บท 28: Storm's Ascent
"What makes you think that?"
"You looked rather moody." Edric shrugged. "I was beginning to worry that another innocent would get struck by lightning."
"... I did say I lacked the power to do so, did I not?"
"That suggests that you would do it, except you can't." Edric raised an eyebrow. "Not the most reassuring thing."
"Arthur…"
"Arthur? I am Edric Storm." He countered. "Do you even know who Arthur was?"
"What do you mean by that?" Raiden raised an eyebrow. "That was your first name, the one you hold in the highest regard, is it not?"
"It's more than just a name, my dear Shogun. It was a person."
"...Was?"
"I didn't stutter, did I?"
"I assume this is a matter related to Alysanne." Raiden Shogun stated. "The 'rose'… reminded you of her, didn't she?"
"What of it?" Edric tilted his head slightly.
"She isn't her and never will be. All she wishes for is a crown on her head… you are well aware of it."
"Of course… everyone around me is self-serving."
Edric remarked before closing his eyes.
"So am I…"
Raiden Shogun observed silently, joining him. She sensed his displeasure… the lack of a true smile. Before, his eyes glimmered with hope. Even though he knew of his fate, where he would either triumph over the Night King or see the world fall into ruin, he still had the capacity to smile and enjoy all the beautiful things around him.
He… had been alive.
This Edric… had a distant dream, one which he clung to with all his might. He sought to reach it, even if it meant sacrificing a part of himself along the way.
"The path to victory is paved with sacrifice. To be Shogun… to be King… is to embrace the solitude of power."
Deep down, Edric disagreed wholeheartedly…
Yet… he walked that very path to attain his ends.
"However… you will never walk alone, Edric Storm. I will always stand by your side." She spoke, almost softly. "Always."
…
"How was it?" Loras inquired, meeting up with his younger sister.
"I would say it went well." Margaery smiled slightly. "The only true obstacle is his arrangement with Arya Stark… whom he is not particularly fond of. Breaking his betrothal would be a grave insult to the North, and he is well aware of that."
"What if… it was more so of a mutual agreement? I don't believe Arya Stark is particularly fond of Edric."
"You would know better than I on that matter." Margaery shrugged. "Though, I am curious… do you know of the girl he loved?"
"A rather plain girl, the daughter of some household knight from Tarth." Loras stated, recalling his time as a squire. "When she did visit, they would hardly separate. She smiled more often than not and was quite a cheerful person."
"And… for this 'plain' girl, he was willing to discard his inheritance?"
"Edric is willful and stubborn in that way. When he sets his mind on something, it's absurdly difficult to stop him."
"I see…" Margaery raised an eyebrow. "Even so, a 'plain' girl? There had to be something about her that made him so impulsive - other than his youth. By then, he had attention from other ladies, did he not?"
"I do not know what Edric saw in Alysanne, in all honesty. However, you look a lot like her… except far more beautiful." Loras remarked. "I don't believe Edric would have much trouble falling for you if he truly loved her."
"Or… it could very well be the opposite. What if her memory haunts him?"
"In which case, you can make him forget."
~
"Leaving already?" I saw Robb making preparations the following morning alongside the rest of his remaining host.
"Yes… I still have my duty as Warden of the North, so do you as King." Robb Stark nodded, smiling slightly. "My sisters have both decided to stay in King's Landing. I trust that you will take care of them, Your Grace."
"Of course." I nodded. "You have my word."
"Though… I am a little surprised that Arya chose to remain betrothed. I never imagined that she would be a lady, let alone a queen." Robb chuckled, shaking his head. "How strange life can be…"
"I'll admit, I can't either." I smiled, shaking my head. "I don't even know why she would want to marry me, given how she is."
"You are a free spirit, in a way. Wild just like her." Robb smiled, facing me directly. "You gave her the freedom to pursue her interests - which are not all that different from your own. I believe she appreciates that more than you know."
