The next two days Jon had a busy schedule. He had intensified his training sessions convincing Ser Arthur that he needed to be ready to fight the White Walkers who were very skilled swordfighters and didn't tire. The rest of his day was spent holding court, meeting the new arrivals or deciphering scrolls, conferring with Davos or with his small council. Prince Oberyn, Lord Varys and Lady Ashara Dayne had left for King's Landing the morning after their long meeting. Varys had joked that he would spend more time carrying out tasks for the Targaryen Prince than for the King he officially served.
During supper the second day after they had left, Jon complained to Davos about his schedule. "I only get to see Dany during some of the meals. After supper, we are too tired to stay up long enough to spend much time together. I am also too exhausted to connect with my dragons. I will abide by your schedule tomorrow but cancel all appointments for the day after that." Jon ordered Davos who sat opposite him.
Dany who had just finished the last spoonful of a delicious soup looked up. "Aegon, what is the matter?"
"I promised you a visit to my foster-grandmother, didn't I?" Jon gave her a tired smile.
She nodded. Her face lost the worried frown. "You did."
"What do you say about going on a trip with me the day after tomorrow? We'll spend the entire day at the Driftmark. I can show you the caves where I hatched the dragons, we can visit Yekken's workshop and join my grandmother for lunch." His smile broadened when he saw her growing excitement.
"I would love to accompany you. Can we really?" She asked, looking at Davos now.
He chuckled. "I don't see why not. But talk it through with Ser Gerold, Jon. He will need time to take the necessary safety measures."
"I will do so right after supper. I also promised to meet Sam later." Jon turned to Dany. "You will have to excuse me for this evening."
"Don't worry. Irri will be glad for the opportunity to practice her reading with me. She is coming along nicely."
Under the table Jon grabbed her hand that lay on her upper leg and squeezed it gently. "You don't need to sound so happy to escape my company for the night. A young man could get discouraged by less."
"Poor Aegon. I'll make it up to you on our outing, promise." She blew him a kiss.
Jon caressed her thigh and gave her a quick peck on the cheek. "I look forward to it." The simmering look in his eyes told her a lot more than his short formal response.
He quickly regained his posture when a servant approached with the next dish. Well aware how much Dany loved to hear about the direwolves, he started to tell her how Greywind and Ghost both had comforted and protected Robb Stark at the Dreadfort.
***
"I hardly get to see you, Jon." Sam complained to his friend. They were seated in Jon's chambers in front of the fire place. Sam had a small wooden desk on his lap, littered with his ever present writing materials.
"We attended the same long meeting the entire afternoon, Sam."
"I mean one on one time with my friend." Sam explained.
"I know, Sam. I wished I had more time to spend with you. How is your book coming along?"
"I work a little on it each day. No matter how busy I am, I refuse to go to sleep without writing at least one paragraph. The letters you gave me helped me a great deal. I also received some information from Ser Oswell about your earlier years and I have written to Lord Reed to ask for some general information about your years at Greywater Watch. I'd say I am making progress."
"That is nice to hear. If ever things are calmer, I want you to consider writing a book on the Free Folk. I want to set the record straight. Everyone should be able to read the truth about their way of life, about the intricacies of their society. They are not this uncivilised people that the existing history books mention in small passages occasionally. They are a folk with a unique civilization of their own and one can learn something from them. I can tell you some things and hopefully you can visit them in the future. If so, use Sandor as a point of reference. He is the one most suited to compare both life styles. These people are worth it to have an entire book dedicated to them." Jon finished his passionate plea.
"That certainly sounds like a challenging project. It could be the start of a series. The second volume would describe the War for the Dawn." Sam needed no further convincing.
"I have something else that might interest you." Jon looked at Sam, his entire demeanour foreboding he was about to impart something vital.
"Oh?" Sam looked up from the notes he had been taking. "Do tell."
"I received a letter from my great-great-uncle." Jon paused waiting for Sam's reaction.
"How is that possible?" His friend rubbed his chin. "He left it to you and you're only telling me about it now?"
Jon shook his head. "Guess again."
"You were recently at Castle Black and you found it in his quarters?"
"You always amaze me with the way your mind works through every possibility in an orderly, logical fashion." Jon praised his friend. "Uncle Aemon left a large scroll to me in a secret hiding place in his quarters. You might find it interesting to know that it was the exact same place where Blackfyre and the dragon eggs were kept hidden for decades."
"And you know that how?"
Jon smiled. Trust Sam to always want to know the details. "Because he allowed me to take the eggs out of there myself when I was twelve years old."
Sam sighed with envy. "I would so much have liked to be a witness to that scene."
