บท 25: Hardhome
Lannisport, The Westerlands
It was just a usual night inside the Dwarf Lion Inn. An establishment owned by Tyrion Lannister catering to the smallfolk. It was run by one of the Lannister bastards, Titus Hill, who impressed Tyrion with his intelligence. And Titus was made patron of the Dwarf Lion Inn. While the people drank and gossiped, there was a small underlying tension among them. They would glance here and again at one of the corners. What was attracting them and making them uneasy was a group of loud men. But it was the portly man of average height, having a pale piggy face with small pig-like eyes, and a high, thin voice who was making them uneasy. The man with a manticore in a red field as his banner, Ser Amory Lorch.
The man had a reputation. Amory had thrown the last Lord Tarbeck, a three-year-old boy, down a well during the Reyne-Tarbeck revolt, he was most ill-known across Westeros for his horrible murder of the four year old Princess Rhaenys Targaryen during the sack of King's Landing, stabbing her half a hundred times. It was his deeds, not his appearance that made people fear him.
Right now, he was telling his men about one of his recent exploits.
"The farmer had a small house. But it was his daughter which made me stay there. After they gave me food for the night I just killed them and then took the daughter, I enjoyed her in front of her family's corpses. She was a pretty one with a tight pussy." He regaled over his drink.
"When did this happen Ser?" Asked one of his men.
"Last week. I kept her for a week. The screams she made was music to my ears. But finally I got tired of her and left her." Amory said.
"And the girl?" Asked the same man.
"Ask Polliver." Amory said.
Now, Polliver served the Mountain Gregor Clegane. But since Tywin kept the Mountain confined to his own keep, Polliver now travelled with Amory to satisfy his urges. Hearing his name being mentioned, Polliver turned his attention to them.
"What?" He asked.
"Where is the girl that Ser Amory left with you last week?" The lackey asked. "Can I have a go with her?"
"Oh, her. I tore up her cunt with my sword after I finished with her. I left her somewhere around the docks. You can find her there." Polliver said.
"What use is she to me without her cunt?" The lackey lamented.
"She still has an ass." Amory said drunkly.
It was then, a wench came and served them drinks again. She was pretty with blond hair and green eyes and as expected captured the men's attention.
Amory did not waste his time and immediately caught the girl and pulled her into his lap.
"You are a pretty one. Are ya new here?" He asked.
She giggled and answered. "Yes, my Lord." She then started to rub herself on his lap.
"Hah the wench clearly needs one boys." Amory barked and started to kneed her breasts.
"Perhaps you can give it to me in the rooms upstairs." She whispered to him.
"I like you wench." Amory said his. "Lead the way."
The girl got up giggling and started to pull Amory.
"Find someone for yourselves boys. I have found mine." Amory told the others as he went. His men cheered for him.
The girl lead him to one of the rooms in the far end of the upper floor. They entered the room. It was dark. If he had not been drunk and a bit more alert he would have noticed two figures standing in the darkness. But alas he couldn't. The girl poured one more drink for him and gave it to him.
"One more glass, my Lord. Its on the house." She said.
Bridled with lust Amory grabbed the glass and drank from it and threw it away. He then pushed the girl in to the bed and lifted her skirt. Then he dropped his breeches. He then climbed over her poised to enter her. He saw her looking intently at him but dismissed it. It was then he felt his cock deflating.
"What now." He grumbled looking at his deflated cock. And suddenly he felt his hands and legs getting tired.
"What did yo..." He tried to speak to but his words stated to slur. He then felt on to the bed unable to move but wide awake.
It was then the girl got over him and started to look at his face. Then she stated to peel her face. Amory felt a terrible feeling in his stomach and he released his bladder. Gone was the blonde and green eyed wench and now he was looking at a pale and black haired face.
"Secure him. The master wants him unharmed." He said. "I will create the distraction."
The two men started to secure their target.
Later a huge fire broke out in the Dwarf Lion Inn. In the chaos and panic it caused nobody to notice three people carrying a big load with them towards the docks.
~
Shivering Sea, The True North
The icy wind blew on their faces as their faces as the Northern ships sailed through the frozen waters of the Shivering Sea, beyond the Wall with one destination - Hardhome.
Few months ago the Lord Commander had written to him that almost all the Free Folk had assembled in Hardhome ready to come South. Aryan was ashamed to say that he could not give much time to the transportation of the Free Folk as he was busy ruling his Kingdom as well as organising the Northern Games which had proved to be a great success. But just a month ago, Bloodraven had alerted him that the Others were on the move and the Night King had finally made an appearance. No doubt, attracted by the huge concentration of the living at Hardhome it was anybody's guess were their destination was. And Aryan had immediately hurried and ordered all the available ships in the North to Hardhome.
"I never thought I would ever go to Beyond the Wall." Willas said with a small shiver. Being a Southerner he was more susceptible to the cold than others. Willas had more fur wrapped around him than the others. Qyburn had operated on his damaged leg and had restructured his ankle back (With some discrete magical assistance from Aryan of course). Willas had to stay back for some time while the rest of the Tyrells returned back after the Spring Festival. And now that his leg was fully healed, Willas showed an interest in accompanying them. Aryan also felt it was a good idea. 'Let the south know that the Others are not just a myth.' He thought.
Aryan nodded absentmindedly. Seeing a lack of response Willas looked closely at Aryan's face and asked, "You look worried."
"Yes, I am worried. We might be late." Aryan answered.
"Late for what?" Wilas asked.
"You will see." Aryan answered holding back the suspense. Aryan then walked towards the front where Benjen Stark was standing along with Greatjon Umber. They stopped their conversation as he approached.
"Everything is fine I hope?" Aryan asked.
"Of course it is." Benjen said. "Though I must ask nephew how are we going to deal with the giants and mammoths which you are interested in? They may be too big for the ships."
"Fear not, uncle. Why did you think I sent Uncle Ned and Lord Rickard Karstark to Castle Black?" Aryan told him.
