Chapter Text
Rhaenys stood as she, Daenerys, and Jon held little Aella in their arms. She was proud and happy as well, for it was not just a princess of House Targaryen that was born. It was all their daughter, which Rhaenys considered as her own as well. When will the time come for when I become heavy with his babe?
“My lords, and my ladies,” Jon announced. “We are proud to present to you, the new member of House Targaryen, Princess Aella Targaryen.” He held her up his arms and raised her high for all to see, with cheers coming from all those in attendance. Daenerys insisted on being present for when her daughter was being shown to the world, and nobody bothered to stop her since she was sufficiently healed from childbirth and there was no point in denying what she wanted.
Thankfully, no one made any comment on when they’ll have a prince, for that was considered unwise given the atmosphere in the throne room. Meanwhile, Ghost lied there on the steps of the Iron Throne, tired but also keeping vigilant should anything happen.
“Now, we believe that it is high time that the matters of the realm be conducted here, in acknowledgement of this glorious occasion. My queen,” he gestured to Daenerys. “You may begin.”
Daenerys kissed Aella’s forehead before she stood high and confident. “There were many accounts to be settled before we retook the Iron Throne, and today, those accounts shall be. We had dragons and wolves, but we all did this together. You all deserve to be recognized for your contributions to the restoration.”
That was the name chosen for what had happened from the moment they landed on Westeros. The Restoration would mark the return of the dragons coming back stronger than ever, and there would be no one who would dare to challenge them. But now came the time to properly administer the Seven Kingdoms, and what was going to be done today was the first of many important actions that they had to undertake.
Besides the rewards that were already granted to their specific family members, they all had to recognize the others who played their part in the Restoration. “Prince Kaijin, step forward,” Daenerys called out to him.
Kaijin did so. Squaring up to them, he gave them a slight and quick bow with his head. “Your Majesties.”
“We have already recognized your princely status in Westeros and your land grants in the riverlands. However, you shall also be given a large tract of land in the crownlands at the mouth of the Wendwater. You shall do with it as you see fit,” Daenerys announced.
Kaijin bowed slightly. “You honor me very much, Your Majesties.” Rhaenys could only guess what he would do, among them being that he planned to build a massive Yi-Tish style fortress that would rival that found anywhere east of the Bone Mountains.
The senior commanders like Minoru Lim, Cayn Moss, and Simin Keem were all confirmed in their lordships and land in the North, which had a lot of potential for future settlement and advancement towards prosperity after the ravages of war. For the easterners Yi-Ti and Essos west of the Bone Mountains whose chose to stay south of the Neck, they were confirmed in their grants of keeps and lands of the crownlander knights and others who didn’t declare for the Targaryens. Rhaenys did not claim to have any knowledge of the areas that their permanent settlement would affect, but she knew that withing a few generations, Westeros would become a very different place. And we have a direct link to the goods from the east of the Bone Mountains, so we should become wealthier in the process.
“Sandor Clegane.” The Hound was adorned with his pistols and carried his special tanegashima on his shoulder, which showed that he didn’t care about court protocol. However, no one raised their weapon at him, as they knew that he was no threat and they would be foolish in fighting the man who weakened the Mountain long enough for Jung-Hwa to kill him. I’m going to be grateful to that woman forever, she thought to herself, as the Hound’s lover also appeared beside him.
“We have already confirmed your inheritance of House Clegane’s lands with the death of Gregor Clegane,” Daenerys said. “But in recognition for your services to House Targaryen from when we sailed from the Golden Empire of Yi-Ti, and as a gesture of gratitude from House Targaryen for taking our vengeance on the one who murdered Prince Aegon Targaryen and Princess Elia Targaryen, you shall be granted an annual pension of two thousand golden dragons and you will be named a member of the Household Guard for life. And you shall be granted additional privileges, as a master of your house.”
They all knew that the Hound would never accept a knighthood, so they went with the alternatives, which including giving him money for the rest of his life and keeping him close to the family. Also, given that the lands of House Clegane were too substantial for someone like the Hound, they simply decided to name him “Sandor, Master of House Clegane,” which would set a precedent for others who were worthy of high praise but chose to forgo knighthoods.
