Chapter Text
Chapter 1
There is a black river …
It passes by my window …
But it's no choice at all …
Duty calls, it calls ….
Drogon lay at the entrance to the Red Keep. The slurry of snow and ash covering his massive body floated into the air as the dragon’s long neck shifted.
Jon Snow stopped, his path blocked by the bulk of the dragons snout that sniffed then huffed hot smoke over him before curling back to rest. He ducked his head and hurried on, sure he would find the queen in her throne room, fondly caressing the ugly mass of steel she was so enamored of. But once he slipped inside the massive doors, still functional in spite of the destruction all around, she was not there.
He had never been in the Red Keep before, so he simply stood and gazed around. To his right, most of the long outside wall was gone. Straight ahead, silhouetted against a ragged wall that looked more than a bit like dragons’ teeth, a stained glass window had somehow survived Drogon’s fiery breath.
To his left, a galleria remained in one piece, shallow steps leading up several steps so a person could cross and enter – or exit, through a single door that now stood ajar. He stepped quietly across the accumulated ash that still drifted down and found small boot prints that had not yet been obliterated, protected as they were by the section of ceiling creating a much lower overhang.
So he followed ….
… into a room with an oblong table surrounded by chairs. At the far end, the black coat she wore while riding Drogon lay draped across the back of one chair, leather riding breeches on top. Knee high boots stood to the side. He touched the red silk small clothes with one gloved finger, withdrawing it quickly when his sword hand left a spot of dark bloody ash on the delicate fabric.
A flicker of candlelight in his peripheral vision invited investigation. Another door stood slightly open. Just a few more steps to his left. The sound of water falling, splashing over and over drew him closer.
Unsure how to approach her … after the bloody killing field she had created around the building, he just stood and watched from the shadows.
Watched, as she poured a bit more water from a metal pitcher over one breast and sluiced sweat and bits of ash from her neck with the palm of her left hand. His gaze followed the bit of natural light from an unseen source and the candle on the table, to where it illuminated the profile of curves and divots of her breasts, abdomen – lower belly.
Her fingers spread and lingered over a pronounced bulge. When she continued to caress the bump, he took one more careful step. It only took a moment, hardly more than a blink and a second glance to understand what he was seeing. She was with child. A babe! Aye, definitely a babe.
“Dany …?”
~ | ~ | ~
She squeaked, startled, then laughed when she half-turned and saw it was him. The hand she had quickly lifted across her breasts fell to her waist.
“Seven hells, Jon Snow.” She laughed. Then grumbled, “… scared me. I … I thought I was alone.”
They both stood quiet for a moment, then Jon blinked and shifted slightly so he was not looking directly at her.
His attention settled on the flickering flame of the candle. “Did he? – did Jorah know?” He looked back quickly at her whimper.
Her face crumpled as she shook her head and turned, reaching one hand to steady herself against the nearest chair. “No. No, I … I did not realize what was happening – did not believe it could be happening. Until we were on the road to Winterfell. Then the chaos and the travel. Just staying warm took so much effort and energy. I … we never had a real opportunity to just … talk.”
“Then it was too late.” She turned back to face him. “The seven hells emptied and fell upon us.”
“And he died. Protecting you … both of you.” He ducked his chin and raised his gaze back to her face. “Just how he would have wanted – protecting you til the end.”
“He did. He swore his sword to me long ago. When I was nothing more than a child. Even though he betrayed me. Not once but twice.”
A distant crash from outside made them both jump.
He shuddered slightly. “Forgive me for intruding, your grace. The men. Are waiting for you to speak – to share the victory.”
She took a step toward him, one had reaching for his arm. “Come with me, Jon. You have a part in our success – in the taking of King’s Landing, as well.”
He tried to smile but the shroud of smoke and ash he had walked through to find her still filled his throat. So he nodded til he could speak. “I will see to my men as well. There is much to do.”
She just stood, still bare as a babe, so he made to turn back the way he had come. “I will see you again. Here. On the morrow. There are things we – you and I, must discuss. So we may move forward.”
He bowed his head to her, then turned, striding back across the council chamber and out, without looking back.
~ | ~ | ~
Jon was still trying to put some distance between them when he came upon Drogon again. He stopped, half expecting her dragon to incinerate him on sight this time but the dragon only bumped his shoulder, hard enough to force his arm up. Once Jon’s hand touched the loose scales under his chin, the dragon whined and grumbled, pressing close. The nudge of his snout and a huff of hot breath filled him with something that bordered on … sorrow. loss. brothers.
“Who’s a good boy? Drogon’s a good boy. You miss them. So do I. Keep your mother safe,” he whispered, leaning his forehead against the dragon’s jaw where the heat evaporated the tears that threatened to fall.
Jon sighed and pulled away, leaving Drogon to slump back into his nest by the entry to the Red Keep.
~ I ~ I ~
Slipping through shadows and smoke, he managed to avoid both Gray Worm and Rhakaro.
It was Arya who sneaked up on him. Waiting down the street and around the corner. Like she knew the path he would travel. She fell into step beside him and they walked in silence – til the soldiers and common folk thinned near the burned, broken north gate. The kings gate, so called for the direct connection to the Kings Road.
“I miss Rhaegal.”
His little sister hmmphed a chuckle. “I bet you do. Did you see her?”
He nodded. “A bit too much of her. She’s with child.”
Arya stopped as he took another step forward before turning to her. “Congratulations? I guess?”
“It’s not mine.”
“But … but Jon? The two of you have been fucking like … like ….”
“… like high paid whores at a tourney? I feel like a prize stud ridden hard and put away wet. There must have been some reason for her to continue fucking me when she had to know she was with child before I even approached her.”
“I I I don’t understand – how could you tell?”
“I saw her naked – and for your information it’s the first time … since I found out about ….”
Arya nodded that she understood what he was trying to say.
“She was fondling her … bump. It was too big to cover with both hands when she tried to hide it from me.”
Her eyes widened so he let his hands drop to his sides. “While we were still at Dragonstone, before I got the news …” he reached out and ruffled her hair “… that you had returned to Winterfell, her long-time advisor and sworn-knight Jorah Mormont showed up one afternoon while we were with the dragons. We – she and I – were still quite distant with what she wanted. I’ll help the north when you bend the knee … distant. She greeted him like a long-lost lover, hugs and kisses and he was growling and glaring at me like I was trying to seduce her. The next morning neither of them showed up for council and no one saw them all day. I didn’t see her again til Sansa’s next raven came. Once I decided I needed to leave I was told to talk to her privately. So her guard knocked and she said to enter. The two of them were breaking their fast. She was wearing one of those thin robes and very little else. She barely waited for me to tell her why I needed to go home before she said go! Go!”
“Sounds like they were definitely getting it on. But – ugghhuk! He was old enough to be her father!”
“Aye, and before Davos and I could gather all the men and the dragonglass we had mined to that point, she came to me, begged me to go on that gods-be-damned wight hunt – per Tyrion’s masterplan to gather Cersei’s help against the Others. Because he had volunteered to spearhead the hunt and she knew I knew far more about the situation and the place we would need to go to find one. Plus I knew the freefolk and could get them to help.” He quickly twisted the hand he had been waving around into a tight fist and dropped it to his side.
“And you would have died again if it weren’t for Uncle Benjen rescuing you. So, by the time the confab in Kings Landing was done she was likely … three moon-turns? Maybe a bit more? When would she begin to show? Four? Maybe five moons?”
“Probably why I never noticed when she invited me into her cabin about half way to White Harbor. Mormont didn’t want her to take the boat. He was riding with the Dothraki since he knew the language. All I said was if we were to be allies it would look better if we arrived in White Harbor together. It was too cold on the trail for … fucking. Then Bran dropped that Targaryen bombshell on me the day we arrived.”
Jon grabbed her hand and pulled her into his side. “I want to get out of here. I need to tell Davos what’s happened and get some provisions. Come with me.”
“Where to?” she asked, a quirky smile brightening her face.
“Bravos, Pentos, old Valyria. Maybe even YiTi. There are some papers in the chest from mother’s tomb. One is a deed for an island some place on the far side of the narrow sea. There’s a trading post there that Rhaegar established and it’s managed by some friends of him and mother. Another is for a manse in Pentos. I haven’t read them all. Davos knows this old smuggler who runs the trade routes. I would like to ask him if we can meet.”
She stopped and took a step back. “By all the gods, old and new! My dear brother Jon – you are actually Rhaegar’s heir, are you not?”
He ducked his head then raised it smiling at her. “I am, little sister. That I am.” He pulled her close again and slipped an arm around her shoulders. “I am also starving. I have no idea what or when I last ate.”
“Me neither.”
Chapter Text
Chapter 2
We fight …
We fall …
Duty calls, it calls …..
Say we choose …
But it's no choice at all …..
~ || ~ || ~
Dany hurried into the council chamber and stared at the far door as it closed. “Jon?” Well, that did not go as planned. Not at all.
A cold shiver traveled down her spine that had nothing to do with the temperature. She grabbed her small clothes and started re-dressing.
By the time she was buttoning the overcoat she was still turning those few moments it took Jon to realize she’d been fucking with his mind – and emotions, as well as his body in an effort to manipulate him into giving her the north. She really had meant to reward him by making him her consort – but she was now beginning to understand how badly she had wronged him – with her demand he not tell anyone he was Rhaegar’s trueborn son. She had been angrier about his better claim to the Iron Throne than happy to know he was family.
Even now though she smiled, still believing marrying him would be the way to appease him. It would tie him to her in the way she sought to keep him – and the North under her control.
She needed to talk to Tyrion. Bring him on board with her plans. She hoped it would work because she knew he liked Jon for his own reasons.
Dany paused in front of the closed door in an effort to clear her mind and figure out her next step. She was a stranger here but remembered if she stepped out that door the throne would be straight ahead – and from the throne she could simply walk straight out into the square where all her men should now be gathered. Surely Grey Worm and Rhakaro had finished killing all the Lannister soldiers by now.
Since Jon had walked in on her so freely.
That was going to be a problem, she finally acknowledged to herself. She had wanted her coronation before a sweet loving confession about the babe then a quick marriage to Jon. She hadn’t bothered to even think the babe might have Jorah’s straight brown hair … or pale blue eyes rather than Jon’s beautiful raven curls or decidedly Stark gray eyes.
Until now.
Dany took a deep breath and huffed it out. She reached for the door just as it began swinging toward her. She jerked it fully open to a scowling Tyrion.
~ || ~ || ~
“Seven Hells, Daeneyrs! Scare me out of ten years growth – and I’m too gods be dammed short as it is!” The Imp clutched at his tunic over his heart.
“Well, thank you for not regressing all the way back to pissing your pants! Where is Jon? Is he not with you?”
He followed into the room and waddled straight over to the credenza near the wide window where he started opening doors, ignoring her question. “Ahhh! Thank the gods for hidden refreshments.” He filled a goblet with Arbor Gold and returned to the table where she now sat.
He offered the glass to her and she waved it aside as he took the first seat down the long side of the table to her left.
She allowed him half the glass of sparkly wine before asking again. “Jon?”
“Why would the King in the North be with me? I am not his Hand. Besides I surmised the two of you would be somewhere here celebrating – in the first bed you could find.”
“He was here – caught me taking an improvised bath. And completely spoiled the surprise I had planned for him – later. Much later. After my coronation. And our wedding.”
“What?” he practically stuttered. “… what surprise?” He swallowed down the rest of his drink and tilted his head back to look down his nose at her. “Ahh, you are with child.”
She could see from his concentrated stare that he had already suspected something. Nodding, she agreed.
“But for some reason unbeknownst to me – you wanted him drunk and over the wall excited before he saw you naked?”
“Yes, but without giving me time to explain he jumped to his own conclusion. The same one I can tell you have figured out from the frown on your face.”
“Daeneyrs! How could you!! Knowing the way Jon was raised?” He slid off his chair and brought the carafe of Arbor Gold to the table and helped himself to another full glass.
“I didn’t mean for it to happen.”
“Oh, you just sort of slipped and fell, and found your cunt impaled upon Jorah Mormont’s sword?”
She sat shaking her head, eyes closed, head down. “I was really happy to see him … cured and healthy. I just … intended it for a private dinner in my salon to welcome him back to my council, my protection. I already had the supply of northern Ale for Jon. To celebrate his bending the knee when he finally gave in to my feminine wiles. One drink led to another and when I went to say goodnight, he pulled me into a tight embrace and kissed me, again and again and then he was carrying me to bed.”
She huffed another deep sigh and sat at the head of the long table. “It was nice. I was lonely. It had been a long time since …. And Jon Snow was being stubbornly honorable. So Jorah and I … we spent a few pleasant days ….”
“Fucking.”
She watched Tyrion shake his head and grind his teeth.
“This is where if you were a man I would be reminding you to keep your cock in your pants! He’s good at sums so I suspect it only took him a second or two to figure it out. My coin is on Jon Snow already being gone. If I were him, I would have found the first ship leaving the docks and been on it.”
“He wouldn’t leave without Arya.”
~ || ~ || ~
“Arya is in the Red Keep?”
“Yes. I watched her go behind the throne as I came through the door. I waited to see where she went from there but she never returned.”
“Did anyone find Cersei yet?” he asked, standing, poised to make for the door.
“No. Nor Jaime either. Why?”
“There is a secret trap door behind the throne. The passages lead directly to the catacombs where one can … eventually reach a cove on Blackwater Bay.”
“Are you saying Cersei has escaped?” she reached a hand to grab him by the collar, but he backed another two steps toward the door.
“Unless Arya found them before … I auh … I have to go.”
She stepped toward him. “I will go with you. There is no telling what you may find if there is damage to the passageways.”
“Very well, your grace.”
~ || ~ || ~
The two of them hurried across the galleria, Tyrion heading directly to the back of the Iron Throne. The trapdoor was open, dimly lit by a flickering glow.
“Stairs. But then I suppose my father – with what everyone says about his condition, would need more than a ladder.
“Allow me, your grace.” He started down first, reaching back for her hand as he coaxed her to follow. Halfway down, the stairs switched back sharply. Further below the flickering glow became a brighter sort of radiance with a more orange hue.
Torch rather than sunlight, she thought, though she hardly felt they had traveled far enough to be underground.
Another switchback and the area opened up into a high wide cavern with a paved floor. Another torch lay at the bottom, extinguished – a portion of the cavern filled with rubble all the way to the top, with one narrow space showing light from beyond.
When she reached the bottom Tyrion dropped her hand and went to the torch, lighting it from the one she held. He fell to his knees and started grubbing through the rubble, drawn to a sparkle in the rocks and dust. By the time she reached him he was brushing debris from his brothers face. Nearer to herself, she could see Ser Jaime’s golden fingers.
A howl of pain and grief rose from Tyrion as he brushed the face of his brother clean.
“Tyrion? There … to your left.”
He shuffled back, then saw what she saw. Cersei’s face cradled between Jaime’s good hand and his chest. It was as though he was trying to protect her from what he had seen coming.
When his sobs let up, she put a hand on his shoulder. “Come, come. We will have Gray Worm organize some of his Unsullied to bring them out. We should find a room – for them. Until you feel like making plans.”
“I would like to wait here with them,” the words a gruff whisper.
She nodded and turned back to the stairs barely visible in the distance.
Chapter Text
Chapter 3
There is a black river…
And late at night …
We rise,
Standing tall …
Duty calls ….
Jon moved in the shadows of the wreckage that was Kings Landing, keeping Arya within arm’s reach as they hurried toward the broken gate. The square in front of the Red Keep was nearly full of Dothraki horsemen roaming back and forth. Sometimes bellowing out their war-cries but mostly shaking weapons in the air. The Unsullied were more organized, standing stiffly in their orderly lines.
Davos was waiting at the gate. “Seven hells, your grace. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
“Us too, Davos. We need to get out of the city. Can we get to our camp from here? – on foot?”
The old man grabbed his shoulder and grinned at Arya. “Your northmen have been rounding up loose animals that are uninjured. I believe they, too, are ready to go home.” He led them through the gate, trudging around the piles of debris. He pointed to the northeast where a makeshift remuda corralled a fair number of horses. Tack was being shuffled onto a wagon nearby.
Arya pulled away. “Talk to Davos. I’ll cull us some decent mounts.” She headed off at a quick trot.
“Davos, you have my trunk here?”
“I do. Locked inside an old trunk of mine. In my tent with both my boys sitting guard duty. I’m happy it was keeping ‘em both out of the city. When she let her dragon loose.”
Jon nodded and urged him in the direction Arya took. “I need your help. There are papers in it. Some property deeds – along with my father and mother’s Will’s. I glanced at the papers just enough to know I need help finding out what it all means. Where the properties are located. And such.”
“We’ll figure it out, son. Let’s saddle these horses and get back to camp. Even meal cannot come soon enough for my belly.”
~ ||| ~ ||| ~
Dany hurried back up the stairs, bent over, short of breath, and aching by the time she exited in the Throne Room. She sat for a few minutes to recover. It really was a very uncomfortable chair.
It was there Grey Worm and Rhakaro found her. “My queen. Where you go?”
She leaned around and pointed behind the throne. “Lord Tyrion is below. The queen and the kingslayer are dead. He needs help. Looks like they were caught when part of the wall crumbled. Gather enough men to free them. Bring them here. I’ll send for their religious sect that prepares the dead for burial.”
“Khaleesi? Stay here?”
“I will stay. With my Dothraki healers tonight. Ask someone to bring me a horse. Rhakaro will stay with me.”
“My queen. Jon Snow?”
“I suspect he has returned to the northern camp. Last I saw it was a league or two outside the city. At the edge of the Kingswood.” He nodded and moved to carry out her orders.
Dany sat on her lonely throne, grinding her teeth against the ache in her chest and belly. She needed to eat. And sleep. She had won the Iron Throne. She would feel better tomorrow.
When Rhakaro re-appeared, Miree followed with half a dozen Dothraki women.
“Khaleesi, wind brings rain. Inside better. Qoy Qoyi will find room with bed and guard. I will stay with you. Doreah brings food for now and later.”
“I am very pleased to have you order me about, Miree. You and Dore will share my soft bed tonight.”
The three ladies rose together and followed two of the Dothraki guards out into the wide corridor to turn right, leaving Rhakaro to take the stairs down to Tyrion. The women marched along quickly until the first door appeared. One man pulled away and entered, returning quickly. “No beds. Eat here.”
Doreah laughed. “We wish!” and they all joined her. The next door was a storage room of sorts, and the next was the same, filled with bed linens and bath supplies.
The next door opened onto a large sitting area, so two of the dothraki guards entered and were gone a few minutes. “Two sleep and one room with big bowl.”
“Miree, lets … look.”
The chambers were beautiful but the beds were small – the nursery with room for a wet-nurse.
The next room was overly extravagant and way too Lannister. The next was the same except for the colors and all the stags. Queen – and former King.
When they at last arrived at a junction of another hall, doors appeared on both sides.
The first one on the left was perfect. Dany was so attracted to it she wondered if it may have once been her mother’s chambers – but she had been gone so long it wasn’t possible anything had survived the passage of time in such pristine condition.
“This will work temporarily.” She sat heavily on a sofa covered in a beautiful mauve fabric. Miree knelt before her and removed her boots. Settling them beside the empty hearth.
“I dress bed, Khaleesi.” Doreah disappeared into a side chamber and gave a screech. One of the guards started for the door but she reappeared with a soft navy blue robe. “A bath – big brass bath. … keep water hot! As you like.”
Dany laughed, pulling her feet up on the sofa. “Not tonight. Tomorrow. Tonight I will eat and tomorrow we will have hot water and clean clothes. All of us.”
“Qohno. Please go to the steps and show whoever brings food the way here. I’m not moving from here until it’s to there.” She angled her head at the bed.
“Robe smells fresh. May be same for bed covers.”
The room got quiet when the guard retreated to outside the door, drawing it closed behind him.
“What bothers Khaleesi? You have victory. Some damage but few dead. Is a good day.”
“A good day. And I am all alone.”
“Ver Zokla? He is gone? Leaving you?”
She sighed heavily. “Miree. I am with child.”
“You sure?”
“Quite sure. A near six moons sure.” When she appeared to question it, she continued. “I have been hiding it. I am afraid.”
“Ver Zokla protect you? You marry now?”
“He is not the father. It was an accident, I never meant …. It happened – before the wolf king and I were intimate. He saw me naked today. He knows I would not be so large if it were his babe.”
“Is no matter. Khaleesi say husband die in war. Ver Zokla know this man? The father? That why he leave?”
“Yes. He is gone. North. I will need to have contact from time to time. He will rule as the Warden of the North. I know he would not raise another man’s bastard.”
“Bastard – man and woman not marry have babe?”
“Yes. Ver Zokla grew up as a bastard – used and abused by his father’s family. He accused me of using his love for me to convince him to bend the knee and give me the north. He is right. I did.”
Doreah picked the right moment to arrive – with food. The babe danced across her belly, forcefully enough to show under the skin. Miree placed a hand against one harsh movement.
“Khalessi. Babe excited by war. Rest now. Eat and babe is happy.”
Having a real meal sitting at a table with friends. Talking about something other than war definitely made her feel better. Miree said the grains and roasted bird with mild spices would keep the babe happy, resting so mama can work. And sleep.
The babe was quiet several hours after dinner and she felt more confident Miree knew what was happening. Nothing she remembered from carrying Rhaego came close to this but again Miree had convinced her each babe was different.
Chapter Text
Chapter 4
Arya had one horse saddled when they reached her and she and Jon made quick work of the other two. By the time they rode into the northern camp a fine mist hung in the air. Davos veered left and led them single file into the line of tents. The first group of soldiers they came upon were drinking and turning a boar on the spit. The aroma set Jon’s mouth watering and stomach growling.
The second campfire was rowdy, a mix of old-timers and young bucks. They all acknowledged Davos with a nod and a word – Ser. Two of the older boys broke away and followed them to a large sail-canvas tent pitched between two supply wagons.
Davos dismounted first and the younger boy took his horse then waited for Arya and Jon.
“Don’t think you’ve met my youngest, Tobias. He and Mattie will bring the tack back. Come in. Make yourselves to home.”
Arya entered first, making a quick round of the wide tent. “Nice, Ser Davos. The Hound and I slept on the ground most of the time. Sometimes I actually slept in the saddle.”
“So that’s how you beat us to the Capitol. I noticed you disappeared almost a week before we left.”
“Didn’t need to prepare much. You know I’m really good at catching rabbits.”
“And birds.” Jon grinned at her.
Davos pulled a couple of rough stools to the table and brought out a water skin and mugs. “The boys will fetch us a bowl of whatever they caught for supper. The trunk is between the cots if you want to pull out what we need to look at. I’m sure they will eat with the others. More fun than us old folks.”
Jon nodded. “Until we have definite plans in place – the fewer people who know would be best.
“Not to worry, Jon. They are always happy to spend a few hours away from supervision.”
The sounds of laughter rolled into the tent as the two boys entered, dropping their burdens to one side of the open flap.
“You boys remember King Jon – and this is his little sister Arya.”
They both nodded and Tobias spoke. “Hullo. Anyone hungry? We have venison stew.”
“With onions and carrots?” Arya asked.
“Yes. Brown gravy and campfire bread.”
Arya nodded vigorously. “I’ll help.”
The older boy, Mattie turned to Jon. “I’ll grab a slice of boar for you and Pa, your grace.”
“Jon is fine, Mattie. Changes are coming quick. May as well start now.”
~ |||| ~ |||| ~
Once all three youngsters were gone, Davos moved to the trunk, using a key on a leather tie around his neck to unlock it. “Sit down I’ll bring it to you.”
“Wait, Davos. It’s heavy. And the weight is unbalanced. Four dragon eggs and the travel harp will do that.”
“That many? His, yours and …?”
“Viserys I suspect. The last one Rhealla?”
“Rumor was even as a child Viserys was a little mad. I can see why they might hide his.”
“Come sit down Davos. You look tired. I know I am. Could sleep for a week. Right after a really hot bath. And clean small clothes.”
“The prayer of all soldiers.” Davos laughed and Jon couldn’t help but join him.
Arya was the first through the open tent flap, an aromatic bowl topped with two thin bricks of campfire bread topped with a hefty slice of ham in each hand. She placed one on the table where Davos hurriedly sat and the other next to him for Jon.
