Chapter 24: c24
Events Across Westeros
-West. King's Landing-
Elia Martell was not happy at all. Her idiot husband of hers had decided to kidnap Lyanna Stark for god knows what stupid reason. As if that wasn't enough she had let in those bloody assholes of the red god faith who were constantly preaching about the importance of the red god and sacrificing criminals. It was just luck that Rickard Stark escaped although she didn't think it was luck at all and nothing more than the current Lord Stark being smart and having the resources to protect her father from him.
Then the war had broken out. The North against the crown. According to their own information agents they discovered that in addition to House Tyrell there was also the force of the dissidents of the lands of the rivers, of the Lands of the storm and members of the Lands of the West. Along with that add the forces of Dorne. The North had no chance. Why didn't they ally with the other remaining kingdoms?
Well she knew. House Tully would demand gigantic prices and House Arryn would possibly demand meaningless things. And that's without counting on house baratheon and acting with a sense of importance. She couldn't figure out in her mind how she could think that could work.
On his way to the small gardens of the fortress he met none other than Owen Merrywather who was running in a hurry. The man saw many things less satisfied. Curious, she waited for the man and when he realized it you could tell that he was beyond nervous. What the hell had taken place?
''What is it that you are so worried about being?'' Elia tried to sound nice. Since his mother had taught him a soft and kind voice at an early age he had a lot of chances to win people over more than anything but a bossy attitude.
''The war is over my princess. The prince was defeated and executed by Lord Hariric Stark. As if that wasn't enough, the Riverlands are a mess as Hariric Stark ordered that not one stone be left unturned of all the lords who thought to stand in his way of all things. And the Lannister house has at this moment the loss of one of Tywin's brothers. Things are terrible my princess''. Owen wasn't in the mood. He like everyone else had expected the war to be a simple matter.
''That's…bad. What demands has House Stark made to not advance to the capital and reduce it to ashes? I can't see House Stark stopping their advance in any way and I find that terrifying if I have to be honest at this point." Elia knew the northerners from Ashara's letters. They used to have no compassion or pity and when they went to war it was with the firm intention of making sure that their enemies were utterly destroyed.
''That's the case. There are no demands. The northern army is retreating according to the reports from our men. But at the same time, Tywin Lannister's force of thirty thousand men is advancing towards the capital. The bravest claim that House Stark backs down out of fear. I like to think that they are more than anything moving according to their own plans my princess. Owen didn't like it. Why was House Stark backing down?
''I would like to think that Lord Stark has ended the war, but Lord Stark is rarely a normal man. However, let me be the first to say that it is amazing that House Stark has assembled an army capable of fighting on so many fronts capable of fighting their enemies." Elia would be the first to admit that she had considered the possibility of the army increasing in such a way as a strange thing if she had to say so.
''I don't like princess. But not that it matters. The king has removed me from office. Princess I don't think she has to tell him but she must leave the capital. It's impossible to know what the king might think of doing to you if he gets a chance. It's the best for you if he gets out of here. Owen worried about the young woman before him.
''I can't just leave. I have a group that watches me. The king seems to be of the firm belief that for things to work the way they have to be I have to be here. It's unbelievably stupid but that's the way things are unfortunately.'' He couldn't just run away.
''it is a pity. This will be the last time we see each other. His majesty I consider fair to take everything from me for not preventing this. I guess it's a bad day to be myself. Anyway for the sake of his family find a way to escape from this city. I fear what can happen to you." With that said Sir Owen left.
Elia saw the man leave around that time and decided that it was best to approach her daughter to comfort herself. He too would have to keep Aegon close. Although not her child and only a Valyrian child obtained from Dragonstone, she deduced that the wisest thing to do was to keep the child close to her.
Elia however had many more things on her mind. To begin with, House Stark had defeated an army assembled to destroy them. An army of soldiers formed by each house with the sole interest of defeating them. The Starks themselves had defeated their enemies and subdued them efficiently and more than actively. That meant in a nutshell that the North would now have one more thing to say on the matter. They could no longer try to shoot them down.
When he got to his room and closed it, he was surprised because there was a man completely dressed in black there. He had a bow on his back and a sword at his waist. She was about to scream until the man silenced her. Then he pulled her over to her bed where he sat her down. He looking not only at her but at a rhaenys who looked nervous in her presence. The little baby did not wake up at all. Elia felt afraid for a moment, fearing that this man was there to kill her. Until she presented him with a letter.
