Daenerys' POV
For the longest time she felt like they were sailing to their own executions, despite how kindly the men onboard treated them. Their room wasn't very big, but it was better than most and she was sharing with only Viserys, which she was glad for. Later she met a couple of women onboard, who told her they were there just to take care of her. They spoke quite crudely and bluntly even though they were exceedingly kind to her. However, after having witnessed what happened to their previous servants, she didn't think anyone aboard could truly be trusted. Dany felt certain the only person she could trust right now was Viserys alone.
Her brother had not liked the voyage at all, since the rocking of the ship kept making him sick. After what felt like forever, their ship was approaching land, but she didn't know where yet. The women who had cared for her had mentioned they would be arriving soon, but they couldn't say where because neither of them had ever been this far south. When she arrived to check on Viserys, he was dressed and ready to go, though she could tell he was as nervous as she was. Her big brother took her hand as they made their way toward the upper deck. They hadn't been denied moving around on the ship all that much, except for a few places the men dressed in black said were off limits.
Viserys whispered to her as they walked. "Just keep holding on to me no matter what. And be ready to run if I say so. Got it?" She nodded in response gripping her brother's hand tightly.
When they got up on the top deck, she could see they were now anchored out in the water and when she looked at the land, Daenerys saw the biggest and most beautiful castle she had ever seen. The great castle sat on top of a hill along the coast and in the morning light the towers were all red which reminded her of the door to their house back in Braavos. She couldn't stop staring at it, until her brother's voice broke her from her thoughts.
"I knew it!" Viserys shouted towards the others on the deck. "You're delivering us to the Usurper!"
"What you mean brother?" Daenerys asked, instantly frightened by his response.
Viserys looked at her with both fear and anger before pointing to the castle she had been staring at. "That's the Red Keep, Dany! That is where our father ruled before the Usurper killed him and took it from us."
The Red Keep?! Of course, how could she not have realized it?
She clutched at Viserys' arm tighter, afraid now, that they really were being delivered to the Usurper after all.
"Have no fear Viserys. You both are safe, and you will remain safe so long as you are with us." she heard a familiar voice say from behind them.
She looked around to see Jon Snow walking up to them with a bucket in his arms and her personal caretakers behind him. Jon Snow was the only one on board around their age and he was the one person she felt the most nervous about. He had told them that their nephew felt they might be more comfortable talking with someone close to their age rather than the other men he had sent to rescue them. She surmised that Jon Snow must be closer to her own age than he was to Viserys, but his presence had had the opposite effect Aegon intended. Daenerys felt the least comfortable around him out of everyone and she was sure Viserys felt the same. Jon Snow was simply frightening.
Daenerys was disappointed about not knowing when she might get to meet their nephew and frustrated that everyone else onboard refused to tell them anything about Aegon other than to ask Jon Snow. She had hoped that their nephew would be waiting for them at their destination but now she was frightened that may not be the case. More and more, she felt like she just wanted to go back home to their old house and her lemon tree.
"We are headed into the city on important business and you both are coming with us so you can bear witness. After all, what we are here for concerns you both too. But, for your own safety, neither of you are to speak to anyone and you will stay with Pella, Marill, and your guards while we are here." Snow instructed them while gesturing to her two caretakers. She suddenly realized she had been so distracted by her own fears that she never even asked the women's names.
"If anyone speaks to you, just go along with whatever Pella and Marill say. They have been briefed and will help guide you both. Understood?" She didn't understand fully, but she nodded in response all the same while her brother still stared in confusion.
"First, they are going to dye your hair, so the color doesn't arouse anyone's suspicions. Once that is done, we will head into the city." Snow explained while the women filled the two buckets with water and began mixing something that looked like black ink.
"Wait, what? What are you talking about? Viserys asked abruptly.
Snow smiled softly as he answered. "We must disguise you both while you are here so no one will be able to recognize you. Don't worry. The dye will fade away within a couple of days and by that time we will all be back aboard and off to your new home. However, that will also be temporary until you are both ready to return to your true home." Snow explained while gesturing this time at the Red Keep.
She followed his gaze along with her brother. They were both as surprised as they were unsure of how to respond.
