Chapter 28 – The Wheel Turns while plans are made
Braavos, 12th Month, 283, Week 2, Day 3
Amidst the labyrinthine canals of Braavos, a golden-hued sandstone mansion stands as a testament to its owners' wealth and prestige. The three-story structure glows under the sun's embrace, casting its radiant reflection across the shimmering waters.
The exterior of the mansion is a masterpiece in itself. Intricate carvings adorn the walls, depicting scenes from Braavosi lore and maritime history, while tall, arched windows line the facade, each framed by delicate ironwork. Vibrant stained glass, with hues of blue, red, and green, spills light into the rooms within, painting the stone floors with splashes of color. The roof, covered in elegantly curved red clay tiles, rises to meet the sky, and perched atop the corners are ornate gargoyles, their stony eyes ever watchful over the city.
Massive oak doors, reinforced with wrought iron and emblazoned with the family crest, mark the entrance. When the doors open, they lead into a spacious, marble-floored foyer, where a grand chandelier crafted from crystal and brass hangs from the ceiling, casting a warm, welcoming glow.
Inside the mansion, the first floor greets visitors with an atmosphere of grandeur and comfort. The foyer spills into a vast, open hall, its high ceiling supported by fluted sandstone columns. Rich tapestries, depicting scenes of Braavosi victories and legendary tales, hang from the walls, while the floor beneath is a mosaic of colored tiles, forming intricate patterns that echo the wealth and artistry of the mansion's inhabitants.
To one side of the hall is the dining room, a lavish space designed for gatherings of up to fifty guests. A long mahogany table stretches across the room, surrounded by opulent chairs. The walls are lined with shelves, each holding an impressive collection of rare wines and spirits, carefully curated over generations.
On the opposite side of the hall, a library awaits, offering a peaceful retreat. Shelves of ancient tomes and scrolls line the walls, while comfortable leather chairs invite one to sit and read by the warmth of a crackling fireplace. This quiet space offers the perfect environment for study or contemplation.
Upstairs on the second floor, the mansion's leisure spaces are dedicated to entertaining and relaxing. A grand ballroom occupies much of the floor, its polished wooden floors gleaming beneath golden chandeliers. The room is designed for hosting lavish parties, with ample space for dancing and socializing. Nearby, a music room filled with various instruments provides a place for musicians to play, while a gallery displays the family's prized collection of art and artifacts.
At the very top of the mansion, a small observatory offers a quiet retreat for stargazing. A large telescope sits beneath a glass dome, which can be opened to reveal the night sky above Braavos. The observatory provides the perfect spot for reflecting on the stars, with views extending over the city's canals.
The third floor is transformed to accommodate the living quarters for the mansion's family and closest guests. With ample space, the third floor contains several large, elegantly appointed bedrooms, each spacious and designed to provide comfort for up to twenty people. Canopied beds draped in fine linens, plush rugs, and grand, carved wardrobes fill each room. Large windows allow for stunning views of the garden and the sprawling city below. In addition to the individual rooms, the living quarters include several common areas for relaxation and socializing. A grand sitting room, with soft, velvet sofas and armchairs arranged around a roaring fireplace, offers a place for the family and guests to gather. Adjacent to this room is a smaller reading nook lined with shelves of books, perfect for quiet conversations or reflection.
A wide balcony ran along the front of the mansion, providing a stunning spot for watching the sunsets over Braavos. Comfortable seating and potted plants line the balcony, turning it into a pleasant space for guests to enjoy the view.
Behind the mansion, a serene and private garden offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. White gravel paths wind through vibrant flowerbeds and neatly trimmed hedges, leading to a large marble fountain at the center. Sculpted sea serpents spout crystal-clear water into the basin below, their forms gleaming in the sunlight. Benches and arbors are strategically placed throughout the garden, providing quiet spots for reflection.
Exotic trees and fragrant flowers fill the air with a sweet, intoxicating aroma, while a small ornamental pond, home to colorful fish and water lilies, adds to the tranquil ambiance. Stone statues of Braavosi heroes and mythical creatures are scattered throughout, adding an element of historical charm and intrigue.
Overall, the mansion exudes timeless elegance and unparalleled luxury. Every detail, from the intricate architecture to the carefully chosen furnishings, reflects a deep appreciation for beauty, history, and culture. This is more than just a home—it is a symbol of wealth, power, and heritage in the vibrant city of Braavos.
