Chapter 24 1 страница

The roar of the crowd in the training yard of Winterfell was almost deafening as Nox and seemingly all of Winterfell watched the spectacle unfolding before them. " Come on, southern boy, " Osha laughed, her spear resting on her shoulder and a small trickle of blood running down from the corner of her mouth. " If this is the best you can do, then I'll be tempted to put ya in a dress and take ya to one of these dances you southern boys are all up about. But don't worry, I won't let your precious virtue be tarnished, even though I think ya'd look quite fetching all dolled up. "

Directly across from her was her opponent, Garlen Tyrell, who was currently down on one knee gasping for breath while trying to recover from the vicious blow he'd just taken to his balls, courtesy of Osha's spear. Burying the tip of his tourney blade into the ground, the knight from House Tyrell used his sword as a crutch to help him rise to unsteady feet before taking his stance once more. " I – can…do this all day…woman. "

" Alim, " Nyra whispered to him from where she was standing beside him just on the outskirts of the sparring ring. " Should we not put a stop to this? They both look like they're about to fall over. Or kill one another. "

" No need to fret, my dear sweet Northern rose, " Prince Oberyn commented, drawing a slight blush from Nyra as the Prince glanced her way while his paramour gave a wink towards Nyra as well. True to his word, the Prince of Dorne and his paramour, despite only having been in the Winterfell for a few days, had been relentless in their pursuit of not only Nox, but of Nyra as well. And while his wife had adjusted to the life of a noble reasonably well, the fact that the Prince of Dorne was pursuing her was something that she had clearly never expected to experience in her life. He could sense from Nyra that while the advances from the Prince were not necessarily unwelcome, she wasn't all that comfortable with them. Especially not with the trauma that she'd endured barely a year past. " This is merely just a friendly little competition between two very skilled individuals. I wouldn't mind testing my own spear against either of these two…after they've recovered of course. "

This 'friendly little competition' as Oberyn had put it, had been going on for the better part of two hours. It'd all started when Osha had stormed into the yard with a blushing Sansa right behind her and marched right up to Willas Tyrell and demanded a fight against him. Willas, obviously completely caught unaware by the sudden demand, asked to know what he'd done to garner such hostility from her. Osha's answer had been…blunt, to say the least. She said, loudly enough for everyone to hear, that if Willas intended to steal Sansa Stark, her charge, then she was going to make sure that Willas was a man worthy of her.

Garlan had quickly come to his brother's side, even if he didn't understand what was going on, he could clearly see that Osha intended harm upon his brother. Garlan pointed out that his brother was still freshly healed and was not ready to fully spar in the ring just yet. He then added that, while he didn't know what was going on, if Osha really wanted to fight then he was willing to face her in his brother's place. Osha wasn't pleased, but she accepted Garlan fighting for his brother.

The yard had been quickly cleared as Osha picked up a tourney spear and Garlan was handed a tourney blade by one of the men from House Tyrell. After placing his helm on his head and securing a shield to his arm, Garlan approached Osha with his guard mostly lowered. It was a mistake that nearly cost the man his head as Osha had capitalized on his lack of guard by striking him with the blunted end of her spear against the side of his head with enough force to break the shaft of the spear and uproot Garlan, sending him into a heap on the ground. " We fight to ten kills. " Osha called out, tossing aside her broken spear and collecting another as Garlan struggled to right himself. " That is already one for me, southern boy. Do at least try and keep this entertaining for me. "

It took Osha earning another four 'kills' before Garlan started to take the fight seriously. And by then the two had drawn a significant crowd which included all the members of the visiting Houses and their entourages, plus Ned and the rest of the Stark children as well. Once Garlan started to finally take the fight seriously, he was able to garner four kills of his own, but in that time, Osha managed to acquire another two, leaving her with a six to four lead over the knight. The next two kills went to Garlan, tying the two at six a piece. And by then, seemingly all of Winterfell had descended upon the sparring ring to watch the spectacle as shouts of encouragement, taunts and more than a few coins started being tossed about.

