Chapter 10: As Low as Dishonor (1/5)

Jon Arryn:

The Hand of The King was feeling a lot of things. Relieved, as being away from King's Landing was something exceptionally pleasant. Happy, as he hasn't been home since he became Hand of the King. And last but not least, curious.

"Is it true that the Eyrie is impregnable?" The Prince, who was sharing a horse with Jon, asked in pure curiosity.

"I can't say, but so far, no one was able to impregnate it." Jon reply the Prince's question.

Both were galloping alongside a royal escort throughout the roads on their way to the Eyrie. The Prince was looking at his surroundings with his curious eyes. He decided to wear the Arryn colors to signal that his on their care. Jon found the act endearing to be honest. Raziel was wearing a sky-blue valvet, white breeches, black boots and a white bearskin cloak that Jon gave him because of the cold.

The winds were indeed relatively cold. Jon himself forgot about the temperature as he has gotten so used to the heat in King's Landing that it might take some time for him to get used to the cold winds of the Vale once again.

"My Lord, we are about to reach the Bloody Gate." One of the guards informed him.

They were indeed getting close to the Bloody Gate. Jon was so distracted by his conversation with the Prince that he didn't pay attention to the high road. Even so, the Hand of the King was pleased that they had a peaceful way there.

The Prince was analysing the Bloody Gate as he looks at it from afar. Mostly the twin watchtowers. As they get closer and closer, the Prince commented something. "It doesn't look too impressive, but I can't deny that the design is very practical."

"True," Jon had to agree that appearance wise, the Bloody Gate wasn't particularly impressive but it has accomplished it's task since the Age of Heroes. "Trust me when I say this, it is better to have something plain in appearance but useful over something that looks impressive but has no practical usage." He lectured him about it.

"I personally prefer to have something that looks impressive while also being useful, but I get what you mean." Raziel replied. "Who's the current Knight of the Gate?" He asked in curiosity.

"That would be Jasper Redfort." Jon appointed him as the Knight of the Bloody Gate after the rebellion. He was the first born of Horton Redfort and the heir of House Redford. Jon doesn't know that details but apparently his father and him had a confrontation which caused Jasper to forsake his rights over the Redfort. Jon gave him the title mainly because his first choice, Brynden Tully, who originally wanted the position, gave up on the last minute for some reason.

It didn't took long for them to arrive at the entrance of the Bloody Gate. Soon enough, it came the traditional question. "Who would pass the Bloody Gate?"

Jon smiled at hearing that, as it's been some time.

"Jon of House Arryn, also known as, Lord of the Eyrie!" Raziel was the one that yelled in response.

The knight that was guarding the gate looked closely. Which Jon recognize as Jasper Redfort due to his resemblance with his father. He was short, had a shaved head and mild eyes. "My Lord! We were expecting you." The Knight told the Hand of the King. "Open the gate!"

It has been so long. Jon thought as he sees his home once again. The Hand of the King wasted no time and started to move forward.

Raziel Baratheon:

I got say, father wasn't exaggerating. The Crown Prince thought as he observed his surroundings.

After passing through the Bloody Gate, Jon instructed the guards to hurry up a bit, as he wanted to arrive at the Gates of the Moon at nightfall. He wants to spend the night there and finally arrive at the Eyrie first thing in the morning. Raziel had no problem with that, though he wishes that they would go a bit slower so he wouldn't miss any interesting sight.

The Vale proper was a tranquil looking land of wide rivers, and hundreds of lakes. Wheat, corn, barley, pumpkins, and fruit growing in it's fertile soil.

The Vale is narrow at it's western end near the Bloody Gate, no more than half a day's ride across, and the mountains tower above. The Gates of the Moon and the Eyrie, according to Jon, are located in the west of the valley. It's also bounded by a series of mountains which stretch northeast to the narrow sea and southeast to the Bay of Crabs. Longbow Hall is located in the hills of the northern border; north of these mountains are the Fingers. Redfort is located near the southern wing of mountains. Ironoaks is situated by a large lake in the middle of the Vale, while Old Anchor is located farther east along the sea. Gulltown and Runestone are located on a peninsula which extends east, south of which are the Bay of Crabs and Crackclaw Point.

Raziel read as much information about the Vale as possible. A habit that he will probably carry out to all of the places where he'll be staying. I hope Symeon is okay on that cage. He thought as he moved his head back to see a carriage transporting his pet. Only to see that he was sleeping peacefully.

"It's really impressive that you managed to domesticate a Hrakkar." Jon commented as he notices Raziel looking back.

"Not exactly, as I didn't really do anything." Raziel confessed. "Symeon just started to obey me." It was true. Since brought he brought Symeon, the two just instantly got along.

"Still, it was an impressive feat." Jon insisted. "Such an exotic pet you picked."

"The Targaryans had Dragons, so what's wrong with having a Lion?" Raziel repeated what he said to Myrcella when she questioned him about it.

