29

Chapter 29 – Westeros Affairs

The Eyrie, the Vale…

The torches around the godswood cast long shadows in the dark of night but illuminated the area well enough as a small group stood in the grove. Lord Yohn Royce stood looking as tall and imposing as ever while they waited, not really sure why he had been asked to do with this but was none the less pleased to be responsible for the wedding. Ned Stark was one of his oldest and dearest friends and having his eldest daughter marry under his roof so to speak was something that made him smile. He was admittedly unsure of the young knight she was marrying but she seemed happy so Yohn had decided to agree to their request.

Also in the large grove, Oberyn Martell stood with his customary smirk while Shaena Targaryen looked on with her bemused and somewhat absentminded smile standing at his side. Perhaps because Princess Shaena was being courted as far as anyone could tell by Lord Hadrian Lannister the Prince of Dorne was behaving himself. That Lord Royce thought with certainty showed greater depth to his character than the endless parade of women that seemed to pass through his bed. He would not touch a woman that was with one of his friends. Loyalty Lord Royce thought with a smile, a good characteristic. At his own side Ser Loras Tyrell was near squirming with nervousness as he waited for his bride to appear, it was a sight Yohn Royce remembered well as he had been the same at his own wedding and seen other men do many times at theirs too.

Speaking of the Lannister Lord though as his thoughts came back to the present, he could now see Lord Lannister walking into the grove with the young and beautiful Sansa Stark on his arm. Shaena had lent her a dress of white silk and it had been hurriedly tailored to fit but the young Stark lady wore it well especially in combination with the white furs she had with it. Her Stark cloak had been another thing that had been quickly made by the seamstresses and Lady Sansa herself so it was not entirely realistic but would serve well enough until it was time for the Tyrell cloak to take its place.

Loras Tyrell was stunned by how beautiful Sansa was in her wedding dress, her vibrant red hair seemed to shine with a glorious light of its own while her delicate pale skin shone like porcelain in the light of the torches while her blue eyes sparkled like sapphires in the dim light. Her developing body outlined by the white silk dress she wore and made him realise that the girl had first seen at the Tourney of the Hand had grown up. She was a woman now or would soon be one.

"Who comes before the gods of old?" Lord Royce asked looking at the two young people before him. As he was standing in for Lord Stark, Hadrian spoke next with a smile.

"Sansa Stark, a woman grown and flowered comes seeking favour of the old gods." Hadrian told Lord Royce who nodded before asking the question that formed the next part of the ceremony.

"And who claims her?"

"I do." Loras said in a loud voice for all to hear, dressed in his finest clothes. "Loras of House Tyrell claim this woman as my bride."

"Sansa of House Stark, do you take this man as your husband in the gaze of the old gods?" Lord Royce asked her smiling at the young lady. Despite her resemblance to the Tully bitch that had killed Lord Arryn he could see something of the wolf in her, something of his old friend. She smiled back and said clearly, without any fear.

"I do." Her voice was sweet and musical which made Lord Royce's smile widen as he turned to Loras Tyrell.

"And do you Ser Loras of House Tyrell take this woman? Do you vow to protect her, honour and cherish her in your every thought and deed?" Lord Royce asked Loras who told him earnestly while looking deeply into Sansa's eyes.

"I do, forever more." He said with a complete certainty.

"Then cloak your bride under your protection." Lord Royce said and Loras slowly and carefully removed the Stark cloak from around Sansa's shoulders who tensed in anticipation handing it to Lord Lannister who smiled encouragingly as Loras took his own green and gold cloak from around his shoulders and wrapped around Sansa's shoulders, closing the gold rose clip to seal the ceremony. Loras and Sansa stared into each other's eyes while Loras said breathlessly.

"I seal with promise with a kiss." And with that Loras gently pressed his lips to Sansa's who did not hesitate to deepen the kiss. Loras wrapped his arms around his new wife and drew her body against his. Both became lost in the kiss and did not notice when Lord Royce completed their nuptials.

