Miru

"It's hideous!"

Miru was inclined to agree with Barba. They were staring at a drawing in one of Sadog's books that he'd borrowed from the library in King's Landing. The drawing portrayed a monster that was man-shaped, but it was too ugly to be called a man. Its arms nearly reached the ground, its heavy jaws held huge misshapen teeth, its nose was a flat snout, and its skin was brindled. Patterns of brown and white adorned the massively built body.

"It looks like the Crakehall boar," Miru exclaimed.

Barba burst out laughing. "Is that the first Crakehall, then?" Miru joined in her mirth, even as Sadog rolled his eyes.

They were sitting amongst the gardens of King's Landing, enjoying the warm autumn day. Prince Valarr and Princess Kiera had sailed to Dragonstone two days before, and the castle was returning to normal.

"That's a Brindled Man," Sadog explained when their giggles subsided. "They live in Sothoryos."

Miru had never heard of such a place before. "Where is that?"

Sadog went back several pages until he came across a map of the world. He jabbed the map several times with his finger. "This is Westeros, this is Essos, and this is Sothoryos."

"Is that it?" Barba peered at the page. "Why is the page cutting it off like that?"

"That's all we know about," Sadog answered impatiently. "No man has ever gone further south than that and lived to tell the tale."

"How many women, then?" Barba asked cheekily.

Miru burst into squeals of laughter as Sadog shot them both a nasty look.

"Yes, yes, very funny," Sadog chided them. "Why don't you go to Sothoryos, then? You won't be laughing when you're dying of sweetrot!"

That halted Miru's laughter. "Sweetrot?"

"It's a terrible sickness," Sadog indulged. "It'll make you rot from the inside out! And it's a slow disease too, you might take over ten years to die!"

"Shove off," Barba snapped. "You can't scare me with that nonsense!"

"Oh no?" Sadog flipped through more pages and began to read names aloud. "Sweetrot, bronze pate, sailor's bane, dancing plague…"

"Dancing plague?" Barba spluttered. "What's that, then? A sickness where you can't stop doing a silly jig?"

She began to groan, as if she was in some sort of delirium, lolling her eyes and tongue as she did some fancy footwork. Even Sadog laughed at her performance as she keeled over and feigned death, even as she continued to make her tap the ground and do little kicks into the air.

"Why would anyone go to Sothoryos anyway?" Miru wheezed when she recovered from her laughing fit. "Sounds like a miserable place."

Sadog picked up his book again and leafed through it. "It's covered in jungles, for one thing. Exotic creatures like giant monkeys and basilisks. But it also has jewels, spices… a man could be rich after one voyage there. Or dead," he added with a shrug. "I'd rather go to the Summer Isles anyway. You get the jungles and the animals and spices, and maybe half the diseases. Lord Titus calls it paradise, so he does."

"He's been there?" Miru forgot her mirth.

"Mayhaps?" Sadog shrugged. "I do know he was married to a woman from the Summer Isles."

"Bollocks," Barba interjected. "She was Dornish!"

Miru was too curious to let them begin another argument. "What happened to her?"

Sadog and Barba glanced at her. "Hard to say," Barba answered. "He never talks about her."

"Not when he's awake, anyway," Sadog retorted. "I heard him talking in his sleep once. He said a few names. Aly, Chayo, Cory-ann. Garn or Garson."

"Strange names," Miru remarked. "Which of those was his wife, then?"

"Why don't you go ask him?" Sadog remarked snidely.

Miru had leaned over the book to examine the illustrated map. She found the Summer Isles with her finger and stared at it. "Why does Lord Titus call it paradise?"

"Not sure, but I can guess. From what I heard, everyone's beautiful there," Sadog explained. "And they worship gods of love."

Miru flinched. "What sort of place is that?"

"Seems like a happier place than Westeros," Sadog retorted. "I know I'm going to pay it a visit when I get the chance."

"And how are you going to get there, Hop-a-foot? I doubt that crutch of yours can float."

Miru squeaked with alarm. Sadog and Barba's heads snapped to face the one who'd spoken.

Prince Aerion Targaryen approached them with a sardonic expression. While most Targaryens wore the red and black of their house, that wasn't elaborate enough for Aerion Brightflame, as he liked to be called. His dragon breathed flames of yellow, orange, and red. Those flames were also stitched into his sleeves in a dazzling spiral against the black fabric.

There was something truly sinister about Aerion which terrified Miru. Sometimes, the way he looked or spoke, she found herself recalling Brodda Hill. It was a strange association that she could not explain, even to herself. All she knew was that she felt a strong desire to flee whenever Aerion was in her presence.

It was as if Aerion could smell her fear, for he suddenly gazed at her with a strange half-smile on his face. His purple eyes stuck out against his pale skin, glinting with some sort of light that filled Miru with terror.

