:-[Chapter 15]-:
"What?" said a confused Sura, lost in his kind words. "Oh! Yes, I want to ask Lord Stark if I can have some guards coming with me but I want to ask you first. If our lord says yes, would you and Hedwig come with me?" asked Sura.
Harry could see hope in her eyes, like she really wanted him to come with her in Wintertown.
"Of course. If Lord Stark don't mind me going to the town, I would love for us to come with you."
:-[T.A.B]-:
Harry Winterstorm was waiting at the entrance of Winterfell at the order of his Lord. His direwolf had decided to stay inside with the children. Words that the Citadel's envoy was approaching and would be arriving very soon, which was why he was there.
The young warrior was proud to be chosen for this. Being the first face the Maesters would see was an honour for him. Dressed in his armor with the help of Sura careful hands, Harry waited for the men to arrive.
He waited for about an hour when he heard the sound of the horn announcing their arrival in Winterfell. It was a small delegation of soldier from the Reach, mainly the Hightowers. It made sense, considering the Citadel was in Oldtown.
A small carriage transported the Maester, guarded by Hightowers warriors. Harry found it very funny that they were all shivering, not used to the harsh environment from the North. One man, probably the guard leader, approached Harry on his white horse and announced himself pompously.
"I am Ser William, knight of his Lordship, Lord Leyton Hightower, Lord of the Hightower, Defender of the Citadel and Beacon of the South." Said the man in great pride.
Even under his steel armor, Harry could see the man puffing his chest.
"Welcome to Winterfell, Ser. I hoped the road wasn't too hard on you. Lord Stark is waiting for the Maesters inside. The servants will guide your men toward your temporary quarters. Bread and salt will be distributed in presence of Lord Stark." Said Harry, keeping his voice steady and firm.
"Are you a squire? It is customary in the Reach to send a knight to welcome a group such as ours." Asked Ser William with a start of a sneer.
"No, good Ser." Said Harry while smiling innocently. After being treated like shit by his relatives, Professor Bat Snape bullying him all year and of course Quirrell/Voldemort wanting to kill him, he didn't care at all for these kind of attitude toward him or his status. "I am a member of Lord Rickard Stark household. He sent me here to guide the Maesters to him."
Ser William sneered even more at Harry, not happy at all to have to talk to someone so beneath him. He simply gave the boy a nod before giving order to his men. Three men came out of the carriage, all dressed in grey robes. They walked toward the raven haired warrior, waiting for him to direct them to their possible future lord.
"Welcome, Maesters. Please follow me, Lord Stark will be waiting for you." said the young man before turning his back and walking in the direction of the Great Hall.
"Wait a second, young man. We are to rest a little at least before meeting Lord Stark. Our Archmaesters gave us clear instructions to..." started who seem to be the oldest of the group.
"Lord Stark gave me instruction. He is my lord and I profoundly do not care about your bosses. You are in Winterfell and here, we listen to the Starks, not to some old men stuck up in their tower." Spoke the young warrior, not even turning his head. After his answer, he continued walking, not even watching if they followed him.
"Well," he heard behind him. "Let us follow the young man, shall we?"
Harry heard footsteps behind him as the Maesters rushed to follow him. The young wizard walked quickly toward the Great Hall, where Lord Stark would be waiting for them. Arrived at the main door, Harry made a sign with his hand form them to stop.
"Wait here, I'll go see if Lord Stark is ready for you three." Ordered Harry with a firm voice.
The three old men stayed there, surrounded by mean looking guards, making a heavy atmosphere. Two of them were speaking softly between each other while the third one was looking at the tapestries on the walls with great interest.
The two massive doors opened suddenly, letting a guard pass.
"Lord Rickard Stark will see you now, Maesters." He gruffly said, not looking happy at all to let Maester enter.
"Thank you, my kind man." Said the one who was looking at the art. He was the first to enter in the Great Hall. Two longs tables were adorning the room plus the Main Table, where Rickard Stark was waiting, sitting on this throne with all of his children beside him. Maege Mormont was right behind Lyanna, looking at the Maesters menacingly.
The three Maesters stopped in front of the stairs at the table's feet and bowed their head in respect. Even if some of them were scared to be here, they had to show respect first to the lord of the place.
"Bring them bread and salt." Said Rickard with a wave of his hand.
After the small ceremony was observed, the lord of Winterfell took his time to look at the newcomers. "Well? Which one of you wants to explain to me why three Maesters were send here, in my capital? Correct me if I am wrong, but the Citadel only send one at the time, aye?"