The guards and soldiers who protect this magnificent estate are not forgotten in the design. Tucked away in the rear of the mansion, far from the opulence enjoyed by the guests and family, a secure area has been created to ensure their comfort and readiness. While their quarters are far more modest, they are efficient and well-equipped to handle their important role.
The guard's quarters are located on the ground floor, accessible through a narrow side door. The hallways are simple, with dark, muted tones on the walls and several sturdy iron sconces flickering in the dim light. Rooms branch off from the hall, each furnished with simple cots, wooden chests for personal belongings, and hooks for hanging armor and weapons. The small windows offer views of the inner courtyard, providing fresh air and a bit of natural light. Though the rooms are modest, they are well-kept, ensuring that the guards have the rest they need before duty calls.
Adjacent to the sleeping quarters is a small Armory, where weapons and armor are stored. Swords, shields, and crossbows hang neatly on the walls, while heavier weapons like spears and halberds are kept on racks. A large chest holds spare armor, and a couple of barrels are stocked with arrows. The Armory is kept locked at all times, with only the captain of the guard holding the key.
Beyond the armory lies a training yard, a modest but functional space for the guards to maintain their skills. High stone walls enclose the yard, providing privacy for combat drills. A worn training dummy stands in one corner, while targets are pinned to the walls for archery practice. The ground is compacted dirt, with patches of grass growing between the stones. In one corner, an obstacle course has been set up to help the guards stay physically fit.
At the entrance to the mansion grounds sits a small guardhouse, where the guards rotate in shifts. This practical building serves as their base of operations, overseeing the front and back gates, as well as monitoring the mansion's perimeter. Inside, a simple desk holds ledgers for tracking patrols, and a few chairs are scattered around a warm fireplace. It is a far cry from the luxury of the rest of the house, but it is functional and secure.
In times of danger, the mansion's security includes a hidden escape route. A narrow, secret passage begins in the rear of the mansion, leading down into the canals below. Lined with heavy stone, the passage is reinforced to withstand any attempts at forced entry. It emerges at a wrought-iron gate by the water's edge, offering a quick and discreet means of escape for the guards in an emergency.
Though their quarters are practical and modest, the guards are treated with respect and given the amenities they need to carry out their duties. The space is designed for efficiency and discipline, with no frills but everything necessary for keeping the mansion secure. Here, amidst the grandeur of the mansion, the soldiers carry out their vital role, ensuring the safety of those who dwell within and protecting the opulence that surrounds them.
In the end, the mansion stands as a symbol not only of wealth and power but of careful planning—its grandeur and luxury balanced by the quiet, steadfast protection of those who serve it. It is a place of beauty, history, and security, a beacon of Braavosian strength and cultural heritage.
And it was their home for the foreseeable future.
The arrival of the royal family and their allies had been shrouded in secrecy. Jaime Lannister and Karlyn Stark-Lannister had secured this sanctuary years earlier, anticipating the need for refuge. Lyanna Stark and Queen Rhaella Targaryen, both pale shadows of their former selves, had arrived with their children: Jaehaerys, Lyanna's son, and Daenerys, the infant daughter of Rhaella. Viserys, the six-year-old Targaryen prince, accompanied them, his confusion and fear thinly veiled by his noble bearing.
The Kingsguard—Ser Arthur Dayne, Ser Oswell Whent, Ser Gerold Hightower, Ser Barristan Selmy, and Ser Jonothor Darry—had escorted them faithfully. Now, they stood sentinel, ensuring the safety of their charges. Their white armor gleamed as they stationed themselves strategically throughout the mansion.
Rhaella and Lyanna retreated to their chambers upon arrival, both too burdened by grief and exhaustion to face their companions. Mira, Karlyn's trusted maid, assumed the task of overseeing the two queens' care, while nurses tended to the infants in a room adjoining their mothers' quarters. The remaining members of the party took refuge in separate wings of the mansion: the royal family in the east, the Lannisters in the west, and the Baratheons in the north. Guards loyal to the cause—a mix of Kingsguard and house retainers—patrolled tirelessly. And there weaving their way around the manse was the two direwolves of the two Stark ladies causing a bit of chaos with the guards who had not been expecting them.
They had arrived in the afternoon, and dinner was brought to their rooms.
That evening, Jaime Lannister stood by a balcony overlooking the canals, dressed in loose pants and barefoot on the cool stone. The night sky blanketed Braavos in shades of indigo, the stars reflecting faintly in the water below.
