บท 29: Chapter 25
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***
Damian Blackheart.
I saw Dragonstone for the first time in my life. The man who met us was Davos Seaworth, known to me from the books and even the TV series.
This man saved Stannis and his men from starvation during the siege of Storm's End, for which he was knighted by him. He is one of Stannis's most loyal supporters, though he has no love for Melisandre and her R'Glor, also in Stannis's service. He, like me, owns lands, albeit small ones, on the Cape of Wrath, when I was still fighting against the Storm Lords and when I made the Tanbury alliance, intended to harness Seaworth and his sons into it as well. After all, they have a small fleet that is quite good and fast, and they are a neighbour you can do business with and not expect scorn because of their origins.
Davos is a short man with a plain face. He has a dark russet beard with a noticeable sagebrush, brown eyes with a slight grey tint, and the same colour hair, that is brown.
- Welcome Lord Blackheart and Lord Dondarrion to Dragonstone. - He greeted me and Berrik, who towered above me on my left side. - I see you are not well?
Back at Harrenhal, Lady Went had given me her husband's old wheelchair as a little help with mobility. He was having trouble with his legs in his old age, and the Maester had eventually made him a similar contraption to the one Doran Martell had. So here I am in front of Seaworth, sitting in it. Although my left leg has healed and I can only move on one crutch, and the other bone is also healed, but it is not yet developed to move independently. Oh, and why go into battle early, or just make light of the fact that I can walk. Besides, Tiena is so kind and rolls me in it "in gratitude for saving her sister" and because of "caring for her neighbour" as she was "taught by her mother". Well, let her try, I don't mind. Her second sister has already "thanked" me for her rescue, and I won't mind and the third snake to drag into my bunk, I hope it won't bite my dick, hehehe, however, maybe I'll enjoy it....
- No, don't worry so much, it's just a stage of recovery sire Davos, I've had a number of wounds near the Storm Falls, including both broken legs.
- I hope you'll be able to get back in the saddle soon?
- You bet I will. Our king will need loyal men, and I don't intend to sit in this wheel chair for long. I'm out for Lannister blood.
The man smiled slightly.
- You are not the only one, my lord. Please follow me. The King has ordered you and Lord Dondarrion to be received immediately.
- Then I don't think we need to linger here on the dock for long, do you? - I asked my companion with a smile.
- I am of the same opinion. - Berrick nodded to me, a little sleepy.
- Then please follow me. - Seaworth nodded briefly and we followed him.
The climb up to the donjon was difficult, for we had to follow the long steps, with Darren carrying me and John carrying a wheelchair on his hump.
Dragonstone was quite a beautiful place in its own way. I mean, it combined the Gothic style native to my past world while hybridising it with Valyrian culture. And maybe a little Andalian theme thrown in. I'm not much of an architectural expert, but I've seen different cultures in my life.
Anyway, this truly majestic fortress appeared before us in all its gloomy glory.
Dragonstone is considered one of the most impregnable strongholds of all the kingdoms. It is built of black stone, all its towers and buildings, surrounded by high mighty walls, are built in the shape of dragons to frighten the enemies and decorated with them, instead of simple teeth everywhere placed gargoyles, the number of which, according to popular rumour, is equal to a thousand.
Thousands of statues, all different: griffins, demons, manticores, minotaurs, basilisks, terrible dogs, looked at him from the walls instead of teeth. And there were dragons everywhere you looked. It is obvious that this castle was built on the order of Valyrians, who are turned on these lizards overgrown.
The Great Hall had the form of a dragon lying on its belly, and one entered it through the open mouth. The kitchen was also a dragon curled up in a ball, and the smoke from the cookers came out through its nostrils. The tower dragons were positioned as if they were sitting and preparing to take off in the next second. Smaller dragons framed the gates, dragon claws protruded from the walls to serve as torch nests, stone wings surrounded the forge and armoury, tails curved to form arches, bridges and external staircases.
What about the exterior, even some of the corridors here were paved with tiles in the form of scales....