Tobias and Mattie had both hands full and placed all the bowls and spoons they balanced on the table.
“Sit with us, please. Eat and share what’s happening here in camp. Arya and I will share what we’ve seen in the city.”
Both boys looked to Davos and sat at his nod, while Arya filled all the mugs with water and passed them around before sitting.
Jon folded a slice of campfire bread around the slice of ham and took a bite, teeth sinking into the tender meat and warm crusty flatbread. “Mmmm,” he shook his head, bumping elbows with Arya. “… shades of Winterfell’s kitchens on a ten-foot snow day and Gage’s whole hams with those little spices stuck all over ‘em.”
“Cloves … yeah, he used that spice like enough for a single ham cost a bag of gold.”
He offered the uneaten half to her. “Have a bite.”
She left her spoon in the stew and grabbed it. “Don’t mind if I do.” She took a couple of bites and gave the last piece back to him, smirking at his frown.
Jon popped the remainder in his mouth and dipped into his bowl of stew.
“Better than anything I ever had in Flea Bottom.” Both his boys stopped eating and looked at their father. Mattie glanced over at Jon then spoke, his voice almost breaking. “Pa hardly never talks about his life before he and Ma got married and moved to Driftmark.”
Jon nodded and ducked his head. “I grew up in better circumstance than other bastards – but there are some things even I don’t talk about.”
“Mo’ther. And even meals so salty you went to bed hungry. For nothing more than being better at reading or sums than Robb.”
He smiled a crooked smile. “Thank all the gods, the old, the new – and the seven I had a baby sister who would sneak me a chunk of bread and cheese. Sometimes an apple, too.”
“I figured it was the least I could do – for all the times you rescued me when I was too little to climb out of my prison and no one else paid attention to me screaming. For all the times Sansa and Jennye laughed and called me Arya Underfoot, you let me curl up in your bed and told funny stories til I could fall asleep.”
“We had to stick together – we were the only ones who actually looked like Starks.”
“Mattie, do you and Tobias have any sisters?”
“No milady.”
Davos put his spoon aside for a moment. “I always wanted a sister for you boys but after seeing how much trouble they can be ….” his gruff voice trailed off but a smile crinkled his eyes.
“Mattie, have you or Tobias seen any disturbance in the camp? Factions forming? Desertions maybe? Any men that might be interested in staying to help with the cleanup of the city? The city its self is bad, but it wasn’t all from dragonfire. The first run Drogon made set off wildfire. The flames are ….”
“Wildfire? I’ve had experience with wildfire. Tyrion set it loose in Blackwater Bay against Stannis when I was acting as his Hand.”
“So, Tyrion knew it was possible there were caches scattered throughout the city? I knew Aery’s liked to use it in the Throne Room as punishment. I wonder why he never warned Daeneyrs about it.”
“You did tell her about Aerys burning your grandfather and uncle with wildfire but I never heard her speak of it again.”
“I don’t think she believed me. It has left a big mess. Was still smoking and ash falling when Arya and I made our way from the Red Keep to the Kings Gate. The Dothraki and the Unsullied were gathering in the square under the eyes of Gray Worm and Rhakaro like Dany was going to speak to them.”
“Congratulations for a job well done, I guess.”
“Sounds like our camp has been a lot calmer than the city, Pa.”
“Davos? You think the Northmen will want to just return home quickly? To clean up the damage from the War for the Dawn? I should speak to the men sometime over the next day or two. After you, Arya and I have a chance to discuss my personal … situation.”
“Aye, Jon, lots to talk about.” He picked up his spoon and turned back to his bowl. They all sat in silence and finished eating. Arya and both boys gathered the bowls to wash. Mattie turned to Davos and told him he and Tobias would be at the campfire outside and would bunk down in the supply wagon at the west side of the tent so Jon and Arya could have their cots.
“Arya, I need you to stay while Davos and I talk. I need your input on a couple of things before … before I decide.”
“I’m with you no matter what you decide. Brother!”
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When the boys were gone, Jon and Davos moved the trunk to the side of the table. He unlocked the inner chest and took out the big satchel tied together with several leather straps.
Arya sat on the floor and lifted the small travel harp from the inner chest. “No one ever told me Rhaegar played the harp.”
“He wrote songs, too.” Davos commented. “It’s a shame Lord Stark never shared any of the happenings at HarrenHall with you, Jon. Of course, that would have required him to tell you about your mother. I was not there. I’m not sure anyone who was is still living. I understand Jaime Lannister was inducted into the Kingsguard on the first day and immediately sent to Kings Landing. Aerys truly hated Tywin Lannister.”
Arya lifted a folded bunch of fabric, tied into a compact square with a gray velvet length of satin. “Jon? This is a Targ bridal cloak.” She looked up at him. “There was no kidnapping! It has both sigils. Someone knew far enough ahead to make this.”
“You really ought to read some of those letters, lad. It may help heal your heart.”
He took the bridal cloak from Arya and held it gently in his battle-roughened hands as he nodded to Davos. Mayhaps it would answer some of his questions, he thought. Ease some of the aching need to know where he fit in the world.
“Arya, look at some of the paperwork. Okay?”
“Okay.” She took another leather pouch and untied it, taking five separate leather bound groups of vellum. “Important papers.” She opened the first group and began to read. Then handed the first packet to Jon.
He scanned over it once then once again. “Davos, we need a way to get across the Narrow Sea. Are you still in touch with your friend? The pirate?”
“Aye. He is likely at his favorite berth on the StepStones. Waiting to see if he can make a bit of coin from the war.”
“Get in touch with him. Set up for us – all of us, you, the boys, me and Arya – tell him … I don’t actually know what to tell him yet. You need to help us go through all these documents.”
“What are they?”
“The two big folders – my father and my mother’s Wills. Which one are you reading, Arya?”
“Rhaegar’s. There is a lot of important stuff here. And our first stop has to be Bravos. The Iron Bank. We will need all the documents ‘cause he mentions three properties with only a few lines of description. Those deed papers may have more information. Like where they are located. There’s a bunch of pages with nothing but numbers. We may need the banker to understand what they all mean.” She handed another one to Jon.
He scanned down it then turned to Davos. “These numbers here – isn’t that sea talk?”
Davos took the paper from him. “Aye. Latitude and longitude. I’ve been away from smuggling for a while so Sal would likely know where this is. He definitely has maps better suited to sea travel.”
Jon leaned an elbow on the table. “Okay. We go to Bravos first. Can you arrange it?”
“I can. Bravos it is. Mattie and I have been.”
“I’ve been too.”
Jon glanced in Arya’s direction. “Others take me, seems I’m the only one who has never been anywhere. Move over Arya. I need to see everything in this chest.”
~ |||| ~ |||| ~
Chapter Text
Chapter 5
And late at night …
I walk the water ….
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Last night’s hot meal and a fair amount of sleep had helped a bit.
And having come to the decision to pursue Rhaegar’s information quickly convinced Jon leaving Westeros for an extended period of time was the best way to proceed with the queen.
Early morning light filtered softly through the lingering gray of ash. The square was quiet and clear of both Dothraki and Unsullied. And Drogon no longer guarded the entry to the Red Keep so he figured Daenerys was under full guard inside. Someone must have been keeping watch though, as he had hardly stepped through the door before Gray Worm approached.
“Turgo Nudho. I seek an audience with the queen.”
The expression on his face softened slightly then tightened into a scowl. “Your weapon.”
“Keep it close, I won’t be long. Better still – come. As close as you are with Missandei and her with the queen – I am sure you know all my secrets.”
“Give.”
“Hold this. Do not drop it,” he added when Gray Worm suddenly realized how heavy the parcel actually was. “It is a … bargaining chip. I want something from her grace and this will be payment.”
“Queen has many cloaks.”
“The cloak is mine. What’s inside ….” He finished unfastening the belt holding Longclaw and wrapped the leather around the sword. He offered it with one hand as he reached for the bundle of fabric with the other.
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Four doors down the hall they stopped and Gray Worm knocked. Missandei opened the door.
“Jon Snow to see – ”
“Come in.” Missandei stepped aside to leave. Jon touched her arm as he spoke. “Stay… ” His gaze shifted to Gray Worm. “… with him.”
Both men entered, the Unsullied commander pulling the door closed behind him. Jon stopped halfway between the door and the desk where Dany sat, Missandei moving to stand at her right shoulder.
“Thank you for seeing me without prior notice, your grace.”
“Sit, Jon. Please.”
He shook his head but never dropped his gaze. “I won’t take much of your time. I spoke with the northmen this morning. The Riverland and Vale Lords will remain under command of Lord Royce and Lord Tully to assist you with the cleanup in the city. The Freefolk, Wintertown and Winterfell men will return north and assist with the cleanup and rebuilding of Wintertown and Winterfell. Tormund and those with him will return to the far north once they are done. Sansa has agreed to act as regent for Rickon … until he achieves majority to become the Stark in Winterfell. Sansa says she will never marry again and will remain the Lady of Winterfell until Rickon marries – then she plans on becoming his children’s favorite aunt who tells scary stories and makes lemon cakes.”
“Arya, Ser Davos and his two remaining sons will leave Westeros with me, basically in exile. I am leaving the bastard name Jon Snow behind to take my true name, Jaeharys Targaryen. It is mine by birth-right. And I bring you a gift as guarantee I will never use it against you – for any reason. If you accept my gift I will expect the same from you – that you will never use my name against me – for any reason. I do intend to return to the north occasionally – my family is there. The living and the dead.”
She opened her mouth as though to speak but he held up his hand. “The cloak and bindings are mine. Your gift is inside. May I approach?”
“Jon, please. Don’t do this.” Her gaze followed the parcel in his hands as he placed it on the desk before her.
“I must insist. You will never allow me my true name here and I have paid dearly for it.”
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She pressed her fingertips to her eyes, then motioned him to continue. He stepped only close enough to untie the intricate length of pale gray brocade satin and peel away the folds of the bridal cloak. The dragon egg revealed was mostly pale gray with subtle streaks of red and soft black shadows. He placed one hand on it, eyes closed, and reveled at the strong heart beat and blistering heat he felt.
He stepped back leaving her staring at the distinctive colors, one hand covering her mouth as the tears glistening in her eyelashes started to fall. “I can not … Jon. I can not. It belongs to you. Rhaegar ... gave it to Lyanna. For your crib. It is a precious thing – a gift of love. My brothers love for your mother and through her, you. I can not take it.”
“I know what it once stood for but naught but pain and suffering came from all that. I want peace between us. I want to be left to finally be who I was meant to be – even if it is in name only. Some day – when you are old and gray and Ser Jorah’s son or daughter has children, you can tell them how the Winter Dragon came to belong to them. That it was the only act of love between their mother and her brother’s son.”
He gave her a moment, watching as deceptively delicate fingers caressed the egg, her lips trembling at the warmth before curling the hand into a fist. He reached into his tunic and retrieved the scrolls he, Davos and Maester Doteryn had composed in the early morning hours.
“Two copies, one for me, one for you. Missandei and Gray Worm will sign as witnesses.”
Missandei came around the desk and took both from him. Gray Worm stepped up to his side, handing Longclaw back. Before he let go, he spoke. “Jorah the Andal? Not you?”
“Not me.”
After both women read the scrolls Dany spoke. “All I ask is that when you visit the north you have the courtesy to let me know.”
“I will.”
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It took a few minutes for everyone to sign and the ink to dry. Then Dany dismissed Gray Worm and Missandei.
Jon moved the egg away from its black nest and began carefully refolding the cloak, placing the ribbon inside.
“Where will you go? When …” she asked.
“It will take several days, possibly a sennight to make arrangements for a ship, gather supplies. Arya and I have studied the maps and think we may go north and west across the narrow sea – to Bravos. She spent some time there when she was on the run and knows her way around. Davos has been as well as the oldest of his boys. So our first stop will be Bravos. Davos says there are strange rumors out of Volantis about some long-lost religious sect being resurrected. Something about sacrifices to a Goat God at the Red Moon. We’ve all had our fill of Red Gods, R’hollor and the Seven so we will avoid those places. Ser Davos is a good man so I suspect his sons are as well. They should be good company. And Davos knows his way around big water.”
“I uhm … wish you would change your mind. We are … family.” She sat behind the desk and tilted her chin to look up. “There would be a place for you on my small council.”
“No. I meant what I said – about you never allowing me to be Jae. Only Jon. I am never going to be a bastard again.”
“I never thought of you as a bastard, Jon. Truly.”
“Maybe not. But you want everyone else to think it. And do you know what that makes you in my heart and eyes? Catelyn Tully Stark.”
She had the effrontery to look offended, turning her face away quickly. “Will I see you again before you leave?”
“Probably not. You and I have nothing more to discuss. I wish you good fortune in your future endeavors. And the blessing of an easy birth and a healthy babe.”
He bowed formally at the waist and left her alone with one of his dragon eggs.
There is a black river …
It passes by my window …
And late at night …
I walk the water …
Chapter Text
Chapter 6
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Dany sat and stared at the egg. Just the thought that her brother Rhaegar had loved his mother so much he had given her this beautiful egg for their unborn-child’s crib made her cry. She didn’t love Jorah. She had no idea what she was going to do with a babe – with no partner to help her, guide her – love her.
She placed both hands on the egg and swore she felt movement – then gasped when she felt the same flutter jab from the babe. The tears finally fell. If she had been honest with Jon and told him from the beginning – or even at Winterfell after Jorah died protecting her. No. No. That would not have worked – he already knew who he was by then.
She wished Jon was the father of her child. As it was, there might not be enough Targaryen blood in her babe to ever control this beautiful dragon. And she knew it was going to be a beautiful dragon just from the color of the egg.
A knock at the door made her sit up straighter and wipe her eyes. “Enter.”
Gray Worm stepped aside allowing Tyrion entry.
“How are you, Tyrion?”
He nodded and glanced over his shoulder to see the door close. “Managing. Thank you for the assistance … it was difficult but Qhono brought several young men. They were efficient – and kind with the handling. I’ve come to ask permission to take them back to Casterly Rock. For burial. I would likely be gone two moon turns ….” He stopped, eyes fixed on the desk top. The gray egg. “Where …?”
“Jon. He uhm … is leaving Westeros. Davos, his two sons and Arya are going with him.”
“No. I meant where did he get it?”
“Rhaegar. It was his crib egg. Apparently hidden with Lyanna’s things. From the Tower … her Targaryen bridal cloak, the cloth the High Septon wrapped the bride and grooms hands with … gray satin with black and red brocade.”
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“So they were married.”
She nodded. “The egg is to buy peace between us. He is leaving Jon Snow the bastard here and will be known going forward by his birth-name, Jaehaerys Targaryen. We signed documents that neither of us will ever use our true names against the other. For any reason.” She looked away from the egg, and turned to gaze out the wide window. “He did say he may occasionally return to the north … to visit family, the living and the dead.” Behind her she could hear Tyrion shifting to sit in one of the chairs on the far side of her desk.
“Did you ever feel anything for him?”
“No.”
“Not even as … family?”
“Definitely not. I did not believe him. He looks nothing like a Targaryen.” She remained standing, gazing out the window because she knew he hated talking to her back. She hoped he would leave.
“He did ride Rhaegal.”
“I told him to let him.”
“Yeah. Sure. Are you going to honor your part of the bargain?”
She finally turned and took the chair at the end of the table. “Yes. I understand where he is coming from. He said because I did not want him to divulge his truth, that made me no better than Catelyn Stark. And he wants to be Jaehaerys Targaryen because he has paid dearly for it.”
“… and I am sure he did not mean the egg.”
“Go to the Rock. Go! I’ll be fine here. Tully and Royce will be staying with their men to aid in the cleanup and rebuilding. All the northmen and the freefolk are going north to cleanup and rebuild Wintertown and Winterfell. Sansa will be Regent for Rickon until he becomes the Warden with Sansa continuing as the Lady of Winterfell until he marries. Maester Luwin will be there as his advisor as well.” Her hand swept down to her waist.
“I should be back well before the babe arrives.”
“You do know it is Jorah’s – not Jon’s. I …”
He nodded, his misshapen head bobbing loosely. “That is cold, Daenerys. Really cold.”
“I know. It is why I accepted the egg. I do not think Jorah’s child will be a dragon-rider.”
“So that puts you at … how long left? Three moon turns, give or take a few days.”
“Yes. According to Miree.”
“I have everything ready to go, so I and the few Lannister guards that surrendered will leave by mid-day.”
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There is a black river …
It passes by my window …
And late at night …
I walk the water …
Between the piers …
Chapter Text
Chapter 7
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Jon looked up as Davos entered the tent. “Did you reach your pirate friend?”
“I sent a raven to the watch-tower at the Step-Stones. If Sal is there, they will know and take it to him. All I said was if he was looking for a good paying client, I could put him in touch. To make for our place at Kings Landing. We should move tomorrow to this quiet little Inn I know. On the Street of Flour. Won’t take him long to get here.”
Jon had already put his papers back in his trunk, leaving the little table top clean. “Good. I am ready to shake the ash of this place off my boots. Where did Mattie and Arya get off to?”
“The northmen are getting ready to leave, so I sent them to borrow a cart for the trunks. We should move early tomorrow. You and I will need to come back here but the three of them can stay at the Inn.”
“How do you know there’s space available?”
“The owner is a friend … a close friend.”
Jon looked up from the trunk he was closing, one eyebrow arching with the quirk of his lip. “Davos? You old dog!”
The older man finally stopped checking around the near empty tent and dropped into the other chair. “It’s not like that. She was Mayra’s older sister. She was … working there to keep Mayra fed when we all met. I married Mayra and took her away. A bit later she took over running the place after the man who owned it … died. Unexpectedly.” He smiled broadly then continued “… it’s not a brothel. Anymore! She helps ladies running away from … all kinds of stuff. All the ladies help her with the money-making part – finest bakery on the Street of Flour. Maybe all of Westeros. She makes this kind of biscuit with a whole egg baked inside. Sometimes she puts a half-cooked slice of ham or bacon in it. Really good. Travels well, easy to eat riding on a horse.”
“Sounds wonderful, Davos. I for one will be happy to have something other than camp bread.” Jon turned the key to lock his trunk and moved to the side so Davos could lock the larger outer trunk. “We should share these papers with your pirate, right? So he will have an idea of where we need to travel before we figure out where to settle?”
“Aye. We will need to be supplied, as well. And he will know best how to do that. Will you speak to the men tonight? They have already begun to break down some of the smaller tents so I figure they are eager to get on the road back.”
“Yes. Some I will want to personally thank.” He stood and went to the open tent flap. The view from there said the camp was indeed being broken down. Quickly. Davos stepped around him and disappeared to his left – in a crowd of men at one of the larger supply wagons.
He heard Arya bossing someone around before he saw her, Davos’ two boys following close behind.
“Are you all done? Get whatever you can live without before tomorrow morning together so we can put it in the cart. Where is Davos?”
“Getting the word out to our commanders that I will speak to the troops after evening meal. He should be back quick.” He slipped the leather cord with the key to his trunk back around his neck. “Davos has the key to the big trunk.” Then the cart appeared, drawn by a horse with the hair singed the near rump. “Arya where is your …?”
“… trunk? Oh brother, I’m traveling light.”
“Surely you have a change or two of … frilly necessities.” He laughed when she pointed to a pair of leather saddle bags on the cot she had slept on the night before. “Might of known. Well, if we’re going to the bank, you, me and Davos will need new clothes. Surely there will be some place in Bravos to get a pair of leather breeches and a new tunic.”
“That’s funny. It’s clear you have never traveled, dear brother. Tell him, Mattie. Tell him about Bravos. He’ll just think I’m japing.”
“It’s hot. And wet. The clothes are some sort of woven material – and short boots. The colors usually mark who has money. Blue, red, yellow.”
“So. Once in Bravos we will do as they do.”
“What will we do in Bravos?” Davos came from around the cart.
“Davos. We will buy new clothes first. Apparently it’s hot and wet there.”
“Aye. It is. Boys, do you have all your things in the cart? No? Then get to it. Mattie, you and Tobias will stay with the trunks. Arya can stay or return with us …” He closed the outer lid and locked it with the key he had on a leather cord around his neck.
“I’ll stay. Get a bath and a decent meal. And a good night’s sleep in a bed!”
“Just …” Jon shook his head then brushed a wayward curl out of his eye. “… just try to stay out of trouble. I want us all out of this place as soon as possible.”
“What? Didn’t dragonlady sign your oath note?”
“Yes. But knowing what I know about her – she may not think that includes you.”
“Not to worry, Jon. Shiree sets a fine table. None of them will need to go out. I know Tobias has his Cvasse pieces – he can teach Arya how to play – if she doesn’t already know. So, let’s get this cart loaded and you and I will bring it back. If we get done quick enough with the troops, we could go back to the Inn tonight as well. My old bones agree with Arya – a good night’s rest on a real bed would be …” he paused, standing and cracking his back. “… very comforting.”
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It appeared everyone was traveling light but himself. He and Mattie manhandled the double trunk into the cart and Arya and Davos drove it through the field of tents to the north bank of the Blackwater Rush. The beaten track took them to the ferry where Jon and Mattie dismounted and led the horses and cart safely aboard. The men on the poles seemed glad they were moving with the current and the horse on the cart pawed at the planks underfoot making everyone eager for solid ground.
Davos took a few coins from his pocket for the handlers and a word that they would return shortly with the horse and empty cart. Then they were moving down the Street of Flour. Davos turned the cart into an alley and came to a stop between two buildings that had an overhead connecting covered crosswalk.
Tobias knocked on the ground level door and the older woman who opened it grabbed him and pulled him into a big hug.
Davos climbed down and moved to the rear to gather up saddlebags and leather satchels. He grinned at Jon as he jumped up and started dragging the heavy trunk to the rear.
“She’s always like that. You would think they had not seen each other in years but I know both of them were here the first day we arrived. Mattie brought us bread and some little cakes with no icing before we even had the tents setup.”
He handed Jon a couple of the satchels. “Come on. I’ll introduce you and Arya. Shiree has this bodyguard that could probably lift our trunks with one hand. A holdover from the old days. He will help us get your things inside.”
Davos’ hand on his shoulder was warm and welcome. And his sister by law treated Arya and him to the same warm welcome she gave her own nephews. Davos spoke to her about the security of the trunk and that they all needed to be housed together as she shuffled them all inside. He could share with the boys and Jon and Arya together.
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A half turn of the glass found Jon and Davos back at the ferry, being driven upstream the short distance to the hard-pack road leading back to the northern army camp. They were half way across the field when Jon realized their tent was the only one still standing. It was early enough in the day, the train that stretched toward the Kings Road ten wagons long, horses hitched and men at ease could easily be halfway to the Crossroads Inn by nightfall.
Tormund met them at the tent, wrapping Jon in one of his gigantic hugs. Jon and Davos walked among the soldiers who stood at ease, offering a nod or a clasp of hand as they passed.
With Tormund at his side, the men cleared the way to the end wagon where Jon climbed up to look out over the remaining three hundred or so soldiers from Winterfell.
He started to speak, stopped then started again. “I don’t have enough words to say how much I owe all of you.”
From his left a voice rang out … “… the war is over!”
Further back in the middle of a tall group of men in mix of gray and black leather gambeson’s another voice shouted … “… we won!”
Jon stood on the wagon grinning like a madman and repeated. “The war is over! And we won! Long live the queen!”
Then closer … “the king in the North” became a chant.
He held both hands up until the crowd quieted. “Time to go home. I have informed my commanders early today that I’ll not be returning north with you. Ser Davos and I will be sailing to Bravos to meet with the Iron Bank.” He had to laugh at the collective groan that rolled through the crowd.
“Aye. Might be missing a pound of flesh before we are done with those vultures!”
From his left the same loud voice roared. “We wish you good fortune in the wars to come, your grace!” he finished to hoots and howls of laughter.
Jon just hung his head and stood til the crowd quieted. “Time to go home, friends.” He stepped down from the wagon into another bear hug from Tormund.
“Don’t be gone too long, King Crow.”
“I’ll send a raven to Winterfell to let you know how things are progressing.” Behind him several of Tormunds freefolk were dismantling the only tent still standing and packing the cart.