'' Elia, if you're reading this, it means that one of the soldiers from the war wolves brigade was able to get to you. You don't know how difficult that can actually be since that damn town is a real bummer with many junctions that are almost impossible to see an effective way to get around.
Anyway if you're reading this it's good. My husband and I recently learned of a less than pleasant intention. It turns out that the good lord of the birds decided that it was a good idea to take advantage of this war for one of two things. The first was to weaken the north. The second was to dethrone the Targaryen house. They intended to take advantage of the fact that Rhaegar basically kidnapped Lynna Stark.
The good news in all this is that my husband launched an attack on Seagullport which prevented Robert baratheon from going out to the lands of the Storm. We have also had men from the forces of the Northern forces blocking the roads of the valley making it almost impossible for them to get into this war. However, there is one participant that we cannot stop: tywin lannister. I don't think you have to be a genius to know what it means.
The man who gave you the letter has orders. Those orders are to get you out of the capital and bring you to me. It's of vital importance. My husband may have started this war with the intention of getting his sister back, but he never intended to kill you or harm your children. Only Rhaegar. So he is not very happy with what is in essence that they have come to lay a finger on you.
I wait for you in the North and believe me I hope you arrive safe and sound. However, let me tell you that my husband is not at all happy with your brothers. They've pulled possibly one of the dumbest blunders of all time just because Doran thought he had the victory on his side. The very idiot has really pissed him off. Sincerely Ashara Stark the desert star flower''. And those were the total words of the letter.
''My best friend tells me you're here to get me out. Let's get out of here as soon as possible. She is informed that the Lannister army is only one day away from here and I don't trust in the least what they have in mind. He reached for a candle and set fire to her face. Only when he confirmed that the entire letter was burned did she walk away from the room that had been her home with both children at hand.
Elia had to admit that she was massively surprised by the man's advance. The safe passage The coldness of the movement with which he did everything. At numerous times they encountered Targaryen guards whom they killed with pinpoint accuracy with small projectiles. She couldn't believe it but she had to admit that if this was House Stark's infiltrator force then she wasn't surprised they had won the damn war.
Advancing through dark passages, she calmly watched as the man moved. She surprised herself more than once. When they reached a certain point they came to a kind of large stone. The man surprised her when he just moved the stone. Such a touch of force shocked her massively. And then before her was one of the northern ships. A brig that was the fastest type of ship of hers. The captain of the ship was there waiting for her at all times and when she finished everything she was surprised by the speed at which they moved to leave the capital. At no time did she look back. She just gave thanks to escape from whatever might have happened to her.
-Dorne. The Tower of Joy-
Oberyn Martell was nervous. War is not a joking matter of any kind. They were at war because of a stupid prince. But the worst thing on his mind is that his brother decided at that moment to side with him and said that he would agree as long as certain things were fulfilled. Apparently in his brother's mind having the young Stark here gave them an advantage.
If they won, the Stark house would be slaughtered to the last member with only the son that would be born here alive and what is more important after that he could plan to marry his daughter Arianne to him to take control of the kingdom. He shuddered. This was bad. They were talking about the death of the children of Ashara by the same gods.
Oberyn felt at least in his mind that they were taking too much for granted like war. Ser Arthur was with him to be able to lead this situation. He joined two more royal guards and about a hundred Dornish soldiers and another hundred of the Targaryen guard. They were all here while the bastard prince was doing this. A part of Oberyn told himself that such a thing was more than wrong and that therefore they were wrong. He shut down that part of himself, reminding himself that it was for the good of Dorne.
He knew his mother would agree with them. Despite having recently passed away she had no doubt that her mother Princess Melania would agree to a course of action that involved putting a muzzle on the north or something. However, he still felt nervous and restless because if there was a certain reality, it is that you could not expect to win a war without more.
He was at that moment with his spear when he was surprised by Arthur's presence. The man didn't look in the best of ways. He was actually a little more to pieces as if he somehow felt that things had gotten complicated in many ways. Then he gave her some reports.