"Then in the presence of the Old Gods, I name you man and wife. May your marriage be long, happy and fruitful" Loras and Sansa however were still revelling in their kiss and did not notice. Much to the amusement of all present who left to return to their own rooms at the castle, especially when the kissing became more heated and Loras' hands wandered down Sansa's back to her hips and ass, gripping them tightly.

Hadrian and Shaena smiled privately to each other, remembering their own actions in that very godswood earlier that day and from the looks of it, Sansa and Loras were about to consummate their marriage in the grove of the godswood. The sound of a gown tearing and some very loud passionate moans nearly made them laugh but they did not for the sake of the young couple.

-x-

As the rest of the castle went to bed, include a ruffled looking Loras and Sansa but only to continue their exploration of each other. Hadrian was wide awake. He had been waiting for most of the castle's population to go to sleep before he concentrated on Shaena's own room and apparited over, finding Shaena just as wake as he was and eagerness shone out of her eyes.

"Ready? I have some people I want you to meet." Hadrian said somewhat nervous over having her meet his children. It was not Shaena he was worried about though, he thought to himself sternly it was how his children might react to having another woman in their father's life now their mother was gone. Would they accept it he asked himself with worry, they were his world and he would gladly and without hesitation tear the world apart for them and…as much as it would hurt he and Shaena if it was what his children wanted he would end their new relationship for them.

However he was hoping that it would not be necessary.

Shaena smiled and took his hand before he took them to their next destination, Casterly Rock.

They appeared in his private solar and the warmth of the protective wards enveloped them. Hadrian looked around and smiled at the familiarity of home while Shaena nodded in approval.

"Nice. You have done well for yourself. Now where are these children of yours?" Shaena asked, her easy smile hiding her own worry that her lover's children would not accept her and despite how much she cared for him knew that if they did reject her that he would choose them every time. It pained her but she knew the power of a parent's love on both sides of the coin as a daughter and a mother and could understand. She only hoped that her fears were unfounded.

Carefully opening the door, Hadrian peered his head through to kept the coast was clear before he and Shaena threw the invisibility cloak over themselves and crept down the corridor carefully passing guards as they went. Just because you were invisible did not mean that you did not have to be cautious Hadrian thought to himself with memories of creeping around Hogwarts with Ron and Hermione running through his mind. His thoughts briefly drifted his old friends and wondered if they might be here too. He had definitely looked for Sirius after all he had gone through the Veil but there had been no sign of him.

He had hoped that he would have been here with them but given the time difference between their passing through the Veil it was likely he was long gone if he had arrived in this world at all. The weight of the resurrection stone in his pocket brought ambivalence, it would show him if Sirius was dead or not and quite frankly he was not sure he would want to know. Was the disappointment worth it?

Presently they arrived at Tyler's room and shrugged off the cloak before carefully opening the door and creeping in. Seeing his son asleep, so peacefully brought a lump to Hadrian's throat. He had grown so much since he had last seen him, nearly a man now he thought with a mix of despair and joy. His children were growing up on him and how little of it he had seen he cursed bitterly. Now at least with his magic he could see them more often though which provided a small comfort as he gently shook Tyler awake while Shaena kept watch. The young man was slow to wake but when he had managed to blink the sleep out of his eyes, they widened at the sight of him.

"Father? How are you here?" Tyler asked confused and Hadrian smiled.

"I will soon show you my son. But time is short, get dressed and make sure you are warm. You will need it where we are going, I promise I will explain later." He said seeing his son was about to interrupt. Tyler stared at his father briefly before nodding and getting out of bed to dress. With this done Hadrian quietly moved to the rooms of each of his children, rousing them all and assembling them in Tyler's room. He only had a problem when he woke Arya Stark.

-x-

Arya was not sleeping well that night, dreams of flayed men killing a wolf and inhuman men commanding an army of the dead unsettled her greatly. When she was shook awake her adrenaline was so high that she without thinking reached for her dagger Lady Talon and pressed it to the throat of whoever was shaking her. Her breathing rapid and sweat on her face she saw much to her relief that it was Lord Lannister which immediately was followed by confusion at how he could possibly be here. The brief hesitation allowed Lord Lannister to disarm her which left her feeling vulnerable and foolish.