One of the Maester, the one who look at the art, took a single step forward. This catches Rickard's attention that put his cold grey eyes on him.
"The Citadel wanted to offer you a choice in the matter, Lord Stark. With the passing of our colleague at your hand, they felt you would be more comfortable to choice his successor." Said the man.
"I see. Let's start with the obvious. What are your names?"
"My name is Luwin, Lord Stark. I finished my chain's link a couple of years ago." Said the first man before letting his colleague take his place.
The second man approached, taking Luwin's place. "I am Thomas of the Reach." He was a wrinkly old mad and was moving slowly. "You would be lucky to have a Maester of my calibre, Lord Rickard. I have forged many links of many subjects, as you can see."
The man, Thomas, showed Rickard his long chain. Indeed, he had an impressive amount of links. Some of them were even twice of thrice there.
The third man fearfully walked toward the table. He couldn't stop shaking. If it was due to the cold or fear, Harry really couldn't say but neither was good, in his opinion.
"My lord, I am Darnell Sand of Dorne. Like Luwin I've finished my chain's links a couple of years ago."
Subtly, Rickard gave Ser Rodrik a sign with his hand. The knight got out of the room while the men explained why they should be chosen. Thomas was convinced he should be the one since his supposed mastery of many subject. The man frankly seemed like an arse to be around.
Darnell of Dorne didn't even seem to want to be here. He was looking around fearfully, like something was going to happen to him. Even under his long sleeves, Harry could see he was shaking uncontrollably.
While the three men had their attention on Rickard, who was giving his intention and what he was excepting of the next Maester of Winterfell, Hedwig was silently approaching them from behind. The massive white direwolf towered them all by at a foot at the very least.
Darnell was the one who saw Harry's familiar the first. The scream that came out of his mouth was so high-pitched that once could easily have thought it came from an old woman. The Dornish man simply fell to the ground screaming for his life.
"Please Lord Stark! Don't let the beast kill me!" implore the man,
As soon as she heard the word 'beast', Hedwig immediately started to growl at the man who cowed even more. A strong smell of urine was coming from the man.
"Ha! I don't think this one could stand the North, Father. Only the looks of a direwolf make him cowered in fright." said a laughing Brandon.
Harry was very much inclined to agree. No man who acted like a coward like this could ever be in the North, even less in Winterfell of all places.
Thomas, in his case had a completely different reaction but it was also poorly received by the hosts. "Impossible! Those beasts are gone for centuries. The Citadel would absolutely know if they were back in Westeros of even beyond. This error of nature is a freak, nothing more." He said while crossing his arm and nodding to himself with assurance.
The growling only grew louder with the comment. The very much real direwolf took a step forward Thomas who fell back on his arse with a grunt.
"Hedwig! Enough girl." ordered the lord of Winterfell with a commanding voice.
The white wolf didn't step back, but only sat on the floor, obeying the lord's command in her own way. She turned her head toward Luwin, who had a stunned look on his face. It was like Hedwig was daring him to say something.
"Stupendous! A real female direwolf. By the Old Gods and the New, I never would have thought it would be possible! What a beautiful animal!" exclaimed Luwin, wonder in his eyes.
Hedwig immediately stopped growling and started to wag her tail.
'Of course she would like someone complimenting her, she is so vain it is funny.' Thought Harry to himself, smirking.
"Do you really understand me, girl?" asked Luwin. Hedwig answered with a quick nod which makes Luwin became almost giddy. "By the Gods! I've read that direwolves were very intelligent but the book didn't really elaborate. You are simply incredible, Hedwig was it?"
Turning his attention back to Lord Stark, Luwin apologized to him. "I am sorry Lord Stark. You see, I have studied magic in Westeros and it is truly a miracle for me. The travel was very much worth it, even if you do not choose me."
"Hedwig, come beside Harry." Ordered Rickard. "Ser Rodrik, please direct Maester Thomas and Darnell to their room and make sure their accommodations are satisfying. I wish to speak with Maester Luwin, here."
"Aye my lord." Said Ser Rodrik, putting his fist on his chest and pointing the way to the two old men standing there like fishes.
Once the other Maesters left, Rickard step down the few stairs and went closer to Luwin who didn't seem to mind at all he was alone with the Lord of Winterfell. The northerner stopped at arm length for the other man, looking into his pale grey eyes.
"To whom are you loyal, Luwin? Who is your master?" asked Rickard.