Beside her, Sadog was flushed, averting his eyes from the prince. Barba was the only one brave enough to meet his eyes.

"You don't call him that," she raged.

Aerion snorted derisively. "You dare to command the dragon?"

Miru was trembling. She fought the urge to run away, not wishing to abandon Sadog and Barba to Aerion's torments. They were both younger and smaller than him, and she did not doubt that he could hold his own against them in a fight. Even if they won, they would be guilty of striking a prince, and not even Lord Titus could protect them from that crime's punishment.

Barba was daunted, Miru could sense it, but she bravely continued to stand against Aerion. "Lord Titus said he'd flog any boy who said that to Sadog," she snarled.

"Lord Titus will suck my cock if I command it," Aerion snapped, "and praise the taste when I piss down his throat!" He glanced back at Miru. "Perhaps you three want to get me ready for him?"

"Please…" Miru tugged at Sadog's tunic. "Please…" She could not stop the tears from going down her face, and she was breathing much faster than before.

"What's the matter, little girl?" Aerion rounded on her. "Do you fear the dragon? Is that what happened to your face?"

"Leave her alone!" Barba screamed.

Aerion drew the dagger at his belt and pointed it at Barba. "Or what? Give me an excuse to use this, girl. Who will doubt the dragon's word against yours?"

"Oy!"

All four of them turned at the outburst.

Cayn approached them from the direction of the godswood. His new dog, Fyre, was loping beside him, growling at Aerion.

The prince regarded them both with curiosity rather than alarm. Cayn was older than him by over a year, and he'd been trained for years by Lord Titus. Fyre was also a large dog, with a mouth full of sharp teeth.

"What's going on, here?" Cayn folded his arms, glaring at Aerion.

"Whatever I please. That is what is going on here" Aerion did not lower his dagger, nor did the smile leave his face.

"Are you sure?" Cayn nodded towards Sadog. "That's Titus Dondarrion's son you're threatening."

Aerion gave a cackle. "His son? Oh aye, that old jape."

"The king recognised it," Cayn pointed out unflinchingly. "And so did your father."

Aerion's smile faltered, but only for a moment. "Do you see either of them here?"

"No," Cayn replied. "But if this goes any further, I'll tell Lord Titus and he'll tell your da that you bullied two girls and a crippled boy. What will he think of you then, I wonder?"

Miru stared in amazement as Aerion's easy smirk was wiped off his face in an instant. He glared angrily at Cayn, but he sheathed his dagger and stomped off all the same.

"Thank you, Cayn." Barba ran forward and gave the older boy a hug. He returned the gesture, albeit with an awkward expression on his face. Miru repeated her words in a quieter voice. Sadog simply nodded at Cayn, who nodded back as he held Barba.

Fyre approached Miru and curiously sniffed her face. Miru had always loved dogs, and now she ran her fingers through Fyre's mottled coat.

"That Aerion is an evil prick," Cayn remarked as he disentangled himself from Barba's grateful embrace. "At least Valarr is only a snob."

"He's dangerous," Barba insisted. "You didn't hear all that he was saying to us." She turned to Miru. "Miru? How are you?"

Miru quickly nodded her head, preferring to focus on Fyre as she licked the salty tear tracks from her cheeks.

"Pay him no mind, Miru," Cayn urged. "He just likes to see how far he can go. He's always been like that."

"Aye, he has." Barba spat in disgust. "One time last year, Prince Aegon starts howling that his cat is missing. They looked for the creature, but they didn't find it. Not until one of the maids drew water from a well and brought him up with the bucket.

Miru gasped. "He didn't!"

"That's what he claimed," Cayn remarked. "Aegon swore it was him, Aerion said his brother was a liar."

"Both of those are true, I'll warrant," Sadog remarked. "That Aegon boy's always telling stories and sneaking off."

Miru did not wish to hear more about Aerion. She feared him enough as it was.

"You're the smart one, Sadog," Cayn quipped. "Hiding out in the library with Prince Aemon."

"I'm never with the prince," Sadog denied. "He's a prince! I never speak to him."

"No, but you're kin now, aren't you?"

"Aw, come off it, Cayn," Barba urged. "He's had enough japes."

Cayn shrugged, ruffled Sadog's hair, and strolled off. Fyre loped after him, much to Miru's disappointment.

"Not sure why he doesn't take Lord Titus' name," Sadog muttered. "He's been with him longer than any of us."

"Never called him Da," Barba remarked. "Already had one of those, and I don't see why he should pretend he's found another."

Miru was surprised by the bitter hint in Barba's words.

Sadog had heard it too. He gave her a speculative glance. "You got a problem with Lord Titus, do you?"