One of the younger soldiers stood slightly aside with their horses. He and Davos saddled up and sat, watching as the train pulled out. When the cart finally fell into line at the rear Jon turned to Davos.
“I am so tired I could sleep a week.”
“Soon, Jon. Soon.”
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The two of them made it all the way back to the ferry without speaking. Once dismounted, they joined a group of well-dressed men and what must have been squires holding the reins of their horses. The platform was a bit crowded and one young man in the blue and white tunic of the Vale stepped back into Ser Davos. He jerked to the side and raised a hand. “Watch yourself, old man!”
Jon’s hand went to the pommel of Longclaw but Davos stayed him with a hand to his wrist.
From the fellow beside the offended lordling came a few low words. “Harry? I would not ….”
“Where did you get that sword, bastard?”
“Where do you think, Harry?”
A tall broad-shouldered man in the same livery appeared and placed his hand on Harry’s shoulder. “Your grace. Ser. Lord Hardying has only recently arrived. Harry? This is Jon Snow, the King in the North and his Hand, Ser Davos Seaworth. The Winterfell men have only just left and I am sure his grace is returning to the Red Keep.”
“Aye, Lord Royce.”
“I am sure we will see you around the city as cleanup progresses.”
“Personally, my lord, my first chore will be to find a hot bath and second, a feather bed from which I shall not rise for a week.”
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Davos breathed a sigh of relief and joined the mild laughter. The semi-organized confusion of disembarking effectively concealed them diverting to the alley just to the right on the Street of Flour.
Away from the horse and foot traffic of the main thoroughfares of the city, they arrived at the private door to the Inn quickly. Mattie opened the door and took their horses, disappearing around the far corner of the building. Tobias led them upstairs, all the way to the back of the long narrow second floor.
“Aunt Shiree put you and Arya in those two rooms – there’s a private privy in the middle. Pa, me and Mattie are just across the hall.” He pointed to a door at the end of the hall that was double barred. “Outside stairs down to the stable.”
“Where’s Arya?”
Tobias laughed. “Probably still in the bath.”
Jon joined the laughter. “That would be a first!”
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Once he forced his little sister to vacate the rather decadent bath chamber with its ornate chair with attached chamber pot and brass tub that curved at one end, and two of the kitchen girls had brought fresh hot water, he actually bathed quickly and wrapped up in a huge robe he had been provided to cover his naked body.
He rapped on the inner door to Arya’s bed chamber and when she answered he spoke. “Please tell Davos I would like to have supper in my chambers. Then I don’t want to be disturbed unless the building is burning down.”
A very short while later, belly comfortably filled with the best roasted bird and spicy grains he had ever tasted and a mug of what the tall thin lady who brought his dinner and took his filthy clothes away said was the best Northern Ale south of Moat Calin, he slipped off the robe, tucked under the light cover on the big bed and was asleep as soon as the sigh escaped his lips.
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The next thing he knew, cool lips were kissing his forehead. He lay perfectly still even though his fingers itched to curl around the dagger under his pillow.
“Wakey, wakey, sleeping beauty.”
He let out a huff of air and growled literally, throat dry, eyes sealed with crust in the corners. “Seven hells, Arya. What are you doing? In my chambers?”
“Jon! You’ve been asleep two nights and almost three days!”
Gods be damned! No wonder he needed to piss so bad he could almost taste it. “Get out. I need the chamber pot!”
“It’s in the bath chamber! And Davos told me not to leave until I drag you down to meet his pirate friend!”
“Dear little sister! If you do not step outside that door this minute you will undoubtedly find out why the only two women I have ever been intimate with call me … a morning man!”
“Nonononono! I did not just hear that!” She twirled around, hands covering her ears as she took a step away from the bed.
He started laughing and rose quickly while her eyes were squeezed tightly shut and shuffled her toward the door. “Go! Outside! Now!”
A few minutes in the bath chamber was all he needed to be ready. The clothes he had worn for a week had been cleaned, so he dressed from the skin out, forgoing the tunic and gorget. Arya was waiting in the hall so he deliberately put his arm around her and smooched her cheek.
She shrugged but didn’t jerk away. “Too much information, Jon.”
“Sorry, it’s just a big jape, you know. The first one put three arrows in me and died in my arms. The second was just using me. I am calling it quits with women. Robb and Theon went to the brothel in Wintertown all the time. Even paid for me to see Ros once. I couldn’t do it. I have basically been celibate all my life except for a total of seven moon turns. I suspect I’m good for doing without another four and twenty namedays.”
“You have been really unlucky in love – must be why you are so good at other things.” She led him along to a narrow stair that went down to the main floor. “I’ve tried it – and I’m with you. Don’t know what all the fuss is about.”
He stopped a moment, staring at her back as she kept going. Then he just sighed and shook his head before continuing. She was still his little sister, but according to the mores of the land she was a woman grown and not a whole lot he could do about it.
At the bottom of the stairs, several women moved about, carrying trays of baked goods toward the store-front on the Street of Flour. The aroma set his stomach rumbling. Two steps ahead of him, Arya stopped at a set of double doors. “In there. Davos and his pirate are waiting. I will get you some food.”
“Thank you, sweet sister.”
He opened the door and stepped inside. Davos sat across a long narrow table from a dark-skinned man with sun bleached hair, dressed in a fancy yellow silk open jacket over a white blouse. Just like the one he was wearing.
“Jon. Come. Meet Saladhor Saan.”
“Aw… come on, Davos. You japin’ me? This … boy? Is the King in the North?”
“Aye, he is – among other things. Once we brush the ash of this place off our boots, we can let you in on the rest of the secret.”
Jon sat at the head of the table, shifting the chair a bit in order to see the door rather than having it totally at his back. He nodded at Davos, then acknowledged the pirate. “Well met, my lord.”
“Good manners as well as pretty.” The pirate huffed a laugh.
Davos chuckled. “He may be a wolf but he was raised in a castle.”
Jon ducked his head to hide his smile. “I see he’s already met Arya.” They all had another big laugh.
“For now, we need passage to Bravos. We must visit the Iron Bank.”
“So all you need from me is passage for three to Bravos, hang around for days waiting for you to try to get in to see those vultures. I need to see your gold, your grace.”
“Call me Jon, Sal. And Mattie and Tobias are going with us.” Jon opened his hand to show the smuggler the gold dragon shining on his palm.
A single knock and Arya’s voice asked, “If you are still hungry, open the door.” Davos rose pulling her inside as he took one tray and a carafe of something hot, placing everything in front of Jon.
He extended his hand to the pirate handing off the coin. Then he picked up his spoon and dipped into the creamy white sauce with chunks of chicken and some kind of dumpling.
“Davos. This is a gold dragon. Haven’t seen one of these in Westeros in a couple of decades.”
“Aye. King Robert banned ‘em. I suspect they’ll be coming back though, now that the dragon queen is on the throne.”
“How many?”
Jon paused, letting his spoon rest in the now half empty bowl. “How many, Davos? A fair-sized chest?”
The older man shrugged. “Maybe slightly less than half a trunk.”
“A bunch,” Arya added, helping herself to a handful of grapes. “These are good. You bring them, Sal?”
The pirate nodded as he looked the coin. “One way to Bravos, five passengers – one coin each.”
“Okay. But you can’t spend them here. I do have a bag of silver stags if you need to get supplies before we leave.”
“No, we good. Stocked up at the Step Stones. It is a quick trip to Bravos. This time of year the sea should be nice. I’ll send a raven to my lady friend. She will put us up for however long we need to be … there.”
Jon finished the dumplings and gravy and started on the plate of different kinds of fruit. “How soon?”
“Evenin’ tide soon enough?”
Jon crunched down on a slice of pineapple and chewed it up quickly. “We will need to transport the trunks, Davos.”
“Shiree will know where to get a wagon.”
“Good. I am going to finish my meal while you and Shiree find what we need.”
“And if I can persuade this beautiful young lady to find me a bit of ale, I’ll spend a bit of time with … Jon.”
Arya left the table with a huff and Davos opened the door for her.
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“I would be careful how I threw that word around – around Arya. She packs a mean punch when it’s aimed at an important part of the male anatomy.”
“What word?”
“Lady. She has talents even I’m not comfortable with and she’s my baby sister.” Jon nudged the plate of fruit toward the pirate, who helped himself to several slices of apple.
“Did Davos explain that we will need you and your ship for an extended period?”
“He did mention someplace we might need to go after Bravos and that plan will be discussed in more detail once we are at sea.”
“Good. I’m not exactly ... sneaking out of the country, but even with a signed and witnessed oath of good will ….”
“The dragon queen. I understand.”
“No.” he said, shaking his head. “You don’t. Not yet but once we are gone, Davos and I will explain.” He picked at the pineapple slices. He spoke around the last one when the knock came.
“Enter.”
Arya darted inside, carafe of Ale and mug in hand. “Aldonna says the streets are full of soldiers.”
“Lord Royce and Harry the Heir shared the ferry with us on the way back to the Inn.”
She nodded. “They saw a few Vale men the first day but she says these are Unsullied – just marching around.”
The pirate filled his mug with ale but didn’t drink. “Peace keepers? Any gossip from the Red Keep?”
“She better not be looking for me. Even with her signed and witnessed safe passage, we need to go.”
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With the throne room basically an open-air pavilion, Daenerys finally settled on the chamber formerly known as the Queens Dining Hall to hold court.
It had taken several days to find the energy to actually appear. First Jon basically abdicating his place in the hierarchy of the Targaryen family in voluntary exile – and purchasing peace between them with his crib egg. She could tell it was viable but she doubted it would ever have a rider. If it eventually did hatch. Jon had bonded with Rhaegal so easily, she was in a quandary about just returning the egg so he would eventually have another dragon of his own.
But then again, she was just not sure she wanted him to have a dragon. Since Drogon was injured perhaps if the northern egg did hatch she could bond with it as well.
She straightened her shoulders and swallowed the need to vomit. She never remembered morning sickness being so violent or prolonged with her first babe – even though she still considered her first marriage to be more fraught with danger. Not from outside forces but from her husband, than what she was going through now.
The outside forces were definitely more dangerous now, but Jon – even when she knew what she was doing with him was not right, Jon was eager as well as caring. She missed him far more than Jorah but now he was dead to her as well, though he still lived.
The double doors opened and Gray Worm announced Lord Royce. The big man in blue and white finery with a falcon on the left shoulder of his tunic entered along with several of his commanders and … a young man dressed too lavishly for a battlefield.
Missandei stood at her side, reciting her many deeds. When she finished, all the men except the civilian bowed.
“Lord Royce. Thank you for coming. The king of the north spoke to your staying to aid in the cleanup of the city. I hope you have found convenient lodging.”
“We have, your grace. My commanders currently have men converting a ware-house near the Street of Steel for our use. Allow me to introduce Ser Harold Hardying, Jon Arryn’s heir to the Vale.”
The young peacock stepped forward and took a knee. “Your grace. Tales of your beauty are not exaggerated.”
His choice of words almost made her frown but she quickly schooled her face into a little smirch. “Why, thank you, my lord. You may rise.”
“Lord Royce. King Jon also stated the Riverland contingent will be staying. Have you any word from Lord Tully?”
“I do believe Lord Tully is here, your grace. But my dealings have been with Ser Brynden the Blackfish. He commands the four thousand soldiers who accompanied him to the Capitol. I was informed by messenger that they too are settling in another area of the city. In a vacant warehouse that once belonged to Highgarden – from which they ran their Capitol marketplace.”
“I see.” She turned to Missandei. “Send for Ser Brynden. I will need to have him settle elsewhere as the Tyrells will want their warehouse once … once ….”
“Your grace? Are you well?”
“Yes. Yes. I am.”
“Then allow me to ask? Have not had word from your Master of Whispers regarding Highgarden?”
“No, my lord. Varys did not survive the … War for the Dawn. What has happened at Highgarden?”
“The Lannisters. Under the command of Lord Kevan, sacked Highgarden. Took everything, gold, household furnishings, stores and crops, then burned everything they could not transport. And salted the ground for kilometers in all directions.”
“Seven hells!” and she had just sent Tyrion to Casterly Rock – where Kevan was undoubtedly holding his own court. With her allies gold and produce. Seven hells was right. Tyrion knows all my secrets – even Jon’s.
“Thank you, Lord Royce. I was not aware. If you have nothing more, I believe I have some work to be done this day.”
He bowed and turned to leave but apparently Lord Hardying was not ready to go.
“Allow me to escort you to your chambers, your grace. I would like very much to speak with you privately.”
“Not today, ser. I need to speak with the King in the North.”
He had the gall to laugh at her. “Good luck with that. When last I saw him he stated his first chore for the cleanup of the city was to find a hot bath and the second, a feather bed – from which he would not rise for a week.”
“You have seen him recently?”
“Several days ago. On the ferry coming across Blackwater Rush into the city. I wanted to know where he stole the Valarian steel sword he wore. Everyone knows what happened to Ice when Eddard Stark was beheaded for treason. The one he carried was a hand and a half bastard sword.”
“I’m not aware of what happened to the ancestral sword of the Starks. But Jon did not steal Longclaw. Lord Commander Jeor Mormont awarded it to him for saving his life. Twice. First from a wight and second when a group of the watch mutinied beyond the Wall. Now, you are excused.” She rose and with a simple nod, she sent Gray Worm toward the foppish young man.
Lord Royce laid a hand on the heir’s arm, only for him to shake it off but he did turn away at the approach of the Unsullied guard.
Gray Worm turned back when the doors closed behind Lord Royce.
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“If that arrogant fool ever sets foot in the Red Keep again, kill him.”
Missandei frowned. “Your grace? He is the heir to the Vale.”
“Then send a note of warning to Lord Royce. To teach him some royal protocols. I need to find Jon. Warn him about what has happened at Highgarden and that Tyrion has gone to the Rock where the man responsible is likely conspiring against me.” Against us. The last Targaryens. “I will need to send word to Mereen for provisions. Without Highgarden even the spring and summer will be thin for foodstuff.”
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Chapter Text
Chapter 8
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Davos was back in a fair amount of time. Shiree with him, along with her guard. “The Street out front is crawling with the queen’s men. And they are not shopping.”
“I’m ready to go.” Jon pulled Arya to his side as she agreed. “Me, too.”
“Mattie and Tobias are already there. Went down to the docks this morning. Took some extra provisions. Walther will get your trunks loaded. He will be with the cart all the way to the back of the buildings. I’ll ride with him – to bring the horses back. Arya, it will be easier if you double up with Jon. Take the first right out of our little stable, then the next alley left. It will bring you through a maze of warehouses and from there you can see the wharf. The Sea Nymph is moored at the very end.”
“Okay. We go straight there.”
“Davos will be behind you. Sal will be with him. Don’t group together.”
“Thank you, Shiree. I won’t forget all your help.”
“Take care of my boys. And yourselves.” She hurried down the hall and they all followed, waiting until she was down the stairs and headed around the corner.
Jon adjusted Longclaw on his hip and glanced at Arya at his side, left hand thumb hanging off her belt next to Needle. He nodded to Davos and held the door for Arya following her quickly down the steep stairs. Aldonna stood just inside the stable, horses tacked and ready.
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“Arya, in front.” Hands around her waist, he hefted her up then saddled himself behind her. The alley ahead was clear so a gentle heel to a rib and they moved out, turning right almost immediately. The walls were so close there was hardly enough room to ride side by side and shadows were deep. Once they were in the long warehouse area there was light at the end of what was basically a tunnel and the sound of the other two horses drifted to them.
Then the breeze from the Blackwater reached them, bringing with it the scent of brine and the sight of Shiree’s light blue skirt. She stepped around the edge of the alley and motioned them on with a nod.
Jon pressed his heel against a rib again and they moved forward quicker. He reached a hand down and Shiree clasped his fingers for a moment as they passed. Then they were moving even faster, to where he could see Walther had already uploaded the trunks along with the rest of their baggage and had turned the cart.
The galley was bigger than he expected, multi-masted with two twelve man landing boats on the side he could see.
Urging the horse forward til he reached the rope ladder, he helped Arya stand and grab on, then held the ladder steady for her to climb aboard. Mattie reached down and took her hand before she disappeared over the gunwale.
Davos was right behind him, so he dismounted and started up the ladder himself. Davos grabbed hold and steadied it letting him rise faster. At the top he looked back. Sal had given Shiree a lift and he was gathering up the reins of the other two mounts as Jon reached for Davos, half lifting him the rest of the way.
Then Sal was coming aboard, shouting orders.
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“Shiree and Walther are gonna’ wait til we are gone. In case they run into anyone who might have questions. She wants us safely out of the dragon-queens clutches for some reason.”
Jon nodded as Davos spoke. “We will tell you why as soon as we are out of Blackwater Bay.”
“Let’s get you all below – the deck gets dangerous when I get these lazy ass pirates to work.”
Jon and Davos both turned back to dockside, where Shiree and Walther waited in the growing shadows. He lifted a hand in farewell and received one in return.
Sal was moving around the deck toward a door under the fo’castle. “Mattie and Tobias will bunk with the crew since both of them practically grew up on the water. Jon, you and Arya have my cabin. There’s a regular bed and underneath the windows across the stern there is a built-in settee that Arya can use.” He led them down a short narrow stair.
“Don’t do that. We don’t need to take you away from your rest.”
“Naw. Not a problem. When weather’s fine like now, I hang out above deck with my officers, usually drinking. And there’s another bunk in the cabin Davos will be in. I’d say we would share but we’ve done that before and he snores something terrible.”
Davos slapped him on the shoulder. “He lies!” as he opened the first door they came to and stepped inside.
“If you are sure.”
“I am. And Shiree says she made us dinner along with all the fresh bread and sweets she sent earlier. So once we are out in the Narrow Sea, we will all sit down and you can tell me this big secret.”
The only other door was directly in front of them. Sal opened it for Arya and Jon followed her – into a well-furnished chamber. Bed solid against one wall with a wood rim holding the mattress and covers in place, table against the same wall that butted up against the narrow bed under the wide expanse of generous windows at the back. On the other wall a folding divider to block off the brass bath and chamber pot.
“The galley is down the other side. Cook and a couple of young’uns to help and cleanup. We’ll all eat in the mess hall.”
“How many crew?”
“A hundred an’ ten – all sailors, all fighters, all pirates. Not to worry. Passengers are off-limits. We run three shifts. And it’s a calm bunch unless we’re loading or off-loading. The bosun keeps watch and turns the glass. So I’d say bout a half turn and you can come on deck. We will be well away by then. But I’ll expect my pay – and this big secret as soon as Davos gets here.”
“Yes. He has the first key.”
“Make yourself to home. Everything is bolted to the wall or floor. I’ll be back in a bit.”
Arya was already on her knees at the rear windows. “Feels like they are casting off.”
“Can’t be too soon for me. I’ve got a bad feeling about all the Unsullied in the streets. She seems to have the Dothraki under control.”
“I wonder where they are? They don’t usually live in cities, do they?”
“Maybe when she has everyone under her thumb the way she wants, she will send them back to the Great Grass Sea. I don’t think she will ever get them to become farmers or sheep herders. Horse breeders, maybe. But how domestic would they ever become.” He put a knee up on her bench-bed and a hand to the window ledge. “We are moving!”
“Yeesss!” She scooted closer and hugged him with one arm around his. “I am so excited.”
“Things will change, Arya. This is the first day of the rest of our lives.”
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Chapter Text
Chapter 9
“You really should eat something, Daenerys.” Missandei was arranging a plate of citrus and greens salad and tubers with pale yellow sauce on the balcony table.
Daenerys stopped pacing long enough to drink the glass of lemon water she filled. “I can’t think. Why I never thought there was any need to guard Highgarden.” She rubbed her belly where the babe was punching. “This babe has made me crazy. Everything I set out to do since I became with child has ended in failure. And Jon. Why I ever thought I could seduce him into marrying me was absurd … wishful thinking. I was already falling for him – before Jorah returned. Before I knew he was family.” The last words were a mere whisper tagged to the end of her rant!
“Family. And all this time you thought there was none other.”
“If my brother Rhaegar had lived, we would have grownup together in this place. We would have likely been betrothed at birth and married at the ripe old age of six and ten name days.”
“Now he is gone – and you are alone again. Except for the bear cub.”
She started for a chair, to sit when the knock startled her.
Missandei asked “Who is it?”
“Qhono … with report,” Gray Worm answered.
“Come.”
Daenerys sat in the big chair by the empty hearth.
“Khaleesi, many Dothraki walk streets. Ask men, perfumed ladies, soldiers clearing stones. One group of soldiers saw Ver Zokla. On boat for men and horse and wagon.”
“The ferry at the Blackwater Rush. Men from the Vale. No one since then?”
“No, Khaleesi. No one.”
“Thank you, Qhono. And your brothers.” She remained sitting long after the two men were gone.
“He did tell you he was leaving as soon as he could find a ship going in the right direction. It may have been sooner than later. If he is going to Bravos he will likely hear the gossip at whatever inn or tavern they can afford.”
“The only reason he was going to Bravos was three people in his party are familiar with the area. I always suspected Arya learned her style of fighting with the little blade from a Bravosi dancing master. Water dancing they call it.”
“Do we know anyone there who could relay him a message?”
“Not in Bravos. May be he is going to approach one of the sell-sword companies. He will need a way to support himself and Arya.”
“You mentioned writing Mereen for provisions. Are you going to address Darrio?”
“No. I surely do not want him here now. Seven hells! Highgarden gone. The land worthless. Useless. My child. The child that should have been Jon’s.” She winced and rubbed at a spot high on her belly again. “This babe really has a temper. I need to rest. Mayhaps his attitude will be better tomorrow.”
Missandei smiled and shook her head. “I suspect this babe is merely acting out your upset over the Highgarden problem. Come, eat a little. Then I will see you to your bed, my queen.”
There is a black river …
It passes by my window …
And late at night …
I walk the water …
Between the piers …
Singing … Oh …
River of sorrow … River of time …
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Davos joined them in the captain’s quarter shortly after they boarded. “We are early for the evening tide so it will take a bit longer to clear the docks. Seven heavens own luck the wind has picked up. That’ll help. Has to be done with short sail – too much canvas and the Sea Nymph could bump something it shouldn’t.”
Jon nodded in appreciation of the explanation. “Unlock the big trunk and I’ll get Sal some money.”
“Aye. He can get a bit picky about payment.”
“Are Mattie and Tobias okay with below deck quarters?”
“Aye. Mattie knows enough to be helpful. So he could actually pay his own way, Tobias and Arya will love the adventure.”
Arya joined them at the table. “Jon’s the one who is going to find adventure on this voyage. Can’t wait to see how impressed he is with Bravos!”
“Bravos? I’m already impressed with this ship. Maybe we should just become pirates?”
Davos laughed along with them. “Sal might not like the competition.”
Arya jumped up suddenly and hurried back to her perch at the rear window. “We’ve cleared the docks.”
“Aye. I can tell, he’s putting on more canvas. Won’t be long now and we will be out of the Blackwater!”
Jon stood carefully and crossed the chamber to the big trunk secured against the wall. He glanced over at Davos and grinned. “Not too bad – yet.”
Davos stood and took the few steps to his side. “Sal says it should be a smooth trip. And from here to Bravos is just slightly more than a week.” He knelt beside the once angry boy he had seen grow into a fine man over the past three years and unlocked the big trunk. Then sat back on his heels while the uncrowned king of the seven kingdoms dug the leather strip around his throat out of his tunic and unlocked the second trunk – the one with the three headed dragon on the lid.
Davos took the two leather satchels and stood, moving back to the table.
Jaehaerys Targaryen followed, one of the leather bags of coin in hand. He left both trunks open.
Davos could tell the ship was traveling much faster when a knock sounded at the door.
“Come,” Jae spoke.
The door opened on Sal, now dressed in silk shirt and blousy trousers, two trays in hand. “Oi, I know you northerners have traditions. So here’s bread and salt – and to wash it down, a fine white wine from YiTi.”
Arya stepped down from her perch and took one tray to the table.
“I’ll pour. This drink will put you on your ass with no more than a sip.” Sal tipped the small carafe and poured a finger in each of the four small glasses. “Bring the skin, girl. It’s water.”
