Chapter 11 13 страница

Breaking the kiss she'd been longing for, Ellaria felt her motherly instincts return full force as she broke from Oberyn's embrace and rushed over to Talisa, who was currently on her knees and examining the young Jon Snow. " He wasn't wounded, " the deep, almost sensual voice of the sorcerer called out as the man himself slowly climbed over the railing of the ship. " He's merely exhausted. Due to our losses, Jon and I were forced to use our powers to help push and guide the boats downriver. And while Jon is powerful, he doesn't quite have the experience or endurance to bear such strain for longer than a day or so. He needs rest. Maybe a day or two and he'll be back to normal. "

Talisa seemed to accept his words and left Jon to go to the other man's side, who she didn't recognize but could clearly see was in worse shape than Jon. Or anyone else for that matter. Rising to her feet, she moved to return to Oberyn's side, but halted as she watched her lover lean in slightly towards the sorcerer. His words were quiet, but she could still just barely make them out.

" You should be taking your own advice, Nox, " Oberyn said quietly as the men and women around them scurried about, congratulating those returning from Valyria while working on bringing the loot from the voyage onboard. " The others may not have noticed, but I have. You haven't slept since we left the Sea Wolf. And you've been using whatever power you have the entire time to protect us, to fight that monster, and then to ensure we made it back safely and timely. There's no shame in admitting you're exhausted too. Gods know that if anyone has earned the right to rest, it's you. I can handle things from here for now. You need to get your pretty ass in bed. "

Upon hearing that, Ellaria began examining the sorcerer closely. The man was doing a good job of holding himself up, especially if what Oberyn had said was true. But the closer she looked at him, the more she could see the telltale signs of exhaustion: the slight bend in his knees, his slight leaning, and while she couldn't see his eyes beyond their cloth coverings, she could see the signs of exhaustion clear on his face.

" Back in your paramour's arms for barely a few moments, and already trying to get me into bed, Oberyn? Have you no shame? "

Ellaria found herself smiling at the jest as she walked up and weaved her arm around Oberyn's. " Oh, I don't mind, sorcerer. I'm sure you two would put on such a show that I would be unable to remain a spectator for long before joining you. "

The sorcerer chuckled. " And as I've said, I have a fine woman waiting for me back in the North that I will not stray from. "

" Then perhaps we shall just have to venture North and bed both yourself and this mysterious woman who has ensnared you so, " Ellaria laughed back, feeling a familiar warmth return to her lower regions. She needed to get Oberyn alone, and fast, or she would be taking him right here on the deck. " If she is strong enough to capture and keep your attention, sorcerer, then she is definitely the kind of woman I would gladly feast on. "

" And with that thought, I believe I shall be taking your advice, Oberyn, " the sorcerer replied, making a hasty retreat towards his cabin at the rear of the ship. " Ser Manderly! I leave the unloading of everything to you! Sort out and categorize as much as you can. I want the books kept separately as well as the crystals that are in some of the chests. Lady Talisa and I will begin working on translating as much as we can once we're back on the open waters. "

" Aye, sorcerer! " Ser Manderly shouted. " Alright, lads! You heard the man! We got gold! Valyrian steel! And only the gods know what else to sort through! "

No longer able, or even willing, to remain above deck, Ellaria grabbed a firm hold of Oberyn's arm and began leading him back towards their own private cabin. " Why, my love, " Oberyn chuckled. " So forward. Did you not find a suitable substitute while I was away? "

" Shut your mouth, love, " Ellaria hissed, throwing open the door to their cabin and tossing Oberyn inside before shutting and latching the door behind them.

" Or, on second thought, " she muttered, unclasping her dress and letting it pool at her feet. " Let us put your mouth to much better use. "

He was sitting on a grass field, feeling the warm air brush across his face as he watched his little girl dance through the meadows. The wind catching her golden hair and her emerald green eyes full of mischief as she danced and laughed. This was peace. This was what he wanted. If only he hadn't been a fool, he could've had exactly this. But now, now this was denied to him. And the only chance he had of experiencing this bliss was in the world of dreams. His only escape from his current reality of horror. As if to curse him more than he already was, he could feel the waking world calling for him. Denying him the peace he so desperately sought.

