Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of the Riverlands and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 9: Day 43 - 298 AC
Harry sneered as he watched the "hunting" party making their way down the Riverroad. He had received a raven several hours ago about how the King wished to hunt for game in the forest to the northeast of Harrenhal. Harry was to accompany them with his own hunting party apparently. They must have sent the raven very late as the King's party had likely been traveling for a week at least. Harry was kicking himself for not looking at his enchanted table for a while...
So, here Harry was with his party of guards and Neville.
"It's not a coincidence that the King wishes to hunt in the forest where Harry's Hollow is located." Neville rightly opined while Harry just observed the Stark and Baratheon banners waving in the wind.
"Indeed. I had thought the enchantments would keep the muggles of this world away, but obviously..." Harry waved his hand derisively in the direction of the party. His face of passive but Neville could tell that his friend was extremely angry at the situation.
"Perhaps we could..." Neville began before being interrupted by the arrival of a Peverell outrider.
"My Lords," the man said, saluting both men, "The King, the Lord Hand, and Lord Varys ride for Harrenhal. They will stay a night then set out for the hunt tomorrow."
"Perhaps we still have time for a ruse?" Neville both asked and stated.
"The real concern is why they want in there. No one is supposed to know about Harry's Hallow. It's a wizarding secret." Harry replied, pondering their options.
"I have heard several rumors of a dragon living in that forest." The commander of the Harrenhal wizarding guard said, "Hedwig I assume? Perhaps they wish to investigate the veracity of the rumors themselves. The enchantments do turn away anyone who attempts to enter Harry's Hollow."
"We should be careful of Lord Varys. It worries me that he has accompanied them. If anyone was to know of the enchantments or dragon it would be him." Neville also said.
Harry suddenly turned his horse back towards Harrenhal, replying, "Astoria and Arya will meet them at the gate, search their minds passively for what they are here for. In the meantime, turn off the muggle repelling charms for the forest and turn on the navigation disrupting one. Let's see how they find Harry's Hollow if they just walk in circles."
Lady Astoria Peverell
Year 9: Day 43 - 298 AC
She stood with Arya silently as the huge main entrance gate of Harrenhal slowly creeped open to reveal the King and his retinue. The Fat King, as her husband called him, truly was a glutton. However, decorum required her to remain positive and she smiled at the approaching King and Hand.
"Your Grace, we welcome you to Harrenhal. I trust you will find your stay comfortable, and we hope your hunt tomorrow is fruitful." She said, looking deep into the man's eyes. Memories flashed before her, quickly invading her mind with his thoughts. He distrusted her and the ruse of the hunt was quickly washed away as he thought of searching the forest for the dragon.
"Of course, Lady Peverell. I trust your husband will be joining us tomorrow for the hunt?" The Hand responded, forcing a fake smile.
Astoria regarded Arya's father with kindness, "Of course, perhaps James and Arya should accompany you as well? They both enjoy watching hunts. Plus, not many can say they have hunted with the King." Astoria responded, smirking internally as Lord Stark seemed to pale for a moment's before shaking his head.
"Perhaps another time." The King commanded, eyeing her skeptically, "I am tired from our ride to our accommodations?"
"Of course, your Grace. Please follow these guards to the guest quarters. Most of your guards can stay in the garrison." Astoria responded, motioning towards the guards that had accompanied her. Soon enough, the King and his retinue were off towards the castle.
As the group rode past, Astoria made eye contact with Varys. He nodded respectfully in her direction as she smiled back.
Once they had gone towards the castle and only Astoria, Arya, and a couple wizard guards remained, she began the long walk back to the castle, "So, tell me what you saw." She asked the little girl walking next to her.
"The King doesn't trust us. He believes we are hiding something, and he wishes to find out what. My father is the reason why he is here as well. The Maester in Kings Landing didn't think he was well enough to travel, but my father didn't believe he could gain entry into Harrenhal without his authority." Arya responded thoughtfully.
"What of your father? Did you look at him?"
"He seemed happy to see me again, but he was concerned that I met him at the gate. He thought it might be some kind of threat."
Astoria nodded in acceptance, "What of the bald, Maester looking man?"
Arya looked confused for a moment before sighing, "I didn't read his eyes..."
Astoria smiled down at her, "You must remember to read anyone that looks different from the guards. They may be important." Arya nodded ruefully, vowing to try harder next time, "Let me tell you what I saw..."
