Cripples Bastards and Broken Things.
Winterfell:
Brandon Stark was dreaming again, ever since he woken up from his coma, he'd been having these strange dreams which seemed so real. He'd dreamed of Dragons fighting each other and of soldiers fighting. But one dream got him scared. It was a dream of a man being pushed around in a prison cart inside a great city, the people of this city were jeering at him calling him 'Traitor and murderer.' Then the mob killed the guards and they threw torches at the cart which burnt the man alive. He remembered what Dancia said when he told her of his dream.
"You seem to have dream of the past." She said "That dream seems very similar to the story of Uriel Septim III the 9th ruler of the Septim Empire. He started a civil war against his cousin who he claimed was a bastard child and began a war which would become known as the War of the Red Diamond. Eventually, Uriel was captured and on his way to trial, an angry mob burnt his prison cart and him along with it."
Bran always remembered that vision but now he seemed to have another dream. This time it was strange to him. He was inside a land with a garden full of flowers, all different colours and sizes. Then there was a city which seemed to be made of Silver and a castle made of roses. This dream was so weird to him; he'd never seen a place so beautiful. But then when he was inside the palace, he saw one of the strangest sights he'd ever seen. The woman had blue coloured skin and wore a dress made of the finest silk. She had flowers in her hair and in one hand she clutched a crescent moon and in the other, an Eight pointed star. The woman was sitting on the throne and then she turned to Bran "I suppose you are wondering why I can see and speak to you Brandon Stark" the woman said "Well the truth is that a great Evil is coming, a repeat of the past shall soon come and you have the key to end this darkness. You must find the Star which holds the power, the sword of Flame and the one who ended it the last time, Good Luck Brandon Stark." Then the vision faded
Brandon shot up and woke up; his Direwolf was sitting on top of him looking at him straight in the eye. Old Nan and Dancia were with him. "I see you've woken up" Old Nan said "I'll go tell Maester Luwin."
After Old Nan left, Dancia looked at Bran "Are you all right?" she asked.
"I'm fine" Bran said "But these dreams I'm having seem so real. I'm starting to get scared."
"It's okay Bran" Dancia said "Sometimes dreams happen and you learn not to be scared."
"But this one was different." Bran protested "I saw a woman with blue skin and holding a star and moon in her hands, she called out to me and said that a repeat of the past is coming."
It was then that Maester Luwin entered the room, he had overheard everything "I've never heard of people speaking to others in dreams" he said and then he looked on his Maester chain and found one of the links "This link is made of Valyrian Steel, only one Maester in a hundred has this link, it shows that I've studied magic and the occult. Every Maester who has this link has tried to use magic but none have been successful."
Dancia looked at Bran and then she brought out a book and turned to a certain page and then she held the book to Bran. "Did the woman in your dream look like the diagram in that picture?" she asked
Bran looked at the image, it was in black and white but the shape of the woman looked right with the long hair, the dress and the star and moon. "Yes, it looked like this Diagram." Bran answered
Dancia sighed "The woman in your vision is Azura, the Daedric Prince of Dusk and Dawn." She explained "The Daedric Princes are the opposite of the Nine Divines."
"So I was being contacted by a dark god?" Bran asked
"Not exactly" Dancia added "Azura is one of the Daedric Princes who is considered good along with Meridia, Daedric Prince of Life Energy. But some like Mehrunes Dagon and Molag Bal are completely evil. Azura was once worshipped as a great cult by people who didn't worship the Divines but most of the Cult was slaughter by the Andals."
"So why would Azura contact me?" Bran asked
"I don't know why but it could mean that there is a purpose for you." Dancia replied
Fort Dawnguard:
Jon Snow was training with Agmaer along with another Dawnguard recruit, a woman from the North known as Ingjard. Agmaer wasn't very good with a sword but he was good with a crossbow and an Axe. All three of them were wearing the Dawnguard armour which helped to protect them though Jon and Ingjard wore heavier armour than Agmaer.
But as they were containing their training, they were interrupted by the arrival of Sorine "I'm sorry to bother you three but grandmaster Isran has returned from his trip, he is asking you to see him right away."
"Well I guess we should see him them" Ingjard said
Jon, Agmaer and Ingjard all placed the practise weapons away and they went over to the Dawnguard meeting room where Grandmaster Isran where he was with Gunmar, Sorine and another woman. This woman made Jon's eyes widen, she was one of the most beautiful women Jon had met, she had long black hair and she wore long dark red and black robes which seemed to be more like armour.
"So Serena" Isran said "Are you sure that they're coming."
"Vanik's disappearance and the Night Watchmen saying that he saw the White Walkers could only mean that the Walkers are indeed coming, of course, no one will believe us, Prince Martin might but we need proper proof so that he can act." The woman who was now identified as Serena replied
Gunmar spoke up "We may have several highly trained Dawnguard here but it's not enough and the Night's Watch is severely undermanned. They need help, Thorne may be a good swordsman as is Benjen and several others but most are just farm boys or thieves."
"Gunmar's right Grandmaster" Sorine spoke up "And the Night's Watch think the real enemy beyond the Wall is the Wildlings. Benjen may believe that they were just born on the Wrong side but most don't have that opinion, and word says that former Night's Watch brother Mance Rayder is gathering the Wildlings together, we may need to find out why."