"Greeting to you too Lady Arya." Hadrian said with amusement, something that only made her feel not only foolish but also irritated. "Get dressed and meet the rest of us in Tyler's room. Make sure to bring your furs for you are will need them."

With that he left and left Arya feeling confused at what was going on but regardless she was now awake so she dressed in her own leather armour and draped a fur cloak over her shoulders. Lady Talon and Needle were both strapped to her waist as she walked over to Tyler's room to find Lord Lannister and the rest of his children except little Clarice all dressed much like her and another woman that had the look of Old Valyria. Long silver hair and violet eyes dressed in the colours of House Targaryen, she could be Rhaenys or Visenya reborn Arya thought briefly before asking.

"Who are you?" She saw that Tyler and his siblings were all eying the stranger with suspicion too and Arya felt comforted by the weight of her weapons. The strange woman however was not put off by the hostility and said brightly with her eyes sparkling like gems.

"Hello there. My name is Shaena, Shaena Targaryen and I am very happy to meet you all." The woman's name was like a rocket blast and stunned all of them in the room but the Targaryen woman continued eagerly with a wide, almost mad smile. "Your father has told me so much about you all. I hope we can be good friends."

Arya did not know what to think but instinct had her reaching for Needle but Hadrian Lannister's hand placed itself firmly on her shoulders, stopping her in place. She looked up and he shook his head.

"Princess Shaena is a valued ally and hopefully will be of great assistance in the Targaryen's restoration to the throne. I would like to explain but time is short so will everyone take a firm hold of this." Lord Hadrian said seriously conjuring a piece of rope from the thin air. Her eyes widened at the display of magic, she felt it when the rope appeared but she had not known that they could do that. She watched Lord Hadrian look at it in hard concentration for a moment before it seemed to glow briefly. What on earth was going on? She thought wanting to talk but again Lord Hadrian cut her off with a seemingly stupid instruction which irritated her incredibly.

"Everyone take a firm hold of the rope and do not let go whatever happens." He said, Arya did as she told but commented.

"This is a waste of time." She said bluntly but instead of annoying Lord Hadrian or Princess Shaena that smiled and Shaena even laughed.

"Oh I really like this one."

Feeling even more confused about whatever was going on Arya nevertheless held on to the rope. Seeing that they all had a good grip Lord Hadrian said with an amused smile.

"Activate." He said suddenly and before any of them could ask what on earth was going on they all felt a sudden jerk behind their navels. There was a briefly moment where they all felt themselves being lifted off the ground before they were deposited back down.

All the younger ones, Arya included all fell to their knees as their stomachs lurched violently. She struggled not throw up all over the ground when she suddenly realised that her hands were cold. Casting her eyes around she saw to her enormous surprise that they were no longer in Casterly Rock and in fact no buildings of any kind could be seen for miles. Only endless snow, dark looking forests and mountains with a biting cold wind for miles around. Turning she saw to her amazement that there was a Weirwood tree, larger than any other she had ever seen. It towered high into the sky, and spread out even further with its large branches and roots. The Weirwood tree at Winterfell was supposed to date back over ten thousand years or so her father had always said but this tree must be far older because it dwarfed the one at Winterfell. She wondered just how old it might be when a sudden pop brought her attention back to the moment when she saw her brother Bran appear out of thin air with Lord Hadrian at his side.

"Bran?" She asked not quite able to believe it despite the incredible feat that had brought her here, he likewise seemed astounded by it all.

"Arya?" He asked not sure whether he could trust his eyes. Shaena Targaryen however ruined the reunion by appearing at her side and making her jump.

"Shall we go inside? I am eager to meet my many times great uncle." Shaena said looking positively excited, rubbing her hands with glee.

