Chapter 21 4 страница

Confused by the cryptic statement, Asher peered around into the back of the covered wagons and immediately took a step back. The wagon was full of…people. Most were in a sorry state. But the one thing he noticed was the facial markings on perhaps half of the people in the wagon that were an immediate tell as to just who, or rather what, these people were.

" Slaves, " Beshka breathed for the two of them, her hand traveling down towards the hilt of her sword. " And here I thought you Westerosi were against slavery. "

" Westeros has no tolerance for slavery, the North even less so, " the woman said, her voice almost like a song to his ears. " And these people are slaves no longer. They have risked everything to break their chains and free themselves. And now we are going to help them find a new life for themselves and their families in the North. Free from slavery. "

Stepping back, Asher watched as the woman spoke once more in a foreign tongue to the former slaves. One by one, the slaves all started climbing out of the back of the wagon, clutching whatever meager belongings they had, if they even had any to begin with. Asher was no novice when it came to slaves, he'd seen more than his fair share since arriving here in Essos. But as he watched these slaves pass him by, he noticed something in them that he hadn't seen in any other slave. A light in their eyes with a slight smile upon their faces.

'Hope, ' he thought, as he watched the former slaves happily make their way towards the ship that would be taking them to freedom. Upon greeting them with open arms, the sailors helped them get situated. 'They have hope. Their lives won't be easy by any stretch of the imagination as the people of the North are weary of outsiders. But still…it will be a far sight better than living as a slave until the day they die. '

" And just who are you? " Beshka asked, her gaze focused on the beautiful woman. " This one's woman or something? "

" No, " the woman answered immediately as if it were a simple fact. " I am Voice. And that is all you need concern yourself with. "

" She's right in that regard, " Domeric added as another group of former slaves were helped down and moved towards the ship. Asher also noted that there were several chests and other objects being loaded up as well, which meant that the transporting of former slaves wasn't the only cargo that was going to be taken across the Narrow Sea. " Your part in what is going on here in Essos is now over. "

Blinking, Asher finally realized just what was going on. It wasn't chance or good mind for trade that allowed Domeric to take over the glass trade and other trades between Westeros and Essos here in Pentos. But rather, he was set up to do so. And in exchange he was filtering freed or escaped slaves out of Essos and into Westeros. A very dangerous task, as even here in Pentos where slavery was technically illegal it was still a crime punishable by torture and death to help abscond with slaves.

" Maybe I was wrong about you Bolton, " Asher chuckled as the last of the slaves were loaded up onto the ship. " You've got stones the size of the fucking Wall. "

" Or a complete lack of sense, " Domeric smirked as his Unsullied guards closed the wagons and took up positions flanking Domeric. " May the old gods watch over you, Forrester. And may you and yours find fortune and long life. "

Smirking, Asher reached out his hand and clasped arms with Domeric. " You as well, Bolton. You as well. "

Riding through the East Gate of Winterfell, Eddard Stark kept his face as neutral as he possibly could as he tried to hide just how relieved he was to return home. They'd only been gone for perhaps two moons at best, but still. That was two moons away from his home. Away from most of his children who needed him now more than ever before with the loss of their mother. 'Cat. ' Just thinking about his lost wife was enough to put a damper on his elation at returning home. For she would no longer be here to welcome him home. To take him into her bed at night. Pushing such thoughts aside, Ned kept his focus forward as he led their small caravan through the walls of Winterfell and into the keep proper.

Once they were within the walls, Ned immediately felt the warmth of Winterfell wash over him, as well as the near deafening sound of hundreds of smallfolk cheering for their return. Behind him, he could sense both Jon and Robb shift uneasily in their saddles as they tentatively waved to the smallfolk that were crowded along the street and leaning out the windows of their homes.

" Is it always like this? " Robb asked, just loudly enough so that Ned could hear him over the cheering of the crowd.

" Only when your people have a reason to celebrate your return, " Ned replied calmly, raising his hand and acknowledging some of the smallfolk as they rode through the streets of Winterfell towards the inner keep.

