Chapter 22 2 страница

Her uncle's paramour, Ellaria Sand, as well as her cousins Obara, Nymeria, and Tyene, with her uncle's squire Daemon coming down last. Of the four women, only Obara seemed even remotely comfortable in the cold of the North as her eldest cousin took after her father in wearing only light leathers while the rest had donned more furs than even Arianne had. " Gods, how does one get used to such cold? " Nymeria asked as she joined Arianne on dry land. " Though…the scenery isn't all that bad. "

Following her cousin's desire filled gaze, Arianne quickly found what had stoked a fire within her cousin. Working on the docks were a fair number of Northmen who, despite the cold air, were stripped of their shirts and wearing only their britches. It was…quite the sight indeed. While she was attracted to the lithe frame of the men of Dorne for the most part, she certainly appreciated the robust build of the Northmen. Especially when they lifted crates equal in size to themselves with seemingly no difficulty at all. For just the briefest of moments, she allowed herself the idle fantasy of Jon working in such a manner before shaking her head to clear herself of such thoughts. 'There is a time and place for such thoughts, ' she reasoned as she noticed a group of armed soldiers making their way across the pier, the people of White Harbor hurrying to give them a path as they walked. 'And it is not now. Now I need to focus. '

As the last of the Northmen between the Dornish and the approaching guards cleared away, Arianna noticed a familiar face at the forefront of the men coming to meet them. " Ser Wendel, " Arianne called out while plastering a smile on her face and losing her hold on her furs, the last thing she wanted or needed was for the Northerners to think her some soft southern flower who couldn't stand a little cold air. " It is good to see you again, good ser. "

The heavy-set knight and son of House Manderly smiled at her greeting of him, his thick walrus-like mustache twitching as he did. " Princess Arianne, " the man greeted her cordially with all the courtly manners she'd come to expect from the House that perhaps had the most dealings with Dorne in the North. " Prince Oberyn. It is an honor to welcome you both to White Harbor and the North. My father, Lord Wyman, has prepared rooms for all of you in New Castle so you might rest before continuing on your way to Winterfell. "

" A bed on solid ground would be very much appreciated after so long at sea, Ser Wendel, " Arianne smiled at him, taking a step forward so that she was within reach of him. " Please, lead the way, good ser. "

Ser Wendel nodded before stepping aside and motioning for his guards to make way. Stepping up beside the large man, Arianne delicately took his arm and allowed him to guide them across the docks and towards the walls that separated the city itself from the docks. As they walked, Arianne couldn't help but notice a small grouping of people that were gathered near a single large building that was nestled against the wall. While the gathering wasn't surprising, the people within said gathering were. Especially because a fair number of them had very specific marks on their faces. Marks that she had only seen once during her brief venture to Essos with her mother when she was still but a girl.

" Ser Wendel, " she said, keeping an eye on the group of people. " If you will forgive my curiosity, I would like to inquire about that group of Essosi slaves I see there. "

" There is no need to ask for forgiveness, Princess. They are free men and women who have left their lives of slavery behind and are now seeking to make a new life here in the North, " Ser Wendel answered her without hesitation.

'Freed slaves. Either because they escaped or they were willingly set free, ' Arianne thought, still keeping an eye on the former slaves as they passed them by. 'Either way…it is dangerous to take them in. The slave masters are not known for their mercy to slaves who have escaped them. Or those who helped them escape. Though, I suppose with them being here in the North, the distance between them and the slave states is their primary protection. '

" Freed slaves, hmm? " her uncle asked, giving the former slaves a thorough examination before their sight was obscured by the walls of White Harbor. " Nox made far better use of his time in Essos than I thought. But even if he set the groundwork, he would need a direct hand…Ah! I see. Very clever of Stark and Nox, using an exile like that. Very clever indeed. "