After tradition was observed, they all tossed back the thimble of clear liquid. Jae and Arya sputtered and coughed while the pirate and Davos merely grinned and offered them both another bite of bread, then the water.
Sal laughed while Davos tried to hide his grin by looking at the ceiling. When Jae could speak he asked “What in the seven hells was that!?”
“The YiTish call it Sake but I think it’s better named fire water.” Davos let out a loud guffaw but Sal was suddenly serious.
“Out with it. What kind of contraband am I carrying this time, Davos.”
Davos shifted his gaze to Jae and nodded.
“Jaehaerys Targaryen, rightful king of the seven kingdoms. Trueborn son of Lyanna Stark Targaryen and Rhaegar Targaryen.”
Sal sat up straighter and stared. Jae opened the larger satchel and pulled out the top set of papers, sliding it over to the pirate.
Sal lifted the top sheet of heavy vellum and read the graceful calligraphy of Rhaegar Targaryen, Crown Prince of the Seven Kingdoms. “She knows. That’s why you needed to get out of Kings Landing fast.”
“Aye. But she will not tell anyone. We are leaving because she wanted me to remain a bastard for the rest of my life. She even offered marriage, to make me her consort and advisor but I refused. She is carrying another man’s child and wanted me to agree that it was mine. I have bought and paid for her silence and to the agreement that we would each never use our mutual name or position against the other. I gave her my crib egg.”
“Damme boy, uhm … your grace? You gave her a dragon egg?”
“I did. And she signed an oath and had witnesses sign as well as did I. The egg was payment. For peace between us.”
“A dragon egg would be worth a king’s ransom.”
“It’s okay Sal. I have three others – that she does not know about. All viable. I did all that because I am never going to be a bastard again. From this day forward I am Jaehaerys Targaryen. You can call me Jae.” He grinned all around the table. “Not too different from … Jon.”
“What else do you have in that trunk – Jae?”
“A bridal cloak. Black with red dragon and gray direwolf stitching. A length of gray silk brocaded with dragons and direwolves – I am told Septons use that in their Light of the Seven wedding ceremonies. My mother’s Will, Rhaegar’s Will – which happens to contain brief descriptions of properties he – not the crown – has owned since he was a young man. Five documents with lots of information on all the properties. Also in his Will is information concerning accounts at the Iron Bank to which I am the only heir.”
“Oh, and two swords. She does not know about any of this. And I don’t intend for her to ever find out. I am Rhaegar and my mother’s only heir. He and both his children by Elia Martell were dead before I was born and my mother died birthing me.”
“Your secrets are safe with me … Jae.”
“Thank you … and you will be rewarded for your service. We will have need of the Sea Nymph beyond Bravos.”
He reached for the bag of coins on the table. “Everything will come out eventually. She knows and her lord commander and Missandei – so I figure Tyrion Lannister knows as well. Mattie and Tobias but they will all be with us wherever Arya and I go.” He had started counting out the gold dragons and by the time he stopped speaking there were ten in two neat stacks.
A crooked grin swept across the pirates’ lips. “First stop Bravos – and the Iron Bank.”
“Sal. One of the properties is on the Narrow Sea. An island. With a trading post. The deed does not say where. There are numbers.”
The pirate leaned back in his chair and poured another thimble of Saki, tossing it back without even a flinch. “First things first, Jae. Bravos and the Iron Bank.”
He paused just long enough to close his big hand over the two short stacks of coins then smiled broadly as he stood and issued an invitation. “Come, we are under full sail and the deck is clear. Sunset at sea is a thing worthy of worship.”
Arya was the first at the door, with Davos bringing up the rear.
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Chapter Text
Chapter 10
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Much to Davos’ appreciation, the crossing was smooth and quick. He was more than a bit worried about Jae for the next part of the journey. Sparring with Arya was the only time he rose above his brooding to show any real enthusiasm but he also worked with Mattie and Tobias everyday as well.
Sal had approached him with the request from some of his younger men to learn a bit of the style he displayed. Davos was glad to see he accepted, if not eagerly at least glad to be active.
In all it took ten days to sight the Colossus guarding the mouth of the harbor due to one sail suddenly sporting a tear that required repair. Arya, who had become a monkey climbing masts, persuaded Jae to take advantage of the slower speed to join her in the crow’s nest for a bird’s eye view of the wide expanse of water.
They were both there when the gigantic harbor protector rose over the horizon. The two of them raced down, Jae grinning like a kid as they continued their foot race to the bow where Davos and Tobias already stood.
“It will be a while yet, but Toby heard you screamin’,” he said, grinning himself just to see Jae excited.
Another half turn of the glass brought Sal to the bow as well.
“How long, Sal?” Jae asked, looking out over the water where two ships were passing to their right.
“Soon. Fair amount of traffic moving south-east. Once they sight us, they will alert the harbor to hold outgoing ships until we are docked.” Sal glanced at Davos then back to Jae. “Did the old dog warn you about the reception committee? No one can disembark ‘til customs board. Not to worry ‘bout your trunks – they only look at cargo – and not too closely for Davos and I. Unless it’s some green kid – they gonna be pissing their pants to find Davos and I together!”
“Do you have enough coin?” Jae shifted his gaze left at where Davos stood between him and Sal.
“Aye. No gold dragons for this lot – they wouldn’t know what to do with ‘em! Aye Davos?”
“Aye!”
Jae stood at the bow beside Arya as the entire stone and metal colossus came into sight, one gigantic foot to either side of the harbor entry. Sal had dropped all but the smallest bits of canvas when a sound fit to crumble mountains issued from the colossus. Jae cringed, grabbing the railing as he stumbled back a step. Arya caught him by the arm, laughing.
“Seven fucking hells! What was that?”
“No one warned me either.” She continued to laugh. “I crouched into a ball and missed the actual entry into the harbor. They send a bunch of boats out with heavy ropes and basically tow the ship into the first open dock.”
Jae looked around. Sal had disappeared and Davos was standing by the starboard ladder.
“Waiting for the harbor-master.” Arya hugged his arm as she stood close. “Not long now.”
He crooked his neck to peer down on her. “By the gods, how did you stand all that leather. I’m burning!”
“Sal’s lady will know where we can get cooler clothing. When I was here I lifted mine from the mummer’s show – a piece at a time.”
He chewed at his lower lip as he considered what she meant. “Mummers? What show …?”
“Cersei. Joffery. Father. I killed one of the Gold cloaks – the one who handed Ice to the executioner that day. He was here with Lord Manderly who was visiting the Iron Bank on behalf of Cersei and the Iron Throne. I followed him to a high-dollar brothel and saw how he liked … little girls. I came back the next night playing into his mummer’s show and when he started slapping me around with his hand and riding crop I jumped up locking my legs around his waist and stabbed him in the eyes. Then I stabbed him over and over and just before I cut his throat I told him who I was.”
Jae hugged her close and kissed her curls. “I’m sorry,” he murmured against her hair.
“I’m not. He deserved it. They all did.”
“I’m not sorry he is dead either, just sorry it was you who had to do it.”
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The harbor-master maneuvered the Sea Nymph toward its berth at the docks where a lone observer emerged a step from the shadows to watch the two at the bow lean into each other. Even at the distance still to cover, he could tell the boy held a girl close and looked to whisper something into her hair, the same dark curls as his. She closed her eyes but her face reflected the same emotion he was sure the boy’s did, though he could only see his profile. The same strong jaw a man knew a girl carried, their eyes the same steely gray to everyone except a man who had seen the boy up close at a young age, eyes awash with tears that intensified the indigo rings.
“A boy finally knows who he is.”
He stepped back in the shadows as two brawny men stopped at the edge of the dock, a small four-wheel cart between them. When he looked back at the approaching ship, the boy and girl were gone.
It did not matter. A man intended to wait and watch – the opportunity to speak would come soon.
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“I don’t understand Miree. I have been with child before and there was never anything like this. It is like he is kicking with both feet on the right and punching with both hands on the left. Low on the left and high on the right.” She hunched over the table both hands scrubbing at her face and eyes. “I haven’t slept in a week.”
“Khaleesi? Have two babes? Come, need to check for two babes.”
“Two?” Dany took a deep breath and let it go in a rush. “Twins? Of course, one sleeps then the other, so there is movement all the time.”
“Would explain Khalessi growing big quick. I make you mild grass tea to relax you and babes. When movement start?”
She closed her eyes, frowning – the beautiful Winter Dragon egg. “Miree, go to my chambers. Take the stone egg to your room. Go now.”
“Ver Zokla gift? Why would bother babe?”
“Targaryen crib egg. It was meant for Jon. Not my child. The egg knows. I know. It was wrong of me to take it. But he wanted peace between us so badly he was willing to part with it. Just move it from my chambers. Once the babes are born it should be fine for me to keep it.” She rubbed her belly where she was being attacked from both sides. “I don’t plan on ever trying to hatch it. Someday … someday when enough time has passed and the world has righted itself, I will return it to him.”
“Khalessi will see Ver Zokla again?”
“Yes. He is Qoy Qoyi.” She pressed three fingers into her side. “I could still use a cup of your goodnight tea.”
The Dothradi healer nodded. “Sit. Eat with Missandei. I bring tea.”
There is a black river …
It passes by my window ….
And late at night ….
I walk the water …
Between the piers …
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Jon and Arya found Davos in the galley. The customs officer sat across from him, both enjoying a thimble of Sal’s fire water. Jon placed a hand on Arya’s elbow and urged her in the direction of the kitchen.
The old cook was coring apples then roughly chopping them, peel and all. He juggled a couple. “You children hungry? Am making hand-pies for even meal. And don’t look at me that way – just cause you bunch will leave with the harbor master does not mean the crew will.”
“Not hungry, ser. Can I help?”
At his side, Arya spoke. “I’ll take an apple. I am still growing and he may deny it but I know he has reached his full height!”
He ruffled her hair – only because he knew she loved him more than she hated him doing it. She ducked and swatted at his wrist with one hand and caught the apple with the other, sinking her teeth into it so fast and hard, juice ran over her lips. She silently offered him a bite as she chewed so he wrapped his thumb and forefinger around her wrist and turned the edge of where she had left a gaping hole to take a big chunk from the side.
“Ya can stir that pot of cinnamon and honey all these apples are going in.”
“Aye, aye, Ser!” he stood straighter and moved into the galley to the hoots and giggles coming from Arya. The cook’s helper looked up from a pile of flour and shortening long enough to grin at him before continuing his own chore.
Davos and the customs officer watched the almost domestic scene taking place. Arya stood back from the long counter where the other three worked, arm waving as she hooted orders around a mouth full of apple – like a stage manager directing the players.
“The boy and girl? Have the look of the north.”
“Aye. The lad and lass are travelin’ with us. Good kids, respectful, don’t mind helpin’ in the kitchen or gettin’ hands dirty or blistered above deck. Once we’re clear to leave the ship they want to spend a few days seein’ the sights, tastin’ the food.”
“Getting cooler clothes.”
“Aye. Goes for me and my boys as well. I’d appreciate any directions you might know for accomplishin’ that.”
“Will you all be guests of Sal’s lady? Ask her, she will know.” He sipped at his small glass of Sake. His voice dropped to a whisper when he spoke again. “Word out of the west is bad. I suspect you bunch were lucky to find Sal when you did.”
“They had a new queen and cleanup and repair was underway when we left." Davos leaned closer as he asked ... "... what’s happened in the ten days we were at sea?”
“Whispers are the sack of Highgarden was worse than previously reported. Kevan Lannister burned everything he could not carry. Salted the fields.”
“Seven hells. The man must have been struck with a severe attack of stupid. Why would he destroy the main source of food stuff for most of the country? That land will be unusable for the next fifty-plus years. And every time it rains, the salt will leech into the water and contaminate more land around it.”
“Nothing has come to my ears from Mereen, regarding a plea for supplies but I suspect it’s because the dragon-queen has other closer problems to work out. Her northern king and his men pulled out a fortnight past to return to Winterfell. Rumor has it that in spite of their well-known affair, the babe she is carrying is another man’s. A man who died in the war for the dawn.”
Davos nodded and reached for the small carafe, only for the customs man to turn the thimble size glass upside down on the table.
“For the North apparently their glass gardens will be easily repaired and the Lady Sansa Stark has already sent to Myr for glass and workers. Also, for some unknown reason the far north is now melting into spring and the land from the Gift to the Land Beyond the Wall is showing spring growth, grass, flowers and with care to introduce farming, may soon become a boon for the North.”
“We knew none of this before we left. What does the SeaLord of Bravos think?”
“He has summoned a few members of the council. I’ve heard he is concerned for what may become a tidal wave of exiles. Bravos is the first stop on the trade route from Westeros.” He fiddled with the small glass on the table, twirling it absently, first one direction then the other. He kept his head low and continued, “… that’s him, isn’t it? All we have is that he is young – and almost too beautiful to be a man.”
Davos took a deep breath and released it, rubbing at his upper lip. “Consider us five your first exiles. We won’t be going back. The Iron Bank is his first stop – then the world will know who he is.”
Sal appeared in the galley door, gaze taking in everything before he headed for Jae and the pot he was stirring.
“Time to go, Sal?”
The pirate pointed at the table. “Geralt? Is it time to go?” He fluttered the sheaf of parchment in his hand toward the customs man.
“I do believe it is, Sal. Thank you for the … refreshments.” He rose and took the papers from him, folded the pages and stuffed them in his tunic. “I’ll get you the invoice in a day or two.” He nodded to Davos then turned to Jae still stirring the apple honey cinnamon mixture, noticing for the first time how the aroma made his mouth water. He nodded and left.
Sal addressed Davos. “We should go as well. Baden is preparing luncheon for us. Jae? Nord and Mattie are bringing your trunks on deck. Baden sent a cart and horses for all of us.”
A man finally joined the throng filling the dock. He had never doubted word would spread as the rumors floated around – that the King in the North was bound for Bravos to meet with the Iron Bank. But a man also knew they all suspected the visit was to seek support for the North in rebuilding after the War for the Dawn. A man knew that was not the case. And he would be as patient now as he had always been.
A man also kept an eye on the group of Red Priests and their leader Kinvara. A man knew they sought the boy for other … darker purposes and a man would never let that happen. No one was still with him and it pleased him to know she would always be as protective as a man would be when it came to Jaeharys Targaryen.
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Chapter Text
Chapter 11
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There is a black river …
It passes by my window ….
And late at night ….
I walk the water …
Between the piers …
… Singing. Ohhh …
River of Sorrow …
The dothraki healer hurried down the hall and knocked once then opened the chamber door. “Khalessi need more tea?”
The queen sat behind the wide desk, several scrolls nearby. Still sealed. “No Miree. I want to reward you for the tea and for moving the egg. The last three days have been mostly calm. The babes’ movements are much quieter. I slept all night last night.”
“Babes better. Change position. Resting now for birth.”
“It’s too early!”
“Two babes oft come early. No more room.” The healer grinned. “We are ready.”
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The pirate’s paramour, Baden Heafoe – a beautiful brown skinned woman of indeterminate age – owned a property at the far inland edge of the city. The manse was like a small city of its own, with housing for guards, servants and a few people so similar in looks and demeanor Arya immediately took them to be family. All situated within high walls that encompassed an area part desert and part garden with fountains flowing with water and shaded areas for relaxing. They were invited to make themselves comfortable, with a wing all to themselves and told all meals were served at designated times in the main dining hall with everyone attending.
The morning after they arrived, Jae was invited to early spars and was surprised to find their hostess sparring with several of the guards and one young lord who was introduced as a ward.
It had taken two days for the team of seamstresses who were part of the household to create multiple wardrobe changes that were lighter fabrics and a welcome relief from the oppressive wet heat.
The third day was appointed for their visit to the Iron Bank.
Jae and Arya were accompanied by Davos and both Mattie and Tobias. The entourage ended being made up of Sal and Baden plus a fair dozen guards in simple livery somewhat similar to Daenerys Unsullied but with a nod to the climate.
Sal and Baden moved on with half the guards and made their way through the city on some excuse or another, while the other guards attended the mounts and the outer doors as Jae and his companions were allowed entry to the Bank. They were then escorted with two of the armed guards to the office of Tycho Nestoris.
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River of time, river …
River of sorrow …
Jae was not sure exactly what he had expected in a banker but Tycho Nestoris was not it.
Slightly taller but thinner in the shoulders than himself, he appeared to be younger than Davos, with a full head of dark hair. A face that might have once been considered aristocratic but somewhere, likely in his younger days, the nose had been broken. When he stood from behind the desk though, his clothes put King Robert’s – the one time Jae had seen him – to shame.
“Welcome, Jaehaerys Targaryen. Lady Arya Stark. And you must be Ser Davos Seaworth.” The man moved from behind the desk and came toward them, offering a nod and simple bow. “We have long been expecting you. I am Tycho Nestoris. I have been personally monitoring your accounts since shortly after your birth.”
“Monitoring …?”
“Yes, your grace. Come, sit. May I offer you refreshment? It is a very interesting story, which I am sure you have never been made aware of.”
He ushered them to an adjoining room, indicating the several easy chairs arranged around a decorative hearth. A small table stood beside each chair. The banker helped himself to a small crystal glass and half-filled it with amber liquid.
“A new libation from our friends in YiTi.” He held the glass to the light where it sparkled softly. “I believe they call it … whiskey. It is an acquired taste.”
Jon couldn’t help but share the sardonic grin adorning the bankers face, having sampled Sal’s libation from YiTi. “Arya. Water only – we are here to discuss business.”
She went to a side cabinet and poured two glasses of water from a carafe floating with lemon wedges. “Ser Davos?”
“Later perhaps, dear girl.”
When they were all comfortable, the banker began. “I’m sure it will surprise you to know it was Lady Stark who first brought you to my personal attention.” He paused, gaze shifting from the young royal to the young girl. “She showed up here, accompanied by a man she labeled her personal steward. He presented a scroll we quickly determined was forged, demanding a very large sum of money for housing, feeding, clothing, educating, a long list of things to be reimbursed and in consideration of future expense for the bastard child of Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and her husband’s only sister, the Lady Lyanna Stark – whom the Crown Prince kidnapped and raped then murdered, leaving the child her and her husband’s responsibility.”
“Mother? She hated Jon. I always thought it was because my father had betrayed her by sleeping with another woman.”
Jae just stared at the banker for a moment. “I certainly never knew she knew.”
“We sent her away empty handed, which I am sure increased her ire toward you. By our research you were likely nothing more than toddling around at that point, perhaps … four name-days. And yes, we did begin watching you at that time. We do work with faceless men from time to time and there is one who has been to Westeros more than once.”
“Jacqen Ha’gar.” Arya whispered to a raised eyebrow from the banker.
“But – the second to enquire was an impostor who presented himself as you. A man who named himself Jon Connington – a very close dear friend of the Crown Prince – claimed Rhaegar had given his son with Lyanna over to him to raise and procure an army to take back your throne. That young man had the silver-blonde hair and purple eyes usually indicative of Targ blood. Unfortunately for them I had personally met with Rhaegar to set up these accounts and accept the original deposits.” He paused shaking his head. “The young man had nothing of Rhaegar in his bone structure or presentation. Far too arrogant. Connington named him Aegon but he appeared too old. According to our watcher in Winterfell you were at that time ten name-days. There was also a man with them who claimed to be a Dayne. He, also, was nothing like the Sword of the Morning, who was Rhaegar Targaryen’s shadow.”
“Unfortunately that particular mummer’s show is still active. The bank has a faceless man embedded in the Golden Company command string. I suspect with your exile they will make an offer to the Queen for her hand in marriage.”
Jon nodded. “She might take him up on it. She is with child and went to great lengths to convince me I was the father. I knew I wasn’t – when I confronted her, she confessed the father was her long-time advisor and personal guard.”
“Ser Jorah Mormont.”
Jon huffed a laughed. “You really do know a lot – for a banker.”
“Just part of my daily business.” He took another sip of the amber liquor and smiled. “So tell me why you are here, Jaehaerys Targaryen – the former Jon Snow also known as the Bastard of Winterfell, the King in the North, King Crow, Ver Zokla, the White Wolf – have I missed any?”
“The Prince that was Promised.”
“Lightbringer.”
“That too is a long story ser. Only the end mattered. I only recently found out that the Crown Prince Rhaegar Targaryen and Lady Lyanna Stark were my parents. I have paperwork to prove all prior information regarding the two of them and the Rebellion that resulted was a lie – and that they were betrayed by Lady Stark’s father and sister and my mother’s betrothed. All in the name of power.” He emptied his glass of water and Arya took it to the cabinet to refill.
“I hold many documents. My fathers Will. My mother’s Will, deeds to various properties in various countries. I have in my possession three dragon eggs, the Targaryen marriage cloak and my father’s traveling harp. Also various pieces of jewelry – the seal of office of the Crown Prince used many times, matching valerian steel wedding bands, seal of office of the future Crown Prince of Dragonstone never worn and the seal of office that should have been mine on coming of age – the Prince of Summerhall.”
Arya slipped the glass into his hand and he thanked her with a nod before continuing. “I can provide any of this for your perusal – in my presence of course.”
“Thank you, your grace. I have copies of the Wills, left here by your father before he went to war. I would like to confirm there have been no addendums since Rhaegar’s death by quickly scanning your documents. I would also like to know what your plans for the future are.”
“Well. To begin – please stop calling me your grace. I spoke to the Queen a few days before we left. She still pushed for me to marry her – to avoid any future conflicts for the throne. I know her, Tycho. She has to control – everything. I suspect she will eventually be as much a tyrant as her father or Cersei Lannister. To try and ease her mind, I have voluntarily left Westeros. She wanted me to maintain my bastard name but far too many know the truth so I told her if need be, I would officially abdicate as Jaehaerys Targaryen and live in true exile, but only with the ability to occasionally visit the far north – as my mother is buried in the Winterfell crypts.”
“Once we have reviewed my business interests with the bank and here in Bravos, we all want to inspect the other properties before deciding where to settle.”
“A good plan, I can provide more than a bit of information on each of your holdings. And if I may offer some advice … Jae? Do not go to Volantis. I suggest you let my faceless man check out the business and property interests there. The queens freeing of slaves in that area – has caused a lot of turmoil. I would not be comfortable with you being inside those black walls for any purpose. There is also an old religious sect that has recently become active once again and they like to sacrifice children to the Black Goat at the Red Moon.”
Arya rose and stepped quickly to Jon’s shoulder. “My brother has made enough sacrifices in his life. I think a faceless man will do fine for that excursion.”
Jon nodded. And Davos did as well.
“Very well. All that is left at this point is for me to see the documents, good Ser.”
Davos removed his satchel to the table and withdrew several papers held together in a heavy folder.
Jon cleared his throat and spoke again. “In the Crown Prince’s Will. There is mention of three of the properties listed within. I have the individual deeds with date of purchase and initial investment for five individual properties. The last being the Volantis holding.”
“No Will for the Lady Lyanna?”
“There is. A separate Will from my mother. I have not found the courage to read it. Yet.”
“I understand. Completely. As I said I only need to ensure there are no addendums to either of them – after the date of death.”
Jon nodded quietly. “Davos has it.” He looked to the man who was more a father figure than his former hand of the king. “You may show it to Tycho.”
“If you please, Jae. I will send for my private secretary now. He will transcribe the deeds I do not already have copies for and place them with my copy of your fathers Will. He will do it here. In our presence. It should not take long as it would appear I have all but the last two. May I send for a light luncheon? Your guards may join us if they like.”
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The scribe arrived and got busy at a desk in the corner by a tall narrow window. Shortly thereafter several men arrived. The silver trays they bore were filled with thin sliced bread wrapped around a variety of meats and cheese, fresh fruits and carafes of tea, several different juices and water. And a large multi-layered tray of small thin cakes.
Jon called Tobias and Mattie to eat and they sat with Davos and Arya as he wandered the room. The far wall was covered to the ceiling with shelf upon shelf of books. The other two guards that had entered stood alert at the doors, one at the corridor and the other at the connecting door to the office.
Tycho appeared in his peripheral vision. “Books on Law – and cases I have presided over. Scribes record both sides, witness reports, conclusions. All very dull and boring. I sat in judgment before I came to sit as a banker.”