"... Perhaps."
Grey Wind pulled up, wagging his tail. At times, he looked absolutely terrifying (when he was eating men alive) and in others, he looked like an adorable huge grey doggo one would wish to embrace. I would not trust my luck with the latter judgement, admittedly.
He seemed rather indifferent to me, neither disliking nor particularly liking me.
"A direwolf is quite the companion," I remarked, smiling. "Does it bite Kings?"
"Mayhaps, mayhaps not." Robb chuckled, turning to Grey Wind and petting it. It almost looked like a domesticated dog - except twice the size. "You could give it a try. He might like you."
"Sure… what's the worst that can happen?"
The answer was a lost hand, probably.
I stepped closer and lowered myself slightly, slowly touching the top of its head. The direwolf didn't jump at me and instead lowered its head slightly. Its grey fur was soft to the touch and reminded me of that time I really wanted a husky.
I removed my hand, standing up.
"You are the only non-Stark to ever do that," Robb remarked with a surprised expression. "I suppose he does like you."
"I'm honoured… though it might be because you're around."
"Could be. Even so, not many are brave enough to try and treat it like a dog."
"I don't blame them."
"The road to Winterfell is long…" Robb Stark remarked, changing the subject. "I don't expect to see you for years, Your Grace. Nor my sisters."
His expression had a layer of sadness past the smile.
"... I'll try and visit when I can," I promised. "Though, the duties of Kingship do not weigh lightly, and the Realm as a whole isn't as stable as I'd like."
"I know." Robb nodded, stepping closer and embracing me. "Should you need me, send a raven, and I will answer. If another rebellion arises… I will bring my banners to your aid."
"Then I have nothing to fret about." I chuckled, accepting his embrace. "Every time the Stag and Wolf fight side by side, they win."
"Indeed." Robb nodded in agreement, stepping back. "I am sure you will make a great king, Your Grace. Even better than Robert."
That's not exactly the highest standard… respectfully.
"And you will be even better as Warden of the North, Robb," I replied, nodding.
"My father set quite the standard." Robb Stark remarked, taking a deep breath. "Even so, I will try and live up to his name."
"You will," I spoke with a certainty.
"..." He nodded, smiling. "Farewell, Your Grace… and future brother."
"Farewell, brother."
Before leaving, Catelyn gave me a look and repeated Robb when it came to taking care of her girls. I once again promised that I would. She did the same to Stannis and Renly, who also gave their word. Only when she was certain did she leave her cubs in King's Landing.
I'd imagine that it would be difficult leaving behind your children… especially as a loving mother.
I couldn't blame her.
…
During one of my practice sessions, Renly had me taken to the Red Keep and started a family meeting of sorts. Only he, Stannis, myself and Melisandre were present.
"Why do you bring that red woman here?" Renly frowned slightly.
"She is a fine and sound advisor," Stannis replied simply. "She knows things that ordinary men could not."
"... Jester's tricks." Renly scoffed, turning to me. "Regardless, Edric… there is one concerning matter that has come to our attention; Ser Barristan has gone missing."
"Missing?" I blinked, acting shocked.
"Don't put that face." Renly chuckled, shaking his head. "I know you better than that… I know Ser Barristan better than to run without a reason. He is a man of honour akin to Lord Eddard."
"Why did you order his leave?" Stannis added. "Where?"
"... Yes, I did," I admitted. "To Daenerys' side."
"You sent the Lord Commander of your Kingsguard away to that girl?" Renly sighed, shaking his head. "Edric, I am well aware of your willfulness… but this…"
"It was a message that my small council's actions do not represent me completely," I replied, shaking my head.
"I know you don't want to keep that crown on your head, but surely you understand that her death would only benefit us?" Renly raised an eyebrow. "Besides, it is too late to act kind and believe that she would return willingly."
"It doesn't matter." I countered. "When she comes, she will have powerful dragons… and every bit of favour gained could be the difference between chaos and a united Realm."