"You are correct about the King" she began, a story she would later tell her husband, "He distrusts us all, but he distrusts most who are unknown to him. A wise trait to have after surviving an assassination attempt. He also is not sure he believes the rumors of the dragon in the woods. Your father has at least convinced him to put the rumor to bed himself rather than using spies or scouts."
"Your father though, is much more resolute in his belief and concern. Lord Varys has told him that his memory has failed him several times and he is concerned of witchcraft. He is correct of course, but someone who knows something is wrong but cannot prove it is much more dangerous. I suspect he will push hard to find the dragon and whatever is hiding in the forest."
Finally, Astoria said, "Lord Varys, he has seen magiks in Essos. The Red Priests and Faceless Men are well known and have powers beyond this world. He sees no reason why we couldn't have similar powers. If there is one of that group to fear, it is him."
Lord Eddard Stark, Lord of Winterfell and the North, Warden of the North, Hand of the King
Year 9: Day 44 - 298 AC
"Lord Stark, perhaps if we let another lead the group?" Lord Peverell asked with exasperation, "I am unsure of where we are even attempting to go at this point."
Eddard Stark sneered at Harry and quickly turned back to the map he was holding. They had spent the last five hours trudging through this damned forest in all different sorts of different ways, but somehow, they managed not to find a single thing. Nothing of the dragon or this rumored hidden town. Not even any game that they could actually have hunted. Plus, Lord Peverell continued to complain about how they were lost.
Lord Varys, however, did not look perturbed in the slightest. He seemed to be taking in the sight of the forest with great interest. The King was equally nonchalant, quickly becoming drunk from wine once they entered.
"Ned," the King stuttered, "I think your dragon can be caulked up to overzealous peasants. Perhaps it was a large bird?" He let out a boisterous laugh.
Ned grumbled to himself as he looked at this gods' forsaken map once again. He was frustrated. He could easily see how to get out of the forest but the path to enter farther into the forest eluded him. He scratched his head one more time before angrily handing the map over to Lord Varys, "Make sense of this." He commanded.
Lord Varys, as dutifully as ever, took the offered map and scanned at it for a moment before speaking, "There is an old story. One from before the Doom of Valyria that speaks of why the Freehold was never invaded. It is said that when the enemy armies entered the Freehold, their scouts and commanders would become confused. Unsure of where they were or their destination. Some sort of magic stopped them."
"Oooo magic. Of course. Dragons, magic, what next? The White Walkers are to return?" Lord Peverell joked with the King, causing him to once again laugh, "Are you sure you are not just lost Lord Stark?"
Eddard, however, was even more committed once Varys had spoken. It made so much sense. The Peverells coming from nothing to rebuilding Harrenhal within a year? Finding suits of Valyrian steel armor? Weapons? A dragon? They must have discovered the Valyrian Freehold's magic and brought it here.
Eddard was yanked from his thoughts when Varys spoke again, "Lord Peverell, have you ever seen the ruins of Valyria?"
Lord Peverell seemed to contemplate the question before smiling at the Essosan, "I have sailed through. The air is rife with danger on the land, but the seas are calm."
"Incredible. Not many would dare to since the Lannister Lord disappeared there." The King said, a moment of clarity reaching his mind between drinks.
"I am adventurous." Peverell shrugged, "It was not yet time to settle down and there was treasure for those who would dare." The man tapped his armor that was hidden below his tunic.
"Is that Valyrian steel plate?" The King asked, before Eddard turned to Varys to speak quietly. They separated themselves from the group, along with the Master of Coin.
"What should we do? Peverell is involved in this magic." Eddard asked, feeling so close to the answers he seeks but just out of reach.
Varys, ever the schemer, thought very carefully. There wasn't much they could do that would not throw the realm into chaos. They needed someone on the inside of Peverell's keep. But not just some maid or stable boy, but someone in the guard that sees the inside of what goes on. The problem was, the Harrenhal guard was incorruptible. Every guard would turn down every bribe. No one would agree to spy on their Lord. It was shocking. Likely due to the magic, but still. Varys just shrugged. He truly needed to think about what needed to be done.
However, the boy who became Master of Coin after Petyr had abandoned the post was much more vocal. He foolishly suggested they seize Lord Peverell in the hope that he would lead them to the Dragon if he was imprisoned. A wise course if they wished to ignite a civil war with a group of magic wielding nobles.
Before they could finish their conversation, Lord Peverell interjected as he rode up next to them, chuckling at them, "Perhaps you should plot elsewhere, my Lords. Maybe back in King's Landing?" He motioned for the Riverlander guards that had accompanied them to approach, "These Lords are tired. Escort them back to the Castle."