The Hound was about to open his mouth, no doubt to speak his usual words that would irritate the others in the throne room, but he was stopped when Jung-Hwa spoke for him. “We thank you, Your Majesties. We shall use your gifts wisely, and ensure that we are loyal servants of House Targaryen until the end of time.”
The Hound looked a little disgusted with how obsequious that sounded, but he kept silent, not wanting to embarrass Jung-Hwa by contradicting her in public.
“Congratulations, Master Sandor.” Jon held out his hand, which everyone expected the Hound to reject. But to their surprise, the Hound accepted and shook it.
“Don’t think I’ll abide by your courtly rules, you dragon c*nt.”
Rhaenys rolled her eyes. Of course, he couldn’t help himself from saying that.
But Jon took it in stride and chuckled. “Speak for yourself, you dog.”
Once the Hound left, Garlan Tyrell stepped forward. As the representative of House Tyrell in King’s Landing, he would receive his just rewards before he would be shipped off to Sunspear, to finally consummate the union between him and Arianne Martell.
“Lord Garlan, you have done the Seven Kingdoms a great service. Not only have you acquitted yourself on the field of battle, but you have also showed us rare fidelity and steadfastness during the harsh moments of the Restoration. Therefore, you are also to be awarded the sum of two thousand golden dragons each year for life and a permanent position on the Household Guard as an officer. Anytime that we need your judgement, we shall heed it and your voice will be heard,” Rhaenys announced, as it was her turn.
Garlan Tyrell bowed his head. “You honor me very much, Your Majesties.”
Awarding Garlan Tyrell money and a position was all that they could afford to give, as he was the youngest remaining son of House Tyrell and would also be married to Princess Arianne. However, with the precedent already established, now came maintaining consistency.
Next came Harry Strickland and the officers who represented the Golden Company. Rhaenys, Jon, and Daenerys merely confirmed their reward of lands. General Strickland’s rewards were the lands formerly owned by House Trant once they were attainted for both Meryn and Ser Axel’s actions. Nobody, not even Rhaenys, paid much attention to them since the Golden Company merely joined their side after their former employers were killed and defeated, but this removed the Golden Company permanently as a threat to be used by potential adversaries to House Targaryen. If they have land to use on Westeros, then they have no use to become sellswords in the first place.
And then came one of the momentous occasions that would take place. It was already discussed, and there was no better time than today to implement the much-needed change to Westeros.
“Arya Stark, and Ladies Namhee, Renxi, Masaku, and Seonjoo, step forward,” Jon gestured to them. The five ladies, all of them experienced from their time serving the Golden Empire, appeared from the crowd of courtiers and lords and ladies in the throne room. “You have done us all a good service. From Yin to King’s Landing, you have all fought valiantly, and it is without a doubt that without your contributions, our fight would have been much harder and we would have suffered more losses. We would usually not credit the ones who work in the shadows and do the work that will never see the light of day, but not this day. Therefore, it is my privilege to induct all five of you as the first of the new Daena’s Banner.”
Daena’s Banner was the name for the female order that would protect House Targaryen. They took inspiration from Queen Alysanne’s female sworn shield and realized that just like in Yi-Ti, there were only places that only women could enter and they would need the best protection. It would be a reflection of the kingsguard, only for those in Daena’s Banner, the members would not be restricted to vows of chastity and could marry while maintaining their duties.
As for the name, it was discussed by them. Daena Targaryen was the mother of Daemon Blackfyre and the one who was the most promising of the princes and princesses in the immediate aftermath of the Dance. What happened afterwards was incredibly disgraceful and a mark of shame for House Targaryen, so it was only right to resurrect Daena’s name and reconstruct it into something that reflected Daena’s true potential had she not been bridled.
Arya stood proudly, as did her companions. “Your Majesties, we are honored with the task that you have given to us. We shall do our best to ensure that the name of Daena Targaryen be forever pure, and for Daena’s Banner to be a shining example for all of Westeros to see and look upon.”
Jon nodded proudly before Arya and her companions bowed and assumed their positions in the court, standing by Daenerys, Rhaenys, and now Aella.
Once the court was adjourned and there was more feasting going on. For now, Rhaenys decided to keep her company around Arya, Mingyu, and Lord Benjen.