By the time the two were tied at eight kills each, Garlan finally managed to get his first lead as Osha's exhaustion made her slip and lower her guard. A mistake Garlan capitalized on slashing across her leather padded chest and shoulder and knocking her to the ground in a killing blow. Unfortunately for Garlan, his blow had dislodged the shoulder strap that was holding Osha's chest armor in place, and the former wildling had taken advantage of the situation by grabbing her armor and exposing herself to Garlan. It was only for a split second, but the sight of her naked tit hanging out in the air caused Garlan to freeze, which gave Osha more than enough time to jab the butt of her spear right into Garlan's balls before jerking the spear up and catching him under the chin, earning her own kill and tying them once again at nine kills each.

" That, " Garlan coughed while finally managing to right himself through the pain. " …was a cheap shot. "

" That's…the difference between fighting…and sparring, " Osha panted as elation from a good fight poured off her through the Force. " You're…sparring. I'm…fighting. When you fight…there are…no rules. You win…or die. That is…the way of the true North. The way…of…winter. "

Readying themselves, the two began hacking at one another, exhaustion having taken its toll to the point where neither was moving with any real skill and were instead just putting whatever strength they had behind each of their attacks as they tried to overpower one another. Osha made the first mistake as she overextended a lunge, giving Garlan the opportunity to sidestep and bring his sword down on the shaft of the spear, knocking it out of her hands. But Osha did not give up. Instead of trying to reclaim her spear, the former wildling woman charged at Garlan with nothing more than her fists. Her action gave her the element of surprise and allowed her to disarm Garlan after placing two well aimed punches; one to his shoulder and the other to the wrist of his sword hand. With the two now disarmed, the two started in on one another with nothing more than their fists as the two went past the point of a spar and started all out brawling with one another. Garlan had the edge with his strength as each punch he managed to land staggered Osha. But while Osha did not have her opponent's strength, she was far quicker than him. And for each punch Garlan managed to land on her person, she reciprocated with two or three of her own.

" Well, " Oberyn sighed, seemingly amazed at what he was about to say. " I never thought I would tire of watching a good fight…but this is actually starting to get boring. "

In the center of the sparring ring, Osha and Garlan were both using the other for support with one hand while the other continued trying to rain blows down on their opponent. " Fucking…southern…shit…" Osha gasped, blood running down from her mouth as bruises started forming on her face. " Why…won't…you go…the fu – fuck…down?! "

Gasping, Garlan spat out a wad of blood. " Same…to you…bitch…"

With one last yell, both Garland and Osha pulled their fists back and put everything they had into one last attack. Osha's fist connected squarely on Garlan's temple, just as Garlan's fist connected with Osha's jaw. And like trees in the forest, both went down at the same time.

" There, " Nox chuckled, stepping away from his wife and friend as he made his way over to the two downed combatants, both of whom were out cold. Doing a quick check to make sure that both of their hearts were still beating, Nox declared an end to the match. " The match is a draw. "

Groans of disappointment met Nox's announcement as coins started changing hands and the crowd began to disperse. Sansa immediately rushed to Osha's side while the Tyrells, led by Margaery as she was the first to move, went to Garlan's. Sensing amusement coming from behind him, Nox turned his attention to his wife and Oberyn. His wife's embarrassment had risen significantly while Oberyn had an air of a man who'd just gotten exactly what he wanted, a feeling that was mirrored by Ellaria. And given what he knew of Oberyn and his paramour, he had a feeling he knew what this was all about.

