Chapter 27
The day of their departure arrived. All was done in Viserys opinion. Vaegon and septa Marlow were looking after Rhaenyra. Lord Strong was going to act as Hand, his children specially his daughter's were to greet any ladies that may be arriving in the time they are gone. Daemon left all neat and tidy for Lord Strong to take over. Viserys was a bit surprised, and he was also a bit ashamed of feeling that surprise, that Daemon was a good Hand. All letters sent, information gathered in a few days, good plans and good advice. He was always reticent in offering Daemon the position before, he rationalized it as his brother being too young, too wild, too blood thirsty. He was wrong. His brother adapted wonderfully to the position, it probably helped that he had a taste of responsibility as Commander of the City Watch. He had responsibilities before, for a few months he was Master of Coin and Master of Laws, but those positions weren't suitable for Daemon. Otto had said at the time he was a tyrant and a spent drifter, he knew now that those things weren't true, but the positions were not the best fit for Daemon anyway.
He flourished as hand, Viserys observed. He was punctual in the meetings, his problem solving on point and he didn't drown in the paperwork. Viserys was proud. Maybe he should have made Daemon Hand a long time ago. His brother was often blunt but honest and most of his advice was sound.
Now they all had in their hands the satchels for the trip. All three of their bags being put together by Daemon. He was the obvious choice. He was the one that traveled the most on dragon back. From what he saw, they had the necessities in the bags. Food and water, some change of clothes, some gold. Maenera insisted on a furred capes over their riding leathers, Viserys disagreed at first. It was summer. They will be hot even on dragon back, he thought, he was quickly put in line by his sister. She only needed to mention the summer snows North of the Neck with Daemon backing her up. Less to say the rest of them quickly complied. Same with the boots. Ser Harold was a little disappointed that he had to leave his armour home, and Viserys was a bit surprised when he saw the man without his signature armor on. It was like he was naked! Viserys couldn't remember the last time he saw the man out of his armour. Even ser Harold looked weirded out by his lack ou armor.
It was clear that the tempers were running high that morning. Maenera was a ball of nerves and it seemed like her mood was transferred to Daemon as well. Viserys didn't think that Daemon realized how empathic he was when it came to their sister. Maenera had a good day Daemon had a good day, Maenera was angry Daemon was angry, Maenera was nervous, Daemon was nervous. It was amazing to witness really. It became clear that he wasn't the only one who noticed. Ser Harold and ser Harwin keeping their distance from the siblings as well.
When they arrived on Rhaenys Hill at down the dragons were already expecting them. If Caraxes and Shrykos were moving impatiently, Vhagar was sitting grumpily in the grass. She looked like she didn't want to be there and she didn't like what they had plan to do. She was glaring to all of them, like they were the root of all her problems. Viserys couldn't suppress a smile. He approached her and petted her snout, Vhagar letting out a grumpy rumble. As he continued to pet her she began to purr softly, well as softly as a dragon her size could do. He looked around and his siblings were doing the same thing with their dragons. Daemon was murmuring softly in High Valyrian to Caraxes and Maenera seemed to have a silent conversation with Shrykos, the dragon even seemed to nod a few times.
The two knights were at a respectful distance. Ser Harwin once again white as milk. He still didn't know what his sister did to the poor man but it became clear that dragons were involved. Ser Harold was faring better. Maybe he was becoming desensitized after running for so long after mad Targaryens and their dragons.
"Who is going to take who?" Viserys asked.
"I am taking Ser Harwin and Daemon Ser Harold." His sister replied.
"Why are you taking Ser Harwin? Let Viserys take Ser Harold and I am taking Ser Harwin." Argued Daemon. Viserys though that they were passed this but no. Daemon's possessiveness was in full swing.
"Why are you arguing with me? Viserys can't take anyone, he barely can take himself." Well that was rude. Maybe he was a bit rusty but he was doing well on the back of Vhagar. It helped that Vhagar was already old and seasoned, but he was doing well. They started bickering back and forth.
"Should we stop them my King?" Asked ser Harwin when it became a full on fight.
"No ,no. I want to see who wins." Said Viserys. And ser Harold snorted.
"I put my gold on her"
"You would be stupid not to." Replied Viserys." Daemon will give up any moment now." And as predicted, it happened.
"Fine!" Daemon shouted." Your way then! Ser Harold it seems like you are with me!"
"Told you!" Ser Harold told ser Harwin.
Both men made their way to his siblings and with a bit of haggle they got in the saddle. Maenera nodded and all of them gave the command, the dragons taking to the skys.
***
They rode hard for three days. Didn't stop to any of the castles on their way, preferring to camp out in the woods. He didn't truly understood why they did that but Daemon was adamant. He explained it as being a water of time. Waste of time or not Viserys back didn't thank him for sleeping on the ground.