"Dragons…" Renly scoffed, turning to Stannis. "They've been dead for over a hundred years-"
"It is true." Melisandre suddenly spoke, leading to their expressions changing - especially Stannis. "Through the fires, I saw three dragons waking out of stone amidst smoke and salt. Three dragons that would soar high and bring fire down onto the world."
"... Even more reason to get rid of her." Renly countered.
"This fire… will be necessary for the greatest war of all to come." Melisandre replied, shaking her head. "It would not be wise to lose it over fear for the loss of a petty throne."
"Sometimes I wonder whose side she is on." Renly remarked.
"I am but a servant of the Lord of Light," Melisandre replied simply. "A champion of light and life."
"... I believe that Edric was right in his decision." Stannis took a deep breath, seemingly being influenced by Melisandre easily. She was frightening in that way. "We did not see what he saw. These dragons… need not be our enemies."
"Even if it were true, how would we even convince her to our side?" Renly questioned, starting to buy the idea of dragons existing. "After a life of exile and assassination attempts?"
"You leave that to me, dear uncle." I smiled. "I have a plan in mind. Do you think that I would send Barristan away needlessly?"
…
"What are you doing?" I blinked, watching Arya packing.
"I'm going to the Vale too."
"... That will be no place for a little girl."
"Why?"
"Because I'll be fighting."
"Doesn't mean I have to as well." Arya shrugged. "Don't you have hundreds of guards? And who will you be fighting?"
"Mountain clans." I replied.
"If you're so worried, I'll just stay in a castle. That doesn't mean I can't go."
"... Sure. I trust that you, of all people, would be well-behaved." I spoke with a sarcastic tone.
"I just want to go somewhere that isn't Winterfell or King's Landing." Arya admitted, frowning slightly. "Since you're going, why can't I?"
"Fine. You can go." I shrugged. "Don't even think of going near any fighting, however. You might think your water dancing is impressive, but a real man would chop you in half like a piece of log or shoot you down with a single arrow."
"I won't."
"Good."
~
Edric would leave King's Landing a few days after Robb's party, leading the Vale's knights and lords who had fought alongside him during his campaign. Naturally, he took his Kingsguard on the journey alongside Sandor Clegane. Other parties joined him, including the likes of Garlan Tyrell and Melisandre.
He rode straight to the Eyrie, taking a little under twenty days. The Kingsroad and following High Road were practical and effective for travel, especially when riding without any distractions. The supposed wild 'Mountain Clans' were nowhere to be seen during this ride. They knew better than to face a large force of well-armed men.
They were able to pass the Blood Gate, being stopped at the Gates of the Moon by Ser Nestor Royce.
"The crowned bastard is not welcome to enter." He stated, looking down from the battlements. "Nor the traitors who follow him."
"Traitors?" John Royce frowned. "What madness is this, cousin? By all the laws, Edric is the rightful King."
"An upjumped bastard who Lady Arryn does not acknowledge." Nestor countered rather sternly. "His Grace, Robert, would not have been so kind to the Lannisters. A friend of lions is an enemy of House Arryn."
"... So, Lady Lysa put you up to this?" John Royce sighed, shaking his head. "You absolute fool. This is akin to an act of rebellion."
"It is." Nestor nodded. "What shall the baby bastard do, I wonder? Pout and cry? Gather his armies and make a foolish attempt at conquering the Eyrie?"
Edric chuckled.
"What is your name, good Ser?" He looked up, grinning slightly.
Suddenly, the sky above the gates grew dark with ominous clouds.
"I am Lord Nestor of House Royce, the Keeper of the Gates of the Moon and the High Steward for the Vale-"
Lightning cracked through the sky and almost gave Nestor a heart attack.
"Your loyalty to Lady Lysa is admirable, truly." Edric tilted his head. "Now I ask the simple question, Lord Nestor… how do you wish to die for your act of treason?"
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