Chapter 36: The Freed Men

Ramsay

Ramsay smiled to himself as they trudged through the woods, for six months he had ridden across the Riverlands hunting the group called the Brave Companions.

The Brave Companions had been hired by Tywin Lannister to take Ser Gregor's role in pillaging the Riverlands. Ever since the capture of the Mountain, most of his men at arms sold themselves to the Brave Companions, this later helped Vargo take over the bands of two other reaver captains swelling their numbers to 500 strong.

When Ramsay came south he brought his house, 'The Bastard's Girls' to help him in the 'hunt' His father had given him 600 men to help complete the task. Among them were Ramsay's personal men-at-arms dubbed the Bastard's Boys.

At first, Ramsay did well setting up ambushes at places were the Brave Companions were likely to strike. This continued for three months and Ramsay was able to take out nearly half of them. With each victory, Ramsay smiled. Every brave companion he killed meant he was one step closer to gaining his reward. Legitimization. The king himself was going to personally legitimize him as a Bolton thus earning what he believed was rightfully his.

His luck ran out when Vargo Hoat chose to change his tactics and went on the offensive. Ramsay had made things personal, now Vargo was no longer interested in sacking villages. From now on his goal became to target the Boltons that dared to hunt him down. Now both groups were hunting each other. It was not hard to distinguish their battles due to their gruesome trademarks. Ramsay would Flay the Brave companions and Vargo would chop off the hands and feet of the Boltons. Instead of being angered Ramsay was thrilled to be given a challenge, it made things all the more interesting for him.

The Brave Companions proved to be more dangerous than Ramsay once thought. With the viciousness of the Mountain's Men and the brutality of the Brave Companions. Vargo Hoat commanded a formidable force of men. Both sides took heavy losses and Ramsay even lost three of his finest dogs to the Brave Companion Biter. The loss of some of his girls angered Ramsay and vowed to kill them all.

Ramsay got wind that The Goat was operating from deep in the forest. Seeing his chance Ramsay gathered his remaining men and prepared them for an all-out night attack. This was his big chance, the last thing he wanted was for Vargo to slip away. His men included Locke, Ben Bones, Damon dance-for-me, Yellow Dick, Sour Alyn, Luton, Grunt, and Skinner. Also with him were his remaining dogs Jez, Maude, Sara, Willow, and Alison."

When Locke located the main host, Ramsay sent his main force in to draw out Vargo's men, this would allow Ramsay to slip into the camp and slay Vargo. With Vargo dead, the Brave Companions would scatter allowing Ramsay to pick them off piece by piece. He would achieve victory and receive his long-awaited legitimization.

It was the hour of the wolf when Ramsay sent in his main force, by now both parties numbered 300 men so the odds were as even as they could be. Ramsay's plan seemed to be working as the two forces engaged as he slipped behind the Brave Companion Lines towards the heart of their camp.

As their armies battled, Ramsay and his elite were able to make their way to the Core of the Companions Camp. Locke was right, he couldn't have more than two dozen men with him. Vargo was accompanied by Urswyk, Shagwell, Iggo, Timeon, Togg Joth, Three Toes, Pyg, Utt, Rorge, Biter, Zollo, Joss Stillwood, Raff the Sweetling, The Tickler, Polliver, Chyswyck, Shitmouth, Eggon, and Tobbot. They were sitting around a campfire laughing and bragging. Locke made the first move sneaking up on the disgraced Septon Utt and slitting his throat. First Blood and the Battle was on. As their men fought Ramsay manage to slay The Tickler before personally taking on the Goat himself

The first casualties were caused by Ramsay's girls. Shitmouth had his throat torn out by Sara, Polliver got mauled by Jez, Alison ripped open Chyswyck, Tobbot was gutted by Maude and Eggon fell to Willow.

But Ramsay was suffering losses of his own. Urswyk slew Ben Bones while Shagwell defeated Damon dance-for-me and Yellow Dick fell to Togg Joth. Three Toes killed Sour Alyn, Timeon finished Grunt, Pyg took out Skinner and Iggo hacked Luton to pieces.

