Chapter 21 2 страница

" More than likely not, " Ned answered honestly, feeling the wolf within him calm slightly despite the fact it was still pacing and hungry for blood. " But Hoster and I…Our history is complicated, at best. One that I will tell you in time when I am of the right mind to do so. For now, let us get our men and horses together and ride North, for I doubt that Lord Tully will be of the mind to host us for much longer after what just transpired. "

Walking across one of the many stone bridges that connected the various towers of Pyke to one another, Asha Greyjoy took a moment to pause and stare down at the sea breaking against the rocks far beneath. For the past six years, she had been waiting for this moment, the moment when she would once again set foot into her family's home. Yet now that she was here, all that she felt was cold. And she found herself missing the warmth that was Winterfell. Not the weather. Gods no. There was more than once during the previous winter that she was sure the air was cold enough to freeze her nipples right off her tits. But despite the coldness of the air, Winterfell had always held a warmth within it's walls. The warmth of family.

Even though she was a hostage to keep her father in line, Lord Stark had extended that warmth upon her. Lord Nox had taken her under his wing and had even taught her a few tricks and trusted her. And when the time had come for her to leave Winterfell, Lord Stark had gifted her with a ship for her service to the North and had embraced her as his daughter, even if they did not share blood.

What had she gotten thus far upon her return to Pyke, her home? An empty dock with a single message telling her to return to the keep immediately and report to her father. None of her uncles were present. There was no escort. There was no one present. She was left to make the trek up to her father's rooms alone without even a single token fucking guard. Though, in truth, she shouldn't have been surprised. This was the way of the Ironborn. They were not weak people that needed coddling or someone to hold their hand to walk through a keep. But even with knowing that, the sting of her family's absence would not go away.

Making her way to the lord's chambers, Asha didn't bother to knock or announce herself as she marched right past her father's guard and flung open the doors to the Greyjoy family's private dining chambers. Within she found her father and her uncles Victarion and Aeron. Euron was not present, not that she expected him to be. Even in Winterfell, she'd heard of her Uncle's actions which led him to be exiled. Of how her Uncle Euron had raped Victarion's salt wife, getting her with child. And how her Uncle Victarion beat his wife to death when he found out. And then how her father, in a rare instance of showing reverence to the gods, exiled her Uncle Euron to prevent kinslaying from occurring in his hall. The story made her disgusted to think that she shared blood with any of them.

" Father, uncles, " Asha greeted the three men as she calmly sat down at the family table, grabbing a plate of food and a cup of strong wine as she did so.

" Daughter, " was the only response she got as her father drained the entirely of his glass before refilling it.

Time had not been kind of her father during her time as a hostage in the North. Where Eddard Stark and Alim Nox had both aged like fine strong wine that just demanded to be drank, her father had aged like sour milk left out in the sun. His face was gaunt and his hair patchy and grey. And the scar across his face, one the many that'd been left on him after crossing Nox and the Iron Throne, still looked as if it were still trying to heal even after years. Her uncle Aeron had not aged well either, though that was truly hard to tell as it looked like his hair and beard had not seen a sheer since before her father's failed rebellion. Her uncle Victarion on the other hand had not changed much at all save for a slight greying of his hair at his temples.

No further words were spoken until her father had finished off his third glass of whatever piss-water he was drinking. " I half expected you to return in some fancy greenlander dress and made up like the greenlander whores that prance around thinking they are better than us. At least the bloody stag-fucking-wolves didn't corrupt you that much. "

Asha's hand tightened almost involuntarily at the insult to the Starks, but she would not say anything. Not yet at least. " I am no greenlander whore who dances in pretty dresses, father, " Asha countered, picking up her wine and finishing it in a single pull before slamming the cup down on the table. " My will is of iron. My blood runs with the salt of the ocean. I am no greenlander. "

" Perhaps, " her father growled. " But you are still a failure. I see no child with you. And now I hear the sorcerer has found a northern cunt to fuck. You had one simple task, lure the sorcerer to your bed, steal his seed and bare his child that would be raised a kraken to take our revenge. And you have failed. Failed at the most basic expectations as a woman. Pathetic. "

The cup in her hand cracked then shattered as she sat there, listening to her father. Her father didn't look impressed by the display, but she could tell that both her uncles were mildly impressed. The accusation hurt, but what hurt more was that in a twisted way he was right. Early in her time at Winterfell she had tried to seduce Nox, but those attempts had failed miserably. Then Nox began his relationship with Nyra and, after getting to know the woman well, she did not have the heart to try and separate the two. Though she would join the two of them should the offer ever come about.