"When you get to that passage in your book, I will tell you all about it. I'll even draw a little sketch."
"I hold you to that." Sam was quick to secure the promise. "I still remember you working on the book for your cousin Rickon. I always regretted leaving before you finished it. Some of those drawings were masterpieces, Jon."
Jon smiled a bit self-conscious and made a show of watching the flames dance in the fireplace.
"Jon," Sam broke the silence. "Are you planning on telling me what was in that letter before I fall asleep?" He mock-complained.
"I thought you got distracted and lost interest." Jon teased. He leaned over to Sam. "Better stay awake a bit longer. It is really worth it, I promise."
"Okay," Sam encouraged him. "I am all ears."
"Swear you will keep this a secret. You are only allowed to bring Gendry in on it and even then not before taking every precaution possible. The code you have developed his not safe enough for this information. I will inform Gendry in person when I fly back to Eastwatch in a few days and we'll take it from there."
"I'll never betray a single one of your secrets, Jon. I already swore that before." Sam's honest eyes were eagerly trained on his friend's face.
"This is a Targaryen secret, passed on only to the head of House Targaryen, to be disclosed only to the limited number of people necessary to assist House Targaryen in uh"
"In making Valyrian Steel?" Sam guessed his eyes wide as saucers now.
"Indeed." Jon handed him the large scroll. "I didn't dare to put the result of the deciphering on it. Once I had translated it, I learned the decrypted version by hard and burned all written evidence of the formula in the normal tongue."
"Ingredients we were missing?" Sam asked.
"Two drops of blood of old Valyria. Maester Aemon recommends to experiment with my blood first and then compare the results with another batch using Dany's blood. And as you already surmised, we will need dragonfire. Those two ingredients ensure only we can make manufacture it."
Sam studied the encrypted text. "It sure is a long description. There must be more to it."
"It is a complicated process. First you melt the steel and mix it with the two drops of fresh blood and heat it with dragonfire. Then you have to let the mix cool down on its own time. A sennight later you melt it again and add one twentieth of dragonglass. Again you heat this mix with dragonfire and let it cool down naturally. Next you wait a sennight and repeat the procedure adding another twentieth of dragonglass. Seven days later you melt it one last time using normal fire and treat the mixture as you would treat high quality steel. That is it in a nutshell. More detailed instructions that will make more sense to Gendry than to us are added in there. The end of the letter quotes the honour code that the Head of House Targaryen needs to adhere to. He is only allowed to produce a limited number of these weapons using these instructions. He also has to promise to use them only to do good, protect the weak and only hurt those who intend to cause harm. If he allows others the use of these Valyrian steel weapons, he needs to catalogue them carefully and House Targaryen remains responsible for all actions the owner commits using the steel he has been gifted. Better read yourself how many things are forbidden and how many restrictions apply."
"I think your ancestors were wise to put these in place. I wonder why there aren't ..." Sam paused and studied Jon. "Oh but of course there are, aren't there. How many restrictions apply to the use of your dragons?"
Jon looked at him feeling a sudden kinship with his friend. A sigh of contentment escaped his lips. "Only you Sam." He shook his head. "Only you get all of this with only a hint of an explanation."
He paused and leaned forward again. "There are a great many restriction in place for that too, as you can well imagine. I will tell you one day when we have more time. For now please adhere to these edicts. Don't write any of this down, not in code, not now, not ever. Commit everything to memory and only talk to me about it. Don't let others view Uncle Aemon's scroll. In his letter there is also mention of a secret hiding place here on Dragonstone. Never venture there unless you are in my company. I will find a way to slip away from my Kingsguard one night and we'll check it out together."
Sam nodded after every sentence Jon pronounced. "I solemnly promise, Jon. You now that. Am I right that you haven't told anyone about this, not even Uncle Benjen nor Davos?"
"Nor am I allowed to tell Dany." Jon sighed. "The only reason you are the exception to extremely strict rules is that you are allowed to know some things in your function of Grand Maester to House Targaryen. I realise that according to the rules and laws of the Seven Kingdoms and the Citadel, you are not officially a Maester yet, let alone a Grand Maester. But if I strip away all the formalities and use common sense and intuition, you are that person that has the abilities and the required loyalty necessary for the position. I trust you blindly."
Jon touched Sam's arm. "I know in a few years you will have read a thousand more books and forged an impressive Maester's chain. But even now, I dare every Maester in Westeros to measure himself against your logical reasoning skills and eidetic memory. Events in time will catch up and make the situation I perceive as actual, official in a few years."
Sam was speechless.
"Sam?" Jon asked after a while.