"Still is it not dangerous for them to travel alone?" Benjen asked.
"From what Bloodraven told me the Others are more interested in men than Giants. And the Giants can destroy their armies of wights more easily. Besides, most of their journey will be through the Haunted Forest and the Children are helping them." Aryan said. "Though I hope you brought the Valyrian steel weapons with you."
"I have come prepared nephew." Benjen said gripping the hilt of his sword. "You think we will be attacked?"
"Such a large gathering of the living will definitely attract them. Bloodraven has confirmed that the Others are on the move. I just hope we have enough time to evacuate them. No need to give the Others more fodder." He replied
"Even if we they come we will just smash them apart Lord Stark." Greatjon roared as he hefted his new Valyrian Steel greatsword.
"Let us hope so." Aryan said as they waited. He shifted his cloak a bit which resulted in giving the others a display of his armor.
"Is that Valyrian Steel armor, nephew?" Benjen asked fascinated.
"Oh this.." Aryan said as he removed the cloak. "Yes it is. I found it at the same source where I found the swords. Had to make small adjustment to fit to me."
The pale gray armour with the Wolves insignia. With Boris' help ,Aryan had recast the original suite to him. With Valyrian steel plates to protect all vital parts and valyrian steel chain mail for non vital parts and joints for easy movement and a spartan helmet. It had taken Boris almost a year for this but the result was worth it.
Soon it was noon. It was difficult to tell the time but Aryan had magic. And soon, Hardhome came to their view. Aryan could already see several of his ships. He was greeted by the sight of thousands of tents and fires here and there. People were moving between them.
Aryan scanned the area.
'This place is perfect to build a port followed by a city. Maybe later when I have dealt with the Others, I can expand our lands.' He thought.
Soon his ship docked and he stepped down. He walked forward followed by Willas, Benjen, William Dustin, Jorah and Greatjon. Lord Ryswell and Lord Flint. Few of the Mountain clans chiefs had also came with him. He walked forward.
"I think we should go there." Jorah said pointing in a direction.
Aryan looked there and he saw Jeor Mormont walking towards them. He was accompanied by few black brothers and few others who he assumed were the Free Folk. Soon both the parties neared each other and finished the usual formalities. Aryan already knew Mance Rayder while Jeor introduced him to Cotter Pyke.
"These are the Chieftains of the Free Folk we have gathered." Jeor told him. "I have gathered few here. The rest are elderly and are ready to follow you to South of the Wall. These are Tormund, Dalla, Val, Karsi, Harma, Gerrick, Soren Shieldbreaker, Morna White Mask, Ygon Oldfather, Devyl Sealskinner, The Great Walrus and Varamyr Sixskins. And that..."
"I am Styr, Magnar of the Thenns." Said the man introducing himself.
Aryan nodded back looking at him. Unlike the others, Styr was dressed more finely with a copper armour beneath his fur. "I am Aryan Stark. Magnar of the Northern Realms." He replied back in Old Tongue. Magnar meant leader in Old Tongue and this was a simple way to earn their respect.
He then analysed each of them. Tormund was huge with red hair. Val looked striking with her blonde hair and baby blue eyes. But it was Varamyr who gained his attention. The man was diminutive. But he had an eagle sitting on his shoulder. Aryan asked, "Are you a skinchanger?"
"Yes." Varamyr replied proudly.
"The Lord Commander called you Varamyr Sixskins. I assume you could warg into six animals." Aryan asked.
"You are right." Varamyr said. He then pointed to some distance away. "Those are the others."
Aryan saw three wolves, a snowbear and a shadowcat sitting near each other comfortably. "Interesting." Aryan said.
"I thought you Southerners.." Val began haughtily but a sharp gaze from Aryan made her change her tone. "...You people would be against wargs and wood witches. The Crows hate them."
"Most of the Crows are fucking criminals from the South who do not understand the North. We are the blood of the First Men, the last bastion of the Old Gods." Aryan told them. Then looking at Varamyr he said, "You can freely practice your abilities in the Northern Realms though you must comply with the laws. Heck, I even urge you to find others like you there and teach them warging. This is a special gift and I would loath to waste it.". He then whispered to him "We already have wargs who decided to join our spy network and protect the Northern Realms. You and others can also join it if you wish."
Varamyr looked at him strangely and looked back to the to others who shrugged. "I will think about it." He said. "I have an offering for you."
"Offering?" Aryan asked looking at Jeor who shrugged. Varamyr's eyes rolled back to his head. The others looked alarmed but Aryan said, "He is warging."
Aryan saw one of the wolves coming forward with something in its mouth. He saw William about to draw his sword but Aryan shook his head.
"Be careful nephew." Benjen warned, ready to attack.
The wolf came near and dropped what appeared to be a furball near Aryan and went back. It was a wolf pup with pitch black fur.
"You should take it." Varamyr said startling them all.
"A wolf. What could I do with it?" Aryan asked.
"It is a direwolf. I heard it was your sigil." Varamyr said.
"A direwolf." Benjen said excitedly. "They had not been seen south of the wall for years." Benjen started to touch the pup who snarled back at him. Benjen moved away.
"It does not like you Benjen." Greatjon laughed.
Aryan knelt before the pup and brought his hand forward. The pup snarled again but Aryan did not move. The pup slowly came near him wobbling and started to smell his hands. Then started to lick him. Knowing it was safe Aryan lifted the pup to his hands. This time the pup did not show any resistance.
"Is it truly a direwolf?" Jorah asked. "I see no difference between this and a regular pup."
"They are small when they are born. But they will reach the size of a horse when they grow up." Varamyr said. "This one I found few days back wandering around. The lone survivor. His pack must have left him."
"I will call you Remus." Aryan said.
"Do you not feel cold?" It was Val who asked that question.
"Of course we do." Benjen said.
"Then how do you stand in those clothes. We wear fur to warm ourselves. Your clothes do not look that thick." She asked.
