Chapter 18 2 страница

After that first day, Sansa realized just how truly unprepared she was to take on the mantle of a Lady of a Noble House. And for the first time ever, Sansa cursed her lessons with Septa Mordane. She realized now the same thing her father had realized when he'd changed her education to include her mother and Lady Nox. While Septa Mordane was teaching her to be a proper Lady, she was not actually teaching her how to be a ruling Lady. But even with the lessons she'd received from her mother and Lady Nox, she still wasn't ready. Which was why after the first day she'd swallowed her pride and went to her knees before both Lady Nox and Lady Talisa and asked them both to help her while her father was away.

The second day went much easier than the first. The jitters she'd had when she first sat down on her father's seat were still there. But now with Lady Nox on her right and Lady Talisa on her left, she felt surer of herself when dealing with the daily tasks. Neither Lady said much during the actual daily proceedings, as it was up to Sansa to have the final word, but both would sit with her once the day was done and help her go over everything that'd happened.

On the third day, just as she was starting to get a handle on dealing with the daily tasks of running Winterfell, a new challenge presented itself to her in the form of her sister. Arya had, mercifully enough, waited for her morning duties to be concluded before roughly dragging her out to the yard. Sansa had tried to protest, but Arya had silenced her by saying that Master Nox had given her instructions as well on how to practice her magic while he was away. Practice which she'd been neglecting ever since Lord Nox and their father and brothers left Winterfell.

For nearly an hour after that, Arya properly trounced Sansa around the yard. Her sister ran her until her lungs felt as if they were on fire. Then she made her jump and walk across a pathway made of standing logs repeatedly until she could do it without slipping. Then, even though her body was begging her to stop, Arya handed her a wooden practice sword and proceeded to defeat Sansa again and again as the two sparred against one another. After being knocked down for the fourth time, Sansa came to the realization that this was her sister's revenge for all those times she'd picked on her during their lessons together. And as she laid there staring up at the sky feeling like a failure at having been bested time and time again, she realized just how she'd made her sister feel during their lessons whenever she would show Arya up in whatever task they'd been given for the day. But instead of holding it over her or mocking her, Arya… She just told Sansa what she was doing wrong, showed her how to fix it and then told her to get up and do it again.

'Gods…I truly was a terrible sister, ' Sansa thought, pausing in her needle work as she reflected upon that first day in the yard with her sister. 'Whenever Arya made the slightest mistake, I always threw it at her. Or blamed her for whatever problems we were having. Or…Or, gods, I even made fun of her for things she couldn't control. Yet now, now when Arya has the chance to treat me exactly as I treated her…she doesn't. Instead, she…she's helping me. Sure, there are the snide remarks and looks. But she never treats me like I treated her no matter how badly I mess up. '

After that humbling experience, Sansa had vowed to herself that she would be a better sister to not only Arya, but to her brothers as well. Robb, she had always respected because he was the eldest and that was what was proper. But Bran and Jon…Bran was her younger brother and as shameful as it was to admit, she rarely spared a thought to him. And Jon, Jon was a bastard. So, it wasn't considered proper for her to pay attention to him. Now she realized just how truly naive those views were. Her mother's House words were 'Family, Duty, Honor' and family came first because it was the most important. And Sansa, she had been neglecting her family. But not anymore.

Ever since that day she'd made it a point to spend time with both her siblings that were still here in Winterfell with her. Luckily, both were very dedicated to following Lord Nox's lessons, so she was able to 'kill two birds with one stone', as the saying went. She got to spend time with her siblings and continue her lessons that Lord Nox had outlined for her. The only downside was that she had next to no time for anything else during the day. Now she truly understood just why her father would make time just to sit in the godswoods. It was how he tried to relieve the burden of ruling and calm his mind.