Karlyn approached him, her robe loosely belted around her waist. She slipped beneath his arm, leaning into him as he placed it around her shoulders. "Speak to me, Jaime," she urged softly.
He sighed, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "All that work. All of Rhaegar's dreams... swept away by Robert's delusions. Madness."
"Madness is one word for it," Karlyn replied, her voice tinged with bitterness. "And now?"
Jaime's jaw tightened. "Tomorrow, we convene. The Kingsguard, Stannis, and the rest. We need to prepare for what's coming. Robert won't stop until he has Rhaella, Lyanna, and the children."
"He will overreach," Karlyn said, her tone measured. "How many fronts can one man fight? The North, the West... perhaps even the Reach and Dorne?"
Jaime nodded thoughtfully. "Olenna Tyrell will play her cards close, but her loyalty is pragmatic. As for Dorne... they have long memories. Elia's rejection still stings."
Karlyn frowned. "The Ironborn will ignore Robert until they see an opportunity to raid, maybe they will not wait and just attack…. The Riverlands and the Vale will wait and watch. Your father will bide his time, unless provoked, but he won't forgive the insult to his house, even with the request from Rhaegar to bend the knee, it he is provoked… Robert's arrogance will be his undoing."
Jaime turned to her, his expression softening. "Come to bed, Karlyn. Tomorrow brings enough trouble without borrowing from it tonight."
Braavos, 12th Month, 283, Week 2, Day 4
The morning sun was warming the stones of the manse when Jaime gathered the Kingsguard, Stannis, Karlyn and Ophelia in the library.
The queens were also invited but none was sure they would attend due to their grief. Jaime had checked on Rhaella and her maid had informed him that she was resting.
Gerold Hightower the Lord Commander stood by the desk where Jaime sat, his gaze taking in the group who were entering. The 4 other Kingsguard moved in their gleaming white armor and the Baratheon couple moved slowly so not to startle the two large dire wolves that were now camped out in front of the fireplace. Karlyn Stark-Lannister showed no such fear, walking in, briskly carrying a large ledger which she placed on the desk before her husband. As she did so, the pale white wolf Ivory got up and walked over to get rubs from Karlyn who did so without thinking as the wolf was apart of her.
Jaime looked at the others. "Please be seated" he said as he drew a scroll from his doublet and handed it to Gerold.
I, King Rhaegar, the First of His Name, King of the Andals and the Rhoynar and the First Men, Lord of the Seven Kingdoms, and Protector of the Realm, do hereby state my final will and testament.
I name my wife as Regent to our son, until his 17th name day, and I name my Good brother Jaime Lannister and his wife Karlyn Stark-Lannister as their advisors and guardians until his 17th Name Day. I name Jaime Lannister as hand to the King for my son. To my son, Jaehaerys, I leave the 7 kingdoms to rule and guard against all who would challenge the safety of the realm.
King Rhaegar, First of His Name.
The room fell silent as Gerold's voice trailed off. Each member read the document in turn before Jaime locked it in a chest.
"Queen Lyanna is resting," Jaime said, "but we must plan for the future. Robert Baratheon will come for us."
Ser Gerold's fists clenched. "Robert must die."
Karlyn nodded. "But what of Lysa and her children?"
"They are innocent," Barristan Selmy said. "Their blood need not be spilled."
Jaime's expression hardened. "Robert's ambition will destroy the realm if unchecked. We must secure alliances and prepare for war. Olenna Tyrell and Doran Martell will need assurances."
Stannis Baratheon's voice broke the tension. "Robert's madness will cost him everything. If we strike strategically, the Seven Kingdoms will rise against him."
The council nodded in agreement, their path fraught with peril but illuminated by duty. Jaime glanced at Karlyn, her steady gaze meeting his. Together, they bore the weight of a realm's survival.
Jaime held out a scroll. "I received this from my contacts at the docks. From Winterfell."
"Robert, Usurper, defiler of Lord Rickard Stark. Come North at your peril. The North stands independent of the Seven Kingdoms until the True KING, Jaehaerys, third of his Name, takes back his throne! Come North if you wish but you would do well to remember that no army has ever taken the North, even Aegon's dragons. And this time we will not bend to the south. Winter is Coming and it is coming for the Usurper!"
Karlyn read it last and began to laugh. "Eddard, the quiet wolf has shown his fangs." She handed it back to her husband and smiled. "Robert has poked the wolf and now will find out why we are predators." She was proud of her quiet brother. He had needed to step into Brandon's shoes and now their fathers and she knew he would do it well.