"I am honoured, Jon. Allow me some time to wrap my head around this. Of course I knew you trusted me. You have proved that often enough. But this, to hear you proclaim that I am entitled to hear secrets not even your Hand or your Queen who is pure Valyrian Royalty are privy to is a bit overwhelming. And on top of that you just declared that you view me as an actual Maester already."
"I do, Sam. Let me make a quick visit to the privy. Perhaps when I return you will have gathered your wits enough to hear me out and do some research on a problem I am struggling with." Jon rose from his chair.
"Uh of course, Jon. I'll wait for you here." Sam saw his friends walk to the door still in a daze. He shook his head and tried to gather his wits.
***
Two days later Jon and Dany were walking hand in hand to the largest tavern of the small settlement on the Driftmark. Ser Barristan and Ser Oswell had left the day before so they could meet the Prince and Princess on arrival. A requirement of Ser Gerold that Jon had agreed to willingly. He was glad his Lord Commander and Davos had not objected to him taking a day off from his duties and flying to the Driftmark. Upon Ser Gerold's request, Jon had produced a detailed itinerary of his plans for the day. The Prince had made them promise to keep it all a secret from Dany.
Dany looked around the town square and greeted everyone with a big smile. During the visit with his grandmother, Ser Barristan had taken the time to spread the word that the Prince and Princess of Dragonstone were visiting and had asked the inhabitants to respect the young couple's privacy since they only had the one vacation day and had opted to spend it at the Driftmark. The knight had been surprised to learn how loved Jon was here and how willing they all were to allow their Prince to wander around the settlement as if he still lived amongst them.
They all kept their distance and only spoke to him when he approached of his own accord and addressed them first. So far during the short walk from his foster-grandmother's home to the inn, he had introduced a few female servants and an elderly man to the Princess and they had spent some time conversing with the blacksmith and visited his modest shop.
The Princess looked lovely in a blue summer gown that contrasted with the grey and brown attire of the smallfolk. Jon had asked her to pack a dress so she could change on the island. She had appeared in the same coat and breaches she had worn for their first dragonride and had a small bag with her that contained a dress and some lighter footwear.
They had started their day walking along the cliffs of Dragonstone to the dragons' resting place. Jon had spent the night before last with Rhaegal and Viserion and had asked them to come along on this trip. Jon and Dany had mounted Rhaegal and Viserion flew alongside them, also wanting to visit the spot where he had been hatched. Since the weather was nice enough, the four of them circled Dragonstone and the Driftmark twice before landing near the caves where Jon had spent so much time raising his dragons.
Dany had used the opportunity to change into her summer dress. They had left the dragons at the caves and had met up with Ser Barristan and Ser Oswell who were on horseback and had brought mounts for them as well. They had ridden at a slow pace toward the settlement enjoying the scenery as well as each other's company.
Jon felt himself relax for the first time in a long while. He had not bound his curls together opting to let the wind play with his locks. Today he would spend not a single moment thinking about strategies, politics, audiences or other duties. He had looked at Dany and had seen a similar joy in her eyes.
Too soon they had arrived at the settlement. He had quickly dismounted so he could be the one to assist Dany. He had held her a bit longer than necessary and had kissed her hair before he had released her. They had arrived for lunch with his foster-grandmother. Their next stop had been the inn and they had opted to leave their horses behind and walk the small distance.
So now they were crossing the town square and Jon gestured to a few children who were looking at them and were clearly longing to approach. A few carried flowers, some others the drawings Jon was familiar with. Dany bent down and gracefully accepted the gifts, bestowing each of the children a small peck on their cheeks.
Jon smiled indulgently and asked for his own kiss. To the hilarity of the children she gave him an innocent peck on his nose. Jon then answered a few of their questions, mostly about the whereabouts of his dragons and how big they had grown and then waved goodbye to them all. Putting his arm around Dany's shoulder, he guided her to the inn where the innkeeper was already waiting for them in the doorway.
As always the man bowed deeply and greeted them with excessive grovelling. Jon took it all in stride and guided Dany to a table where he sat down next to her on the wooden bench their thighs touching each other.
"What are we doing here, Jon? The weather is so nice outside and we just spent a long time cooped up inside with your grandmother."
"That sound as if you didn't enjoy the stories she told you about some of my childhood exploits. You sure fooled me when the tears rolled over your cheeks from laughing at my expense." He pouted but his eyes danced with mirth when he remembered the delightful time they had enjoyed with his foster-grandmother.
"I did enjoy visiting your grandmother. You were lucky, Jon. You found a warm home here. We must make sure to visit her regularly. She looks old and frail." Dany covered his hand that lay on the table with hers.