"What is going on?" Tyler finally exclaimed alongside his sisters who could no longer contain themselves and they all started asking questions at once. The situation was just too strange and never had their father mentioned anything like this when he had taught them to control their magic. Teleporting? It was a thing too strange to be believed and yet here they were, gods knows where in the company of Targaryen princess. All of the younger members of the small party felt incredibly baffled and a voice from the tree seemed to respond to their confusion.

"What indeed young ones? Please come, I would like to see you." The voice made them all jump and look around for wherever it had come from but there was no one in sight. The voice had sounded old, ancient and rusty from lack of use but it brought a smile to Hadrian, Shaena and Bran as they all knew who it was.

Despite still being full of questions they followed Hadrian and Shaena into a cave at the base of the tree and with nervousness growing stronger every moment, not knowing what to expect as they moved deeper under the tree. Branches threatened to trip them with every step and yet they could not help but feel…invigorated. Magic was in the very air around them, thick enough you could almost taste it with each breath. Never had any of them known such a place rich with pure magical power before that they almost felt they were bathing in it.

Those thoughts momentarily distracted them as they finally reached the cave's centre where they saw a sight unlike another mysterious sight that defied the very notion of normality. A man more ancient than any man had a right to be sat surrounded in a mess of roots that nearly enveloped his entire body. But the face however lined did not deter Bran from rushing forward.

"The Three Eyed Rave. I had never thought to meet you in person." Bran studied the old man deeply who chuckled.

"And I you Brandon Stark, in some versions of our story I see you come here crippled with a girl of House Reed. In others you do not make it here at all but right now I am glad to have you here." The smile was warm but it did reveal many other creases in the man's face before he turned to the Targaryen Princess and said. "I had never thought to see another Targaryen Princess in my lifetime, it is good to see you make use of the dragon egg and the Dark Sister. I knew leaving them with Aemon was the right idea, you remind me much of my dearest Sheira." The mention of the woman he had loved and lost momentarily made his smile dim slightly but Shaena, beaming from ear to ear told him.

"And I thought never to see another Targaryen within mine either whether he bears the name or not Brynden Rivers." Her smile was genuine and not light dawned on the faces of the Lannister children and Arya all were wide-eyed at the legendary man known as the Bloodraven that they had all heard about from their history lessons. Arya might have already met him once briefly in a vision but this was face to face with history.

"I hope you do not mind but we brought the young ones here to teach them some of their new powers and give them warnings about what they can and cannot do." Hadrian said butting in to the conversation before turning quickly to Shaena whose smile dimmed slightly while she nodded. Something that did not go unnoticed by the young people around the cave. While Bran and Arya were guarded due to their house's history with the Targaryens, the Lannister children looked suspiciously at the woman that was standing too close to their father. Shaena did not like the tension at all and in true Luna fashion was swift in telling it as it was.

"Yes your father and I are having sex, I hope to marry him soon but only if you all agree. Your father cares far more about your happiness than his own, so it is up to you whether he and I go any further than we already have."

The bluntness of her statement shocked them all and made the younger ones blush and cringe in embarrassment. The thought of their father having sex was too much but the statement struck a chord with each of them, a stepmother something that they had never imagined. Their family had been so shaken by their mother's death yet it had brought them closer than they had ever been before and their father had assured them that he would never even consider marrying again without their consent whatever their grandfather might want and he had honoured that promise. They had thought that is was impossible that their father might meet a woman he would marry. Confusion and anger began to rise inside them until Arya spoke up, bluntly but softened a little by her many lessons with Genna.

"If they love each other why not? They will only do it if you say yes any way." Bran nodding in agreement only made the point more forceful. The Lannister children felt their anger drain out of them as Arya's words sank in. They were silent and the two grownups looked on concerned and Hadrian knowing that they had little time, diverted their attention by getting back to the real reason for them being here, changing the subject.

"You all felt the outburst of true magic, I imagine everyone with even a modicum of the ability did. With its restoration you now will find yourselves in possession of powers unlike those you knew before. For example when we have trained you properly you will be capable of teleporting yourself like we did to get here, to go nearly anywhere in the world you want if you are confident on where you are going. But that will not be for some time yet so promise me that you will not try on your own. People who have tried without the proper teachings have left their stomachs and intestines behind." He added with an internal smirk that was shared by Brynden and Shaena while the children listening all blanched and looked ready to be sick. Glad to have that in hand, Hadrian started teaching.

