then there were three. The silence being broken by Olenna laughing which confused his sister and himself.

"Grandmother?"

"I knew it was her. I told your father when he asked and he thought I was japing because women don't fight."

If they were confused beforehand, they were even more confused now. All taking a seat and noticing his sister began picking at her fingernails. A nervous habit she never showed unless she was in solitude. And right now, there was no one she needed to hide from.

"Care to explain? I'm not following along- "

"Oh by the seven, at times the pair of you show your fathers dimness."

Both bristled at the insult, but knowing they couldn't argue back.

"It was obvious to anyone who didn't have an ego bigger than their own cock who that damned mystery Knight was. I was there, remember. I watched the entire thing unfold as did your father and your mother. Lyanna Stark was a fierce little thing, it doesn't surprise me she called Robert Baratheon a pig-nosed whorefucker. Pretty accurate description if I do say so myself."

To say he was shocked was an understatement. He'd only been little at the time so had remained in Highgarden. Not many people spoke of the tourney and what had happened there. If it weren't for the whispers that spread about what occurred, they could probably write it off as if it never happened in the first place. His grandmother had known why Prince Rhaegar had crowned Lyanna Stark. Why did she not say anything? And since this portion was true, what's to say the rest of it wasn't?

"What are we to do? We can't kill Renly and join them because then we'll pin the blame on us as we turn cloaks. Our hold on the Reach is perilous enough as it is. I thought on the ride here and the only one I can think of would be if Margaery were to give Renly a son and this Targaryen whose name I can't remember off the top of my head has a daughter and we betroth the two. We'd still get someone with Tyrell blood on the throne then- "

"Quarter Tyrell, I'd prefer half Tyrell- "

"Grandmother!"

"Do shush dear. The fact you are not with babe is concerning. People are talking."

Willas hated to admit she had a point with that.

"It's not like we haven't tried but no matter what he just cannot finish. I've tried tying my hair up, I've tried not doing my face, I've tried covering his eyes so he does not see me, I've tried making myself up to look like a boy, and I've even asked Loras to get him ready beforehand. Nothing works."

Oh seven hells. Whilst it was no secret that Loras preferred men, he had slept with many women before. Honestly, it wouldn't surprise him if he had a bastard that he had no idea about running around Westeros somewhere. Yet Renly couldn't even spill his seed in his wife to provide an heir. The little security they had was dwindling now which only made him feel worse than he had previously. If Renly were to perish without an heir, it left Stannis as his heir. Either this or they flock to the Lannister bastard. Neither of which they were keen on.

"Did Catelyn Stark say anything when she came down?"

"Not much other than having more than a few verbal spars with my husband and myself. She had the gall to bring up one of our cousins wedding her youngest!"

"In return to you offering same cousins to Robb Stark, granddaughter. Whilst it's a stupid match the Lord of Winterfell has, it's one he is stuck with. He cannot lose the support of Walder Frey because then he's cut off from the North."

At least she was thinking similarly to him in finding a way to conjoin with the North and the Riverland's.

"A Targaryen though- now that is a good match."

"Coming from the woman who broke her betrothal with Prince Daeron Targaryen."

His grandmother glared at him for the response, giving him a playful grin.

"Water the vine were my House's words before I wed your grandfather. What grows when it is watered? Plantation. Whilst I was comfortable with my betrothed, it was no secret he was a sword swallower like your brother. And I'd be stuck wed to someone who wouldn't have a clear path to something greater. Instead I went after your grandfather because if I water a vine, I want it to grow strong."

Both himself and Margaery went quiet as they let the words sink in. It made sense. His grandmother was brash and wasn't exactly liked for her ferocious tongue that even he struggled to beat on times during a verbal spar, she wasn't someone who minced her words. All were brought out of their thoughts as someone walked in with a scroll in hand. Margaery walking over to collect it and seeing the seal on it, turning it to them to see a green rose. Meaning either Loras or Garlan had sent it. The man left as she cracked the seal and read the letter. Dropping to the ground in shock and beginning to shake. What was in this? Walking over to take it from her with his grandmother reading along beside him.

Dearest Sister,

His Grace, King Renly is dead. Stabbed in the back by Catelyn Stark. A struggle broke out in the camp and it pains me to say that eight thousand that came with us turned their cloaks to Stannis Baratheon. Ser Robar Royce and Ser Emmon Cuy perished and Brienne of Tarth has not been seen since. I am riding back towards Bitterbridge right now with the remaining two thousand men to plan out our next move.

It went quiet again at this, kneeling down with care with his mangled foot to pull his sister in who was obviously still in shock over what she had just read.

"What are we to do?"