“So, what will happen now, between you two?” Rhaenys asked.
“Queen Rhaenys, I believe that it’s obvious. My husband and I are going to our new estates in the North, where I will help my future husband lord over a great castle. It won’t rival Winterfell, but it will be magnificent, enough to raise a family,” Mingyu spoke up.
“What say you, my lord? Are you ready to become a lord on your own, even though you still have responsibilities here as the commander of the Household Guard?” Rhaenys asked him.
“Look, I’ve been meaning to tell you, but since you asked first, you’ll be the first to know,” Benjen started with before sharing a glance with Mingyu. “Prince Kaijin is going to take over my duties soon. He already agreed to do it since he’ll be in the south anyways.”
“And does Jon and Daenerys know about this?” Rhaenys was surprised.
“I’m waiting for the right time,” Benjen answered her. “I doubt that they would oppose me leaving for my new home, but I am just taking my time now. Prince Kaijin is qualified and the Household Guard will be in good hands.”
Rhaenys had to admit that she didn’t like the idea of Benjen permanently going north to live a life of quiet solitude, but she wasn’t going to deny them that. “How long before you announce your decision?”
“About two moons. I want to stay and see my grandniece before I go.”
“Before we go,” Mingyu added before kissing his cheek.
“You know, aunt. You taught me everything you knew. Why not just join Daena’s Banner?” Arya asked.
Mingyu shook her head. “No. I’ve done my share of killing and defending, Arya. I’m going to be the lady of a grand estate, which seems like a far superior deal than just killing and concocting poisons every day.”
“But that’s not all, is it?”
Mingyu let out a little sigh. "I've had enough, Arya. I've been on the run, been framed, been accused of many things, and I've stopped keeping count of how many I had to run through with my blade to survive. I just want to live quietly from now on."
Rhaenys could sympathize with that. She did not know the particulars of what Mingyu went through and experienced beyond what others have told her, but she looked like another woman who was simply tired and merely wanted peace. Rhaenys knew deep down that was the same desire that she wanted as well.
Arya sighed before she gave her future aunt a grin. “Well, I can always see you in the North. You won’t be far.”
“Of course not, Arya.” She hugged her tightly before Benjen joined in.
Allowing the three to enjoy their moment, Rhaenys stood up and found herself seated next to Sansa. This could be interesting. I never really talked to her.
“Lady Sansa,” Rhaenys addressed her.
“Queen Rhaenys,” Sansa responded.
“How do you find yourself, my lady, now that there is to be no more impediment for the union between you and Ser Harrold?”
Sansa looked down, while Ser Harrold was seen dancing with some other lady on the floor. “It was a betrothal that Lord Baelish made, and I needed it to survive. But with my cousin Robin in good hands under Lord Yohn Royce, and the dragons back on the throne, I don’t feel that a bond with Ser Harrold would really serve me in the long term.”
“And why is that?”
“Because I feel that the bond I made, even though I do like Ser Harrold, was made under duress. And I don’t feel any strong feelings for him, nothing that will make me bear sharing the bed with him and smile.”
“You know, most marriages didn’t result in smiles,” Rhaenys attempted to rile her up.
Sansa shot her a glare. “But I want mine to have that. I saw my father be beheaded, and my mother was killed before I was on the run. And I was almost kidnapped for the benefit of that Bolton bastard, so I want to have happy thoughts from now on.”
“And who else, besides Ser Harrold, would you consider?” Rhaenys asked.
“What is it to you?”
“Hey!” Rhaenys quietly snapped. “I’m trying to help you. Would it be too much if you showed a little more appreciation?”
Sansa backtracked. “I’m sorry. I’m just channeling very negative feelings now. I didn’t mean to do that.”
“It’s quite all right,” Rhaenys accepted. “But anyways, who do you have in mind?”
Sansa glanced, and Rhaenys followed the direction to see that she was looking at Prince Kaijin, who was dancing with another of the ladies. “Him?” The eldest Stark daughter nodded. “Why him?”
“I don’t know. Maybe there is something pure about him, but the feelings I get off of him, they are not tainted with the machinations of those who want something from me. And he is not from here, so he didn’t even know my name and who I am until I spoke with him. And he defeated Ser Harrold in a fair fight, which is nothing to laugh about. Everything about him, there is no lie behind it. He just does it, and his actions speak for themselves. He is not a silver tongued bastard like all the rest.”