In short, rather than describing it in detail, I got the impression that this castle was built by a very talented dragon-crazed craftsman who was whipped by an equally dragon-crazed Targaryen.
I was welcomed into the Throne Room, almost as it looked in the TV series. There was one smarmy blonde sitting on that throne of obsidian and black stone, and here was a clearly not smarmy man with a scowl on his face.
Stannis Baratheon was a man of shoulders and wiry build. His face was covered with sun-bleached skin that looked hard and unpleasant. He was not yet thirty-five, but he was already balding, and the remnants of black hair circled his head behind his ears like the shadow of a crown being taken from him. He had sideburns, unlike the serialised version, and he cut them short, and they ran in blue-black patches along his sunken cheeks to his rectangular jaw. His eyes were dark blue, but had little in common with the merriment I'd seen in the eyes of his older brother Robert or the younger Renly.
After the death of King Robert, he proclaimed himself King of Westeros, but was not supported because he did not have strong vassals and did not have the charisma of his brothers to attract people. If it wasn't for Eddard Stark standing on his right side, smiling slightly at me and nodding in greeting, he wouldn't have had the support of the North and the Riverlands. Though considering who they had to support, some of the River Lords decided to support the Lannister twins' brood.
But besides Stannis and Stark, there were other lords of the Kingslands and even the Riverlands and Stormlands present: Lord Bar-Emmon, Lord Montford Vellarion, Lord Sanglass, Adrian "Red Crab" Saltigar, Lord Godry Farring, Lord Angerton, Lord Justin Massey, another son of Lord Estermont. To my surprise Ser Brynden Tully himself was present, judging by the description and the crest on his chest, and with him were several men with the crests of cats, both from the Riverlands and the Vale.
Also standing separately to the King's left are three royal guardsmen, Ser Baristan Selmy, Ser Aris Ockhart and Ser Mendon Moore. It seems they had not had time to fulfil Robert's last orders and had only just sailed up to Dragonstone when they were caught up in the news of the king's death and the descent of Cersei's children. And they must have sworn an oath to Stannis. I remember in canon, I think he didn't have a Kingsguard as such, he didn't recruit it. Just his loyal knights and soldiers.
Contrast, though...
True, there's no Stannis's wife or his red priestess here.
- My King! - Berrik knelt immediately.
- My King! - I bowed my head, because I couldn't-- I didn't want to. - I apologise for not being able to kneel, I'm afraid it's not possible now.
- What happened to you, Lord Blackheart? - Stannis asked dryly and without emotion.
- What sometimes happens in battle is injury. In my case, wounds that were compounded by broken legs.
- I've reported to you, my king, on the battle of Stormfall. - Justin Massey spoke to him. - Lord Blackheart defeated three of Tywin Lannister's main forces that day: Amory Lorch, Captain Howth, and Lord Lefford, the first two of whom he stripped of their heads, the third of whom he took prisoner. He then faced off against a Lannister force several times superior to his own and suffered greatly and lost many brave warriors. - Lord Massey praised me.
- So he did, Your Grace. - Stark seconded him. - Lord Blackheart and Lord Dondarrion were sent by me to punish the false knight Amory Lorch, and they have done more than well. And so his brother and his men helped me and my daughters escape from the dungeons of Red Castle.
Stannis looked at me again and considered something. I think he wanted to ask me something and get an answer, but he changed his mind at the last moment and asked another question:
- Are you willing to serve me Lord Blackheart? Are you willing to lay down your life for me, if necessary, in the face of an enemy that surpasses you in both numbers and experience?
- That is so my king. - I answered. - You are the rightful king of the Seven Kingdoms and it is my duty as your vassal to defend your interests and fight for you if the situation demands it. You can safely count on my sword and the swords of my men.
- I will. I accept your sword and Lord Berrik's.
After that, we swore the oath to Stannis verbally at Eddard Stark's brief sign. Usually it's done in the sept or at least in front of the septon to witness it. But there's been a discrepancy here from what I know.
- Rest from your journey, my lords. There's a meeting tonight in the chamber of the Painted Table. I await you there, and the servants will escort you when the time comes.