"So, you are not giving us to the Usurper?" Viserys asked slowly.
Jon Snow simply shook his head smirking. But the look in his eyes felt reassuring this time rather than his usual cold stare.
Daenerys didn't like their disguises at all, since they also had to change clothes which were old, dirty, and itched in some places. It felt calming to have their hair dyed black, but she didn't like the look of herself in a mirror and she missed her silver hair immediately. Viserys was even less pleased than her and he didn't hold his tongue about it either.
"We look like retched peasants! I am a king, and this is unacceptable!" Viserys unable to whole back his reservations.
"That is the point." Jon Snow stated bluntly. "No one will even look twice at either of you looking the way you do now. But if you stroll into those walls with your nice clothes and silver locks, every gold cloak, Lannister guard, and Baratheon soldier will lop off your heads in a heartbeat."
Viserys was about to refuse but he quickly closed his mouth and gulped nervously. "Well, very well. But I still don't understand what we are doing here."
Jon Snow's face quickly turned serious, and he walked up to Viserys until they were inches from each other. She stepped further behind her brother as Snow approached them. Daenerys watched as Jon Snow gave Viserys the same look she'd seen in Braavos. That cold stare he held when he ordered the death of their former servants.
"You are here to look your enemies in the eye." Jon stated sternly, to which her brother just tried to hold his gaze before nervously turning away. Jon Snow was intimidating even to those older and bigger than himself. She saw it with the sellsword Bronn who delivered them here and now again with Viserys.
How could a boy as old as me be more frightening than even the men surrounding them?
"Wait, What about Ser Willem? Won't he be joining us?" Viserys asked. To which Jon Snow explained that he would follow them a little later. It sounded vague but he wouldn't say anymore.
They were brought into the city by boat which Jon helped to row, and he even had her brother take the row next to him while she sat with Pella and Marill in the back of the boat. There were a few men in all black she had seen on the ship, but they were now joined by another man she had only seen once along their journey training with Jon Snow before she and Viserys had been ushered away.
Daenerys could tell this man in particular, was probably the oldest, and he was certainly the biggest man she had ever seen. The big man kept glancing at Jon Snow with an angry stare on his face which she found strange, since all the other men in black were the opposite. They all seemed very respectful and protective of him.
Maybe Jon Snow is someone important to her nephew. Like a close friend maybe.
She'd have to remember to try to ask Pella or Marill more about him later. Before now she had never been interested in being anywhere near the frightening boy and his cold dark eyes. Daenerys just couldn't stop thinking about the slaughter of their servants and the way he walked over their bodies like they were nothing.
No! Those people weren't their servants! They betrayed them. Jon Snow wasn't wrong about that.
Daenerys knew that his actions might have been what was supposed to happen to traitors. Still, it was hard to accept after how nice they had all been to them for so long. Her thoughts were torn away by one of the other boats that came to the dock separate from them carrying a large box of some kind. She couldn't see what was in it since it was covered. All she knew was that some kind of animal had been growling within and she had to admit it sounded really angry.
Aegon's POV
His entire body ached from his training with Jeor, but he managed to block out the pain by focusing on the next task which was crucial for keeping Dany and Viserys safe. Aegon had mixed feelings about his uncle Viserys. Dany had told him very little but what she did say was how cruel he was to her. However, she had briefly mentioned when they were younger, her brother took care of her, fed her when they were starving, and told her stories of their family. Aegon was starting to see what Dany meant when he observed Viserys because he could tell the way he held Dany close that he was genuinely concerned for her wellbeing.
At this point in time Viserys still sees Dany as his sister and not just something he could use to get himself a crown. Aegon hoped for his sake that Viserys could keep that view. Aegon didn't look forward to what might follow if Viserys turned out exactly like he was in their previous lives. His uncle was still spoiled and seemed to genuinely believe the seven kingdoms would just bend the knee to him without any resistance. Aegon understood that he himself was taking several big risks with not only his own life being in the capital, but with all their lives.