Zollo, Rorge, and Biter were trying to take care of Ramsay's dogs. Rorge and Zollo manage to kill Maude and Willow before Sara and Alison got them from behind. Biter, on the other hand, was having much better luck having been raised and trained to fight dogs proved his worth as he killed Sara and Alison before attacking Jez.

Locke was fighting Joss Stillwood and Raff the Sweetling and was able to kill them both. Turning around Locke saw Ramsay's dog in trouble and came up behind Biter slitting his throat. Unfortunately, he came to the dog's aid too late as Biter had managed to finish his gruesome task before he died.

Now it was Just Ramsey and Lock against what remained of Vargo's elite. They let their leader deal with Ramsay as they surrounded Locke. Pyg tried to aid Vargo, but Ramsay was able to make short work of him with a slash to the throat. While it was a small distraction, it was enough for Vargo to drive his sword through Ramsay's left knee. Ramsay howled in pain and tried to swing at Vargo, but Vargo caught his arm and kicked him heavily on the shoulder, dislodging it and causing more agony. Finally, Ramsay dropped his sword and crumpled to the ground.

Looking up he saw Locke still fighting, he was currently wrestling with the ibbenese Togg Joth and loosing, meanwhile the dornishman Timeon had snuck up behind him and drove his spear into Locke's thigh severing an artery and tendon. This caused Locke to drop to the ground as the Dothraki Iggo grabbed hold of his throat and tore it out.

By this time the battle outside the camps had ended with the Brave companions being the victors, They had now formed a circle around Ramsay weapons drawn and snarling.

Ramsay was knocked to his knees before Vargo who removed his helm. The Leader of the Brave Companions was a tall gaunt man with a long ropelike beard and a necklace of gold coins around his neck. Ramsay snarled as Vargo looked down at the boy and smiled.

Shagwell the fool hopped around Ramsay kicking him as he danced. "Looks like your plan worked boss," he cackled.

Vargo approached Ramsay, using his sword to tilt the boy's head. "Lamthay Thnow," he lisped, "You are now my pwithner." he threw him to the ground and the last thing Ramsay saw was Vargo's foot slamming into his face.

Roland

The trip to Duskendale went without a hitch. With Joffrey's fleet annihilated, there was no longer any fear of surprised attacks. His fingers touched the area around his new eye which. The experience had thoroughly convinced Roland that she truly had power. As a reward for her service, Roland decided to name her his Master of Whisperers since he lacked one and she needed a use.

However, as his fleet neared the city Roland could make out the telltale signs of a battle being waged. Roland hastily ordered his ships to race to the shores. He knew this was a possibility that his grandfather would turn his attention to the crownlanders that supported the Blacks. Now it seems that Duckendale was one such target.

The ships docked at the harbor and Roland and his men swarmed through the city towards the battle. On the battlements, Lord Renfred Rykker was giving orders to his men. The arrival of Roland's men caught the Tyrells off guard. Despite still outnumbering the Blacks the surprise attack caused the Tyrell host to route and retreat. Instead of pursuing them Roland stayed and helped secure the city.

The Lord of the town Renfred Rykker happily welcomed him personally at the gates. "Thank you, my king," Lord Rykker bowed deeply. "It is my honor to welcome you to Duskendale."

"I thank you for your hospitality Lord Rykker," Roland replied with a smile. He looked around at the battlefield. "Have there been attacks before this?"

Lord Rykker nodded, "a few small skirmishes but nothing on this scale."

Roland rubbed his chin in thought, 'then they must be preparing for something the question is what?' Roland decided to push these thoughts aside for now.

Roland followed Lord Rykker into the Dun Fort. As they passed the stables Shadow stopped and let out a whine that caught his master's attention. Roland watched as Shadow sniffed around quickly before bounding into the stables. 'Now what has gotten into him?' Roland wondered as he rushed after him. Shadow continued to run until it stopped a certain stable. The dog scratched at the door of the stable and barked sharply.

Roland caught up with him and looked into the stable. His eyes widened in disbelief. Inside the stable was a massive black courser, Bane. As soon as the horse caught sight of Roland it began pounding on the gate trying to get it opened. Roland grinned broadly and opened the gate letting Bane trot slowly towards him.