" So, " Nox said good naturedly as he made his way back over to his now blushing wife and smirking friend. " I take it that Oberyn made a quick wager with my wife in the few seconds that it took me to check on those two? And by her expression, I'm guessing she lost. Dare I ask what the stakes were? Or do I even need to bother to ask given what I know of you, my friend? "

Oberyn's smirk grew as Nyra's blush and embarrassment intensified. " Nothing at the moment, dear Nox, " Oberyn smirked, wrapping an arm around Ellaria and pulling his paramour in close. " Just an open invitation for an audience in the near future with either one pair or the other being the active while the other observers. "

His wife's embarrassment increased tenfold as Nox turned his attention to her. " Well…that could be interesting. But only if or when Nyra wishes it. "

" Of course, " Oberyn smirked. " I have never forced any of my lovers into a situation they were not ready for. I'm not about to start now. And certainly not with the wife of my friend…who can conveniently turn me into a well-cooked meal for the beasts of the forests with but a wave of his hand. "

" And don't forget it, " Nox smirked, wrapping his arm around Nyra and pulling her in close.

Oberyn's smirk fell as Nox felt his gaze pass over him. " Hmm, seems that our time for enjoyment might have to be placed on hold, my friend. "

Following his gaze through the Force, Nox found one of the messenger boys of Winterfell slowly making his way towards them. " Um…excuse me, milord…miladay and…um, my Prince. "

" What is it? " Nox asked, turning to the boy.

" Lord Stark asks for you to attend to him and his sons, milord sorcerer. Immediately. "

Scanning the yard, Nox quickly found Ned and the boys hurriedly making their way towards one of the gathering halls. There was a sense of urgency in their steps and emanating through the Force from them that made Nox frown. Something had happened. " Nyra dear, " Nox said, letting his arm drop from around her shoulders. " Will you be—? "

" I'll be fine, husband, " Nyra cut him off. " I can…handle the Prince and Lady Sand…though not in the way either would probably prefer. Go. "

Nodding, Nox bid goodbye to Oberyn and Ellaria before kissing his wife and making his way after Ned and the boys. 'What the hell has gone wrong this time? '

Staring down at the large map that dominated most of one of the tables within the great hall, Ned was doing everything he could in his power to keep himself calm and collected as Maester Luwin pointed to where the King-Beyond-the-Wall had set for their meeting.

" Hardhome, my lord, " Luwin said, pointing to a small peninsula well north of the Wall. " The only known wildling settlement, though it has been long since abandoned and thought to be haunted by many of the Night's Watch and a few of the wildlings that have spoken on the matter. It lies at the tip of Storrold's Point on the Shivering Sea. It would take many days to reach the city by land, my lord. "

" Then we won't go by land, " Nox cut in, leaning over the table while Robb and Jon, the only other two other occupants of the room save for Ser Rodrik. " The journey to the Wall and then through the lands beyond, it would be doable in the timetable Rayder set for the meeting, but it would be a close thing. No. We send word to White Harbor and have the Sea Wolf sail north immediately. We ride to Castle Black and then cut across to East Watch. By the time we arrive the Sea Wolf and whatever accompanying ships Lord Manderly can send should be at the docks. This will also give the Lords and Ladies of the North who wish to join us a chance to catch up. And this way we also won't be exhausted by the time we reach Hardhome, just in case Rayder's offer is in bad faith or if one of his chieftains decide to do something stupid. "

" A sound plan, " Ned nodded, liking the idea. Riding all the way to Hardhome would exhaust he and those who came with him. Making nearly half the trek by sea had the downside of cutting back on the number of men he could bring with him, but on the other hand he and his would be well rested just in case Rayder's offer of temporary truce to talk was in bad faith. " Luwin, send a raven to White Harbor immediately telling Lord Manderly that I want the Sea Wolf ready to sail and docked at Eastwatch within the next fortnight. "

" Of course, my Lord, " Maester Luwin nodded as he took a step back from the table.

" Father, " Robb called out to him, rising to his feet. " Jon, Theon, and I are all coming with you and Lord Nox to speak with the King-Beyond-the-Wall. "

Sighing, Ned merely nodded. " Aye, I thought you would be pressing that point. But just as when we went south, you three will heed my orders to the letter. "

" Yes, father, " both of his sons agreed quickly.