"I know," he sighed. "I try to visit each time I am in the neighbourhood. It is not easy though, taking time off when there is so much at stake."
"Yet you devote an entire day to me." Her eyes conveyed her appreciation and she leaned a bit closer.
"I did it as much for me as for you. Who knows what will happen up north?" The warm look in his eyes dimmed a bit.
"Aegon, don't say that." The grip of her hand that was still keeping his prisoner tightened.
"I only meant to say," he rephrased. "Who knows how long before I will be able to return."
"And then you are off to King's Landing." Her voice sounded a little forlorn.
He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her closer to him.
"Ah, but if all goes well, you will be able to join me a few days later and start preparing for our marriage and coronation."
She put her free hand on his mouth. "Don't jinx it."
A cough made her drop her fingers from his mouth and releasing his hand, she sat up straighter. The innkeeper looking a bit hesitant, bowed when they turned their attention to him.
"My Prince, my Princess, can I offer you some refreshments on the house. We have made fresh water sweetened with wild berries. There is also the choice between sweet Arbor Gold, the stronger Dornish Red, ale or water."
"I'd like a cup of the berry water." Daenerys answered politely.
"Make that two," Jon decided and made a strange hand gesture to the innkeeper behind Dany's back.
The man beamed and nodded hurrying back to his counter.
"Now will you tell me why we are here? I doubt it is because they have the best sweetened water in the realm." Daenerys had turned her head back to him.
He gave her a quick peck on her cheek. "Don't be so impatient. Aren't you enjoying your day? We'll take a long walk on the beach later."
Jon was watching the innkeeper fill gather their cups and a pitcher, his eyes kept following the man's every move. After they had been served, the innkeeper next visited the two tables where his Kingsguards had taken a seat and served them a pint of ale each. Ser Barristan sat at table near the front entrance. Ser Oswell was seated at another table near the inner door that led to a hallway and the small room where Jon had met Lord Varys a while ago. Finally the man gestured discreetly to someone in a dark corner who had been there long before Jon and Dany entered.
A relieved smile lit Jon's features and he gently took Dany's hand and raised it to his mouth. Looking deeply into her purple eyes, he kissed the tip of each finger slowly and listened for the first tunes of the enchanting music to start.
A while later, Dany sighed contently, her eyes were closed and her body was resting against Jon's side. "That was so beautiful, Aegon. She wiped a tear from the corner of her left eye. No wonder Lord Varys was proud of his achievement. I felt so sorry for this girl in the song. And if I didn't know any better, I would try to find her and help her find her way to her homeland. And the music accompanied the words so perfectly."
"Wait here," Jon said and tenderly steadied her so she no longer relied on him to keep her upright. He went over to the minstrel, whispered a few words and handed the man a few coins.
The music started once more, but now there were no words accompanying the enchanting melody. Jon held out his hand and bowed toward her. "Will you allow me this dance, my Princess?"
Dany took his hand that helped her up from the bench and curtsied. "I don't know how to perform this dance." She whispered in his ear when he took her in his arms.
"Just hold on to me," he whispered back and guided her head against his shoulder, his arms encircling her waist. "We'll just sway slowly to the rhythm of the music."
"I'll remember this moment forever." She sighed from contentment and followed his lead.
"Even if we are cooped up inside on such a lovely day?" He teased.
"Shut up so I can enjoy the music," she responded in a quiet voice without skipping a beat.
Jon smiled, kissed her hair and kept rocking her to the rhythm of the music. Even if he had been quick to tease her, he had been in full agreement with her earlier statement. He would also remember this moment for as long as the Gods granted him to stay alive.
***
"I can't believe you were able to arrange all this so quickly, Aegon." Dany thanked him for the third time since they had left the tavern. "Engaging that minstrel was a very thoughtful gesture."
"I am glad you appreciate it that much." Jon answered enjoying their stroll along the sandy beach. They were walking hand in hand, barefoot, carrying their footwear in their hands. Each time a stronger wave came rolling, their feet got submerged by salty water.
"Irri seems to have settled in nicely." Jon's free hand touched one of her braids. "I deduced that she was the one to help you style your braids this morning. Your hair has been arranged in the exact same style as you wore it the first time I ever laid eyes on you in Pentos. "
"You remembered?" Daenerys stopped and looked at him with wonder in her eyes.
"I remember everything about that day. I conjured up the image often enough before I fell asleep at night waiting for you to come to Dragonstone."
Jon looked over his shoulder and saw Ser Oswell and Ser Barristan talking to a fisherman. He used the opportunity to pull her into him and gave her a quick kiss on her lips.