"These clothes are made of threads made from fur. Not only does it protect us from cold it is also more managable and presentable and allow us more freedom in our movements." Aryan told them. He saw the Free Folk looking at the Northern dresses with interest. "You can buy these when you come with us."
"Now let us get to the matter at hand. How many Free Folk do we have here?" Aryan asked.
"About a hundred and fifty thousand." Mance answered.
"Just a hundred and fifty thousand ? I thought there would be a few hundred thousand." William Dustin asked.
"Most of them are already gone. When I went to gather the Free Folk I saw deserted villages with signs of slaughter but no bodies. The Others had taken them. And as for the rest, many had refused to come south of the wall led by the Weeper, Alfyn Crowkiller and the Lord of Bones. And we lost a great deal of people on the way during clan fights." Mance told him.
"Don't they realise they do not have any chance to stand against the Others?" The Old Bear asked.
"If I may Magnar Stark." Styr began. Aryan was surprised. From what he heard the Thenns were very proud. To easily accept him as their leader they must be really desperate. "You should not worry too much. Those who have not come here are cannibals and true savages. You will suffer more problems if you take them with you. Today they will get killed by the Cold Ones. If they came south they will get killed by you."
"While I appreciate your statement Styr, the more people we leave for the Others means we are giving them more power to their army of undead." Aryan said.
"We cannot do anything for them Magnar Stark." Karsi said agreeing with Styr.
"The Thenn is right. Those who are not here are true savages who kill each other and eat themselves. I say we leave them and go south." Tormund said.
'Well, I cannot force those who do not want to come down. Besides if what they say is true then it is better I leave them to die here rather than having to deal with them later.' He thought. "All right. Let us make haste. I don't feel very comfortable in staying here with danger not far from us."
The Free Folk went away leaving only Styr left with them. "Know this, Magnar Stark, we are submitting to you because of desperation not for cowardice. I have seen what the Cold Ones do and the horrors they leave behind. Against the advice of many of my confidants I am seeking the asylum."
"Fear not Styr. From what I have heard the Thenns are the most advanced in the Free Folk. You can live peacefully among us." Aryan assured him. They both shook hands and Styr left.
"I hope they do not steal women anymore." Greatjon grumbled.
"I have explained everything to them and the consequences of what will happen if they break the rules. It will take some time. But I am sure the Free Folk would adjust to life in the South. And the ones who attack our lands are for the great majority with the Weeper, the Crowkiller and Rattleshit." Jeor said.
"How are things at Castle Black? I hope it is going well with the Giants and the Mammoths?" Aryan asked.
"Bowen Marsh is there to handle them. I have met a Giants on the way while coming here. They are near to the wall and safer. They can travel longer distances compared to men." It was Mance Rayder who replied.
"Can we put all these Free Folk in our ships Lord Stark?" Jeor asked.
"I believe so. It would be cramped but yes. We will drop most of them at Eastwatch from where they will be led to the Gift where uncle Ned is waiting.
They then started to walk around. Aryan decided to mingle with the Free Folk as per Mance Rayder's advice. After all the Free Folk should know who their leader is. So Aryan walked around with Mance and Tormund accompanying him while the rest of the Lords went towards the ships. The ships that were full started to sail away. Now only about a thousand were left behind.
"Well, we are almost finished." William said as he saw the people slowly moving towards the last few ships.
"I would be more comfortable when I am on the ship in the waters." Aryan said. "Willas, how is the True North?"
Poor Wilas was shivering not accustomed to long hours in the cold. It was colder than it was at Winterfell. "I think I had enough cold and snow for a lifetime."
Before Aryan could mock him he felt a familiar presence in his mind. 'They are coming.' came the voice of Bloodraven.
Aryan stood stunned for sometime then quickly gathered his wits. "Lord Umber go and push them quickly into the ship. They are coming. Willas go with him. And those who have Valyrian steel stay with me. We need to buy time. Lord Dustin prepare our men. I want them each to have fire with them. Aim for the limbs rather than the head. A headless wight is more dangerous than a limbless one. Light the corpses."
The Lords looked at him blankly. Then Greatjon nodded quickly and started run pulling a stunned Willas with him.
"How do you know they are coming?" Benjen asked as he drew his sword and started to gaze in the direction Aryan was looking.
"Bloodraven." Aryan told him. And to prove his words the temperature started to decrease rapidly as it became colder. A sudden unnatural fog started to form. A distant thumping sound could be heard and it was slowly coming near. Aryan took a small mud pot from his pocket and opened it and poured it over Ice.
"Is that Wildfire? You carried wildfire in you pockets? Are you mad?" Benjen asked.
"Don't worry Uncle. I know what I am doing." Aryan said as he finished coating Ice with the glowing green liquid.
And then indistinct shapes started to appear out of the fog. Aryan beckoned a soldier who lighted his sword. As Ice glowed green in Wildfire it gave him an eerie look.
"I hope Ice will not melt away nephew." Benjen asked looking fascinated at the glowing sword.
"It won't, uncle." Aryan assured him as they waited for the army of dead to come. And soon the dead were upon them. Men, women and children some looked freshly dead, some were long decayed, others were only skeleton and there were also headless or limbless ones. And the Northerners sprung to action. They hacked and slashed. The soldiers worked as a team as it was drilled into them. Some of them slashed while the others burned the corpses.
Aryan was busy himself. At the frontline of the battle he looked like Azor Ahai himself with a glowing green sword attacking the dead. Each corpse that Ice touched burst into flames. His enhanced physique also helped him. After some time, though it felt like a few hours, everything was silent again. The fog was gone. All the corpses were down burning. Few of the Free Folk had the presence of mind to light fires with whatever was available and formed a barricade were they were boarding the ship. They seemed to look at them in a new light.
"Is that all?" Jorah asked looking around.
"You shouldn't have said that." Aryan shouted back.
Jorah looked at him puzzled. And as if to prove Aryan's words it started to become cold again. And they came again. But this time they were led by the Others, three of them to be exact. Tall and gaunt, with flesh pale as milk and cold blue eyes that were burning like ice. Unlike the dead the Others were riding on horses which were obviously dead with flesh missing here and there with cold air coming out of their nostrils.