His plans were placing all of them in danger by coming to the city filled with their worst enemies with two wights onboard their own ship. But great risk could yield great rewards and Aegon was aiming high in both categories. They made their way to the dock and into the city with little trouble since having the Lord Commander of the Nights Watch at his side made it so no one gave the rest of them a second glance. He could tell the Lord Commander was itching to expose them, but Aegon had made things clear about Jeor's position should he do anything to jeopardize their purpose. But as an added measure he asked his men who would be willing to volunteer to kill the Lord Commander should he so much as breathe one syllable out of turn.
Much to Aegon's pride and the Lord Commander's disdain, all the members of the party going ashore volunteered without hesitation. Aegon commanded them all to keep a close watch on Jeor and kill him at any sign of treachery. They all knew that doing so might mean their own deaths, especially if they were in a public setting. Regardless, they all reassured Aegon that they would not only kill Jeor to protect him, his aunt, and uncle from discovery. Some stated that if they were captured, they would cut out their own tongues before breathing a word against House Targaryen. The men's loyalty towards him was beginning to border on the fanatical, and yet he still felt elevated by their presence.
They had sent a raven ahead of them from Castle Black to announce their arrival as well as the seriousness of their need to address the king and council. Robert was a man who hardly held court or attended meetings, leaving it to his Lord Hand Jon Arryn to deal with the affairs of the realm. A messenger from the palace had been waiting to receive their party at the docks with assurances from the Lord Hand himself that Robert would be in court to greet them. Aegon certainly hoped the Usurper was there, but either way it was going to be quite an interesting day in Kings Landing.
After arriving in the city Aegon noticed the place still smelled the same stinking stench it had when he first came there. The city was quite revolting to him despite the magnificence of his ancestors' castle.
Well, I think my first change to this city will be that damned smell!
Aegon glanced back at his aunt and uncle as they stayed close to Pella and Marril. Clearly neither of them appreciated the smell of the city any more than he did since they were both still covering their noses as they walked. Pella and Marril were two of Craster's daughters, who agreed to come with them not only to help attend to his young aunt on their voyage but also help protect Dany and Viserys so they could see what was about to happen.
After they entered the palace, members of the gold cloaks brought their party to wait in the throne room to be presented to the king. Aegon could barely contain his smile at the audience before them since not only was Robert there, looking as fat as ever, but several Kingsguard, and all the council members were present as well. Most of the court looked to be locals who probably lived close to the capital, but he didn't spot any of the greater houses present so the nobility were most likely lesser lords of the Crownlands.
When looking at Robert, he still felt bitter that his father was killed by the same fat fool in front of him. Aegon wondered how Robert had ever managed to be the man people once called the 'Demon of the Trident'. Jaime Lannister stood nearby whispering something to his sister who sat at Roberts left while Jon Arryn sat to Robert's right.
Jaime Lannister was younger now than when he first saw him and yet the man still looked the part of what Aegon believed a king should look like, if nothing else. Suddenly he found himself wondering where Tyrion might be, but when he didn't spot him anywhere, he figured the little dwarf was probably at a tavern or a brothel right now.
Such thoughts brought a smile to his face, but they were quickly displaced as a guard came up to usher their group to approach the throne. He nodded for Jeor to go forth and present them which the angry Old Bear begrudgingly did with two of Aegon's men flanking him. This was the moment he worried Jeor might try something foolish and he truly hoped the men behind him with their hidden daggers wouldn't have to drive them into the former Commander's back. Aegon didn't want it to come to that at all, but he was prepared nonetheless, so he turned his attention to Dany and Viserys.
"Alright, remember no words from either of you or we could all be killed, is that understood? Also try to keep your heads down just in case anyone looks too closely at those eyes of yours." Aegon whispered to Daenerys and Viserys who both just silently nodded.
Marril and Pella held them both like they were truly their own children and brought them forward with their party. Viserys had a problem with vocalizing his every displeasure but even he understood the severity of the danger they were all in right now, so he held his tongue.
"Presenting Lord Jeor of House Mormont, Lord Commander of the Nights Watch!" a herald announced them to everyone. Most did not seem all that interested to be honest, but then again to these people in the south the Nights Watch was just a place to throw their unwanted criminals away. Jeor approached taking a knee before addressing the court.
"Your Grace, members of the council, and all my lords and ladies here in attendance. I thank you for being here and allowing me to address the court today for I can assure you the matter is grave." Jeor greeted.