Roland stroked bands head before patting his next. Bane snorted as it nuzzled Roland's chest affectionately. "I missed you boy," Roland whispered.

Lord Rykker who had followed Roland looked at the two in disbelief. "That is probably the calmest I ever saw that horse," he said. "Most of the time he's trying to get out."

Roland turned to him, "I thank you for taking care of Bane."

Lord Rykker looked at Bane in shock, "you mean this is YOUR horse?"

Roland nodded, "I haven't seen him since my brother took the throne."

Lord Rykker sighed. "incredible, my daughter found him not long after the Battle of the Blackwater. She brought him here because she thought he was pretty. We tried to tame him but it seemed the more we tried the more violent he got so we opted to leave him be."

Roland smiled, "well I thank you for it." He patted Bane's neck, "I'll see you soon." He said guiding Bane back to the stables. Lord Rykker turned to a stable boy, "get a bushel of apples and carrots for this Stallion and be quick about it." The Stableboy nodded and scurried off."

They returned to Lord Rykker's solar was Blackfish was waiting along with the crownlords. The men began discussing how to proceed.

"Joffrey had a considerable force in the Capital," Roland explained. "But with my uncle's attacks on the Reach, Lord Mace desperately wants to cross the Blackwater to stop him. Until then Tywin Lannister will use this large force to inflict as much damage on us as possible."

"So what can we do?" Lord Rykker wondered, "8,000 crownlanders, 3,000 riverlords, that's a considerably small force to deal with 80,000 men."

Roland shook his head, "Of course not, nor do I expect you to." Roland then turned to Blackfish, "I'm giving you command of my entire crownland forces. The best we can do is to continue our guerilla tactics. Raiding their supply lines and disrupting any raids they may attempt. Do you think you can handle it or should I tell Lord Edmure to supply more men."

The Blackfish shook his head, "that won't be necessary my king, 11,000 men should suffice for what you're proposing."

Roland nodded in approval, "very well I shall have Lord Edmure to keep a contingent of riverlords including the Frey infantry at Harrenhal." He looked back at the map before them. Whatever happens, Tywin must not be allowed back into the Westerlands."

After the council was dismissed Lord Rykker confronted Roland, "do you have misgivings about taking orders from the Blackfish?" Roland asked.

Lord Rykker shook his head, "Ser Brynden is a legend, any man would love to serve under him. But that's not why I'm here. I have something to show you but I wanted to wait until after the meeting."

Roland cocked his head and followed Lord Rykker to the cells. they past a row of empty ones until the reached one that was occupied. There sitting in the cell was a large man in a mop of brown hair. His arms and legs bound in heavy chains. Sensing someone watching him the man turned his head revealing the horrible burns on the left side of his face. "Away from the lion and right to the stag it seems," he rasped.

Roland leaned forward clutching the bars and grinning, "hello there Sandor Clegane."

Cersei

Cersei sat calmly across from her father as he wrote his letters one after the other. For what seemed like a dozen Letters Tywin finally spoke.

"You wanted to speak to me?"

Cersei grimaced, "I saw the Stark girl holding Cerelle earlier."

"I'm aware, what of it?"

Cersei frowned. "how can you let that beastly girl come near your own granddaughter?"

"Arya Stark won't harm, Cerelle," Tywin said calmly, "She's not a fool which is more than I can say for many people here."

"She hurt my son," Cersei protested.

Tywin gave her a look that said, 'quit being over dramatic.' "That boy could do with some disciplinary action. His scars are healed and his injuries were neither crippling or fatal. Besides Tommen and Myrcella seem to enjoy her company."

Cersei's lip curled, 'One more thing to be angry about.' The idea of Tommen and Myrcella spending that much time with the Stark girl made her blood boil. She attempted to sway them from her little by little. Tommen was a sweet boy and more willing to obey his mother. Myrcella, on the other hand, was not as compliant and stood her ground. A trait clearly picked up from her older brother. In fact, Myrcella and Arya seemed to become close friends despite their clear personality differences. A dreadful thought formed in her mind, "you like her?"