"Now I have taught you all to channel magic through your bodies that is the first step, now comes the mental part because you have to believe you can do it or it will never work. It is all about intent. Shaping the energy with your mind to do what you want it to do like…levitating." He said while using the lifting charm wandlessly and without speaking the words. The children all stared in disbelief as the small rocks and broken roots all rose off the floor while Shaena and Brynden smiled. "Words, movements and objects can be used as an aid to focus your powers but despite being harder, it is better to learn to do it by pure will power alone." He explained, wands where all well and good but it rendered you defenceless if you lost it. This way his children, Bran and Arya would be able to call on their powers whatever the situation. He began doing to teach, something that he enjoyed somewhat and while his face remained impassive, he was smiling on the inside.

The Red Keep, Kings Landing…

Tommen was sitting on the uncomfortable feeling very much like he did not belong there. This throne belonged to better men than he thought with self-derision. Men like his father, like his Lannister uncles who were great lords, diplomats, statesmen and warriors some even crossing all those skills together into figures of legendary proportions. He was no lion Tommen thought to himself with disappointment, wanting to be a better and stronger person but knew in his heart that it was never to be…he was just a mewling cub who would never last a day on the throne without his uncle Tyrion's guidance and political genius, not forgetting of course the armies and alliances of his uncle Hadrian. They would make far better kings than he Tommen acknowledged with great despair but despite whatever he wanted the crown now sat upon his head and it was he that sat on the Iron Throne and so it was his duty. He tried to straighten his back and sit more upright so that he might at least give the appearance of being a king but he could feel it in his heart that all he was doing was looking like a child playing make believe.

The court milled beneath him, looking out it was something of a heady experience Tommen thought despite how uncomfortable he felt sitting on the throne. At his side Uncle Tyrion kept a hawk-like eye on all the proceeding below while Myrcella smiled encouragingly at him as she held the attention of several younger courtiers. The knights employed by Tyrion stood tall and strong in the room, ensuring nothing untoward occurred within the hall. Seeing and indeed feeling the heady and warm atmosphere of the court Tommen started to relax a little. Nothing was going wrong, everything was right with the world.

Those words unfortunately proved hollow moments later as the doors to the throne room opened suddenly and a group of goldcloaks entered dragging a man dressed in plain grey armour and whose wrists were bound in chains but there was a seven pointed star carved onto his forehead. Uncle Tyrion raised an eyebrow while Tommen was instantly confused and it showed on his young face.

"What is the meaning of this Ser Edgerton?" His uncle called out to the knight that was leading the group of goldcloaks, a recent recruit as far as Tommen knew although he trusted such things to his Master of Laws who understood these things far better than he did.

"I must apologise for the intrusion your grace, my lord hand." Ser Edgerton said politely while bowing but with a disgusted glare he turned his prisoner and explained the reason for his actions. "But this man Ser Theodan Wells has been arrested on charges of rape and murder; three counts with a fourth count of attempted murder on a witness."

There was a gasp in the room as the man, a known member of the new Faith Militant was accused of such crimes. Crimes that were abhorrent to the faith they claimed to fight for, a rapid murmuring started as the courtiers began talking about it when Tommen saw his uncle give him a gentle nod, making him feel increasingly nervous as he took centre stage with all eyes turning on him.

"Well Ser Theodan, what do you say to these grave charges?" Tommen asked, desperately trying not to stutter and felt relieved when he managed to keep his voice calm and level. The bruised and battered knight, who clearly had either put up a fight or been poorly treated by the goldcloaks, perhaps both looked up at the throne with desperate eyes.

"It is all lies your grace!" Ser Theodan shouted with pleading bloodshot eyes, he tried to lunge forward as if to grovel at Tommen's feet but was held back by the goldcloaks. The rest of the court muttered even louder in response while Uncle Tyrion kept a hard glare on the man accused of such vile crimes. Tommen himself wanted to give the man justice whether he was guilty or not, so he turned to Ser Edgerton to continue with the impromptu trial.