"Well I have to say it isn't every day that the Lord Commander of the Nights Watch comes to visit the capitol and I don't even hear a peep from my Warden of the North. I found that quite curious, by the way how is my old friend Ned doing? I've barely heard a word from him since we crushed those Ironborn fuckers." Robert bellowed loudly, which was quickly followed by some laughter from the court attendants.
"Last I heard Your Grace the Lord Stark, and his family were well." Jeor answered.
"Really?" Cersei interrupted, "I heard his own bastard made a complete and utter fool of him after the man put the boy on trial for setting fire to his own castle."
The crowd erupted with more whispers but no laughter. Aegon heard the high septon quietly remark 'disgraceful' while Ser Jaime tried holding back a laugh but to his credit Ser Barristan remained stoic as ever. Robert ended the crowd's murmuring by raising his hand in silence, before turning to Cersei.
"Hold your tongue until told otherwise." Robert commanded. Aegon could tell from Cersei's expression that she was not happy at all by those words.
The whole thing was starting to make him smile inward, but he allowed Jeor to handle things for the time being since they had already gone over what they needed to say.
"Forgive me, Your Grace but I was not at the bastard's trial and any words I could offer would only be rumor." Jeor recovered smiling politely.
Aegon realized Jeor was unsure if he should mention Aegon was present. But something inside Aegon could not resist what he did next.
"I was there!" Aegon suddenly called out over the hall, earning him a grim look from Jeor and a startled one from the rest of his party. All eyes in the hall fell upon him as he approached the side of the Lord Commander.
"And who do we have here?" Robert asked as he leaned forward to get a better look at Aegon.
"They call me the 'Bastard of Winterfell' but if you like, you can call me Jon Snow." Aegon answered but he didn't include 'Your Grace' or bend the knee.
Robert's eyebrows rose in surprise as he leaned back on the throne. "So, you're the one I have heard about causing my old friend so much grief lately eh? Well go on then bastard, is it true that you managed to make a fool of my old friend Ned after setting fire to his castle up at Winterfell?" Robert inquired but Aegon could tell there was a veiled threat behind his words.
It was as if Robert were silently daring Aegon to speak out against his old friend, which Jon Snow would never have done. But he was not Jon Snow anymore, he was Aegon Targaryen now.
Aegon knew that this was not part of his plans, but now that he thought about where he was, he felt a new resolve to show the south who he was, just as he had done in the North.
"No, I didn't make a fool of Lord Stark at all. He did that all by himself." Aegon responded. There were a few gasps from the crowd, but the rest were silently awaiting the king's response.
"How is that?" Robert asked calmly, as his fists clinched, and his face reddened.
"Lord Stark didn't do the deed with his own hands, but he was one of the main causes for my mother's death. He lied to me my whole life and thought he could sell that same lie to the rest of the North. But he wasn't the lord we thought he was then, and he still isn't now. Some already knew this, but I was just the first to speak the truth about him aloud." Aegon finished.
The king didn't seem to like his words, but he hadn't responded yet. He did see smiles on the faces of both the Lannister twins and Lord Baelish as well.
"Oh, and to clarify, I did not set fire to Winterfell itself. I burned down the sept Lord Stark had built for his bitch of a wife, who made my life miserable every chance she got because I look more Stark than her own children." Aegon exclaimed without a hint of remorse causing several gasps this time but the whole hall again fell silent as all eyes turned to the king.
A few septons and septas that were in attendance looked outraged, but Robert's gaze was focused on Aegon with narrow calculating eyes, but as the man stood up from the throne he suddenly started laughing. Softly at first then finally ending with hearty laughter echoing throughout the room.
"Ah Ha hah ha! Well, I will say this much, you've got some balls on you lad! I'll give you that! Are you certain you aren't Brandon's bastard? He was the only man I knew foolhardy enough to talk like that to a king." Robert replied. But after his laughter quieted, he continued.
"Still, I can't blame you for feeling the way you do about your mother, knowing what Varys informed me about her. But regardless, Ned is my Warden of the North, as well as my brother in all but name and blood. And despite whatever Cat may have done she is a woman of noble birth. So, I hope you enjoyed those words boy, because if I ever hear them again from anyone, I'll have their tongue. Am I clear?" Robert stated with cold finality.