Blinking, she felt Ser Wendel stiffen slightly under her touch at her uncle's comment. Frowning, she racked her brain trying to piece together what her uncle had figured out so quickly. 'If I remember the stories Uncle told me of Nox, he spent time in Braavos and Volantis before heading to Valyria. Their stays weren't long…but they were long enough for Nox to employ spies or agents for himself. But how does he communicate or control them? And what is this about an exile? There have only been two individuals that've been exiled from the North as far as I know. Ser Jorah Mormont and House Bolton's hei – oh. That's how it is. They're using the ones who've been exiled as their point of contact for whatever spies or agents they have in Essos. But what are they offering them for their loyalty? Pardons? No. That's unlikely. The North is well known as perhaps the most unforgiving of lands in terms of those who break the laws. So, how are Nox and the Starks keeping their loyalty? '

" Forgive me for saying, Prince Oberyn, Princess Arianne. But this matter is of no consequence to those outside the North. " Ser Wendel's tone had gained a cold edge that Arianne had not heard from the large man before.

" As you say, Ser Wendel, " her Uncle conceded quickly. " If you Northerners want to free slaves and give them a home, Dorne shall not stand in your way. But just know that we will also not stand in the way of the Masters of Essos when they come looking for those that they consider to be their property. And from my time in Essos, I can tell you that the Slave Masters can be relentless, creative, and brutal. "

The smile Ser Wendel gave her uncle was almost sinister. " And we of the North can be just as relentless, creative, and brutal in defense of those we consider our own. Just ask the Maesters. "

'And the dragons, ' Arianne thought, finishing the unspoken part of Ser Wendel's promise. Though considering he was standing with her Uncle, his daughters, and herself, he was wise to not bring up what happened during the Usurper's Rebellion, especially what happened at the end of it. The rest of their walk passed in silence as Ser Wendel expertly led them through the winding streets of White Harbor and to the main doors that would take them into New Castle, the ancestral seat of House Manderly since they'd been forced into exile from the Reach. As they passed into the castle, Arianne couldn't help but take note of the men standing guard. They were clothed in heavy cloaks made of blue-green wool and they carried silver coated tridents of all things. She knew that it was quite popular amongst the nobility to garb their house guards after the symbols of the House they served. But that almost seemed…excessive. Even to a Princess of Dorne. And certainly not an extravagance she expected to see in the cold logical land of the North.

As they entered the mermaids court, Arianne's eyes immediately turned to the almost comically large man that dominated the raised dais. 'Lord Wyman Manderly, ' Arianne thought, immediately recognizing the man who held dominion over White Harbor. 'The only man in the realm whose girth can exceed that of the Fat King and the Fat Flower. But unlike those two who can barely lace their own boots without tripping over themselves, Lord Manderley's mind is sharper than most and he wields it with a skill akin to some of the greatest of all time. Even my father is weary of him. '

Once she managed to take her eyes off the Lord of White Harbor, she noticed that they were not alone in seeking an audience with the man. Standing before the dais was another young man with flaxen hair that'd been tied back and donned in leather armor. And standing beside him was a muscular woman who'd look to have seen more than her fair share of brawls.

" Huh, well, that is a face that I had not thought to ever see in Westeros, " her uncle remarked quietly after Ser Wendel let go of her arm and made to return to his father's side while they waited for whoever was before them to finish their business before being introduced.

Turning her head, she eyed her uncle, who was staring at the strong looking woman with a silly grin on his face. " Someone that you 'know', Uncle Oberyn? " she asked quietly.

Her uncle's smirk never left his face as he nodded. " Yes, though not in the manner of which you might think, dear niece. That is none other than Beskha, also known as 'the Basilisk' in the fighting pits. Perhaps one of the greatest and most feared pit fighters there has ever been, other than myself. Though how she has come to end up in the North of all places is beyond me. But she seems to be with that young man there, whoever he is. "

Nodding, Arianne refocused herself as the young man and Beskha both bowed to Lord Manderly before clearing the floor. " Lord father, " Ser Wendel's booming voice sounded throughout the court. " I have the honor of presenting to you Princess Arianne and Prince Oberyn Martell of Dorne, and the Prince's daughters and his paramour, Lady Ellaria Sand. "

Walking forward with her head held high, Arianne waited until they had crossed half the expanse of the Mermaids court before bowing her head politely in greeting to Lord Manderly. While her station as a Princess of Dorne technically put her below only the royal family and therefore didn't necessarily need to show reverence to those beneath her, she had had enough dealings with the North over the past few years to know that such standing meant little here. Plus, she was trying to win over the North, or at least one person in particular. And acting like everyone was hers to command was certainly not how to go about that.