"We have witnesses your grace if you will allow me to bring them forward?" Ser Edgerton asked, hoping to ensure the man's punishment. With slow nod, Tommen agreed feeling worried that he might make the wrong choice.

A small group of women and a couple of men came forward, all staring with absolute hatred at Ser Theodan. The intensity of the anger aimed towards the accused knight surprised Tommen who had never seen such a thing before. A single woman, apparently the leader of the group stepped forward and began her tale.

Tommen's eyes widened as he heard the account of the man's crimes. Ser Theodan had apparently drank much ale which in itself was a breach of his vow to the faith and wandered into the Street of Silk where the whores worked. Coming across a group of three women alone he had taken them for whores and at sword point raped them all after a brutal beating. Apparently the women were not even whores but weavers on their way home from their work. All three women were killed after their bodies were defiled and not content with that Ser Theodan had then gone on to rape and nearly kill a fourth woman, a midwife on her way to a delivery only for someone to alert the goldcloaks who had caught him the act. The barely alive midwife was then presented to the court and a gasp went through the room as they took in her injuries. Her body was covered in blood with large welts and cuts all over her body. How was she still alive? Tommen thought as he looked at the poor woman who spent her days helping women bring new life in the world. He could scarcely see a part of her that was not injured and felt his own anger rise. Impulsively he wanted to pass judgement there and then only for a voice to stop him from the door way.

"Ser Theodan has sinned and I think must face punishment for his crimes, but why not in the service of the faith your grace? What good can come of killing him when the women he apparently killed are no longer here to speak? The sin at the hearts of the women drew Ser Theodan to commit his crimes, surely devoid of that he can still serve a purpose in this world?"

An outcry at the man's words, especially from the women in the room was directed at the door were the man that was known as High Sparrow was standing. Despite the horridness of his statement Tommen could not help but consider his words however this only lasted a moment as Uncle Tyrion's strong voice echoed around the room.

"The sin in their hearts?" Tyrion said with derision, he was glad Tommen was sure that aunt Tysha had remained in Lannister House with his cousins and not have to listen to the High Sparrow's words. "That is without doubt the worst excuse for a rapist I have ever heard. The three women that were violated in the most horrendous fashion and then gutted like cattle were mere weavers who spent their long days making clothes to sell and feed their families. The fourth woman that still lives was a midwife that chose to dedicate her time to bringing babies into the world and helping women to adjust to the pressure of motherhood. They were not a fault because your man, sworn to defend the faith you are so proud of could not handle his need for ale and cunts to take." His language was coarse but the court was hanging on his uncle Tyrion's every word and nodding in agreement while the High Sparrow glared at Tyrion who matched the High Sparrow all the way and it fact was starting to break ever so slightly. Tommen felt stupid for seeing anything in the old man's argument, another reason for why he should not be king he thought. However the High Sparrow did not want to give up yet and said.

"He can be absolved of his crimes and made into a good man again. What consequence are women with questionable morals?" The High Sparrow ignored completely that the women who had been victims of the knight's crimes were not whores, so convinced was he that he was right. Tommen did not want this man in his throne room and was going to have them removed when Uncle Tyrion spoke first.

"Mercy to the guilty is treason to the innocent. Your man has committed terrible crimes and must face the law that holds this nation together, something that is real and solid. Not seven apparent gods that never show up when they are actually needed. Whether in the North or Dorne, Kings Landing or Highgarden the punishment for these crimes is the same. Execution or banishment to the Nights Watch. And it is his grace's decision to make, not yours and not mine." Tyrion said turning to face him, Tommen was suddenly very aware of the weighty choice he was about to make. He was sure of the man's guilt and knew he had to pass sentence but the fact that a man was about to live or die on what he said next made Tommen stop still. He did not know if he could handle the sights of a man dying at his command. He stared at Ser Theodan, unblinking as thoughts and feelings fought in his mind for dominance, finally though he knew there was only one choice however unsure he was.