Rhaenys understood where Sansa was coming from. “If you feel so strongly towards him, then I would suggest you talk to him. Right now, you’re just speculating and that is nothing. Speak to him directly, and get the words you need to hear from him. If he feels the same for you, perhaps I can help you get out of the betrothal.”
“You would do that for me?” Sansa was surprised.
“You were Jon’s foster sister, and the cousin who finally came through despite the many years you didn’t. What you do in the end mattered, so this is me rewarding you.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“I only expect you to behave yourself from here on out, because anyone who stood by and did nothing is culpable. And by doing this, I expect you to repay to me what you did to my brother and love in full.”
Sansa gulped, but she nodded. “Anything.”
Rhaenys suddenly felt nauseous and rushed herself to the privy, where she emptied out whatever was coming through her lips.
“Queen Rhaenys?” She turned and saw both Sansa and Dyanna follow her inside. “What’s wrong?”
Rhaenys leaned back against the wall. “I don’t know what happened.”
“Is that the first time you did that?” Dyanna asked.
“Yes.”
“And it wasn’t because of anything you tasted?”
“No. Why?”
Dyanna’s eyes widened. “Your Grace… have you ever considered the possibility that you might be pregnant?”
Rhaenys looked at her with shock. “What?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised, given how much you and Jon f*ck each other,” Sansa shrugged.
Rhaenys exhaled, letting what Dyanna said be digested. “I… might be pregnant?”
“I’ll get Maester Aemon. He’ll know how to test it,” Dyanna went to fetch him.
Sansa grabbed Rhaenys’ hand softly and helped her up. “Let’s keep this under wraps. Perhaps we can break the news to them once everything is over.”
“Thanks,” Rhaenys spoke before she was led out of the privy and back to the feast.
“Well, the Seven Kingdoms can finally rejoice. A princess will mean a prince will be on his way soon,” Gerion spoke to Lady Ellaria.
“Don’t discount women so easily, Lord Gerion,” Ellaria warned him.
Gerion put his hands up in surrender. “Look, my lady. I’m only being realistic. And besides, if I was as inflexible as you accuse me to be, I wouldn’t have lasted so long when I traveled to the ruins of Old Valyria and then the hellhole that was in Sothoryos.”
“That reminds me, my lord. You promised me that you would speak of your tales there. How does a golden haired specimen like yourself manage to last that long in that godforsaken continent?”
“It wasn’t easy, my lady. And everything that people said about what happens there, was true and then some.”
“Tell me.”
Gerion decided to indulge the curiosity of Prince Oberyn’s paramour. “All right. I was mostly on the northern coast. The northern coast of the continent is filled with scores of small trade towns of mud. Each of those towns are very wet, humid, and full of misery, as even in sleep, you were guaranteed to wake up to another morning. There was a constant stream of adventurers, rogues, and whor*s from the Free Cities and the Seven Kingdoms who come to the continent to seek the land’s untapped riches, which there are but nobody will be able to become fat off of it for at least a thousand years. The corsairs that I speak of, they prey on these settlements, carrying off captives to their holding pens on Talon and the Isle of Tears before selling them to the flesh markets of Slaver's Bay or the pleasure houses of Lys.”
“And you were almost subjected to it, I hear?”
Gerion let out a dark chuckle. “Brightroar, the sword of House Lannister before I gave it to the Targaryens, was the one tool that saved me. That, and me combining the knightly training of my youth and other aspects of fighting that acknowledged how the world was full of cheats.”
Ellaria snorted. “You are too right on that. Nobody plays fair.”
Gerion continued. “My best description for men hailing from Sothoryos is that they are brindle-skinned half-men. Their brindled skin is thick, often in patterns of brown and white. They are big-boned and massively muscled, with long arms, sloped foreheads, huge square teeth, heavy jaws and coarse black hair. Their broad, flat noses suggest snouts. As for the women, they are said to be unable to breed with men from Essos or Westeros, only bringing forth stillbirths or malformed offspring. Meaning that any outsiders wanting to f*ck them, they will be sorely disappointed.”