''this is bad. This is very bad. The Dominion fleet was completely wiped out. The North Western Fleet hit them hard and no doubt trying their best to ensure a more than ideal success rate." Oberyn read the first report. The Dominion fleet was monstrously large. For a few ships to destroy them without even a naval fight taking place.
''the eastern fleet was wiped out as well. Hariric Stark trained and prepared his two fleets to be massively destructive and wipe out the enemy forces without any doubt. This is terrible but it gets much worse. You should take a look at the ground battle matchup." Ser Arthur couldn't believe it. The northern army had completely destroyed his forces. How was it possible?
''As? Ned Stark managed not only to attack and finish off the Lannister-led force, but also wasted no time and basically commanded the complete destruction of House Frey without mercy. They were basically bulldozed without mercy in this case.'' The Frey house was the most annoying house of all time. The thought of said house having been definitively stopped surely brought a smile to his face, he wouldn't deny it but the harsh reality is that he was more than surprised.
''The thing about the Frey house…it's understandable actually. Walder Frey sent a letter to the prince saying that if he wanted his support to help him completely take down the North and be able to attack them from behind him then he had to receive something in return: Ashara. If Hariric Stark found out, I wouldn't be in the least surprised if he mercilessly cleansed just to send a good message about it. Arthur couldn't believe when his prince told him that he was supporting such a measure.
''I can't believe you, are you telling me that fucking bastard thought that Ashara would be perfectly fine with being basically sold as a whore? And you stood there without telling him a fucking shit Arthur? She's your fucking sister. Even I feel like shit just because of what we're doing here and now you tell me this shit of all things. Oberyn couldn't believe what she was hearing.
''I can't oppose him. He is my prince and future king and I am a sworn brother of the royal guard. He swore to serve him and it's my word. Do you think I'm happy with this? The prince HAS raped a young woman. If hariric Stark has won and killed the prince tell me what do you think he will do to everyone who has had anything to do with the fate of his sister of all things?'' Arthur didn't admit it but he was scared.
''So possibly now my house faces the fury. Let's say he decides not to just kill us. He can perfectly wage an economic war on us. Break the alliance that was created. All in case my brother and I sided with the prince in this fucking shit and about it." Oberyn had to let go. The fury she felt. The hate he felt, how else was he supposed to feel about it himself?
''How do you think it will be? We have had no reports of the trident more than one thing. Every soldier of non-noble blood was put to the sword. The noble bloods were scattered to the winds but many of them including mace tyrell were trapped. Between that lout, and Tygett lannister he's got pressure on two entire kingdoms and god knows who else has some sort of plan in mind.'' Arthur only knew that the North had shown no mercy.
''this is bad. Knowing Stark, she's already thinking about coming for his sister. Although logic dictates that he should not come for fear of what would happen to his sister, he now has possibly all the lords and young heirs who went to fight on the trident. He has us by the proverbial balls and my brother has no choice but to give in to it. This was not a good thing.
But before they could do anything they were paralyzed. They couldn't move in the slightest and were unable to do anything but stay still. Then several men approached. At least a dozen of them. They all wore a black suit and had a sword at their waist. However, the one who led them approached Oberyn. He couldn't tell that he recognized himself but the man just shouted orders. Soon the camp was filled with the screams of dying soldiers. Oberyn and Ser Arthur were stunned at this.
''My lord was far from happy to have to do this. But in his own words my mission is to recover his sister and then take all the leaders present here to the North. That includes all of you royal guard. And of course Prince Oberyn nymerios Martell. I am sure my lord will be pleased to know that I have successfully accomplished my mission.'' Oberyn made an effort in the eyes of the man to defend himself but then he took out some chains and placed the shackles on his legs and arms severely limiting his movement.
''I'm sorry to say this but my orders are to take you. And if Lady Lyanna Stark has suffered in your time of cordial presence, my orders are to write everything down so that Lord Hariric Stark may take justice into her own hand. I hope that you are not worried about it but the reality is that you are going to come out very badly about it. Without a sound he gave the order to load all the men who were basically required to carry them. All the others were put to the sword. And they also soon saw a Lyanna Stark being led away.
''Commander, she needs a doctor. She is pregnant and what is more important has been heavily drugged my lord. It is not the most pleasant. Lord Stark is going to be very furious with the Martell for tolerating this crap of all things.'' One of the subordinates approached. After rescuing the lord's sister from her, she had mercilessly killed the midwife who was taking care of her since that woman was drugging her, which could have had effects beyond bad for the woman.