"By the Gods, I cannot believe my eyes." William Dustin gasped.
Jorah looked stunned to see them and seemed to be stuck on the spot.
The Others looked at them with their expressionless faces. They then started to advance forward with the army of dead surrounding them.
"Ok. Everyone retreat slowly to the fires. Do not engage the Others unless it is unavoidable." Aryan shouted at them as the fog started to surround them. He heard the panicking Free Folk shouting as they saw the Others. Some of them assisted in burning more fires as the Northern army retreated back. But again the White Walkers were upon them. But unlike last time now the dead were in greater numbers. And they realised it soon. They came in endless numbers as the Northerners destroyed them. More and more came and it was starting to tire them out.
"This is too much. We must retreat." William Dustin shouted behind Aryan. It was then Aryan saw one of the Other advancing towards Benjen. Alarmed he started to hurry towards Benjen but he was slow due to the dead engaging him. He looked on as Other started to attack Benjen. Benjen tried to retreat but he was too far. So he started to fight back but Aryan could see it was a lost cause. The Other was too quick and too strong and better fighter. And soon Aryan saw the Other stabbing Benjen. Benjen kneeled down clutching his stomach.
As the Other raised its sword to deal the killing blow, Aryan closed his eyes and apparated behind the Other sure that the fog would mask him. The Other realized his sudden presence behind it and quickly turned behind but it was too late as Aryan slashed the burning Ice into its face. And it exploded into ice crystals. He then hurried towards Benjen.
"Uncle, are you all right?" He asked holding Benjen.
Benjen groaned and started to mumble about Dacey and their children. Aryan cast a wandless stasis charm on the wound. By then Tormund had reached him.
"You killed it? It is the first time I had seen one." Tormund said. "You are not just a green boy."
"Yes, Valyrian Steel can destroy them." Aryan answered.
"What is Valyrian Steel?" Tormund asked. But then his gaze went to Aryan's back and his widened. "There are two cold ones coming here."
Aryan turned back and saw the remaining two Others coming towards him on their horses. "Quick. Take my Uncle towards the ships. I will buy you time."
"I could help." Tormund offered lifting his axe.
"You could help by taking him to the ship. I can deal with them." Aryan told him.
Tormund patted Aryan's shoulders and said, "Don't die, Magnar." He then lifted Benjen and ran towards the ships.
Aryan stood up and watched as the two Others came near him. He was far enough from the other northerners and there was fog too. "Let us play."
He then took his wand and pointed at the Other who was in front and cast, "Reducto."
The blasting curse stuck the Other who looked surprised as he was flung from top of his horse. Aryan repeated the same with the next one too who also due to their speed could not avoid the curse. As the two riderless horses approached him he slashed them hard and they were set on fire and started to run wildly. Having dealt with that he walked towards the Others who were getting up. One had a sword while the Other had a spear made of Ice. The one with the sword came towards him and attacked which Aryan blocked and the contact started to produce a small wailing sound. The Other looked surprised at that and looked at him. By then the other one too joined the fight. Both of them started to attack. The Others were stronger and faster than a normal human. It was only his enhanced body that allowed him to parry or block their attacks. After some time Aryan realized that he was tiring. The Others did not give any such indication as they attacked him continuously with precision.
'I must use my magic or I am done for. But first I must separate them.' He thought as he dodged another attack. As he fought he looked around until he found a suitable spot some distance away. So he jumped backwards when they attacked, next cast a banishing charm on one of the Other who was pushed back a few feet. Seeing his chance he quickly grabbed the nearby Other. Even through his gloves Aryan felt the a chill reaching his body so he quickly disapparated taking the Other with him.
On reaching the destination he released the Other who looked a bit stunned at what happened but it quickly regained its bearing and started to attack Aryan. Aryan saw the other one coming towards them. So when the Other attacked him next time he immediately bent down and slashed it legs and it exploded. Seeing its kin falling the remaining Other let out a shrill unholy sound and ran towards him. Aryan disapparated and reappeared just a few feet in front of the running other with Ice pointed towards it and plunged it into its chest as it was unable to avoid it due to its momentum. And it too joined the rest in ice crystals. As soon as the last Other was destroyed the weather all the dead went down like a switch and the weather went back to normal.
As soon as visibility returned Aryan looked around. He heard someone calling his name and walked in that direction. He had not realized he was quite far from the others. He realized the voice nearing him and soon he found out that it was Greatjon whose loud booming voice he now identified. When Greatjon saw him he hurried towards Aryan. He was followed by Willas.
"Lord Stark." He said gasping. "Are you all right?"
Aryan looked at them. Both looked thoroughly banged. Greatjon looked wounded here and there while there was a noticeable scar on Willas's cheek. "I am fine. The fight was more difficult than I imagined. What about you Greatjon? You are wounded."
"These…," Greatjon said pointing at the wound "… are just small flesh wounds Lord Stark."
"And Willas how about you? I sent you towards the ships." Aryan asked.
"I may not be a knight or warrior like you all. But I was born in a Noble house in the Reach which is the heart of chivalry. I cannot just run away from a battle like that." Willas said.
"I appreciate your help Willas. But I did not want you dead or injured while you are my guest. Especially against enemies about whom southeners think is just a northern tale to scare children." Aryan told him.
"Lord Stark is right Lord Willas Tyrell. Who knows, your father may declare war on the Northern Realms." Greatjon added though anyone could detect the mocking tone towards the end of his dialogue.
Willas ignored that and replied, "Truthfully I forgot all about that when I saw everyone else fighting."
Aryan nodded and started to walk towards the ships. There were many corpses lying around. He even noticed many of his soldiers lying dead along with many of the free folk.
"How many of our men died?" Aryan asked.
"Almost half My Lord." Greatjon said. "It was the Others that did the most damage. Our men did not have a chance against them."
'That is almost five hundred men.' Aryan thought as they reached the other Lords.