After that we removed ourselves with some of the lords that were there and retired to our assigned chambers. It was about two hours later when myself, John, Theo Frey, Martin Rivers, Berrick Dondarrion, Thoros of Myr and young Edric Dane cleaned up and even washed ourselves. And decided to have a few drinks in my chambers, as they say to sit in purely male company. Nymeria and Tiena wanted to join us, but I explained that we would be talking about purely masculine topics. They smiled understandingly and left. I don't think they were offended. Nor will Oberyn Martel's daughters resent me for not letting them drink with us.
In fact, we had a typical drunkenness, but without excesses, to be with sanity and strength, which smoothly flowed into the discussion of female forms. Martin and Thoros were particularly fervent in their discussions, while our young squires occasionally poured wine for them and us and chatted about something of their own. Both lads had become friends during our acquaintance with Berrick and their intercourse with each other, so the squires did not waste time. Edric thought and almost suggested that he and John were milk brothers, and perhaps even Edric's nurse, Willa, was John's probable mother. He even became animated and wanted, as soon as the civil war was over, to visit Dorne with Edric, whom he was beginning to call his friend, to find out what was going on.
I smiled to myself. Jon's father Rhaegar and Edric's uncle Ertur were good examples of knights and best friends, so their children are repeating their exploits, but I don't want them to repeat ALL the exploits of their kin. But I'll make sure that at least Jon doesn't go down a crooked path, I need a proper king under whom I'll skim the cream.
At Thoros's remark, a small figure flew into the room and rushed to hug John, and he almost grabbed her on reflex. My school! There's a reason I train John in everything he can and can't do. But when he saw Arya's slightly frightened and uncomprehending eyes, he let her go. It was her. She was dressed boyishly, and Edric even seemed to think, "What kind of boy would attack Jon?", or at least that's what his eyes and gestures seemed to say.
- Arya? - Jon said in surprise and let go of his half-sister. - What are you doing here?
- Aren't you happy to see me? - The little one frowned. - And I missed you, even silly Sansa missed you.
Hmm. That seems to be progress in the relationship between the little copy of Lady Catelyn and Ned Stark's 'bastard'.
- I missed you, too, Arya. I just didn't expect to meet you so soon. - the young man smiled.
- Is that why you were drinking instead of looking for us?
- Arya, this is not the place...
- The young lady is right, Jon. - Berrik smiled. - You shouldn't forget your family. If your kin are here, who miraculously escaped the lions' clutches, you should pay attention to them. If Lord Blackheart doesn't mind, of course. - He raised his hands and looked at me conciliatory.
- I'm only in favour of you unwinding with your relatives. Go and rest. Soon you will be my shadow at the council of war, and there you will have to strain yourself and listen carefully.
- Thank you, my lord. - John smiled. - My Lords. - He bowed to the others and dragged his little sister away from my chambers.
She dropped a phrase on the way out:
- Did the red-eyed demon teach you that trick you used to grab me?
Is that what they're starting to call me around here? Or is that just her thing? She's an interesting girl.
We continued our cultural holiday without John. Almost everyone was already engaged in a common conversation about the upcoming battles and the glory they will cover themselves with, and I was thinking about - where is Mellisandra now? She, like the king's consort, was nowhere to be seen, but still I could smell that she was near, and that was partly what worried me. My brother isn't around, and he won't confront her on the grounds of religious war, though he knows how to stay out of that sort of trouble when he needs to. He is in Sorrowful City now, preparing the men for war, recruiting militia, training them and recruiting mercenaries, stocking up on food and the necessary permutations.
I gave him many tasks, including saving, if possible, Ned Stark and his children. And he's done it. Moreover, from the message he left here with one of the wounded men, which our "saboteur" gave me as soon as I crossed the threshold of my chambers, I read it and whistled in amazement.