" Little lady, " her sworn-shield Osha called out as she opened the door without knocking, disturbing her brief respite. " The old learned-man wants to talk with ya, says he's got some raven or some shite like that. "

" Thank you, Osha, " Sansa sighed, setting her needle work aside. " Let him in. And next time, please remember to knock. "

" Why? " The former-Wilding asked, tilting her head. " Ya ain't got nothin I can't see when I look down at meself. Besides, ya still got a few years before ya truly have something to look at. "

'Gods…Osha is an excellent sworn-sword, but, by the gods, does she need some work on proper etiquette, ' Sansa thought to herself as she tried to fight back against the reddening of her face as she thought of Osha, or anyone for that matter, catching her while she wasn't fully clothed. The clinking of chains announced the arrival of Maester Luwin before the elder man could enter the room.

" My Lady, " Luwin said respectfully, a small scroll held in his hand. " A raven arrived just now from Casterly Rock. "

'Casterly Rock? The Lannisters? ' Sansa thought, taking the small raven scroll from Luwin and unfurling it. Heart thundering in her small chest, Sansa read over the message several times, trying to look for any hidden meaning or message. " Osha, " she called out. " Please fetch Lady Nox if you would, I require her aid. "

Osha sent a quick glance towards Luwin, clearly not pleased with the idea of leaving her alone with the Maester. But Sansa merely waved off her concerns with a slight move of her hand and sent her on her way. Recent events had given the people of the North reason enough to distrust the Maesters, but Sansa had known Maester Luwin for as long as she could remember. He was almost a second father to her. And more than that, both her father and Lord Nox had vouched for him. And that was more than enough for her.

" Thank you, my Lady, for your trust in me, " Maester Luwin said once Osha was out of the room, his shoulders sagging as a seemingly invisible weight settled on his shoulders. " I am not used to facing such animosity from seemingly everyone. "

Frowning, Sansa ran her fingers over her the needle work she'd just set aside. " The people are afraid, Maester Luwin. And in their fear, they are lashing out at what they know. And what they know is that the Maester Order wronged House Stark and the North greatly. Even though you were shown to have no knowledge of what had happened, you are still a Maester. "

Maester Luwin gave her an appraising look. " That is quite the insight to have Lady Sansa. And a correct one as well. "

Sansa blushed slightly under the praise. " Lady Nox and Lady Talisa have been teaching me much since my father left. " 'And Lord Nox gave me a few lessons before they left that were very insightful. '

In seemingly no time at all, the door to her sitting room opened once more as Lady Nox, trailed by her friend Jeyne Poole and Osha made their way in. " Lady Sansa, " Lady Nox greeted her, bowing her head respectfully.

" Lady Nox, Jayne, " Sansa returned the greeting while ignoring the pain of guilt that rose in her chest at not having spent hardly any time with Jeyne since the attack. " We've received a raven from Casterly Rock, and I would like your opinion. "

Lady Nox didn't hesitate to take the raven scroll from her and read over its contents. " Interesting, " Lady Nox mumbled as she handed the letter off to Maester Luwin to read over. " Gerion Lannister is requesting permission for his daughter to either be tested and trained as a student of my husband. Or to become a new handmaiden for yourself. "

" It may be in Gerion's hand, but this has Tywin Lannister's mind behind it, " Maester Luwin commented as he handed the letter back to her.

" If it were any other Lannister, I would say that you would be correct, " Lady Nox stated. " I've dealt with them myself over the years with Lord Stark in matters of trade. And almost all the Lannisters won't take a shit unless Tywin allows it. But Gerion, at least according to my husband, is cut of a different cloth and is perhaps the only Lannister that will stand up against Tywin. The offer, though…What do you think Sansa? And remember, think carefully before answering. "

This was one of the aspects of learning under Lady Nox that infuriated her. She never gave her own opinion or gave an answer until either Sansa or Arya gave one first. And then she would either agree or disagree and point out why. She supposed it was a good thing, as it taught her and her sister how to solve problems…but still. It was just so frustrating!