" The sorcerer's will is far greater than other men. He is not so easily swayed by a pretty face, a tight cunt, or a nice set of tits. And I may not have shared his bed, but I do have the sorcerer's confidence. After all, he did choose me to sail the greatest ship ever built into the waters of Valyria in order to raid the lost city of Valyria. " As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she regretted them. Well, not all of them. But definitely the part about the Sea Wolf.

" The 'greatest ship', ha. It's nothing more than an oversized piece of shit built by shitty Northern hands, " her father scoffed. " But as for Valyria… There might be something to salvage from your failure if you can draw charts to replicate the exact path you took to reach the Valyrian Freehold. "

At this, Asha broke the eye contact she'd been maintaining with her father so far. " Such a thing is impossible, " Asha said before meeting her father's eyes once more and pressing on before he could say anything. " The land is covered in constant darkness and a fog that is choking like a slow acting poison. There are hundreds of waterways that lead from the sea, each of which is filled with wrecked ships who tried unsuccessfully to navigate the channels only to end up lost. Then there are the creatures in the sea. Slugs that chew through wood and flesh with impunity. Sea turtles the size of ships and the Drown God only knows how many other creatures that want to make a meal out of you. And those are just the ones in the water. Going by land is worse. But even they cannot compare to the…presence of the place. The land itself is almost…alive. And it does not like visitors. The only reason we were successful in getting in and out in the first place was because of Nox and Jon. A voyage without both giving their aid is suicide. "

" Is that fear? Or greenlander cowardice I hear from you, daughter? " her father asked snidely. " A true Ironborn does not fear that which calls the sea home. "

" It is not fear, nor cowardice, to knowingly and willingly avoid certain death, father. " Asha pressed. " And a venture to Valyria without Nox or Jon is certain death. "

" Jon…Stark's bastard boy, the sorcerer's 'apprentice'. " her Uncle Aeron stated rather than asked.

" Aye, " Asha nodded, not liking the look of contempt in her father's eye as he too made the connection.

" Another failure daughter, " Balon sneered. " You couldn't tempt the sorcerer. And you couldn't bed a boy whose balls haven't dropped. Your usefulness is starting to fade. "

Thoughts of being with Jon were…well, complicated. She wouldn't deny that the young boy she had watched grow had started turning into quite the fetching young man that any woman would be a fool not to chase after. Hells, she'd even been tempted. But on the other hand, he was almost as much her brother as Theon. Thus, the thought of bedding him both excited her and turned her stomach. Not to mention that, unless she severely misread the signs, there was another who had their sights set firmly on Jon and his cock. And the last thing she wanted to do was piss off a Dornish princess.

" The ship you returned with, " her Uncle Victarion spoke, turning the conversation. " It is not a Northern vessel. Nor is it of the Ironborn. "

" No, " Asha confirmed. " It belonged to a pirate in the Stepstones. But now the Black Wind belongs to me. "

" After the wolf gifted it to you, " her father countered with a hard look.

" I paid the price for the Black Wind, " Asha countered back, knuckling the table and rising to her feet to stare down at her father. " I killed her previous crew. I killed her previous captain. I paid the iron price. She is mine! "

Her father just smirked that irritating smirk of his as he leaned back in his chair and made a motion which sent one of the guards scurrying out of the room. " The ship is not yours. Not yet. Your time amongst the greenlanders has made you forget most of our ways. Just having a ship does not make you a captain in the eyes of the Ironborn. And until you are, the ship is mine to decide what to do with. Just as you are, daughter. "

Asha did not like the way her father had said that, and her unease increased tenfold as the guard who'd left returned with a man she recognized as belonging to her Uncle Victarion's crew though for the life of her she couldn't name him. " Who the fuck is this? " She asked.