“Not that anyone cares about that,” Ellaria cracked.
Gerion ignored that. “The people from Sothoryos mostly known to the corsairs are those from the neighboring Basilisk Isles, and they’re the ones who dwell closest to the sea on the northern shore, who have learned the Trade Talk. Now that’s a foul tongue that I never really comprehended, but many sailors use it. Anyways, those from the Ghiscari region consider them to be slow of wit but fierce fighters that make good slaves. Farther south, the people are more savage, as they regularly practice cannibalism and worship dark gods with obscene rites. And there are also rumors of other races and forgotten peoples that were driven out, destroyed, or devoured by the Brindled Men, as well as lizard men and eyeless cave-dwellers. Thanks to the gods’ interventions, I never found myself in a position to travel any deeper into that cursed continent.”
“Why not?”
Gerion took a moment to form his answer. “I never wanted to return home. I did participate in Robert’s Rebellion, but in a minor role and my contributions were quickly forgotten. And I never felt close to Tywin, especially after how he handled the Reynes and the Tarbecks.”
“Wasn’t their uprising what solidified your house’s strength in the first place?”
“But not everyone agrees with how it was handled,” Gerion nearly snapped, but he quickly calmed down. “Tywin was always the one who was obsessed with how others perceived him. He couldn’t give a sh*t about family, because ultimately, we, his children, and his nieces and nephews, were extensions of him. Granted, our own father was a weak man, but Tywin overcompensated. He talked so much about family and how powerful we had to be, but he was talking about himself. I was the only one who saw right through his words, and he knew that I knew.”
Ellaria scoffed. “A great man, driven by a feeling of inferiority. Who would have thought?”
“Me going off to the ruins of Valyria to find Brightroar, that was only an excuse, if I’m being honest. I couldn’t stand to be there, not as long as he was plotting and extending his little fingers throughout the Seven Kingdoms, especially after he married Cersei off to Robert. That was a marriage that I knew would never be a happy or successful one since I knew of Robert’s proclivities. And if I was to perish during my search for Brightroar, I wasn’t going to be overly bothered with death, since that meant that I didn’t have to live in a world where me and Tywin shared the same air.”
Ellaria, for the first time, gave Gerion a softened expression. “You hated him that much?”
“And imagine my feelings when I heard that the Targaryens were on the rise, with the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark joining hands with Daenerys and his half-sister to restore the dragons upon the Iron Throne. The first thing that I had to do was to sail back to Essos, and the rest, you have heard from others.”
Gerion thankfully didn’t have to do any more fighting, since he was a warrior but not a leader of men. But him being the long lost brother of Tywin, untouched by the bloodshed that occupied Westeros since the death of Robert Baratheon, was enough to make many of the westerlander houses waver. Working alongside Tyrion, Gerion was able to enter Casterly Rock without a fight, since all the maids and servants remembered him and saw him as a better alternative to Tywin. And it was Gerion himself who persuaded hose like the Crakehalls and Marbrands to finally lay down their arms and bend the knee, citing that the westerlanders will not be able to withstand the dragons combined with the new weaponry brought from the east of the Bone Mountains. Consequently, the westerlands remained largely untouched by the war, although they were now associated with shame and dishonor.
“And how do you feel, that your family will now have to work so hard to regain their honor and standing?” Ellaria asked.
“I blame Tywin for that, because his need to show that he was better than everyone else got our house into this mess. I cried for Cersei when she died, not for the woman she became but for the girl she was. But as for Tyrion and Jaime, they both still have a chance, particularly because they now have Myrcella’s wellbeing to think about.”
Gerion felt nothing but compassion for Myrcella. She was innocent in everything that had happened, and she didn’t ask to be born to the family that was now considered tainted goods. But Myrcella would make a good Lady of Casterly Rock and a worthy heir of the westerlands, her short time as a queen giving her an education on how to conduct herself as nobility.
“I never held any ill feelings toward that girl. But what about those like Tyrek and your brother Kevan?”