Tywin's lip curled, "she's a clever girl, not only was she able to escape the Red Keep all by her lonesome, but she also manages to evade Varys little birds. Joffrey would have the girl beaten, so I gave instructions to my guards to make sure she doesn't come to harm. "

Cersei frowned, "I understand why we need her, but why have you taken her companions into your service. One now works in the kitchen and the other in the forge."

Tywin had a glint in his eyes, "they're both able and have the skill, I am not above killing women or children, but you of all people should know I'm not wasteful. I take life for specific reasons and I have no reason to kill those two. Besides they are far more valuable then you realize Cersei."

He turned back to his papers yet didn't fail to notice that Cersei remained in her seat, "you're still here?" He wondered.

"The Tyrells are a problem," She admitted finally.

Tywin looked at her and cocked his eyebrow, "the Tyrells helped us defeat your son and his uncle. they saved Joffrey's reign from coming to an early end."

"Margaery has her claws in Joffrey," Cersei explained. "She knows how to manipulate him."

Tywin smirked, "good, at least somebody can bring the boy to heel. If only you knew how to manipulate him." His words were like a knife, and Cersei was seething. Tywin frowned and laid down the quill. "You are not as smart as you think you are Cersei. You have allowed that boy to ride rough shoulder on not only yourself but everyone else in this city." He turned back to his papers, "perhaps if we had entertained this union sooner Roland would be fighting for us instead of this."

Cersei smirked, "then perhaps you should make sure he stops doing what he likes

Tywin's eyes narrowed, "I intend to, and if Margaery Tyrell continues her work with Joffrey there may be hope for him yet."

As Cersei headed for the nursery, she could already here Cerelle squealing in delight. She looked in and saw Myrcella was on the bed playing with her sister tickling her to no end. As she watched them play Cersei couldn't help but compare her two children by Robert. Though they looked so much alike they acted so differently.

Roland seemed to have a never-ending supply of energy always crawling around leaving his nursemaids exhausted. Yet he quiet and hardly ever cried. The only real trouble he gave her was when it was time to sleep.

Cerelle, on the other hand, seemed to be at the opposite end. She spends most of the time sleeping but when she was awake she would wail to no end if found in the presence of boys. Even Tommen was not immune to this and only went to see her with Myrcella present. While she preferred the company of women the three she was happiest with was her mother, Myrcella and regrettably Arya.

Cersei walked in and sat down on the bed, Myrcella picked her sister up and handed her to mother. With Cerelle nestled in her arms, the baby began rooting for her teat. Cersei smiled and bared her breast, Cerelle took it immediately and began sucking.

"What a hungry fawn you are," Cersei cooed as Cerelle clutched her teat, "just like her brother."

"Was Roland like this?" Myrcella asked fascinated.

Cersei nodded, "Roland wouldn't take anyone else's milk either. But Roland never like to sleep as much." She looked around and noticed Myrcella's favorite companion was not in the room.

"Where is the Stark Girl?"

Myrcelle smiled slyly, "Ayra is visiting her blacksmith."

Cersei cocked an eyebrow, "her blacksmith?"

Myrcella nodded, "the new Blacksmith Tywin assigned to the Red Keep." She giggled, "I can tell she likes him."

"Is that so?" Cersei wondered, now this was interesting. So the Stark girl has someone she cares about, someone she could use if Arya got out of line.

"Yes mother," Myrcella replied then her face turned curious. "It's strange though, I saw the Blacksmith and he kind of looks like Roland."

Cersei's face paled upon hearing this, 'it couldn't be could it?' Cerelle's suckles had finally stopped and had fallen asleep at her breast as she usually did after eating. Cersei gently placed her daughter in her crib and placed a kiss on her forehead. "Watch over her for a bit dear," Cersei said gently, Myrcella nodded as she looked down at her baby sister.

Cersei threw on a cloak and headed for the forge, there, she spotted the Stark girl talking with a young boy with a forging hammer. 'That must be the new blacksmith Myrcella spoke about," Cersei concluded. She watched them from a distance and saw her apparently teaching him a proper fighting stance. Cersei almost laughed at it a highborn girl teaching a blacksmith how to fight. He remembered how she too wanted to be a boy switching places with Jaime on the Master at Arms. Seeing it now was quite amusing, she looked around and noticed several Lannister guards around subtly watching them. 'Good,' she thought, this way they can't escape.