"Well then" Isran said "It's time we did something, Gunmar, Sorine, you two are coming with me to help the Night's Watch, Serena should come too. Celann will stay here with some others." It was then that Isran spotted Jon "Ah, Jon Snow, I see you've arrived."
"I came as soon as I heard that you wanted to see me" Jon said
"Well, because you one of our best recruits, you're coming with us to Castle Black." Isran said "Agmaer and Ingjard will join us."
…
King's Landing, Red Keep.
Princess Myrcella and her Jaguar Midnight were in the royal chambers of the Red Keep, she could not forget what she saw between Alessia and the Master of Coin Willas Tyrell. She decided that she should speak to Martin about it. She soon found his room and she knocked.
"Come in" came the voice of her brother behind the door and Myrcella entered, Martin's chamber was filled with books as it usually was and his desk was covered in papers which he used to do his work. Martin did more work for the kingdom that her father or Joffrey did.
"Sister?" Martin questioned "What's wrong?"
So Myrcella told Martin about what she saw between Alessia and Willas Tyrell, Martin was shocked at this but she cupped Myrcella's cheek, "Cella, listen to me, Willas Tyrell is a good man and he would not abuse Alessia, but you know that he's had a hard life, his father Mace Tyrell is always trying to use him to gain more power for his family. Willas is the future Heir of Highgarden and the Reach, it doesn't help that he's under a lot of pressure as Mace is trying to use him to arrange a match for his daughter." Martin said
"Mother doesn't like the Tyrells much does she?" Myrcella added
Martin shook his head "The Tyrell are the second richest family behind the Lannisters. They control the most fertile part of the Seven Kingdoms and the most populated. Do you know why our father and Grandfather never gave Cersei any real power?" Myrcella shook her head "It's because she's not as smart as she think she is. Father made a name for himself in his Rebellion against the Iron Throne and Tywin Lannister made his name for him crushing the Reyne-Tarbeck Rebellion and destroying two houses and setting an example. Those actions gave them respect but our mother believes that because she's the Daughter of Tywin Lannister then she has the Power but she doesn't."
Myrcella smiled at her brother and then she added "Oh by the way, Tommen wanted to see you, I think he was doing some reading of some books she borrowed from Alessia and he doesn't understand something."
"Fine I'll go see him then" Martin said and he left his work to find his little brother. He soon found him in his own room where he was playing with Ser Pounce, his jaguar and was being careful with his two cats, Lady Whiskers and Boots. Tommen smiled when he saw his brother enter the room.
"Brother" he said as he jumped from his bed and wrapped his arms around Martin. Martin returned the embrace and then he kneeled down to Tommen's level.
"Myrcella said that you wanted to see me" Martin said
Tommen smiled "I did, there was something I wanted to ask you." Tommen then picked up one of the books from his table "I was reading some of Alessia's books and there was something I came across, it spoke of people known as the Aylieds, like Alessia's Jaguar, do you know what it means?"
Martin smiled "The Aylieds were also known as the Wild Elves or the Heartland High Elves."
"What are Elves?" Tommen asked
"Well Elves are just people like us, though their bodies are different as they have pointy ears." Martin said "You don't see Elves much today as the Humans wiped them out. On Sothoryos, you can find tribes of Wood Elves, nomad warriors who wander through the jungles of the land and are expert archers. Then there are the High Elves, great magic users but tend to keep to themselves on the Summerset Islands. The last group of Elves that still exist are the Dark Elves, they look a lot different from us as they tend to have dark grey skin and there is only 1 small place you can find them, the Island of Solstheim located in the Shivering Sea."
"But what about these Aylieds?" Tommen asked
"They're gone." Martin answered "The Aylieds were wiped out by the Septim Empire which destroyed the Aylied Empire that existed here in the South. The Aylieds were cruel people towards the humans are they enslaved them wherever they found them. The Septim Empire helped destroy this Empire by assisting Saint Alessia, the Slave Queen who led the humans against the Aylieds alongside the grand Crusader Ser Pelinal Whitestrake. Together they destroyed the Aylied Empire and after only a few city states remained as soon these died out as well. It's not just the Aylieds that are gone, the Snow Elves and the Deep Elves were also whipped out during the Septim Empire, but their history remains and some people wish to discover that history. The Faith of the Seven of course doesn't like that."
"Is that why you converted to the Nine Divines?" Tommen asked
"One reason yes but the Faith of the Seven only cares about themselves and no one else." Martin said "Remember that"
…
Castle Black, the Wall.
Tyrion Lannister stood in the Lord Commander's office as he spoke to Lord Commander Jeor Mormont. Jeor Mormont kept a crow on his shoulder and he was often called the Old Bear as he was a member of House Mormont of Bear Island before he joined the Night's Watch and became the 997th Lord Commander. Jeor's son Jorah became Lord of Bear Island after Jeor joined the Night's watch but he disgraced himself by selling poachers to Slavers and he fled leaving Jeor's sister Maege Mormont as Lady of Bear Island.