" Princess Arianne, Prince Oberyn. I welcome you to White Harbor and the North! " Lord Manderly bellowed, rising from his chair surprisingly fast for a man his size. " It is an honor and a pleasure to house the desert rose of House Martell and the Red Viper himself in our halls. Ask what you will of us, and we shall strive to meet your desires during your stay. "

" Your offer is much appreciated, Lord Manderly, " Arianne replied with the slightest dipping of her head. " But we will not be taking intruding upon your hospitality for long, my lord. We have business we wish to discuss with House Stark. And as such would prefer to continue on our journey to Winterfell with all haste. "

" Of course, Princess, " Lord Manderly replied as if he'd been expecting her response. Did he know what her goals were? Unlikely. But given what she knew of the man and what she had personally experienced with him over matters of trade, she was not willing to write the possibility off. " But it would be best for you and yours to wait to leave until the morrow with Lord Asher Forrester here who is taking a group of newly freed slaves to Winterfell. Much to the North's shame, there are still remnants of the traitorous Houses who cannot accept that their liege lords and ladies are gone. And because of this they have turned brigand and have been plaguing the barrow lands between Winterfell and White Harbor for some weeks now. Lord Stark has dispatched the Wolf Rangers to deal with them, but it will take time for them to find them all. "

" A group of brigands? " her uncle asked, the same look entering his eye as it always did whenever the prospect of a new conquest or a fight arose. " Do you believe that I and my own are helpless, Lord Manderly? "

Wyman didn't hesitate in his answering. " Of course not, Prince Oberyn. Your skills are well known across the land and even if you were caught by surprise, there are only a few that could stand a chance against you in all of Westeros. But one must remember that even the mightiest of warriors can be felled by a single stray arrow in the chaos of battle. As guests of the North, your safety and that of your niece, woman and daughters is of paramount concern to us and Lord Stark. "

" The offer is appreciated, Lord Manderly. And a night's rest in a bed that doesn't sway will be a nice change of pace before we head North to Winterfell. " Arianne said, jutting back in before her uncle could say more and turning her attention to the young man she assumed was this Lord Forrester. " Lord Forrester, I hope that we will be able to have a pleasant journey north together on the morrow. "

Surprisingly, the young Lord managed to keep his eyes on her face instead of her body as he politely inclined his head to her. 'Stupid leather and furs…I'll have to get use to this cold if I'm to use every option available to me once we reach Winterfell. ' " It will be and honor and a pleasure to travel with the desert rose of House Martell and the Red Viper, Princess Arianne. Prince Oberyn. "

" Good lad, you'll make a fine Lord of Highpoint after you marry Lady Gwen, " Lord Manderly stated before seemingly becoming uncomfortable in the blink of an eye. " There is…one other matter that I fear must be discussed with you, Princess, Prince Oberyn. And it involves your stay at Winterfell. "

Frowning, Arianne gave the Lord of White Harbor her full attention. " Is our presence a problem here in the North, Lord Manderly? "

" No, no, of course not, Princess, " Wyman said hurriedly. " But…you will not be the only House visiting Winterfell during this time. I have received word from Lord Stark that Lord Gerion Lannister, who is escorting his daughter to Winterfell to be tested by Lord Nox, will be in Winterfell by the time you arrive. And he is being accompanied by a full guard and Lord Tyrion Lannister. And a majority of House Tyrell led by Lady Olenna Tyrell and Lord Willias will also be arriving in Winterfell shortly after you should you leave at first light. "

Arianne froze upon hearing that. The relationship between House Tyrell and House Martell was notoriously bad, especially after her Uncle accidently crippled the eldest son and Heir to House Manderly during a joust. But they could still be in the same room with one another without trying to kill each other. The Lannisters, however…?