" Lord Stark, " Ser Rodrik said, stepping forward. " I assume then that you will be making Sansa the Stark in Winterfell once more. "

Nodding, Ned scratched at his beard. " Aye. She performed admirably when we were in the south. I have faith in her that she will do just as well once more. "

" As you say, Lord Stark, " Rodrik nodded. " But if I may, what shall we do with our…guests? "

Ned didn't bother stifling the growl that escaped him. 'I cannot just let this opportunity to talk with the King-Beyond-the-Wall pass me by. And I cannot just demand that the Lords and Ladies from three prominent houses leave the North. Yet do I dare leave Sansa alone with them? The Tyrells have more than made their intentions towards Sansa clear. What kind of advantage could they seek to press upon her without me here to block them? '

" I believe that we will be solving that issue soon enough. "

Turning, Ned saw that Nox's eyeless face was turned towards the doors to the great hall. It took Ned a fair bit of effort on his part, but he was able to reach out with what power he could. And when he did, he could sense a mass of people approaching the hall. The only one of which he recognized however was Lady Olenna, and that was only because he'd had the time to get a read on her during their little chat on her first night in Winterfell when she made House Tyrell's intentions towards his daughter known. 'And if she is coming, then it is a fair bet that all of our other guests will be as well. '

" Ser Rodrik, open the door, " Ned sighed, figuring that it was for the best to get this out of the way now rather than later. Ser Rodrik didn't even question as to how he and Nox knew that there were people approaching as he quickly went over and opened the door that led towards the guest quarters.

" Well, " Lady Olenna said, her hand that had been raised in preparation to knock falling back down to her side as she strode past Ser Rodrik with hardly a second glance. " Your man has a good sense of timing, Lord Stark. "

" I do believe that it was more that Lord Nox sensed our approach, my dear Olenna, " Oberyn commented smoothly as he, along with Willas, Arianne, Tyrion and Gerion made their way past Ser Rodrik and into the hall. Garlan was notably absent from the Tyrells but given that he was more than likely still passed out alongside Osha, Ned wasn't surprised.

" I take it that word has spread fast then? " Ned questioned, not even bothering to ask about why they had all decided to call upon them at once.

" Indeed it has Stark, " Oberyn smirked, his eyes flickering down to the map on the table as he walked around the room so that he could stand beside Ned. " A raven with a black seal arrives in Winterfell, the contents of which demanded the immediate attention of the Warden of the North, his sons, and the Sorcerer. Can you blame us for being curious? "

" Even in the Reach, Lord Stark, we know what a black seal on a raven's scroll means, " Willas stated as he helped his grandmother to sit down beside the map. " The raven came from the Night's Watch. "

Glancing towards Nox, Ned ground his teeth as the sorcerer made a shrugging motion as if to tell him that it was his choice whether to tell them the whole truth of the matter at hand. 'I doubt they will believe me fully, ' Ned thought, dreading the reaction to what he was about to say. 'But at least if I can plant the notion into their minds now, when we provide physical proof to back our claims they won't be as shocked and will be quicker to take action. '

" We've recently learned that the Wildlings have mostly united themselves together behind a King-Beyond-the-Wall, " Ned told them, drawing a few sharp looks from those present.

" Last I heard, the wildings are little more than barbarians that still use stone arrows and clubs, are they not? " Olenna scoffed, seemingly not too concerned about the threat of the wildlings.

" Aye, that is true. " Ned conceded. " Though in recent years they have started using more and more steel weaponry. No doubt those that they collect from their raids south of the Wall. While individually the wildlings are little more than raiders, in a large group they can be extremely dangerous. And the Watch's best estimate of those who follow the King-Beyond-the-Wall number over a hundred thousand who have spent their entire lives fighting everyday just to survive. "

The number brought a look of concern to the Tyrells and one of interest to Prince Oberyn.

" A hundred thousand? " Willas asked as the young man visibly tried to wrap his mind around the fact that there was a force that could rival the numbers the Reach could muster in times of war.