Dany looked past him in the same direction before pulling him in for a longer kiss. "I dreamt of our children last night." She murmured against his lips
"You did? And how many would there have been?" He smiled and brushed his lips against the corner of her mouth.
"Three, two silverhaired ones and one with dark curls." She sighed and leaned into him.
"Mmmh, what are the chances that I am the father of at least one of them?" He teased relishing the feel of her body relaxing into his.
"Aegon!" She protested putting her hands on his chest applying a bit of pressure so there was once again some space between them.
"Just kidding, my sweet. I'll pray tonight that our dreams come true." He put his hands on top of hers that still lay against his chest and caressed the back of them with his thumb.
"Our dreams? You dreamed it as well? Aegon, was it once of those dreams that can come true?" Her eyes had widened in surprise.
"Greendreams, Dany. That's what Lord Reed calls them. And yes, I had some. I am half Targaryen after all." His eyes had lost their playfulness and she knew he was speaking the truth.
"And you would have told me that eventually?"
"Of course. Probably in the midst of making them." His voice grew deeper, his eyes darker and he drew her lower body against his again letting her feel the effect she had on him.
"Aegon, they are heading our way again." Her cheeks had a lovely rosy colour and he kissed each one of them before releasing her.
They resumed their walk. Jon with his arm tightly around her waist, their sides touching each other with each step they took.
He leaned his head towards her and whispered sensually in her ear. "I dream of that too, you know. Not a greendream, just a dream of a man who is in love. I dream of us together in a big featherbed and how I enjoy hearing your moans as I pleasure you."
"Am I embarrassing you?" He asked when he saw the colour of her cheeks grow a deeper red than before.
"Perhaps a little. Irri has been explaining some of this in detail. Your words are making me feel exactly as she described. I feel a tingling, a longing deep in my belly. It makes me want to rub my legs together." She whispered averting her eyes embarrassed at her confession.
"Please look at me. Never feel embarrassed or afraid to tell me how you feel, dearest." Jon reassured her. "I will want to know what feels good when I touch you. And I certainly want you to tell me to stop when I do things you'd rather not have me do or when the Gods forbid I might hurt you. That is the only way we will both be able to enjoy our couplings. And that is my goal since I will want to couple often."
A short silence fell between them and they walked on for a while before Daenerys gathered the courage to respond. "Irri told me uh men want to do it all the time. Women don't feel the need that often but are uh obliged to be uh available for their husbands and are not allowed to complain."
Jon stopped walking and waited to speak until she looked at him. "I'll consider it a challenge. I won't force you to do anything when you do not feel like it but I will do everything in my power to convince you to change your mind. I will make you long for my caresses, my kisses and I will not rest until you beg me to place my member inside you and to take you over and over again."
"Aegon, stop. I am getting uncomfortable." Dany whispered beet red now. "My smallclothes are getting moist."
Jon looked around. "If only we were alone in a secluded spot. I would lick you clean down there."
"Aegon, you are only making things worse." She whispered.
Jon kissed her hair. "I am sorry, my love. I was only trying to prove a point. Not only men have desires. Just ask Irri. The fact that you are growing wet down there means that your body is yearning for our coupling. I have been told that some women want it more often than men."
Jon looked over his shoulder to his Kingsguards who were keeping a discreet distance but were looking at them all the same. He swallowed thickly. "Let's resume our walk."
"Aegon, you promised me before you wouldn't take my maidenhood before we were married in the eyes of the Old Gods." Her eyes were still smoldering with arousal when she looked at him.
He tightened the grip on her shoulder for a moment. "And I won't. But there are many things we might do without taking the final step. Just ask Irri." He repeated his earlier advice.
He freed her shoulder and instead took her hand and weaved their fingers together. "Let's cool off a bit." He proposed and pulled her closer to the shoreline until they were ankle-deep in the salty water. In a normal conversational tone he asked her. "Have you taken steps to appoint ladies-in-waiting yet?"
"No I haven't. I intended to wait until everything was out in the open. That way I can get to know more noble ladies and have a wider choice than the few who are allowed to know that I am in Westeros".
"And what do you think about the comment Prince Oberyn made about Ser Jorah?" Jon asked her while observing the colour of her cheeks slowly returning to a more normal hue.
"He has been with me since before Ser Darry died. I have no reason to mistrust him." She looked at him.
"Yet you seem hesitant." Jon remarked. "I only met him a few times that one sennight but I recall you writing to me how he was willing to take on a fierce looking Dothraki Khal who towered over him."