Gerion looked forward to meeting with his nephew Tyrek. Unlike the others like Lancel, Tyrek was the only one in the new generation of House Lannister to show incredible promise. Being the only one to actually do damage to the Targaryens’ armies in the field, he demonstrated a high degree of competency and then wisdom when he chose to make his peace with the Targaryens when they were willing to forgive him. As for Kevan, Gerion wanted nothing more than to spend quality time with his brother, the only who understood what it meant to be in Tywin’s shadow. But unlike me, Kevan chose to be with Tywin and work his way up, while I chose to go away.
“Tyrek will be a good asset in the future. Unlike Lancel, he knows what he’s doing and he can be of great service to House Targaryen as a commander. Kevan can retire to his lands in the west. The gods know that he has done his fair share and he deserves to live quietly, no longer of any use to anyone but he will be all the better for it.”
“It is touching that you would defend your family like this, but I fear that the others will not share your opinions,” Hoon Ti came in.
Gerion remained in awe of how this blind man from Yi-Ti was able to be so discerning, and even more so after he knew that Hoon Ti was no stranger to Westeros. “Wouldn’t anyone do the same for theirs?”
“Robb Stark has a good opinion of him, and so does Garlan Tyrell, so the chances of him being an asset are good. However, the same cannot be said for Lancel and the other members of the lions.”
“And how much do you know about us, Master Hoon?” Gerion was skeptical of his knowledge of Westeros, even though he had no doubt that he was on the continent during Robert’s Rebellion.
“Enough to know that your family got their notoriety not from being the former kings of the Rock or the supporters of the green side of House Targaryen, but from when Tywin Lannister showed his violent excesses against the Reynes and the Tarbecks. Even in Yi-Ti, his exploits were seen with interest, but he had already doomed himself to failure when he did that, with hindsight.”
“Why is that?” Gerion wanted to know.
“Your older brother showed his ruthlessness and therefore, no one would challenge him. But ruthlessness without compassion or flexibility is useless, because that will simply make the others struggle all the harder when the time came. That’s a rule from the book that Tywin didn’t learn.”
“What book?” Gerion asked.
“A great general once said, ‘When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard.’”
Gerion quickly caught on to Hoon’s meaning. “And because Tywin put his foes into a corner, they had no choice but to fight on, leading to more bloodshed and more destruction.”
“Exactly,” Hoon showed how impressed he was. “Your brother could have spared one Reyne and one Tarbeck, kept them as hostages and their lands as security against further rebellion. Instead, he did away with mercy and established the very reputation that would be his undoing. A man focused only on destruction of his enemies will see his work crumble the moment he’s gone because his death would have unleashed the forces he tried very hard to control. Fortunately, in the case of your brother, the dragons were more than enough to handle the chaos that would have consumed this continent. Unlike him, they are showing an understanding of when to rain death on their foes and when to hold their weapons back.”
Gerion had to admit that part was true. He was struck by how the dragons themselves were able to ensure cooperation from the houses who had the most to lose from Tywin’s defeat, even begrudgingly. And those who didn’t were isolated, no longer to become a problem. “And now, we have another generation of House Targaryen with us. The restoration of the dragons upon the Iron Throne is now complete.”
“But not yet, it would seem,” Hoon Ti spoke up. “I sense that whatever designs the dragons have, especially King Daeron, are not yet done.”
“How do you mean?” Ellaria’s interest was piqued.
“I sensed it back in Yi-Ti, when he was just a mere exile. He was preparing for something, something greater than the mere restoration of House Targaryen on the Iron Throne. And him returning home is only the beginning.”
“Do you have any idea what he might be preparing for?” Gerion asked.
“I don’t know,” Hoon admitted. “However, it seems to be greater than we could comprehend. Aemon Targaryen knows something that we don’t, and a blind man can tell when another holds secrets that cannot be divulged so easily, if they want to divulge them.”
Gerion grew tired of how cryptic people talked, but he realized that he was not going to get anything more specific from the blind master from Yi-Ti.
“Come on, Master Hoon.” Ellaria grabbed his arm and kissed his cheek. “Let us meet some more women missing your company.”
“Lead the way,” Hoon complied as Ellaria escorted Hoon towards wherever new whor*house sprouted up in King’s Landing. Gerion had seen more interesting things happen than the lover of Prince Oberyn engaging in unrestricted attachment to the Yi-Tish man, so he merely put it out of his mind and went towards where the troops of the Household Guard were being trained.