" Aye, each of whom will pick up a weapon and fight to the death with a ferocity that is rarely seen outside of experienced soldiers. " Ned said seriously, pressing his knuckles down onto the surface of the table and leaning forward. " And while the numbers are indeed concerning, the man who leads them is equally concerning if not more so. Because unlike other Kings-Beyond-the-Wall, Mance Rayder is a former Black Brother who defected over the Wall and made a life for himself amongst the Wildlings. And from what I've learned from my brother who serves at the Watch, Mance is well educated and has a good head for battle. "

" Then the solution is obvious, though no doubt difficult to achieve. " Oberyn shrugged. " Instead of fighting his entire force, you find a way to slip a brave man with a sharp dagger or a potent poison into the Wildlings camp and end this King-Beyond-the-Wall. If I understand the wildings, his death will cause a power struggle and fracture the gathered army beyond repair, no? "

The idea was not without merit, as loath as Ned was to admit as such to a plan involving assassination. But if it came to it…it was something he needed to consider. One life and chaos amongst the wildlings versrus open warfare at the Wall or perhaps even south of it, bleeding into the Northern lands and her people. " It is possible. But I fear the wildlings gathering behind a King is only part of the problem north of the Wall. " This is where Ned knew that he had to tread carefully. The resurgence of magic that had come with Nox's arrival may make some more open to the idea of the White Walkers and their Undead army being real, but they still had no actual proof to back their claim. " But we have been receiving reports of late that are…concerning. Entire clans of wildlings the size of small villages have gone missing seemingly overnight, leaving behind all their possessions and no clue as to where they went. Then there are the raids that are being conducted by the wildlings that manage to get south of the Wall. Their methods and tactics are unusual. They're not raiding and going back north. They're raiding and continuing south. And recently the number of desertions from the Night's Watch has increased as well, particularly amongst the rangers that have managed to return to the Watch and speak of some type of horror north of the Wall before fleeing. And that's if they even manage to return at all in the first place. "

" You believe that there is something further north of the Wall. Something that is hunting down both the wildlings and the men of the Nights Watch, " Prince Oberyn stated, a thoughtful expression on his face as he idly rubbed at his well-trimmed beard and mustache. " You believe that the wildings are not gathering in mass to launch a war against your lands, but rather to try and flee across the Wall to get away from whatever it is that is hunting them. So, you wish to treat with this King-Beyond-the-Wall to try and discover what it is that is driving their actions. "

Ned was mildly amazed at how quickly the Prince of Dorne had managed to put everything together. " Aye, you are right in your assumptions, Prince Oberyn. "

" But…what could it be? " Lord Willas asked, genuinely confused. " What else is north of the Wall besides the wildlings and the cold? "

" The White Walkers. "

All eyes in the hall turned to the smallest individual in the hall, Tyrion Lannister, who was standing just off to the side of the gathering with a thoughtful expression on his face. " Outside of the wildlings, the only other thing that could be north of the Wall is the White Walkers, even if they are myth. "

'No use in denying it now that it is out in the open. ' Ned frowned. " They are a possibility that we are considering. "

" Absurd, " Lady Olenna scoffed, shaking her head. " The Sorcerer's power is real, my Willas can attest to that. But you are talking about legends that have long since been dismissed as mere myth, Lord Stark. They are no more real than grumpkins and snarks. "

" I would not be so quick as to deny their existence, Lady Tyrell, " Gerion Lannister cut in quickly before Ned could. " If you were to step even a foot onto the land that was once Valyria, you would quickly come to realize that that which you believe to be utter superstitious nonsense is in fact quite real. "

Frowning, the dowager of House Tyrell turned her attention to Prince Oberyn, no doubt in the hopes of trying to find some ally to back her assumptions. But to Ned's surprise, neither the Prince nor the Princess of Dorne were rejecting the idea. Instead, both were looking quite worried and interested.