"No!" Barba was emphatic in her denial. "I just don't want to call him 'papa' when he ain't mine! Is that so wrong? Not like I'm only taking his name so I can buy myself a future!"

Sadog's expression darkened. "That's not fair and you know it."

Barba did not say anything else. An expression which seemed like remorse flashed across her face, but she remained surlily silent as Sadog shambled back towards the library.

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The following days were more pleasant for Miru, albeit those brief moments where she fled from Aerion before he could see her. Barba and Sadog forgot their argument and resumed spending time together with Miru.

Lord Titus was often busy with small council meetings, so Miru was surprised when she and the others were summoned to his chambers in Maegor's Holdfast.

He sat beside Matthias' cot when Miru entered the room. Caris held the babe in her arms nearby, nursing him as she hummed in a low tone.

The boys were already there, looking as nervous as Miru felt. Even Cayn had an uncertain expression as he looked upon Lord Titus.

The marcher lord's countenance did little to assure them. He was grim-faced, his jaw twisting beneath his greying beard.

"There has been terrible news in the south," he began without preamble. "A man has declared himself to be another Vulture King, and he is determined to destroy House Dondarrion."

It took a moment for Miru to realise what he had said. With a jolt, she turned to look at Andrew and Sadog. Both of those boys, proudly wearing the Dondarrion lightning on their clothes, now had fearful expressions on their faces.

"I must go and help my family," Lord Titus resumed. "The Vulture King has already slain one of my nephews, as well as a dear friend of mine. And above all, I must uphold the law of the realm against these brigands."

Miru could understand plainly enough what he was saying with so many words, and so could the others. Sadog understood it too, for he spoke the question that was on Miru's mind. "Who will you take with you?"

"My squires will accompany me," Lord Titus explained, "for this is war, and a squire must understand war if he is to be a knight."

"What about us?"

Lord Titus seemed almost to wince at Barba's sharp tone. "War is not for you to know. And I would sooner leave you here where it is safe."

He is abandoning us. "It is not safe for Andrew and Maric and Cayn! It is not safe for you! You are a Dondarrion!"

Lord Titus sighed. "I will not debate with you, Miru. I can assure you that I am not dragging these boys away from King's Landing against their will. They have always known what knighthood entails."

"What are we supposed to do, then?" Barba's voice was almost surly in its tone.

"Septa Jyzene and Maester Quincy will remain here with you," Lord Titus explained. "My sister Jena has also assured me that you will be looked after."

Miru had no quarrel with Princess Jena, except that Valarr was her eldest son, and he had never shown her anything but indifference and contempt. What frightened her, however, was being left behind with Aerion in the castle. Lord Titus might not be able to command a prince, but he was her protector. Now he was leaving, with Cayn and Maric and Andrew in tow.

There was no arguing, however. Lord Titus was emphatic that Barba, Miru, and Sadog remain behind in the safety of the Red Keep. They were to obey Jena and the rest of the royal family.

Sadog seemed content to remain behind, but Miru felt that Barba was of a similar mind to her. No amount of apology from Lord Titus could reassure them. They did not even wish the lads well on their journey south when they were excused.

"I should have known this would happen," Barba muttered resentfully as they went back to their chamber. "We get left behind. Just like the other girls."

That puzzled Miru. "You said they wanted to go their own way. You said they ran off or else they served the Targaryens."

"Aye," Barba confirmed sourly, rolling her eyes. "Stay behind either way. Disappear into the city, or disappear inside the castle. Some choices left to us, eh?"

Miru had rarely seen Barba in such a mood, and they always left her feeling anxious. She hoped that Cayn and Barba were correct about Aerion. So long as Maekar was around, he would keep his son in check, so Cayn had hinted. It seemed that his father was the only man whom Aerion feared.

Maekar was certainly an ominous man. His face was always scowling whenever Miru saw him, and he looked upon her with such hostility that she dared not say a word to him. She often curtsied and hastened from him as fast as politeness allowed.

She remained mousy for the rest of the evening, eating little and speaking less. Barba was of a similar mood, departing the table early without so much as a word. She was already sleeping when Miru joined her.

The following morning, Miru awoke with the morning sun's light streaming in through the windows. Barba had already gone off to bathe, leaving Miru to peer out the window.

She saw Lord Titus, dressed for travel, along with his three squires and what seemed to be all his personal escort. She could recognise Ser Alyn Garner, Ser Baelon Massey, Ser Todrik and Ser Medgar, Ser Criston and Ollo of Lannisport.

As Lord Titus mounted his horse, Miru suddenly waved her hand wildly in the air. If Lord Titus saw her, he gave no indication.

Miru was stunned by how desolated she felt as she watched Lord Titus and his men riding off to the docks. She wondered if she would see them again, dreading what would happen to her if they did not. The castle or the city. Where will I go?