He knew it was a pointless struggle to fight against that what was natural, but he fought against it all the same. Here, he was at peace. Here, he was with her. The waking world held no peace for him. No respite. Nothing but unending torment and hardship. But even as he struggled to remain in this peace, with her, he could feel the world slipping away from him as he began to regain conscious. 'Joy…my Joy…I'm so sorry. '

As darkness eclipsed his vision and his one hope left his sight, Gerion fought against the tears threatening to fall as he began mentally preparing himself once again for the hardships of the day that had become the norm for him while being stranded in this accursed land of the fallen dragon lords.

But as he began to wake, he noticed something…odd. There was a gentle but subtle rocking motion that was not normal. And whatever he was laying on was certainly softer than the hard-wooden planks of the shipwrecked Lion's Pride that he'd taken to call his bed. And there was also a…soft sheet covering him? 'What? What fresh hell is this? Have I finally lost my mind and succumb to the darkness that claimed so many that foolishly came with me on the promise of riches and fame beyond imagine? '

Forcing his eyes open, he had to immediately shut them once again as a light, far brighter than any he'd seen in a long time, assaulted him. Raising his arm to shield his face, he slowly cracked his eyes open once again. 'My, my armor is gone, ' he thought, marveling at the rough woolen tunic that covered his arm. Though after so long wearing leather and whatever he could scrap together, the cheap wool felt more like the softest silk. 'What…What is happening? '

" Finally awake, Gerion Lannister. I must say that you certainly took your sweet time. I was starting to wonder if I'd overdone it with you. But I didn't want to take any chances. "

Turning his head, he noticed that he was in a decently sized cabin of some sort. And just a short distance from him was a man who had his back turned towards him with a book in his hands as he sat in a chair. A man dressed all in black with his hood pulled up over his head. 'I'm dead, ' he thought, closing his eyes once more. 'And the Stranger has come to take my soul to the Seven Hells for my greatest sin…or I've finally lost it. Either way…I suppose this isn't all that bad. '

" Interesting. Your emotions are screaming confusion yet acceptance. Yet at the same time, your thoughts, which should be screaming as well, are muffled. Quite curious. Yet it does serve to reaffirm my decision to take you with us, even if you did try and kill one of my expedition upon our first meeting. "

'What? '

Forcing his eyes open once again, he turned to the Stranger. Only…he wasn't The Stranger. Or perhaps he was, but just a representation of what Gerion found to be the Stranger. A man with Valyrian features, yet who was blind so kept an ornamental cloth wrapped around his head to hide his ruined eyes. A man he knew of very well. After all, his insufferable elder brother wouldn't shut up about him, and his nephew continuously gushed about him. The Northern Sorcerer, Lord Alim Nox.

Scrambling away from the man, creature, whatever he was, Gerion only stopped as his back hit the wall, leaving him nowhere else to run. " No, no, no! You can't be real! You can't be here! This – This is impossible! This is a trick! You're the Stranger himself taking that form! Or just a figment of my mind sent to –"

He hadn't even seen the man, thing, move. But within a blink of an eye he managed to cross the distance between them and…flicked him in the forehead with enough force to knock his head back against the wall. " Does that hurt? "

" Does that fucking hurt? " Gerion yelled, rubbing the front and back of his head. " Of course that fucking hurt! "

" Then, by that logic, this is no illusion. Nor is this the afterlife. This is real. I am the Sorcerer Nox, as you more than likely know me by. Now, stop being a fool and don't do anything to hurt yourself. I would hate to have the effort I expended getting you out of Valyria to go to waste. "

He didn't want to believe it. He couldn't believe it. He couldn't let himself hope. Hope was something that he'd long ago abandoned in order to survive in the hell that had become his life. But, despite himself, he found himself slowly inching towards to the man claiming to be the sorcerer. Reaching out, he poked the man in the arm with a finger, half expecting it to go through his form and for him to once again be in the ruins of the Lion's Pride. But it didn't. His finger struck solid flesh under cloth.