Tyrion had come to Castle Black because he wanted to see the Wall for himself and so he could stand at the top and piss of the top of the World. Tyrion could see that the Night's Watch was very undermanned. They once had 19 forts across the Wall and now they only manned 3 of them, Castle Black, The Shadow Tower and Eastwatch-by-the-Sea. Mormont wanted Tyrion's help as he was a member of the richest family and he said that the Watch now needed help. The Wall was built to protect the realms of man against the White Walkers or what the stories say, most people say that they are just fairy tales. When the Wall was first built, people joined them from all over the Seven Kingdoms and it was a place of honour, but now the only place that still saw the Night's Watch as a place of honour was the North, to most of the kingdoms it was just a dumping ground for people nobody wanted, criminals and Bastards.
Apart from Lord Commander Mormont, the most important men in the Night's Watch were First Ranger Benjen Stark and the Master of Arms Alliser Thorne. Alliser was a member of House Thorne who was a Targaryen Loyalist during Robert's Rebellion, he had been forced to join the Night's Watch after the war which made him a bitter man but deep down, Alliser was a loyal man to the Watch and he would willingly die to protect the Wall.
Tyrion was going to leave the Wall to head back to King's Landing when a wandering Crow known as Yoren said that join him. The Wandering Crows were the members of the Watch who go around recruiting people which wasn't easily these days. Also, he was shocked to see several Dawnguard members enter Castle Black. Mormont went over to speak with their leader.
"Grandmaster Isran" Mormont greeted
"Lord Commander Mormont" Isran greeted back and the two shook hands like they were old friends.
"What bring you here?" Mormont asked
"If something is going on beyond the Wall then we need to know what it is" Isran said "One of your rangers who has been a loyal member for years would never desert unless he saw something, and there is still no sign of Vanik. Something is going on beyond the Wall and we need to know what it is and find proof otherwise no one will believe us."
Jon Snow was with the Dawnguard and he embraced his uncle "Good to see you uncle Benjen." He said
"It's good to see you too Nephew" Benjen greeted "This may be the last time we meet for a while. Lord Commander is sending me and two of my best Rangers off on a mission beyond the Wall, I may not be back for a while."
"Good luck Stark" came the bitter voice of Ser Alliser Thorne.
Jon stared at him as he walked away "What his problem?" Jon asked
"Thorne's just a bit bitter that's all." Benjen replied "Thorne was forced to join the Watch by King Robert which made him quite bitter towards him and my brother. But deep down he's a good man, he may be strict and cruel with the recruits but that may be needed to get them into shape to be ready to fight."
Then Lord Commander Mormont turned to him "So Jon Snow, Isran says that you're one of the best fighters that the Dawnguard has, well I hope that is true because both I and Isran want you to help teach our men how to fight properly. So why don't you go and meet the recruits."
Later, before Tyrion left, he was in the main building along with Lord Commander Mormont and the Maester of Castle Black, Maester Aemon who was nearing 100 years old and was blind.
"How many winters have you seen Lord Tyrion?" Aemon asked
"Eight no Nine." Tyrion answered
"All of them Brief?"
"They say that the winter I was born in lasted 3 years." Tyrion replied
"This summer has lasted Nine, but reports from the Citadel says that the days grow shorter, now the Starks are Right, Winter is Coming" Aemon said "This one will be long and dark things will come."
"We've been capturing Wildlings, more every month" Mormont said "They're fleeing south. The ones that flee say they've seen the White Walkers.
"And fishermen from Lannisport say they've seen Mermaids" Tyrion scoffed
"One of our Rangers swore he saw them kill his companions, right up to Ned Stark cut his head off" Mormont replied
"The Night's Watch is the only thing standing between the realm and what lies beyond." Aemon added "And it has become an army of undisciplined boys and tired old men, there are less than a thousand of us. We can't man the other castles on the Wall, we can't patrol the Wilderness, we have barely had the funds to keep our boys fed and armed."
"Your sister sits at the Kings' side" Mormont said "Tell her we need help."
"When Winter does come, gods help us all if we're not ready." Aemon said
…
Vaes Dothrak, the Dothraki Sea:
The Khalasar rode along the grassy plains of the Dothraki Sea until they came to the city of Vaes Dothraki, known as the city of the Horselords. This was the most sacred place to the Dothraki and people were forbidden to carry weapons in the city and was a sacred place of worship. Though the city had a gate statue of two horses on their rear legs, the rest of the city was just wooden huts or tents.
"Vaes Dothrak, the city of the Horselords" Jorah announced
Viserys scoffed "It's a pile of mud" he said as he stared at the city hade of huts "Is this really the best these Savages can do?"
"These are my people now, you shouldn't call them savages" Daenerys said in anger and she was now getting fed up of her brother's attitude which could easily get him killed in this city.
"I'll call them what I like because these are my people now" Viserys scoffed "This is my army to conquer the Seven Kingdoms and take back my throne and your savage husband is marching them the wrong way. The sooner we're done here the better, I can get my army and then take back my thrones and kill the Usurper and his entire family especially that would be great man Martin!" Viserys then angry rode on while Daenerys scoffed.
"Why does my brother hate this Prince Martin so much?" Daenerys asked
"It's probably because he feels threatened by the tales of him." Jorah said "They may be a bit over exaggerated."