"Ser Bronn." Tommen said turning to the sellsword that served as his uncle's bodyguard. The jokey man turned to face his king with a slight bow and smirk that nearly made Tommen smile but he refrained. "Carry out the king's justice…remove Ser Theodan's head."

The court cheered out in joy at Tommen's order and Ser Bronn nodded in response before walking down the steps of the Iron Throne and drawing his sword. The shouts of Ser Theodan and the High Sparrow were lost in the cheering of the courtiers and his uncle Tyrion gave him a warm smile before making an announcement.

"This horrific crime has brought to light a disturbing element of the supposed Faith. They commit terrible crimes and hide behind the Seven Point Star to justify and excuse themselves." Uncle Tyrion said with the people hanging on his every word, except for the High Sparrow who had stormed away in a huff. "I will investigate this incident and the members of the Faith of the seven more closely to see if there is anything else that they are hiding from us."

Tommen felt the strength of his uncle in every word and wished dearly he had that kind of mind. He wished he was a great swordsman like his uncle Jaime. He wished he was a great lord like his Uncle Hadrian. He had so many men that he could draw inspiration from but knew all he might be able to do is copy them. That saddened him deeply only for Ser Pounce to suddenly appear and leap on his lap and rub its soft head against his chest. Tommen smiled again as he gently petted his cat, the animal purring in response, looking over he saw Tyrion come over and patted him gently on the arm.

"You have done well Tommen."

The words lifted him higher and made the day seem less bleak for hours after.

-x-

Hours later a small bag of gold was handed over to a group of people who smiled and nodded in gratitude before making their way to the harbour to catch a ship to Pentos that their secret employer had arranged for them.

Tyrion Lannister in his solar as he worked on through the night wondered if he should have them killed. No he thought a second later, no link to him could be found, he had ensured that so they were not a threat and it would only bring unwanted attention.

The situation regarding Ser Theodan had taken a long time to arrange, learning the man's patterns and ensuring he became so drunk that he could not properly remember his own actions and arranging for the bloodied bodies of three women to be found near him with his sword slick with their blood had worked perfectly although it had not been as easy as he had thought but it had been done all the same. There were many bodies to be found in a city if one simply knew where to look however he thought with regret he had not intended for the poor midwife to be assaulted however well it had worked for his plan. Once she was recovered enough he was going to send her to join the farming community that had been set up to support the former salt wives of the Iron Born, at least there she could find the support that might enable her to rebuild her life whatever was left of it he thought grimly guilt over what had happened to her preying on his mind.

But with effort he pushed past it and reviewed the effectiveness of his first strike against the Faith Militant. It had gone better than he had ever dreamed Tyrion thought as reports of outrage in the city towards the Faith Militant spread. Making sure the trial went his way had not been difficult however much he regretted manipulating Tommen like that but it had ensured a main member of the Faith Militant had been neutralised with their name disgraced and he was not done yet Tyrion thought looking through the information that Varys and the Thieves Guild had compiled on the different members. He would give them attention all right but not the kind that they had wanted. Soon if things went his way, the city would be well and truly set against the High Sparrow and his people so Tyrion could destroy them.

Thinking on who his next target was going to be an interesting report caught his eye on Septa Unella and a juicy secret from her past that could prove useful to his plans Tyrion thought and began to set the wheels into motion for the next stage of his campaign.

Looking up Tyrion almost smiled when he saw Varys enter, perhaps the only real friend he had in the city. Without him Tyrion acknowledged his plans against the Faith Militant would have lost at least half of their potency. Seeing the small uncharacteristic smile on Varys' face keyed Tyrion in that either he was putting on an act to fool him which given he was now a part of the Targaryen conspiracy was unlikely or he was about to deliver some good news. Wanting to know which it was Tyrion asked.

"Well my friend, what has brought a smile to your face on this fine evening?"

Varys bowed slightly before he answered, secretly amused at how his news was going to put his friend on his toes.