" This – This is real? " he murmured, hope – dangerous hope – rearing its head within him despite his best attempts to suppress it.

" It is, " the man, sorcerer, nodded. " Valyria is a few days at our backs. Soon enough, we'll be coming upon the Stepstones, and then into Westerosi waters once again. Soon enough, you'll be home once more. "

He didn't want to believe him. He didn't want to get his hopes up once more, only to have them crushed. But even as he tried to deny what was happening, tried to suppress the hope this man had given him, he failed. The relief, the joy he felt was so overwhelming that he fell to his knees as tears of relief started pouring from his eyes. His brother, may the gods curse him, had always insisted on a image for all of those of House Lannister, especially after his father passed and he took up the mantel of Lord Lannister. And if he were to see the state Gerion was in now, he would consider it a disgrace. But Gerion simply didn't care at that moment. He was finally free of that hell hole. And now…now he could return home. Correct the wrongs he'd committed and do everything he could to keep his promise to the Gods, Old and New, for having delivered him his salvation.

He didn't know just how long he knelt there, sobbing like a child, but eventually he managed to compose himself enough to raise his head. Mercifully, the sorcerer had turned his back on his shameful display and had resumed his spot in his chair, the book he had been reading once again in his hands. Though just how the sorcerer managed to read the words on the page without the use of his eyes was beyond him.

" I…apologize for that display, sorcerer. "

" There is no need, " the sorcerer said dismissively as he closed his book and set it aside. " Given what you've just went through, it's understandable. But now that you have gotten that out of your system, perhaps you will sate my curiosity. I am most interested in just how you managed to retain your mind in a situation where you shouldn't have been able to. "

Swallowing past the lump forming in his throat, Gerion nodded and sat down on the only seat left available, his small bed. " I…I don't know what I can tell you, sorcerer. But I'll answer any questions you have for me. I owe you that much and more. And a Lannister always pays their debts. "

" Let's start with your mind, " the sorcerer said, leaning towards him. " Besides having a noble upbringing and an educated mind, what thoughts occupied your mind most frequently? And were there any that you found to keep yourself from falling into despair? "

The question was honestly one that he had pondered frequently during his isolation in that hell. Why was he spared when so many of his men, good men, fell victim to madness? " I – I don't know, " he answered honestly, dropping his head. " I…I thought often of my daughter. Of my failure to her as a father. I – I swore to the gods old and new that should they deliver me from Valyria and return me to Westeros that I would do right by her. That I would go to my brother or even the King and beg, on my hands and knees if I had to, to see her legitimized. And I would spend the rest of my life making up for my failure in taking full responsibility for her. And…And after I made that promise I…I started seeing her in my dreams. Of the few memories I had of her. Of her playing at the beach with other children or her running through a field of grass. I thought perhaps the gods had blessed me. But then as no rescue came, I began to think they cursed me. Torturing me day in and day out with thoughts of a peaceful life with my daughter only to have me awaken and find myself still fighting every day to stay alive and to keep my mind sound. "

" You might actually have the right of it, " the sorcerer replied, surprising Gerion. " The god part is debatable. But the thought of returning to your daughter and doing right by her, combined with your will, might have been enough to hold back the darkness that encased Valyria for a time. But such a protection should not have lasted for as long as it did. Especially as your brothers showed no obvious signs of Force sensitivity during the brief time I spent with them on Pyke. But maybe…hmm. Would you consent to an examination? "

Gerion could only follow about half of what the sorcerer was saying as most of what he said seemed like mere ramblings. " Why would you need my consent? " he asked, " I've been unconscious for days. You could've done whatever you wanted to me then. Why ask now? "

" Because there is a difference between examining an unconscious mind versus a conscious mind, " Nox answered. " Now, do I have your consent? "

Warning bells were ringing in his head louder than the bells of King's Landing. But he owed this man a debt and he would see it repaid. " If…that is what you want. Then I give you my consent, so-"