''pray to your gods Oberyn Martell. There are much worse things. He could punish you with god he knows what and believe me no one will stop him. Only an idiot would think he could get in Lord Stark's way when he's determined to be creative. And Ser Arthur you may be safe from losing your life but it says nothing about tearing yourself apart so that you are little more than a jerk for the rest of your life. The commander could only say that the chances were not on the side of these two men.
Oberyn was filled with fear. He normally wouldn't be afraid of people. But Hariric Stark had been able to train soldiers to be able to fight in the desert. Of having an ambush in the desert. That meant he knew how to play. And he went even paler at the thought of what he could of all things be happening to him. Yet a treacherous part of his head was telling him that he had earned it with all the luxuries.
Arthur couldn't believe it. He could not. He had fallen for a shameful and dishonorable tactic. Of course many would say that keeping a woman kidnapped against his will, drugged and raped most days was enough to make him without honor in short. He didn't feel any better knowing that he was about to make it out of the encounter with Lord Stark alive.
-The Lands of the Rivers. Harrenhall-
Jon Arryn had assembled only a few forces. The harsh reality is that what he was reading at that moment while he was in the once greatest fortress made his blood run cold. The frey house was massacred to the last member. It was not made by hariric. No. It was made by Ned. Of all things, why would he? He had tried to instill in the boy the valuable lessons of a follower of the faith of the seven.
He would like to think that he could send for the boy and give him a piece of his mind but his scouts reported that the Northern forces were once again after the Twin Wolves safely in the North. The only way for him to make this work is for the North to agree to talk to him.
The Valley naval force along with the naval force of the royal army had been completely annihilated by the eastern fleet. Somehow the North got their hands on the ability to launch fiery explosive shells and they had completely wiped out the fleet. Then they had set foot on land and all that man who opposed his advance died.
Hoster Tully looked nothing less than unhappy at the moment. The man looked in many ways but the simplest of all is that he looked furious since his plan had been to use the Frey bridge to converse with the north. But imagine his surprise when the fortress was razed to the ground and therefore unusable. House Frey now annihilated. And the reports came all the royalist houses of the land of the rivers had been beaten with all their members who had gone to war being prisoners.
''This war has been a complete disaster, since when was the bloody North supposed to have enough military power to compete with so many kingdoms? They were outnumbered and yet they were able to engage them in combat." Hoster Tully couldn't believe his eyes.
''Well, I'm afraid that's what has ended up happening. The north has not only been able to press on against all odds but on top of that they have beaten every kingdom. Rhaegar's death however opens the window for what we were looking for but in no way how I planned it to be.'' His plan was to force the north into an alliance in which they would support Robert Baratheon but in exchange for accepting his rebellion they would have to cede on certain things.
''not a joke in the slightest Jon. Look what they have done to my kingdom. The Frey house is completely annihilated without having anything else to its name and its members except those who lived outside the fortress all dead. As if that weren't bad enough, all the royalist houses have seen their lords and heirs captured. The Lord Stark will surely make an example of them by opposing his in his quest for revenge. Hoster couldn't believe it.
''presumably Hariric Stark would do to them what he did to the freys. Don't look at me that way Hoster. You yourself would have acted in a similar way if they wanted to turn your wife into a sex slave. They paid with blood." He shuddered.
''what matters is that House Stark has gotten away with it and Jon can't allow that. They are too powerful. If they are allowed to grow stronger they could have a say in what happens in the seven kingdoms.'' They didn't want it.
''You have nothing to worry about about it, do you really think I'll let it be like this? First we will go to the capital where we will put Robert as King. If hariric Stark has withdrawn from the south it means that he may have gotten his sister back. We will put the girl as a wife and she will be a hostage no more no less. In Jon Arryn's mind it was simple enough.
''That's if he leaves you. What's to stop him from saying no? The marriage only worked because you convinced Aerys Targaryen. With House Stark being very clear that they are so loyal to what the family is and seeing that they have revealed themselves to the king who put that on him, what prevents Hariric Stark from not saying fuck that option anyway?'' Hoster feared that Hariric Stark would refuse to have anything to do with the Seven Kingdoms.