"We lost Lord Wull. Jeor Mormont is heavily wounded. I don't think he has much long to live. And we are yet to find Benjen Stark." Greatjon told him.
"Uncle had been stabbed by an Other. I had to send him back towards the ship." Aryan told him.
They reached where he saw the others gathered around a wounded Jeor with his head on Jorah's lap. When the Old Bear saw him he rasped, "Lord Stark, my watch has ended."
"You performed your watch perfectly Lord Mormont." Aryan told him kneeling in front of him.
Jeor then gave his sword to Jorah. "Take this. It rightfully belongs to you now." He said as he passed on Longclaw, the ancestral sword of House Mormont to his son. Jorah tearfully grasped his sword. Soon the Old Bear breathed his last. Jorah started to cry while the others started to comfort him. Aryan left them and walked away from them William Dustin following him. By now all the ships had been loaded with only a handful of Free Folk left comprising of mostly the ones whom he had met.
"We need to burn the bodies." Aryan said told William.
"I will tell the men." William said but stopped as he saw a few Free Folk approaching led by Mance and Tormund with Val following them. He also saw Karsi with two children whom he assumed were her daughters.
"Lord Stark." Mance said as he reached them. "I am sorry for your losses."
"I appreciate your concern Mance." Aryan told him. "What are you here for?"
"I wanted to say that the you have gained the respect of the Free Folk after seeing you all fighting the Others." Mance said speaking in common tongue.
"As they should be." William grumbled.
"And they feel that we must not stay here anymore. We barely survived this wave." Mance said.
"For once I agree with them, My Lord." William said.
"We must get away from here, Magnar." Karsi spoke.
"See they are already calling you Magnar. You have proved your strength to them. So they will easily submit to you." Mance said.
"Why did you not go in the rest of the ships?" Aryan asked Karsi.
She was about to answer when Aryan raised his hand and silenced her. 'He is coming.' Bloodraven's voice echoed in his ears.
'And we cannot deal with him now.' Aryan thought. He shouted loud, "Get back to ships. Now. He is coming."
They started to hurry towards the ship. William asked, "Another wave of attack?"
"Yes. Led by the Night King himself." Aryan told him. "We have done what we could do. Let us leave the rest to the Children."
As they neared the water they felt the weather changing. It became colder and fog started to surround them. They boarded the boats and started to row. Within a few moments even the coast was covered in fog. After some time they were a few hundred meters away from the coast.
"Finally, now I can take a respite. For almost a year beyond the Wall dealing with the Free Folks and watching out for the White Walkers has taken a toll on me." Mance Ryder said standing up. He was on the same boat as Aryan. "I am going to drink myself to death when I return back to the Wall."
Aryan was about to reply when he heard it before he saw it. He heard a gurgling sound coming from Mance. He looked at him and saw a long and thick spear made of ice stuck in his chest piercing it to the other side. Mance looked at the coast and pointed a finger there before he fell into the waters.
Aryan followed Mance's fingers and saw a lone solitary figure looking at him. A bald head with cold and cruel eyes was looking at him.
"Another Other." Tormund said joining Aryan.
"It is not just any Other. It is their leader, the Night King himself." Aryan told him as he looked back defiantly.
"How do you know that? We had never heard of him." Karsi said where she was sitting with her daughters.
And it was then the Night King raised his hands. And all the corpses came to life with icy eyes. This time they were joined by the fallen Northern soldiers and the Free Folk. The sea water started to freeze around the Night King.
"We have known about him for a few years now." Aryan answered Karsi. He looked on as the fog completely covered the coasts and their boats reached the Marauder.
'We will meet again later. That day will be you and your kind's last.' Aryan promised.
~
Pentos
A cloaked figure was walking towards a yellow brick mansion at end of the street. Few wisps of blue hair was visible through his cloak. He hated coming here. But such was the cause. For beggars can't be choosers. Reaching at the entrance he saw two guards. Lowering his cloak he told them in Valyrian, "Tell the Magister that Gryff is here."
"You are expected." One of the guards who looked to be the leader said. "Follow me."
Gryff, formerly known as Jon Connington, followed the guard. He did not look afraid of being recognized. Gone was the youthful face which had been replaced with a weary one with a couple of scars. His blue hair and beard completed the look. Soon he was brought into a hall with a balcony overlooking a garden. The cheesemonger was waiting for him.
"Ah Gryff. My friend. How are you?" He spoke loudly with his multiple chins shaking.
Bile rose in his throat seeing the sight. With heavy perfume to mask his hideous smell, Illyrio never impressed Gryff. But since he was the one who financed the Targaryen cause, Gryff was forced to bear with him. "We are not friends Illyrio. Just two individuals who aligned to accomplish the same goal. But still I can't understand, what will you gain from all this?"
Illyrio smiled but did not answer. "Come with me." He said walking to the balcony.
With a sigh Gryff followed him. He did not trust Varys. He had learnt that from Rhaegar and Rhaella who never dealt with the eunuch. And he hated Illyrio too. 'Perhaps, after Aegon gains his throne I will take care of them. So that Aegon has a peaceful reign.' He thought.
The balcony overlooked a garden. Illyrio pointed him towards a place. Gryff saw two people sitting there with Valyrian features. The younger girl was reading a book while the older looking boy seemed to be speaking to her but with a haughty expression.
"The other two heads of the dragon. Prince Viserys and Princess Daenarys." Illyrio said.
Gryff looked at them more closely. Viserys did not impress him at all. He looked lanky but did not have a regal appearance unlike Rhaegar or Young Gryff. But Daenarys was a real beauty. The beauty most of the Valyrians inherited. Even more beautiful than most.
"She is a beauty isn't she?" Illyrio asked.
"I agree." For once Gryff agreed with the cheesemonger.
"I was smitten at first by her beauty and thought of eliminating Viserys and claiming her as a wife, but dismissed the idea soon. The girl is too timid and frightened. A coupling with her would give me no pleasure." Illyrio said laughing.