Stannis cleared his throat, his voice steady but carrying an undercurrent of tension. "Many months ago, I was promised Storm's End by Rhaegar, but I turned it down when he offered it as a reward for allegiance. I did not fight for a castle. I fought for justice. Yet now, with Robert's betrayal and his unholy thirst for power, Storm's End has become a critical piece in this game."
Karlyn leaned forward, her keen eyes assessing the Baratheon lord. "And would you claim it now, Lord Stannis? Storm's End is the key to controlling the Stormlands. Without it, Robert's forces will remain fractured. If we secure it, we might yet turn his bannermen to our cause."
Stannis's jaw tightened. "I would take it not for glory, but for necessity. The Stormlands are fiercely loyal to their lords, but they are also practical. If they see Robert faltering or divided, they may swear fealty to Jaehaerys."
"Jaehaerys will require a Master of Laws" Jaime said. "Rhaegar was looking to announce you to it."
Stannis nodded. "I would accept that." It was an important role within Westeros and one that would fit Stannis perfectly.
Ser Barristan cleared his throat. "The Iron Bank." He stated.
As heads turned to him, he kept his gaze on Lord Jaime.
Jaime nodded. "All the treasury and items are to be deposited there under an account that only the Queens can access until Jaehaerys comes of age."
"What happens if… the worst happens?" Ser Jonathor asked softly. "Deaths happen."
They all exchanged looks. "Jaehaerys is King, Viserys is his heir, then Daenerys." Jaime said firmly. "We need to protect them all though."
"Can we afford to stay here?" Arthur asked. He wanted to make sure they were safe enough, or if more plans needed to be made.
"Yes" Jaime said. "My father and I set things in place. The soldiers we have are paid and paid very well. We have trade in place and there is a warehouse at the docks where we will work to maintain it."
There were several nods.
Karlyn said softly. "I will keep in communication with my friends from court. We do have allies in Westeros. And they will let us know when it is time to strike."
Jaime added "And we have other bolt holes out in Essos, each of us will get a different one and if we need to, we can bolt to them."
Gerold considered. "We will need an army. We cannot rely on armies in Westeros. Lords die, allegiances change."
Ophelia studied him. "How would we raise an army?"
Jonothor replied. "Sell Swords, but we can create our own company. That way we know they are loyal to us. I am sure there will be soldiers leaving Westeros due to Baratheon."
Jaime nodded. "Makes sense. Ser Jonothor, would you be willing to run it?"
Jonothor nodded and then looked at Gerold. Who nodded grimly. "We will get started straight away." Jonothor said. "But the Royal family need to be protected."
"What about the House of Black and White?" a voice came from the doorway. Heads turned and found Lyanna standing there. She wore a black dress, which had silver wolves and red dragons running along the hem. But she was obviously in mourning. A black shawl over her shoulders was also a key point, as she twisted it around her fingers showing her distress.
Everyone who was seated stood but she waved them back to their chairs.
Jaime took a breath. "The faceless men are expensive. And we stripped the treasury well. What did you leave Karlyn?'
"Two gold dragons and a note for him to have an ale." His wife quipped as she led Lyanna to a seat, having stayed standing when her sister had waved them back to their seats. Lyanna sat and Karlyn sat down beside her, holding her hands in her own.
Several people chuckled at that.
"Storms End, while prosperous, would not be able to afford a faceless man, not one that would have to kill multiple people and in a well defended Manse… Robert has never been good with budgets. We should make offerings as well." Stannis said calmly.
"Wise" Jaime agreed. "Let's keep on the correct side of them. I also heard that Robert's Red priestess was killed in Kings Landing by the High Septon, but Robert killed the High Septon for doing it along with several small folk who could not get clear of his charge. He has put a Septon in place that he basically controls."
"That won't go well" Ophelia said softly. "Killing Small Folk and the High Septon.. The man is lucky there has not been a revolt in Kings Landing yet."
"The Small Folk are scared" Lyanna said softly. "They always have been, but this man may be worse than Rhaegar's father. And Rhaegar wanted to make them feel safe and now…"
"They will be safe again." Karlyn said softly. "We will go back, take the throne from Robert and your son will rule."
"War, where more will die." Lyanna said softly.
"Robert won't accept a great council I believe" Stannis said. The others nodded.