He wasn't entirely sure just what happened as soon as he said the words. One moment everything was normal and then next it felt like someone had their fingers inside his skull. " What the fuck!? " he shouted, jumping to his feet and backing into a corner of the room, trying to put as much space between the two of them as he could as he felt the strange sensation within his mind disappear as quickly as it came. " What – What did you do to me!? "

" Nothing, " the sorcerer answered with a dismissive wave of his hand. " I expected something along these lines, but certainly not to this extent. You are an extraordinary individual with quite the will to back it up. "

" What in the name of the gods are you talking about, sorcerer! " Gerion shouted, his body physically shaking as thoughts of Valyria and the cries of his men descending into madness returned full force upon him. " No games! What did you do to me!? "

Scratching at the short stubble on his face, the sorcerer took his time in answering. " I did nothing more than probe your mind. A probe which you successfully rebuffed; I might add. You see, when you were asleep your unconscious mind repelled any type of probe, I tried to perform on you to see if you were in your right mind. In fact, I'll even admit that it was more than slightly difficult to keep you unconscious for those few days between our finding you and bringing you back to the Sea Wolf. At first, I simply assumed you had a strong will which manifested in your subconscious to keep foreign intruders at bay. The reality is far more complex. You see, you were Force sensitive. Not to a high degree, but there was some Force sensitivity within you. Perhaps, with the right training, you could've manifested the Force in slight manner. "

" But your time in Valyria has altered that. Subconsciously, you pulled on the Force, centering on thoughts of your daughter and your will to return. You then coalesced the Force into a construct around your mind. Think of it as sort of like building a castle in your mind where the designs were based on your desire and will to survive and see your daughter and the Force made up the bricks and mortar of your castle. You then locked your mind within, preventing any outside interference. Your time in Valyria eroded quite a bit of your defenses and, if given enough time, they would have crumbled completely. But now, your 'castle' is constantly repairing itself to any attempts to breach it. In short, you subconsciously gave up your Force sensitivity and any future potential you might've had to manifest the Force in return for making your mind essentially as strong as Valyrian steel. It's actually quite impressive. "

Gerion couldn't keep up with over half of what the sorcerer was saying, but he thought that he understood the general premise. Though the one facet that he was interested in was the fact that the sorcerer claimed he was Force sensitive, whatever that meant. " So, what does all that mean? "

" It means that in exchange for giving up any magical potential you might have had, you now have perhaps one of the strongest and best protected minds in all of the land, save for my own of course, " the sorcerer answered. " But we can go into more details later. Now, I believe that it would do you a fair bit of good to get some fresh air, don't you? "

The thought of smelling fresh air, of feeling the sun on his face once again was enough to make him put thoughts of the sorcerer's words to the back of his mind. " Yes, that does sound good. "

" Good, " the sorcerer nodded, rising from his seat and going towards the door to the cabin. " Oh, and by the way. I would highly recommend that you make your apologies to Prince Oberyn Martell and his daughter, Obara Sand. After all, you did try and stab her in the back when we first found you. From what little I know of the Dornish, they tend to hold a grudge. And I doubt you want to give them any more reason to dislike House Lannister than they already have. "

The elation he'd been feeling dried up immediately as a cold chill went through him. " Wait…I tried to kill who?! "

In the lower levels of the Sea Wolf, Jon Snow, son of Lord Eddard Stark of Winterfell and Apprentice to Lord Nox, watched quietly as Lady Talisa made her way through the chests they'd brought back from Valyria as she carefully began pulling out selected books to begin translating from High Valyrian to the common tongue. By order of Lord Nox and Ser Manderly, no one could enter the room unless they were accompanied by Jon, Nox, Ser Manderly, or one of the other Nobles on board the ship. They had to keep everything under lock and key, which Jon had at first not understood the reasoning behind. But the reason became obvious as the night after Jon had awoken from his exhausted state, one of the sailors on board had been caught trying to filch some of the gold. The man had received ten lashings and been placed in the brig for the rest of the voyage, but after that Jon understood the need for precautions. The men of the North were honorable, but in the end, they were still men. And greed was a powerful motivator that none were free from, as Lord Nox liked to continuously remind him.