Jae wandered closer, scanning down the spines at eye level. “I find that quite interesting. I know only the governing of the Seven Kingdoms. Which is by absolute ruler, the King – or Queen now.” Jae swept one hand in a gentle sweep. “Are any of these books perhaps about how to institute such a practice? To instruct in the establishment of … of a ….”
“It’s called Court but it is not the same meaning as in Westeros. Do you read High Valerian?”
His lips settled into a half smile/half frown. “Slowly.”
“Perfect – slowly will allow you the time necessary to actually study and translate it to the common tongue.” The banker moved to a lower section and reached for a slim volume. “Take this – for practice. It’s a book of poetry. Not quite as boring as How to Become a Judge.”
“I cannot take your book.”
“It is a library, Jae. You can return it when you have read it. And then you may take another. Some of these books have not been read in many years. Decades even.”
He took the small book. “Thank you, Tycho. It’s very generous of you to share.”
“Remember – slowly, Jae. Enjoy the words as you translate them. Come. Eat something. Then we will clear the table for maps. The first Deed your father ever brought me was for an island on the western shore of the narrow sea. Rhaegar spoke to me about the Trading Company. I loaned him the start-up funds – and he repaid them in half the time allowed. The profit it produces to this day is …” he paused nodding as he smiled “…impressive.”
Jae finally sat at the table. Davos was quietly speaking to Mattie at the far curve. Tycho had returned to a position at the window, looking out while the secretary sitting within touching distance wrote with a consistent rhythm, the scratch of nib on heavy vellum interspersed with pauses to dip the pen into the inkwell.
He had not had an appetite but once Arya placed the fresh bread folded around a chunk of pale roasted bird in his hand, the aroma literally forced it to his mouth. The first bite slowed him down in order to savor the taste.
Then Arya handed him two of the small cakes. “Tycho calls them cookies. These are made with almond flour. Almonds. Ground into flour. I may have to threaten to kill someone for the recipe.”
From the far end of the table Davos laughed. “Speak to Lady Baden before you go that far. She has a wizard for a cook in her kitchen!”
The scratch of the secretary’s pen finally stilled. The last sheet was being blotted as Tycho spoke. “Thank you, Foster. I will take these now. If you would be so good as to have the table cleared as you retrieve the high detail maps.”
The banker looked over to Arya and Jae. “Arya if you would move the cookies to one of the side tables …?” The left corner of both their lips rose in tandem with that eyebrow as he watched. Absolutely no doubt they were kin … close kin.
The table was cleared quickly so before Foster returned with the maps Tycho went to Rheagar’s file lying open on his desk. He thumbed through the documents until he found the one for the Trading Post and moved it to the top. As Foster unrolled the maps one on top of the other then stepped back, he took a standing marker from his secretary.
Tycho moved the third map down to the top and Foster handed him another of the markers.
Everyone was standing around the table. “Come closer. Jae, Davos.” He placed the marker mid-way down the map from Bravos.
Davos walked around to the side of the table. “I know that island. Is that … the Trading Company …?”
“It is. And if an old banker might give a young man a bit more advice …” his gaze shifted from Davos to Jae who looked up from the map to nod. “Make it your last stop. Literally. I believe you – all of you will find it the best and most logical place to settle.”
Arya moved to the opposite side of the table, chin shifting with her eyes as she gazed at the island from all approaches and finally nodded.
“Two of Rhaegar’s former squires have managed the island and the trading company since before his death. Ser Myles Mooton and Ser Richard Lonmouth.”
He slid the top map to the side just far enough to show the next map and placed another marker almost at the end closest to him. “The manse in Pentos should be the next to last stop. It’s been occupied by an older couple these past two decades. It is somewhat isolated, near a portion of the coast that is inhabited by small folk who farm and raise pasture stock. The old man breeds cattle and horses – well enough that both species bring good price for stud service and some type of short horn bulls that birth sturdy calves from regular stock.”
“The next two you should not try to visit right away. They are both in the North. The oldest is most easily assessable from EastWatch by the Sea – near where the Wall was destroyed. A very large parcel of land known as Queens Crown. It came into Lyanna’s ownership when her father died. There is a very old keep located on an island in the middle of a natural lake of fresh water – likely fed by an underground spring. There’s been no upkeep for quite likely a century – perhaps longer. The closest inhabitants are the mountain clans.”
He looked up before continuing. “Jae, your maternal great-grandmother was a Wull. The lands have never been explored for gemstones or minerals. I suspect now that summer is approaching, the land may be arable enough for wheat and corn and the possibility of adding a mill could eventually produce flour and cornmeal capable of crop yield and produce, to provision the north through the winters. Possibly add some glass houses to extend the growing period for more delicate farming. It would require that you be in touch with your sister … cousin and I am not sure if you parted on good terms. After revealing your … Ned Stark’s secret.”
He paused for a moment and shifted the map slightly.
“The other property is in the Land beyond the Wall and has never been mapped. Or explored.” He laughed, a dry sort of chuckle as his gaze took in each of the five persons standing around the table. “One might actually need a dragon to assess it best.”
He took a deep breath releasing it quickly. “Then there is the Volantis property. From the description contained in your paperwork, it appears to be a fortress. With two curtain walls, the interior wall being taller, wider, and quite likely fortified for use as housing of soldiers equipped for defense. There is not much else as far as information goes. It is located in a highly defensible position but having known Rhaegar from a young age, I struggle to understand this purchase. I will set two faceless men to a full exploration of the area in addition to the two who are keeping the bank informed of the religious fervor behind those black walls.
“I will need to keep you apprised of the situation there. Anonymously of course.”
He began pulling maps toward himself, straightening the sheets and rolling them together. “I am sending these maps with you. I have copies. But I beg you – do not go near Volantis. I fear the rumors, of what may come with the advent of the blood moon will escalate into violence. And until we know the value of the property and/or the reason for its original purchase I do not know how to advise you.”
He handed the compact roll to Davos. Then he reached for a thick folder at his right elbow. “Now for the fun part. Anyone need a drink before we sit down? Or a break? I know children sometimes get bored when grownups talk about numbers.”
Davos looked at his boys.
“We will just sit over here, Pa. By the cookies.”
The grownups all laughed. Then Tycho opened the folder and started with the Pentos property. By the astonished look on Jae’s face when he heard the annual profit amount from the stud service and sales of horses and cattle, Davos began to consider he might just want to apprentice Tobias to take over managing the farm when the old man retired. He would definitely talk to Jae and Toby when they went to see the property.
Then all of them sat aghast at the numbers spilling from the bankers lips when he went through the profits after the costs of doing business at the Trading Company.
But not a single one of them were prepared for the actual amount of money in the two accounts set up by Rhaegar, in his own and in Lyanna’s name. Tycho explained how Rhaegar and Lyanna had given him permission to invest small amounts of funds discretely and with limits to insure against large losses, plus the interest being paid for the use of those same funds, which were then deposited back into their respective accounts.
Tycho asked for permission to change the name on the accounts to Jaehaerys Targaryen and in leiu of no heirs at the moment, that they add the Lady Arya Stark as beneficiary with Davos and Tycho as her advisors until age one and twenty.
Jae, Arya and Davos agreed. The banker would prepare the paperwork to be signed before they left Bravos. Then he closed and tied up the folder and handed it back to Davos.
With the actual business part done, Tycho stepped around the table to join the strange family gathered around the hearth. He called for champagne all around to celebrate and as they sipped at the bubbly wine Tycho suggested Jae allow him to send a party to Queens Crown on his behalf – to assess the condition of the land, lake and keep. For the purpose of consideration of opening trade with the North. He explained the party would sail directly to Eastwatch and from there approach Winterfell with details in the form of a letter from Jae. It would take many moon-turns to receive a report but once in hand they could discuss if it was worth the necessary initial investment.
Then he settled in the overstuffed chair facing Jae. “I have news from Westeros. It is bad – from Highgarden.”
Davos spoke first. “Lady Olenna died when the Lannisters sacked it early in the dragon-queens war against Cersei.”
“True, but Kevan Lannister’s actions at Cersei’s command have only now come to light. When Kevan Lannister burned the fields he also salted the land for kilometers in all directions.”
It took a moment for the words to sink in. And it was Arya who responded first. “That … was a stupid move.”
“Highgarden kept the Capitol fed. Not to mention trade with other areas.”
“That’s why I encourage you to explore the viability of the Gift. And even beyond the wall. You could send and receive trade at EastWatch – with improvements.”
Jae glanced at Davos then they both nodded. “Set your man to visit. I will write a letter to Sansa for your man to deliver. And the Volantis property. Do what is safest for your people and then I would like your opinion of not only the property but the political/religious situation as well. I will check with Sal and ask if we may send and receive scrolls forwarded through his friend.”
“If that isn’t convenient … or safe, I do have a trusted way we may stay informed.”
~|||||| ||||| ~|||||| ||||| ~ |||||| ||||| ~
Dany was enjoying a full breakfast when Missandei arrived – soft boiled egg, warm crusty bread spread with lemon, blood orange and honey butter and hot tea had never tasted so good.
“My queen. You look well. Miree’s tea helps the babes rest?”
“Yes. I slept so well not even the smell bothers me this morning. The babes no longer make me ill.”
Her friend and confidante smiled as she nodded. “Doreah is working on two new outfits with the seamstress. She swears no corset – extra support in the high waist design and below in the breeches. You should be far more comfortable for the next moon-turns. There was enough fabric to alter this one for now.”
Draped across her arm was a sleek swath of indigo leather. Dany recognized it. She had first worn it at Dragonstone the day Davos – and Jon – arrived.
A lifetime ago. A lifetime of wars – and a rare few tender moments when she came close to believing she could love him.
Her only purpose that first time had been seduction, which was spurred on by her surprise that he was nothing like what she expected.
He was beautiful. Beyond handsome, beyond pretty, a beautiful young man. According to Varys little birds, the king in the north had been sworn to the Nights Watch and celibate basically since adolescence. It had filled her with gleeful satisfaction to see his initial reaction, which prompted her to leave her throne and walk deliberately, slowly expounding on the demanding sexual experiences she endured along the path to her queenship.
And nothing had come of it. Not then. And not until it was too late.
She rubbed her belly gently, happy the two of them were quiet. Sad that they would never know the love and attention of their father. Of any father figure in their lives. Because Davos and Jon were gone. Forced into exile by her machinations.
She accepted Missandei’s help dressing for court. Silver hair braided into a crown, jewels on her throat to draw the eye away from her belly, but she knew there would be no seduction today. Her condition was far too advanced to disguise now.
We fight…
We fall…
Covered in our noble blood ….
~|||||| ||||| ~|||||| ||||| ~ |||||| ||||| ~
Chapter Text
Chapter 12
Tyrion straightened to attention at his father’s favorite brothers words. He had finally had a moment to relax after the pomp and circumstance of the deaths and subsequent burials of Jaime and Cersei. And now this! “What do you mean, we have a problem at Highgarden?” Tyrion groaned and reached for his fourth – or maybe – fifth glass of Arbor Gold. He simply wasn’t drunk enough yet to deal with his Uncle Kevan. “Did you not leave men in place to make sure the actual property was secure? It is important that I be able to deliver Highgarden to Daenerys!”
He closed his eyes for a bare moment only to startle at a hand slapping the table where they sat.
“Important? Important for your continuing career as her Hand and top advisor now that the so called king in the north has disappeared? What have you done with Jon Snow? Everyone in the capitol is looking for him and quite likely in Essos as well. This arrived with the dawn. It may take a bit longer to be received all across Westeros.”
His uncle threw a scroll down on the table. It only took a moment for the contents to register, completely dissipating the comfortable fog from the wine. “Of course he’s gone! She was fucking Jorah Mormont while she was attempting to seduce Jon into her bed to have him give her the North! When he finally succumbed, it was too late. He discovered the truth shortly before I did. The dragon queen is with child and she told me herself the sire was Jorah. Jon has voluntarily exiled himself, along with his sister Arya, his Hand Ser Davos Seaworth and his two surviving sons. I don’t blame him one bit – she confessed she wanted him to tell the world the babe was his.” He paused to take another hearty drink in an effort to get back to that pleasant glow and shook his head.
“I think she’s already a bit mad – it’s like she never considered he’d been raised as and treated like a bastard all his life and she wanted him to raise another man’s child?” He lifted his glass again only to find it empty. “So what does Jon Snows exile have to do with Highgarden? It will be important to Daenery’s peaceful assumption of rule over of the realm that we get new crops in the ground. I do understand that my sister – the former queen – gave you instructions that whatever crops you were unable to salvage and bring to the capitol were to be burned and the land tilled in preparation for me to be able to provide the new queen with a harvest as quick as possible. You are aware the wildfire that was set off by Daeneyrs on Drogon has destroyed most of the provisions in the capitol.”
“Those were not our instructions, Tyrion. Cersei was most adamant that we … we keep all the provisions here. I can only assume it was because she intended to set off the wildfire herself in the event the dragon queen did not use the dragon to burn the city. She also ….” He paused as his gaze wandered everywhere but at his ugly, ill-made nephew sitting before him.
“Also? Also what…?”
“… commanded me to salt the fields with seawater.”
Tyrion stood so suddenly the chair tipped over and crashed into the hearth. “Please! Please tell me you were not that stupid!”
Tyrion just stared at his uncle til the older man looked back at him. Then he turned around in a circle, fingers pressing against his temples. “All the gods be damned. We are royally fucked. The whole fucking country is fucked!”
“It cannot be that bad, Tyrion. There’s food everywhere.”
“No! No, there’s not. Just because you have a cook and servants who put a plate in front of you – you simply don’t know where it comes from. You who have never plowed a field, or planted a seed, or heaven forbid – harvested a melon or picked a grape from the vine!”
He headed for the door stopping to call over his shoulder. “Get your crap together, Uncle. You are coming to the capitol … with me! To explain this to the dragon-queen. And you are leaving instructions that every ear of corn, every grain of meal and flour – everything you took from Highgarden is going to follow us.”
“But Tyrion? If I do that everyone here will go hungry.”
“You should of thought about that before you destroyed all the farmland between here and the Wall.”
We rise …
Standing tall ….
See them fall ….
Duty calls …
~||| ||| ||| |||~||| ||| ||| ||| ~
With the bulk of the banking business behind them, talk around the table had become easy and comfortable.“Do you have cash in hand, my boy?”
“I do, Tycho. Rhaegar – the items from my mother’s tomb. There is a chest full of gold dragons. Baratheon had banned using the coins during his reign and we have stayed within that ban since discovering them. Our passage here was paid for with them, only because Sal assured us they could be used freely in Essos.”
The banker nodded. “Any smaller denominations? Smaller coins would draw less attention and be more useful in walking around purchase situations. Allow me to provide a variety of coinage for use during your travels – Pentos has newly minted a small coin of a previously undiscovered ore that is lightweight and has a high value for the size of the coin. A single gold dragon would trade for several fair size bags. I would advise using the coins when in Pentos, as well as here as they do hope to expand their use across the country.”
He watched Jae glance at Davos and the two men appeared to converse silently. Then Davos reached into his tunic and withdrew two gold dragons. A silver stag was caught between the gold.
“I’ll have my secretary fetch the exchange – and if you will include the stag, I’ll add the standard coin of small-folk usage here in Bravos.”
Again the silent conversation between the two men. Davos answered this time. “Please do.”
He drew in a discreet breath through his nose and allowed his face to relax a bit as he rose and went to the door to the corridor. He placed the three coins in the hand of the uniformed attendant and gave quiet instructions before returning.
“If we might speak of the more distant future for a moment.” The banker’s gaze slipped around the table. Even the children had been interested in the conversation so far. And all seemed eager to continue. So he resumed his seat. “If your journey to Pentos results in any interest in the pursuits of your farmer – and he does have some interesting concepts he will likely share with all of you. All you need do is send word to me and I will send my representative to him for detailed negotiation of any investment needed on your part. I will keep you informed at every level.”
He gave them all a moment to soak in the information before dropping the real bombshell – the real reason for wanting to meet the young man who had given up his crown and throne for peace between the last two living Targaryens.
“Once you are done in Pentos I would like your personal opinions – all of you – of the island and the Trading Company. For as long as both have been established and performing at an ever more profitable rate – it needs a name. The island needs a name to be on the map.”
He paused glancing around again to make sure they were all caught up in where he was going and nodding approval. “Once it’s settled and you have decided it will be your home – and I have confidence you will. The Iron Bank would like to establish a branch there – for the purposes of exchange between different coinage. I – and the bank – would personally see to building suitable housing and providing trained staff, for its day to day management. It would all come under the auspices of Governor Jaehaerys Targaryen.”
Jon’s eyes widened a bit. “Is it not simply a small spit of land with a trading post on it?”
“No, Jae. It is much more. I would prefer you have the details of the island, the villages and those who live and trade from there from Ser Richard and Ser Myles. I do know there is a deep-water harbor and a harbor master who has been with Rhaegar’s former squires from the beginning. Ser Davos, you are probably aware of the previous predominant family of Driftmark …?”
“Aye. Good men – men of the sea, all.”
“Jae.” When he had his young king’s attention he spoke again. “I know it is a lot to think about. We here at the Iron Bank are in no hurry. In all actuality no one would even need to know the details about the Trade Exchange. We do believe there will be far-reaching benefits for all countries that pass ships through the Narrow Sea.
“Rhaegar and Lyanna – they were both visionaries of sorts. He sat across the desk from me twenty-plus years ago and diagramed this very concept out in four interconnecting lines.”
A quiet knock dragged his attention away from the table as the door opened. “Ahh. Foster.”
The secretary placed two leather satchels on the table between Jae and Davos and explained. “The large satchel contains the bags of our two common coins for your gold dragons. The exchange value is really good for the silver stag. The smaller satchel is the Pentoshi coin. Your gold dragons would be better used when buying such items as jewelry, swords, boots. Cobblers here are expensive – they use softer cooler material. More difficult to work with. You really should outfit everyone with at least two pair before you begin your travels. For horses and tack – speak with your hostess.”
“Travel from here to Pentos will need to be by horse.”
“Ahh, sleeping under the stars!”
“I am sorry to disappoint, my dear girl. It is a well-traveled road, with inns along the way.” Everyone but the two youngest gave a sigh of relief then laughed at Arya and Tobias’ frowns.
Tycho stood and met Jae in a handshake. “It has been an honor to finally meet you, Jae. I believe we will have a long and mutually beneficial friendship. And you, Ser Davos.”
“I believe we will as well, Tycho. Davos and I will put our heads together and write Sansa’s letter regarding QueensCrown. I will also include one for The Wull … as the Mountain Clans are Stark relations through my grandmother. You should advise your party that all Westeros knows me as Jon Snow.”
“Good. I will begin gathering teams – for both Volantis and QueensCrown.”
Davos gathered up the money satchels – handing the larger one to Mathias as he draped the smaller one across his neck to hang at his left side. Then he nodded at the banker before following Jae out.
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Once the door closed, Tycho turned to his secretary. “She surprised you, did she not?”
“She did. But a man is pleased to see a girl at his side. And will soon be rewarded for it. Both a boy and a girl deserve it.”
“They do.” The banker glanced over at the scratch of nib on vellum. “Will you go? To Volantis?”
“I will go. And take three others – all experienced. All aware of trouble. If we leave tomorrow, riding hard, we can reach Volantis in two days or less. I will also go to QueensCrown with those you choose as other necessary members of the party. I will deliver letters to The Wull and the Lady of Winterfell before we begin our task.”
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Sal and Baden joined their entourage about half-way back to the manse. Sal’s good mood was apparent as they joined Davos and Jon in the middle of the guards.
“Davos! You look very serious – and you, Jae – for men who have spent a rather long time in the company of – ”.”
“Not here, Sal. There is a lot to talk about.”
The old pirate shared a look with his lady friend and she said a few words that were passed up the group. A minute later the entire parade double-timed the pace back to the manse.
Jon, Arya and Davos spent several hours holed up with Sal and the Lady Baden going over the travel itinerary from the Iron Bank. Without revealing the underlying monetary information.
They had all settled into a routine of sorts as plans began to come together. Horses were chosen, tack oiled and settled to suit the rider. Tobias and Mathias were more accustomed to travel over sea rather than land so Jae and Arya were spending some time during the day getting them comfortable with the mounts selected. Jae was just returning to the west veranda from one such outing when one of the guards from the front gate appeared with a man too well-dressed to be anyone but a bank messenger. He continued toward them as the guard spoke quietly. As he approached, the stranger spoke. “Jaehaerys Targaryen?”
He was slowly growing used to the name. “Yes? How may I help you?” He smiled and invited the visitor to sit at the shaded table with him.
“I am Michel Rogare. Tycho sent me. I have paperwork for signatures.”
“Of course. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll just send for my sister to join us. She will need to sign as well.” He stood and headed for another of the inside doors, catching a boy in the soft shirt and loose trousers uniform everyone here wore. “Do you know my sister?”
“I do, ser.”
“Ask her to join me. Please.”
He nodded and turned down a side corridor.
Jae returned to the table in the shade of the tall porch and poured two glasses of water while the banker took several documents from his leather pouch. “Tycho would like to get the changes processed while you are still local. He also said you have correspondence for him? Two letters for the northern trip Foster will make?”
“I do. We can retrieve them as you leave. Ah, here’s Arya.” She pulled out the chair at his side and sat close. Once she signed on the line marked heir/beneficiary, he shifted the sheets and signed on the line underneath – as Jaehaerys Targarygen. He gave the ink a moment to dry before straightening the papers one on top of the other, then wrapped his arm across Arya’s shoulder. “All done. Does that make you feel better, little sister?”
She turned slightly, pulling away just enough to punch him in the shoulder. “No! As far as I am concerned and can help it – you are going to live forever! Brother!” She stood abruptly and turned to leave.
“Where are you going?”
“To finish putting the things together we will need for the trip to the horse farm.”
“Ok. I’ll walk … Michel out and stop by my chambers to get the letters for Sansa and The Wull.”
“Aye, you should. Hard to say when we will be back from Pentos.”
The bankers assistant looked up from storing the documents. “The horse farm is a grand place. I was there for a few weeks last autumn. They have races before the three-year-old auction. A real arena with seating for buyers. The Sea Lord of Bravos was there. There is gambling as well – for those who have coin to spare.”
The two men spoke as they walked away together. “Interesting. I will have to keep an eye on Arya,” Jae added, with a knowing grin. “She is the wild wolf!”
Jae turned down the first wide corridor and opened the first set of doors on the hall. Both parchments lay folded and sealed on the desk and only took a moment to retrieve. The banker slipped both into the satchel along with the other paperwork and nodded. “Tycho will want you to stay in touch with your own travels, Jae. So he may pass along developments in the West.”
“We will. I am sure I will need his advice as we look over the various properties we will be visiting as well as the farm.” Jae followed him out to the main courtyard where several guards waited with horses.
“Any idea when you may go?”
“Davos – and Lady Baden’s horse master are both confident everything will be ready to move out in two days. We should arrive in about six – and likely take two weeks to see everything and speak about future plans. Then another six days to return.”
“Foster and I will be in Volantis by then. He will get his report to Tycho before we leave from there for EastWatch.”
Jae watched until the small group passed down the road and out of sight. Arya was waiting just inside. “Baden says the boots are on their way. So we can get on the road early tomorrow.”
“Good. I am getting kind of … excited.”
“Me, too! Horse races? Can’t wait. Do you think they will let me ride?”
He just closed his eyes and grinned as he shook his head.
River of sorrow,
Don't swallow this time!
~||| ||| ||| |||~||| ||| ||| |||~
Chapter Text
Chapter 13
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By the third full day of riding, even Arya was happy the road was well populated. Several large heavily inhabited areas with smaller towns scattered between provided comfortable beds, hot baths and good food – even between were roadside markets with fresh fruit, and clear water for men and beasts. Traffic was a steady mix of horse, carriages with passengers, and wagons for transport of trade goods. Their small procession included a contingent of guards from Lady Baden.
Late on the fifth day of riding the group left the main thoroughfare to take a side road through a mountain pass – and the horse farm came into view. In a vale spreading out over many acres, one pasture separated from the next with sturdy fences and clean roadways as far as the eye could see.