The smith finally turned around revealing his face and Cersei gasped. Myrcella had spoken the truth, he did look like Roland and even more like Robert when they first married. Tall muscular and hair as black as night, the resemblance was disturbing. She took note of the boy's eyes which were icy blue not like the dark blue of Roland or the speckles of Cerelle. The boy was clearly older being taller, more muscular, slightly longer hair and the shadow of a beard. Cersei saw it, "this was definitely Robert's son." She started to wonder what Roland looked like now, she suspected that he would probably look like this if he was older. Now Cersei now understood why father saw value in this boy. Fury and Fascination were mixed with her as she continued to stare at him. Eventually, the Stark girl left leaving Cersei alone with the boy. She gave a nod to the guards and

Gendry eventually took notice of her and nearly dropped his work. He was able to compose himself in time, calmly setting his hammer down and bowing deeply. "Your Grace."

"What is your name boy?" Cersei asked.

The boy kept his head down, "G-Gendry your grace."

"How old are you Gendry?"

"Seven and Ten your grace."

'So this would Robert's eldest son,' Cersei realized. It was rather amusing that she would bear Robert's youngest children. "Have you ever made anything for a royal before?"

Gendry nodded, "I did for Prince Roland about two years back."

This surprised her, Cersei wondered if Roland was aware that Gendry was his half-brother. But she knew that Roland was too smart for it to be a coincidence that he would ask his half-brother of all people to forge him a sword. She also wondered if he still had it, this was the sword that probably saved his life the day Joffrey tried to kill him. "I suppose this is a better change from the smithy at Harrenhal."

Gendry nodded nervously and Cersei smiled coldly, She walked over and grabbed him by his jaw her nails digging into his skin. "My father keeps you here because you have value. But know this bastard, one foot out of line, the slightest hint that you would harm my children and you will not live long enough to thank your brother for saving our life.

Cersei released her grip and left Gendry with a look of shock on his face."

Marcus

Marcus sat in a tavern in the long bridge of Volantis, to be honest, he wasn't too happy about being sent away from Westeros, away from the seven kingdoms, away from killing the Lannisters. Now he had to play spy instead of a soldier, there wasn't even a guarantee he would be successful. Nevertheless, this was important to Roland, he even gave Marcus the chance to back away. But he swore to serve Roland and he was not going to become an oathbreaker.

As he drained his goblet, Marcus overheard four men in the corner of the tavern, although he couldn't hear what they were saying, the name Roland caught he hear, so as subtly as he could Marcus inched closer towards the group. They were all rough-looking men and hard as nails

The first man who seemed to be the leader of the group had a medium build and a body covered in scars. He sported a short beard, hair tied into braids and very yellow teeth.

The second man had long black hair and a shaggy beard. like his leader he had a medium build body which was covered in numerous scars, a demon's head was tattooed on the left side of his face, and a horrible burn scar that covers the right half. One of his ears was bitten off and a couple of teeth were missing.

The third man was the most intimidating. everything about him screamed northman. A huge body with numerous scars, shoulder length hair and a short beard, a demon's face tattooed on his face, and one missing finger on his left hand.

The fourth man was the opposite of the northman. clearly the oldest and the least in terms of physical appearance. Practically no build at all, short greying hair, dirty robes, yellowing teeth, blue eyes, and a small scar across his chin. He was clearly no fighter but Marcus could see in his eyes a certain degree of cunning. Likely the brains to their brawn,' Marcus thought.

"Are you sure about this Derrick?" the second man asked. "What if Roland refuses our offer."

"I don't see why not Cendrick," the first man replied, "Roland's Renegades is made up of all sorts of men."

"You and Vagel may be fine since you're both northmen," Cendrick quipped pointing at the large man. "But I am ironborn and thanks to their incursions into the North I do not expect a warm welcome."

The large man named Vagel patted Cendrick's back, "worry not, we'll speak on your behalf we are all brothers after all."

Cendrick gave Vagel a smile, "thank you, my friend." His mind drifted to the idea of going home, "I fought and bled for them and they turned on me, I tried to spare my family from destruction and they named me a traitor. I swore that one day I would return and I would have my revenge on every last one of them."