''I'm sure Hariric Stark will see why. Whether he likes it or doesn't like it, he will have to accept it lest he want to have all the kingdoms against him. John smiled. He knew ways to convince Stark. Whether he liked it or not he would accept.
''What if after all these battles he has hostages huh? What if you have ways to make the other houses go without a fight? The other houses will not want to go against it. And all he has to do is say he breaks away from the seven Jon realms. It is possible that Hariric Stark is even considering it in this regard. The very thought that Hariric Stark was considering the possibility did not sit well with Hoster. If the north became independent from the seven kingdoms then their lands could become the battlefield of the different kingdoms.
''In that case then I really have no choice but to put an end to Stark's life. I am sure that for a good price some brave assassin will dare to do it. Blame the wife because she's a Dornishman and you'll have every family in the North fighting over this. It was a good plan.
''That would be expensive. You know what they say about faceless men. They never accept a mission without getting paid. And they always charge according to your need to make a person look dead. Seeing the value and the price they would have to put on that man's life there is too much chance that you cannot cover it in any way.'' It was one thing they couldn't play with.
''it's a posibility. But first and foremost we have to assert Robert's rule over the remaining six kingdoms. With how weak they are and with Tywin hitting what is the capital soon I am one hundred percent sure that things will work out more than well for all of us.'' The thought that his plan couldn't work bothered him. His plan was always to put Ned in the position of future lord. But if he couldn't do that he settled for each house at the other's throat in an attempt to see who would take over.
''There is still a small problem in your plan: Tywin Lannister. If you want him on your side you will have to force a wedding between Robert and his daughter. If you try to marry Robert to lyanna Stark I'm pretty sure Tywin won't take it well.'' As things were, the final point is that the Stark house was in a privileged position and therefore the North as a whole was protected from the threat that they wanted to rain down on it at that moment.
''And that's my biggest hurdle. However, I am one hundred percent sure that something will come of all this. I will be more focused on matters that matter like trying to bring order to the capital and later on the seven kingdoms. Something has to be done to make sure the realms are balanced the right way.'' Jon had more concerns than knowing what to do to weaken the North.
''I think you should focus on marrying Robert to Cersei more than anything. We are going to need all the houses united to oppose House Stark one day. I have no doubt that the North will be emboldened by what is essentially going on in this war, believing that they are somehow entitled to anything of the sort.'' Hoster thought that they could force a wedding with the Stark by stating that they had to ensure Northern loyalty and they could do so by forcing the wedding of Ned Stark and his eldest daughter. But marrying Lyanna Stark to Robert was a high lord no.
''Robert won't accept it, he's obsessed with Lyanna Stark. He thinks that she is his and I can assure you that he will not take it well in any way what it is to be denied what he thinks is her right. He knew Robert well enough to know that his student would not be happy about being denied what he sought.
''If Robert is unable to accept the truth and it is that he will not be able to have that woman, it is not your fault. What should matter most in this case if I may say so Jon is that the kingdoms are united. If we can force a wedding between the north and a southern kingdom I suggest we don't focus on Lyanna Stark. She is untouchable especially if the Stark she leads is as wise as he seems to be.'' Hoster didn't want to admit it but he was jealous.
''i guess. Then it will be better to focus on the marriage union. As for the other houses, how do we get them to unite against the Stark family? The Martells will be easy since they will blame the Starks for what happens in the capital and the same with the Tyrells. They will all hold a grudge against House Stark, there is no doubt about that.'' Jon nodded to himself. He could see it work that way.
''It is the best. We have to be the strongest to destroy the north one day. Because I have no doubt, Jon, that one day House Stark is going to ask for a lot of things. Possibly they dedicated themselves to demanding things in exchange for continuing to be part of the seven kingdoms. It is what we have to work to prevent them from getting.'' Hoster's mindset was clear. They had to make sure that Hariric Stark in no way became a threat.
Jon nodded in agreement. His plans for the north had gone awry more than a little. With the North being as powerful as it was in these times meant they didn't have access to their time to deal with them. First they had to repair the remaining kingdoms. They had to get Tyrell House in good shape. They had to unite Dorne. They had to make sure that the lands in the West were in good order. That had to be done yes or yes.