" The warning is appreciated, Lord Manderly, but I am not a man who loses control so easily, " her uncle said with a smile plastered across his face. " And besides, it will be pleasant to speak with Gerion again. I am curious to see how well he has recovered now that he has been away from Valyria for nearly a year. "

Despite his words, light tone and the smile across his face Arianne could tell that it was all an act. Her uncle was tauter than the string of a longbow at full draw. Sharing a look with Ellaria, the two women held a quick and silent talk with one another. 'I will take care of him, ' Ellaria said with her eyes and actions as she stepped up next to her lover and slipped her hand into his own. Arianne could only hope that Ellaria could keep her uncle 'distracted and relaxed' enough to ignore the fact that he was in the company of the same House that saw to the death of her aunt and cousins.

" As my uncle said, the warning is appreciated, Lord Manderly, " Arianne said, keeping her tone as neutral as possible to disguise her own personal distaste as having to share the same space as the Lannisters. But if her uncle could bare it, so too could she. " But we of House Martell shall honor the guest rites, even if it means we have to share space with the Lannisters. "

" You have my thanks for your understanding Princess Arianne, Prince Oberyn, " Lord Manderly said, clearly relieved at her stating their intention to adhere to guest rites while in the North. " Now, I have taken enough of your time. You must all be tired after such a long journey. Rooms have been prepared for each of your use and I will have a servant fetch you when the evening meal is ready. "

" Thank you, Lord Manderly, " Arianne replied, recognizing the dismissal and taking it in stride. " Your generosity will not be forgotten by House Martell. "

Leaving the hall, it took everything in her power to keep her face blank as a serving girl led them deeper into New Castle and their assigned rooms. Learning that members from both House Lannister and House Tyrell, and not just any members but parts of the main families, would be arriving in Winterfell alongside them was making Arianne seriously reconsider parts of her plan. Which, to be fair, wasn't all that involved in the first place. Her goal and plan was to use the pretense of formalizing further trade agreements between the North and Dorne while working to make sure that she had Jon's full and undivided attention through any means necessary. Then she would start dropping little hints to hopefully lead Jon to accept the position as her future Prince Consort as part of the formalized trade agreements. It was simple and to the point, but she was sure it would work. However, the one thing that she hadn't counted on was other Houses arriving at the same time for perhaps the same reason. Which meant that she now potentially had competition for Jon's attention. Afterall, why else would those Houses be heading North in the first place?

Well, House Lannister she could understand. According to the information her uncle had, apparently Gerion Lannister had had the same type of ability as the Sorcerer but only to a far lesser degree. And that ability had been exhausted keeping the man sane in the ruins of Valyria. But there was still a possibility that his daughter that was coming North with him had magic as well. Which meant that House Lannister's presence was primarily to get the girl under Lord Nox's tutelage. And while the girl was young, she wouldn't put it past the likes of Tywin Lannister to use the girl to try and get Jon's attention. Was that Tywin's goal in sending Joy to the North? To use her as bait to gain Jon under the Lannister name? Or perhaps another of the Starks? It had to be. And based on what she knew of the man, it was exactly in line with his past actions. Absorb that which you can and destroy that which you cannot. It was the same philosophy that made the Valyrian Empire what it was.