"Didn't he lose the Battle of the Blackwater, the elder man asked, "Surely it would unwise to commit to a side that isn't guaranteed to win."

The other men looked at him with nothing short of disdain, 'clearly not the most popular member of the group,' Marcus thought.

"Perhaps I aimed too high when giving you that Illyllo," Derrick snarled pointing to the scar. "The fact remains for all of us," Derrick declared. "Roland Baratheon may be our only chance of redemption."

Just then the doors to the tavern were kicked in and a group of ten men came in. Marcus saw from their armor that they were part of a sellsword company known as the Lost Legion, and from the looks of it they were here to start something.

The leader of the group calling himself Rhogar went to the tavern keeper, growling something under his breath. The terrified tavern keeper pointed to the table where the four men were sitting. "EVERYBODY OUT," Rhogar roared. Almost immediately the tavern cleared out as the sellswords approached the four men only Marcus stayed if only to finish his drink

"Ten thousand golden marks," Rhogar said with a smile as he placed his hand on the table the four men were sitting at.

"What is?" Darrick asked calmly.

"The price the Masters are paying for your return." He grabbed Illyllo's goblet and drained the contents. "Now there is no need for your journey to end here, and by that I mean your life journey. So let's make this easy, surrender peacefully and nobody gets hurt."

"Oye you," Everyone turned and saw one of the Lost Legion in Marcus' face. "We said everybody out."

Marcus calmly put his goblet down and turned to the man, "I have no quarrel with you, my stout fellow. Let me finish my drink and I'll be on my way."

The sellsword swiped the goblet away with his sword sending it flying and its contents to spill on the floor. "You'll be on your way now."

Marcus' eyes narrowed and looked at him with a bored expression, "I hadn't finished that." The sellsword pointed his blade at Marcus' neck. Marcus had just about enough and quick as a cat drew a dagger and pinned the guy's hand to the table. The other members of the Lost Legion drew their swords and turned to him as Marcus drew Dawn and beheaded the man.

This seems to start everything as the four men drew daggers and slit the throats of the men near the table before drawing their main weapons for the fight. Together with Marcus, Derrick, Cendrick, and Vagel drove back the nine remaining men. Yet at some point Marcus found himself knocked to the ground by Rhogar before Derrick finished him off. Marcus would quickly return the favor by throwing his dagger at the last man as he was trying to take Derrick from behind.

When the members of the lost legion had been killed they decided to leave quickly before the rest of the sellswords showed up. Before walking out they tossed the tavern keeper some coins as compensation for the damages.

They headed for their ship and Derrick invited Marcus aboard. There, the five men began to talk. "Thanks for the help back there," Derrick began.

Marcus shook it off, "no problem, obviously, the mothers of the Lost Legion never taught them manners."

Derrick chuckled and looked him over, "Judging by your attire you must be dornish."

Marcus nodded, "on my mother's side yes." He held out his hand, "name's Marcus Sand."

Derrick shook it, "Derrick Highwolf," he gestured to the other men, "this is Cendrick Sparr, Vagel Snow, and Illyllo Hesten." Derrick rubbed his chin in thought, "you clearly have skill and we could use an extra sword with us. So what do you think? Want to join the Freed Men?"

To Derricks surprise, Marcus chuckled softly, "funny I was about to ask you the same thing." The Freed Men looked at each other in confusion and Marcus continued. "I overheard you wanted to join King Roland in his fight against his brother. As luck would have it I happen to be one of his renegades."

The looks of confusion turned to looks of shock, Vagel ran his fingers through his hair. "Well that's a spot of luck, " he turned to Marcus, "but what are you doing here in Volantis?"

"King Roland sent me to observe the Dragon Queen," Marcus explained.

"The Targaryen girl?" Cendrick wondered.

Marcus nodded, "he knows she has dragons and is currently building a slave army. Roland wants to know whether she can be considered a friend or foe. He is hoping for the latter."

Derrick nodded, "what she is doing is a noble cause, but Roland is right to be worried since we don't know her full intentions.