" The Lannisters have been the Wardens of the West since the time of Aegon the Conqueror and before that they were the Kings of the Westerlands, " Sansa stated, calling up everything she could remember about the Lannisters. " Tywin was once Hand of the King to King Aerys and served faithfully for years until King Aerys delivered too many insults upon him and he left the position. Queen Cersei is his daughter. And his eldest son is on the Kingsguard. They are a – a powerful family and a Great House. It – It wouldn't behoove us to deny the offer. And Lord Nox has stated in the past that he will take on anyone who shows an aptitude for his magic. But we cannot outright accept at the present time as neither Lord Nox nor my father are currently present in the North. We should send a response saying that Gerion and his daughter are welcome to travel to Winterfell, but they will have to wait as my father and Lord Nox are currently setting the North to rights in wake of the attack on Winterfell. "

" Excellent response, " Lady Nox praised her, making Sansa swell with pride. " Now, as Maester Luwin pointed out, at the very least Tywin Lannister has given his blessing to this move. And Gerion's daughter is a legitimized bastard. Now, why would Tywin agree to sending a legitimized daughter all the way up here to Winterfell? "

Thinking over everything she knew; Sansa was able to quickly come to the answer. " The Lannisters want for little. A daughter of House Lannister is the Queen of Westeros and they are known as the wealthiest family in all the land. Yet, we have something they do not. Magic. The Lannisters want a magic user trained by Lord Nox and Gerion's daughter might be the only one who has shown any ability. But that is just the first reason. The second, well, Joy, she, she is of age with myself. And I am nearing the age of betrothals. As are all my brothers and sister. He seeks a possible betrothal by sending her North and allowing her to get to know myself and my brothers and sister more. "

" Well spotted, " Lady Nox congratulated her again. " You and your siblings are reaching the age where offers of marriage will start to come in. The Lords and Ladies of the realm will be looking to leverage any advantage they can to make it so that your father, Lord Stark, will be more inclined to accept their offer over others. Sending Joy here to Winterfell, while I doubt the girl herself will be knowledgeable of Lord Tywin's long-term plans, is a step towards making it so that Lord Stark will accept a betrothal with the Westerlands. With whom I don't know, but that is more than likely his goal. But as you said, we cannot simply refuse such a simplistic request from the Lannisters, especially as my husband has made it clear that he will teach anyone who is Force sensitive. So, for now, we will send your initial response that your father and my husband are currently setting the North to rights and dealing with the traitors and cannot currently receive visitors, but that they are welcome to come North and be tested after their return. But we'll have to word it very carefully. Lord Tywin can supposedly get insulted if a man's shadow crosses his path. "

If he were being honest, Benjen had been expecting the attack to come as soon as they stepped foot off Umber lands and into the New Gift. But instead, they were able to cover nearly a quarter the distance towards Mole Town before the attack came. The attackers were well organized, hiding within a tree line just off the Kingsroad and launching their attack as they passed them by. But unfortunately for the attackers, the move had been expected. And as such, Benjen was not simply traveling alone with his prisoners and the few volunteers he had for the Night's Watch. No, he was traveling with a contingent of men from House Stark, House Umber, House Mormont and a group of more experienced Wolf Rangers.

The attack had been short and brutal. Despite having the element of surprise, the ambushers were severely outnumbered and out classed in just about every possible way. And while none of those who ambushed them were wearing any identifying markings, it wasn't difficult to tell that these men were some of the last few that held out some loyalty to the Houses that had attempted a coup just a moon's turn ago considering they all but ignored the two prisoner carriages that were transporting the various sellswords and assassins and instead focused on the carriage that housed the last remnants of House Ryswell and House Whitehill.

Surveying the dozens of corpses now littering the ground while working on cleaning the blood off his sword, Benjen once against cursed the folly of the noble's ambitions. There were times, quite a few times in fact, that he truly did regret abandoning Ned and joining the Night's Watch. But then there were times like these when he was reminded of the true nature and cost of the highborn ambitions. And it was times like these that he did not regret his decision to leave it all behind. Life might be hard at the Wall, but it was also simplistic.

" First Ranger. "

Turning, Benjen let the bloodied cloth drop from his hands and faced one of the few volunteers from this batch, Ser Waymar Royce. The man's willingness to volunteer for the Watch was commendable, especially now considering he'd lost a brother during the attempted coup on Winterfell.