So that explained the presence of the Lannisters. But what of the Tyrells? As far as she knew, there were no members of House Tyrell or any other Reach House that even showed the slightest of inklings towards the usage of magic. Probably because they were too busy beating themselves over their heads with the Seven-pointed star. Perhaps it was an act to save face by coming to kiss the ass of the wolves? The Tyrells did have quite a bit of mud thrown on their name after the debacle with the Maesters and them not preventing it from occurring in the first place, so it was a possibility. But such an act would not be done by the Queen of Thorns herself. No, for her and the next generation of Tyrells to all venture North meant that they were after something. 'The same thing that everyone is now after, ' Arianne concluded as the servant opened the door to her room before stepping aside and allowing her entrance. 'The Stark children have become the most sought-after hands in the entire realm. Perhaps even more so than the hands of the royal family. The question is: just who are the Tyrells actually after? '

Sitting up tall in his saddle, or as tall as the saddle contraption that held him in place would allow, Tyrion Lannister did his best to keep himself from marveling at the sights around him as he, his Uncle Gerion and the contingent of Lannister men who were in formation around the small carriage containing his cousin Joy made their way through the large double walls that served to protect Winterfell under the midday sun. While he certainly did not consider himself the best military mind in the realm, he could and did appreciate fine works. Casterly Rock, his home, had never been impregnated by an invading force due to its strategic placement and the death trap that was the Lion's Maw that led into the Rock. But Winterfell, despite not having the most defensive placement in the land, was perhaps just as impregnable with the double high walls and separating moat. 'If only they could add a bit more color to the place, ' he thought, trying to find any imperfection in the wonder that was Winterfell. 'I know House's prefer to keep after their House colors. But the wolves take white and grey. Such dull colors. Though I suppose it also fits with the temperament of the North. '

Making their way through the closely placed buildings that made up Winterfell, Tyrion found himself taking a breath to steady his racing heart as the main keep came into view. Though he couldn't help but be…disappointed and elated at what he found waiting for them in the yard before the keep. The disappointment stemmed from the fact that it appeared that no members of House Stark deemed to greet them upon their arrival. Lord Stark was no doubt holding court given the time of day, so his absence was understandable. But neither his heir, nor his other children were present. Some would see such a move as a slight, his father certainly being chief among them, but Tyrion figured that the children more than likely had lessons and were not able to greet them. But while he was disappointed at the lack of a Stark greeting, he certainly was not disappointed in the woman who stood before a dozen Stark guards to greet them.

Tyrion had been with more women in his lifetime than perhaps anyone else in the realm save for the king himself, so it was safe to say that he had a good eye for beautiful women. And the woman who stood before them was certainly one of the more beautiful he had ever seen. Her dress, while simple, hugged her curves in all the right places showing off her almost perfect form. Her face was flawless, and heart shaped with long dark hair that was braided elegantly and strung over one of her shoulders. And the only piece of jewelry she had on her was a single wolf broach that was pinned on her chest. 'It is far too soon for Lord Stark to have married once more, ' Tyrion thought as his uncle urged his horse slightly ahead of Tyrion so he could take charge of the introductions. 'A high-ranking servant perhaps? Whoever she is…her beauty is remarkable. Perhaps a fair bit of gold might encourage her to my chambers for a night? '

But before the Lannister's could dismount and introduce themselves, the mysterious beauty beat them to the point. " Lord Gerion Lannister, Lord Tyrion Lannister. I am Lady Nyra Nox, Stewardess of Winterfell and Lady wife to the Northern Sorcerer, Lord Alim Nox.. Lord Stark apologizes for not greeting you in person but matters of the North have taken his time as of late and his children are currently in lessons with my husband, Lord Nox. "

The fantasy that'd been running through his mind of taking this beauty to his chambers came to a screeching halt as her name and title reached him. 'She…She is the former serving girl who became the wife of the sorcerer?! ' Tyrion thought, desperately trying to curb any inappropriate fantasy he might've had about the woman as his uncle dismounted his horse. 'I can see why the sorcerer went for her. Even though she was low born, her beauty is not something one finds every day. And from what little dealings we've had with the North and her through ravens, her mind matches her beauty. Damn it all to the Seven hells. Why do the perfect women always go for someone else? Oh, right. Dwarf. '

Undoing his legs from the harness holding him in place, Tyrion swung his legs over his saddle and expertly dismounted despite the long drop down to the ground. At least, long for him. " Lady Nox, " his uncle greeted the woman as another guard opened the carriage door to help Joy dismount. " Your husband often told us tales of you on our return from Valyria. And may I say…his tales were, if anything, understating your beauty. "