"Many tales are often exaggerated but they still hold hints of the truth" Farengar said
"Well is it true that Martin has travelled across the land. And he created a royal army." Daenerys asked
"Well Martin did travel all across Westeros except for Dorne and he has visited the Free Cities." Farengar said "Though most of the royal army was built by General Tullius but Martin did do many reforms in King's Landing for the common people. There could be chances of a Civil War between Martin and his older brother Joffrey happening. I've heard that Joffrey is just as bad as your brother" Farengar pointed to Viserys "He's hated and many people prefer Martin and they believe that he should be king."
"So if a civil war did start, would that be the perfect time to cross the Narrow Sea." Daenerys asked
"Well King Robert is foolish enough to meet them in open battle." Jorah said "But the men supporting him are not, Joffrey too is a fool but Martin is not."
"The Dothraki will never cross anyway; they fear any water their horses can't drink." Farengar added. "If you're brother isn't careful he may get himself killed. And he thinks that the people will support him, they'll see him as no better than the Mad King."
"But the people pray for his return" Daenerys said "They make banners in secret."
"That what your brother thinks" Jorah said "common people don't care for the games of the Lords and nobles."
...
King's Landing, Council Chambers:
Hand of the King, Eddard Stark sat with the rest of the Small Council along with Prince Martin as the Captain of the King's Landing Watch was with them for his report. During Martin's reforms, he had found the evidence to strip the former Commander Janos Slynt of his position and exile him to the Wall, and then he brought notable commanders to help the city watch. The Captain's position rotated so that it was not so stressful, the current commander was Adamus Philida, a loyal man who cared about the city, though sometimes he went too far to make sure criminal paid for crimes. He was also obsessed about catching a group of Assassin's known as the Dark Brotherhood.
"I tell you my lords" Adamus said "It's the Hand's Tourney that is behind all this trouble."
"The King's tourney" Eddard corrected "I assure you the Hand wants no part in this."
"Call it whatever you wish my lord" Giovanni Civello, Adamus' apprentice said "Knights have been flowing into King's Landing since the announcement of the Tourney, and for every Knight we receive we get 2 freeriders, 6 men at arms, a douzen merchants, three craftsmen and more thieves than I can count."
"Not to mention all the visitors we have" Adamus said "The inns are overflowing and last night we had a drowning, a tavern fight, three knife fights, a rape, two fires, robberies beyond count and a drunken horse race. And there was a woman's head found floating near the Great Sept of Baelor."
"You're the captain of the guard" Renly said "Hire some more guards."
"That's not easy as there have been reports that some guards like Avidus, Leland and Logellus have been harassing citizens but without proof there's nothing I can do. Lex is too busy hunting for thieves along with Carmalo and Burd has too keep an eyes on the harbour, there isn't much I can do."
"What about the Legions?" Pycelle question "Maybe they can help?"
"The Legions are not meant to be a city guard Grand Maester" Martin spoke up "They're soldiers and they fight, not protect, but I can order Tullius to send a small force to help keep order until the Tourney's end."
"And I can spare 50 of my guards to help as well" Eddard said "I trust that should be enough"
"Thank you my lords" Adamus said "They shall be put to good use."
Later after the stressful Council meeting, Eddard returned to the Hand's chambers where he saw Arya balancing on one toe.
"Syrio says a water dancer can balance on one toe for hours." Arya said
"It's a hard fall down these steps" Eddard spoke up "Be careful you don't hurt yourself."
"Syrio says every hurt is a lesson and every lesson makes you better." Arya replied "Tomorrow, Syrio is going to have me chasing Cats."
"Cats?" Eddard said "Syrio says..."
"...that every swordsman should study cats." Arya finished "They're as quite as Shadows and as light as feathers, you have to be quick to catch them."
"He's right about that."
"Now that Bran's awake, will he come live with us?" Arya asked
"Well he has to gain his strength back first" Eddard answered "Dancia and Luwin say that he will walk again but it will take time before he recovers completely."
"He always wanted to be a Knight of the Kingsguard" Arya said as she got down on two feet and sat next to her father near his study. "Will he still be able to do that?"
"Well, maybe, but even if he can't, there are other things he can do" Eddard replied "For example he could be lord of a holdfast, sit on the King's council or even raise castles like Bran the Builder."
"Can I be Lord of a Holdfast?" Arya asked simply.
Eddard laughed and kissed her head "One day, you will marry a high born lord and rule his castle; your sons shall be knights and Princes and Lords."
Arya shook her head "No, that's not who I am or who I want to be." She said simply and then she went back to her training while Eddard sighed and went into his office to look through the book on the Linage of the great houses of Westeros, a book which Pycelle said Jon Arryn had been reading though. It was odd as Pycelle also said that a bottle of Tears of Lys had gone missing from his cabinet. This poison was tasteless and could only be made in the free city of Lys. He also wondered why Jon Arryn had an interest in this book.
...
The Riverlands, Kingsroad.
Lady Catelyn Tully road alongside Ser Rodrik as they went back North to Winterfell, she wanted nothing more than to see her daughters again but no one could know that she was there. She still had the Valyrian Steel Dagger which the assassin tried to kill her son with. But she still had no idea who it was but she knew that it was the Lannisters who did this. But she needed proper proof before anything could be done.