There he briefly but impressively described the results of his stay in King's Landing and his escape from it with Stark and his children. We also took Barra Waters and Gentry Waters (Robert's illegitimate children) from the harbour as proof of family lineage. Barra was left here, and Gentry washed off with my brother to Sorrowful. According to Rex's information, the boy wanted to be a warrior instead of a blacksmith, so he decided to join my army. A bunch of artisans and even the prostitutes of Katai's brothel, led by her, left the capital with him. I first swore to myself, and then I read that Rex would explain to me the whole story related to prostitutes already in Sorrowful. They also managed to increase their number of warriors even on the way. There were some knights of the border and even minor lords of the Stormlands who had come to the capital to find me and swear allegiance to me, as they had either lost their lands or their patrons in the recent events. And some "unnecessary relatives" simply decided not to wait for the weather and to try their luck in Sorrowful. Among these young men were representatives of such clans as: Lonmauts, Swigerts, Kellingtons, glorious Engai the Archer and for some shit Lin Corbray himself. And knowing the canon, I'm guessing he's Littlefinger's goon. And he didn't have time to warn his brother about him. Though he's not a fool, he can deal with the problem if it appears. Maybe I'm overreacting. And Rex has already realised what kind of man he is and who he serves. Besides, Lynn Corbray is a proud bird, he won't fly unless you kick him. He was the second son, but he was the son of the Lord Bannerman of the Arryn family and a knight, and he was famous as an excellent fighter and tournament knight. And he can't just stand up to me like that, and it might hurt his pride. I'm "Old Ferret's bastard upstart."
And it seemed more favourable to Littlefinger that Stark should die, but here he helps (!) him to actually escape. It's weird and doesn't fit with anything. On the other hand though, maybe I'm missing some factors? Could there be something that made Littlefinger take this step?
Either way, we need to get to the bottom of this case....
A servant caught me and my other drinking companions thinking about it and told us that the king's council would be held in half an hour.
So the others went to their rooms to dress accordingly, as I did. By this time John had returned and was wheeling my chair into the Chamber of the Painted Table.
To be honest there was nothing special about the chamber itself. It was huge, of course, but it wasn't all that impressive. The only thing that really caught my eye was a large wooden table in the shape of Westeros, with territory that stretched from the shores of Dorne to the Great Wall and encompassed all the lands of the Seven Kingdoms. Even to the west was depicted a part of the Sunset Sea, where the Iron Islands were located.
When I arrived at the spot where Dragonstone was to be located, sitting on a raised chair was Stannis himself, surrounded by Ned Stark, Brynden Tully, Davos Seaworth, Justin Massey, Richard Horpe, and Baristan Selmy. For some reason, neither Aris Oakheart nor Mendon Moore did I see at the entrance to this Chamber or in the Chamber itself, instead there were two Houseguards.
There was no one else yet.
- I was afraid I might be late. - I smiled at John, and he returned the smile.
- You're just in time, Lord Blackheart. - Stark informed me. - It's just that we came here an hour ago to discuss a couple of important things.
Hmm. So this interest group is already established and it's going to be hard for me to get in just like that? Oh, well, we'll just have to wait and see.
A minute later, Dondarrion and Dane, Thoros of Myr, and the two remaining Royal Guards entered the room, nodded a greeting, and stood not far from their king.
After another minute, all the lords I'd seen in the Throne Room and a couple of other knights and lords I didn't know much about began to flock here. And towards the end, Queen Celisa (may all the gods save Stannis' psyche, for she is the most terrifying woman in all the worlds) and Melisandre walked in.
Melisandre was truly irresistible. I've seen a lot of women in both worlds. And this one really had a kind of energy that penetrated you and made you forget about a lot of things. It makes you want to lay her out on this table in front of everyone. Although, it seems that everyone had it except the five men Ned Stark, Stannis, Davos Seaworth and Baristan Selmy and Mendon Moore. What's to say when Celisa herself is sickeningly fanatical and has a gleam in her eye for her spiritual mentor. A lesbian duo is looming, if it hasn't already formed. Stanis, according to the book, only puffs on this ugly woman once a year. And any woman wants caresses, and here's one with a nice smile and a hot little thing that will comfort and soothe.