"My lord?" asked a confused
"Are you a spy? Send by my enemies to destroy my family from the inside? Will you wait until the moment is perfect to kill my children? Said the Old Wolf, his tone getting firmer and firmer the more questions he asked.
"My lord, I understand your feelings. Walys was a traitor to everything the Citadel and our order stand for. A Maester is only loyal to the lord he serve, nothing more, nothing less. For years and years this mantra is burned into our mind. I can only guess he forgot this rule. Have you found anything in his room or study, if he had one?" inquired the Maester.
"No. My men have look but did not find anything. His personal study was search from floor to ceiling but to no avail." Said Rickard with a sigh.
"If I can be of any use while I am here my lord, I would be glad to help." Quickly offered Luwin. He founded that he like the place and didn't mind the harsh cold at all. Winterfell was way warmer than what his colleagues at the Citadel were saying.
"We shall see. For now, go to your assigned room and follow Ser Rodrik instructions once you are there, understood?
"Or course my lord." Bowed Luwin in respect, his chain's links clinking.
Once Luwin left in company of a single guard to help him find his way, Rickard look at his children and at Harry.
"Come, let us retire to my solar. We will be more comfortable there. Lady Maege, please make sure all of our guests stay in the guest wing for the moment."
"Aye my lord. I shall make sure of it." She said, caressing her mace.
With a gesture, he indicated to the five persons and the direwolf to follow him. Without a word, the group went in the direction of Lord Stark's solar. Lyanna went to hold her father's hand but refrained herself. She knew her new mentor would be crossed with her if she did so. She walked beside her brothers with her chin high, conquering her fears like a Stark should.
Entering the room, the family went to their appropriated seat. Harry simply leaned against the wall, crossing his arms and waiting to be addressed. Hedwig went of course near Benjen and Lyanna, whom covered in attention to her great joy, judging by her tail's wagging.
"I believe the choice is obvious but I think this need to be decided between us, as a family and not only myself. Brandon?" asked Rickard.
"Luwin. The two others are either a fucking coward or a pompous arse. At least he did not scream when he saw Hedwig." Answered his first born with no concern about his language.
"Eddard?"
"While I would not use the same language as Bran, I am in agreement with my brother. Luwin seems to be the best choice." Softly said Eddard, sitting beside his big brother in front of their father's desk.
"Lyanna, Benjen?"
"Luwin! He is the only one who respected our good girl Hedwig." Said a happy Benjen.
"Same!" squealed Lyanna while she got Hedwig's tongue in her face.
"What about you Harry? Did you or Hedwig detect anything that we can use?"
"Obviously Luwin seems to be the best choice. He seems very intrigued by Hedwig's presence. He also said that he studied magic which I find interesting. Walys always seemed to fear that aspect. He used to say only one in every hundred forge a Valyrian steel link for their chain. Darnell look useless. He seems afraid of everything and since he is a Dornishman, doesn't seem to love the cold very much. Like Lord Brandon said, Thomas is kind of an asshole. My lord." Quickly add the young man at the end making Hedwig nod at the same time.
Rickard laughed heartily at the comment. "Aye, we are all of the same opinion. I will give it another few days to make a decision. Cannot choose the man who is going to be the next Winterfell's Maester on a whim. Now all of you will go to the courtyard for your daily sparring. Lya, while Lady Maege is with the Maesters, you can continue your archery with Benjen." Making nod the entire family.
:-[T.A.B]-:
Lord Tywin Lannister, Lion of the Rock and Hand of the King was currently watching his youngest...son sleep in his crib. The little abomination was completely unaware of what turmoil was in his genitor's head at the moment. Should he kill the thing? Saying it died on its own and get on with in? Should he spare it in the memory of his dearly departed wife? Even as she was dying, she hold her baby with love, not caring in the least about the fact that a dwarf was born as a Lannister.
He already had a fearful reputation, rightfully earned when he destroyed the Tarbecks and the Reynes in their pathetic rebellion, could he really bear the potential stigma of a Kinslayer? It was out of the question for his futures plans.
Drinking his wine from his golden cup, Tywin pondered on the last events. Losing Marco was a blow to his plan. The man was a scum and a deprived mind but he had been very useful. Now, he considered himself lucky that he was killed quickly without giving any information. He was nervous however about his other spy. Did he hide every information and letter from him? He always used an alias when sending communication and Walys was supposed to destroy every pieces of paper when it was read.
Old men were often stubborn after all, not always willing to follow orders like they should be doing. The possibility for him to be discovered was slim, if not non-existent, he was sure of it.