Aegon wasn't afraid at all, but he knew when he was pushing his luck, so he didn't reply. He simply smiled and politely nodded his head in response. After acknowledging him, Robert retook his seat on the Iron Throne. Aegon turned back to see Dany and Viserys were as shocked by his words as everyone else in the hall.
"Well, Lord Commander, now that we have that out of the way, what is this grave matter you needed to see me about? My Hand read the message your Maester sent, which stated that this matter was of such importance that my council and I needed to be present, so come out with it then. What's so important?" Robert asked.
"Yes, Your Grace, there is no easy way to put this so I will just say it. The White Walkers have returned." Jeor announced.
Viserys' POV
Ever since they left the ship Viserys had been expecting some kind of betrayal, no matter what the strangers around him claimed, he didn't believe they served his family. Viserys couldn't believe whoever this 'Aegon' they claimed to serve was his nephew. Everyone knew his brother's children were killed along with Rhaegar's wife during the Sack of Kings Landing. Of all the people Viserys had met, the one he didn't trust the most was undoubtingly the bastard boy Jon Snow.
From the moment he encountered these strangers he was now travelling with, Viserys had been completely confused as to why all the men clothed in black garb were just letting a child no older than Dany order them around. Jon Snow was nothing but some northern bastard who shouldn't be in any position of power over so much as an ant, but here he was ordering grown men around without issue. He had to admit that when Jon Snow spoke of Aegon's accomplishments, he felt a bit of jealousy boiling inside him.
If his nephew had been alive, he would be younger than himself and yet if he had actually achieved even half of what his pet bastard claimed, then Aegon would be way ahead of Viserys in his attempts to claim the throne. They had yet to even meet with their so-called nephew and yet he could not deny that this Aegon, whoever he was, had complete power over their lives right now. Their house back in Braavos was gone, their servants had betrayed them, and they were now headed to places unknown with strangers they couldn't trust.
Viserys kept thinking that he should just take whatever belongings he could carry, grab his sister, and run the first chance they got. Despite all his mistrust of these people he still was curious about whether it was truly possible for his nephew to be alive. The more he thought about it though, the less he wanted to believe it because this Aegon would make a claim to the throne that was rightfully his. Viserys knew one thing for certain and that is he would never support anyone trying to steal his crown.
When they arrived at port, and he first saw his father's house he was certain they were being sold to the Usurper and everything up until that point had been just an elaborate ruse to trick them. Yet Jon Snow confused him further by stating that they were going on some important business that he wanted them to see. The whole thing made absolutely no sense.
Why would the bastard and his men go through all this trouble of tricking them to enter the palace willing if they could have easily used force? It was all just so unnecessary if all they were doing was handing them over to be killed.
He went along with the most uncomfortable disguise he had to wear and let the women who looked almost as ugly as the men in black lead them through the streets of his city. Over a dozen times he thought about making a break for it. Yet every time Viserys had thought to try and run, one of the black guards would get closer to him or one of the women would hold his sister tighter, as if sensing their thoughts.
Viserys knew the moment he made his first move one of their escorts would grab him before he could take two steps. Not to mention he would never make it without losing Dany along the way. Even if he could be quick enough to get away, someone would likely get to Dany, and he couldn't leave her behind. His mother's last words to him were to look after his baby sister. Dany was just a little girl who he was sure had no idea the danger they were in, but she was still his sister, and he wasn't going to let her be taken so he had to go along for the time being.
What Viserys found most shocking upon entering the throne room was that nothing was like he remembered it. The place looked vastly different than what he could recall as a boy, especially since all the dragon skulls were gone. The only thing he recognized was the Iron Throne, which was unmistakable, but the man who sat upon it wasn't what he expected at all. He was nearly as big as the old man who walked next to Snow, but he didn't look strong, just fat and his face held a very disinterested expression upon it. The man was black bearded and blue eyed with a golden crown on his head, so he had to be none other than the Usurper, Robert Baratheon himself.
Could this really be the Demon of the Trident? How could Rhaegar have been bested by this?