She wore red from head to toe. A roomy dress of fiery silk with slits in the sleeves and bodice revealed the darker blood red fabric underneath. A chain of gold around her neck, adorned with a single large hexagonal ruby. Her hair was as scarlet as blood, and glistened brightly in the light of the torches that illuminated the Chamber of the Painted Table, for it was already evening and noticeably dark.
Even her eyes were blood-red, and her skin, flawlessly smooth, without a single blemish, glowed with milky whiteness, not even a mole or, God forbid, a scar to be seen.
A slender woman, graceful, taller than most knights, full-breasted, with a slim waist and a heart-shaped face. Many here found her beautiful. And wanted her.
But her gaze was fixed on the king, who seemed to pay no attention to her at all.
There was a rumble, which Stannis himself stopped and began to speak at once:
- The Stormlands will not support us my lords! They betrayed their king - me! And so they will pay for their treachery a hundredfold, as the law says. But we have the North and most of the River Lords with us, as well as a few loyal and honest lords from the southern Stormlands.
- We are not so few, Your Majesty. - Lord Saltigar assured him. - We may have fewer men than the Lannisters and your brother, but we have more ships. And our warriors are braver and stronger. And you will lead us, and that means more!
His words were echoed by most of those present.
- The Lord of Light will give victory to His Majesty. He will lead him to victory in spite of all the difficulties. - It was the Red Priestess who spoke up.
At that moment, Lord Bar-Emmon spoke up:
- We need to defeat Lord Renly and annex the Stormlands to you, and then storm King's Landing. After that, all we have to do is deal with the Lions and that's it. The rest will surrender and swear an oath to you, Your Majesty!
- It is a wise move, Your Grace. - Stark assured him. - We may not even have to cross blades with Lord Renly and the Spaniards. If we talk to him and make reasonable arguments, he'll give up the foolish idea of rebelling and becoming king. He is your brother, after all.
- He is my brother, and yet he has decided to take what is mine by right. - Stanis frowned even more and stared at the place on the table where the Storm's Edge was. - But, I will give him another chance. For the sake of the mother who bore Renly and me and the father who loved us equally, I will negotiate with him. But only once, and it will be the last. If he bows his head, I will accept him again as a brother and make him my heir until I have a legitimate heir from my wife. - At these words Celisa clenched her fists and frowned. Yes, this lady couldn't give birth to any healthy children besides one daughter.
- Your Majesty. - I took the floor. - I apologise for perhaps speaking out of turn and out of order, but perhaps we should swear in all the lords of Angry Cape. As I've learnt, some lords have not sworn to you or Lord Renly. Perhaps my arrival as a good neighbour will change their minds. And I can give you back your power over Angry Cape? And if not, I'll take these castles and, with your permission, appoint castellans and, if you have candidates, new owners of these lands. And as a result, by the time you negotiate with Lord Renly, you'll have some of the Stormlands under your control, and if there's a skirmish with the Highlanders and Lord Renly's men, then I'll strike from the south with my men and the lords loyal to you and pull some of their forces back.
- Do you have the strength and skill, my lord? - Selisa asked sceptically.
Dondarrion answered for me.
- I assure you, my queen, that Lord Blackheart can handle it, for I judge from my own experience and the campaign at Cape Wrath, where he showed remarkable command and ability to fight with superior forces. He demonstrated the same in the Riverlands. In addition, I ask His Majesty's permission to go and assist Lord Blackheart in his mission. And I have men loyal to me in my castle who will fight for you.
- That's not a bad idea, Your Grace. - Brinden Tully assured Stannis. - And Lord Blackheart's and Lord Dondarrion's suggestions are quite appropriate. They'll just strengthen our ranks a little here, and in the south they can swear in the Storm Lords and draw some of Lord Renly's troops away if he decides to go to war with you.
Stannis pondered these words for a while, then looked at us both shrilly and nodded.
- So be it. When do you intend to leave?
- Give us a couple of days to rest, then we'll move on to Sorrowful Town. I'll get down to business quickly there.
- Very well. - He nodded. - In ten days, we'll gather our forces and move to Storm's End. In that time, I hope you will reach the Sorrowful City and gather your loyal men and begin your mission.