"MY LADY GET DOWN!" Ser Rodrik yelled and then an arrow came out of nowhere and hit the ground and it caused Catelyn's horse to rear on its hind legs and throw Catelyn off. An arrow then priced the Horse which caused it to fall over dead. Then about a dozen men emerged from the woods dressed in leather rags. 'Highwaymen and outlaws.' Catelyn though. Ser Rodrik drew his sword and engaged one of them in combat and quickly killed him before engaging another. But there were too many to for just Ser Rodrik to deal with. But then there was the sound of a war horn which distracted the outlaws allowing Rodrik to kill two more of them. Then several more men emerged from the woods and killed the rest of the outlaws. Catelyn recognised that these were her father's men as they had the sigil on house Tully on their armour, the jumping fish on a red and blue field.
"My lady, are you all right?" Ser Rodrik asked when the fight was over, all of the attackers were dead with no casualties.
But then Catelyn found something on one of the outlaws. It was a piece of paper which was a letter. Catelyn wondered why an outlaw would have a letter, when she opened it and red the contents, her eyes widened with anger and surprise "Lannisters!" she growled
…
Winterfell Great Hall.
Robb Stark sat in Winterfell's great Hall along with Maester Luwin, Dancia and his brother Bran. Bran still couldn't walk well and had to be carried in with help from Hodor. Hodor was the grandchild of Old Nan, one of the oldest woman in Winterfell and a storyteller for the Stark Children who often told dark stories which the Stark children enjoyed. Hodor was simple minded and there was only one word he could say which was Hodor.
The Night's Watchman known as Yoren was here and to Robb's dislike, Tyrion Lannister was with them. "I must say, I received a warmer welcome on my last visit" Tyrion said
Robb ignored him "Any man of the Night's Watch is welcome in Winterfell." Robb greeted Yoren.
"Any man of the Night's Watch but not I boy?" Tyrion said
"I'm not your boy Lannister" Robb said in disgust, he still was angry about the attempt on Bran's life "I'm Lord of Winterfell and Warden of the North while my father's away in King's Landing."
"Then you might learn a Lord's courtesy." Tyrion spoke up and then he turned to Bran "I'm glad to see that you're recovering well. Do you remember what happened?"
"Sadly he can't remember what happened that day" Luwin said
"Well, do you like to ride?" Tyrion asked
"I do" Bran answered "But I can't not like this but I can when my legs are okay."
"Well maybe this could help" Tyrion said and he brought out diagrams for a saddle "The saddle in these diagrams can help you ride a horse without your legs, I'm sure that you can still enjoy yourself while you're recovering."
"What kind of trick is this Lannister?" Robb demanded, he still didn't trust the Lannisters much at all. "Why do you want to help my brother?"
"There is no trick" Tyrion said not afraid of the rise of Robb's voice "I just have a tender heart for cripples bastards and broken things even if they are tempory. And besides, my nephew Martin considers the Starks as good people and friends and any friend of my nephew is a friend of mine."
"You've done my brother a kindness" Robb said in suspicion "Winterfell is yours."
Tyrion laughed "Spare me the false courtesies Stark" he said "There's a good brothel outside the walls where I shall find a bed and good meal until I leave tomorrow."
After Tyrion left the Hall and he went to the Brothel, he ran into the Stark ward, Theon Greyjoy, last son of Lord Balon Greyjoy, lord of the Iron Islands "If you're looking for Redheads, ask for Ros" Theon said
Tyrion laughed "I never expected a Greyjoy to be good friends with the Starks." He said
"Robb is like a brother to me" Theon said "We were raised together and Lord Stark has always been good to me. My father gave me away and he never responds to any of my letters."
"Well here" Tyrion said and he threw Theon a gold coin, "Your next tumble with Ros is on me, I'll find another girl."
…
King's Landing, King's Chambers.
A grumpy King Robert sat at his table with his squire Lancel Lannister standing next to him with a jug of wine, the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard, Ser Barristan Selmy was with him along with his son Martin.
"You never forget them do you" Robert said grimly "The faces of the men you've killed"
"No your Grace." Barristan said
"It's been a long time. But I still remember every face. Do you remember your first kill?" Robert asked
"Of course your Grace" Barristan replied
"Who was it?"
"A Tyrosi soldier during the War of the Nine Penny Kings. Never knew the name, killed him with a lance through his heart during the charge." Barristan answered
Robert scoffed "A quick death, lucky for you. Mine was some Tarly boy during the battle of Summerhall. My horse took an arrow so I was on foot slugging through the mud with my great Warhammer. Then this highborn lad thought he could end the war with a single swing of his sword. I knocked him down into the mud with my hammer. Gods I was strong then. Caved in his breastplate and probably cracked every rib he had. Stupid boy, he shouted Wait before I finished him and he looked at me in the eye as the hammer fell. They never tell you how they all shit themselves, they don't put that part in the songs." Then he looked at Martin "What about you son, who was you're first kill."
"Mine was some outlaw at Fort Snowhawk during the Legion's taking of the fort." Martin answered quietly
"How did you do it, did he have any last words?" Robert asked
"Well that was my first proper fight and it wasn't easy and he was stronger than me but I slashed his leg and arm before he fell to his knees, I left him before he charged at me saying 'Die'. I swung around and sliced his head off."
Robert then turned to his squire Lancel Lannister. Lancel was the oldest son of Kevan Lannister, Tywin's brother. Lancel was quite arrogant and Robert often pushed him around and ordered him to fetch his wine. "Lancel, gods what a stupid name" Robert said "who named you, some cunt?" Lancel remained quiet "Where's the wine?"