When Viserys looked forward to see Jon Snow glancing back at them, he wondered if this is what the bastard meant by looking their enemies in the eye. There was little he could do so he just held Dany's hand tightly and watched while the big man in front of them was announced as Jeor Mormont. But then the herald continued to declare that he was also the current Lord Commander of the Nights Watch which Viserys remembered from his lessons. Yet again Viserys found himself confused.
That certainly explains the men in black. But if they are members of the Nights Watch then why were they helping the Targaryens?
Commander Jeor spoke about the matter that demanded the King and council's full attention but then Jon Snow stepped forward. The bastard revealed himself to be not just any northern bastard, but the son of the usurper's dog himself, Lord Stark. Snow then went on to claim how he had burnt a sept in Winterfell and then he insulted Lord and Lady Stark right in front of the king who claimed the man as a brother. Viserys was sure such insolence would have cost the bastard either his tongue or his head, but it didn't.
He wasn't sure if the bastard was a fool or a madman because it seemed he wasn't afraid at all of offending the Usurper right in the middle of his own court. But Viserys found it interesting to learn that the boy blamed his father for the death of his mother. Snow's mother was probably just some whore Lord Stark bedded and discarded. But the words from Commander Mormont were even more ridiculous than the tale Jon Snow told them of their nephew still being alive.
The White walkers have returned? Was this man insane or just stupid to speak such nonsense?
The Usurper didn't respond. He just narrowed his eyes at Commander Mormont waiting. It was his Hand and Queen who spoke first.
"You dare call for the attention of your King, only to speak about children's stories. What else do you have to tell us? That grumpkins and snarks are invading the realm?" the Queen said in an amused tone, but her face held only irritation.
Then an elderly man stepped forward, who must have been Lord Arryn, since Viserys could see he was wearing the pin belonging to the Kings Hand.
"Commander Mormont, you had better explain that statement." Lord Arryn demanded.
"Of course, my Lord. I speak of no children's stories my Queen, nor do I find this any easier to believe than you do." Jeor steadied himself before continuing.
"A group of our Rangers went missing not long ago. So, I led a group of reinforcements beyond the Wall to find them myself, but what we found instead was no children's tale. We were attacked by a creature that looked as if it were born of cold and death itself." Jeor explained. No one looked convinced by his words.
Then Jon Snow tugged at his arm and whispered something Viserys couldn't hear before retreating behind them just outside the room. Snow nodded reassuringly as he passed them. Then Viserys attention was returned to Mormont as he continued his rant.
"Your Grace, I did not come here with only my words as proof of this tale." Jeor said indicating at the rest of their party. "Every one of my men here present saw this with their own eyes. We even brought a pair of wilding sisters and their children whom we managed to rescue from the attack. They are all witnesses to what I speak of."
Jeor paused for a moment to look back as the doors to the throne room opened again.
"Forgive me Your Grace. I will not waste time with words when we can just show you what we found beyond the Wall." Lord Jeor finished.
Snow came through guiding a few other men in black who pulled a wooden cart with what looked like a tall box of some kind attached to the cart with chains on all four sides and a ship's sail covered over it. Viserys remembered seeing the same box in another boat next to them that followed them off their ship and Dany said something about hearing an animal inside. However he hadn't noticed since his attention had been on looking for an opportunity to escape but now he was curious.
The cart was brought to a halt in the middle of the hall next to Jeor and everything went silent as all eyes focused on what lay in front of them. The men approached hesitantly and quickly grabbed the sail sheet pulling in over the top revealing not a box but a steel cage. Viserys barely had time to react to the dark form crouched down inside before it quickly slammed itself against the steel bars.
The chains rattled and the wood of the cart that held it creaked as the creature continued to smash its body into the sides of the cage. It hit the bars so hard Viserys was sure he heard bones cracking, although he was surprised, he could hear anything over the high-pitched shrieking the monstruous creature was making. Dany had quickly jumped into his side, and he instinctively clutched on to her as he stepped back until he felt the arms of the two women bring them to a halt.