As Talisa continued her process of pulling out one book, opening it to a random page and then either tucking it into the basket she was carrying or placing it back, Jon idly looked around the room, taking in the riches that they now had. He'd been part of the original sorting and categorizing of the loot they'd managed to find, so he knew just about everything they had. But before they did, the nobles and the sailors who'd survived had each been allowed to take something. Naturally, all the nobles had decided to take Valyrian steel weapons. Jon Umber had taken a sword that could easily rival Ice in size. Eddard Karstark had taken a longsword. Dacey Mormont had held onto the mace she'd found while Asha had kept her twin throwing axes as well. Prince Oberyn had claimed his long spear and his daughter had taken a strange weapon that Lord Nox had categorized as a 'spear-sword'. As for himself, Jon had surrendered the short sword he'd used during his Trial for Lord Nox. After all, he was able to claim the strange armlet as well as the strange crystal Lord Nox called a 'kyber' crystal, which Lord Nox had recently taken possession of though he wouldn't tell him why. As well as the dragon egg, which he was keeping secret from everyone except for his Master. As for the rest of the men who'd accompanied them, Nox had promised each of them the sum of one-thousand gold dragons, which would be held in safekeeping until they arrived back in the North.

After the rewards had been sorted out, what was left had been catalogued and categorized, and the sheer amount they had collected completely shocked Jon. In terms of Valyrian steel, they managed to find seven-and-twenty additional swords, eight axes, over thirty daggers, two other spear-swords, two spears and three shields. What was also surprising was the fact that they managed to find two complete sets of scaled armor and seven chainmail vests. Gods only knew how his father and Nox were going to distribute or sell the steel. In terms of gold, that was far more difficult to count. But if Jon had to guess, he would have to say that they had over four-hundred thousand gold dragons worth in gold, and that was a low estimate. A very low estimate. Then there were the six smaller chests of rare jewels and jewelry. There were the four chests of the strange crystals that didn't honestly look all that valuable but, according to Master Nox who had taken a few to study, if they were what he thought, then they might honestly be the most valuable things they'd found. Then there were the dozen chests full of books as well. And with it all piled into this one room and somewhat on display, he had honestly never seen so much wealth in one place before. Even the treasury in Winterfell couldn't compare to what they now had.

" I believe this should suffice for the time being, Jon, " Lady Talisa stated as she walked up to him, at least ten books in her basket held under her arm.

" I swear, Lady Talisa, " Jon chuckled, holding open the door for her to leave. " Between you and Master Nox, I don't know which one of you reads more books. "

Once they were both outside the room, Jon shut the door and held his hand towards the latch. Closing his eyes, he reached out with the Force and manipulated the locking mechanism inside the room and locked the door. It was another precaution implemented by Lord Nox. By using this method, only Jon or Nox would be able to open the door.

" We all have our skills, Jon, " Lady Talisa answered him as the two began to ascend to the main deck of the Sea Wolf. " Reading just happens to be one of mine. No need to be jealous just because it is not one of your particular strengths. "

The tone was teasing in nature, but she was quite accurate in her statement. He'd never been the greatest of readers, preferring instead to spend his time in the yard rather than sitting with the Maester or Master Nox reading one book after another. That wasn't to say that he couldn't read or didn't enjoy it under specific circumstances, there were just quite a few other things that he would prefer doing.

Coming onto the main deck, Jon took a moment to lean his head back and smell the sea air while Lady Talisa immediately left for her cabin to continue her seemingly never ending task of translating as much as she could from what they recovered. Until this voyage, he'd never really been on the sea, never really understood its appeal. But now, after so many weeks, he felt a slight pain of regret as he recognized that his time on the sea was soon coming to an end. Granted, they still had weeks at sea as they were still days away from the Stepstones, but still. He would miss it when he was back on land permanently.