" Ser Waymar, " Benjen stated, sheathing his sword. " Get the bodies stripped of anything that might be useful and then get a handful of the prisoners out of their cages and have them dig a mass grave for the dead. Once we're done, we'll be marching North for a few more hours before making camp for the night. "

Waymar did not look particularly pleased at the order, and truthfully Benjen didn't blame the man. Before he joined the Night's Watch, he wouldn't have been pleased with robbing the dead and leaving them in an unmarked grave. But time in the Watch quickly stripped him of those thoughts. He'd more than once used his fallen brother's cloaks and weapons when he was ranging. Hells, there were even times he'd taken Wildlings furs to keep himself warm. The dead had no need for clothes or weapons. And if a dead man's boots or cloak could keep you warm at night, or if they're weapons could keep you safe from the hundreds of things looking to kill you north of the Wall, then you took them. And worried about the consequences later.

" As you say, First Ranger, " Waymar nodded before marching off quickly to see that his orders were followed.

It'd taken longer than he'd hoped, but they finally managed to strip the dead of anything useful and bury them by the time the sun was nearing the horizon. And by the time the sun was just about to dip below the horizon, they managed to reach the frequently used campsite of the Night's Watch whenever they were bringing new recruits to the Wall. The campsite was situated atop a hill that overlooked a ravine. The place might not have a name outside of the Gift, but everyone in the Watch knew of this place. 'Cowards Fall' they called it. Because near the site was a sheer cliff that led down perhaps several hundred feet into the ravine. And at the bottom of the drop was a collection of trees and razor-sharp rocks that'd been stained with the blood of countless individuals who'd decided at the last moment that death was preferable to a life in the Watch. Hence the name, 'Cowards Fall'. Though the place did serve a secondary purpose, one again unknown to any outside the Watch and one that was used only in the very rarest of instances. And it was for this purpose that Benjen had decided to make camp this night.

Once the fires were lit for the night, Benjen shared a quick glance with each of his fellow sworn Black Brothers, each of whom gave him a nod of understanding as they silently agreed with his decision. Taking a breath, Benjen made his way between the fire and the three barred wagons that carried the newest recruits for the Watch. The same men who had just a moon's turn ago had tried to end the life of his brother, his good-sister and his nephews and nieces. One of the wagons was full of the sons of House Ryswell and the last remaining son of House Whitehill along with a few men of said Houses and House Bolton and Dustin. While the other two wagons held the various sellswords and assassins that'd been motivated by coin.

" In a few days' time, we will reach Castle Black, " Benjen began, reciting the same speech he always gave to the recruits heading to the Watch. " Once we reach Castle Black, whoever you were or whatever crimes you might have committed will no longer matter. You will be Brothers of the Night's Watch. And that is all you'll be. "

" That's right, Stark, " one of the men from the wagon containing the norther prisoners chuckled. " Pretty soon we'll be breaking bread together. Perhaps us real men of the north will tell you of the fun time we had in Winterfell. "

A few of the other prisoners laughed at the jibe, but Benjen kept himself completely devoid as he pressed on. " Every man of the Watch is needed. Especially with what is potentially coming our way. Which is why it is a shame that I will have to report to Lord Commander Mormont that so many of you died trying to escape during the ambush. "

With a stiff nod, the few sworn Black Brothers that'd accompanied him removed the logs from behind the wheels of the wagon holding the northern prisoners before grabbing the tongue of said wagon.

" Wh–What are you doing, Stark?! " one of the Ryswell lads shouted as the wagon began to rock back and forth. " What nonsense is th–?! "

" I told you. It's a shame that so many of you died while trying to escape. We really could've used more men on the Wall. " Benjen reiterated as the wagon started inching backwards as the men of the Watch let go of the tongue. Several of the prisoners finally realized what was happening as they frantically began pulling at the bars of the wagon trying to escape.