Gerion found himself oddly at ease with Prince Oberyn’s paramour. This was established when she told him that House Martell will dislike House Lannister for many years to come, but Gerion was not really involved in the Sack of King’s Landing and thus the events that led to Elia’s death. As for Hoon Ti, Gerion’s memories bordered on the outrageous, so he learned to slowly accept what Hoon Ti had to offer, even though it still took getting used to.
Gerion found Dickon Tarly, younger brother of Samwell Tarly, observing as a Yi-Tish serjeant was inspecting a new batch of recruits, and they were going over precise movements with the new black powder weapons.
“Left shoulder, arms!” the serjeant shouted.
However, one of the new recruits accidentally placed his weapon on his right shoulder and corrected quickly. But it was too late, as the serjeant noticed and walked up to him square in his face and an insulted look on his face.
“Soldier, what in your Seven hells you trying to do to this beloved formation?” the serjeant shouted.
“I don’t know what you mean, serjeant!” the recruit responded, his Flea Bottom brogue evident. Given his size and abnormally cheerful disposition, Gerion took him as not very bright.
“You are proving to be dumb, you fat sack of sh*t, but do you expect me to believe that you don't know left from right?”
“No, I do know left from right!” the recruit tried to defend himself.
“Then, you did that on purpose! You want to be different!” the serjeant screamed.
“No, serjeant!” the recruit answered.
That made the serjeant slap the recruit hard on the left hand side of his face, causing his smile to disappear and a look of pain to appear on his face. “What side was that, fat man?”
“You hit me on the left side, serjeant!”
“Are you sure, fat man?” the serjeant tried to shake his confidence.
Fortunately, for the recruit, he didn’t waver. “I am sure, serjeant!”
The serjeant slapped him hard again, this time on right side of his face. “What side was that, you fat sack of sh*t?”
By this point, the recruit from Flea Bottom was nearly in tears. “You slapped me on the right side, serjeant!”
“Don't you f*ck with me again, fat man!” The serjeant turned to the rest of the formation. “The rest of you, you’ve just been rewarded with two days of extra cleaning duties. I expect all waste buckets to be emptied at all times and all floors to be lacking any dust. Do you understand me?!”
“Yes, serjeant!” the recruits bellowed, and it was clear to them who they had to thank for that, as a few shot glares at the fat recruit.
Gerion walked next to Dickon. “Ser Dickon.”
“Oh, my lord.” They shook hands. “What brings you here?”
“Just wanted to see how our eastern guests are handling the men. Interesting methods, wouldn’t you say?”
“I almost pity that fat man, my lord. They’re not going to let him go to sleep without a beating.”
Gerion understood basic thinking to know that was true. “Yeah… how goes the wedding preparations between your brother and Lady Meiying?”
“Very well. It’s going to take place after Benjen Stark marries his own eastern woman.”
“Westeros is surely going to be a more interesting place from now on. With so many easterners here in the Seven Kingdoms, we will see distinct communities of those from Yi-Ti, as women and children will follow the men. And I have yet to start speaking those complicated tongues they utter.”
“You’re not alone in that, my lord. I am amazed that my brother was able to last for so long in Yi-Ti. Whatever he must have experienced there, I am proud of what he became.”
“I would have thought that he would have been an eternal disappointment to your father, Ser Dickon.”
“Well, I just saw my father become no different from any lord in the Seven Kingdoms. Meiying brought a substantial dowry with her and given that House Tarly needs a large flow of golden dragons to start expanding, my father is not going to let Sam go anywhere, especially with his wife’s money.”
Gerion chuckled at the dour-faced head of House Tarly becoming subdued by gold out of all things. “I suppose every man has a price, even the best warriors. But it’s heartening to see House Tarly becoming more stable.”
“Thank you for your kind words, my lord. I don’t envy House Lannister’s position nowadays, but if there is anyone to restore their good name, I suppose it will be you.”
“Don’t put that burden on me, boy. I’ll leave to a far more interested member of the family.”
Gerion then watched with Dickon as the serjeant continued to run the rifle formation with the recruits, screaming and making them suffer as they continued. And it brought out a sense of pleasure in him. At least I’m not one of them, he jested darkly to himself.