"I shall write him that he should come to Dragonstone as soon as he has obtained the information Varys needs." She decided.
Jon kissed the top of her head. "Let's head back to the stables behind my grandmother's home. That way we can reach Dragonstone before it is dark. I promised Ser Gerold not to stay out too late."
"Oh," she exclaimed disappointed.
"I only accepted after he agreed to arrange for us to enter the castle unseen and weather permitting, our supper will be served on the balcony in your room. Irri will need to be present in your bedchamber as a chaperone so your virtue isn't in any danger." He smiled when he saw the joy reappear in her eyes.
"Better Irri than my former Septa." Dany replied relieved that their fairy tale like day wasn't coming to a close yet. "Thank you, Aegon. You really could not have planned a lovelier day for me."
He kissed the top of her head once more and repeated his earlier confession. "I did it for you as well as for myself, my love."
No more words were spoken for a time. They enjoyed the last moments of their short vacation at the Driftmark.
***
The next day, everything went back to its normal routine. Only now, when things got tedious, Jon had the memories of that day to keep him motivated to work towards his goal. All these audiences and strategy meetings were just small steps in the big plan that would get him on the throne next to the Queen of his heart and the mother of his future children.
He spent many hours reading messages and answering them. The tidings from Winterfell were all positive. Lord Reed knew to expect him for another quick visit and the status reports from the Wall were confirming everything was still moving forward according to plan.
He had finished a long message and sat back trying to imagine his life in King's Landing. His thoughts wandered to the heightened security measures here and wondered how it would be once he was King. Seven Kingsguards would be dedicated exclusively to his protection. He sighed and considered how bored Ser Gerold and Ser Oswell must be standing about in the hallway while he was safely ensconced in his rooms taking his time writing messages. Perhaps there would be even more attending the doors of his royal quarters in the Red Keep. He frowned suddenly and quickly made for the door.
"Ser Gerold, might I have a word? Would come in, please?" Jon stepped aside to let his Lord Commander in.
"Something the matter, my Prince?" Ser Gerold asked as soon as the door closed behind him.
"Not with me, not now." Jon answered. "I know we decided not to discuss the Royal Guard until after I return from beyond the Wall, but I there is something that has been nagging at me ever since our conversation on this topic."
Ser Gerold kept his stiff posture even though his Prince gestured from him to take a seat at the table across from him.
"If it is in my power to enlighten you, I am only too willing to do so." He answered formally.
Jon sighed. Perhaps he should have asked Ser Arthur. The Sword of the Morning was less formal and a bit easier to talk to. "Ever since our discussion on the separation of duties between the three divisions of the Royal Guard, I have been wondering how you three happened to be at the Tower of Joy and Ser Barristan at the Trident. You were all White Knights, sworn to protect King Aerys II who resided in the Red Keep during the Rebellion. You were his Lord Commander."
Jon had to look up to see the knight's expression change. Now it was Ser Gerold's turn to sigh. He dropped his shoulders a little and belatedly accepted the offered chair.
"That is a fair question that has a rather delicate answer." He admitted after was seated.
"I didn't mean to put you on the spot and I am glad you all survived." Jon hesitated but continued. "I just want to understand."
"It was not easy to serve King Aerys II the last years of his reign, my Prince. Not only was he contradicting his own orders, he had been growing paranoid and it became clear to those close to him who saw him daily that he was no longer fit to rule the Seven Kingdoms. We were all suffering under the whims of a man who showed increasing signs of madness.
Your father, Prince Rhaegar confided in us his plans to overthrow his father for the sake of the realm and ask for our support. If all had gone according to plan, your father would have garnered the support of the important Lords of the realm at the tourney of Harrenhal but at the last moment King Aerys II decided to grace the tournament with his presence and the plans were delayed."
"That still doesn't explain things." Jon ventured when Ser Gerold paused.
"I am getting there, my Prince. I just recounted the delayed coup to make you understand that we sort of regarded your father as the Rightful King from that moment on. When the Rebellion started and they began to win battles, your grandfather the King ordered most of his Kingsguard to help the war effort. He was safe in the Red Keep and we would be of more use helping his son lead the royal army into battle and defeat the rebels once and for all. When I tried to protest he threatened to have me killed. His paranoia had made him execute more than one loyal man so I relented and left with Prince Rhaegar."
"To fight at the Trident?" Jon asked
"To follow Prince Rhaegar. This happened some time before the battle of the Trident." Ser Gerold amended. "From that moment on I obeyed the command of my Prince and future King. Even if at one point his orders were to stay behind and guard his pregnant wife in Dorne. I did object respectfully but adhered to his wishes when he all but begged me to comply. The rest is history."