To Jae, the farm appeared more like a plantation with the main house, barns and housing for what was likely fifty-plus workers. Lots of green, lots of water, quite the beautiful – farm. The wide road took them downhill, through the cutout in the mountain.
A dozen men and women waited, congregated at the front of the main house.
Davos dismounted and introduced himself as a tall broad-shouldered man welcomed them with word Tycho had alerted them to the new owners arrival. They were welcomed like part of the family.
Once inside more detailed introductions saw the offer of bread and salt and a cool drink that was neither wine nor ale. A major portion of the welcome party dispersed back to work as they were shown to chambers in the main house, up two levels of stairs.
Jae washed up and changed his shirt before heading back down where he found Davos already speaking with the couple that ran the farm – which was really beginning to look like a fair sized community. The first plan was to tour the half-dozen buildings, which were all within walking distance, then back to a late lunch. The many pastures and crop producing fields would take several days and the horses. That would start on the morrow after everyone had a good nights rest – men and horses, all.
That night a welcome feast was served in the mess hall where everyone gathered for meals. The kids were excited and Jae was as well. Davos had his own special – look – that made him seem a decade younger to Jae.
By the end of the first week they had met and knew all the employees by name – the seasonal workers was another story as they seemed to come and go with the shift in wind direction. And the couple who took care of everything were mom and pop to all, the young, the middle-aged and the older folks, some who had worked the farm from the beginning.
~||||||~||||||~|~
After the evening meal, Groleo pulled out the business records and explained how it was broke down, each section to it’s own set of books. Tycho had sent one of the younger bookkeepers from the bank to learn along with whomever apprenticed about dealing with monies collected and monies paid out – in wages, general maintenance purchases as well as how the profits were invested locally. Jae took part in those particular sessions as well.
The entire community was excited for the upcoming races, planned for the day after the auctioneer arrived. Buyers from near and far would be arriving soon after. Davos, Jae and Mathias had spent many evenings discussing the pro’s and con’s of the in-house management after four to five years apprenticeship. Davos and Mathias had decided Tobias should stay with their father and Jae – being younger and still in need of more day to day supervision.
The older couple in charge assured Davos, Jae and anyone designated by them were free to drop by any time. Not just when something big was planned – like the three-year-old auction. They had laid out the race-track permanently the previous year, when it had become a roaring success.
Groleo took Jae aside and talked about dedicating some breed stock to the bull ring they were considering adding. One of the young men was developing something he called challenging the bulls to make them stronger. Jae laughed and said they could under no circumstance allow his baby sister to participate. Horse racing was one thing he knew she could handle well – but the bull ring – sounded like something else entirely.
Jae asked Groleo to put together a letter outlining what would be necessary to begin the special breeding stock program and he would take it to Tycho as he returned to Bravos.
~||||||~||||||~|~
By the end of the fourth week, Jae decided he and a few of the guards would return to Bravos early. Davos, Tobias and Mathias would stay for the races and auction and Davos promised to keep Arya out of trouble if she wanted to stay as well. Jae’s only comment was ‘she is an adult’ but that he did appreciate Davos looking out for her.
Minever made him and Arya a private dinner so they could talk at leisure before he left. He reminded her she was his heir until he married – and she promised to be extra observant, take notes, and stay out of trouble.
The next day Jae, two of Baden’s friends and two guards left, amidst the crowd gathered once more at the main hall. He carried the Bull Ring stock proposal for Tycho and promised Davos he could find enough to do in Bravos until the auction was done. Then Sal would take them all to the trading post.
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Daenerys woke long before Irri came with breakfast. And it had nothing to do with the fact she was as big as a whale and getting out of bed – alone – had become a nightmare all its own. Nothing like the nightmare that had roused her out of the sound sleep she had enjoyed the last two moon-turns. It was either Mirree’s good-night tea or the absence of Jon’s Winter Dragon egg. She really did not want to consider … which.
We rise …
Standing tall….
Swing the sword, Duty calls …
Battle born they send us …
Covered in our noble blood.
She thought about Jon. A lot. Way too much. It was hard to admit she was lonely. And she knew he was definitely family. He knew the egg was viable. She could tell the way he held it. Gently. With a pensive sort of appreciation in his expression as he had placed it on her desk then stepped back.
If she asked him to come for it – maybe – maybe he would come see her. He did say he would return to Westeros occasionally – to visit family.
They were family. Shared blood. Noble blood.
She had no one. Tyrion was lost in the debacle spawned by his sister. Going around and round in circles, unable to deal with even the simplest of instructions. Drinking the Red Keep dry.
She flinched at a distant sound of thunder, sending a jerk down her back.
The roll of thunder came again, louder – and she realized that herald of a storm was what woke her. Several streaks of lightning seemingly playing along the balcony crenellations sent her flailing at the bed covers. Succeeding in throwing them aside, she rolled left toward the short side of her bed to another twisting pain near her spine.
The door crashed open. “Khaleesi! I came as soon as the thunder woke me.”
Another couple of quick flashes of lightning put her lamplight to shame. “Thank the seven, Mirree. You are here! Help me to the chamber pot. I need to – hurry!”
“Not to worry, it is a malady many others have experienced along with the miracle you carry.” She folded both arms together and offered them to her queen, ending her struggle to stand upright.
“There. Better?”
“No! That first thunder startled me awake and now I have a crick in my back from trying to get up to pee.”
“Khaleesi, one babe shift when thunder roar. Put foot down hard. Better now?”
She continued to sit and sighed. “Better. Is the storm passing?”
“Hard to tell, coming from above.”
“Mmhm, what I thought. No need to think about sleeping more. Send for something to eat?”
“Kitchen not awake. I make toast with hot milk. Walk a bit. Will help jerk in hip and pass time.”
“Wake Missy, please.”
The Dothraki healer nodded as she left. Daenerys sat back and sighed. It was much easier sitting so she stayed where she was for a bit longer. The relief of the first need to go had dribbled down to just a bit more, then another bit more. The hitch in her back was worse, so she stood, using the arm, then the back of the chair to try to straighten up. It hurt just too much, so she slumped back into the chair and clutched the wooden arms. Then she was peeing – again!
No! That was different. She ground her teeth til it hurt, then she screamed. And screamed!
The door crashed open and a guard rushed in. “Your grace?” then he started cursing and pulled her out of the chair by the arms.
The pain was excruciating! So terrible she did not realize she was lying in the floor. Then pain went away so fast, she didn’t remember anything but the relief, thankful relief.
She was just gathering enough saliva to speak when someone else entered. Mirree, mirree. Her lips moved but nothing came out, then the pain hit again – this time really sharp and low in the back and she screamed. Then Mirree was there, along with the guard who put her on the floor from the chair. Then everything was black again.
She had no idea how long.
~||||||~||||||~|~
The sound of quiet voices floated around the room. Missy. Gray. Mirree and some stranger. Then Tyrion cooing and singing from the corner.
The young guard – the strangers voice – had to be. Saying something about her arriving just in time cause he’d never ever been around anything like what was happening. He just knew he couldn’t leave her there passed out on the floor, so he put her in the bed, just as the lady came in with a tray of food.
He was still thanking the Dothraki healer for the timely appearance when she found her voice.
“Mirree?”
“Oh, kahleesi! Kahleesi! I sorry, sorry to leave you. I had no thought the water broke that rushed you to the chamber pot. That storm just kept getting harsh and pushed most things out of mind. There was blood and your baby boy was here with little pushes.”
“A boy.” She smiled tiredly as Missy placed the extra pillow behind her. “My son. Only one?”
“Yes, kahleesi. I hardly wrong before and the boy is a bit larger but normal for one babe. It be all that irritation you felt … from the egg took me to think two.”
Tyrion had moved to her side. “He is strong and Mirree says he is healthy – has a healthy appetite, as well. We brought in a wet nurse but when you are strong enough yourself you can do – it if you like.”
“The young guard? Who ….”
Mirree shook her head. “He patrol corridor as I went to kitchen. I tasked him to watch your door.”
“How long since …?”
“Three days and nights.” Tyrion still stood by her bedside. “I can tell you still need to sleep. When you are more rested, you can tell us his name.”
~||||||~||||||~|~
The trip back from the horse farm was uneventful. The small group traveled faster, stopped less and arrived back at the manse on the outskirts of Bravos a full day shorter than their trip out. A scroll was waiting for Jae from Arya and all he could read from her ten words was excitement about racing horses.
He took a day to rest, then headed for the bank to drop off the Bull Ring prospectus package from Groleo. When he arrived, Tycho took him by the arm and sat him down in one of the overstuffed chairs by the hearth. Then he took the chair across the low table.
“I have news from the West. Daenerys has birthed a son. Our eyes in the Red Keep tell me there were two babes – the first was female. They are not Stark babes.”
“You’re right. They are not mine.” Jae took a deep breath and continued. “Jorah Mormont.”
Tycho nodded once. “We thought that was the case. From our reports ….”
“She took him to her bed while we were still at Dragonstone.” He huffed a bit of a laugh. “She was no where close to me being there at that point. That was later … before … before I, we, knew who I was. Who I am.”
“Jae. We … made a decision. After only the one, the heir … was announced – ”
He just stared at Tycho as his words took on a darker meaning….“Where? How?”
“Details you do not need, son. Just know the girl will be safe. Now that I know for sure, she will be with family who will love and care for her.” He took a scrap of parchment from his pocket and stood, taking it to the door where a guard waited. Then he returned to the comfy chair.
“If she has need for anything. Please let me ….”
There is a black river
It passes by my window
And late at night
we all know the baby has expired ….
… she was pulled from the mire …
“Jae. It’s better if you don’t. Become involved ….” The banker waited until the young man sitting across from him closed his eyes and nodded. Then he settled down to discuss the upcoming trip to the trading post. “When Michel brought your paperwork for the bank accounts and letters for the trip north, he and Foster took some men to Volantis. I expect to hear from them any day. Their intent is to travel from there to Eastwatch – the other dozen or so members of their Queens Crown party will meet them there.”
“They will see The Wull and Lady Stark before the farming, mining and woodsmen specialists swarm all over the place. I’m not that familiar with the north or Queens Crown but they will all be prepared for travel by ship and horse.”
“I am glad to be … moving forward. Sansa is quite the Lady of Winterfell. She will make whomever visits feel welcome. Eastwatch is not much but there may be more than general purposes your man will find for it. If there’s possibility for trade outside the north from that point, I would consider extending my responsibility for the Gift to include improvements – with your advice. Queens Crown is a substantial land mass – hot springs are there in the manner that they are in Winterfell itself, so fresh water may be close to the surface.”
“Good, that’s good for crops. And for orchards – the Reach had fruit trees and use to supply a large part of the country. It’s possible such may grow there as well.”
“If we could retreat to my office, we have found some of the original plans for the freight office and warehouse space at the trading post. I have sent copies to the builders I would have you take along when you are ready to see it. We can begin putting the new bank office together when you’ve decided where to settle. There’s fresh water at the credenza – or stronger drink in the cabinet above if you like. Help yourself. I’ll lay out the maps.”
The banker moved into his office, leaving the door open. He stepped around the long narrow table until he could see the boy with his back turned. His elbow rose and Tycho figured the first swallows of Arbor Gold went down fast. The news about the babe – the girl – really bothered him. He looked a bit better when he turned, but brought the half-full glass with him. Another swallow and he set the empty glass on the corner of the desk as he moved to the table.
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“This is the existing building for the Trading Post.” Tycho pointed to the building stretched down one side of a main street that appeared to stretch all the way across the mid-point of the island. He put a finger on the end of the building – then slid another large sheet of parchment over and placed his finger back in the same spot.
“Here is where the bank will be. It won’t be very large to begin, a bit of space for a couple of desks enclosed in a glassed in office – a bit of open lobby …,” he moved his fingers closer toward himself. “Then here a high counter with bars all the way across for safety where two tellers will deal with the actual exchange of monies. The rest of this area will be for the vault. Big enough to store coin and bullion – should we ever become so favored!”
“What’s this?” Jae placed his hand on his side of the main street.
“Currently, barrack style housing for the guys and the near dozen strong arms they pay to help load and unload the ships that carry trade. Both sides of the island are deep water like the front harbor with docks and limited warehouse space. I see that eventually needing expansion.”
“And the backside of the island? That water?”
“Not deep enough. Right now there is a flat barge for travel and portage from the island to the mainland. There are three separate villages that have been established over time that will need to be … uh … turned into regular neighborhoods of a real town – with proper streets, and waste disposal.”
“Oh. Are you sure I am ready for this?”
“You are not alone in this Jae. I have confidence in you – and you can depend on all of us here at the Iron Bank to advise you, to back you. To be with you every step of the way.”
“Eventually here ….” He swept his hand down the map between the barracks and the street …. “ … I see a hotel. Multiple levels, two, possibly one more, kitchen and serving areas on the ground floor. Chambers of mixed sizes provided for single visitors and couples. Then the top level divided into comfortable living chambers for you and your family and Davos and whichever son does NOT apprentice with Groleo and Miniver. And yes, I have had word from the farm that all are excited to see this next generation work together.
“I believe it will be Mathias who will stay – Mattie. Miniver has already adopted him as the child they never had. I do not have any information on the auction yet.”
Tycho paused and gazed across the table where Rhaegar’s only living son stood. A ray of sunlight from the long narrow window struck the amethyst ring around the gray of his eyes – intensifying the slightly lost look. Then he blinked, dropping his gaze back to the map.
“I know this must seem really crushing at the moment. All these areas do need attention in lieu of expanding. I think you will find many things you will want to bring to the area yourself. Once you can actually look the property over. I will send one of our trainees with you – she can take notes on any ideas you may have and offer an educated speculation of cost and length of time involved.”
When Jae finally spoke, his voice was firm. “I was surprised by the farm and how well it is managed. If I can accomplish anywhere close to that, it will all be worth it.”
Tycho gave him another moment to settle his thoughts before rolling both sets of drawings together. “If Baden doesn’t have a place where you can spread out to go over these plats in detail and think at your leisure about them, let me know. I can arrange some space here for you.” He walked him out. “When will Davos return?”
“With travel time … I think another two weeks.”
“That will give you a bit of time to go over the details and let it all churn awhile. Make notes on the edges. Let me know your thoughts on what we talked about. I want the island to be yours. Rhaegar and Lyanna wanted that as well or they would have left it all to someone else.”
“And somehow, that actually makes perfect sense. Everyone always told me Arya was just like my aunt Lyanna, my mother, stubborn as an auroch and could hold a grudge til the Wall falls.”
A man in bank livery stood outside, waiting with his horse. He slipped the paperwork into the nearside saddlebag and hurried around to saddle up. Nodding to Tycho once more, he headed back to the manse, one of his hostesses men following at his right elbow.
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Chapter Text
Chapter 14
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Two weeks came and went. Then two days later Davos, Tobias and Arya rode into the courtyard, along with a half-dozen guards, Lady Baden’s two friends and her young ward. Arya was off her horse and running at Jae before the others could stop. He grabbed her up and swung her around twice. “Miss me, did ya?”
“Aye, I did! And I’m starving. Davos said we were so close there just had to be some lunch left. So we didn’t stop.”
“Well, come on then. Let’s go to the kitchen.” He pulled her close, one arm around her shoulders. And almost stopped when he realized the top of her head now reached his chin. “I am glad you are back – I need your input on whether to have the stable on the island or the mainland.”
She twisted her chin and peered up at him. “Don’t we need to actually see both places before … we … decide such things?”
“Yes, yes. You are right. Just happy to have you back. Excited for the next step.”
“How long before we can go?”
He pushed open the doors to the dining hall and headed for the table closest to the one overflowing with hot and cold dishes. He handed her a plate – and took one for himself. “Eat. Then we will talk.”
She smiled at him and hurried down the main table. He headed for the desserts. He had already visited this table with his own lunch but he needed something to do while he just watched his little sister.
The rest of the group had scattered in different directions. Even Davos, who finally joined them at the far end of the room. He had a steaming cup of something to go along with his plate full of a bit of every dish on the table.
When Arya finished her plate she helped herself to what was on his dessert plate. Then she suddenly stood, kissed him on the cheek and rushed away.
Jae sat and watched her disappear through the open door. “Davos? I was expecting a great deal more excitement from Arya about the horse races. Was it not the grand affair you anticipated?”
The old man shook his head. “It’s not that at all, Jae. I think maybe she’s afraid to tell you … everything.”
“Why not?”
“Because she did participate and before you get upset – let me assure you it was perfectly safe. Actually tamer than some of the riding she was doing while we were traveling. And she was good – really good.
“The track was setup to three times around was the specified distance –she made notes on all the specifics.
“The jockeys have a number on the back of their shirts and must stay in their lane. The winner gets a part of the purse. And the winner usually brings the highest bids at the auction for the horse they are riding.
“After the first race, I believe some of the gamblers were placing their bets on her – the jockey – as she always had the best control of the horse she was riding at the time. You would have been proud of her. I know all of us were! She is putting together the information in order to make a bid to you for a track at the island. If it is possible. She’s being very grownup and business like about it.”
“Gods! I do love that brat!”
“And that bratty little girl is becoming a wonderful young woman. Be patient. She will have the presentation ready to show you soon.” Davos drained his cup and set it on his empty plate.
“I am glad you all are back, Davos. Tycho has sent the preliminary plans for the bank along with a detailed map of what already exists on the island. He is sending another ship with builders and a bank rep to oversee the installation.”
“Seems he was pretty sure that will be our last stop.”
“And by what I see just on paper, he may be right. I really want a safe place for us. All of us. Not just me and Arya, you and Toby and from what Tycho has said to me of the Horse farm, Mattie is going to put down roots there.”
“Aye. I think so as well.”
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We rise,
Standing tall
Cherish and protect us…
Duty calls…
It took another two weeks to get everything organized for the trip down the narrow sea to the trading post. Sal was on top of everything, as usual, and actually persuaded the Lady Baden to accompany them – if only to satisfy her curiosity about all the secrecy.
Tycho sent word the Bank’s ship would follow within the next week to ten days.
The actual trip down from Bravos to the island took another full two weeks with nary a rough patch in sight. After the mummers parade it had taken to get though the city to the dock where the Sea Nymph lay at anchor, it was a pleasure to be on the big water.
They arrived to a busy port. Sal gave the order to furl all but the two smallest sails and drop anchor. Then he, Davos and Jae took a dinghy ashore. Lady Baden and the others would take a larger craft and follow after they sent word.
Sal guided the craft between a heavy trader riding low in the water and a war galley from White Harbor. The trader was flying colors Jae had never seen. Davos gave him a nod and a word. “Qarth.” Then they bumped the dock to the north side of the deep water harbor.
A tall broad-shouldered man offered Davos a hand to disembark before turning back. “Sal! You ole pirate – whatcha doing here with this smuggler?”
Jae stood and stepped up to join them without assistance. “And where did ya find this pretty boy?” The speaker took a step back and ran one hand through thick brown hair just beginning to sprout some silver.
“Richard, this is – ”
“No. no, Sal.” He shook his head and stared. “No. It can’t be. Can it?” His voice dropped so low the gentle susurrating of water against the pilings almost washed the words away. “He looks …. Lyanna’s boy?”
“Yes, Richard. It is. Rheagar and Lyanna’s boy.”
Jae figured it had to be Richard Lonmonth now laughing. “Myles is gonna lose his mind! I shoulda known the world was spinning on a different twig this morning – busiest day we’ve had all year!”
“Come. Myles and Laenor are both out of the office, directing traffic as best they can. What can I do for you two old vets?”
Davos reached out and laid a hand on Richards shoulder. “More like what we can do for you. We are here to stay. The Iron Bank has a ship following in a few days. It will have a work crew and a representative of the bank. To set a new building.”
“A bank … building? Here.”
“Aye. So. What can we do to help move these folks on along their way. Sal has a dozen men on board the Sea Nymph that can add their muscle to unload and re-provision. And all of us know our letters and numbers!”
Sal sent the dinghy back with instructions for the Sea Nymph to remain at anchor where she was and for everyone but a skeleton crew to land and see him at the dock before dispersing.
Richard said Myles was at the far south of the island, dealing with several ships simply stopping for fresh water and fruit, before moving north. So Davos and Tobias went that direction to be of assistance. Jae caught a passing glimpse of Arya trotting by to catch up with them.
Sal, Baden and three bulky guards – who were still muscle bound without armor joined Jae and Richard at the north end of the deep water docks along with two representatives of the spice ship from Qarth. They were looking to trade a few small containers of saffron, cloves and cinnamon for fresh water, corn meal and flour. They were headed for Dorne then around and back north with a stop for possible trade and sales at East Watch and the Wall in general.
Jae stepped around to Lady Baden. “Give me a quick lesson on spice?”
“Cost their weight in gold. Have to store in warm dry place. Always in demand!”
“That’s it?” he asked, the look on her face alone implying she was completely serious.
“Yes – any spice sells well.” He nodded and called to Richard.
“Ser? A moment?”
Jae stepped to the side as Richard turned to him. “Do we have proper storage for spice? Here?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s buy some – for resale.”
The older man rubbed his fingers together discretely. “Money?”
“Trunk half-full of gold dragons work?”
Rhaegars former squire sucked in a deep breath. “I can ask to see his inventory. Then we can talk to him.”
“Lady Baden knows about such things.”
He nodded and caught the translator’s attention. They carried on a short conversation then motioned Jae to join them. He took Lady Baden’s arm and all five walked a few paces.
“He has excess he can sell. Here’s his list.”
Jae and the lady looked over the compact sheet of print, then she pointed out several items. “Go with these first … saffron, pepper, cinnamon sticks, sage, savory, cloves, almonds. They are all useful for your own kitchen, as well.”
Another short conversation between the translator and Richard. “We will need to store the packages in a dry, air tight, dark place – which is just about any of the storage units we have.”
“Richard? Ask him for a price on as much as he does not have promised. And I will need to see what I am paying for first.”
Another short conversation and Richard spoke again as the two Qarthians walked away. “The translator says he will bring a container of each item and see your gold. To the freight office.”
“Right now?” Jae fumbled in his pocket and pulled out his fist. Opening it slowly, to show five gold dragons.
Lady Baden took two away. “That’s enough.”
“Uhh, we don’t know how much he will bring.”
“Won’t matter, he will take the three gold dragons and be happy if he can sell to you again in the future. And you dear boy, are supposed to be making yourself to home – instead you are thinking, acting like a businessman the moment you stepped off the boat.”
Her words stopped him to look around. They had reached the main road – the only road – and there, to his right, was the freight office. “Ok. Once this proposition is done, I will do the grand tour of the island – ”
“Don’t forget the mainland as well. We will need a horse for that.”
He looked left at the sound of her voice. “Arya! Where have you been?”
“With Davos. And Toby. We met Myles Mooton. He is … uhm … different.”
“How so? Come on I have to meet with man from Qarth at the freight office.”
He tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow and hurried her along with the words … “speak.”
“He says you can’t be Rhaegar and Lyanna’s son because he is with some guy who was hand of the King – I think he means mad Aerys – cause he’s crazy too.”
“Well, that is what Tycho was talking about, right? The pretender? That’s still around? Somewhere? I need to meet this Myles Mooton. Where is he now?”
“He was still with the three ships getting fresh water and a barrel of mixed fruit. Davos and I were headed for the building across the street,” she nodded at what he considered the barracks – from the maps Tycho provided. “Ok, after the Qarthians. Come with me, you are going to love what I am buying.”
“Buying? Jae? We just got here and you are already buying … stuff?”
“Sweet baby sister – you are going to love it. I promise.” He stepped up on the boardwalk, pulling her along to the door under the sign that read FREIGHT OFFICE in big black letters.
Arya jerked her hand free and reached for the door, thumb hooked casually around the hilt of Needle. He had not seen her wear it the whole time they were at the farm but it was never far from it’s place at her side while they had been actually traveling. Even on the Sea Nymph.
She stopped just inside the door but he could still see quite well ….just over her shoulder now. Then she moved further in, wandering around the broad space.
Jae gazed around the big room, from where he stood. The left half was a bit crowded, by a long table with lots of chairs along both sides. A massive desk was placed directly across the room, facing the door. On the right side were floor to ceiling cabinets, a few open shelves in the middle where a stack of books lay.