" You – You can't do this! " another of the men shouted as the wagon continued to roll backwards on its own. " We – We took the Black! You – You're a member of the Black! You – You can't do this! "

" Aye, you decided to take the Black, but none of you are Black Brothers yet, " Benjen stated flatly as he walked with the wagon as it slowly approached the edge. " And, yes, I am a man of the Night's Watch and the First Ranger to boot. But before that, I was a man of House Stark. And while I might have given up my name, I still carry the blood of the wolf in my veins. The same blood that you lot tried to end. "

Stopping a fair distance from the edge of the cliff, Benjen watched stoically as the barred wagon holding the northern prisoners rolled off the edge and disappeared into the darkness. The sound of the men inside screaming cutting through the darkness before they all stopped in an instant as the wagon reached the jagged rocks below. Not even bothering to glance over the cliff, Benjen turned heel and made his way back to the small campsite. His fellow Black Brothers were not phased in the slightest by the display, and the same went for those few men of the North that'd decided to help escort the prisoners from Winterfell. Waymar Royce didn't seem pleased with what he'd just witnessed, but he wisely didn't voice his objection. The remaining prisoners though, they were all clearly scared shitless.

" Is there anything else I should know before we continue on to Castle Black? " Benjen questioned, facing the remaining prisoners, all of whom were staring at him with fear in their eyes. Wisely, none of the remaining prisoners spoke up. " I didn't think so. Get some rest, all of you. There's still a good thirty-and-five leagues to go until we reach Castle Black and your new lives amongst the Watch. "

Sitting at his customary spot amongst the other Archmaesters of the Citadel that composed the upper echelons of the Order of the Guiding Hand, Archmaester Ebrose folded his hands underneath his chin as he waited for his fellow Archmaester and brothers in the Order to filter into their meeting chambers and went to take their seats. 'Ryam. Castos. Agrivane. Sandhu. Where is Benedict? '

" Why is Benedict not here? " he asked, more than slightly testy as the latest news he'd received had put him in a sour mood.

" I believe he said that Archmaester Marwyn had something he wished to discuss with him earlier today, " Archmaester Ryam answered, taking his seat. " Though what our charlatan 'mage' has to talk with a true man of knowledge and science I will never know. "

" Do not underestimate, Marwyn, " Castos shot back as he took his own seat directly across from Ryam. " He may be mad for his preference in study. But he is still a man who has more than earned his title as Archmaester of the Citadel. And while you might not agree with him, he is far smarter than you give him credit for, Ryam. "

" Enough, " Ebrose sighed, not in the mood to talk about the resident thorn in their side that was Marwyn. " Marwyn is a topic that shall be discussed later. For now, we have a far more pressing issue to discuss. An issue with the North. "

His fellow Archmaesters all started shifting uncomfortably in their seats. " So, it has been confirmed then? " Agrivane asked tentatively.

" Yes, " Ebrose nodded, feeling more than slightly angry at the years of planning and a mountain of coin that'd been wasted on the incompetence of the Northern Lords they'd chosen to carry out their plans. " We've received ravens from Luwin and several of our brothers in the Order that are scattered throughout the North. The plan was a complete failure. Stark, his children, and the Sorcerer still live. The only casualties were a couple of inconsequential Lords, Lady Stark, and the youngest wolf pup. "

At the end of the table, Sandhu scoffed and shook his head. " I suppose we shouldn't have expected any sort of competence from the Northern barbarians. "

" It wasn't incompetence that led to their failure, Sandhu, " Ebrose countered as he narrowed his eyes at his fellow Archmaester. " The fault is ours for underestimating the sorcerer's capabilities. According to the account from Maester Luwin, the sorcerer did indeed ingest the poison that we sent to the North. However, the sorcerer was able to overcome the poison without any antidote. "

" That's impossible! " Ryam nearly shouted, his eyes wide. " I made that concoction myself! It had to be transported within several containers because just a simple drop on the skin was enough to cause a violent reaction. "

" No one is doubting or blaming you, Ryam, " Ebrose replied, trying to sooth the man's clearly bruised ego. " I doubt anyone save this sorcerer could've survived the poisoning. And how he survived it… It only goes to prove just how dangerous he is and necessary our goal of removing him is. "

" His necessary removal is not in question, Ebrose, " Castos said, leaning forward and resting his chin on his fingers. " The question is: how are we supposed to go about it? This plan took years to enact. And now that it has failed, the wolves and the sorcerer will be much more cautious for some time. "