Their conversation had ended shortly after and Jon had thanked him and resumed his activities.
***
The seventh night since Jon had arrived on Dragonstone he was plagued by strange dreams. He dreamed of vast plains of mountains of ice with no one around for as far as the eye could see. Then the dream shifted and he saw the Night King approaching him out of nowhere. Jon tried to move his feet but he couldn't lift either of them. They seemed stuck in the snow. Suddenly the dream shifted again and Jon realised immediately he was no longer dreaming. He saw the dead march toward Hardhome and felt helpless when they detected the scouts of the Free Folk and simply overpowered them making them march in their army mere moments later. A warning voice resounded in his head. 'Go North. It is time. Go North.'
Jon departed the next day before dawn. He left a short apology for Dany and a concise message for Sam to read out loud to the members of his Small Council. He still made the promised stop at Greywater Watch.
***
Lord Reed and Bran stood outside when he arrived. After a quick greeting all three began to talk at once. Then they all stopped and a silence fell.
"Your Night King, he uses the trees to see us. Be careful near a heart tree. His magic is growing stronger." Lord Reed spoke quietly as if afraid others might overhear.
"My Night King?" Jon remarked offended. "I came to warn you about a force pulling at me in the Godswood. Luckily I got away clean when Davos touched me. I could have sworn it was someone who meant me no harm at first before the feeling changed drastically."
"That was me at first. I am so sorry to have put you in harm's way." Bran confessed. "I was experimenting. I just had been taught greenseers were able to contact each other over a vast distance using the heart trees as a medium." His little cousin bowed his head in shame.
"I don't blame you, Bran. But your teacher should have known better." He turned to Lord Reed. "Why are you so sure it was the Night King that took over?"
"I have no doubt about this." Lord Reed affirmed ignoring the slight directed at him. "I recognised him from another vision. Beware Jon, the Night King is a powerful greenseer as well."
"I had sort of reached that conclusion myself. But now that I know the danger, I will not pray in front of a heart tree in solitude any longer. I'll always see to it that someone has my back. Do you think others are in danger as well? I can't decree that the Lords of the North are temporarily forbidden to pray to the Old Gods."
"I don't think so." Lord Reed exchanged a look with Bran. "We are fairly sure he is searching for you, Jon. He found out somehow that you are the Son of Ice and Fire and the fate of the realm will be decided between the both of you. He might have had the same vision you had."
Jon ignored the use of another dramatic title for his role in the coming war and looked at his young cousin. "I pray he hasn't seen more than the three of us combined. Are you okay, Bran? He hasn't threatened you?"
"I am okay, Jon. I am careful and stay close to Lord Reed as much as possible. Did you know already that I can fly a long distance inside a bird now? I am training with an eagle, just like your friend Orell. Lord Reed and I have been thinking of ways to help you. We do not want you to face the Night King alone. When the time comes, we want to be there. Not in person but in the mind of a bird or an animal. Perhaps we can distract him during your fight." His cousin's enthusiasm grew.
"Those are future strategies. I am not about to face the Night King for some time. I only came here to warn you about the dangers of being alone in a Godswood. I'm sorry but something urges me north. I feel compelled to hurry. If you have no more news, I would like to continue my journey right this instant.
Lord Reed gestured for a servant to approach. "At least take these provisions with you. It is a cake baked with a lot of greens in them. Keep up your strength. You will need it for the coming fight. Take care, Jon." His eyes accentuated his words as did the deliberate gesture of placing the bag in Jon's hands and holding on to these hands a little bit longer than usual.
They took their leave of each other with a short group embrace and moments later, Jon was in the air again.
Interlude 31: Tournament preparations
"No you are not allowed to raise your prices." Yohn Royce reprimanded the delegation of innkeepers. "The Crown will investigate each complaint. We will send out broadcasters to announce the proscribed price for a room and encourage anyone who is being charged more to come forward."
"This is the only time of the year we can make a decent profit." The spokesman of the innkeepers protested.
"Nonsense," Lord Royce ignored the exaggerated complaint. "Now let's talk about the price of food and drink."
The Regent of the Vale sighed unobtrusively. At first he had been proud to be given such a big responsibility. He had even been given a temporary position on King Robert's Small Council and had learned a lot already. But now he knew why Lord Eddard Stark had proclaimed him Chief Organiser of the Royal Tournament. It was just a grand title for a long list of annoying tasks.
He still had to check the sites where the tents were planned to be raised. He needed to see to the other tents meant to shelter the royal family and their more important guests when they viewed the spectacle unhindered by any type of weather. Then he needed to see to the tents that had been allowed to be set up just outside the city gates to house the new arrivals for whom no longer rooms could be found inside the city walls.