"Absolutely nothing." Jon replied. But then he looked at the sky for a bit. Before turning towards the guards. "Hurry up, we must arrive at the Gates of the Moon before the night falls upon us." He instructed his guards once again.

Raziel just kept looking at his surroundings with a curious gaze.

An hour has passed and it was all it took for them to arrive at the Gates of the Moon. It got dark as soon as they arrived. Upon arrival, Raziel was impressed with it. A stout castle with a moat, a gatehouse, a yard, and a well. The castle had square towers, include the East Tower and the Falcon Tower.

When they arrived, they were received by Lord Nestor Royce, the senior member of a cadet branch of House Royce and Keeper of the Gates of the Moon. According to Jon, he has been High Steward of the Vale for several years now. As High Steward, Nestor ruled the Vale of Arryn in the name of Lord Jon.

"Don't stay up too long, we will depart to the Eyrie early in the morning." Jon instructed as he walks besides the Prince.

"I won't, don't worry." Raziel was being shown the way of the room where he will be staying for the night. "Are you going to sleep now?" He asked.

"No, I have something to discuss with Nestor." Jon answered his question. "It's nothing you should concern yourself with."

"Okay," Raziel then looked to his right, where Symeon was following him. "Happy to be out of that cage?" He asked his pet.

Symeon let out a low roar, which Raziel took it as a yes.

Jon let out a small laugh at that.

Soon enough, they arrived at a silver painted door. "Here it is." Jon said as he opened the door. On the other side, it was a simplistic but nice looking room. Not much in terms of decorations but Raziel was fine with it as he was only going to stay there for the night.

"Thanks." Raziel thanked for escorting him. "Have a good night, Jon." He told him before giving him a short hug.

"You too, my boy." The old man told him before patting Raziel's head.

"Come on Symeon." Raziel spoke as he entered. "Good night to you too, Sandor." He told his sworn-shield, who just followed them quietly from behind as always. For a such a large man, I sometimes forget that he follows me around everywhere. He thought as he was true.

Jon Arryn:

After escorting the Prince to his room. Jon Arryn made his way to the the Falcon Tower where Nestor Royce was expecting him. Jon requested an moment with him right after their arrival in order to discuss the letters that he received regarding the three problems.

Jon was honestly worried about how things are in King's Landing. Not that he doubts Stannis's capabilities as a ruler, but he seriously doubts the he will be able to keep Robert under control. Steffon would probably be disappointed on how separated his son's had become towards one another. We weren't really friends but I respected him, apparently Stannis was the only one that inherited Steffon's sense of duty, shame he didn't got his charisma like Robert and Renly did. Jon only met Steffon on a few occasions and he was certainly one of the most dutiful man he ever met. Always did his duty, no matter how unpleasant it was. Jon genuinely believes that Stannis model himself after his father on that regard in order to honor his memory.

His thoughts were broken as soon as he arrived at his destination at the Falcon Tower. Nestor was at the top of the tower, as he could see him at the window. Jon decided to make his way towards the top of the tower. Climbing up stairs was always something that Jon disliked, even when he was younger. But he especially disliked now since it gets more difficult each time as his legs lose strength each year. Although struggling a bit, he reaches the top.

"My Lord, you could have just send someone to call me." Nestor spoke as soon as he saw him in a very apologetic matter.

"Ah," Jon waved away his concern. "I was in need of some exercise." He joked. Before finding a chair to seat.

On the top of the Falcon Tower. Was very fascinating, the walls were painted in blue with some silver ornaments, there were some paintings on it but Jon couldn't figure out what they were supposed to represent. The was a simple bed there, but there was also a nice looking table, apparently made of Oak with some papers on top of it and besides it, there was a cage with a small Hawk on it "I assume you spend a lot of time here." Jon stated the obvious.

"It's the quietest place in the whole castle, and I really adore the view." Nestor looked at the window as he spoke.

"Yes, I'm appreciator of peace and quiet myself." Jon commented as he regained his breath. "But, I'm not here discuss that." He reached for a jug of wine that was on a small table besides the chair that he was sitting on.

"You want to discuss the messages I sent you." Nestor approached a cage and feed the Hawk. "Sorry for bothering you with this bu-"

"It is no bother," Jon was quick to input. " I may be the Hand of the King but before that I was and still am the Defender of the Vale, and Warden of the East." He stated with conviction as he filled a cup and put the jug down. "Whatever trouble plagues the Vale, it's my duty to deal with just as much as it is yours."

"No doubt, my Lord." Nestor said in response. "First of all, I'm not exactly aware about what is this problem involving House Royce, but I know it's serious because my cousin is awaiting your arrival at the Eyrie to discuss it with you, personally." That, instantly worried Jon. Because if Yohn Royce himself wants to discuss it with him, it can only be something very serious. He drank his wine as he continued. "The problem involving the Mountain Clans, is pretty serious. Apparently, they discovered another passage to the Vale, other than the Bloody Gate." Jon widened his eyes in both surprise and shock for what he just heard.