- Have no doubt my king, I will do whatever it takes to ensure that the rightful king of the Seven Kingdoms ascends to the Iron Throne.
That I consider Jon to be the rightful king I will tactfully omit.
This was followed by matters more minor and unimportant to me, like reports from individual lords and proposals to the looming company. Stannis was constantly focused and serious. Quite an interesting man, too straightforward and terrible as a politician for me, but here is a manager, commander and knight almost perfect.
After this advice, I was intercepted on my way to my chambers.
- Lord Blackheart!
- Lord Stark? Do you have a task for me?
- Not exactly. - He shook his head. - I wanted to thank you and your brother for saving me and my daughters from the Lannisters. I owe you a debt of gratitude.
- No need to thank me, it is my duty.
- You knew the Queen's children were not Robert's, didn't you? - he asked bluntly.
- I believe my brother told you how we caught the twins at the stables just before we arrived at Winterfell? - He nodded. - It's true. My brother and I had been drinking, and we were out for a walk, and our feet took us to the stables, where we heard sighs and gasps, and we were drunk, and we wanted to find out who was doing what to whom. It was a little dark, which allowed us to get close without being seen. We recognised Jaime's back in his fine and expensive clothes, but we couldn't recognise the lady beneath him until she said his name in a fit of passion. Then it was as if lightning struck us, and we left the stable without a word....
The story was made up by me and memorised by Rex so he could tell it to whoever needed to know. And Stark seems to believe it's true.
-We put it out of our minds because we thought we were too drunk to make a mistake. And it's unlikely that a royal guard would break his oath like that, and with his own sister, the queen. We made ourselves believe it never happened. Until the terrible incident with your son Brandon. Then Rex, obeying his instincts, that same day visited the old tower from which he had fallen and found there a woman's long blonde hair. This colour was special and matched the Queen's hair in length. Then he shared his findings with me, and I had already decided to make my own unspoken investigation with him. However, it became full-fledged only after my arrival in King's Landing. There, having met several of the king's bastards, we found out that all the king's children not from a legitimate marriage have only his appearance, even those born of blondes. And there... there I already gave some advice and instructions to my brother before leaving.
- Why didn't you tell me? Or Robert?
- And how do you imagine it? - I resented it. - Walder Frey's common bastard from yesterday comes to you and assures you that you are an idiot, just like your friend the king. Everyone in the world is an idiot, and he's so clever he's figured out, through circumstantial evidence and Jaime Lannister's incomprehensible "hayride" that the king's children are not his, but bastards! Would you really believe me? And even if I did, all the big men at Castle Red have ears in the Red Keep, and my guess would be reported. And my head would be on my shoulders. - Stark's eyes flashed with understanding and even respect for me. - I had hoped, for some reason, that everything would be all right, that Rex and I had made a mistake in judgement. But as it turned out, that was the bitter truth.
- You must have done the right thing. - he put his hand on my shoulder. - I assure you, if ever you find out something "strange" and "impossible" I will listen to you carefully and this conversation will remain between us if circumstances demand it. You have my word!
- Thank you for saying that. - I made a confused face, but in my heart I rejoiced. Eddard Stark believes me. It seems he's easier to deceive than I thought. At least for men like me. - I'll try to live up to your expectations.
- How's your health? - his eyes have fallen on my feet. - Shall I send a Maester to see you?
- Don't worry, Lord Stark. I'm better now, and by the time I get to Sorrowful, I'll be walking on my own two feet. Jon will tell you I'm recovering fast.
- You are. - nodded John, who had been standing next to me the whole time. - Lord Blackheart is stronger and tougher than most men I've ever met. And he will fulfil His Majesty's task.
Ned Stark smiled and closed his eyes.
- I believe it. And until your lord is on his feet Jon, you will need to look after him, care for him, heal him, and protect him if need be. That is your duty as a squire and warrior.
- I will! - he assured me just as fervently.
Stark and I smiled.
- I must go. I think my daughters are waiting for me.
After that, Stark left, and Jon took me to my chambers, where I released him to his own.