Lady Baden, apparently unaccustomed to being left behind, pushed past where he stood and quickly scanned around the room before sitting in one of the chairs to the side of the desk.
Her actions broke the strangeness of the place.
“What was Davos doing at the barracks, Arya?”
She had stopped behind the desk chair, watching the open, now empty doorway. “Meeting with Leanor Valeryon. The harbor master? They are setting his quarters aside for our use. Til other arrangements can be made. A couple of ladies who live on the mainland come over to cook and clean. I told him we could stay with the Sea Nymph for a day or two. Davos said he would take care of everything.”
“Can you do me a big favor? Once I meet with the Qarthians, go to the ship and make sure all my … stuff … is still secure?”
She nodded, then stepped between him and the open door. When the sound of boots on the boardwalk reached him, he turned.
The man coming through the door was middle-aged, dusty blond curls mussed, like he usually wore a hat – or raked his hands through his hair often.
He stopped two steps inside when Arya spoke …. “Ser Myles, my brother Jaehaerys Targaryen.”
Jae spoke as well from just behind her. “Sorry to bother you. The representative from Qarth will be here in a few minutes. We won’t be long.”
When he continued to stand just inside the door, Jae spoke again. “… if we may?”
He appeared to startle, then stepped further into the office. “Of course. Pardon me.” He stepped around the strangers in the room. To the desk and sat. After a moment he pulled some sort of ledger toward him and made several short notations on the page before blotting the ink. When he looked up and saw all three were watching, he put the pen down. “The Silver Maid moving north to Mereen traded two casks of Dornish Red for one bag of flour and one bag of salt.”
Jae nodded. And Arya relaxed her grip on Needle a bit.
Steps outside drew Arya closer to the entry. Then the translator paused before coming inside. He turned to one side and ushered five men toward the table. Each carried a rough-spun bag that appeared heavy enough to need careful handling. The bags were placed on the table and the drawstring tops opened slightly. Each one contained a different spice; one yellow powder, one finger length brown curled sticks, and the last three different colored and textured powder, saffron, the cinnamon in both stick and powder form, and black pepper.
When the last one was opened slightly, Jae thought Arya was going to jump up and down. “Cloves, Jon!! It’s Winterfell on a six foot snow day – in a bag!” Her arms went around his chest and for a moment, he could have sworn she was weeping.
He barely heard the first whisper from behind the desk. “Jon? Jon Snow? No wonder we never knew about you. Lyanna gave you to Lord Stark.”
Jae nodded. “She was dying when he found her. Made him promise ….” He stepped closer to the table, breathing in the aroma of Gage’s kitchen. The only thing missing was peach hand pies and lemon cakes. And Robb and Sansa and Bran and Rickon. Arya nodded where he still held her close, tucked under his arm, like she knew exactly what he was thinking.
Jae took the three gold dragons from his pocket and offered them.
The interpreter smiled and point to the smaller bag. “Scales, powder sold by weight, different size dippers and small bags to fill for customer.”
Jae nodded. “I look forward to our next meeting, Ser?”
“Renalt. I travel this way often. I will come back from YiTi. With other produce for trade or sale.”
“We will be here, Renalt. I am Jaehaerys Targaryen. My sister, Arya Stark. Our companion, the Lady Baden Hafoe of Bravos.”
He bowed at the waist to both ladies and led his helpers away.
The room got really quiet, then the man behind the desk stood. “Gold dragons. Rhaegar always had a stash or two in special places. In case of emergency.”
Arya went back to the table and stared tying the bags up tightly. “Where …?”
“In the upper cabinet here for now. We will need to have a proper place for weighing and packaging. My Lady Hafoe – do you have any idea how much to charge per measure?”
“I do, Ser Myles. I will send word to my housekeeper and she will reply with the correct weights and costs. I believe our boy will make his money back with the sale of half his product.”
“I will make the entry here for the ‘bags’ and as the product is sold we will record weight and payment either in trade goods or monies. Under each spice separately.”
“Jae. I have my share of the racing purse. I would like to make sure Sansa has some of this in her kitchen.”
“My thoughts exactly. And some for our own kitchens here.”
Jae offered his hand to Myles Mooton, and he shook it.
Then he and Arya left him to his office. “It’s hard to surprise me these days, brother! But I have to admit … you did!” Arya smiled and stepped off the boardwalk to the road. “Laenor knows where to get some horses for exploring the mainland. I think Baden is joining us. Come with us?”
“I … I just have something I really need to do, Arya. Make notes. Don’t be gone too long.”
“Ok.” She just stood and watched him head back to the docks, then he changed his mind and headed for the barracks building. She didn’t have to wait long for Sal’s lady to join her. But she did wonder what she said to the last man standing.
With the Spice trader finally headed for Dorne, the three cogs replenished for fresh water and on their way to Pentos, Sal and his skeleton crew managed to slide the Sea Nymph into the deep water dock to the north.
Jae was relieved to know the situation with his trunks was closer at hand. He left Arya to find the Harbor Master and trotted across the street to the barracks where he hoped to find Davos.
Arya was right – the apartment situated at the far western entry of the long narrow building was well arranged – three separate bed chambers opening from a large comfy furnished galley with table and several chairs.
Davos sat in one of the overstuffed chairs near an empty hearth. “You okay, Jae?”
“Not yet. The Sea Nymph finally docked. I … need the trunk. Come with me to open the trunk for me.”
“So, let’s go.”
“Thank you, Davos.”
He was half way to the outer door when he looked back. “We should bring it here. Jae. To have some privacy.”
“No. No time. Have to do it now.”
They covered the length of the walk in silence. The closer he got, the more his head hurt. He almost stumbled in his haste to traverse the gangplank from the dock to the deck, where he broke into a quick jog. Every step added to the pain at the back of his neck.
He thought he was imagining the heat he felt when he pushed open the chamber door and actually ran when he threw open the door and dropped to his knees at the big trunk.
“Hurry, Davos. Please! My head is killing me.” Jae rubbed at the back of his neck then yanked at the cord with his free hand.
Davos didn’t waste any time opening the outside trunk. A wave of heat made him step back.
“Others take me! Jae?”
“One of the eggs,” was all he could manage as he unlocked the smaller trunk. He reached straight for the source of the heat and grabbed it up in both hands, cradling it tight against his chest, his crossed arms keeping it secure.
His clothes muffled the sound but he jerked and loosened his hold a moment as he felt the first crack under his fingers. And the pain in his neck and head disappeared as a chunk of shell hit the trunk lid.
The screech was high and shrill, then the bond settled.
Jae closed his eyes and whispered to the tiny bronze and black with streaks of red … dragon … that felt almost boneless as he cradled him in his two hands. Another shriek and Jae whispered. “Yes, yes, Vhagar. I see you. I hear you.”
He slid to his knees and placed the still shattering shell of the egg between his knees. The sticky fluid from inside the egg soaked his clothes.
Davos dropped down beside him, mouth moving, but there were no words. Jae turned to look at the old man who had been such an integral part of his life over the last few years and started laughing. Then he started coughing. Vhagar clung to his left wrist to claw his way up to the elbow – where he proceeded to curl up and close his eyes.
Davos pounded Jae on the back til he got his breath back. “Feel better, son? How long has that bad boy been screaming in your head?”
“About three days. Glad its gone.”
Davos stood and offered Jae a hand up. “Any idea what to feed him?”
“I read that they cook their own meat but since he doesn’t have fire … yet. Guess I’ll have Arya and maybe Toby go to the mainland and catch some critters. Then we can cook them til he has fire.”
“We can explore the mainland for places he can hide when he’s bigger.”
“Why? I am a Targaryen, Davos. Everyone knows that. It’s like Arya having a direwolf – sorta expected.”
“She does not have a direwolf.”
“You are right! At least not yet. Go back to the barracks, Davos. When Arya returns send her over. When Sal and Baden return I will introduce Vhagar. I need to bathe and change clothes. This sticky stuff is getting smelly.”
The next few hours were organized confusion – even worse than usual but Sal and Lady Baden both were fascinated by the new addition to their party – even while he clawed his way up one arm and stood hissing at them both from Jae’s shoulder. And Baden swore the egg she touched in the trunk was hot!
They did finally leave when his bath water arrived. Sal encouraged him to bring the dragon pup, as Jae had labelled him, to the mess hall so the skeleton crew could see what all the excitement was about. He agreed just so they would go. Before his bath water got cold.
The entire skinny crew was waiting in the mess hall, knife in one hand, fork in the other – as though any eating utensil would be a weapon against a dragon. Jae set his hand down and Vhagar stepped off, hissed at everyone sitting at the long table, then politely proceeded to eat one thing off every plate. The meat!
The cook, still standing in the galley, broke the silence with a belly laugh that practically rocked the boat. When everyone joined in, he asked … “seconds?”
The dragons acceptance into the family ended on a peaceful note as everyone ate their fill. The dragon-pup, sufficiently gorged on pork roast, fell asleep on Jae’s shoulder and slid down into the crook of his arm when he stood to leave.
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Two days later, the ship that brought Tycho’s Volantis Report arrived – flying a black and white pennant. Toby brought the man who came ashore in a rowboat to deliver the pouch to Jae’s hand. Undoubtedly another faceless man – not to mention … the ship. Likely not a lot of people would even know the connotation of the black & white flag.
He put the faceless men out of mind and opened the pouch, expecting the worse and found an apology.
Jae,please accept my apology in advance. I am at a loss to explain what is happening at the Volantis property.
Foster’s note says the manse is empty, the entire area deserted. All furniture and fixtures in place, the same for the buildings in the surrounding area as well but no sign of where any of the residents might be. Our watchers on the walls think perhaps they have gone deeper into the city and are in hiding. Waiting for the advent of the bloody moon.
My advice at this point, let this lay as is. There may come a more auspicious moment when we do understand your fathers interest in that building. I cannot fathom that there is anything personal involved.
Watch will continue unabated.
On a personal level – I hear good things are happening at the Trading Post. Have you given any thought to a Name for the maps?
Tycho
Steady hand for the draw
Say we choose ….
But it’s no choice at all.
Jae pulled up a piece of parchment and dipped his pen into the ink pot.
Tycho, continue to watch Volantis in your preferred manner.
Regards to naming for the island and mainland – Arya, Davos, Tobias and I have agreed, if it meets with your approval.
Both landmasses here shall be named as one …. Aestonia. The trading post shall be Andaeliz Trading Post and Eastwatch shall be the Eastern Andaeliz Trading Post. If you would be so kind to ask Foster to work up a report for repair and expansion. I have word from shipping companies who are taking the long way around that they would continue to do business with me if we were to establish a sister trading post in that location. I am aware extra considerations must be made for the climate conditions.
I look forward to your advice in these matters, as always,
Jae
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Chapter Text
Chapter 15
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The guard outside the Lady of Winterfell’s solar knocked twice and opened the door at her soft response. He stepped into the opening and spoke … “Foster Ha’gar, my lady. Representative of the Iron Bank.” Two men waited in the corridor outside Sansa Stark’s solar as the household guard announced him. He heard the chair scrape quietly on the floor as she stood. “Show him in, Walther.”
A tall, elegant, red-haired – young – woman met him between the desk and the door. A slim dark blue dress covered her from graceful neck – where a delicate white enameled brooch in the shape of a snarling wolf with ruby gemstone eyes arrested his gaze for a moment. When it dropped further he saw she was extending a hand in welcome.
He took the offered hand and lifted the fingers to his lips. “Lady Stark. Thank you for seeing me without prior notice.” She smiled but the action never quite reached her eyes before she turned to lead him to a chair in front of her desk. He waited until she returned to her seat to sit.
“You come not entirely unannounced. I had a short note from Jon, letting me know he was leaving the capitol for Bravos almost four moon-turns past. Dare I hope your visit is part of his concern for our home?”
He opened the satchel he had moved to his lap on sitting and produced two sealed scrolls. “A document from your brother concerning my presence. And another from Tycho Nestoris, vouching for my credentials with the Bank. Tycho is the representative who has been monitoring your brother’s accounts for many years.” He leaned forward and placed both on the desktop within her reach. Her gaze dropped to the scrolls for an instant and then back to him.
“My half-brother. Jon Snow is my half-brother. My father’s … bastard. We never knew who his mother was, although the common gossip was the Lady Ashara Dayne.”
He was not really surprised she did not know his truth – and he was not about to tell her. “I am sorry? I do not understand. Your mother was very much aware of Jon Snow’s parentage. According to Tycho she and your house steward at the time – I believe his name was Petyr Baelish –”
Sansa flinched at the name but the mask was quickly back in place.
“… approached the Iron Bank with papers that turned out to be forged. Your bastard brother was around three or four name-days at that time. They were attempting to avail themselves of funds in the accounts that were put in place shortly before his birth. They were refused the monies they were requesting apparently for the room and board and other sundry items necessary for the care of a highborn child.”
The pause in the conversation went on almost too long but she did respond.
“Master Ha’gar. You have given me much to think on. Plus the scrolls. Allow me to offer you and your companion rest and refreshment for the afternoon and evening. We can dine together and discuss the content of the scrolls. After I have read them.”
“Very well, my lady.” He rose as she stood. “Until dinner.”
Sansa accompanied him to the door. “Walther, ask Poole to have chambers made up for Master Ha’gar and his companion. They will be with us for dinner as well.” Her guard nodded and turned to escort the two of them down the hall.
“My lady. Michel and I have been traveling for a moon-turn. Might we avail your Master at Arms a bit of time in the sparring yard? Merely to work the kinks out of our legs and arms? Before we travel back to EastWatch.”
“EastWatch? You did not come through White Harbor?”
“No, my lady. I also had a correspondence for The Wull – from The Jon.”
He smiled at her and she returned it.
She was familiar with the manner of address the Mountain Clans used. “I am sure Jory will be happy to share the sparring yard with new talent.”
She stood by the door and watched Walther lead them away. As they turned the corner, Sansa returned to her desk, detouring to the credenza for a glass of wine. It was a bit early in the afternoon to imbibe but her mind kept returning to her mother and Littlefinger at the Iron Bank. Robb was likely four name-days – making Jon a few moon-turns shy of four. She wasn’t born until … until …. She vaguely remembered her mother making a casual comment when Grandfather Hoster died that she had not visited RiverRun since before she was born.
NO! She was not going there. There was no way her mother would have … but she could not deny the way she always treated Jon. It must have been even more vicious in the early days.
But why? She had always thought the reason was because her father would never speak the name of Jon’s mother. And if she knew who the woman was all that time?
She continued to stand by the carafe of Arbor Gold but gently set the empty glass down rather than pouring more.
Not woman – parentage. That word parents – Jon? Not her father’s son? By the Seven – his mother was Ashara Dayne but his father was Uncle Brandon. Oh, she had heard the tales of Harrenhal – many times. It was LittleFinger’s favorite horror story. And with this revelation, he must have known all along.
She exhaled slowly. Made a whole lot more sense. And all the more reason for her mother to truly hate Jon. She knew from experience it was easier to hate the living when the other parties were dead. And the Daynes of StarFall could have set up a bank account for Jon when he came of age – if her father had told him rather than sending him to the Wall.
“Oh gods!!” She slapped one hand over her mouth. That’s why Master Ha’gar sailed to EastWatch. His visit likely included a trip to Castle Black – to look at their records. The Bank was attempting to verify Jon’s true identity. She reached for the two scrolls, her mind already conjuring what she would read.
Half-a-turn of the glass, three reads of each scroll and a second glass of Arbor Gold, and she still had more questions than answers.
Jon’s scroll was his typical brief straight-forward no nonsense four sentences.
Sansa~~the bearer of this scroll is a representative of the Iron Bank in Bravos.
According to their copy of Grandfather Rickard Stark’s Last Will & Testament I am the heir to The Gift.
The bank representative heads a group that will investigate and report on their findings to Tycho Nestoris for possible mining, farming and other specific improvements that will increase future revenue and resources for Winterfell and the North as a whole for trade.
When he has the reports in hand, Tycho will calculate any necessary initial investments, which I will absorb and explain when I see you next. ~~Jon
She sat and stared at the short note. How would Grandfather Stark’s Will mention Jon? According to the stories she heard in Kings Landing, his death – and uncle Brandon’s – at the hands of Mad King Aerys started the Rebellion. Long before any of them were born. Unless the Will was old even then – stating Uncle Brandon as heir and when he died young, heirship fell to Jon as his only child. And whatever the Daynes settled in the account Jon would use to pay for any improvements. Winterfell would likely need to pay taxes on trade to the Crown since the Watch was no longer viable and also pay back the initial investment from Jon.
The second glass of wine had mellowed her thought process a bit. She leaned back in her chair and grinned. It was beginning to sound … interesting. And … possibly quite profitable.
The scroll from the Iron Bank contained more information but was just as confusing. Sansa had always prided herself on the level of education she had acquired from Septa Mordane but the words in the banker’s scroll – meant nothing to her. She needed someone with a broader understanding of the world to interpret.
Maester Luwin.
She crossed the room and opened the door. Walther turned, a question in his eyes as well as on his lips.
“My lady?”
“Walther? Send someone to fetch Maester Luwin. Right away. Please.”
Her guard smiled, more a lopside grin, really. “I do believe he’s watching the spar – with quite likely everyone else.”
She had to laugh. “The spar? – you mean the banker and his guard?”
“Aye, my lady.” He grinned again, more widely, then ducked his head.
She couldn’t help asking. “Okay. How much and which one?”
“A stag on each.”
“That close?” He nodded.
“Very well, ask Luwin to come see me – surely they will be done before even meal.”
Sansa closed the door and went straight to the window behind her desk. If she stood at the far right corner, she could see a portion of the sparring yard. As she watched, the banker swirled and ducked a long stick-like weapon. He finished the maneuver, standing tall and brought his own weapon down to the guards left shoulder, disarming his opponent. As he turned to offer a hand she realized what she thought was a scarf to hold his long hair back was a blindfold. The banker had been fighting handicapped by having lost the ability to see his challenger!
The knock at the door came quickly so she pulled herself away from the window.
Walther opened the door and announced Maester Luwin.
“Come in. Come in.” The jingle of his links was a definite reminder he knew a lot about a lot of things and that’s what Sansa needed now. “Come sit. Please. May I get you something cool? Water or perhaps a bit of Arbor Gold?”
“No, thank you, my dear. Is there something I can help you with?”
“Aye. The two men in the yard just now, the one with the blindfold – he is a representative of the Iron Bank in Bravos.” She handed him the two scrolls she had been studying. “He is here for Jon. Jon sent me a scroll from the Capitol about speaking with them with regards to perhaps help us rebuild. If you will read the short scroll first it will provide a tiny bit of explanation for the longer scroll from Tycho Nestoris at the Bank.” She paused to give him time to look over Jon’s brief note. He read it twice then looked up.
“The scroll from the banker contains words and language I am not familiar with. I was sure you could help me understand?”
“Of course. Perhaps you would allow an old man to think out loud for a moment first.”
“Please do. I spent a bit of time thinking about the wording in Jon’s note as well. Perhaps I may share my thoughts with you also. You knew our grandfather did you not?”
“I did … for a short while. There were some … uhm problems that arose with Maester Wolkan. Apparently your fathers foster brother, the Lord of Storms End appeared at Winterfell unannounced and uninvited along with Ned coming for a visit. My Lord had been receiving offers of marriage for Lady Lyanna for a short time and Lord Robert insisted on meeting with Lord Rickard as he was determined to have her. Apparently she had been quite demanding that if he ever lay hands on her she would run away and become a wilding spear-wife. But as it happened, Lord Robert assaulted Lord Rickards only daughter – struck her repeatedly when she fought him as he had one hand around her throat and his other hand under her … trying to climb under her …uhm petticoats.”
“All that? After guest rights?”
“Yes, my dear. It was later discovered that the Maester had told Lord Robert all she needed was a strong hand to bring her into line. She was barely ten and six. The King was brought into the trial as Lord Robert was the Lord Paramount of the StormLands. The King allowed his son Crown Prince Rhaegar to sit in judgment over the ruling. I had not arrived yet, not until Wolkan was placed on trial for his part in the debacle.”
“In spite of the rulings, Lord Robert continued to pursue Lady Lyanna. There was a big tourney at Harrenhal and from all I can ascertain things came to a violent head and two months later Lady Lyanna was gone. Along with Rhaegar. The rest you likely know. Brandon rushing recklessly to the Capitol, Lord Rickard following and both gone to the Mad King’s wildfire a fortnight later. Roberts Rebellion, Rhaegar dying at the Trident by Robert’s hand and hammer. Lyanna dead in the Tower of Joy. Lord Eddard and companions defeating the three kingsguards in order to bring Lady Lyanna’s bones home for burial. But I found the strangest part of all was your father bringing Jon home – a bastard whom everyone believed to be the love-child of Ned and Ashara Dayne.”
Sansa nodded slowly. “Jon’s note – the sentence about Grandfather Rickards Will. I first thought it odd he would name Jon, when he was born after both Brandon and Grandfather died. But the more I thought about it, it made perfect sense. That Jon was not my father’s bastard but Uncle Brandon’s and with both the Lord of Winterfell and his heir dead, the Will is likely written in language that the heir of the heir would inherit the Gift. And the other accounts set up for Jon would likely be from the Daynes of StarFall – because Ashara Dayne would still likely be Jon’s mother.”
“Aye, that’s a plausible theory. But rumor was the Prince was quite taken with Lady Lyanna during the trials. And rather than kidnapping her they ran away together. Him to escape his mad father and her to escape her crazed wanna-be-lover.”
“And that would make Jon – their son? And Grandfather Rickards Will would read Lyanna as the heir to the Gift.”
“It would be credible. Brandon was heir to Winterfell and the North. Ned, once wed, would have Moat Calin – the gateway to the North. And the only daughter of the North, once married would have Queens Crown.”
Maester Luwin unrolled the longer scroll. “All merely speculation, my dear. It is quite likely we will never know as Ned took the secret of Jon’s mother to his grave.”
His gaze dropped to the longer message and read it through. “So what shall I explain to you here? I do see a word or two you may have never encountered, even in your position as the Lady of Winterfell. Poole is likely knowledgeable about the farm references as well, but Winterfell functions like a city – not like a farm or a mining community. Are you familiar with the function of the Glass Garden?”
“I am. It is used to grow flowers and certain root crops that are too delicate for the abrupt changes in temperatures.”
“That’s right – onions, carrots, pole beans. An agrarian is a person who studies the soil. Agronomy is the study of all the ways to test for what grows well in what soil – larger crops like wheat, oats, even a type of hay that is fodder for horses, cattle. Also related to soil management and crop production. Tillage, tilling – how to prepare the ground for large scale planting. The members of the bankers team may recommend setting in place a small holdfast for field workers to see to seasonal planting and harvest. Perhaps even larger scale glass gardens with a purposed goal – outside trade with other kingdoms.”
His gaze dropped back to the scroll. “The mining would likely mean they have a geologist on the team and a cartographer as well – to map the areas as they carry out their inspection. Approaching from EastWatch, Jon sent word to The Wull as they would also benefit from information the team finds.”
“I will be meeting with Master Ha’gar either after even meal or first thing tomorrow. He does not appear to be asking my permission, merely letting me know they are here at Jon’s request. For the peaceful purpose of helping rebuild at this time and providing further future benefits for Winterfell and the North as a whole.”
“I agree. Jon is keeping his word – and depending on the reports, we will likely be in far better circumstance going forward.”
“It’s settled then. Tomorrow I will smile and send Foster Ha’gar and his guard back to the Gift with our good will. Would I be too forward to ask him to keep you informed as well as Jon?”
“As long as you keep it simple. Perhaps, merely a raven to advise when they are done rather than details of what they have found.”
She nodded as the Maester rose and left.
~||||||~||||||~|||~
The ladies from the mainland made quick work of moving the Harbor Master to other quarters and had a simple meal ready to table when the sun finally slipped toward the horizon. Davos had taken the smaller bed chamber, while Jae and Arya threatened to arm-wrestle for the one nearest the bath.
Toby spent the entire meal laughing at them and tossing chunks of fried fish to Vhagar where he perched on a vacant chair – til the little beast got full and simply shut his eyes, plopping over for a nap where he sat.