"My lord, the time has finally come. The young dragon Jon Targaryen has fought and conquered the city of Volantis, adding the city and the Bay of Dragons to the Westerosi Empire. But at last he is sailing for Kings Landing as we speak after installing his aunt the Princess Daenerys and Lady Nymeria Martell as the new rulers of the provinces he has conquered. The Restoration is at hand."

The news sent a shock through Tyrion, ending with a chill running down his spine. He was about to be ousted from his comfort zone, Tyrion thought with concern. Tommen was a naïve boy. A good boy but a boy all the same who was quite willing to just let him get on with the business of ruling the empire. This Jon Targaryen however was an unknown element that could destabilize the entire political spectrum that he and others had worked so hard to establish. Changing members of the Small Council from the competent people that they had selected for their own reasons and Tyrion knew he was going to have to justify those postings. Then there was the unspoken fear, that the boy could well be as mad as his father and grandfather and suddenly Tyrion felt a brief pang of kinship with his father as he considered that he might be in the same position as Tywin had found himself in with Aerys.

Putting those fears aside Tyrion asked as he made a list of things to do before the young king arrived in his head. "Is there any other piece of information that I should know Lord Varys?"

"No my lord, only that they would like your brother to send healers with the knowledge of treating Greyscale to Volantis since the affliction is rather prevalent over there. Shall I send the letter or would you prefer to do it yourself my lord?" Varys asked taking a guilty pleasure in seeing his friend ruffled by the arrival of the young Targaryen.

"Yes please send the letter to my brother, since you two have left me the dubious pleasure of getting Tommen to give up the throne. At least tell me what I can expect from this Jon Targaryen?" Tyrion said annoyed at the unpleasant task that had fallen on his shoulders. He loved his nephew dearly and wanted the best for him even if that involved giving up the throne but telling both Tommen and Myrcella that their family was taking away their status as royalty was not a job he would relish, nor having to deal with a new and mysterious king.

"Jon Targaryen is a dragon but also a wolf in equal measure if not more so." Varys told him with a smile, liking the sound of a solid and sensible king on the throne after the recent run of disappointing monarchs; a mad man, a drunk man whore, a vicious psychopath and a timid boy. "He is not mad or incapable, a compassionate man that has little interest in court intrigue. Little wonder then that he has been paired with a woman that has great skill in that area. He is honourable and selfless by all accounts. Just the sort of man that you can work with." Varys said and Tyrion wondered how he was supposed to deal with an overly honourable northerner on the throne.

"Well I guess I have a coronation to plan." Tyrion said wearily and added yet something else to his list of work he had to do.

Unknown location, The North…

Catelyn rode her horse south, her fury driving her forward as she went on. The news that her eldest daughter had wed Loras Tyrell without even inviting her had been the final straw, her own daughter's wedding for fucks sake! She thought angrily not caring that she had left Winterfell without an escort and the danger that put her in but she had to get to Sansa and Arya too for that matter and make her feelings known. It was clear that Ned did not care a jot what she thought anymore and she was not going to listen to him any longer in return. She had to sneak out like her youngest daughter and steal a horse, the indignity of it all was enough to make her grit her teeth and force her poor stolen horse harder.

Eventually however she rode her steed too hard and poor animal clipped a rock hidden by the snow that covered the ground. Ironically it was that same snow that saved her from serious injury as she flew into a drift that cushioned her fall. The horse however bolted now she was no longer on his back and as she looked up, still dazed from the fall she could see the outline of people coming towards her. Thinking they would help her she reached out with her hand, only to withdraw it when she finally got a better look at the face of her apparent rescuer.

"Welcome Lady Stark, it is a rare treat indeed to have the pleasure of your company." The madness shined through the eyes of Ramsay Snow as he looked down on the terrified Lady Catelyn.

The Great Weirwood Tree, the Far North…

Unknown to the Lannisters, Starks and Targaryen under the Great tree a pair of icy blue eyes stared intently, the figure was tall and looked almost like a corpse with ice in the place of hair and at his side was a vast army of the dead.