The City Watch needed to be briefed about the extra duties one more time, the tradesmen needed to increase the import of food and drink. Temporary decrees about access to certain streets, extra torches, the expanding of the training yards for the jousters, smaller tents for the knights and their squires, temporary barracks to house the extra equipment, he sighed and checked the long list one more time. Oh he had forgotten all about the translators he had asked to come over. Perhaps he could find room for them with a noble family willing to take them in for a small fee.
"Lord Royce?" A servant entered the room he had been assigned to receive the delegations he needed to negotiate with. "More knights wanting to enlist have arrived and are currently waiting in the courtyard. But first the Hand of the King asks if you would attend him and the King in the King's study." The servant bowed and left the room.
Lord Royce turned his attention back to the innkeepers who were still lingering near the exit, unwilling to depart before attempting to negotiate a better deal once more time.
"We are finished here, gentlemen. Be sure to heed these rules. The crown will keep a close eye on the situation." His tone left no room to wiggle. The fact that he was the one to quit the room abruptly, ended the meeting anyway. With big strides he headed for the opposite side of the Red Keep.
"If only the tournament were finished already. Or even better, if only the Targaryen Prince swept up the throne already then this cursed tournament would surely be cancelled." He muttered under his breath while he approached the King's study.
"Ah, Lord Royce. Thank you for coming so swiftly. We have a small request to make of you." The Hand of the King stood to the side of the room. The King sat behind his large ostentatious desk both hands on his belly looking expectantly at Lord Royce.
Not long after, Lord Royce left the room not knowing if he should feel honoured or trapped. He had just agreed to spend the next day going on a hunt with his Grace, King Robert. His Hand needed to see to urgent matters of state and the King needed someone he could trust and act as a substitute friend. And of course the valiant Regent of the Vale was the best choice and would he please also be willing to make all the arrangements? He had been tasked to ask the Lord Commander of the Kingsguard to see to extra security in light of the recent assassination attempts, enquire after the new armour and make sure that it fit the contours of the Kings slightly enlarged girth.
He startled when Prince Oberyn stopped him on his way to the stable master. The Prince gestured him to enter the private stable where the full blood stallion of the Prince of Dorne had been given shelter. "Lord Stark asked if I were willing to join the royal hunt but I declined. Listen to me. First of all, let Thoros of Myr help you with the tournament preparations. Not only will you benefit greatly from his assistance, the man has been talking of leaving because he felt useless here and we want him in the capital when our Prince arrives." Prince Oberyn smiled slyly at a confused Lord Royce.
"I want you to keep your eyes and ears open and find out all the little habits of the King when out on a hunt. How long does he pursue an animal? What is the animal he prefers to hunt? Does he perform the kill himself? What does he eat, drink? How often does he rest? Things like that. Report only to me and for heavens' sake do not tell Eddard Stark about our conversation."
"Why the Seven Hells not?" Lord Royce was taken aback by this unusual request. "What are you scheming this time?"
"Something Varys and I have come up with together, I'll have you know. Something to help the Prince's cause along. Lord Varys has received the Prince's permission to circumvent his Uncle, the Hand of the King if necessary. We need to keep the man honest." Prince Oberyn slightly bent the truth.
"Doing this will help the Targaryen Prince?" Lord Royce asked to be sure.
"Certainly. And he will be very grateful to you afterwards. I'll make sure he knows you were essential in bringing this plan to its successful conclusion." Prince Oberyn tapped the shoulders of the Knight of the Vale.
"I'll report back to you this evening if I am able to find you." Lord Royce promised having made up his mind.
"Don't worry about it. I'll find you. If not, Varys will contact you and you can relay all you have observed during your hunt tomorrow to him. Now make the necessary arrangements for the hunt and then find Thoros of Myr and let him take over some of the preparations for the tournament you were planning on carrying out tomorrow."
Without waiting for a reaction, Prince Oberyn pushed him out of the spacious stable toward the small shed where the stable master could be found.
Later that night Lord Royce lay awake, thinking things through. He had decided to just play along for now. He was not made for these duplicitous political games. He took heart in the conversation between him and Lord Stark the other night. They had been discussing how to appease King Robert's demands to send more spies to Essos to report on the activities of the Targaryen Princess. Lord Stark had shared his feelings of unease but had comforted him stating that things would be different under his nephew's rule. The Targaryen Prince held his honour as high as a trueborn Stark.
"Soon things will get better." He muttered to himself before he drifted off in a dreamless sleep.
*