Overall, his plan was a success. Lyarra Stark was dead, hurting the northern family and creating some insecurity. Ser Elbert Arryn had been killed by House Sunderland and the Vale had no other choice but to put more forces into this rebellion to squash it, just as he predicted.
Leaving his monstrous son's chamber, Tywin went back to his personal solar. The one where very few people could access. Destabilized the other kingdoms was child's play for him. The Lannister's power in Westeros was strong because of him. Soon, his second plan would take effect. This one would take longer to take place as laws always take time to bear its fruits.
:-[277 AC, Duskendale, Crownlands]-:
"Your grace, are you sure this is a good idea? Sent me in your place, you do not need to go yourself." Offered the Kingsguard, dressed in a flamboyant white armor.
"Yes I need to go myself. Talk of rebellion in the Crownlands so close to King's Landing must be answered by the Crown." Answered the royalty member.
The royal party composed of many knights and soldiers from King's Landing passed the gated entrance of the city. No escort were sent by House Darklyn, to the anger of the Kingsguard member.
"Something isn't right your grace. The Darklyn, however how mad they are, must observe protocol." Insisted the knight
"They believe they are being robbed by the Crown with the Port increase in taxes. They used to be the biggest port in the Crownlands before King's Landing and now they are going to get even less gold they are used to."
"Still, a Prince should not be the one who does the negotiation. The King should have sent the Master of Laws or even the Hand, not yourself, it is too dangerous." Insisted the knight.
Prince Rhaegar Targaryen looked at the knight beside him. Gwayne Gaunt, while not his first choice to accompany him, was a good man, thinking only for his security. He agreed with his bodyguard that he should not be here. He talked to his father, or at least he tried to but to no avail. Going to Duskendale while they refuse a summon from the King himself which such a small company was stupid beyond reason.
"I thank you for your consideration Ser Gwayne but remember, the order came from my father, King Aerys II himself. You would do well to remember that. My father is not a man known for his mercy." Kindly reminded the Prince, not wanting to see a good man punish for him.
Properly chastise, Gwayne said nothing else. Behind them were the fifty Targaryens men chosen to accompany them, walking in formation, their King's banner proudly displayed.
Dun Fort, House Darklyn's castle was standing on a hill, overlooking the city. Rhaegar could easily see why Duskendale was a huge power in the Crownlands, prior the Targaryen Dynasty. The grey walls were massive, thick and would make a formidable defensive position.
Arrived at the castle's door, Ser Gwayne announces their arrival to the guards. "Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, Heir to the Iron Throne and Prince of Dragonstone demand entry to Dun Fort to speak with Lord Darklyn immediately."
Suddenly, the castle's door opened letting a woman of great beauty come out. Her long dark hair reached her lower back and a fringe was hiding one of her eye. She wore a lace green dress that merge perfectly with her generous womanly curves. Her dark purple eyes betrayed her foreign origin. A young man was beside her.
"My prince," she's gracefully curtsy with a melodious voice. "House Darklyn is honoured of your presence here, in Dun Fort. The Targaryens are always welcome here, as you must well know. I am Serala of Myr, wife to Denys Darklyn."
"Your spoke your words like honey but offer no excuses for your absence at the town's gate. This simple fact spoke highly of you defiance against the Crown, Lady Serala. That and the fact that you decided to stop paying your dues taxes." Continued Ser Gwayne.
Serala only let out a small laugh, the comment from the knight having no effect whatsoever on her beautiful face.
"Let us go inside, your Grace." Said Serala, ignoring the Kingsguard. "My husband is waiting for us. We should be on our way."
Rhaegar could swear the woman was putting more sway into her hips. She sensually walked away, probably toward Dun Fort's great hall. The young man beside her looked at Rhaegar, without a hint of nervousness.
"I am Robin Hollard, son of Jon Hollard and squire to my pr... my lord Darklyn. Please you grace, follow me.
Like Serala, Robin walked away, showing his back to the Heir of the Iron Throne. Ser Gwayne wasn't happy at all at the disrespect.
"Those miscreants. They should show you the way, not make you follow them like a lowly servant." Started the knight.
"Enough, Ser Gaunt." Firmly said Rhaegar. "Let us start this conversation later. For now, we will follow Lady Serala and Squire Hollard."
The Prince got off his horse in a smooth movement. Adorned in his black armor, he stood out of his soldier with his crimson cape and long white hair. He entered the castle, followed by his group. Luckily, the squire didn't walk to far away yet.