"I will do no such thing, leaving the King in your presence?" Eddard protested.
"The King will be well monitored, mi Lord." A Baratheon bannerman said, nodding at the Stark as King Robert rode up as well.
"Come on then! No spoiling the hunt! The boar is not far. I can smell him!" He bellowed and laughed, well past drunk.
"Of course, your Grace." Peverell said, motioning his guards to back off from the other group. The Riverlander stared at them for longer than necessary, his face emotionless before he slowly turned his horse towards where the King had wandered.
"Fuck." Lord Stark swore under his breath.
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of the Riverlands and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 9: Day 44 - 298 AC
The hooves of his horse clanked against the stone road as they traveled out for another day of 'hunting'. He was riding next to Lord Stark, which wasn't his first choice, however it was how the chips fell.
"Tell me Lord Stark, did you know your Grandparents?" Harry asked after a long ride in silence.
Lord Stark looked at him, confused for a moment, yet responded, "No, they all passed before I was born."
Harry nodded, "Mine as well. A war in my homeland took them. As did it to my parents."
"A war took my father and brother." Eddard replied.
"The Mad King..." Harry said as Stark nodded solemnly, "I had a 'Dark Lord'. Ends the same, however."
"Where are you from, Lord Peverell?" Eddard asked curiously.
"A place far from here, Lord Stark. One where dragons, wizards, and even giants are not of fairytales."
Eddard nodded again, seemingly accepting the answer. Perhaps he believed, "I know of the Dragons of Valyria, the Giants of Beyond the Wall, and the Wizards of Qarth. A land the contains all three is not beyond reason. So, when it was said you were a relative of Lady Whent, that was a lie if you come from somewhere far away?"
Harry smiled, "We are all related in some way... "
Eddard rolled his eyes, "Arya has told me of your 'Adam and Eve'. Created by your God?"
Harry nodded, "Of course. We are all descended from them."
Eddard chuckled, "The Old Gods, the New Gods, the Red God, the Drowned God, and now your God. Too many to keep track of..."
"No need to keep track of mine. I do not wish to spread his glory to this wretched land." Harry replied as they slipped into silence. It was an awkward silence as both had really finished their thoughts until Lord Stark spoke up.
"My apologies for Ser Eastermont's comments from yesterday... He speaks with his sword rather than his mind."
Harry continued to ride in silence, keeping Lord Stark on edge until he finally spoke, "Ser Eastermont doesn't scare me. Neither do your plots, Lord Stark. You know as well as I do that the King doesn't believe things he cannot see. Have me arrested?" Harry turned his head to look into the Northerner's eyes, "You wouldn't make it out of this forest alive."
Eddard raised his eyebrows in mock belief, "You and your four guards vs the Kings retinue?" Harry just shrugged.
"I will live to see my great-grandchildren, Lord Stark." Harry said forcefully, "And if you continue, you will not live to see your grandchildren."
Lord Stark chuckled, "Are you threatening the Lord Hand, Peverell?"
"Take it as a prophecy, Lord Stark. I sense a great darkness ahead for the realm if you continue down this path." Harry said seriously, before reaching into his satchel.
"I guess it is lucky that my Gods do not follow prophecies." He replied as Harry pulled a small gold coin from the bag.
"I guess so..." Harry said, looking at the coin before reaching over and handing it to Stark, "Do you know anything about this coin?"
Eddard moved on just as quickly, wanting to avoid confrontation as he took the offered coin... As he observed it, he was struck by its simplicity as well as the perfection by which it was cast. The edges were rounded exactly, no blemishes to be seen, but what surprised Eddard was the simple design. On one side, a crude drawing of a dragon while the over shown an image of a man in with a long cap. 'Unum Galleon' was emblazoned on one side while the other showed 'Gringotts'.
"I have never seen such a coin." He said, handing the coin back to the Riverlord, but Harry refused.
"Keep it, I have more. It's from my home. Has about double the gold in it from one dragon." Harry replied as pulled another from his bag, "As much as we dislike each other Lord Stark, I hope you can understand when I say that nothing is personal. I'm sure we could be friends if it were a different world."
Eddard slid the coin into his pocket and nodded, "I could have been friends with many such people in my life if I was in a simpler world."