In truth, this was only the third time Ned had received such a welcome. The first had been on his return from Robert's Rebellion and the toppling of the Targaryen Dynasty. The second had been upon his return from putting down the Greyjoy Rebellion. 'And now I've put down a pseudo-rebellion by the Maesters, ' he thought morosely. 'Am I to be cursed to spend my life either participating in or putting down one rebellion after another? Can I not know a time of peace for myself and my children? Perhaps Nox is right. It is in the very nature of man to fight. To strive for that which he does not have and if he cannot claim it, to try and take it by force. That only the dead have truly seen the end of war? Such a bleak outlook. But now after thirteen years and three rebellions I cannot help but think that he is right. As he usually is. '

Making their way into the inner keep, Ned's sour mood disappeared as fast as water in Dorne as he gazed upon the small army of people that were assembled in front of the great hall of Winterfell. It seemed as if every servant in the keep had been brought out to welcome them home. He could also see the growing number of students of Winterfell's College standing tall and proud beside Maester Luwin. And it was clear that his house guards, under the direction of Jory and Ser Rodrik no doubt, had spent the night cleaning and preparing their arms and armor. But his attention was not on the servants, the students, or even his house guards. No. His attention was reserved solely for the small group of seven that were standing at the forefront of the gathering.

Of those gathered at the forefront there was one that seemed out of place, but he assumed that Lady Talisa had more than earned her place at his daughter's side. Especially considering he'd sought the foreign lady out before their departure and had specifically asked her to give aid and console to his daughter whenever requested. Next to her were Jory and Ser Rodrik, both men standing tall and proud. And standing next to them was the woman he'd entrusted his children and Winterfell too, the 'former-serving-girl' as many called her, the Stewardess of Winterfell Lady Nyra Nox. And standing just in front of those three were the ones who had his undivided attention. Bran was near bouncing in place, his eagerness to rush towards them so great that Ned could feel it. Arya was…well…Arya. His little wolf had forgone the dress she should've been wearing and was instead wearing fine leather britches and a tunic to match. And in the lead was his eldest daughter, Sansa. Gods, she looked so much like her mother right then, standing with her head held high with her red hair braided and slung over her right shoulder. His red wolf had grown so much in his absence. And standing next to each of his children where their direwolves, each of whom were shaking in place from excitement.

Grey Wind and Ghost broke ranks first, running with excited yips towards their siblings, who didn't hesitate to rush from his children's sides to meet their brothers halfway. The yard broke out into a mixture of laughter and excited yipping as the five direwolf pups reunited with one another in a massive tangling of fur and limbs. Beside him, he could feel Winter's amusement and, with only the slightest of mental pushes from Ned, the mother of the pups trotted across the yard to join with her children in their reunion.

" Father, " Sansa curtsied, and action that was followed by the rest of those assembled as Ned dismounted from his horse. " Brothers. Welcome home. Winterfell and the North is yours once more. "

Ned knew what curtesy called for, but it could go to the hells for all he cared. Stepping forward, much to his daughter's surprise, Ned quickly crossed the distance between them and scooped up his eldest daughter in a hug and spun her around in a quick circle. " Father! " Sansa yelled, though he could tell there was more mirth than anger in her cries as small peals of laughter escaped her as he spun her around multiple times.

Setting her down, he repeated the same process with Arya. Only his little wolf didn't wait for him as she leapt up into his arms with a grin so large it threatened to split her face in two. Bran was next, his youngest child bouncing in place as he waited for his turn while Sansa and Arya went to welcome their brothers' home. As he let go of Bran, he noticed that Nox had quietly strode past him and was in the process of…thoroughly reconnecting with his wife. A scene that brought both joy and no small amount of pain to Ned.

" There are a few that I wish to introduce you three too, " he said, turning and motioning for three individuals to come forward from the line of the wagons.

Lady Shireen Baratheon, who was perhaps the only one of the three that was used to these situations, immediately took the lead and walked forward with her head held high while Gendry, Anna and Mhaegen slowly trailed after her. " This is Lady Shireen Baratheon, first daughter of Lord Stannis Baratheon, " Ned introduced the young girl to his children. " This lad here is Gendry of King's Landing. This young girl is Anna of King's Landing. And this young woman is Mhaegen of King's Landing along with her infant daughter Barra. Lord Nox will be taking Lady Shireen, Gendry and Barra as his students in the Force and teaching them alongside yourselves while Mhaegen and Anna will be under Lord Nox's charge. "

Bran's face lit up at the prospect of more people learning the ways of the Force with him, while Arya's took a downturn. No doubt she was of the mind that because there were now more looking to learn the ways of the Force that her lessons would lessen. Sansa however didn't miss a beat as she immediately gave a welcoming curtesy, which Shireen and Mhaegen returned almost perfectly while Gendry took a moment longer before giving her an awkward bow in return. " Welcome to Winterfell, Lady Shireen. And you as well, Gendry and Mhaegen of King's Landing. I trust that, as we will all be students of Master Nox for a time, that we will come to know each other well. "

" Thank you, my Lady, " Shireen responded with all the expected courtly etiquette. " I look forward to getting to know yourself and your siblings much better in our coming years together. "

" Yes, milady, thank you, " Mhaegen followed up, curtseying again while holding onto her infant daughter.