Dun Fort was very ancient and Rhaegar could easily see it the art everywhere. Tapestries and old family portraits were put on every wall. Histories of the numerous wars the House of Darklyn had done in the past. Some, for the Targaryens themselves during the many internal war the region had in the past.
"Wait here until pri…Lord Darklyn is ready." asked Robin without waiting for an answer.
It took around an hour for the great hall's door of Dun Fort to open to the great anger of Ser Gwayne. The royal group walked inside, to the direction of the hall's throne. The air around said throne was heavy for some reason. No one was smiling in the court. They were no songs, no proclamation of introduction, nothing.
Lord Darklyn was sitting on his throne, looking way older than he should be. His old black hair was now long and white. A long untrimmed beard was on his face. As his side, were his gorgeous wife and young squire. Members of the Dunskendale's court were present along with many guards.
Before Rhaegar could speak, Ser Gwayne did the introduction of his Prince.
"You stand in the presence of Rhaegar Targaryen, Heir to the Iron Throne and Prince of Dragonstone."
An awkward silence rose up in the court. No one even shush a sound. Until a small laugh from the Lord of Duskendale was heard. The laugh, more of a cackling, soon became more and more loud.
"So the King has sent his wingless dragonprince." Making Ser Gwayne slightly growl. "I must say, I didn't want you to come, Prince Rhaegar but rather your father."
"A King do not go to his bannermen, the bannermen go to the king, Lord Darklyn." Said Rhaegar.
"Denys Darklyn is no mere lord, Prince Rhaegar." Said Lady Serala with a sultry voice. Our lord has become the Prince of Duskendale."
"Bah!' guffawed Ser Gwayne. "The only principality in Westeros is Dorne. No other region under the Iron Throne can boast to have 'Prince' as title!"
"But it is already so, good Ser." Continued the woman. "Now with the Heir to the iron Throne, I am sure we can find a common ground to share power in the Crownlands, yes?
"What do you mean my Lady? I am here to demand House Darklyn to restart paying their due taxes to the Crown with interest. There will be no negotiation between our Houses. You have bended the knee to House Targaryen centuries ago. Do not doubt the might of the Iron Throne."
"We bowed to the dragon whom roam the skies! No to a decadent, sister-fucking house!" protested the self proclaim Prince Denys.
"How dare you insult our King!" roared Ser Gwayne, unleashing his sword from its scabbard.
"It is he who insults me by raising my taxes while reducing the numbers of ships who come here! Now guards! Now! Screamed the insane man.
Suddenly, dozens of men came out or everywhere, some holding spears while other had bows. They started to kill the unprepared Targaryens men completely by surprise. The Kingsguard and Rhaegar however managed to defend themselves with a few others close to them.
Knights of Duskendale approached the royal group, swords and shields in hands. Screams were heard in the court. Some members of the court were caught in the way of bolts. The more men died, the more the Prince of Duskendale was laughing louder.
"Yes! Yes! Kill them all! Show the fucking wingless dragon who is House Darklyn! Ser Symon! Bring me that Kingsguard head now!"
One knight, who was killing some Targaryens men, nodded in direction of the throne and walked to the white brother. The Kingsguard was currently fighting two men at the same time and didn't see the other knight strike him down from his back.
"Ser Gwayne! No!" screamed a desperate Rhaegar.
"I am sorry my P…" tried to say the man before getting his head separated from his shoulders. Blood splurge from the neck, making the white cape becoming crimson.
Symon Hollard bended his knee and took the head in his left hand, showing it to his Prince and Lady. When he saw Rhaegar run toward him, he threw it on the Targaryen Prince, shocking him for a moment.
It was all young Robin needed. He smashed the side of his sword on the prince's head, making him loose consciousness for a brief moment. The prince tried to defend himself but was soon surrounded from all side by his enemies who took his sword.
"Unhand me immediately!" said Rhaegar.
"Now now, Prince Rhaegar. We have delicious plans for you." Said Lady Serala, walking toward him.
Serala, with a single wave of her hand made her soldiers move away, creating an alley for her to Rhaegar. When she was close enough, she put her mouth near his ear.
"The fun is just beginning, Prince Rhaegar. I doubt you'll have as much fun as me." With a terrifying sultry voice.
:-[T.A.B]-:
Big time jump! What did you guys think?
Thank you everyone for reading Chapter 15 of The adventure begins! Please let a review in the comment, letting me know what you think about my story.
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