-The North Winterfell-
News of the end of the Northern war against the Targaryen house was spreading like wildfire. It came everywhere. They all heard it. And everyone heard the story. The story of how Rhaegar Targaryen turned into a strange being of fire and his lord defeated him. The fact that he could wield magic made more people excited.
All the captured lords had been taken to the northern prison. If someone asked the North he would answer that there was no compassion in them for those who opposed them. Among the men were not only Tygett Lannister. But also numerous lords of the Dominion Lands and the lords who rebelled from house Arryn, house Baratheon, house Tully and finally the lords of Dorne. All trapped and taken safely to be used as a safe trade for the north to exploit the situation.
It's possible that someone didn't see it the same way but the truth is that the fact is that House Stark would now be sending the nice message that they couldn't be fucked with. That they were the most powerful house of all. And they only expected the growth to be like this. She knew her husband. She knew and knew very well her ways of thinking and what is more important her plans. She wouldn't be in the least surprised if she had plans to expand the legions and strengthen them.
Security would come to them from the fact that Lord Stark COULD protect them no matter what. It didn't matter which way you looked at it or how you thought about it, everyone would perfectly agree that Hariric Stark was the best lord to deal with this.
Of course that left the south. The South would get on their nerves knowing that the North had access to a power that could propel them in the same way that the Valyrian Empire did. I had no doubt about it that when the southerners know better what happened in the battle they will all be nervous as dogs.
You didn't have to be a genius to know that the moment they found out about this possibility they would target their children. The mere possibility of them trying anything with regard to her children filled her with rage without any compassion. Was she supposed to let these men and women attack her family? Ha. It would rain down fire and death rather than let a person lay a single hand on their children.
The mere idea of someone trying to hurt their little ones or, worse, using them as breeding stock. Fury grew in his being. She had to make an effort not to get out of control and let out all her essence. She was certainly weaker than her husband. But thanks to many of the books taken from the citadel she had examples of the magic of the Rhoynar and the Valyrians that she had put to the test.
A smile escaped on his face. The mere thought of starting an operation to go to Valyria. She knew that her husband wanted to go there and put some things in hand for her. Truth be told, this was the best time. With defeating the Targaryen government that meant they didn't have to accept in any way what was in essence their future demands for what they got from Valyria.
And I knew they would be jealous. The truth is that boosting the North in so many ways would be good. If her husband had exposed himself in this way it meant that now they could use magic more freely. That made her smile. The rune division. The wolves division of war. The spies. The hunters. Her husband had dedicated time. She had recreated the book of names and thanks to that she had access to children who were magically capable. Of course it wasn't like her old world but her husband knew that she could still train the young brilliantly.
With this power under the complete control of House Stark she knew the other kingdoms would be nervous. And she knew it was in her interest to expand from her to take on Valyrians with magical potential and also Rhoynar. She couldn't say that she blamed him. Apparently the members of the first men were oriented to the magic known as changeables, the Greenseer magic and finally the runes. A magical Rhoynar might be able to wield the power of water in all his senses. And a Valyrian the power of fire.
She stopped watching her sleeping little ones when she heard footsteps. Those steps belonged to her mother in law and her father in law. The two approached. Rickard Stark's time among the southerners hadn't done him any harm but it hadn't been the most satisfying time just judging from one look at how he was.
''good morning lord rickard and lady lyarra. I like knowing that you are here to join me. Would you like us to have this meeting in the winter garden if possible?'' The winter garden was a garden created by her husband using plants that had a modification thanks to alchemy. Not only were they incredibly beautiful but they also gave off wonderful smells.
''It will be nice to spend some time in that place actually Ashara. Rickard we're going to the conservatory and you better be ready because I want you to bear the time for asking questions for now.'' Ella lyarra looked at her husband for a moment. The man gave his wife a look but deflated at that very moment.
''no need to be so harsh with lord rickard lady lyarra. Come on. I am sure that both of you have questions about it and I am more than sure that I will be the best person to answer those questions in the absence of my husband.'' Ashara wasted no time and started forward. There was a time when if people looked at the fortress they would only see stone now the floors and walls were made of marble and the beauty of the fortress was only surpassed by how imposing it was.