His sister was right however, when they passed the Neck the weather became harsh. Vhagar was grumpy but seemed almost used to it. Caraxes wasn't faring that well though. Every time they stopped the Blood Wyrm will curl between the dragonesses for every bit of warmth, but not before he let out balls of flames to heat the ground. Maenera was extremely amused by this, causing Daemon to be embarrassed. The arguments he heard his brother having with his dragon were extremely amusing. Shrykos on the other hand looked like she got the best gift. She was like a puppy seeing snow for the first time. When they stopped for lunch she dived right in the soft snow that was on the ground. It was like she was bathing in it. Saying that the men were surprised was an understatement, even the other two dragons were looking at Shrykos weirdly.
Maenera finally signaled them that they were approaching Winterfell. Viserys was relieved. His tights were sore, his back was hurting, he was hungry and he needed sleep. How did his siblings managed to drag him into this again? They landed jus outside Winterfell the gates already in the process of being opened. They got down from their dragons and walked through the gates accompanied bu some Stark soldiers. I'm the court yard the Stark famy and their servants were waiting.
"Your Grace, Winterfell is yours." Said the Lord Stark and kneeled followed by his household.
"Lord Stark, thank you for your hospitality, especially on such a short notice."
"The royal family is always welcome in may halls. Your Grace may I introduced you to my wife, Giliane of House Glover." She gave a curtsy." My mother, Lisa of House Locke, my brother Bernard and his wife, Margaret of House Karstark." They bowed and curtsied respectively.
"Is there a more private setting where we may speak, Lord Stark?" Viserys asked and he could see that the Stark family were not expecting for him to jump straight into business. He jumped a little over the protocol but he needed to get this done with and get some sleep.
"Of course my King. Please follow me to the solar."
The walk was relatively quick. His siblings and knights following as well as Lord Stark's wife, mother and brother. It seemed that his siblings following meant that they could follow as well. He was entirely to tired for this kind of games but he allowed it. Daemon however didn't seem to pleased. They took a seat around the solar and the discussion began.
"As you may know Lord Stark, the royal family rarely travels North. We wouldn't be here if the situation wasn't grave enough to attract the crown's attention." He could see that Lord Stark was confused and worried.
"I can assure you my King that the North is peaceful at the moment, the only problems we had were a few wildling. Is there anything else that worries you?"
"Unfortunately, the word has reached us that one of your bannermen still practices the rights of First Night. As you may know the Old King abolished the gruesome tradition at the pleas of the Good Queen. As such when we found out we felt it would be prudent to investigate the matter ourselves."
"Nobody practices the First Night anymore and even so, I wouldn't expect the crown to come all the way here for that." Lord Stark's mother said. The old crone seemed to have her tongue sharpened. It pissed him off. Seeing the glares that him and his siblings were sporting Lord Stark quickly backtracked.
"Excuse my mother, your Grace, it seems that today doesn't agree with her. May I ask who is this bannerman?"
"Lord Bolton." His sister was the one responding.
"And how did you receive this information if I may ask?" Lord Stark said looking at him. He seemed to do anything possible to not look his sister in the eyes.
"Let's not pretend that we do not know each other, Lord Stark. And do not try hide that you know what I am capable of doing. You have a very good idea of how we came by this information." His sister said looking directly at the man.
"Princess Maenera, glad to see you again safe and whole." Lord Stark said.
"Are you? You are terrified. You were since the courtyard, and ironically enough is not because of the dragons. Is because of me isn't it? You are hiding that pretty young wife of yours behind you like I am second away form going over this table to rip her throat out." Now that he was looking closely he could see that his sister was right in her observations. The Lord was hiding his wife behind his masive bulk like he was trying to shield her form his sister.
"And why wouldn't he girl? All of the North knows you killed your mother! Kinslayer!" Lady Lisa Locke interjected again.
"Careful,my lady, you are speaking with a Princess." Daemon snapped. The lady didn't seem deterred though.
"Do your brothers know the unnatural gifts that you possess?"
"Do not speak to me of my so called unnatural gifts, my lady. Not when you were the one who came begging on your knees to my mother and grandmother to help you when you couldn't bear children. Do your son's know that? Do they know the price that you paid?" Well it seems like his sister let her mask down in the face of Lady Stark's attacks.
"Mother what is she talking about?" Bernard Stark asked.
"Nothing. " She replied.
"Let's calm down, it seems like this discussion degenerated." Lord Stark tried to calm down the room." Please tell me more about the actions of Lord Bolton."
"You probably only heard rumors nothing clear. Lord Bolton's subjects are too scared to say anything about their Lord."his sister began after taking a calming breath." I had a vision of his own daughter wedding night. As you probably know his daughter married recently. During the night he came to her room and raped her."
"That is indeed concerning. The First Night being still practiced is a grave offense but doing that to his own daughter?" Viserys could see that the Lord was troubled. His brother on the other hand didn't seemed to convinced.
"We cannot march to Lord Bolton's door and acuse him on the ramblings of a mad girl." Bernard said and Viserys lost his calm. It was the second member of this family that insulted their sister.