All eyes turned to Gendry, the strong lad suddenly looking very unsure of himself now that he was the center of attention. " Aye, milady, ummm – I uh…"

" Oh, give off it already, stop stammering and just say 'thank you', " Arya snorted, earning a roll of the eyes from Sansa at the breaking of decorum.

Gendry's face turned redder than a smith's forge. " Aye, um – thank you, milady Stark. "

Sansa, taking pity on the young man, gave him a smile that almost seemed to freeze the lad in his spot before she turned back to him, a note of apprehension coming upon her face. " Father, there have been…several ravens that have arrived since you left King's Landing. And…well…I believe there are things that must be spoke of in private. "

" Lady Sansa is quite right, milord, " Lady Nox said, sounding more than slightly breathless as she finally managed to partially free herself from her lord husband, though she didn't look like she was trying too hard to fully break free of his hold. " There are a number of things that need your immediate attention. Rooms have been prepared for our guests within the Sorcerer's Tower. And with your leave, I will show them to their rooms. "

Ned just barely managed to hold in his sigh. He'd wanted nothing more than just to spend the rest of the day and night relaxing with his children. But apparently that was not meant to be. " Very well, let us go somewhere quiet to speak. " He said to his children before turning and addressing the crowd. " All of you, thank you for your warm welcome. My sons and I thank you all. Now please, return to your duties. "

Hearing the dismissal, the servants of Winterfell immediately began to disperse leaving the courtyard near empty in only moments. " Lady Nox, " Ned said, turning towards his Stewardess. " Please see to the placement of our guests and then the rest of the day is yours to do with as you wish. Nox… Please try and remember that your wife still has duties to perform tomorrow. I will need her coherent and able to walk properly. "

" As you say, Lord Stark, " Nox replied, a grin on his face as he effortlessly scooped his wife up into his arms with one arm bracing her shoulders and the other under her knees. " Call if you need anything, Stark. But don't call. " And with that, Nox turned and moved away so fast Ned could've sworn he simply disappeared.

Pushing aside the pang of longing that wished he could do the same, Ned led his children through the great hall and into one of the smaller private dining areas that was usually reserved for the immediate Stark family when they were not entertaining guests in the great hall. Sitting down at the head of the short table within the hall, Ned waited as his children took their seats as well before starting. " What ravens have you received? I take it based on Nyra's comment about needing to prepare Winterfell that we are soon to be expecting visitors? "

" Yes, father, " Sansa answered politely, her posture that of a perfect lady. " We received a request shortly after your departure from Casterly Rock, specifically from Lord Gerion Lannister. He requested that he bring his daughter here to Winterfell for her to be tested by Lord Nox. I responded that you were away and would have to wait until you returned. But a week past we received another raven stating that Lord Gerion was on his way North by ship with his daughter and…and that Lord Tyrion Lannister would be accompanying them as well. "

Rocking back, Ned resisted the urge to groan. Nox had told him shortly after returning from Valyria that they should be expecting a visit from Gerion and his daughter sometime soon. But even being prepared for it… The events at the end of Robert's Rebellion still left a foul taste in his mouth whenever he thought of the Lannisters. And now they were to host not only Tywin Lannister's brother and niece, but his son as well. His deformed dwarf son at that. Though if he were to be honest, it wasn't so much having to house those of House Lannister that put him on edge. No, that was due more to the fact that there was a good probability that Nox would take the girl on as an acolyte. He shuddered to think of what Tywin Lannister could do in the future with one of his House having the same abilities as his own children and Nox. " Lord Gerion and his daughter's arrival is not unexpected as Nox told me that they would more than likely be coming. Lord Tyrion though…I expect you all to be on your best behaviors and remember your courtesies while in his presence. "

His children all nodded, though his gaze did have to linger on Arya for a time before she gave in and nodded her consent as well. " Is that all? " he asked, turning back to Sansa who started fidgeting.