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of the Riverlands and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 9: Day 45- 298 AC
The search for the dragon slowly just turned into a hunt for animals on the third day. It seemed to Harry that the three stooges, Stark, Varys, and Eastermont had given up and were just passively looking while the King drank and 'hunted'. Harry had actually been allowed to remain at Harrenhal to take care of some important business that had come up, sleeping in. Harry had explained that he really didn't know how to hunt and didn't want to just keep missing all of his archery shots while the King hit his. The King had bellowed with laughter stating, "The Riverlord wishes to stop embarrassing himself? Ha, stay home then Peverell and let the men hunt."
And so, they did with Harry staying at his castle. It wasn't as if there was no one from the Riverlands accompanying them, however. Neville had ridden out to join them, if only to keep an eye on their plotting...
As Harry slept in to about 10:30 am, he was suddenly awoken by the slamming of doors and loud commotion in the keep. He groaned as he stood from his bed and entered the hallway, nearly running into a Baratheon guard as the man ran by.
"Lord Peverell! The King has been injured! An assassin tried to kill him with an arrow. Come quick." Harry's eyes snapped open, and he quickly followed the man into the Great Hall where the Maester had already began working on the King.
Harry made his way quickly to Lord Stark, "Lord Stark, what happened?"
"An assassin. He was hiding along the road as we traveled to the next hunting area. We never saw him until the arrow hit Robert." Eddard replied seriously, yet with an undertone of sadness.
"How bad is it?" Harry asked, looking towards the fat man laying on his table.
"The Maester said not good. He was hit in the upper chest and is struggling to breathe. He said he thinks Robert has lung damage." Eddard replied.
"What happened to the assassin?"
Lord Varys responded this time, "Captured luckily. He's in your dungeon, waiting to be interrogated."
"Do you mind if I attend the interrogation? I might be able to offer some assistance." Harry responded to which Eddard just nodded. Harry could tell the man was upset. The second assassination attempt on his friend within a year was likely weighing heavily on him, "We should ensure that the man cannot kill himself before we can find out who sent him. I'll have him on constant watch."
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of the Riverlands and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 9: Day 45 -298 AC
Harry watched silently as Stark and Varys played good cop bad cop with the assassin. Varys attempting to get through to the man while Stark just threatened to kill him and would occasionally order a guard to inflict some sort of physical violence. Remarkably, the man stood firm and refused to talk. Fairly surprising as most assassins if caught just spill, knowing that they are likely dead and won't receive the gold.
Harry had a couple of guesses about who sent him, either the Lannisters or Daenerys. He, however, was entirely innocent and was unaware the plot was to occur on his territory. He had to explain that multiple times to Stark though, telling him that there was no benefit to him to kill the King. Eddard seemed to believe him, but Harry wanted to ensure that there was no doubt, so thus here he was, slowly whittling down the mind of the assassin with his magic.
Finally, it was revealed to him. It had actually been Lord Paege of Maidenpool... The reasons Lord Paege had decided on this course of action had not been revealed to the assassin, but Harry could hazard a guess. The man owed Harry a debt for making him Lord of Maidenpool and it was no secret amongst Harry's lords that he desired a "higher station". This, however, was not the time for that plot to be revealed...
Harry waved his hand in a nonchalant way, using his magic to replace the memory of Lord Paege with Cersei. If the man did break, he would say it was the Queen which would easily start a war.
As the guard continued to punch the man in the stomach, Harry chuckled which caused the two Lords to look at him, "Something entertaining, Lord Peverell?" Stark asked.
"No, Lord Stark." Harry stood from his chair, "I'll leave you to it gentlemen."
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of the Riverlands and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 9: Day 73 - 298 AC
Perhaps we will eventually find a way home and I have written in this diary for nought, but until then, I wish to explain something. Everything I have done since arriving here has been for my family and the betterment of all magicals in Westeros. The historians of Westeros may judge me harshly, call me a demon or the like, but I know that my cause is just.
King Robert I Baratheon somehow still clings to life, a week after he was injured from the poisoned arrow that pierced his chest. The realm is in turmoil. Lord Stark, the fool he is, still seems to be readying Renly Baratheon for kingship. We shall see how that goes.
Onto lighter topics. The children are growing as individuals and are each a delight in their own ways, even Arya. I am glad that the war came before they were old enough to participate. They can remain behind the walls and be safe. Even then, they can always find safety in Harry's Hollow, hidden from the muggles of this world.
However, it should never come to that. I have been working with some of our wizarding engineers to create a sort of ward around Harrenhal that would make it near impossible to attack. The current idea is to enchant a ring of stones around the exterior wall into a supremely powerful magnet, thus preventing the scaling of the wall by pulling weapons and armor towards the wall rendering the soldiers useless. Another thought was to enchant stones with runes and turn them into mines that solely target muggles. Not my favorite plan. They are still working on it, but I told them to hurry up.