" This is Ragnor Pyke, one of my raiders, " her Uncle Victarion answered, making the man puff out his chest like some prized stallion out to stud. " He has proven himself worthy of captainship. And as such-"

" No, " Asha hissed, glaring at her father and uncles. " The Black Wind is m—! "

" It is mine! " Her father shouted, slamming his fist down on the table and rising to his feet and glaring right back at her. " Your time amongst the soft greenlanders have made you forget our ways, daughter! You have not earned the right to captain a ship! Not after your constant failures in getting the sorcerer's or that bastard boy's cock in your cunt! You will do as I tell you! The Black Wind will go to Ragnor Pyke! And you will serve as his first mate until I decide that you are ready! Maybe if you actually do the duties expected of a woman…Perhaps you can earn your ship faster. "

" I'd be more than happy to help with such and education, Lord Greyjoy, Captain. " Ragnor smirked, eyeing Asha from head to toe and lingering on her tits and ass. " My salt wife can teach her quite a lot. That woman can suck a barnacle off a hull when she's properly motivated. I'm sure Asha here will be most adequate choking on a coc—"

Asha moved without thought, turning the ruined cup in her hand over and slamming it down onto the table rim first, breaking it further. Turning before the idiot who thought he had the right to her ship could move, Asha clenched the broken cup tightly in her fist and lashed out at the man. Burying the newly made jagged edge of the cup into the man's throat.

" Choke on this, fucker! " Asha growled, letting go of the cup just long enough to bring her fist back in order to punch the cup, lodging it further into the man's throat.

Stepping aside, Asha let the soon-to-be-dead-man fall to the floor, clutching at the jagged cut that was lodged deep in his throat while his blood left him in a rush. " I am my own woman, and the Black Wind is mine, " she hissed, eyeing her father and her uncles. " The next man who tries to claim either had best do it with iron in their hands. Or they will meet the same fate. Though next time I'll use something…duller. Make it hurt more. "

Her father and uncles just…stared at her. None of them uttering a single word as the would-be captain of her ship spilled his life blood out onto the floor. " Hmm, perhaps you are not a complete failure. You do remember some of our ways. "

" I know the way, " Asha said strongly before adding in softly under her breath. " Better than you. "

Her father obviously hadn't heard the second part of what she'd said as he calmly sat back down and resumed eating and drinking casually, as if a man dying on his floor was an everyday occurrence. Which, given her family, was a distinct possibility. " The ship is yours, " her father said nonchalantly as if they were talking about the weather. " Change out the sail to something suitable, Asha. Then we will talk about where you will be sailing her too. Leave. "

Not bothering to even attempt to stay, Asha turned heel and marched out of the room. The rage that'd nearly consumed her was still burning hot as she stormed through the halls of the Pyke, leaving serving girls and guards hurrying to get out of her path as she made her way through. It was only when she was back aboard her ship and within her cabin that she finally took a moment to breathe. She knew that her return home would not be the most…pleasant of experiences. But she sure as hell wasn't expecting this type of welcome home. Making sure that the door to her cabin was locked, Asha made her way to her bed and knelt. Lifting the corner of her feather stuffed bed, Asha worked open a loose panel in the frame of the bed, revealing a hidden compartment the size of her forearm underneath. And within the compartment was a black melted candle made of glass. One of the many that'd been plundered from Valyria and gifted from the sorcerer to her just before she left Winterfell.