Jaime exchanged a glance with Karlyn, his expression hardening. "Then strength and unity we shall show. The pieces are moving, and the game is underway. Rhaegar's dreams may have crumbled, but the foundation he left behind will not. Jaehaerys will take his rightful place. For now, we bide our time, consolidate our forces, and plan for the war that's already at our doorstep."
As the council continued, the morning sun climbed higher, casting its golden light across the Braavosi mansion. Outside, the city's canals bustled with life, oblivious to the weighty decisions being made within. But within the walls of the manse, a different kind of energy stirred—a sense of resolve, a quiet fury, and the steely determination of those who refused to let the Seven Kingdoms fall into chaos.
Braavos had become more than a sanctuary. It was now the heart of a rebellion—a sanctuary of flame and steel, where alliances would be forged, betrayals would unfold, and the fate of kings and kingdoms would be decided.
Braavos, 1st Month, 284, Week 2, Day 1
Jaime stood a training sword pointed to the ground, watching as the young 6-year-old Prince Viserys held his own smaller sword in the same position. Ever since their arrival in Braavos, Jaime took it on himself to train Viserys. It was helping the boy get through the grief of loss.
The boy had some talent. But he was emotional. Something Jaime understood. Despite best efforts of keeping Viserys away from his father during his insanity it had not always been successful. And what he had seen haunted him causing emotional outbursts. The fact that his mother was still alive and was now paying more attention to him, helped a lot. Viserys was a very good older brother and uncle to the infant Targaryen children, and Karlyn had made a statement to the young Prince early on in their stay. It was a simple statement. "Fire and Blood may be your family words, Blood is key. You must protect those of your blood. Daenerys and Jaehaerys are your Blood. And one day, when Jaehaerys sits on the throne, he will need his Blood with him."
It had, had an effect on the 6-year-old and he had been found sneaking out of his room to guard the nursery often at night. Now Ser Barristan would let him join the guards for half an hour before bed. And that seemed to satisfy the young boy.
But he had requested warrior training. Which after a discussion with his mother, Jaime agreed, while Karlyn insisted that he get training from a Maester as well. So, a raven had been sent to Casterly Rock, requesting a loyal Maester. And they had been told one was on their way.
As he and Viserys drilled, practicing the stances and thrusts over and over again, Jaime noticed Rhaella and Lyanna watching from one of the balconies around the large courtyard where they trained. The Kingsguard were all going to take turns training Viserys and the other male children as they grew. Which meant that if War did come then they would be ready. He gently corrected what mistakes he could see and then they continued. The drilled for two hours as the sun rose high in the sky then sent the boy in to bathe and do his lessons.
The WALL 1st Month, 284, Week 2, Day 2
Those that manned the wall held themselves aloof of the trials of those south of its icy presence. Even with the additional men and resources from those who lived in the Gift the Wall was still not a great place to live. Oh, all castles were now manned and all members of the Nights Watch and its newly formed support group known as the Nights Guard, were well fed and armoured so, when a ranging party came to the Gate at Castle Black with a wildling under the flag of truce, it was a different Nights Watch group that descended to the other side of the wall to speak.
Lord Commander Qorgyle, now very elderly, led the group and when he reached the Wildling, he found it to be a slender man. "Who are you?" He asked the Wilding coldly.
"They call me Vorryn. I am envoy from Free Folk." The man spoke common fairly well.
"Why are you here?"
The man held out what looked to be parchment. "Information for the Stark." He spoke. "My Clan knows the Stark needs to know."
"Your clan?"
"Long time ago, my clan founded by a Snow-Stark. We were told to watch and wait. When time comes send this to Stark at Winterfell."
Qorgyle took the parchment. He did not unroll it. "Anything else?"
"You need to deal with Crastor." The man said before stepping back. "He is killing people who visits his keep. Your Rangers are next." The Wildling stepped away keeping his gaze on the Nights Watch and then once he was near the trees he turned and fled into them.
Qorgyle watched him go and then with his guards the Nights Watch withdrew into Castle Black. Two hours later, a rider left Castle Black heading south to Winterfell. It was way to important to risk a raven being shot down. And another group rode north towards Crastors Keep.
Tbc..
Authors Note:
There will be a time jump – probably next chapter.. Due to the issues plaguing the 7 kingdoms, Robert's rule will always be easy to maintain but still it takes time to build up resources and such to take back the throne. Also, I have an image of a scene I want to incorporate into the story but the characters need to be older for it to work. I intend for it to go to when the books start in the coming chapters.
PS: Love the fact that people are following the story but would love reviews!