" Then we will bide our time, " Ebrose tried to placate the man. " And use this time to develop a new strategy for his removal and the replacement of the Starks. There was perhaps hope for the younger generation of wolves to be shown the correct path. But from everything we've heard, all the pups have the same affinity for magic as the sorcerer and are learning directly from him. It is unfortunate, but we will have to arrange for the complete removal of House Stark and this new House Nox. "

Coughing uncomfortably, Agrivane scratched at his near chest length beard. " Planning for the future is necessary my friends, but should we not be more concerned with the here and now? It's obvious that we have underestimated the sorcerer and his abilities. Should we not consider the possibility that our…involvement has been discovered? If the Northern Lords talked before Stark executed them, it could spell disaster for the Order of the Guiding Hand and the Maester Order as a whole. While the wolves are little more than barbarians, we cannot forget that the few times they have ventured south in the past significantly changed the course of the Seven Kingdoms. Aegon's alliance with the Starks and his quick ending of the founding of the Seven Kingdoms. The ending of the Dance. And the fall of the Targaryens. All can be mostly accredited to the wolves venturing south of the Neck. "

" That is a concern, yes, " Ebrose nodded, a twinge of fear swelling in his gut as he thought of the consequences should their actions be discovered. " We all knew the risks of our actions when we became a part of this Order. And while it would be prudent of us to cease all mechations in the North for some time, I do not believe we need to fear retribution from the wolves. We kept ourselves out of this as much as possible, working through proxies of proxies and leaving no trace of our involvement. And we all know of the current Lord Stark's inability and unwillingness to be tactful. Had he known of our involvement, then he would've sent word immediately to King Robert, and the fat oaf can't keep his temper or mouth shut to save his life. No. I believe that we are in the clear for now. And while we must lay low in the North, there is still opportunity to be had. Stark has called for the Stewards and Maesters of the now empty keeps to establish new ownership. We can use this to influence the ownership of several prominent locations in the North and begin planting the seeds for the removal of magic in the North. So, let us begin discussing who would be best to take over ownership of the Dreadfort, Barrow Town, and the Rylls. Obviously, they will be from the North, but there are still a few amongst the lower nobility in the North that are at least enlightened enough to abor—"

The doors to their chambers opened, cutting Ebrose off mid-word as he rose to his feet to greet their late member. " Benedict, I trust that there were no problems wi—"

Ebrose's words trailed off. The man who entered was wearing the garb of a Maester with a chain around his neck long enough to make him an Archmaester, but it was certainly not Benedict. " Marwyn, " Ebrose greeted their estranged fellow Archmaester while his eye quickly did a quick look at the table to make sure there was nothing out that Marwyn shouldn't see. It wasn't that Ebrose didn't trust the man, he was a fellow Maester after all. But he was not a member of the Guiding Hand. And given his love of the arcane, he would never be a member of their prestigious Order.

" Ebrose, " Marwyn returned cordially before meeting the eye of each of their fellow Archmaesters, " Ryam. Castos. Agrivane. Sandhu. Forgive me, I wasn't aware that there was a meeting of the Archmaesters today otherwise I would have arrived sooner. "

" Nothing to forgive, Marwyn, " Ebrose replied, smiling at the Archmaester while wondering just why the man was here considering he usually cared little for gatherings of Archmaesters. " This is no formal gathering. We were just discussing what happened in the North. "

" Yes, horrible business that, " Marwyn nodded sadly, remaining in the doorway and folded his hands behind his back. " But I suppose that it is no worse than what I am about to do now. "

The doors crashed open with enough force to rebound off the adjacent walls as a figure was thrown into the room. Jumping to his feet, Ebrose stared down in horror at the broken and bloodied form of Archmaester Benedict that was now lying next to Marwyn's feet. Opening his mouth, Ebrose made to demand an explanation from Marwyn, but the words died on his lips as he saw several more figures, none of whom were Maesters or Acolytes, barged into the room with weapons drawn. And within the space of a few heartbeats, Ebrose found himself with his back pressed firmly against the far wall from the entrance with a dagger poised at his throat.

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