Gryff felt his blood boil. He had a sudden urge to rip Illyrio apart but refrained, knowing that he will not be able to escape the mansion alive after that and thus will never be able to help Young Gryff reclaim his birthright. He calmed himself and asked, "She is to be Aegon's Queen when he sits on the Iron Throne. What do you mean by she is timid and afraid?"
"Yes I know. As to why she is timid and afraid, the answer is Viserys. The Prince has some anger issues and unfortunately it is her who has to suffer the brunt." Illyrio told him.
'Huh. The Targaryen madness has found another victim.' He thought and told him, "That won't do. When she becomes a Queen I want her regal and confident. The Queen of the Seven Kingdoms cannot be a frightened girl."
"You are right. Varys had told me the same too. I had delayed it too long." Illyrio said.
"First of all keep the siblings apart. Use any means to restrain Viserys. She is more important than him." Gryff said. "And how are you going to do what you said. It is not something that can be taught. It has to be observed and learnt."
"You need not worry how I am going to do that. I know someone who has all these qualities. Daenarys will be safe in her hands." Illyrio said.
Gryff did not ask for any further details. He took one last look at them and went back inside with Illyrio following him.
"Now tell me something. I heard a rumor on the way. People were speaking about it. What happened to the Golden Company? Did they really lose?" Gryff asked.
Illyrio fidgeted in his seat. "Yes. They lost." He confirmed.
Gryff looked stunned. He was at lose to find words. "But how? The Golden Company is the best. How did they lose. And to the Company of Rose. Granted the Company is good. But we have better manpower and resources."
"They too have. Which we learnt rather late." Illyrio said.
Gryff gaped at him. He had campaigned with the Golden company for almost five years. He was a part of many of their successful campaigns. The discipline and skill of Golden Company was what set them apart. Even when they came close to defeat they never lost their discipline which had given them victory in dire situations.
"How?" He asked.
"As you know Lys hired the Company of Rose, the Golden Company was hired by Tyrosh. We attacked them but they were repelled. The Lyseni had purchased two thousand Unsullied. Using them the Company held up a good defense. We had even blocked the disputed lands by our ships. But then we brought our elephants into the fray." Illyrio said.
"And then?" He asked dreadfully. The elephants were the trump card of the Golden Company since they could easily break any defence.
"Then came their navy with even more men. Our fleet was sunk. Thankfully it was only half our fleet. Then they blew loud horns which sent our elephants in a frenzy. Attacked from both sides the Golden Company had to flee into the inlands making their way to Selhoris." Illyrio explained. "And now Lys has got complete hold of the Disputed Lands finally."
Gryff sat down trying to wrap his head on what he head. "Unthinkable." He said. "Where did the ships and men come from?"
"The ships are from Braavos." Illyrio said. "I don't know about the men."
"Bravos is involved?" He asked.
"I don't know." Illyrio shrugged. "As we speak they are fortifying the Disputed Lands. I believe it is a lost cause now. For centuries the Disputed Lands had been the main source of income for all the mercenary companies. Even to us. Lys has allowed the Company of Rose to set up a permanent base there."
"What about Volantis? I thought they would interfere." Gryff asked.
"They would have if not for the civil war going on." Illyrio said.
"I refuse to believe this is a coincidence. Civil war in Volantis to stop them from aiding Tyrosh and this resource and manpower to the Company of Rose. Somebody is playing the game." Gryff concluded. "What about the Rogares? Isn't Lysandro who now rules Lys in all but name?"
"His people are happy with him. He had achieved what many tried and failed before him." Illyrio said. "You would be interested in knowing that he is going to marry his eldest daughter to the Stark of Winterfell."
"What? Why would they want an alliance with those savages?" He said venomously.
"Those savages are one of the most powerful if not the most in Westeros." Illyrio said. "And Varys has a suspicion that Aryan Stark's hand is in all this."
"No way. Those tree worshiping fools cannot have a hand in this. For centuries they had been content in their frigid lands. I don't see any reason for them to suddenly take an interest in the happenings of the Seven Kingdoms." Gryff said dismissing what Illyrio said.
"Maybe. Time changes people. From what Varys told me the North or the Northern Realms as they are calling themselves has changed. He is already wary of Aryan Stark the new Warden of the North. They are now very powerful. Even the so called Tywin Lannister is wary. We need to be very careful. I had already sent enough gold to make up for the loses of the Golden Company. It is time for you and Gryff to join the Golden Company and train to lead an army. Even though Varys is trying his best to destabilise Westeros, your campaign there would be an uphill task." Illyrio warned.
"Then I must get back to my son." Gryff said getting up. "Do whatever to win." Illyrio nodded.
Gryff walked out. He had a lot to think. 'Whatever happens the Lion, the Stag, the Falcon, the Trout and the Wolves all will fall at feet of the Dragon. I had failed the father but I will not fail the son.'
~
King's Landing, the Crownlands
It was just another small council meeting. And like always it was full of insulting each other and unnecessary arguments instead of decision making, Varys wondered just how long he had to endure them. Robert Baratheon was drunk as usual. Cersei invited herself and was interested in insulting the others and proposing Lannister men for any King's Guard and Small Council position. Stannis Baratheon did not want to be here if the grinding of his teeth was any indication. The same could be said about the Lord Commander Barristan Selmy. Jon Arryn was actually trying to do something but the old man was too soft. He did not have Tywin Lannister's iron grip to make everyone listen to him. The Master of Laws Renly Baratheon had fallen back to his own ways and had gone to the Reach to attend yet another tourney. The only people who were actually interested in sitting there were him and Littlefinger.