"Jug's empty" Lancel said simply.
"Then get some more" Robert demanded and Lancel nodded and left but just as he opened the door, Robert called back "And tell you're cousin to come in. Kingslayer, get in here!" Ser Jaime Lannister obeyed his orders and entered the room. "Jaime Lannister son of the mighty Tywin" Robert added "Everywhere I go I'm surrounded by Lannisters with their blond hair. We're telling war stories. Who was your first kill not counting old men?"
"One of the outlaws of the Kingswood Brotherhood." Jaime answered
"I was there that day." Barristan added "You were only a squire 16 years of age, King Aerys brought you into the Kingsguard afterwards."
"You killed Simon Toyne with a counter-riposte" Jaime said "Best move I ever saw."
"Good fighter Toyne, but he lacked stamina" Barristan said
"Your Outlaw," Robert interrupted "Any last words?"
"I cut his head off so no" Jaime said
"What about King Aerys, the Mad King?" Robert asked "Did he call you a traitor, beg for forgiveness?"
Jaime shook his head "He just said the same thing he'd been saying for hours. 'Burn them all'"
Martin looked at his uncle, he knew the reason why Jaime had killed the Mad King. The Thieves Guild had found one of the Wildfire stashes and had informed Martin. He didn't tell anyone other than the Blades as he feared that people might want to use them as a weapon. To defend the people, Martin had the Wildfire removed or diluted and it was dumped onto an old ship which was scuttled in the narrow sea with the Wildfire opened. Martin then left the room to prepare for the Tourney that was coming up.
Later, the Tourney grounds.
Arya and Sansa sat with Septa Mordane in the stands as they watched the archery competition. The Melee had been earlier had it had been an intense fight. People from all over the Seven Kingdoms had come to watch the tourney. The Melee had been Arya's favourite and people were fighting each other for a chance to claim victory. Members of the Companions such as Vilkas, Farkus and Skjor had come to fight in the melee. Thoros of Myr, a bald red priest was fighting and he was terrifying with his flaming sword. The fight eventually resulted with Thoros winning after an intense fight with Skjor. Then there was the archery competition which was quite boring. Sansa spotted Joffrey in the royal box with his mother, father, Myrcella and Tommen but there were no sign of Martin or Alessia. The Archery soon came down to two people. There was a figure wearing a black hooded robe which no one could see who it was and the other was an expert archer known as Anguy who was clearly an expert with a bow. The competition was eventually won by Anguy but when the hooded figure revealed who it was, everyone was shocked as standing there was a smirking Princess Alessia. King Robert and the youngest of his children laughed while Cersei didn't look impressed. Alessia didn't tell anyone that she would be in the archer and she had shown everyone that she was a skilled archer. She then congratulate Anguy on his victory and then left smirking.
Septa Mordane wasn't impressed "Disgraceful, that isn't how a princess should act. I hope you don't take after her."
'Don't let Prince Martin hear that' Arya thought as she saw Prince Martin nearby dressed in a suit of black armour.
With the Archery and Melee over, it was time for the jousting. This wasn't very fun to Arya as hitting people with sticks wasn't fun at all. In the North, people look down on jousting as they saw it as a game for children. But Knights from all over the Seven Kingdoms had come. Jory had joined the north but the only others from the North who joined were a member of house Manderly from White Harbour and Domeric Bolton from the Dreadfort. All 7 knights of the Kingsguard had joined all dressed in scaled armour except for Jaime who wore golden armour with a lion's helm. Ser Gregor Clegane had joined as he thundered past them like an avalanche. Lord Yohn Royce and his two sons Andar and Robar had joined in though Yohn was only watching. Lord Jason Mallister of Seaguard had come to see his son Patrek take part and 6 members of House Frey of the Twins had come. People from the Stormlands such as Bryce Caron, Balon Swann and Beric Dondarrion along with Lord Renly had joined the jousting. The twin sons, Horas and Hobber Redwyne were at the tourney as well.
When the jousting started, Jory had done well as had unseated Horas Redwyne and one of the Freys but lost to a freerider named Lothor Brune. Ser Jaime unseated Ser Andar Royce and Lord Bryce Caron and he even beat Ser Barristan Selmy after a hard fought battle. Domeric Bolton was clearly a good jouster and he unhorsed Ser Meryn Trant and Ser Boros Blont of the Kingsguard. He fought a great battle against Ser Patrek Mallister. Sandor Clegane known as the Hound fought a great fight and had unseated Robar Royce and Balon Swann, he even defeated Lord Renly Baratheon and broke one of the silver antlers on his helmet. Beric Dondarrion needed a new horse after a hedge knight killed his. He was clearly a good fighter but he lost to Prince Martin himself who also unseated a member of House Frey and Ser Preston Greenfield of the Kingsguard. Ser Mandon Moore of the Kingsguard lost to Ser Gregor Clegane who also defeated Hobber Redwyne. Arys Oakheart lost to Ser Loras Tyrell, the knight of the Flowers. The most intense fights were between Sandor Clegane and Loras Tyrell. The fight had been intense but Loras eventually beat him on points. Then the last match of the day was between Domeric Bolton and Prince Martin. This fight was won by Martin but only just. Domeric congratulated him on his victory and shook his hand like he was an old friend. Martin and Domeric had met before during Martin's trip to the North and Martin saw Domeric as a great warrior and a loyal man.