Daphne continues her work on the Veil with limited success. There have been only a few arrivals since the bulk of my supporters, but these are just murders and rapists. We quickly put those who arrive for actual crimes to death. It's easier that way. Anyway, she has discovered an interesting relic at the original site where the veil was found. It's some sort of podium, the purpose we have yet to understand but Daphne believes they are connected. Every rune found on the podium corresponds to a symbol on the veil, except one. One is missing. We are unsure why, but she is still researching.
On a personal note, Daphne continues to attempt to be near me. I feel that she is attempting to make a move. I should probably speak with Astoria about this.
Lord Harry Peverell, Lord of the Riverlands and the Trident, Master of the Crownlands
Year 9: Day 74 - 298 AC
Harry leaned against the railing of his stone deck just outside his study, his eyes were closed, and he was slowly breathing in and out, taking in the night air. Suddenly, he opened his eyes and turned to the door, "Come." He commanded.
Slowly the door creaked open and revealed a surprised Daphne, "How did you know I was about to knock?" She asked.
"The door has a proximity rune. My side of the door flashes green if there is someone there." He replied, looking back towards the night sky. Daphne then approached the railing and stood next to him, also looking to the sky.
"The runes on the Veil are star constellations, not an ancient language as I thought." She said after a few minutes of silence.
"Oh really?" Harry replied, obviously only partially concerned with her research.
"Yup. I actually found a stone tablet in the rubble around the former location that told of a people that would come from the veil who said they were from six different constellations. I suspect this has to do with a 3d picture of space." She opined with Harry barely listening, "We did find something more interesting though..." she paused, waiting for Harry to acknowledge her.
It took a few seconds before Harry realized she had stopped talking, "Well? What did you find?" He replied as he looked at her.
"A woman." Daphne responded, her eyes lighting up and her voice filled with mystery.
"Like a dead body or some shite?" Harry asked, smirking at her enthusiasm as he turned back and looked towards the city.
"No, she's encased in some sort of magical ward and is seemingly alive. She's old though. Extremely old and not likely to survive long if we break the ward."
This peaked Harry's interest, "And you found this woman under where the veil was?"
"There was a cavern below that we missed when we excavated the veil and moved it." She shrugged.
"So, what are we going to do with her?"
Daphne smiled sheepishly, "Wellllll, I was hoping you could give me some Elixir of Life and we could go talk to her tonight."
Harry chuckled, "I see, just using me for your scheme."
"I would never just use you, Harry." She wagged her eyebrows at him and smirked. Harry just rolled his eyes and made his way over to his desk. He tapped it with his wand and a hidden drawer revealed itself. Harry took out a small vial and pocketed it.
"Let's go then." He held out his hand as Daphne quickly took it. She laced her fingers between his before a soft pop was heard.
A moment later...
Daphne had apparated them to the cavern, saving them a lot of time. It was rare for Harry to apparate these days due to having to keep up appearances. The hours he spent riding a damn horse in the countryside had to be in the thousands by now.
Daphne pulled on his hand and guided him to the woman. She was in a sort of glass and metal tube, similar to a cryopod that you would see in a sci-fi movie. But it wasn't nearly as complicated. It was sealed shut solely by magic and had wards protecting it, seemingly also giving it a sort of time dilation effect.
"Well, open it." Harry said, motioning towards it.
Daphne nodded and readied her wand. One quick incantation later the first ward was down. Much to Daphne's annoyance and Harry's amusement, she had to dismantle 20 different wards to finally reach the spell sealing the pod. Ten minutes later, the pod released a hiss and the lid slid off.
The woman didn't move for a moment as Harry cast a diagnostic spell onto her to ensure she was alive. Luckily, she still was so Harry took the Elixir bottle and forced it down the throat.
It took a minute for the Elixir to work, but suddenly the woman coughed and woke up. She stumbled out of the pod as Daphne kindly held her up. She conjured a chair for the woman to sit on and sat her down.
"Hello there." Harry said, looking at the ancient looking woman.
The woman cleared her throat, "Hello Harry."
Harry squinted his eyes in surprise and confusion, "Do I know you?"
"Not since school. We were best friends once..." she replied smirking.
Harry and Daphne processed the statement slowly, both still confused until Harry's eyes went wide and he pointed his wand at her, "Hermione?"