'Who knows what kinds of schemes the Master of Coin is cooking up?' Varys thought. Varys was able to find that it was Baelish who was responsible for the revolt of the Faith. It was a good plan too. To use the Faith against Eddard Stark and possibly kill him. But sadly it did not go the way Baelish hoped for. If it had been any other Lord perhaps they would have bent to the Faith. But against Aryan 'The Bloody Wolf' Stark, the Warden of the North where the Faith did not have any power anymore, his scheme failed. His scheme failed even more because it united the North even more after House Manderly and House Wells official conversion to the Old Gods, even House Whitehill, the last northern family who follows the Seven has started to become closer to the Old Gods after the death of the Boltons and would soon follow the other two Houses in abandoning the Faith. The Bloody Wolf lived up to his name and massacred the Faith militants and the High Septon and went back to Winterfell and started to purge the septons and septas of his kingdom and even left some septas, who insulted the northeners and the Old Gods, naked in whorehouses leaving the rest of the seven Kingdoms to deal with the huge protests of the Faith while the North was more united than ever. But slowly everything was settling down.
Somebody could ask him why did he not reveal this to the King? After all, Littlefinger was a threat to him. But Varys would answer that anything to fracture the Kingdom regardless of who did it would aid the Black Dragons's cause. Like the fact that the small council argued too much instead of making solid decisions, and was thus slowly destabilizing the Kingdom, was an advantage. Varys knew Robert Baratheon was a bad King. But his 'son' Prince Joffrey Baratheon or Joffrey Waters would be worse if his current behavior was any indication.
"Lord Varys, is there anything we need to know?" Jon Arryn asked.
He smiled at the Old Falcon. "Lord Hand, I don't know. But my birds had brought me some songs."
"Then sing it quickly Varys. I am out of patience." Robert grumbled.
"You must be interested in learning that there had been a fire in an inn in Lannisport which had been owned by Lord Tyrion." Varys said.
"Why does a fire in an Inn by the dwarf require our attention?" Stannis asked.
"The fire might be nothing special. But what is interesting is that Amory Lorch was present in the Inn that night." Varys said.
"The childkiller. What of him?" Stannis asked interested. Varys saw Barristan Selmy also looking interested while Cersei scowled.
"He had not been seen ever since. It is presumed that he must have died in the fire." Varys told.
Stannis smiled which surprised many including Varys because it was a sight none of them had witnessed. "Very good. I hope he cried as he burned."
Robert Baratheon did not say anything.
"It must be those sneering Martells." Cersei said sneering.
"We don't know that, Your Grace." Jon Arryn told him.
Varys agreed with Jon Arryn silently. He knew it was not Doran who was sitting idle these days. And Oberyn was in Essos which he had confirmed from his birds in Pentos.
Before Cersei could say anything else Robert spoke, "Well he died and I am not going to waste my time dealing with that shit. Anything else Varys?"
Cersei seemed to protest again but Varys saw Jaime shaking his head. So she scowled and remained silent.
'Pity they could have argued more.' He thought and spoke again, "Well the next news I have to share is about the Northern Realms, Your Grace."
"What about them?" Jon Arryn asked.
"My birds have found out who the next Lady Stark will be." Varys began.
Robert looked interested, "Well, who will the Bloody Wolf be saddled with?"
"The bride is Gabriella Rogare from Lys." He said. What he did not tell them was how long it took to find the news. It was Illyrio who gave him the news. He himself was surprised by the choice. But later when he thought about it he understood the significance. There were no Houses in Westeros that could offer the Starks anything. But Essos, it was a different story. He even wondered if there was any involvement of the Starks in the Golden Company's defeat. But he had no evidence or reports or even the slightest information to support that theory.
"Rogare, as in Larra Rogare the wife of Prince Viserys II Targaryen?" Grandmaester Pycelle asked.
"You are correct Grandmaester." Varys said. 'At least he's not completely incompetent.'
"But last we heard House Rogare went down due to their conflicts in Lys." Pycelle rasped.
"And they rose again." Varys said. And he cursed himself for that. He had heard about the Rogares slowly gaining in reach for a few years but had overlooked the issue never having thought that the Rogares would affect his plans here. And it was dangerous and he had to break this alliance but he did not know how yet. But he had to try. "And now the Rogares rule Lys and the Disputed Lands in all but name."
"Ned did not tell me about this." Robert grumbled. "But who cares? I will go to Winterfell for the wedding."
"He did not inform me too." Jon Arryn agreed.
"The King does not go to weddings of his subjects." Cersei quipped while drinking her wine.
"Silence woman. No one can stop me." Robert shouted.
"Please Robert. There is time. We will discuss about it later." Jon said.
"Why Rogares and Lys? Why not any alliance within Westeros?" Baelish asked.
Varys did not tell them about Golden Company and its defeat. 'Better no one knows about that until someone asks.' He thought. Before he could speak anything it was surprisingly the Kingslayer who answered them.
"Because nobody in Westeros can offer the Starks anything." Jaime stated.
"I agree." Stannis said surprising everyone. "Unless it was a royal marriage."
"Which I will not agree to, ever." Cersei finished.
"And perhaps the Rogares must have seen this as an opportunity." Jon Arryn said.
"Only the Starks must be desperate for a marriage alliance across the sea." Cersei said.
"Your Grace, you are forgetting that Prince Doran's wife is also married to Mellario of Norvos." Jon Arryn spoke.
"And what good did it bring him? She left for him for almost a decade. Dorne still isolates themselves. And her slut daughter have given birth to a bastard." Cersei said with a vindictive smile.
'And you have three incestborn bastards.' Varys thought smiling. "If I may Your Grace, Lord Tywin himself had sent a proposal to Lysandro Rogare for your cousin Devan Lannister only to be rebuffed." Varys added.
Everyone remained silent for a few seconds and then Robert started to laugh hard while the others were smiling. Even Stannis seemed to be smirking. Cersei's cheeks flushed in anger.
Seeing Cersei about to explode Jon Arryn asked intervened, "Anything else Lord Varys?"
"The Starks and the Lords of Northern Realms have gone beyond the Wall to bring the wildlings south of the Wall." Varys said.
"The savages are going to bring even more savages?" Cersei asked.
"Are you saying that they are going to allow the wildlings into their lands?" Stannis asked.
"Yes Prince Stannis." Varys said.