"Another passage other than the Bloody Gate?! That's impossible!?" Jon stood up from his chair and yelled that. Not noticing that he spilled his wine.

"I thought so as well, but we were actually invaded by a large group of them last month. We manage to dispatch them but it was a very difficult task." He grabbed the jug and put some wine on a cup for himself. "And one of them revealed that once we interrogated him." Nestor explained calmly. Jon opened his mouth to reply but Nestor continue before he could. "Before you ask, I did doubted myself if he was lying. But it's the only possible explanation to how such a large number was able to enter the Valley."

By the gods, I can't believe this. Jon thought as he sat back down, trying to digest what he just heard. If there is indeed a second passage to the Vale, it must be sealed as soon as possible. As soon I speak with Yohn, I must arrange a search party for it. Jon started to plan. "Where exactly did this attack occur?"

"At the Redfort." He revealed to him. "Lord Horton Redfort has been sending searching parties since the attack, but no luck so far."

Jon sighed in frustration before refilling his cup. "What about the problem involving Lord from House Baelish?"

"Well..."

Raziel Baratheon:

Come on, come on, now! The black haired boy was not really tired or sleepy. So he decided to explore the castle instead. But, he would rather do that by himself rather than to be accompanied by Sandor. So, he actually sneak out by the window. Descending the tower wasn't a option, so he decided to drop down towards a window on the floor bekow.

Woah! That was close. He thought as he grabbed the edge of the window and climbed through it. He entered a room identical to the one where he left Symeon on. But as he looked inside, he noticed that there was a man sleeping on it. Raziel then moved as slow as possible towards the door to not make any noise and opened it slightly before he squeezed himself through it.

Once he was out, he sneaked out of the tower while avoiding the guards. It's cold out here. He thought as he walked towards an empty yard. You know, leaving a place like this unguarded is pretty irresponsible. He thought as he looked around the place.

The Gates of the Moon was indeed a large castle but he really needs to see the Eyrie first to confirm if it was indeed smaller in comparison. Where should I go first? He wondered as he looked around. Suddenly, however, he was distracted by a noise that came from his left. As he turns to see what it was, he sees something unexpected. Mules? Right in the middle of the yard, Raziel saw four mules there. Still a bit confused, the Prince approached one of them. "Hey, should you be here?" He asked it while caressing it. The mule made a noise, which Raziel assumes that it's because it likes his touch.

"No! Get back here!" Suddenly, Raziel heard a voice coming from behind the mule that he was caressing it. He moved hid head to what it is and sees a girl, or at least he assumes it's a girl, dressed as a boy. "Come on, I'm gonna get yelled at." The girl practically begged as she tried to pull the Mule. But to no success as the Mule shakes her off and knocks her back on the dirt. As she looks at her dirty clothes, she sighed sadly.

Raziel, feeling bad for her, decided to approach her. "Are you okay?" He asked.

The dirty girl looked at him as soon as he asked and Raziel had a good look of her face. She had coal-black hair cut short and deep blue eyes. Strangely, she seemed familiar to him for some reason. "No..." She replied clearly upset as she stood up. She was obviously older than him, also taller.

"Are these your mules?" He asked in wonder.

"No, I was just supposed to feed them but they got out." She explained as she tried to get the dirt of her clothes.

"At this hour?" Raziel was confused.

"I was supposed to do it earlier but I forgot, okay?" The girl replied sounding annoyed by his questioning. Then she looked at him with a confused face identical to his. "Wait, what are you doing here at this hour?"

"Oh, I couldn't sleep, so I decided to explore." He admitted to her, before looking at the mules. "Can I help somehow?" Raziel asked. For some reason, he really wanted to help this girl.

The girl also looked at mules, probably considering his offer. "Well... If you could help me attract them back to the stables."

"I'm not really good with horses, si I'll need some good instructions." He admitted to her.

"Mules and horses are not the same, but I really don't have the time to argue about that." She took the dirt out of her dark breeches. "What's your name?"

"Raz..." He was about to tell her his name. But stopped in the middle because she might not let him help if she knew that he was the Prince.

"Raz?" Apparently, that was what she assumed his name was. "Good to meet you, I'm Mya." She introduced herself. "Now, help me pull this one." Mya then pointed at the mule that knocked her back.

Both the boy and the girl with black hair and blue eyes, spent several hours, trying to force the mules back to where they're supposed to be.

After a lot of work, Raziel was exhausted and so was Mya. As they had a lot of trouble in accomplishing the task.

"We actually did," Mya spoke happily. "I'm actually not going to be yelled at " She sounded very pleased as she stretched herself.

"Are these mules at least going to be used for something?" Raziel wondered as this took a lot of work due to how stubborn the mules were.

"They're gonna be used to transport the Hand of the King and the crown Prince to the Eyrie." After she said that, Raziel only had one single response to that.

"Fuck." It was the first time ever that he has cursed. He collapsed on the ground in dramatic fashion due to exhaustion. With Mya just staring at him, confused.