I was left alone for a while, looking out through a lonely but large window, the view of which overlooked a bay in which there were half or as many as two dozen ships.
Very soon I was disturbed again. This time it was the most famous woman on this island, Mellisandra.
- Good evening, Lady Mellisandra. Or rather it is night. - I grinned and turned round to face her.
She strode proudly towards me with a smile and perched sideways on the windowsill. Her eyes sparkled with interest, but she remained silent.
- It's not polite to walk into someone's chambers and just keep quiet. Do you realise how it looks from the outside?
- Are you afraid for my reputation? - She tilted her head to the side.
- I'm afraid for my reputation, who would take me as a "spoilt" husband? - I smiled, but still looked at her perfect figure hidden in silk.
- What about Lady Nymeria, Tiena, or Obara?
- Eh! They're too willful and strong, they'll probably beat me up.
- Snort! I'd like to see that.
- You have perverse tastes, my lady.
- A follower of the Lion of Night has far stranger and bloodier tastes.
- Coming from a Red Priestess who's probably burned someone alive at the stake herself? Besides, I'm not exactly a follower of this cult, but my whole family is blood related to it and has served it for millennia. But I admit that your Lord of Light is powerful and he is real. But I don't worship anyone, not even the Lion of Night. To me, most men, and even the gods, are merely tools in an attempt to achieve my goals.
- And what are your goals, my lord? - The priestess asked, her face unchanged.
- Pretty much the same as yours, I think. Only I still want to live well and sit in a warm place after the invasion of the Others.
- Long-range plans, but positive. - Now she smiled in a genuine way. - So I wasn't wrong when I interpreted the new vision from the Overlord. - the red-haired woman asserted rather than asked. - You Lord Blackheart will play your part in the future in the new battle for the Dawn. And you serve Azor Ahai, the world of the living, wholeheartedly. That's good. - she stroked my cheek and I immediately felt her hand burn with heat. And that heat stayed where she touched me. A witch! - You know, at first I couldn't figure out who you really were, and then I remembered my teacher's story about how you can't even look into a person's eyes when they're weakened and see their future..." She was thinking about something, but it wasn't about me, it was more about her old memories. Perhaps the old woman was feeling nostalgic. - But it concerns only those who have already been in the Lord's realm. You are both alive and dead, my lord. I felt it when I was near you.
That's funny. Is that the only reason she came?
- It's not the only reason I came. That boy-- Jon Snow. - I got tense, but I tried not to show it. - He's special. I've seen him in my visions, too. Take care of him.
- I take care of all my men, for they watch my back and serve me well.
- But you won't have this one for long. His destiny is different. But I can't see what it is. And the funny thing is, you two are side by side.
- He is my squire and I am his mentor.
Mellisandra looked out to sea.
- Be careful. I doubt you'll get a third chance. - she said quietly, without turning her head.
- Does His Majesty know or will he know of this conversation? - I asked bluntly.
- No. It is not necessary for him to know. He will misunderstand it; he is too... predictable and easy to read. He's a hero, but not a trickster, and you're a trickster and a hero at the same time. I'm glad you kneeled before this deer and not the younger one who is destined to die so that the worthy one may live.
- You're not the one he's going to die from, are you? - I even wanted to ask for a specific "place" where the Shadow would come from that would kill Renly in canon. But I didn't.
- If you already knew that, if you knew a little bit of the future, why are you asking? - She stood up silently and walked towards the exit. - Take care of yourself. And remember, the night is dark and full of terrors. So don't always try to "fight in the dark". It can sometimes be dangerous even for someone who is surrounded by light.
- You are mistaken in your interpretation of this proverb, Lady Mellisandra. - I assured her, and she even retracted her smile in surprise. - The night is dark and full of terrors, for I am in it! - I smiled my favourite predatory smile.
She just nodded and walked away.
Eh! She's a good woman, if she's useful and her R'Glor doesn't get in the way, then maybe I'll go for her, as she's a lady of age, she should know a lot of positions in sex. Well, and looks... What is she given this miracle stone for then?
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