Derrick Highwolf was the only son of Jaddon Highwolf and Elyse Frey, Derrick was once the member of a prosperous and well known Northern house, but after his father falsely predicted that Steffon Baratheon's journey to The Free Cities would be completely safe, even going as far as to accompany Steffon, as the two were great friends, which led to his death, his son and wife were given the punishment by The Mad King. Their house was stripped of all of its lands, Derrick was stripped of all of his titles and his home, and they were exiled to Braavos. During the long journey, his mother died of a sickness during the voyage, leaving Derrick to survive on his own. He was sold into slavery five years later when he was caught stealing from a powerful noble in Pentos and became a fighter in the arena. There, he would meet and befriend three other slaves, Vagel Snow, Cendrick Sparr, and Illyllo Hesten, and they would all plot their escape over the course of ten years. Five years ago they successfully escaped and become a group known as The Freed Men of Essos, which Derrick was the leader of. After news of Robert Baratheon's death reached them, as well as the fact that Robert's son, Roland, was now fighting for the Iron Throne, Derrick became determined to return to Westeros, in hopes of redeeming his family name in House Baratheon's eyes.

Cendrick Sparr was the eldest son of The Sparr, a famed and vicious reaver. Cendrick was raised to be the defining star of House Sparr, and for a while, he was just that. He was a great warrior and an even better sailor, with him commanding a longship originally called "The Sparrs Wrath". He also played a part in Greyjoy's Rebellion, participating in the burning of the Lannister fleet, as well as numerous raids in the Reach. However, as the rebellion went on, Cendrick realized they wouldn't win against the Iron Throne, and attempted to go into peace talks with Robert Baratheon and Eddard Stark. However, this was discovered by his brother Steffarion. The two immensely hated each other, so Steffarion made it look like Cendrick was trying to save himself while betraying the Iron Islands. So, Balon and The Sparr had Cendrick disinherited and exiled. Enraged by this, Cendrick swore to return someday and have his revenge. The Sparr would die during the rebellion slain by Stannis Baratheon, leaving Steffarion as the new lord of House Sparr. Cendrick and a band of men loyal to him stole back his ship, which he renamed The Watcher Exile, he became a pirate for a few years until he was tricked by Euron Greyjoy, which led to his whole crew being slaughtered and sold into slavery by Euron. He would escape many years later with the help of his new friends and became Derrick's second in command. With their help, Cendrick found his old ship, which he took back and killed its captain. The Watcher Exile became the Freed Men's main transport used to travel around doing odd jobs as they go.

Vagel Snow was born a few years before Robert's Rebellion. However, his mother, a whore by the name of Wylia, believed his true father would never accept him and didn't want him to live the life of a bastard, smuggled him onto a ship for Essos, where he was raised by the sailor who ended up discovering him. However, when he was eight, the sailor was murdered and Vagel was sold into slavery. Out of all the Freed Men, Vagel fought the most in the arena, which gave him the most battle experience, as well as making him the main muscle of the group. He also stole the axe he uses from a noble in Qarth, implied to be Xaro Xhoan Daxos, who Derrick says they did a few jobs for him during their stay in the city. When Derrick becomes determined to go to Westeros, Vagel supports him eager to return to his home.

Illyllo Hesten was by far the mysterious of the four men. Derrick attempted on several occasions to try to find out more about Illyllo, but each time he asks, Illyllo tells an entirely different story about himself, such as him being a well-known maester who fell from grace after a fierce scandal, or another story about him being a former member of the Iron Bank who made a few blunders and had to flee into exile. Unlike the other Freed Men, who were pit fighters. Illyllo was their master's translator and advisor. He planned to betray his master by stealing all of his master's gold and gaining immense wealth. However, the Freed Men gave all the gold to the other freed slaves, leaving next to nothing for Illyllo.

After Marcus had heard their stories he decided to extend an olive branch. "I have a proposal for all of you, consider it a test of loyalty. Come with me to Slaver's Bay and let us see about this Targaryen. once our task is complete, We shall them go to Westeros and King Roland shall promise what you desire. vengeance, redemption, and perhaps personal gain."

Derrick and the Freed Men looked at each other and exchanged smiles. "If this is King Roland's wish then the Freed Men shall see it done."