" Bran the Builder created the Wall to keep something out of the lands of men, " Princess Arianne stated plainly. " And while my knowledge of siege warfare might not be the greatest in the land, you don't build something the size and scope of the Wall just to keep out the likes of men. You build it because you are trying to keep out something far worse. "

" Don't be so quick to underestimate the power of the Force, Lady Tyrell, " Nox stated, turning his sightless gaze towards the Lady of the Reach. " The Force is capable of feats that you cannot fathom. A task such as animating corpses, while inefficient in my opinion, is not outside the realm of possibilities for one who has the necessary will and power. "

Ned could easily see that those present were quickly separating into two groups. The first, mostly the Tyrells, were seemingly completely dismissive of even the possibility of the White Walkers being real. And the second were at least open to the possibility that the ancient foes of men were real. 'But even if they are open to the idea, they do not fully believe that such an enemy exists. Gods, I don't even want such an enemy to exist. But having seen what I've seen and based on what I've learned from Nox, animating the dead is not necessarily an uncommon phenomenon. '

" Regardless of what we believe the cause of their actions to be, the fact remains that the wildlings are moving. " Ned stated, trying to edge the conversation around the Walkers and back to a threat that they could all understand. " And we need to know what their intentions are. The Night's Watch has managed to get word to the King-Beyond-the-Wall. He has agreed to treat with us at a location of his choosing north of the Wall. And my sons and I have decided to hear him out. We'll be leaving in two days. "

The announcement silenced everyone in the hall and for good reason. Even in the far south, it was well known that a venture north of the Wall was not something that was to be taken lightly. " So, you intend to march past the Wall into a frozen wasteland where your piss freezes before it can hit the ground. Then through an army of savages that wish you dead to speak with the man who leads them. Who, to the best of your knowledge, is fully intent on doing anything he can to get his people south of the Wall? " Oberyn spoke up at last, ending the stunned silence in the room. " Sounds fun. I'm in. "

The proclamation drew several sharp looks, mostly from the Princess and the Tyrells. The only one in the room who didn't look even the slightest bit surprised by the offer was Nox, who was just standing off to the side with a smile on his face.

" Your offer is appreciated, Prince Oberyn, " Ned said, leveling his gaze at the prince. " However, I am not asking for any to—"

" Then it is a good thing that I am not asking, isn't it? " The prince countered him with a smirk. " Face it, Stark, I'm coming with you. My own brother cannot keep me from doing that which I wish, what chance do you think you have of doing so? Plus, my spear will be more than handy to you when this all goes to shit. "

" I'm going as well, " Gerion Lannister stated, drawing a sharp look from Tyrion and Ned. " I owe Lord Nox, your son, and the North a debt of life. And a Lannister always pays his debts. "

Sighing, Ned knew that there would be no talking the men out of joining them. And from the look that Lady Tyrell was directing towards her grandson, he knew that they would not be the only ones joining them. " A matter of the Watch is a matter that concerns all of Westeros, not just the North, " Willas said diplomatically, though Ned wanted to scoff at that. The Watch was little more than a dumping ground for those who wanted to avoid the block for anyone outside the North. " And House Tyrell will not shy away from our duties to the realm. My brother and I, along with some of our men, will accompany you, Lord Stark. Provided we can manage to get Garlan on a horse before we leave for the Wall. "

'And now things have gotten even more complicated, ' Ned wanted to sigh. 'Demanding that they leave would be much more preferable than having them come north and potentially risk their lives on what could be a fool's errand. ' " You all will all follow my commands as if you were my own bannermen once we are north of the Wall. Is that understood? "

" Yes, Lord Stark. "

" As you say, Stark. "

" Aye. "

" Very well, " Ned sighed. " The courtesy of Winterfell shall be extended to your families until your return. Do what you must to prepare yourselves, but we leave in two days at first light. If you are not with us when we ride out, then we will leave you behind. Maester Luwin, send out the ravens to the Lords of the North. Any who wish to take part in these talks must gather at Eastwatch before we depart for Hardhome. "

Darkness swirled like a thick fog around Jon as he knelt in the middle of his master's private meditation room. The Force flowed freely through him, guiding his thoughts as he let himself be pulled by it's current. 'Where are you? ' he wondered within the vortex of the Force, searching through the endless void for what he sought. 'It's never been this difficult before…but then again I've never tried to purposefully make the connection. But still…it shouldn't be – wait. There! '

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