''You look very calm. You must know that what I have in mind are questions that have possibly put things right in a mess. I want fucking answers to what exactly happened to my son, am I clear?'' Rickard tried to threaten the woman. But then he remembered that she was the wife of his son. His son would not select a weak woman as a mate.
''You may have questions but I only have answers to what I think should be possible to answer. Although his son has told me many things that are wonderful and more than decent to learn, I don't know everything and I would appreciate it if you didn't tell me that I should simply obey what he tells me. Ashara gave the man a serious look.
Rickard wanted to growl but nodded in agreement. It was the harsh reality. They were here because they had questions to his son's wife about what they were hearing. Magic. Magic that could allow him to kill a being made of fire. The very idea was a joke but with so many people saying it and with the men taken by their actions in what was in essence the war they all agreed on only one thing and that is that Hariric Stark was capable of magic.
''Well, while we wait for refreshments, I'll be able to answer a few questions. Let's start please. I have very little time as I don't want to lose sight of my little ones''. She wasn't lying about it. Her children were on the list of people she should attend to.
''I suppose the first question we would want to ask is exactly what is our child capable of doing? Why are we finding out now and not before about his abilities? But I think the most important of all is will other family members be able to?'' Lyarra decided that she wanted to know as much as possible. Her child was now a complete mystery to her.
''Well, I'll start by saying that I don't even know everything so I hope you know that I can't simply answer all the things you ask me. Anyway, I am more than capable of answering those three questions. The first one I will answer is about what it is capable of and my answer…I have no idea. His limits are not set by him though I think you may have seen some of his actions. He lyarra looked at her for a moment before widening his eyes.
''You are trying to tell me…that my son was responsible for the changes in the North. The change to a kinder climate, although cold. The increase in food. These two things were the work of my son's magic, is that true?'' The mere idea that such a thing is true. Such a thing could not be a joke.
''is. Apparently it has to do with his magical ability: runes. Runes allow you to write on behalf of magic. He doesn't exactly know how he did it and he looks like I've been wanting to ask him about it but apparently the fact is that he's capable of writing what he wants to happen more or less and he made it happen. You will have to ask him more about it.'' Ashara was not lying. His rune knowledge was basic at best.
''This is simply fascinating and terrifying at the same time. My own son is capable of this feat. Those two things alone radically changed things in the North. If true, everyone in the North will see him as the savior of the north. His position will be elevated just because of that." The harsh reality, at least in Rickard Stark's mind, was that his son had risen in the eyes of the Northern world.
''It would not be a good idea to allow such a thing if I have to inform you, Lord Stark. The idea is potentially bad because of how damaging it can be. The lords of the south will already want Hariric. However if this magic ability is made known I have no doubt that he will be even more persecuted than he currently is. Ashara knew that just basic knowledge of runes would massively facilitate the North and set them at odds with the South.
''I have to agree with Ashara. If the other lords of the seven kingdoms realize the potential of the runes they will stop at nothing to get their hands on that knowledge. We are already dealing with what will basically be hariric killing his prince and much more. I don't want to have to deal with the crap of having to give up resources because it's convenient and fair in his own words. Lyarra could perfectly see some southern lords talking about how it should be done and how it should be done in the name of justice for all of them.
''That's without counting another point. If they are not able to go after hariric they will go for the following. What are our children? I refuse to allow my children to be endangered just because the south and everyone and his mother want to get their hands on the same knowledge that my husband has. Fuck 'em before they let that shit happen.'' Ashara growled at the thought of anyone thinking he could get his hands on his children.
''I have to be right then. We'll only let you know what little you're willing to let us know and we'll make sure no one knows or is able to use the information for harm. You have my word Ashara that I will not let anything bad happen to our grandchildren.'' The mere thought of someone going after his grandchildren chilled Rickard's blood.
''Honestly, I don't know the potential of the runes, although knowing my husband there are many possibilities that there is an immense potential that we don't know about. The only thing that matters to me in this regard is that my husband decides to share this knowledge. However, I would like to move on to the next question that you had in mind, which I think is because you didn't know about this beforehand.'' Ashara saw both Rickard and lyarra nod.
''it's the truth. I would like to know why my son did not tell me this himself. I would like to know what he had in mind. Lyarra was about to say more when an envoy came running up and she and Ashara looked at him.
"My lady Lord Stark is here." And with that any conversation is over.