" No, father, " she answered. " We also received word from Dorne. Prince Oberyn and Princess Arianne and a retinue from Dorne are on their way north as we speak. They – They say they are coming to Winterfell to discuss further trade relations between the North and Dorne. And the Prince, well, he said he's coming to offer his condolences for – for what happened. "

Blinking, Ned frowned as he thought over what the arrival of Prince Oberyn and Princess Arianne could actually mean. While he had no doubt that there was truth to the wish of discussing trade, he doubted that was the entirety of the matter. The Martells had not left their lands for any part of the Seven Kingdoms since the end of the Rebellion. Hells, the only reason why they hadn't continued the fight after what happened to Elia Martell was because Jon Arryn somehow managed to convince them that peace was the better option.

" Prince Oberyn and – and Ar – Princess Arianne are coming to Winterfell? "

Looking towards Jon, Ned immediately noticed the slight reddening around his son's ears. 'Jon seems quite…familiar with the Princess to call her by her name only. Even if he did catch himself. Did something more happen in Dorne than what he told me? ' " Jon? " Ned asked, leveling a look at his son. " Is there something you wish to tell us? "

Jon's face had gone red before going white and then returning to a somewhat normal color as he fought to control himself. " No! I – I mean nothing happened between us. We danced and talked and – and that was it. I swear it. "

There was no lie in his words. But still, for two of the ruling family of Dorne to personally make their way to the North to speak of something as simple as trade? No, Ned might not be one who readily participates in 'the game' that the other highborns participated in. But he was no fool. A matter of condolence or trade did not necessitate the arrival of two members of a ruling House. One of whom was the technical heir due to the laws of inheritance in Dorne.

" And, " Sansa pressed on. " We have also received word from Highgarden. Lady Olenna Tyrell, Lord Willias Tyrell, Ser Garlen Tyrell, and Lady Margaery Tyrell are on their way north with a large contingent of their sworn guardsmen while escorting men north who have volunteered for the Night's Watch. Given the timing of each raven, father…Lady Nyra and Maester Luwin have both estimated that all three groups will be here within the walls of Winterfell within a moon's turn at the latest. And they should all be arriving within a sennight of each other. "

'Gods…Which of the gods did I wrong in my life to have to deal with this gathering?! ' Ned thought morosely as he felt the beginnings of a headache that he was sure wouldn't leave him until all parties had departed from Winterfell. Dealing with just one of the Great Houses of Westeros was cause for a headache. Dealing with three, and these three at that? House Martell despised House Lannister because of what transpired at the end of Robert's Rebellion, and with due cause. House Tyrell and House Lannister had been in a constant state of rivalry as they continuously tried to prove to the realm just which House was technically the richest. And House Tyrell also had a cold relationship with House Martell in no small part because it was Prince Oberyn who injured Lord Willias during a tourney years ago, leaving the boy with a permanent limp despite his age. Neither of those three Houses had even talked to one another for years due to their grudges against one another. And now, all three were going to be within the walls of Winterfell for the gods' only knew how long.

" Father? Are you alright? "

Giving himself a mental shake, Ned found his children all staring at him with varying degrees of distress written clear across their faces. " I'm fine, " he lied. He was far from 'fine'. " We will need to prepare separate wings of the guest hall for our visitors. Hopefully, guest rites will keep them in check, but I will not put them to the test. Not in my halls. "

" I thought you would say that father, " Sansa replied, the slight distress at his brooding gone and replaced with her mother's faç ade once more. " I've ordered the servants to begin cleaning and preparing three different areas of the guest quarters. "

Favoring his eldest daughter with a smile, Ned gave her an appreciative nod of thanks. Only a few moons on her own, and already his daughter had changed so much that he hardly recognized her. " Well done, Sansa. You are truly your mother's daughter. And will, without a doubt, one day become a great lady of your own house. "

Sansa preened under the praise while Arya merely rolled her eyes. 'Sansa will indeed become a great lady…but I fear that Arya never will. And while such a thought fills me with dread, I fear far more what she would do should I try and force such a fate upon her. '

" The Lannisters, the Martells, and the Tyrells… And here I was hoping that we would be done with the southerners for a time, " his eldest sighed.

" The North is a part of the Seven Kingdoms, son. As are the Reach, the Westerlands, and Dorne. As such, we will never be 'done with the southerners', " Ned stated sternly, giving Robb a hard glare.

Perhaps not realizing he'd said the thought aloud, his eldest son went wide eyed and sat up straighter. " Father, I – That wasn't what I meant. I –"

" I know what you meant, son, " Ned replied, taking pity on his son. " The games of the south have little use here in the North. But nonetheless, you must learn how to play their game as well should you wish to become a respected lord. Both in the eyes of our people and those of the south. And this will be a good opportunity for you to put what you learned in King's Landing into practice. "

" Aye, father, I won't let you down, " Robb said with determination.