Lady Nyra smiled, a smile that made her even more beautiful and tempting. 'No! Stop Tyrion! No thoughts like that about her! Last I need is a jealous sorcerer on my ass for thinking about his woman! ' " I thank you for your words, Lord Gerion. But I know such platitudes are expected for any woman of rank you meet. Even if she has the face that would put even a pig's ass to shame. "

'And she has the wit to match her mind and her beauty! Gods damn it all the Seven hells! She's perfect! And taken! '

" Aye, they are, " his uncle smirked, beckoning Joy and Tyrion forward to join him. " But in your case, they are more than true, my Lady. Now, if we have such empty platitudes out of the way, allow me to introduce my nephew, Lord Tyrion Lannister, and my daughter, Joy Lannister. "

Lady Nox gave Joy a smile and a warm greeting before turning her attention to Tyrion. He expected her to react as almost all women, save for those he paid, to react to his presence. But, instead, she just smiled at him and greeted him warmly. " Lord Tyrion. It is a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I do hope the journey here was not too difficult? "

" Not at all, my Lady. But whatever difficulties there might have been were worth it to see your beauty in person. " 'Damn it all, Tyrion! Stop trying to get under her dress! The Sorcerer! Remember she belongs to the Sorcerer and save yourself some pain for once! '

Her smile never left her face as she turned her attention back to Gerion and Joy. " As I said, Lord Stark is currently dealing with matters of the North and regrets that he is not here to greet you in person. But should you wish, I can either bring you to your assigned rooms or I can bring you directly to my husband who is currently training his acolytes. "

It was all Tyrion could do to keep his mouth shut. A chance to watch the sorcerer's training methods?! Many a lord, his father included, would kill for the opportunity. And it was one that he couldn't afford to pass up. He'd have to write down what he saw the moment he got back to his room while it was still fresh in his mind, but it was an opportunity that House Lannister could not pass up.

Perhaps fortunately, his uncle spoke up first but with an entirely different reasoning behind his choice. " I would prefer to watch Nox's training, especially seeing as how there is a chance my daughter will soon be added to his list of acolytes for a time. "

" Understandable, " Lady Nox nodded before stepping aside and sweeping her arm across her body to point towards the largest tower within the walls of Winterfell. " Then please follow me, I will lead you to my husband's training grounds. "

As they walked, Tyrion did all he could to try and calm his racing heart. He was about to meet the sorcerer himself! A practitioner of actual magic! Not just sleight of hand tricks that fools like to perform to amaze an audience. He could hear a steady thumbing in his ears, which he first thought to be his heart. As they rounded another building and came into view of the base of the tower, he found himself mistaken. The thumbing wasn't his heart, rather the steady knocking of training swords against one another. Yet it wasn't the training that caused the brief faltering of Tyrion's steps. But rather the who that was practicing.

There were four boys of varying age that were lined up and practicing their sword strikes against an opponent just as he'd seen Jamie and the men at arms in Casterly Rock do countless times. But what was surprising was the fact that their opponents were…well…girls. Young girls. So young that the one he assumed to be the eldest with long braided red hair looked to be only a few years older than young Joy at best. And if that wasn't surprising enough, then the fact that one of the girls, the smallest, was going against two of the boys…and winning, if he were to be any judge of it. While he was all for the empowerment of women, the idea that a young girl would not only be practicing the blade but also be good enough to hold her own against two boys her age and older was just…gods. If the sorcerer could bring out such skill in a young girl like that, then what could he do with a boy? Or better yet, just how much was Joy going to change from the shy little timid thing she now was? 'The Stark children. And one of the girls must be Stannis's daughter Shireen. Which means that one of the young men is one of the smallfolks the sorcerer had taken an interest in when he was in King's Landing. '

" Hold. Sansa. You need to keep your grip tighter. If Jon were to put some weight behind his strikes, your sword would be on the ground. Jon, stop holding back. You do your sister no good if you coddle her all the time. "

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