Carefully picking up the glass candle, she took a moment to stare into the black glass before letting her mattress fall back in place and moving over to the desk in her cabin. Setting the candle down on its surface, Asha knelt before the candle, her head bowed ever so slightly. Reaching within herself as Nox had taught her, Asha touched into the small well of power within her and channeled it out into the glass. As she raised her head, she could see a faint glow emanating from the glass, making her smirk. " Master Nox, I have returned home. My father acted as you predicted, and I responded in kind. The Black Wind is mine and my place has been confirmed. "

The candle pulsed and glowed brighter. " Well done, Asha. You have taken your first step. And now your real task begins. "

Nox considered himself a very well-traveled man, especially when compared to the locals of the world he now called home. He'd been from one end of the galaxy to the other and had seen and done just about everything one could think of. But the sight that he now saw before him… It was just…wrong. And there was no better way to put it than that. To everyone else it was just a large stone bridge with a castle—several castles—constructed across its length in order to protect it. But to Nox, who saw with the Force and not his eyes, he did not see a simple castle on a bridge. What he saw was just…corruption and a sense of wrongness. And when coming from the man who'd ventured into the Dark Temple on Dromund Kaas for fun, that was saying something!

" So, this is the infamous 'Twins', " Nox commented idly as he and Ned, along with the rest of their retinue, made their way towards the castle that rested on the banks of the river nearest to them. It was indeed an impressive construct. A large stone bridge that housed a castle of equal size on each bank while the center of the bridge was dominated by a large tower twice as tall as either castle. " Quite the formidable structure. "

" Aye, " Ned replied evenly, though Nox could detect the slightest bit of hesitation from his friend. And given what he'd learned about the Freys and their current Lord, one 'Late' Walder Frey, Nox could understand his friend's hesitation. " Lady Mormont. Stay back with the wagon, Lady Shireen, and the others. GreatJon, Nox, and boys you are with me. Let's get this over with. "

The Freys were not necessarily the most powerful house in Westeros, but they had still managed to gain a lot of gold and notoriety over the years because of the fact that they controlled one of the only notable ways of crossing the Trident in the northern regions of the Riverlands. Because of this, they were able to exact a heavy toll on those who were looking to cross. Usually, the toll was in the form of coin. But it wasn't uncommon for the Lord of the Crossing to change his mind and demand other forms of payment in lieu of coin. Most commonly were betrothals to one of his many children, grandchildren, or even great-grandchildren.

Coming upon the eastern bank castle, they were met with a closed gate and more than one weary eye from atop the battlements before them. " Who goes there! " A voice shouted down to them.

The GreatJon didn't hesitate to respond as he nudged his horse so that he was positioned just in front of Ned and Nox. " Can't you bloody well fucking see banners ya halfwit!? " The large man's shout was almost deafening. " See the wolf? And the red mountains? The chains and the bear? This here is the Warden of the North, Lord Eddard Stark, and the Northern Sorcerer Nox are looking to cross your fucking bridge! Now, open the damn gates! "

The man atop the gates disappeared so fast that Nox was sure he left a trail of dust floating in the wind behind him. Within what seemed like only a few minutes, the main gate started lowering, revealing a man perhaps twice Nox's age who looked like he'd seen better years. The moment the drawbridge was lowered, the older man walked across it's wooden surface with a contingent of five guards flanking him. " Lord Stark, Lord Nox…Lord Umber, I presume, and Lady Mormont. I am Ser Stevron Frey, first born son of Lord Walder Frey and his heir. I welcome you all and offer you the hospitality of the Twins. "

Nox couldn't help but be taken aback slightly at the declaration. 'This…is the heir to the Twins? By the Force, the fool is old enough to have died and passed on his title. '

" Ser Stevron, " Ned greeted the man, nudging his horse closer to the man with Winter staying right by the horse's flank. " Your hospitality is appreciated. However, my bannerman and I must decline as we are anxious to return to our homes. We request passage across the Twins and that is all. "

The elder Frey didn't seem at all surprised. " But of course, word of what has happened between the North and the Maesters has reached many ears, my Lord. As have your actions in King's Landing with the dreadful business of the wildfire. And given such events, I can understand your desire to return to your homes as quickly as possible. "

" Good, " Ned replied evenly. " Name the toll and we will be on our way. "

Stevron shifted uncomfortably where he stood, and Nox could feel waves of anxiety and small amounts of fear coming off the man. " Yes…the toll to cross. My father, Lord Walder, knew of your coming and asked that you be brought to him to discuss the toll…in person. "

The sense of something wrong intensified as the heir to the Twins slowly made his way back across the drawbridge while beckoning them to follow him.