" I know you won't…You are all the best of your mother and I and more, even you, Jon. And I am proud, so very proud, to call each of you my children, " Ned smiled as he saw each of his children, Jon included, light up and smile. " Now come, enough of this heavy talk. Let us move onto lighter subjects. I have had a firsthand accounting for Robb's and Jon's progress, but I am curious how you three are doing with your training that Master Nox assigned to each of you. "

There were few things in life that Nox found truly relaxing. And laying on his bed with his wife using his chest as a pillow as she slept while he idly traced the path of her spine with his fingers was at the top of that list. But while his body and soul were relaxed, his mind was anything but. Nyra had told him of their impending visitors from the south. While he had fully expected for the major players of Westeros to start trying to make their moves soon, he was not necessarily expecting them all to make them at the same time. And while this wasn't necessarily a bad thing, it was unexpected. But it also meant that he would need to expedite a few of his plans.

His training of the Stark children was progressing as well as could be expected. But given their current rate of growth, it would be at least a decade or more before their training could even be considered partially complete. He would have to increase their training regimes. Especially for Jon and Arya, who were now the two most powerful of his students. Though with Shireen now in Winterfell, Arya would more than likely find herself having to try to keep her number two position amongst his students. As for the other two, Barra was still but an infant and still years away from even being able to start proper training. And Gendry… Though Nox could tell that the boy would make for an excellent Sith Warrior, focusing solely on his battle prowess would be doing the boy a disservice. Considering his skill in Force Forging…his training would perhaps be the most difficult to outline.

And outside of Force training, he also needed to accelerate some of his technological plans. The rail system was a good start, but Samwell and Luwin still had not finalized the design for a steam engine that would be powerful enough to pull the weight of train cars. He'd had to lean on them a bit and start subtly injecting more advanced theories and ideas for the two to use. Then there was his 'other' project. The project that would change warfare as this world knew it forever. But even that project would take a decent amount of time. Firstly, to acquire what he needed. And secondly to get the correct combination put together to make it effective. Then there was the actual delivery mechanism. He'd been planning on using Mikken to help him design the mechanism he required. Yet now with Gendry's Force Forging ability, perhaps he could expedite that plan as well, which circled back around to how to properly structure Gendry's training.

But he also had another problem to consider. And that was when he started introducing a continuous stream of technological advancements, how long would it last before people began asking questions as to just how he was able to come up with such inventions? Questions that Nox was honestly surprised hadn't already started to come about. Questions that he didn't want to answer. But still, those questions could potentially create a divide between himself, his Apprentices, and the few that he had started to consider to be his friends. Possibly even a divide between himself and the woman he now held in his arms. There was a way to preempt all those questions and ensure that he maintained the trust of those he considered his friends and his love. But it was not without risks of doing exactly what he was hoping to avoid. Which was to tell them the truth of himself and the universe at large.

Tightening his hold on Nyra, his wife gave off the slightest of whimpers as she tightened her hold on him, burying her face further into his chest. Losing Ashara had nearly destroyed who he was. Losing his son Khem just before he could be born had thrown him back into the deepest pit of darkness imaginable. And the only reason why he was able to pull himself out of the pit was his connection to Nyra. Should he lose her, either due to a blade or because of an ill kept secret…

'It should work, ' he thought, resuming running his fingers along Nyra's warm flesh. 'Jon and Robb are more than powerful enough in the Force. Ned's power has grown significantly despite his age. And Nyra…I don't know how or why. But she has developed the slightest of Force attunements. '

That last little bit had certainly been a shock to Nox when he'd laid his metaphorical eyes on her upon returning to Winterfell. Her connection to the Force was slight and untrained, but it was there. The question was: how? Spontaneously acquiring an affinity for the Force was not necessarily unheard of. But it was so rare that it was all but a myth. Yet, Nyra was living proof that it was indeed possible. Granted she would never be powerful enough to outclass anyone above an Apprentice level. But she still had a connection to the Force now. Perhaps…Perhaps it wasn't just Sansa's healing that saved her life? Perhaps there was a chance, and outrageously slim chance, that their unborn child subconsciously protected its mother? It…It was a possibility. But it was not one that he was truly interested in testing out further.

'How it happened no longer matters, ' he thought, inhaling the scent of his wife's hair. 'All that matters is that she has a touch of Force sensitivity. Which means that she will be able to partake in what I'm going to be attempting. The only question that remains is how will she and the others react to learning the truth of the universe? '

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