" Lord Snow, the sorcerer wants to see you. "

Opening his eyes, Jon turned the owner of the voice. While he'd tried his best to learn as many names as he could of the sailors on board, the simple fact was that the Sea Wolf was massive and carried a large crew to keep her afloat. Because of that, he only knew a handful of the sailors at best. And the one who'd come up to him was one that he did not know. " Thank you, " he said, nodding to man, who quickly left him to return to his duties.

Heading for the back of the ship, Jon hesitated only for a moment outside of Lord Nox's cabin before knocking and letting himself in the largest room of the ship. The captain's cabin was a mess, and that was putting it lightly. The table within was covered with scrolls, books, the strange crystals, a hammer, pincers, and various other hand tools. And standing with his back to the door, facing out the back windows overlooking the sea behind them was his Master.

" Master Nox, " Jon called out, shutting the door behind him. " You wished to see me? "

Nox didn't say anything, he just continued to look out the window. Or rather, face out the window. " Tell me, Jon. Why didn't you decide to keep the Valyrian sword I gave you at the start of your trial in Valyria? "

" I – I didn't think it was right of me to keep it, " he answered slowly, choosing his words carefully. " Between the armlet, the jew – er, kyber crystal, and the…well, you know. I didn't feel it was right for me to keep the sword also. "

" Fair. But keep in mind what is 'fair' is not always what will be in your best interest. In the future, do not discard a potential advantage just because you do not believe that it would be 'fair' to others. But I suppose it is a moot point regardless. I was going to have you surrender the blade. Not because it would be 'fair', but because such a weapon is frankly beneath one of your skill. "

Jon's heart started to race as Nox turned away from the window and made his way back to the table. The day after Jon had awoken Nox had all but demanded the kyber crystal from Jon, which he had immediately handed over. Though what Nox wanted the crystal for he wasn't sure. But he had a suspicion, or rather a hope, of what the reasoning might be. Especially after their talk in Valyria just before they left. His already racing heart threatened to beat out of his chest as he watched Lord Nox bring out a long box, set it on the table, and open the lid such that Jon was unable to see what lay inside.

" You have done exceedingly well so far, Jon. You earned your place as my Apprentice, yet you still have much to learn. But now it is time for you to take the next step towards becoming a true Force Adept. "

From within the confines of the box, a long cylindrical shape floated upwards before shooting across the room towards Jon, who just barely managed to catch the object out of reflex. It took him a moment to recognize what he was holding. But when he did, he nearly fainted on the spot. It was a hilt. A hilt with no cross guard. A black grip that was interlaced with silver decorative designs that seemed to almost form some sort of wolf like creature. And, while it was faint, he could feel the kyber crystal he'd found in Valyria within the hilt.

" Well? " Nox asked. " You can activate it whenever you want. It is yours. Just be mindful in here. You break anything, and you'll be spending the rest of your time onboard fixing it. "

Nodding absentmindedly, Jon's thumb traced over the small red part of the hilt that he knew, even if he didn't know just how he knew, that would bring the blade to life. The blade hissed just like Lord Nox's as it emerged. But unlike Lord Nox's lightsaber that was a blood-red color, his lightsaber was as white as the winter snow and the blade almost seemed to hum in his hands. And – And he could've sworn he felt something within the blade feel almost pleased to be released. Lord Nox's blade didn't feel like this the one and only time Jon had wielded it. It made him wonder just why that was.

" This lightsaber is your life now, Jon, " Lord Nox lectured as he retracted the blade. " Take care of it as you would your own child. For you will not get another. "

" Aye, " he murmured, marveling at the weapon in its hand. " What's its name? "

The question seemed to catch Lord Nox off-balance. " You know… No one has ever actually named a lightsaber to my knowledge. Hmm. Well, I suppose if you want to name your lightsaber, that is your prerogative. It is yours, after all. Perhaps I may even follow suit and name my own after all these years. But, until we're back in the North, do keep that out of sight. "

⇐ Предыдущая 10 11 12 13 141516 17 18 19 Следующая ⇒