" Fucking hellspawn piss-sucking Freys, " GreatJon spat lowly so that they wouldn't be overheard. " You know what he'll want, Ned. "

" Aye, I do, " Ned responded with a voice that was like iron. " But that does not mean he will get it. The Freys will have their due for our crossing. But not a copper more. "

Once they were past the walls and within the small courtyard, Ser Stevron led them towards a small stable where they all dismounted before handing the horses off to the stable hands. Before they could enter the keep though, the old Frey stopped them, his eyes traveling down to Winter and her two pups that'd followed them into the keep. " Are your beasts…tamed, Lord Eddard? "

Winter's ears tilted back on her head as a low growl started emanating from her throat, forcing the Frey to take an involuntary step back as his fear began to overtake him. " Winter and her cubs are direwolves, Ser Stevron, " Ned responded, calmly placing his hand atop the horse-sized wolf's head. " They are the North herself, untamable by man. They are not beasts. But have no fear. Make no ill move towards myself or those with me, and none need fear them. And they stay with those of House Stark at all times. Lest you wish to test their abilities to control their baser instincts? "

The Frey gave each wolf a long look, no doubt weighing the repercussions of demanding that the wolves stay outside the keep. In the end, the man decided that it was better for the wolves to stay with them rather than allow them to wander off on their own and invited them into the keep. To Nox's senses, outside of the keep being built on a bridge he found the Twins to be rather…lacking. Sure, there was a substantial amount of wealth proudly displayed across the walls in forms of tapestries or fancy, painted shields, or other expensive items. But there was no warmth to the place. Walking through the keep, he could only compare the place to some of the households that belonged to the nobility within the Sith Empire that were not in fact Sith. Extravagant wealth but no power, only the allusion of power and importance.

As they were led into the main hall within the keep, the Northerners were greeted to an unexpected sight. Most of the tables had been removed save for the high table and two others. And those three tables were laden with enough food and drink to satisfy a small army. And the only two occupants, besides the serving girls standing at the edges of the room with pitchers of wine, were two individuals seated at the high table. One was a young girl who looked to be only perhaps a few years older than Robb and Jon at best. And the other was an old man that looked like a corpse that'd been rotting for years. And while the young woman wasn't touching the food or drink before her, the old man was digging into his meal with perhaps the worst set of table manners Nox had ever experienced in his life. And that included his mealtimes in the slave pens.

" Father, " Ser Stevron said, bowing at the waist before the high table. " I have brou-"

" Aye, I can see them, fool, " the old man, Walder Frey, Lord of the Crossing belched as he hastily wiped at his mouth. " Well? Don't just stand there like the idiot you are, son, sit down and get out of Lord Eddard's way. "

The younger Frey, though he was still older than anyone else in the Northern party, hastily bowed to his father once more before making his way around the tables and up to the high table where he took a seat to the left of the young girl.

" Well? " Walder asked, motioning towards the feast laid out before them. " What are you waiting for? This feast is for the lot of ya. Sit down already. "

Nox could do little more than shake his head. This man had arrogance in spades. More than likely never had anyone ever truly challenge him. In part because, from what he'd read, the man never left this castle. His own family didn't dare challenge him because he was their head of house and the local Lords either avoided him or catered to his whims because they needed use of the crossing. A king of his own making so to speak.

" The offer is appreciated, Lord Walder, but we must decline the invitation, " Ned replied, his voice hard and his face set in stone as he stood before the Lord of the Crossing. " We have been away from the North for many moons and are all ready to return to our own homes. "

Walder did not look pleased with the denial. But it was a smart move on Ned's part. From what Nox had learned of Walder, while he was perhaps the oldest man in all of Westeros, he was still ambitious and sly. If they had taken his invitation to sit and dine and rest within the halls of the Twins, then the Lord of the Crossing would have cause to raise the price of their toll due to the cost food they consumed.