"Why would they do that?" Jon asked. "Ned never told me of this. Did he tell you anything about this, Your Grace?"
"Now that you said it I remember him mentioning that when he came to King's Landing." Robert said remembering.
"And you did not think a matter of such importance needed our opinions?" Stannis asked.
"How can they make such decisions without informing the King?" Cersei asked.
"It is an internal matter of the Northern Realms, which I don't think needs a Royal interference." Robert said. "And as to why I did not tell you it slipped away from my mind after the fiasco here."
"There had been always a hatred for the wildlings by the Northerners. Why would they suddenly bring them south?" Jon wondered.
"My birds told me that they are going to permanently seal the Wall after they bring them south. And there are also mention of the Others."
"Others? They are just children's tales from the past." Pycelle said.
"Perhaps Grandmaester, I am just telling you what my birds tell me." Varys said.
"You must call the Warden of the North for an explanation." Cersei said.
"I agree." Jon Arryn concurred much to the surprise of many. "We need a much detailed explanation."
"I will think about it." Robert said.
"And when would that be Robert?" Cersei asked.
"When I think it is time." Robert said getting up and walking out.
Clearly understanding that the Small Council meeting had been dismissed Varys got up and hurried. He needed to send a message.
~
Old Castle, The Northern Realms
A longship slowly docked into the small port. Unlike Wolfbay or White Harbour this one was very small just enough to cater to only a couple of ships. As soon as the ship docked the usual formalities with the Harbor Master was finished and they started to refill themselves for their further journey. The merchant abroad set off to the local market place to sell his wares. One of the fact about the occupants of the ship was that all of the sailors were very tanned. Though it must not concern anyone as the people were used to deal with foreigners as far as Asshai these days.
But this ship was actually here to receive a special consignment. And the person who was to receive the consignment was pacing restlessly above the deck. Oberyn Martell had never been a patient man. Especially now when he was about to get a part of his revenge. He had never expect the Warden of the Northern Realms to so quickly act on his word. In fact he had been very sceptical. But when he received word to come to this location without anyone's knowledge he had set on. He did not bother to inform Doran not knowing what his reaction would be. He told Ellaria and then took Obara and Nymeria with him. He had shaved his head for achieving his anonymity. He hired a ship and filled it with his trusted men and set off stopping at Oldtown and Lannisport to complete the facade. Nym even managed to seduce and bring two Lannister men-at-arms and Oberyn took great pleasure in slowly killing them. And now they were here.
"You need to calm down father." Obara said. "You are just tiring yourself out."
Oberyn looked at her and remembered.
(Flashback begins)
Obara's mother was a prostitute in Oldtown whom he had fucked once during his youth. Later when he visited Oldtown again he came across Obara and her mother. He immediately recognized her as his.
When he confronted the prostitute to claim Obara she did not wish her to go and told him, "She is a girl and I do not think that she is yours. I had been with a thousand other men."
Oberyn backhanded the prostitute while throwing his spear at Obara's feet. He then told her, "Girl or boy, we fight our battles but the gods let us choose our weapons."
He then pointed at the spear and then her mother's tears. Obara immediately took the spear without hesitation.
"I told you she was mine." Oberyn told the prostitute and took Obara with him.
(Flashback ends)
He later came to know that her mother drank herself to death. He had made Obara a fierce warrior. What she lacked in beauty she made up with her fighting skills.
"I had been waiting for this moment for many years Obara. I have every right to be impatient knowing that the chance at a part of my revenge is very close." Oberyn answered.
The shadows were lengthening indicating that the sun was setting down. He felt alien in the cold away from the warmth of Dorne. But he was willing to endure it.
"Do you see anyone coming?" He called out to Nym who leaning over the deck looking at the docks.
"No one father." Nym called back.
Oberyn walked towards her and asked again. "Are you sure?" He then joined her looking at the docks.
Annoyed at him Nym said spreading her hands towards the docks. "Its not like there are many people here that something like this will escape my eyes."
Oberyn took a look and had to agree with her. The docks were certainly desolated with only a few people here and there. Oberyn continued waiting till the sun finally went down. Soon the moon rose and the wind started to get colder. His daughters dutifully stood by him for quite sometime but even them were finally fed up with the wait.
Finally Nym said, "Let us go down father."
"I thought I will get him today. That was what the letter said. The gift would be waiting for us." Oberyn said subdued.
"They must have been delayed father. There is always a tomorrow." Nym said comforting him.
"You are right." Oberyn said as they went below.
As soon as they opened Oberyn's considerably large cabin they noticed a presence. A woman with dark hair was sitting on his bed.
"Prince Oberyn Martell. I presume." She said.
"Who are you?" Oberyn asked on guard.
She smiled. "No one."
"No one. You must be some one bitch. Speak before I tear your guts apart." Obara said drawing a large knife.
The woman smiled and pointed to a rather large box which he had not noticed before. "The Bloody Wolf sends his regards."
Obara and Nym opened the box. Inside bound and gagged was Amory Lorch whose eyes widened on seeing Oberyn's face.
"Tell him I appreciate his gift and I am indebted to..." Oberyn spoke then stopped when he saw the woman was gone. "Where did she go?"
The surprise was still visible on his daughters' face. "Where did she go?" Obara asked as she looked around.
"Leave it." Oberyn said.
"How long have I been waiting for you?" Oberyn said. "My brother and the gods did not listen to me. But somebody did."
Obara then removed the gag from Amory's face who started to babble."Please leave me. Let me live. Lord Tywin will give you enough gold."
"I am not going to kill you Amory. At least not yet. But you will wish I killed you. And as for Tywin's gold, they say he shits gold. Tywin can eat his gold so that he can shit it again."
"I told the captain that we are ready to depart." Nym said coming back.
"Good girl." He said. Then spoke to the babbling Amory, "We are going to sail away from Westeros for sometime. I promise you that we will enjoy our time. I sure will."
As the ship took off to the sea away from land Oberyn's laugh could still be heard through the ship.
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