"I think that this is enough. We came here as a courtesy as you are Lord Paramount, Lord Stark. My sister brought you a problem that seems to be happening under your nose, but even so she has met in your home only distain, accusations and insults. We could just have gone straight to Lord Bolton's castle and burn it to a crisp, but we do not want to be tyrants. We came to you first so we may have a proper trial where we can judge the man's actions accordingly. If you cannot fulfill this task I am sure my siblings and I can take care of the problem."
"My King please forgive the impertinence of my family. Tempers are running high. I am at your service in this matter. House Stark will help you in any way necessary to get to the bottom of this."
"Good. The day after tomorrow we will begin riding to Dreadford. Let us rest this evening and meet again tomorrow to discuss everything. Maybe a night of sleep will calm the tempers."
"Of course my King. My wife and I will show you to your rooms." Said the Lord and they began walking out of the solar. It was clear that Bernard and Lady Lysa were to stay behind. It was not usually done. The Lord and Lady showing them to their rooms. The maids or servants took care of those things but in front of the insults his family has thrown he took the matters into his own hands.
"What is that way?" His sister asked when they passed a corridor.
"The Godswood, princess." Lord Stark replied. His sister didn't need more encouragement and made her way down that coridor. They were left to follow. The siblings and their knights already used with her oddities were following without complaint. Lord Stark and his wife seemed confused.
"Where are we going my King? Asked Lady Stark.
"After my sister, My Lady."
"Forgive my impertinence, but where is she going?"
"The Godswood I am assuming."
"Why?"she asked and His brother snorted.
"We will probably find out in a minute. I learned not to question those things."
They arrived in the Godswood and his sister's head was moving as she was searching for something. She seemed to find it when she quickened her pace and stopped in front of the big heart tree. She looked up and Viserys followed her gaze. On a branch a crow was sitting. His eyes may be tricking him because of the fatigue but he could swear the crow had three eyes.
"I should have realized. You were the one that sent me that vision. You wanted me to come North." His sister began talking to the bird. The problem wasn't necessary that his sister talked to a bird. The problem was that the bird responded.
"Wall! Wall! North!" The bird croaked.
"Is it just me or did that bird just talked?" Asked ser Harwin.
"Is not just you, ser and that is not a normal bird. That is a skin changer." Lord Stark said looking at the bird." Gily go to our rooms." Lord Stark commanded his wife. The woman seemed to scared to argue, quickly lifting her skirts and began running inside.
"I am not going over the wall. You know that. I told you before." His sister said.
"Wall!" The bird croaked again.
"Find somebody else to play your tricks to." The bird seemed to glare at her and fly off. "Lord Stark if you see that bird in the future shot it full of arrows." His sister advised the Lord.
"Who was that?" The Lord asked.
"Let's talk in our chambers. He is still close by."
They arrived to their chambers and all of them waited for an explanation.
"You probably guessed that the bird was actually a skin changer. You are right and wrong." His sister began." The creature inside the bird is something else. Not human. Not anymore. It doesn't have a name. It is called the Three eyed Raven. Original that one. It stays alive by taking over the bodies of seers."
"What do you mean is taking over their bodies?" Daemon asked.
"Exactly what I said. It lures them beyond the wall, in the land of always winter. It lures them with visions and when they come it transferes all his knowledge and power into their bodies while the old body withers away. It tried to do the same with me when I was younger. After mother died. I thought he gave up. Apparently not. He learned that I will not be lured with false and obscure visions to go over the wall. He still brought me North thought."
"So the vision about Lord Bolton was false?" Asked Lord Stark.
"Oh no. The vison was very much real. It just seemed like it wasn't mine. That's why it afected me so much at the time." She said and Viserys could remember how distraught she was at the time.
"Don't we need to stop this creature?"
"The night is dark and full of terrors. If you tried to fight every creature that walked the earth you will need another lifetime. The Three Eyed Crow is not necessarily evil. It is just a creature with a need to survive. He found a way."
"What about the people he takes over?" Asked Ser Harwin.
"You can't save every one. Not those who would not listen anyway. It would be good if you were to inform your family of this, Lord Stark. Your family has old magic in their blood. It will not be a stretch to think that sooner or later you will have a greenseer in your family. It will be a shame for them to fall prey to the Three eyed crow."
"Why is he looking for you specifically." Asked Daemon.
"I am the most powerful seer around at the moment. And he knows I already have the others in my sphere of influence. He can't get his claws on them and he is getting desperate. The body he is inhabiting must be getting older." Viserys could see the understanding befalling his brother and Ser Harwin. Maenera, had Viserys around, a dragon dreamer, weak one but a dreamer nonetheless, as well as Larys Strong and Alys Rivers, both of them having visions. If what se was saying was true then she already took four people from under it's nose.
"I will inform my family and the Houses that may have the potential of siring greenseers. Thank you for this, Princess."said Lord Stark and excused himself. Ser Harwin and ser Harold following.
Lord Stark offered of course all three of the siblings their own rooms. Viserys Daemon and Maenera already knew that the other two rooms will be unused. The siblings began shedding the leathers and crawling one by one into bed. The hour was still early but the fatigue form the road was catching up to them. They were asleep before their heads hit the pillows.