Toby had found his bed in the barracks with the half-dozen strong-arms and two other young freight agents also in training.
Sal and Baden were aboard the Sea Nymph, planning to stay one more day before moving further south – heading for Dorne with a pouch of Jae’s gold dragons to return with fresh lemons, oranges and any other fruit they might find.
The night breeze off the water was out of the northeast and that was the thing that convinced Jae this little island was the place he could spend the rest of his life. A chance for some hard work on a daily basis, some time to spend learning the in’s and out’s of trade and the opportunity to grow a community that could be anything he might dream to build. He joined Davos where he stood on the dock looking out over the water, pipe clenched in his teeth. The scent of his tobacco pleasant on the slightly salty air.
“Tycho was right.”
Davos just nodded, a small puff of smoke disappearing with the gentle action.
“Tomorrow I will find a horse and ride with Arya on the mainland. She has something she wants to show me.”
“Thought she might.”
“Then I would like for you and I to look at the maps Tycho sent. He mentioned … something … about a hotel? And I expect the ship with the building material for the bank addition any day.” He turned and stared into the gathering twilight at the Freight Agent office. Davos turned to where he was looking then shifted his gaze across the wide street.
“I can kinda see what he had in mind. I know at East Watch the castle was being used to house workers for the dry dock they were initiating there for different types of ship repairs. There is always the chance of harsher than normal damage when traveling through the far north.”
~||||||~||||||~|||~
For the next two days Arya took Jae around the mainland. Even with the three bare-bones villages there was lots of places she wanted him to see. One such area of level ground she made him dismount and walk with her as she stepped off the length and width of where she was proposing they build a race track.
He stood at one end and watched as she walked it off for him, set where each lane would go and the edge of where the seating would go. He joined her in the middle and they stood and turned round to see the whole field. “Like a tourney field, just four men on horses, competing to see which would finish first.”
“Exactly.”
He put an arm around her shoulders and nodded. “I think I like it. You would have to come up with a way to make it work on paper. Before we could implement it.”
“Well, with the bank project coming first, then if Tycho insists on a hotel we will have time to figure it out.”
~||||||~||||||~|||~
The third morning Arya was dishing out the brown bread and crisp bacon the girl who gathered up the laundry brought for their breakfast, when Toby hurried in. “Jae. Hey, Arya. Two cogs are tied up at the North dock. There’s about fifty men unloading all kinds of stuff. Even glass.”
“Aaahh!! The bank boats have arrived. Finally. Sit Toby, have a bit of bread and bacon. I will go out to meet the bank representative in a bit.”
“Pa’s there. He will take care of anything they need.”
“I should at least meet and say hello to the bank rep.”
Toby rolled a couple of slices of bacon inside a chunk of bread and hesitated, staring down the growing dragon eyeing his breakfast. “Probably some tired old guy who volunteered, thinking it would be a nice boat ride. When you are out, want to go varmint hunting? Vhagar is getting bigger, think he might like to be out and try his … wings? Maybe?”
“Yes, let’s do it. Think we can borrow the horses again?” The beast was at the table now, eating bits of bacon from Jae’s hand. He rubbed a finger down the spine ridge and the growing dragon leaned into the touch. Jae closed his eyes and smiled, then flipped his hand, mentally coaxing him to climb.
He filched a crust of bread from Arya’s plate and when he made it all the way to his shoulder … offered it. The beautiful little beast hiccoughed, sending a tiny spiral of smoke at Jae’s hand. “That’s my boy!”
Jae put a hand on Arya’s shoulder and guided her to the door and out. Toby joined them, swallowing the last bit of his breakfast as all three headed across the wide street toward the Freight Office, where a dozen men were gathered. The man who appeared to be in charge glanced in their direction – then took a second look and stepped away from the group.
He assured Jae the rest of his crew was setting up temporary lodgings on the mainland for the workers. That they would be policing the area, doing their own cooking and once their boss got there they would begin work. Foundations first, then putting the pieces together.
His gaze never drifted from Vhagar, still perched on Jae’s shoulder.
Til Jae spoke …. “And you are …?”
“Forrester, my lord. Sian Forrester.”
“Jaehaerys Targaryen. My sister, Arya Stark and Toby Seaworth, freight agent in training.”
“And – your friend?” he asked with a nod to his shoulder.
“Vhagar. Not to worry. He is only a few days old. No fire yet.”
“It is a dragon. A real dragon!”
“Aye. I am a dragon as well.”
~||||||~||||||~|||~
Forrester stepped back, returning to the group.
Jae paused as they walked past, on the way to the small stable. And watched a dozen or so men unloading a mass of building materials along the street. A separate crew carted slabs of stone while another group worked with shovel and rake, making the ground a few inches deeper before setting the long sections of stone in a pattern of off-set squares.
Arya appeared with the horses and pulled his attention away from the construction. Tobias was already headed for the ferry to the mainland so Jae placed Vhagar in the space in front of the saddle and once mounted hurried along with the others. The few minutes it took to reach the other shore finished the picture the Forrester had started – two long tents were already set, standing close. And the further inland they traveled they came across two more smaller.
Jae, Arya and Toby carried on til they reached the open area Arya was proposing for the race-track.
“The builders? Jae? Those tents are just temporary?”
“I would say so. At the pace they seem to have set, it’s not likely to take long.” He looked back over his shoulder. “I thought the bank manager would be on site but only the foreman introduced himself.”
Arya laughed. “Probably still on the boat – still sleeping. What’s Vhagar doing?”
“Maybe he’s spotted something to eat. He’s definitely getting excited.” Jae tilted his head as the little beast climbed up his arm. “Fly, Vhagar. Soves.”
“Soves?”
“Fly. There is another word for – fire.” He turned away, then turned back. “Daenerys used them with her ….”
“Jae – there.” Toby pointed just ahead where a pair of brown ears settled in the grass.
“Vhagar, Soves! Dracarys!” The pretty little dragon-head twisted the direction Toby was pointing and scrambled across Jae’s shoulder before launching into the air – and immediately plummeted toward the ground. Then both wings jerked and spread and they all watched the beautiful little beast wobble toward the small pile of fur like a drunken sailor. He suddenly had it in his claws and it screeched twice, then went silent.
Toby dismounted, traipsing through the boot high grass. Vhagar stood on his prize and hissed at him. “Let me help you. We will take it home and cook it for you.” When the boy just stared at the dragon hissing at him. “Jae? Help?”
Arya just laughed and slid off her horse. “Vhagar. Dracarys!”
He huffed, sending a little spiral of smoke toward his claw.
When no fire accompanied the smoke, he just plopped down. She picked the little dragon up with one hand and the dead rabbit with the other. “Okay. That’s enough failure for today. Tomorrow will be better.”
Toby was holding their horses, so she handed him the rabbit – and he just looked at it like what am I supposed to do with this?
Jae just sat on his horse shaking his head. “Vhagar. Come.” He reached his arm out and the little beast did fly – a little steadier than before. “Come on, lets go clean this rabbit and give him a taste of real meat.”
They were not gone very long but by the time the ferry touched back on the island, Jae realized the stonework and partial outer shell were done on the bank addition. Arya left the horses with Toby to take into the stable, while Jae wandered back down the street.
The foreman stepped out of the skeletal building and smiled.
“I understood the new bank manager would be supervising.”
“That’s right. Very hands on, the manager. It is really chaotic right now. The reinforcing timbers for the vault are being transported from another ship and once they arrive everything will calm down. Probably in a day or two. By then we will have the support in place for the second floor. That bit of construction may disturb the freight office for another few days.”
“We are also putting in a hotel across the street. The materials and builders will likely be here about the time your job is done. It will be much bigger and more complex to put together.”
“If we are done in good time? Some of this crew may be willing to stay and work if they are needed.”
“I will pass that along to the crew leader. Meanwhile I will be learning how to handle my own responsibilities. I have mostly only ever been a soldier and now I need to learn how to govern. I suspect that will be harder than dealing with the trade association.”
“I would suggest you begin by taking a census – of the mainland as well as the island.” The speaker stepped upon the boardwalk and moved into the skeleton of the framing that had been lifted intact from the ground and was now stabilized in place – the portion with the wide window and entry.
Jae gazed around, to see the speaker had moved on to join two others and step over pieces of cut-to-size lumber, pointing out where the inside would go when the other wall was raised into place.
He moved closer to watch the way four men assembled the back exterior wall and stood it up quickly. “Have to frame the first floor before adding the second.”
He nodded and stepped out of the way. “I have several books on governing. There are instructions for how to conduct the ‘census’ you mentioned on a regular basis, to track growth of the community. He offered his hand and introduced himself… “Jaehaerys Targaryen.”
“Well. That explains the dragon.”
There was more than a hint of laughter in her words as she took his hand and when she looked up, smiled and spoke, he realized she was more than just one of the workers.
“Maelora Rogare. Very pleased to meet you. Governor.”
~||||||~||||||~|||~
Chapter Text
Chapter 16
~||||||~||||||~||||~
Between working with Vhagar, keeping an eye on the continuing Bank construction and his lessons, where Jae was learning about governing and dispensing law – the day to day life of the six-hundred and ten men, women and children that made up the current population of Aestonia had settled into somewhat of a routine.
Richard had proclaimed ascending and descending a tall flight of stairs multiple times a day would just be too much for him during his working day – so Myles planned to make the second floor above the Freight Office his home. Richard then proceeded to marry the widow he had been courting for the past year and moved to the mainland where she and her late husband had a house – and he would have a horse to ride back and forth.
It took almost two moon-turns to reinforce the area, then set the vault. The rest of the bank interior went much quicker, getting the interior office and teller cages done.
Maelora fell into an odd sort of habit, stopping by the Freight Office to say hello in the mornings and goodnight when leaving for the day. Jae would sometimes sit with her on the wrought iron bench someone placed on the wide walkway between the two front doors.
Just that morning she had told him the initial deposit of the various exchange coinage was the last thing she was waiting for, in order to open the Bank for business.
And he told her the ships with the construction crew for the hotel were due to arrive any day.
She turned slightly where she sat and slapped him on the chest. “Liar! You have been telling me that lie every day for the past three weeks!”
He grabbed her hand where it lay gently on his chest, and moved it down to the bench between them. “It’s true! I have been expecting one from Eastwatch and one from Bravos. Eastwatch is sending stone for the foundation. The Wull clans have found a mountain of something that Foster says is just as beautiful as marble but less difficult to harvest and work with.”
He suddenly realized he still held her hand and released it. “Forgive me.” He spoke quietly, head down. “I don’t know how to be – this man.”
He leaned forward, hands clasped on his knee. “They put a wooden sword in my hand when I was five name days and that is all I have ever known.”
She reached across the narrow space between them, to where both his hands lay clenched into a single fist. Even though he was staring at them, he startled when she placed her own hand over them.
“Those days are gone, Jae. Behind you now. But … the strength and diligence – sense of honor, of right and wrong – those things are always going to make everything you do extraordinary. Comparatively speaking – in this life, you are just a babe learning to walk.”
He looked up at her, then back to her long graceful fingers touching his. He shook his head before he spoke. “You don’t know the things I’ve done – and not always done in the best of light.”
His thoughts at that moment threatened to consume him. Tycho’s gentle command – It is best you are not involved – at this point.
He had to believe Tycho had her – the babe’s – best interest at heart. He looked up at her fingers leaving his.
“Come have dinner with me, Governor?”
“I … I … couldn’t. Shouldn’t ….”
“Of course you can. It’s not like there won’t be a half a hundred chaperones.” She was smiling. “Come. We will get Arya, Davos and Toby too.” She pulled him up by the hand and dragged him across the street, speaking the whole time. “I will be using the upstairs apartment for my quarters until I can arrange something more permanent on the mainland, then it will be for the guard shift changes.”
“Tycho said the upper floor of the hotel will be designed with Davos and Toby and Arya and I in mind, so I figure he’s talking two, two bedroom chambers. I think it will be a lot of space. It would much closer for you, to the bank. If he were to add another suite.”
Her gaze drifted upward in the direction he was looking, toward the sky offering the first soft pinks and pearly blues of approaching sunset.
He opened the door at the west end of the barracks building and motioned her to the first door on the right. Davos was the only one inside.
“Where’s Arya? Lady Mae has invited all of us to join her for dinner, along with fifty or so of her good friends.”
“I would be delighted, my lady.” The older man pinched out the candle in the center of the nearby table and joined the two of them at the door. “Arya and Toby took your bratty bird to the mainland. He’s becoming quite the hunter. If we hurry we can catch them before they get the ferry back.”
Davos offered her his arm as he approached.
She took it without question. “Perfect. I have no idea what is being served but it is always good – and there is always plenty.” She and Davos were the first out the door, Jae following at her left.
Arya and Tobias were waiting on the far shore – watching the growing beast fly in circles, coughing smoke. The mainlanders preparing to move the ferry were laughing at the dragon. The younger man asked if it liked fish.
Davos replied, “Aye, bones and all. Deep fried and crunchy!”
When they exited on the other side of the fairly wide stretch of calm water, Vhagar settled on Jae’s shoulder, which immediately dipped. “Oh, my sweet boy Vhagar. You are growing up so fast.” He rubbed a knuckle down his crown horns, down to where the wings sprouted. “Another few weeks and you will be carrying me!”
Fortunately the mess tent was close when they exited to the mainland, drawn by the aroma of meat and onions and hot bread.
Inside, Maelora led them to a table down the middle aisle of many and before they all found a seat, a man in a black and white stripped apron had food on the table.
“Help yourselves.” Then a glance to Mae … “Peach hand-pies will be ready in time for dessert.”
Arya, Jae and Maelora all spoke together. “My favorite!”
Maelora began filling her plate, so everyone at table took a turn as the platter and bowls passed from hand to hand.
Jae was too busy filling his plate with venison steak, some kind of potatoes smothered in pale brown gravy and two hot rolls of bread to notice a girl in the same sort of striped apron approach. She filled cups with a pale liquid then placed a chunk of heavily-singed venison on the vacant chair between Davos and Jae.
Vhagar dropped off Jae’s shoulder and tore into his dinner. When he finished he tried to claw up Jae’s arm but he was definitely getting too big so he crawled into his lap and went to sleep.
As the group waited patiently for the peach hand-pies, one of the serving girls pulled up a tall stool at the edge of the tables, just as someone handed her a strange sort of … flute. Jae glanced around when conversation quieted. The girl put the instrument to her lips – and the most beautiful sound floated on the warm air. The song almost seemed a lullaby, with soft sections that rose before simply slipping away on the breeze where someone had parted a side section of the tent facing the sunset.
She had barely begun when another girl joined her, voice accompanying with words in a language Jae did not understand, then a man’s bass repeating the words before another man joining at a higher pitch almost competing with the others for attention. The words finally all wove together with the rhythm of the music to simply end.
The applause that followed might have been for the appearance of peach hand-pies as well as the entertainment. Everyone was laughing and speaking at once as they fell upon trays of dessert. When they started leaving in groups, Jae lifted Vhagar and asked Mae if he could walk her home.
“Not tonight, thank you. I will stay with the kitchen girls. Their tent is attached, just behind that wall. I will see you tomorrow?”
“Of course. Goodnight, Miss Rogare.”
“Goodnight. Governor.”
~||||||~||||||~||||~
The barge transporting the foundation stones for the hotel arrived on the evening foam three days later.
And another two ships from Bravos arrived early the next day. Forty men arrived on the first one – Jae was sure at least three of them were Umbers, all looking capable of lifting one of the foundation stones under each arm.
Jae dragged Maelora from the bank all the way to the south harbor, making sure to introduce her to the Umbers. He let go her hand just as Littlejon grabbed him around the waist and lifted him into the air. “Jonny boy! Your man in Queens Crown is on the other boat. He has a surprise for you!!” He set him back both feet on the ground when he finally noticed the lady with him. “And do you have a surprise for your brothers at arms?”
“Littlejon Umber, this is Maelora Rogare. My banker.”
A roar of laughter shook the big man. “Banker? Is that what they call it on this side of the big water?”
“Shut it. She … we ….”
“Pleased to meet you, Lord Umber.” She tilted her chin to look up at Jae. “Jonny boy?”
“Begging your pardon, my lady. He handles that name better than what the Wildings call him. King Crow! What was it the Dothraki called you?”
“King Crow? He is such a quiet man.”
“Aye. Broody bastard.”
Jae decided it was time to change the subject. He cleared his throat and asked … “Foster is with you?”
“Aye. Go see him. I gotta get these lazy Wulls and Karstarks to work. We were told to unload the rocks to the street. That man of yours made something he calls a win-ch! The barge butts up to the dock and the winch lifts a big stack and swings it over to the ground. Thought he was talking magic til I saw him build it.”
“Well, you are in the right place to unload. I expect to see progress after I find Foster.”
~||||||~||||||~||||~
The second ship was a simple cog, but the midsection was filled with slender strips of apparently the same stone for the ground floor interior of the hotel. Hundreds of pieces, the stacks reaching to Jae’s waist.
He and Maelora made their way through the trail between stacks toward Foster standing on the forecastle speaking to a tall thin dark-skinned man. Once they got close enough, she called out … “Where is my money, Foster?”
Jae laughed at her as both men turned.
“My Lady Mae! I am working as fast as I can. Tycho’s last missile firmly stated … soon!”
She raised a clenched fist and shook it at him. “This surprise for the governor better be good – to make up for my delay.”
“It is. Go back the way you came. I’ll be there in a moment.”
The man from Queens Crown disappeared from sight, apparently down a flight of steps, then a few minutes later joined the two of them at the gangplank down to the dock.
Foster Ha’gar handed Jae a leather pouch, rolled tight and tied, then leaned against the rail. He looked to Tycho’s niece and grinned. “Hello, lady Mae.”
Jae hefted the pouch in one hand before untying the strings. The bag contained several red rocks, the larger almost filled his fist. He turned his hand to show Maelora … to be cautioned sternly to be careful handling it.
“What is it?” he asked, handing it to the lady.
“None of us are sure. That’s why I am taking it to Tycho personally. Of course, it’s a good opportunity to give him a full eye-witness report on how the Gift is coming along.”
Mae handed the stone back to Foster, who proceeded to secure it once again and withdrew a couple of the smaller stones.
“One of the Wull boys – and I use the distinction lightly. I thought they were all men but apparently not. The one who found the vein is four and ten. The vein was under where they found the hotel foundation rock. And it is extensive. The Wull himself says they occasionally find some smaller shattered rocks like this above ground, usually around where a new hot-spring breaks through the earth.”
Jae picked one of the shiny pieces from Fosters palm and gave it to Mae. “Maybe some kind of gemstone? Cersei wore a lot of shiny rings and necklaces when I saw them at Winterfell years ago – mostly wrapped in gold.”
“Well, if they all sparkle and shine like this little piece of rock, it could be a gold mine, just red-rock.”
Foster left that little chunk with Maelora and tied up the bag securely. “Tycho will know. Or he will know someone who does. As far as everything else – the Gift is that. A true gift. I will be on the way to Bravos as soon as we get this cargo unloaded. Let’s go see how Umber is doing. Then I would like to see the Bank.”
Jae and Maelora looked to each other and grinned. “And the governor has a little surprise for you, too.”
“Well, lead on, governor.”
~||||||~||||||~||||~
It took til late afternoon to completely unload the barge.
Richard saw the cog maneuvered into the vacant spot and unloading was set for early morning.
Foster explained the narrow strips of stone were for the exterior. A sidewalk of sorts around the outside entries into the hotel – in the manner of the boardwalk around the Freight Office and the Bank exterior.
Everyone had dinner again in the Mess Hall on the mainland – where the visiting faceless man along with the dozen northmen, met the only known living dragon since the dance who ate along with them. Then promptly fell asleep on Jaehaerys Targaryens lap.
Two days later, Foster Ha’gar left for Bravos. One hand lifted in farewell to the boy he had watched become a man standing beside the skinny girl he had seen become the beautiful woman at his side. Both were laughing at the dragon circling close overhead, hiccupping smoke as it tried to spit fire at the boy’s whispered command.
By the end of the week, across the wide street from the Freight Office, the hotel foundation was a hodge-podge of the various widths and lengths of stone.
The hotel began to take shape. The lower level foundation was a solid rock, the stone discovered in the northern mountains and cut into slabs, then laid out over the natural terrain of the island. It made a handsome floor but was unsuitable for the upper levels. The builder was going with Tycho’s suggested three levels. The plan for the lower level, according to the schematics Tycho sent – two kitchens, with walk-in pantry adjoining both. Two dining halls and a smaller private meeting room. Lots of windows and a wide entry for ten suites on the lower level. The upper level would provide chambers for Davos, Toby – and Jon and Arya with their own separate apartments.
A utility stair at the rear plus dumbwaiters would make life easier for future employees. Jae was particularly interested in the alternating rows of glass planned for setting in metal frames that tilted to allow air flow across several areas. Including what they were calling the lobby.
Groleo’s regular reports to Davos professed Mattie was excited by all he was learning about the farm and his knowledge of numbers and letters gave him a head start on mastering the job.
Tobias was working at the command of both Myles and Richard and had begun to pull his own weight as a first-rate freight agent.
Arya was spending half her day on the mainland, doing something she only shared with Davos and they both kept very secret about it. But she had become quite adept at dealing with the dragon-pup, that was turning into as big a brat as she was.
The new life they were building slowly took shape before their eyes.
There is a black river …
… it passes by my window.
Steady hand for the draw
Say we choose ….
But it’s no choice at all.
Duty calls, it calls ….
Siren Song out of White Harbor was a regular at the trading post, stopping once on the way to YiTi and again on the return trip but when Tobie yelled up at him where Jae stood looking at a complex arrangement of pipes in the wall and flooring at the top of the hotel, he knew some thing was off.
He snagged a ride down on the small dangling bucket the workmen used for tools and all the small pieces they were putting together in the bath construction.
“Pip Mormont needs to see you.”
“Already back?”
“He never went, seems something is a bit off in the Capital.”
“Where is he?”
“Office.”
“Okay. See you at dinner.”
Captain Mormont was actually pacing the sidewalk in front of the new – and now open for business – bank building when Jae got there. Mae stood inside, watching him through the window. He motioned her to join them.
“Pip. You remember Maelora?”
“Of course, my lady…” he acknowledged with a nod. “I have news. There is a flotilla of cogs from Mereen docked at Kings Landing.”
“Come inside.” Once they were out of the sun, Jae waved him to a chair as he and Mae joined him at the table out of way of the door. “She’s still depending on them to feed the city?”
“Yes, but that’s not what I wanted to tell you. The man she had in charge in Mereen has come. Rumors have he is here to stay.”
“Naharis. I’m not surprised. He was really attached to her – or so she said – when she was conquering the Dothraki and ending slavery in Mereen. Maybe he will help her get things running more smoothly. There is plenty of airable land in the River country if she would put someone responsible in charge.”
“Is he that someone?”
“Never actually met him. I suspect he’s not knowledgeable enough about farming to grow foodstuff. If I thought she would be reasonable enough to accept help in that area I would ask Tycho to send some teams to teach the smallfolk.”
Pip nodded his agreement. “There has to be a great many folks in Flea bottom for some to want to get away. Get to where the air is more breathable. And there is a great deal of pride that goes along with being able to put food on the table every day.”
Jae fumbled under the credenza behind him and pulled out a confiscated bottle of rum. He offered to Mae but she shook her head.
“You are staying for even-meal, right?”
“Yes!” He reached for the short glass and waited until Jae had his in hand to drink, tossing it back in one swallow. Then he just sat there and twirled the empty in his hands. “Jae, you have done a incredible job of bringing this trading post to a larger life. And just about everyone that ever knew you as the bastard of Winterfell would never believe you did this – often with your own hands, and the sweat of your brow. If anyone could convince her to think about the future it would likely be you. Or maybe even speak to the both of them. There’s no reason Kings Landing should be in the shape it is still struggling through. Write her a note, invite them here or offer to meet them at Dragonstone and talk. I will be back this way in a few weeks.”
“I will be here. And I will think about it.”
Steady hand for the draw
Say we choose ….
But it's no choice at all.
Duty calls, it calls
~||||||~||||||~||||~
DaemonTarg (Guest) on Chapter 1 Wed 27 Aug 2025 09:43PM UTC
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