" What? Are the Lords of the North too good for the food within my halls? " Walder asked, picking up a piece of chicken and biting into it. " You denied my invitation to my wedding with my latest wife as well as my ninetieth nameday, Lord Eddard. One would think you Northerners are too good for House Frey. "

'Ninety? ' Nox thought as his sight shifted to the clearly uncomfortable young woman sitting beside him. 'And I take it that this is his newest wife? Force…How that man can even still get it up at his age to produce children without the aid of pharmaceuticals is nothing short of a miracle. A terrible miracle, but a miracle nonetheless. '

" Issues within the North required my attention, Lord Walder. " Ned replied diplomatically. " I congratulate you both on your marriage and ask the gods blessing on your union. "

" Heh, gods' blessing, heh? I've got twenty-two sons, Stark. Gods have blessed me enough. This one here is just to keep my bones warm at night. "

Nox had to hold out his hand discreetly to keep Jon and Robb from acting rashly as the decrepit old man reached out and fondled the young girl to his left. And while the girl was not fighting off the old man's hand, it was clear that she was not enjoying his touch at all.

" As you say, " Ned's voice had gained a definite edge, signaling that just like his sons, he was not unaffected by the brazen display. " If we could proceed to the matter of the toll for our crossing, Lord Walder? My men and I are anxious to be in the North once more. "

Ceasing his fondling, Walder placed his elbows on the table and rested his chin in his hands. " These your sons, Stark? They look like yours. "

Nox could feel Ned tensing at the mentioning of the two youngest amongst them. " Aye. This is my son and heir, Robb. And my son, Jon. "

Nox could see and feel the desire and ambition rolling off Walder as he licked his lips. " I was incorrect when I spoke of my sons, Lord Eddard, " Walder said, still sidestepping the issue of the toll. " I no longer have twenty-two sons. I have twenty-one. One was a Maester at the Citadel. Or at least he was until you and the sorcerer next to you strung him up and gutted him like a piece of livestock. "

Beside him, Ned stiffened, but Nox could only shake his head. He could sense no remorse from Walder as he spoke of his deceased son. Meaning the bringing up of him was meant only to put Ned off balance and try to garner some sense of guilt from the Warden of the North. " The Maesters who were executed were traitors to the realm, Lord Walder. Having lost my own son, I understand your pain. But I will not apologize for delivering the King's justice to those who sought to usurp control of the realm through treachery and were responsible for the death of my wife, son and dozens of other sons and daughters of the North. "

That was not the response the elderly Frey clearly wanted, given the wave of annoyance coming off him. " You want to cross my bridge, Stark, after killing one of my son's? " Walder asked, trying to look intimidating but failing utterly at the task. " Fine. But the cost…well, perhaps we can mitigate it. Despite the death of a son of House Frey at the hands of the wolves, I'm willing to overlook it and give you passage. And free passage for House Stark for the next generation as well. Provided your eldest son take one of my daughters or granddaughters for the next Lady Stark and your eldest girl marries one of my sons. "

Nox had to admit the man had balls. To all but demand not one, but two marriages from the Warden of the North, even if said marriages would provide toll free passage for a generation it was still heavily one sided. And from the cold fury emanating off his friend, Ned knew it as well. " Rejected. We will pay the toll today. But my sons' and daughters' hands are not up for discussion. "

" What? Are your children too good for sons and daughters of House Frey? I have plenty of sons for you to choose from for your daughter. And as for your son…I have a pretty girl or two and that is all that matters in the end, isn't it, boy? A pretty face to warm your bed and bare your children? " Walder asked snidely, but after failing to generate a response he snorted. " Fine. If not your eldest son and daughter, then how about your bastard boy there and yourself? I'm sure you will find at least two of my daughters or granddaughters suitable for bedwarmers. "

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