Sansa enjoyed the jousting but there was one event she could not forget, it happened early in the tourney during one of the first jousts of the day.
…
Sansa and Arya watched as the first jousting matches began. Sansa smiled at Prince Joffrey but Joffrey just looked away.
"Having problems are we?" a voice asked and she turned to see a young man of around 20 nearby. He had short blond hair with a trim beard. He was walking around on a limb and he needed a cane
"I'm sorry do I know you?" Sansa asked
"Sansa this is Ser Willas Tyrell. He's the master of coin and the Knight of the Flowers older brother" Septa Mordane said
"It's not Ser anymore, I can't fight anymore" Willas said
"Why did something happen?" Arya asked
"Well it happened during a jousting match like this one." Willas said "I was in a joust with Oberyn Martell, the Red Viper of Dorne. Our families have hated each other for years. During the joust I fell off my horse and my leg got trampled on which broke it and sadly it's never healed properly so I can't walk well anymore without a cane." Willas explained "My father thought Oberyn did it on purpose but to me it was just an accident and I have nothing against him. Accidents happen all the time." Arya swore that she noticed Willas looking at Princess Alessia who smiled back.
Then there was a thunder of horse's hoofs and Sansa turned to see a rider of a large Black horse coming up. He wore thick Black armour which looked really heavy. "Gods who is that?" Sansa asked
"That is Ser Gregor Clegane, they call him the Mountain that Rides." Willas Explained "He's the Hound's older brother. Some say that he's a brutal savage and Martin has wanted him dead for killing the Targaryen children."
"And who is his opponent?" Sansa added and pointed to a man wearing silver armour with a helm that didn't cover his chin.
"Ser Hugh of the Vale, he was Jon Arryn's squire. Knighted after his death, look how far he's come." Willas added
"Yes enough with the bloody courties have at him" King Robert ordered
Hugh and Gregor road to the far sides of the jousting field and they charged at each other. The joust ended it tragedy as Gregor's lance hit Hugh on his neck where his armour didn't protect him and it pierced his throat. Sansa screamed as Jeyne fell into tears as Hugh fell off his horse. Robert stood up in horror and Cersei covered her younger children's eyes with help from Alessia. Hugh chocked a few times as he spat out blood before he fell silent and two people dragged the body off.
"Not what you were expecting" Willas said "There was a lot of shock after my fall. Has anyone ever told you the story of the Mountain and the Hound? Apparently, when they were children, the mountain caught the hound playing with one of his toys that he didn't even play with anymore. The Mountain didn't like that and he pushed his brother's head into a flaming torch." Arya and Sansa stared in shocked "Their father claimed that the Hound's bed sheets caught fire during the night."
Later, Martin was in his private tent as he changed out of his armour. The next day he would be facing his uncle in the semi final and then the winner will face the winner of the match between the Mountain and Ser Loras. But while he was getting changed, Grandmaster Delphine entered the tent along with Delvin and Vex. "Delphine, Vex Delvin?" Martin questioned "What's going on?"
"Well we've been checking on what Lord Stark is doing" Delvin said "And he's gotten the same book that Jon Arryn had before his death. And he's also visited that Blacksmith as well and seen Gendry."
Martin knew Gendry, he was one of his father's older bastard children. He was blacksmith apprentice to Tobho Mott, one of the few people who knew how to forge Valyrian steel. When the time was right, Delphine hopped to recruit Gendry as a blade as he could be who they needed as their new forgemaster.
"There is something else." Vex added "Lady Stark was in the city and on her trip back they were attacked."
"Attacked?" Martin questioned "By who"
"They seemed to be outlaws." Delphine replied "However a letter was found which points the blame on the Lannisters."
Martin's eyes widened, this was bad, soon there could be full scale war erupting which Martin didn't want.
…
Vaes Dothrak:
Prince Viserys Targaryen was fuming. Her bitch of a sister was trying to order her around by sending her handmaiden. Now he dragged his sister's handmaiden roughly and into her tent.
"You dare order me around!" Viserys roared and he threw the handmaiden to the floor while Daenerys went to help her.
"I only wanted to invite you to supper." Daenerys begged
"What's this?" Viserys asked and he picked up a set of Dothraki leather armour, "you trying to make me dress like a savage?"
"It was a gift." Daenerys started
"First you order me around then you try to make me a savage!" Viserys growled "Next thing you'll want to braid my hair."
"You're not worthy of having your hair braided!" Daenerys roared back
Viserys then slapped her hard which sent her falling to the ground and then he was on top of him and trying to smack her again "You're a miserable little slut. And you've woken the Dragon!"
Then out of nowhere, something hit the side of Viserys head which sent him flying sideways. Daenerys turned to see Farengar who had a wooden stick in his hands and he pointed it at Viserys head "You dare lay your hands on your own sister?" Farengar roared "You're no brother of hers, you're just a coward."
"I am a Khaleesi of the Dothraki!" Daenerys roared at her brother "I am the wife of the great Khal Drogo and the mother of his child! The next time you lay hands on me it will be the last time you have hands!" Then she looked at Farengar "Throw him out of here, I don't want to see him." Farengar grabbed the weakened Viserys and then he threw him out of Daenerys tent and into the area where the horses were which was full of mud. Viserys landed head first into the mud.