Dany trembled in her brother's arms and Viserys himself couldn't deny that what he saw was truly horrifying. It looked like a man at first but the more he looked the more Viserys saw how inhuman it was. It had clothes of the same black style as Nights Watchmen that were torn up and upon seeing its face, he noticed its skin was like a marbled coloring from pale white to grey and brown. Its whole head was in a state of decay but what sent the real chill down his spine was the blue glowing eyes.
Commander Jeor was completely right when he said it looked like the thing was indeed born of cold and death itself. As Viserys regained his composure he listened intently to the reactions from the rest of the court. Everyone was in a state of shock and horror, several screamed whenever the creature banged into the cage and it looked like every man with a blade had unsheathed their steel, but none dared take a step closer.
"Seven Hells Mormont! What is this thing?!" Robert bellowed out as he stood from the throne.
The queen had a hand on the Kingslayer's shoulder as he took his place in front of her and the council members had all risen from their seats, but if it were to get a better look or because they were preparing to run, Viserys couldn't tell.
"This is a wight Your Grace." Jeor answered before turning to nod at his men.
The two who had uncovered the cage moved closer while holding spears. Both drove their spear tips straight through the dead screaming wight and slammed it into the bars pinning it to the side of the cage. As Mormont approached the cage it shoved one of its dead arms through the bars reaching out trying to grab at the Commander. The bars were strong and close together and he could see that the creature broke at least two of its fingers and peeled some of its dead flesh off the bone.
Mormont to his credit quickly grabbed the dead man's arm and drew his sword upward severing the arm off completely, yet no blood spilled onto the floor. Afterwards, Jeor stepped away to present the severed limb which was still moving and the creature in the cage was still thrashing even impaled by two spears through its chest.
"This man was one of our Rangers, I watched the Walker which attacked us kill him with my own eyes. We brought his body back with us to Castle Black for burial. But before we could burn him, he stood up on his own with decayed flesh and the same blue eyes as the White Walker that killed him." Mormont explained.
"The… This can't poss... possibly be true. Such things do not exist!" the Grand Maester babbled and shouted in fear.
"I agree Your Grace. How can we be certain this is not some kind of trick?" asked a lord standing among the king's council with a pin that resembled a hummingbird attached to his collar, while looking nervously toward the King, who still stood frozen in shock.
"Yes, it must be a farce. There is no such thing as White Walkers. These men are all deceivers!" One of the gold cloaks stated pointing at them.
Jon Snow grabbed the severed arm by its forearm from Commander Mormont like he was delivering a letter and brought it over to the gold cloak who had just spoken out against them. As the bastard approached, the gold cloak raised his sword up.
"What is your name?" Snow asked as he approached.
"You are addressing the Lord Commander of the City Watch, Ser Janos Slynt, bastard!" the man announced like they should already know who he is.
Jon Snow turned back at them and Viserys noticed him smile before returning to Slynt.
"Lord Commander Slynt, if you wish to name us deceivers. Then I offer you this chance to prove it." Jon said as he lifted the still moving hand on the severed limb toward the Lord Commander. "Take this and show everyone that it is fake. Unless you're a coward."
"A coward?! I'll not have my honor questioned by the likes of a bloody bastard!" Janos shouted, at the same time reaching for the dead man's hand.
Trick or not. I wouldn't touch that thing with a ten-foot pole.
Viserys observed as the fool named Slynt grabbed the limb by the still moving hand only to have the hand grip onto him. Slynt's angered face quickly changed to surprise and anguish as he watched the detached limb's grip grow tighter and tighter until Viserys could hear the unmistakable sound of bones breaking yet again. Only this time the wight wasn't breaking its own bones. It was crushing the foolish gold cloak's hand.
"Ugh! Get it off! It's crushing my… AHHHHH!" Janos screamed as he tried to pull his slowly broken hand free.
His pleas were quickly followed by two fellow watchmen who used a dagger to cut and pry the limb away from their Commander. When they finished they stepped away from the thing while Jon Snow, who had just been watching calmly approached. The bastard carefully picked up the limb again as if he knew that it could have grabbed hold of him. Then calmly tossed it back into the cage with the wight.
"Get him to a healer and take those cursed things out into the courtyard immediately. Keep them under guard, and no one else is to go near them by order of the king!" Robert shouted before turning toward the Commander.
"Mormont with me!"