Farengar then returned to Daenerys "Your brother is lucky that Khal Drogo wasn't here" Farengar said "If he was then he would most likely be dead."
"He thinks that the Kingdoms will rise up when he returns, do you think that's possible?" Daenerys asked
Farengar shook his head "I doubt it, from what I've seen the people might see Viserys as another mad King. Despite what your brother says I know the stories. I've met the Mad King once."
"You've met my father?" Daenerys asked
"I did, it was just a small visit to King's Landing but I saw the King's court, he was mad and he refused to trim his nails or cut his hair as he feared blades. He saw threats everywhere and he burnt people alive with wildfire and laughed as they burnt." Farengar said "Your brother is no better. And the Dothraki will never cross, they fear any water their horses can't drink and we don't have any ships and people won't give us ships to take us across the Narrow Sea and the Dothraki don't know how to sail them. And even if we did make it across to Westeros the Kingdoms would be prepared and Prince Martin will have a plan. The Fourth Blackfrye Rebellion had almost no support and was defeated quickly."
Daenerys looked at Farengar what could she do, it seemed like the best option might be to just stay with the Dothraki.
Meanwhile, two hooded figures wearing Crimson robes watched as Viserys was thrown in the Mud. "What should we do sister?" one asked
"Well brother, we should wait for the right time." The other said "Then we can recruit him. We may have failed in our mission once before, but we won't fail again. The Blades were fools, they think we were wiped out but they are wrong. When we reveal ourselves, they won't see it coming and soon Lord Dagon will walk these lands again."
…
Inn at the crossroads, Riverlands:
Lady Catelyn Tully sat at a seat in the Inn. No one knew who she was except for Ser Rodrik. She remembered the attack on her and the letter said that Tyrion Lannister had sent the attackers and it had his signature and the Lannister seal. She would have to report this and then the Lannister will pay for hurting her son. Then the Tavern doors opened and Catelyn turned and was shocked to see that it was Tyrion Lannister himself and a member of the Night's Watch.
"My lord I'm sorry but we're full." The innkeeper said
"Don't worry, my men can sleep outside and as for me, I won't require a large room." Tyrion said "And gold can pay for anything."
"You can have my room" one person in the tavern said. Tyrion threw him the bag of gold
"You see, now I don't suppose that there is food and a good drink here. I plan to head back to King's Landing in the morning." Tyrion said and then he turned and was shocked at who she saw "Lady Catelyn Stark, I must admit I missed you on my visit back at Winterfell."
"Lady Stark?" The innkeeper said confused
Catelyn stood up and she lowered her hood "I was still Catelyn Tully when I was here last." She said and then she turned to one of the men in the tavern "The black bat on yellow, I trust Lady Whent is well."
"She is my lady" the man said
"And the red horse was always a welcome sight" Catelyn added as a men with a red horse sigil of house Bracken of Stonehedge rose up
"My lady, you're father saw my lord Jonas Bracken as a good friend." The second man said
"Well I must admit that your father has his friends but I fail to see what this has to do with me." Tyrion admitted as he had no idea what was going on. His Father Tywin Lannister did have many loyal bannermen but he didn't really have friends and his relationship with his father and siblings except for Kevan was quite stormy. Tygett Lannister, Tywin second brother was quite bitter and he wanted to be his own man but was always in his brother's shadow. He was nicknamed the bitter Lion.
"And the two towers of House Frey" Catelyn then added as a third man stood up "I trust Lord Frey is well?"
"He is, he sends your father an invitation to his 90 nameday, he plans to take another wife." The man added
Catelyn then looked at Tyrion, "This man came into Winterfell as a guest, and then he conspires to murder my son. A ten year old boy." Tyrion looked confused "And then he tries to have me killed on the way back home to Winterfell." Catelyn pulled the letter out and showed it to everyone "In the name of King Robert of house Baratheon First of his name, King of the Andals and the First Men, I command you to seize this man and take him to Winterfell to face the King's justice."
Then everyone drew their swords and pointed them at Tyrion, Tyrion only stared wide eyed, he never sent a letter ordering an attack Lady Stark. But there was no choice but to give in. Then the last thing he saw was someone placing a bag on his head before someone knocked him out with a hit on the head.
Yoren quickly went out of the tavern, he had seen everything, he quickly saddled his horse and road towards King's Landing in order to inform Lord Stark about this.
Also in the Tavern, a young woman in her late twenties or early thirties watched in shock. Her name was Sapphire, a member of the Thieves Guild and an agent for Prince Martin, she knew that this would go well with Prince Martin or Lord Tywin Lannister, a war would start soon. But Catelyn had left the letter on the table when she went to help load the bound Tyrion onto a waggon. When no one was looking, Sapphire placed the latter into her bag, she was going to take this letter to Prince Martin and then get to the bottom of this.
Chapter end.
Author's notes: This was episode 4 of Season 1. I placed in some things I missed in Episode 3. I made the Tourney more like the Tourney from the books instead of the show. The attack on Lady Catelyn was to frame Tyrion since Littlefinger didn't tell her about the dagger. But who was the letter by, take a guess, the reason will come soon.